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Blue Gum Forest Track

Steep plunge to a cathedral of blue gums in the Grose Valley

LENGTH
2.5 mi
TIME
3.5 hr
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
DOGS
Not allowed
Blue Gum Forest Track, Blue Mountains National Park
Image credit: Parkwolf

Pros & cons

PROS

  • Big lookout views right at the start and finish
  • Short mileage delivers a true valley wilderness feel fast

CONS

  • Return climb is relentlessly steep and step‑heavy
  • Track gets slick after rain, slowing progress
PARKING

Park at the Perrys Lookdown lookout car park near Blackheath; the signed track descends from the lookout.

CAUTION

Very steep, rough and slippery when wet; carry ample water, treat creek water, check conditions, and leave a trip plan.

Overview

This is the classic, straight‑to‑the‑good‑stuff descent into the Grose Valley. From Perrys Lookdown near Blackheath, you drop quickly to the valley floor and step into the famed Blue Gum Forest—towering Eucalyptus deanei that feel like a natural cathedral. It’s a short mileage hike with a big payoff, but the price is a relentlessly steep return climb.

Trail Type and Stats

It’s an out‑and‑back, roughly 2.5 miles total (about 4 km return). Budget 3–4 hours depending on fitness and conditions. The track is steep, rough in places, and can be slippery after rain. Expect lots of steps and uneven footing. This is a hard walk; good fitness helps a lot.

What You’ll See

Start with sweeping escarpment views from Perrys Lookdown, then plunge through dry sclerophyll on the slopes before the microclimate shifts cooler and damper near the valley floor. The highlight is wandering beneath the tall blue gums around Acacia Flat—lush understorey, ferns, and rich birdlife. Keep an ear out for bell miners and watch for gang‑gang and yellow‑tailed black cockatoos.

Best Time to Hike

Autumn and spring are the sweet spot—milder temps make the long climb out more manageable, and the valley’s shade is comfortable. Summer can be punishing on the ascent despite shade below; winter brings short daylight and cold, damp valley air but fewer people. Avoid or be extra cautious after heavy rain due to slippery track conditions.

Tips and Alternatives

Start early so you’re not grinding uphill in the heat. Carry plenty of water and treat any river/creek water before drinking. Leave a trip plan with someone and bring navigation basics—this is a steep, committing track. If you’re packing overnight gear, Acacia Flat campground sits right by the forest. Want a longer, wilder approach with riverside sections? The Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest track also drops into the Grose Valley to the same destination—bigger day, different vibe.

Bottom Line

Short distance, huge scenery, serious effort. If you’re fit and don’t mind a quad‑burner, this is one of the Blue Mountains’ signature valley walks and absolutely worth it.

Elevation

2.5 mi · 3.5 hr
Start · 497 mHigh point · 643 mEnd · 624 m

Where it starts

-33.5702, 150.3381
Blue Gum Forest Track
4 places & 4 trails nearbyGet the offline map

Wildlife on this trail

Gang-gang CockatooYellow-tailed Black CockatooBell MinerWallaby

Near Blue Gum Forest Track

All places →All trails →
Walls Lookout Track, Blue Mountains National Park0 mi awayWalls Lookout TrackShort walk, massive Grose Valley cliff views with room to roamEasy · 1.8 mi · 1.5 hrPierces Pass, Blue Mountains National Park0 mi awayPierces PassSteep Grose Valley plunge to the towering, tranquil Blue Gum ForestChallenging · 10 mi · 7 hrPierces Pass walking track, Blue Mountains National Park0 mi awayPierces Pass walking trackSteep, spectacular drop to Blue Gum Forest and Grose River swimsChallenging · 9.9 mi · 7.5 hrRigby Hill Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park0.1 mi awayRigby Hill LookoutShort, quiet ridge walk to wild Grose Valley viewsTrailhead · ParkingWalls Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park0.4 mi awayWalls LookoutShort walk to a wide-open Grose Valley panoramaTrailhead · ParkingGrose Valley, Blue Mountains National Park1.1 mi awayGrose ValleyRemote sandstone gorge of waterfalls, cliffs and Blue Gum ForestTrailhead · ParkingCaley Monument, Blue Mountains National Park1.6 mi awayCaley MonumentSmall plaque marking George Caley’s 1804 turn-back at Mount BanksMount Banks Summit Walk, Blue Mountains National Park1.7 mi awayMount Banks Summit WalkShort, steady climb to big Grose Valley views—best before the summit.Challenging · 2.2 mi · 2.5 hr

More about Blue Gum Forest Track

grose valleysteep climbhardlookout viewsriver flatsbirdlifeforestcampingout and backheritage

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