Wendy had invited me to join her on a walk in the Upper Blue Mountains. She wanted a fair leg stretch so suggested a walk from Govetts Leap down to Blue Gum Forest and return.
As it turned out, we had good weather for walking – fine and cool. We set off from the carpark at Govetts Leap at about 9:45 am and after 30 minutes arrived at the base of Bridle Veil Falls.
It was from there that our pace slowed drown. As we continued down the track towards Junction Rock – we noticed lots of fungi out – and it was interesting, colourful fungi too. So that meant lots of photo stops. I had not bothered to bring a macro lens, and had to make do with a standard lens with a screw on +3 diopter close up filter. It was better than nothing. We also managed to find quite a few orchids in flower too.
The fungi photography took up a fair bit of time, and we both neglected to take more than a couple of photos of the very nice creek – with its rainforest, waterfalls and cascades. Even after we left the rainforest section of the track, downstream from Junction Rock- there was still a fair bit of fungi out. So more delays! But pleasant delays. It was nice to see such fungi.
It took till about 2 pm to reach Blue Gum Forest. it was time for a very quick, late lunch and then a short walk through the forest and a few more photos before returning.
Our return walk, was much faster, with I think only two photo stops. Two hours back to the base of Bridal Veil Falls, and then the same time as we and taken to descend – 30 minutes from there to the carpark at Govetts Leap.
This was a very pleasant day out, and with the added bonus of some amazing fungi. Thanks to Wendy for the invitation to join her on the walk and for a great day out. More photos can be viewed on my website here.
Very nice post David.
Just have a small request – I last did this walk some 50 years ago when with the Scouts. I’m a regular walker down here in Tasmania now.
Did you use some map for this walk or can I rely on signposting? About how far is it from thebottom of the Leap track to the forest?
Down here we have TheList courtesy of the govt for reasonable mappage. Does NSW have a similar site.
Hope to hear from you.
Kind regards
Ernie
The track to Blue Gum Forest is quite well signposted. The easiest way in is not from Govetts Leap, but from Perrys Lookdown (although Govetts is easier if using train transport). Note – no camping at Blue Gum anymore, but you can camp about 10 minutes away at Accacia Flat (and good drinking water from a side creek another 5 minutes up the valley). Maps – use either this site or the Government one