Blue Gum Forest via Lockley Pylon

This is the longer Mount Hay Road to Blue Gum Forest outing: an 11.8 km out-and-back via Lockley Pylon and Shortridge Pass. It combines an exposed heathland approach, a big Grose Valley lookout and a steep drop into the valley’s blue gums. Allow about six hours for the full return, including the climb back out. The mapped itinerary includes a short summit loop; the separate pylon-only walk is 7 km return and stops before the forest descent. Another account gives 13.1 km for a similar forest trip, so treat 11.8 km as the distance for this mapped version rather than averaging the different itineraries.

The forest section makes this a demanding day, not just a longer lookout walk. Carry enough water for the whole outing, leave time to climb back to the ridge, and keep an offline map available. If you want the pylon views without the steep forest descent, turn around at the lookout and follow the shorter route back.

From the Mount Hay Road carpark, the track crosses heath and rocky outcrops, then reaches the small summit. Steps lead onto the pylon’s broad rock top. The payoff is the Grose Valley’s eucalypt canopy framed by the golden sandstone cliffs of Mount Hay and Mount Banks. The summit is exposed and can be windy. In spring, red lambertias flower in the heath; pink flannel flowers may appear where fire has passed through. Bring binoculars if you enjoy watching birds over the valley.

The forest route continues below the pylon and drops steeply over rough rock and a succession of small outcrops. The tread becomes faint or braided in places, with a few small drops and easy scrambles; follow the mapped line carefully rather than assuming every footpad is the route. At the saddle by Du Faur Buttress, Shortridge Pass turns down toward the forest. The descent is followed by the same long climb back to the pylon and carpark.

At the lower junction, the route leads toward the river and into Blue Gum Forest, a striking stand of tall trees enclosed by the valley. This is the walk’s quieter destination after the open ridge. The forest is also a conservation landmark: in the 1930s, bushwalkers pooled money to buy it and prevent logging. Lockley Pylon takes its name from journalist J. G. Lockley, who supported that campaign. The lookout and the forest tell the same story from opposite ends of the descent.

The trailhead is the Lockleys Pylon carpark beside Mount Hay Road, roughly 10 km along the gravel road from Leura. The approach includes unsealed sections, so drive carefully and check park alerts before setting out. There is no drinking water on the route and mobile reception is limited. Bring water, a topographic map, compass, GPS and a personal locator beacon. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the national park.