• Walk
  • Map
Time:4 hrs
Distance:11 km
Fitness:E
Skill:E
Ascent:100 m
Maps: LPI Mount Wilson 8930-1N 1:25000
Notes:Print-friendly notes (opens in new window)
Please note that while the maps on this web site are useful and generally contain more, and more accurate, information on trails, the relevant topographic maps should be carried on most walks. These are available from the Lands Information Centre, map shops, and most outdoor stores.

Introduction

An adventurous person on the end of Hanging Rock, overlooking the Grose Valley

Hanging Rock is a outstanding feature near Baltzer Lookout, at the end of Ridgewell Road, Blackheath. A huge, overhanging block of sandstone over 100m high, jutting out into the Grose Valley, has become detached from the main cliff. It has featured in many calendars and climbing photos, and was also the site of the main climbing scene in "The Edge" movie.

Access

Heading west along the Great Western Highway, turn right on to Ridgewell Rd, 800m after the main traffic lights in Blackheath. Follow the dirt road for 0.8km until you reach a locked gate. Park here.

If walking from Blackheath Station, it is 600m to the Ridgewell Rd turnoff. Walking from and to the station adds 3km to the overall walk.

Track notes

From 14 Sep 2004, last checked 14 Sep 2004

As the walk to Baltzer Lookout is almost entirely on fire trail, this could easily be ridden with mountain bikes.

Reaching the lookout is quite straightforward as it just involves following the main fire trail. There are several lesser fire trails that branch off in the first couple of kilometres, but the main trail is fairly obvious. After 1.6km, you pass the old National Parks gate. There are a few small uphills and downhills, but it's mostly relatively flat. At the end of the road, there is a small fence, and the lookout is through the gate at the top of the hill.

From the lookout there are superb views up and down the Grose Valley. If you look down to your left, you can see Hanging Rock

Follow a steep track down to the left which leads to even better views of Hanging Rock. For those who are fearless, you can even jump across the gap on to the Rock itself. However, you do so at your own risk - a slip could prove fatal.

After a break, return the way you came to your car.

Related walks

Rigby Hill

Time: 1 hr Distance: 2 km Fitness: E Skill: E Ascent: 60 m

An easy and short walk to a fantastic lookout over the Grose Valley.

Lockley Pylon

Time: 2 hrs Distance: 7 km Fitness: E Skill: E Ascent: 40 m

An easy walk to impressive views over the Grose Valley and Govetts Gorge.

Blue Gum Forest via Evans Lookout and Perrys Lookdown

Time: 2 days Distance: 22 km Fitness: M Skill: EM Ascent: 750 m

The classic walk into the Blue Gum Forest, with camping on grassy flats under the magnificent blue gums

Faulconbridge Ridge to the Grose River

Time: 5 hrs Distance: 17 km Fitness: M Skill: EM Ascent: 410 m

A longish day walk to visit a great lookout and a beautiful swimming hole

Mt Banks

Time: 5 hrs Distance: 15 km Fitness: EM Skill: EM Ascent: 200 m

A climb of one of the prominent peaks of the Blue Mountains, with excellent views of the Grose Valley from its slopes.

Victoria Falls

Time: 2 hrs Distance: 4 km Fitness: E Skill: E Ascent: 360 m

A short but steep walk to a series of pretty cascades on Victoria Creek.

Grand Canyon Loop

Time: 4 hrs Distance: 7 km Fitness: E Skill: EM Ascent: 240 m

An excellent walk showcasing a variety of the best scenery in the Blue Mountains.

Govetts Leap and the Horse Track

Time: 7 hrs Distance: 13 km Fitness: M Skill: EM Ascent: 630 m

Visit some of the most spectacular parts of the Grose Valley on this challenging but rewarding walk.

Blue Gum Forest via Du Faur Head

Time: 6 hrs Distance: 12 km Fitness: M Skill: EM Ascent: 650 m

A challenging and scenic route in to the Blue Gum Forest

Popes Glen and Braeside Tracks

Time: 3 hrs Distance: 9 km Fitness: E Skill: E Ascent: 170 m

A pleasant and easy walk with spectacular views

Colliers Causeway

Time: 4 hrs Distance: 9 km Fitness: E Skill: EM Ascent: 200 m

A walk with lots of variety around and under the cliffs on the west side of Blackheath

Asgard Plateau

Time: 7 hrs Distance: 17 km Fitness: EM Skill: M Ascent: 350 m

Superb views of the upper Grose Valley, and a good mix of on track and easy off track walking in this less visited area

Personal reports

14/09/2004 - Baltzer Lookout: (photos)

Links