Govetts Leap Lookout in Blackheath is one of the most dramatic views in the Blue Mountains. We stopped here on a winter trip in 2025. A sheer cliff face drops into the Grose Valley, and a waterfall falls down the rock to one side. It’s a well-known stop, but it gets less crowded than the Three Sisters and Echo Point, because many visitors take the train from Sydney to Katoomba and never make it up to Blackheath.
About Govetts Leap LookoutAbout
The lookout sits on the edge of the escarpment at the end of Govetts Leap Road in Blackheath. From the edge you look across the Grose Valley: sandstone cliffs on the far side, and forest filling the valley floor far below. The light is at its best in the late afternoon, when the cliffs across the valley catch the sun.
Quick facts
- AddressGovetts Leap Lookout, Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath, NSW 2785, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- Phone receptionPatchy
- FacilitiesParkingLookoutsWalking TrailsToiletsWheelchair Accessible ToiletPicnic ShelterPicnic Tables2WD AccessibleNo Dogs
- 9.6/10Overall rated
- Good to knowIn BlackheathSealed roadDrinking water 500 m away
- FeesFree
Facilities
For a lookout, Govetts Leap is well set up. There are flush toilets right at the lookout, including wheelchair-accessible ones, and covered picnic shelters, tables and grassed areas near the car park at the end of Govetts Leap Road, so it works for lunch as well as a quick look. There’s no tap at the lookout itself, but free drinking water is available at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, about 500 metres back up the road.
Dogs aren’t allowed, as in the rest of the national park. Phone reception at the lookout and along the cliff edge is limited and unreliable, so don’t count on it.
Walks from the Lookout
Govetts Leap is also the start of three walking tracks: the Fairfax Heritage Track, the Govetts Leap Descent and the Cliff Top Track. We didn’t have the time to walk them on our winter visit, unfortunately, but we’ve heard great stories about all three. If you have more than a quick stop in mind, bring walking shoes and water, and give yourself a few hours. They’re at the top of our list for next time.
Getting There and AccessibilityGetting there
Access couldn’t be easier. The road is sealed all the way, so any car gets there, and there’s ample parking at the lookout. That makes it a good stop for a quick view and a deep breath on the way to camp or on the drive home, without adding much time to the day.
Summary
Govetts Leap Lookout gives you spectacular views for almost no effort, with fewer people around than at the Three Sisters. If you’re passing through Blackheath, it’s worth the short detour off the highway. For more places nearby, see our Blue Mountains guide.
Spectacular views into the Grose Valley, with a sheer cliff face and a waterfall to one side.
It’s on a sealed road with flush toilets and picnic shelters, and it gets less crowded than the Three Sisters. Dogs aren’t allowed, and phone reception is limited.
- Travellers
- Hikers
- Families
Yes. It’s free, with parking, toilets and picnic shelters at the lookout, and the views are spectacular. Fill your water bottle at the Heritage Centre up the road.
Recommended Gear for Govetts Leap Lookout
The Grose Valley is a long way across, so a pair of binoculars lets you pick out the waterfall and the cliffs on the far side. With picnic shelters at the car park, it’s worth bringing a small camp kitchen setup for lunch, and coffee gear for a brew with a view. If you plan to do one of the walks, carry your own water storage, because the nearest tap is back at the Heritage Centre.
