The Fairfax Heritage Circuit Track is an easy, well-formed loop that explores the forested plateau behind the dramatic cliffs of the Grose Valley at Blackheath. At just 2.4 kilometres and graded as a level 1 walk, it is accessible, clearly signposted and suitable for families, mobility aids and anyone looking for a relaxed outing. Most people complete the circuit in about an hour, though it is worth allowing extra time to pause at the lookouts and take in the detail of the landscape.
Starting from the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, the sealed path follows gentle slopes through open woodland. The walking surface is smooth and wide, making it one of the most accessible ways to experience this part of Blue Mountains National Park. Along the way, you pass a hanging swamp, a fragile and distinctive ecosystem that supports specialised plant life. The track then moves through forest dominated by peppermint and scribbly gums, with grass trees rising from the understorey. In late spring and early summer, bright red waratahs and a mix of native wildflowers add colour to the bush.
As you approach the cliff line, the forest gives way to open views. George Phillips Lookout offers sweeping views across the Grose Valley, with layers of ridges fading into the distance. Jungle Falls can often be seen spilling into Govetts Gorge, especially after rain. A short distance away, Govetts Leap Lookout provides similarly expansive views and is one of the most visited vantage points in the upper Blue Mountains. Both lookouts have seating and picnic shelters, making them comfortable places to rest and take in the scale of the landscape.
The circuit can be completed by following the unsealed 500 metre path beside Govetts Leap Road back to the Heritage Centre. Before or after your walk, it is worth stepping into the Heritage Centre for maps, local information and updates on track conditions. If you are short on time but still want a genuine sense of the Blue Mountains environment, this walk delivers forest, cliffs and valley views in a compact and accessible format.
Grade 1 (All-abilities) -Â Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the
AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.
Total distance: 2287 m
Max elevation: 1023 m
Min elevation: 970 m
Total climbing: 74 m
Total descent: -73 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.
Fairfax Heritage walking track can be accessed from either end of the circuit, at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre or Govetts Leap Lookout, both located in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park.
From the Great Western Highway, turn at the traffic lights in Blackheath into Govetts Leap Road and follow it for about 2.5 kilometres. After passing through the park entrance, you will reach a roundabout. Take the second exit to enter the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre carpark, which marks one end of the walk. Alternatively, take the third exit at the roundabout and continue to the Govetts Leap Lookout carpark to begin from the lower end of the track.
Road access is via sealed roads suitable for 2WD vehicles and is generally accessible in all weather conditions. Both the Heritage Centre and Govetts Leap have bitumen or asphalt carparks, each with accessible parking spaces. The Heritage Centre also provides bus parking.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Blackheath, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford
Blackheath is one of the standout gateways to Blue Mountains National Park, offering a mix of cliff top lookouts, challenging walks and quiet bush experiences. Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout are among the most visited vantage points in the upper mountains, with sweeping views across the Grose Valley’s red sandstone cliffs and deep gorges. Govetts Leap Falls, also known as Bridal Veil Falls, drops 180 metres in a single plunge, making it the tallest single drop waterfall in the Blue Mountains.
For those keen to stretch their legs, there is no shortage of options. The Cliff Top walking track links lookouts with expansive valley views, while Pulpit Rock Lookout provides a dramatic perch above the wilderness below. The steep Govetts Leap descent leads deep into the valley past hanging swamps and waterfalls, rewarding those prepared for a tougher climb. Mountain bikers can follow Burramoko Ridge, and the popular Grand Canyon walk offers a canyon experience without requiring technical gear.
The Blue Mountains Heritage Centre is a useful starting point, offering maps, local information and an overview of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Nearby, the accessible Fairfax Heritage track provides an easy way to see spring wildflowers, including waratahs and flowering grass trees. For a longer stay, Perrys Lookdown campground offers front row views as the cliffs turn pink at sunset, while more experienced hikers can reach the Blue Gum Forest and Acacia Flat campground for a deeper immersion in the Grose Wilderness.
Looking for more walks in or near Blue Mountains National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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