The Horseshoe Falls at Govett's Leap, Blackheath

Blackheath
Larger centre in the Blue Mountains noted for its guest houses, gardens and bushwalks.
Located 114 km from Sydney and 1064 metres above sea level, Blackheath (population 4119) is one of the more substantial and interesting settlements in the upper Blue Mountains.

It was first named by Governor Macquarie who, passing through the area on his way to the new settlement at Bathurst, declared 'it having a rather wild heath-like appearance, I have named it Hounslow.' On his return sixteen days later he changed his mind and on 15 May 1815 he wrote in his diary 'This place having a black wild appearance I have this day named it Black-heath. It affords however plenty of good water for man and beast and tolerable good feed for the latter.'

Today the town is famous for its superb rhododendron displays, the magnificent northerly views at Govett¹s Leap, the bushwalks around the edges of the Grose Valley and the range of expensive and classy Guest Houses which have become part of the town¹s appeal to Sydneysiders.

Things to see:  

Rhododendrons in full spring bloom

Govett's Leap
The story of Govett and his 'leap' belongs more to mythology than to fact. It is claimed that a bushranger named Govett, being chased by the police, spurred his horse on and died rather than surrender as he disappeared off the waterfall which drops 450 m into the Grose Valley. Unfortunately, even though the story deserves to become part of Australian history, it is more likely that Govett's Leap was named after William Romaine Govett, a young surveyor who arrived in Sydney in 1827, spent many years surveying the Blue Mountains and the Hawkesbury area, and returned to England in 1834 after the government had reduced his surveying establishment.

The evidence for the 'leap' being simply named after Govett is overwhelming. In the early 1830s the Three Sisters were known as Govett's Point, suggesting that he was well known and admired in the area. And, in 1835, Govett wrote 'The bold broken nature of the country on either side is peculiarly grand, and the streams which at first commence in swamps soon make their way into inaccessible gullies, until they arrive at the cliffs of the main channel where they fall in cascades....The most remarkable of these cascades is the one near the Weatherboarded Hut [Wentworth Falls] and that which falls into the head of the Grose River; which the surveyor general named 'Govett's leap' from the circumstance of my first having come upon the spot when surveying with Mr Rusden.'

Govett's Leap Road extends eastwards off the Great Western Highway out to the lookout which is the start of a network of walking tracks.

Bushwalking in the Area and the National Parks Centre
Along Govett's Leap Rd is a National Parks and Wildlife Heritage Centre with information and displays relating to the many outstanding local walking tracks and natural attractions, camping areas, guided walks, Discovery Programme and historic site tours, tel: (02) 4787 8877. There are also gifts, souvenirs, videos, an art exhibition, an interactive educational display and books.

The centre is the start of the Fairfax Heritage Track (2 km one way) for wheelchair users and people with poor vision. It offers excellent views, glimpses of birdlife, views of waterfalls, rainforest environs and facilities.

This is one of several tracks associated with Govett's Leap. Another, the Pulpit Rock Walk, heads north then east past Cripps Lookout to Pulpit Rock (2.5 km one-way). Passing through verdant rainforest, it furnishes attractive views of Horseshoe Falls and excellent birdwatching opportunities in the late afternoon. This track connects up with both the Popes Glen Walk, which leads west to Popes Glen Reserve in Wills St, and the Rodriguez Pass Walk, which heads east past Trinity Falls (on Govett's Leap Brook).

Another track (3 km one way) heads south from Govett's Leap past Bridal Veil Falls and Luchetti Lookout to Evans Lookout (see subsequent entry). This track intersects with the Braeside Walk (3 km return) which can also be joined at the other end by following the road which runs off Braeside St.

Evans Lookout
Evans Lookout Road extends eastwards from the Great Western Highway, at the southern edge of Blackheath, out to Evans Lookout which offers more spectacular views over Blue Mountains National Park. It is another node within a network of local waliing tracks. One heads north to Govetts Leap Lookout (3 km one way), and another leads south for 1.5 km to Beauchamp Falls. A walk of medium difficulty, it is a very pleasant trek. A longer trek which starts from behind the shelter shed at Evans Lookout is the Neates Glen/Grand Canyon Circuit Walk (5 km) which allows occasional glimpses of lyrebirds.

Grose Valley
Hat Hill Rd (which becomes unsealed after 3 km) extends north-eastwards from the Great Western Highway out to further walking tracks which take in Anvil Rock, Perrys Lookdown and the Grose Valley. Perry's Lookdown picnic and camping area is the obvious place to make base camp if you wish to explore the Grose Valley. However, access to this campsite is by foot, only overnight stays are permitted, no campfires are permitted (fuel stoves are okay) and it is a very small area with ony five sites, making it unlikely that space will be available in peak periods. Pit toilets are supplied but bring your own drinking water.

Hargreaves Lookout and the Megalong Valley
The northern side of Blackheath offers further natural attractions in the area which are, in fairness, as popular as those on the more famous southern side. Shipley Road runs off the Great Western Highway to Hargreaves Lookout. Megalong Road branches off Shipley Road and heads down to the Megalong Valley and Cox's River. Horseriding is available at Megalong Valley Farm (tel: 02 4787 8188), Carlon's Packsaddlers (tel: 02 4787 9150) and Werriberri Trail Rides (tel: 02 4787 9171). All three are located on Megalong Rd.

Megalong Valley Farm
This tourism venture has an animal farm which is open daily with shows and demonstrations on weekends and holidays. The farm's Adventure Horse Riding Centre is open every day with hourly trail rides, day rides, cattle drives and overnight rides. The Outback Pub Steakhouse is a licensed restaurant open for lunch from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m., and the Country Shop sells gifts and Devonshire teas every day. Accommodation is available in the form of a lodge, cottages and camping and there is a function hall. For further information ring (02) 4787 8188 or visit www.megalong.cc

View down the valley from Govett's Leap

Rhododendron Garden in Bacchante Street
It would seem, if you arrive in season, that everyone in Blackheath plants rhododendrons in their garden. For the serious admirer the Rhododendron Garden in Bacchante Street (at the northern end of Blackheath) is open from 9.00-5.00 daily and has established a careful harmony between native flora and the rhododendron displays. There are more than 1500 rhododendrons in the gardens. The Rhododendron Festival is held each year in the second week in November when the flowers are in bloom.

Historic Blackheath
Blackheath developed as a township with the arrival of the railway line in 1869. At the time it was known as Govett's Leap. Initially it had no railway station. The current Blackheath Railway Station dates from 1883. St Aidan's Church of England was consecrated in 1884. The popularity of Blackheath as a 'hill station', and the increased numbers attracted to the church, resulted in it being expanded in 1902. The Post Office was completed in 1910 although the original post office was completed in 1885.

Gardner's Hotel
The original inn was built in 1831 by the freed convict Andrew Gardiner who had completed his sentence in 1826. It is one of the thirteen historic inns listed on the excellent History Highway Inns website. Check it out at History Highway Inns which offers detailed information about the historic inns in the Blue Mountains.

	Motels
	Blackheath Motor Inn 281 Gt Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8788 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8929 Rating: ***1/2
	Redleaf Motor Lodge cnr Evans Lookout & Valley View Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8108, 1800 817 011 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8907 Rating: ****
	High Mountains Motor Inn 193 Gt Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8216, 1800 646 675 Facsimile: (02) 4787 7802 Rating: ***
	Hotels
	Gardners Inn Hotel Gt Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8347
	New Ivanhoe Hotel Cnr Gt Western Hwy & Govett¹s Leap Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8156
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Blue Mountains Bed & Breakfast 200 Wentworth St Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 6660 Facsimile: (02) 4787 6661
	Kubba Roonga Blackheath Guesthouse 9 Brentwood Ave Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8330 Facsimile: (02) 4787 7540 Rating: ****
	Norwood Guesthouse 209 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8568 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8944
	St Mounts Guesthouse 194 Gt Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 6111 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8165 Rating: ****
	Balquhain Country Guesthouse 161 Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7026 Facsimile: (02) 4787 7026
	Glenella Guesthouse 56 Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8352 Facsimile: (02) 4787 6114
	Harrow Cottages Guesthouse 21 Brentwood Ave Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8281 Facsimile: (02) 4787 5772
	Kanangra Lodge Blue Mountains 9 Belvidere Ave Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8715 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8748
	Misty Hideaway 49 Dell St Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 6060
	Montrose House 15 Hathill Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7775
	Parklands Country Garden & Lodges Guesthouse 132 Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7771 Facsimile: (02) 4787 7211
	Apartments
	Lakeview Holiday Park Apartments 63 Prince Edward St Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8534 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8534
	Holiday Flats & Units
	Some Days - Some Nights 21 Day Cres. Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8585 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8585
	Cottages & Cabins
	A Days Delight 38 Days Cres. Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7266 Facsimile: (02) 4787 7058 Rating: ****
	Secrets Hideaway 173 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8453 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8453 Rating: ****
	Werriberri Lodge Megalong Valley Rd Megalong Valley Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 9127 Facsimile: (02) 4787 7107 Rating: ***
	Agapanthus Cottage Dell St Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 6662
	Allandale Cottage Popes Glen Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8270
	Amani Cottage 31 Days Cres. Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8610
	Greentrees Cottage 19 Burton Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8511
	Farm & Eco Holidays
	Woolshed Cabins Kanimbla Dr Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8199 or 040 447 4304 Email: info@woolshedcabins.com.au Rating: ****
	Lodges & Chalets
	Jemby-Rinjah Lodge 33 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7622 Facsimile: (02) 4787 6230 Rating: ***
	Jemby-Rinjah Lodge Cabins 336 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7622 Rating: ***
	Werriberri Lodge Megalong Valley Rd Megalong Valley Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 9127 Rating: ***
	Possums Hidaway 185 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7767 Facsimile: (02) 4787 7767 Rating: ***1/2
	Federation Gardens Lodge 185 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7767 Rating: ***1/2
	Jemby-Rinjah Lodge 336 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7622 Facsimile: (02) 4787 6230 Rating: ***
	Kanangra Lodge 9 Belvidere Ave Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8715 Facsimile: (02) 4787 8748
	Caravan Parks
	Blackheath Caravan Park-Council Prince Edward St Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8101 Rating: ***
	Lakeview Holiday Park 63 Prince Edward St Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8534
	Restaurants
	18 At the Ivanhoe Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7507
	Ashcroft's Restaurant 18 Govetts Leap Road Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8297
	High Mountains Motor Inn Restaurant 193 Gt Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8216
	Ho's Palace Chinese & Seafood Restaurant 244 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8809
	Lucinda's Restaurant 209 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8568
	New Ivanhoe Hotel Restaurant Cnr Gt Western Hwy & Govett¹s Leap Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8158
	Redleaf Motel Restaurant Brightlands Ave Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8108
	Scotch Thistle Restaurant Gt Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8347
	St Mount's Guesthouse & Restaurant 194 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 6111
	Vulcan's Restaurant 33 Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 6899
	Cafés
	Banksia Cafe 246 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7269
	Bushrock Cafe 198 Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7111
	Gardeners Cottage Gift Shop & Tea Rooms 355 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7328
	Govetts Eats Colliers Arcade Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 7608
	Shipley Tea Rooms Shipley Rd Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8357
	Wattle Cafe 240 Great Western Hwy Blackheath NSW 2785 Telephone: (02) 4787 8153