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Grose River Walking Track

Short, steep drop from Hawkesbury Lookout to the Grose River

LENGTH
0.9 mi
TIME
42 min
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
DOGS
Not allowed
Grose River Walking Track, Blue Mountains National Park
Image credit: Parkwolf

Pros & cons

PROS

  • Quick, direct access from the lookout down to the river
  • Solid leg-burner in a short time window

CONS

  • Return climb is steeper than the short distance suggests
  • Can be slippery after rain on the natural surface
PARKING

Use the parking area at Hawkesbury Lookout in Hawkesbury Heights; the track begins nearby.

CAUTION

Steep, rough sections become slippery after rain; no pets; no facilities; not wheelchair accessible.

Overview

This is a short, scenic out-and-back that drops from Hawkesbury Lookout at Hawkesbury Heights down toward the Grose River near Yarramundi. It’s roughly 0.9 miles total (about 1.45 km) with around 262 ft/80 m of elevation gain, so the distance is friendly but the grade will make your legs say hello on the return. Expect a natural surface underfoot that can be rough in places.

Trail Experience

You’ll start near Hawkesbury Lookout and descend on a narrow, natural track toward the river. It’s a straightforward out-and-back: what you hike down, you’ll climb back up. The payoff is quick access to the river corridor and a sense of being tucked below the ridge while still being a bite-sized outing.

Difficulty and Timing

Plan on about 30–45 minutes for most hikers, depending on how much time you linger near the river. The track is best described as moderate: short distance, noticeable elevation change, and uneven tread.

Best Time to Hike

Year-round is feasible. Go early or late for softer light and cooler temps in warmer months. After rain, expect slippery sections and take your time. Always check current park notices before you head out.

Know Before You Go

  • No dogs: pets aren’t permitted on walking tracks in Blue Mountains National Park.
  • Day-use only: no permit or booking required for a simple out-and-back here.
  • Not wheelchair accessible: the track is rough with elevation change.
  • Not multi-use: this one’s a walking track.

Tips

  • Shoes with bite: grippy footwear pays off on the steeper, potentially slick bits.
  • Poles help on the climb back out.
  • Carry water; there are no facilities on the track.

Elevation

0.9 mi · 42 min
Start · 443 mHigh point · 443 mEnd · 82 m

Where it starts

-33.6672, 150.6519
Grose River Walking Track
4 places & 4 trails nearbyGet the offline map

Near Grose River Walking Track

All places →All trails →
Blue Gum Swamp Loop, Blue Mountains National Park2.3 mi awayBlue Gum Swamp LoopShady blue gum forest loop with gentle grades and optional viewsEasy · 6.2 mi · 3 hrGrose Head South Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park3.8 mi awayGrose Head South LookoutRemote rock-top lookout with big Grose Valley viewsScenic ViewpointFlorabella Pass, Blue Mountains National Park5.3 mi awayFlorabella PassShady lower mountains gully linking Warrimoo and BlaxlandModerate · 3.7 mi · 2.5 hrGrose River Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park6.1 mi awayGrose River LookoutRemote cliff-top perch with big Grose River wilderness viewsScenic ViewpointMartins Lookout Track, Blue Mountains National Park6.4 mi awayMartins Lookout TrackShort, steep stroll to huge Glenbrook Creek views near SpringwoodModerate · 0.5 mi · 48 minMartin's Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park6.4 mi awayMartin's LookoutShort stroll to sweeping Glenbrook Creek valley viewsTrailhead · ParkingLost World Trail, Blue Mountains National Park6.4 mi awayLost World TrailSteep lookout-to-lookout epic with a creek crossing and solitudeChallenging · 4 mi · 3.5 hrFaulconbridge Point, Blue Mountains National Park6.6 mi awayFaulconbridge PointSecluded ridge-top lookout with vast Grose Valley viewsScenic Viewpoint

More about Grose River Walking Track

shortout and backriversteepworkoutlookoutnatural surfaceslippery

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