Govetts Leap Lookout upgrade

National Parks and Wildlife Service is improving the visitor experience at Govetts Leap, Blackheath, Blue Mountains National Park.

Govetts Leap descent, Blue Mountains National ParkGovetts Leap, in Blue Mountains National Park, is a popular visitor precinct in the upper Blue Mountains attracting about 250,000 visitors every year. The lookout in Blackheath is one of the best locations to check out the spectacular views down into the Grose Valley and across to the stunning cliff lines of Mount Banks, Mount Hay and Mount Tomah.

What's happening at Govetts Leap?

The Govetts Leap Lookout upgrade will deliver an accessible visitor precinct whilst retaining the site's unique character and protecting its world heritage significance by the:

  • provision of universal access for all to the lookout, amenities and carpark
  • development of a new landscaped terrace for visitors to relax and enjoy the view
  • redesign of car parks to provide minibus drop off and to meet traffic safety codes
  • improvements to the lookout, including the replacement of lookout barriers to ensure everyone's safety
  • improvements to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, including pathways, planting signage and bollards.

The Govetts Leap Lookout visitor precinct works commenced in August 2022 and are now planned for completion in mid May 2023. During this time:

  • the lookout and car park will be closed to vehicles, walkers and cyclists
  • the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre will remain open
  • access to walking tracks will be provided from the Fairfax Heritage Track at the Heritage Centre around the construction works
  • the lookout toilets will remain open.

The project will consider the existing values of the area, including heritage and conservation. To comply with NSW planning legislation, an environmental assessment of the site with input from relevant specialists has been completed.

These proposed works align with the specific objectives for the reserve in the Blue Mountains National Park Plan of Management (2001), which includes:

  • protection and promotion of the outstanding scenic values of the park, including protection of viewscapes from within and outside the park
  • provision of a range of high-quality visitor facilities and information to encourage awareness and appreciation of the park and maintain the regional significance of the park in providing nature-based recreation and tourism opportunities
  • provision of a range of high-quality visitor facilities and information to encourage awareness and appreciation of the park and maintain the regional significance of the park in providing nature-based recreation and tourism opportunities.

Planning for this project included the public exhibition of a draft visitor precinct plan in December 2020. Following this, a community information day was held in May 2021. The submissions and community feedback were then incorporated into the final design plan.

If you would like to receive updates on this project as it progresses, please register your interest below.

The NSW Government has committed to the largest investment in national park visitor infrastructure. More than $450 million will be invested in more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the national parks' estate during this term of government.

National parks play a vital role in the resilience of the NSW public's health and statewide tourism as people seek out nature for exercise and recreation.

The Govetts Leap visitor precinct works will improve visitor facilities, including car parking, pathways and new safety barriers. The lookout will be fully accessible for everyone to park, picnic and enjoy the spectacular view into the Grose Valley.

Re-configuration of the car park will allow the development of a new landscaped terrace area for visitors to spend time and really appreciate the views. European heritage has been carefully considered to ensure the unique character of the precinct is conserved.

We will be providing further updates as works progress via our project webpage and email.

Viewing area above improved Govetts Leap lookout – awaiting turf and lookout balustrade.

Project update

March 2023

  • 23 Mar 2023
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Govetts Leap lookout, Blue Mountains National Park

Project update

August 2022

  • 04 Aug 2022
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Do you have any questions?

For further information on the project, please send us your question by contacting us by email or through the feedback form.

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