Pierces pass  is the shortest way into the iconic Blue Gum forest. It’s a steep walk but the views are stunning and the tranquility of Grose river at the bottom is well worth the effort

Access: A moderate to hard walk on a well defined trail. Steep stairs, a bit slippy in places and exposed cliff lines.

Navigation: Navigation is fairly straight forward

Map: Mt wilson 8930-1N 1:25000

Time: it’s 16km return so give yourself at least 6.5hrs, longer if you want to enjoy a bit of time at the River.

It’s been a while since I’ve done this walk in its entirety and looking back over the trail notes it may have been a tad ambitious taking the kids down to the river for a picnic when they were little…

But they handled it at the time. It’s a long, steep walk but there is plenty to distract you along the way. Expansive views over the upper Grose. Towering Cliff lines, often with climbers making their way up the sheer faces. Little fairy grottoes. The beginnings of a failed attempt at coal mining and much more

On that trip we didn’t go all the way to the Blue Gum, instead spent a bit of time at the river crossing and then turned around.

Getting there: Turn off the Bells Line of Road onto Pierces Pass rd (Well sign posted in between the Mt Wilson and Mt Banks turn offs) Follow this down to the end. Steep and a little rutted in places.

Basic picnic and toilet facilities can be found at the car park.

From the car park the start of the trail is well sign posted

The water in the Grose river needs to be filtered or well boiled before drinking so you’ll need to take plenty of water, food and clothing to cope with changing weather.

Note: The great outdoors is an ever changing place. Bush fires, changing weather, vegetation growth and forestry activities can all effect the trail conditions and thus the difficulty of the walk. These are a rough guide only and are by no means meant to be a definitive guide . They do not replace the need adequate map reading and navigational skills

Note 1: Taking care  While reasonably well known these spots are still wild places and care needs to be taken around cliff edges and on the steep trails.  Carrying the right gear as well as having adequate food, water and clothing is important. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.

Emergency beckons (PLBs) can be hired from Katoomba Police for very little.

Note 2: First aid A basic first aid kit is essential bit of kit whenever heading into the Aussie bush. A basic first aid is highly recommended

Note 3: Maps and Navigation Having the right map, a compass and knowing how to read them is very important when heading into the bush. If you are new to bush walking joining a club or accompanying more experienced walker for you first few outing is a very good idea. I found practicing map reading on well defined trails was helpful when I started out.

The Maps mentioned are the 1:25000 series. They can be purchase at Lithgow tourism information center, from outdoors shops or online for around $10 each.

Note 4: These are wild and beautiful places, respect them. If you are able to carry something in you can carry it out. Don’ be a tosser. Leaving your rubbish behind is a sure way to ruin it for every one else.

Back