This walk is great for fit people getting into overnight walking with its fantastic scenery and nostalgia as a classic overnighter. The change from being on the plateau to in the valley is a dramatic one as the track passes through the bush canyon and rainforest. Staying the night near Blue Gum Forest in Acacia Flats also adds to the experience. With the public transport options access to this walk is made easier.
Download maps and tracknotes for Blackheath to Blue Gum loop hiking track from wildwalks.com.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls, Blackheath, Mount Victoria
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Blue Mountains National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Favourite
Blue Mountains National Park
Favourite
Blue Mountains National Park
Favourite
Blue Mountains National Park
Favourite
Blue Mountains National Park
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
3 Reviews on “Blackheath to Blue Gum Loop Hike (24.1km)”
Note that all tracks into Govetts Creek gorge from the Blackheath side are closed except for Perry’s Look down. You cannot walk to Junction Rick except via Lockleys Pylon, Pierce’s Pass, Victoria Falls, or Perry’s Lookdown. Rodriguez Pass and the track to Junction Rock from Govetts Leap are closed. The road to Perry’s is now tarmac nearly all the way through.
We made it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon stairs before finding out that the pass was closed due to landslides. I’m not sure how long it’s been closed for but I didn’t see anywhere that it was closed on this site or any other sites I looked at before going.
Anna
Is there any water sources along this track?
Richard Halvorson
Could this be done in 1 day if needed?
Did we?
It would be a long day but certainly possible when you have enough daylight hours. Ie. not winter.
Remember? We did this one 🙂
With Adam. There was a huge climbing up. I thought I will stay overnight 😉