Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest
A very steep 600-metre descent into the Grose Valley to stand among the towering blue gums bushwalkers saved from the axe in 1932.
- Distance4km return
- Time3 - 4hrs
- DifficultyGrade 4 of 5
- Nearest townBlackheath
About this walk
Blue Gum Forest is where the Australian conservation movement began: a group of walkers raised the money to buy out a lease and stop the trees being felled. The track from Perrys Lookdown is the shortest way in - and one of the steepest tracks in the park.
Route map
Mapped length 2.7 km. Route line from OpenStreetMap; distance and grade in the summary are the official NPWS figures where available.
Take this map offline
Phone reception drops out across most of the Mountains. Save the route before you leave town.
GPX opens in Gaia GPS, AllTrails, Organic Maps, Garmin and most navigation apps and shows your live position on the route with no signal. How to use offline maps.How to get there
From the Great Western Highway at Blackheath, take Hat Hill Road (north end of town) and follow it about 8 km to Perrys Lookdown. The last section is unsealed.
Parking: Perrys Lookdown carpark.
Good to know
- Short on the map, hard on the legs: allow more time coming up than going down.
- No camping in Blue Gum Forest itself - the nearest campground is Acacia Flat.
Common questions
How long is Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest?
Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest is 4km return and takes about 3 - 4hrs.
How hard is Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest?
It is rated Grade 4 on the Australian Walking Track Grading System: bushwalking experience recommended: long, rough or very steep sections.
Where does Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest start?
From the Great Western Highway at Blackheath, take Hat Hill Road (north end of town) and follow it about 8 km to Perrys Lookdown. The last section is unsealed. GPS: -33.60444, 150.35461.
Where do I park for Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest?
Perrys Lookdown carpark.
Can I take my dog to Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest?
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in NSW national parks, including on leads or in vehicles.
Is there phone reception at Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest?
Do not rely on it. Download the GPX file or save this page offline before you leave Blackheath.
Sources: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (distance, time, grade, coordinates); OpenStreetMap contributors (route line). Last checked Friday 13 November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Photo: Sardaka, CC BY-SA 3.0.
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