From Govetts Leap to Pulpit Rock: A Spectacular Hiking Experience

There are times when you instantly fall in love with a place. So much that the place becomes a beautiful part of you. You talk about it, you remember it fresh as though you visited that place like yesterday. Well the Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen in Norway was one of those places for me. I am in love with that place. The reason I am talking about Pulpit Rock in Norway is because I recently discovered that there is Pulpit Rock with a beautiful lookout in Australia as well.

One of my acquaintances had posted a picture of Pulpit Rock lookout (Australia) on social media. I decided to visit the place, specifically for the sake of love I have for the Pulpit Rock in Norway. My friend and I were in the Blue mountains one weekend and we made our way to the Pulpit Rock lookout (Australia).

Are you visiting Blue Mountains for the first time? Then read my post Blue Mountains as a first timer.

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Where is the Pulpit Rock?

The Pulpit Rock lookout offers the panoramic views of the Grose Valley, providing great views of the Blue Gum forest and spectacular cliffs in the Blue Mountains. The town of Katoomba (main town) of the Blue Mountains is around 110 kilometres from Sydney and makes a perfect weekend getaway.

Where is Govetts leap lookout?

The Govetts leap lookout in the Blue Mountains is where the hike to Pulpit Rock starts. And it is one of the most famous and spectacular lookouts in the Blue Mountains. Note that the lookout is named after William Romaine Govett, who discovered the lookout in the year 1831.

The Pulpit Rock lookout provides great views of the Grose valley. There are basic facilities such as a visitor centre, picnic tables and toilets at the lookout.

The Blue Mountains is a very fascinating place as there are many hidden secrets and history behind it. From having some of the ancient and beautiful aboriginal art at trails like the Blackfellows Hand Cave and the Glenbrook to Red hands cave hike to the spectacular waterfalls on the Valley of waters trail, the mountain ranges have it all. They are perfect for all kinds of hikers.

How to get to Govetts leap lookout?

Public transport

• The closest train station to Govetts leap lookout is Blackheath train station in the Blue Mountains.
• There are frequent trains between Sydney Central Business District (CBD) and Blackheath station.
• Govetts leap lookout is about 4 kilometres one way from Blackheath train station. You can either take a local bus or walk as the walk is pretty straightforward and easy.

More information on the trains can be found on NSW Transport website.

Driving

The distance between Govetts leap lookout and Sydney Central Business District (CBD) is around 115 kilometres and it takes 2 hours to drive.

• The route has toll roads.
• There are plenty of FREE parking spaces available at the lookout.

Hike to the Pulpit Rock lookout

The hike is along the cliffs and has a series of steps. The views from the cliffs that the hike provides is breathtakingly beautiful. It is a place to see the raw beauty of the Blue mountains. If the weather is favourable and sunny, then it is an icing on the cake.

It took us about 2 hours to reach the Pulpit Rock lookout. The lookout was something beyond words. It-was-truly-spectacular. The steep rock juts out of the cliff giving a dramatic effect of the cliff. The lookout gives a 360 degrees panoramic view of the mountains.

We stayed at the lookout for about 30 minutes after which with a sad, do-not-want to go kids, we had to head back to the starting point. The return took us another 1.5 to 2 hours.

Logistics of the Pulpit Rock lookout hike

• Starting and ending points: Govetts leap lookout.
• Distance: 7 kilometers return.
• Type of walk: Return.
• Grade: Medium but I did find the walk a little hard.
• Facilities: Toilets are at Govetts leap lookout.
• Path: Govetts leap lookout – Pulpit Rock – Govetts leap lookout.

If you are looking for a challenging hike in the Blue Mountains, then definitely try the Grand Canyon. And if you are looking for a multi days trek, then the Six Foot Track is perfect for you.

Safety for solo hikers

As a general rule, it is always good to go with a hiking buddy. Since there are lots of cliffs on the hiking trail, it is best to go with someone rather than hiking alone. So I definitely suggest going with a friend or some one so one can be prepared for any unforeseen situations.

If you are a beginner or want to get into hiking or trekking, read my beginner’s guide to hiking and trekking.

Closing Notes

The Pulpit Rock lookout is definitely worth visiting. And I completely loved the hike, the cliffs, the trail and the views along the way. I highly recommend adding the Pulpit Rock lookout to you hiking list when you are in the Blue Mountains.

Also read

• Hikes in Blue Mountains