Monday - 13 October 2008

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Home About the area Accommodation Food & Wine Activities Lifestyle & Leisure Prince Henry Cliff Walk distance 2.2 km's - one way grade Medium images  (click to enlarge) Overview This Blue Mountains bushwalk offers a pleasant way to explore two different areas of Leura, taking the walker for a gentle stroll along the cliff tops between Leura Cascades Picnic Area and Gordon Falls Reserve, passing three stunning lookouts along the way. It also offers views of the Jamison valley without the crowds found elsewhere in the Blue Mountains. As this walk is quite close to urban development it is a good walk for those who don’t like to be too far away from civilization or for those wanting a short walk. Description Commencing from the Leura Cascades Picnic Area make your way to the information board from which you will observe a concrete pathway descending to the left. Follow the pathway as it travels beside the Leura Cascades creek. You will approach a small footbridge, at this there will be an intersection, you will note a weathered signpost indicating the direction of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, from this point head uphill to the left away from the Cascades. The track now becomes a little rockier as you move along the cliff line towards Gordon Falls Reserve. At this point the track is close to Cliff Drive so don’t be startled by the sound of cars close by! At the first open clearing you will notice a rock ledge across the valley with a lookout perched precariously upon it, this is the Bridal Veil view lookout. Passing through the clearing you will note the track continuing further along the cliff line. Shortly you approach a right turnoff to access the Bridal Veil view lookout, this is a short detour of about 15 minutes return and well worth the effort to see the magnificent view back to Bridal Veil Falls. Returning to the Prince Henry Cliff walk and continuing along the track you will come to the first of three major lookouts, Tarpeian Rock (off a short side track to the right of the Cliff Walk) The rock provides a perfect elevated spot (with secure fencing) from which to view the Jamison valley and the commanding Mt Solitary, enabling the walker to fathom the enormity of the Blue Mountains wilderness. Returning once again to the cliff walk, follow the track heading down hill. Avoid the track directly uphill as this leads to Cliff Drive. As the track now moves closer to Gordon Falls reserve you will note a number of King ferns. This section leads up to the second of the lookouts, Olympian rock, this is perhaps the most strenuous section of the walk requiring the negotiation of a set of stairs (which was partially washed out at the time of the review). Olympian rock has similar views to Tarpiean rock but offers the additional benefit of a chair for the walker to sit and admire the view from. Access to this lookout is also from Olympian drive. Once again continue along the cliff line to Elysian rock, the third and final vantage point. To reach the rock, the walker must first cross a concrete bridge erected over a narrow ravine (don’t look down if you are afraid of heights) Returning to the track for the last time, follow further around the cliff line to approach Gordon Falls reserve for a well earned rest. For the energetic walker a 5 – 10 minute return trip to Gordon Falls lookout may be of interest, although the falls themselves are a tiny trickle (there is one ladder to negotiate). Also in the vicinity is the 2hour circuit to Lyrebird Dell & Pool of Siloam. Return to Leura Cascades Picnic Area by the same route or by road along Olympian Parade then Cliff Drive. For those interested in toys / railways and gardens, close by is Leurella NSW Toy and Railway Museum, 36 Olympian Parade, Leura Additional Information Condition of track Varying condition, from concrete pathway to rocky track, easy to follow, handrails and fencing in sections (particularly around lookouts), mostly flat sections with some stairs to negotiate. Alternative access Walk can be undertaken in reverse from Gordon Falls Reserve to Leura Cascades Picnic Area. Directions Access to walk from Leura Cascades Picnic Area off Cliff Drive Leura or from Gordon Falls Reserve from Olympian Parade, Leura. Map Reference (if desired) Land and Property Information Tourist Map Blue Mountains and Environs, 9th edition Land and Property Information Topographic Map Katoomba 8930-IS 3rd edition Quick links Use the following links to locate nearby services Accommodation Restaurants Local shops & services Activities Attractions

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