Sunrise at Govetts Leap in Blue Mountains

Govetts Leap at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains has a spectacular view at any time of day. But is this Sydney’s best sunrise spot?

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Distance: 150m from the car park  
Duration: 5 mins

Note: If you want to walk down to the bottom of the valley, (not necessary for sunrise!) it’s 1.8km return and includes 366m of elevation.

About Govetts Leap

Sunrises are special. You don’t accidentally stumble upon a great sunrise like you do a sunset. You need to want it. You need to put yourself in the way of its beauty.

And after many early mornings and single digit temperatures, I think I’ve finally found it. Govetts Leap Lookout in Blackheath might just be the best place to be for sunrise in Sydney.

Want a guide you can take with you? Grab a copy of Blue Mountains Best Walks 4/e (Pop in ‘WAE15’ at checkout for 15% off!)

How To Get to Govetts Leap

From Sydney, Head out toward the Great Western Highway. Follow it up into the mountains, through Katoomba and Medlow Bath. As you hit the township of Blackheath turn right at the brown sign that reads Govetts Leap. For ease, pop Govetts Leap into google maps and it will take you straight to the lookout.

Skill Level

Beginner

Any skill level will be able to visit the vista and witness a glorious sunrise. Descending into the valley to the lookout only takes 5-10 minutes, but it is steep and can be slippery. Good for anyone who has a basic level of fitness and is fully mobile.

Descending all the way to the bottom of the falls is hard, 1.8km return, and is unsuitable for anyone who doesn’t have a high level of fitness.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Essential Gear For Hiking Govetts Leap

• Lots of layers
• Torch
• Car
• Camera (!!!)
• First aid kit

Found in our very own Blue Mountains. Just a 2-hour 113km drive from Sydney’s CBD it is easily accessed by anyone in the Greater Sydney area.

You will need a penchant for early mornings, lots of warm layers, a torch, a car and of course your camera! The vista is suitable for any level of fitness and age, you can almost drive right up to the edge.

Every morning, every minute, is different at Govetts Leap. At times cloud lays low in the valley providing a beautiful blanket of dancing reflections. Slowly it lifts and incredible beams penetrate the mountainscape. On a clear morning, the sun pops its head over the end of the valley in a beautiful starburst that illuminates the entire wall on which you stand. If you’re there early enough you will see the stars slowly wink out and give way to the light.

Stay, sit, and enjoy the changing light well into the morning. You will not be disappointed. If you’re up for it, hike down the face of the lookout. A 5-minute descent will bring you to a completely different perspective below the lip of the valley, looking up onto the great walls. If you’re especially fit and enjoy a challenge, hike all the way to the bottom of the wall to Bridal Veil Falls and gaze up into its silky streams.

Read more: Did You Know Sydney Has Its Very Own Waterfall Way?

If you are to make the 366m descent ensure you take adequate water and food. It’s 1.8km return and very steep with few stretches of flat terrain.

With plenty of great food and produce in the township of Blackheath make sure you head into the town centre at the conclusion of your adventure to refuel your body (and your car!)