THE BUSH CLUB Inc. (80 leaders celebrating 80 years walk)

Greater Blue Mountains National Park – Blue Mountains National Park – The Grose Valley Rim -21 Lookouts – Monday

17th June 2019

The walking party at Evans Lookout, left to right Scott, John C, Yuri, Michael, Brian, Christina, Bernice, Keith, Ian, Bernie, Marion, Harold, John F, George, David and Anthea. Photo: Kelvin Knox

Title The Grose Valley Rim - 21 LookoutsDate Monday 17th June 2019Leader Michael KeatsMaps etc Department of Lands topographic map, 1:25000, Katoomba, 8930 – 1S,

Third Edition and Department of Lands topographic map Mount Wilson 1:25,000, 8930 – 1N, Third Edition. GPS WGS 84

Walk description and route

Park half the vehicles at the Pulpit Rock Car Park and the others at Evans Lookout Car Park. Walk the track visiting each of the 21 lookouts on the way. About 10kms with some undulations.

Rating 3

Gear issues First aid kit, GPS, appropriate head and footwear. 2 litres water, Numbers Maximum 20 no places leftMeeting point 0600 Pymble. 0830 at Pulpit Rock car park, 0850 Evans Lookout carparkTransport Club Cars. Pick up from Blackheath Station can be arranged

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Comments This walk is an approved walk for the Bush Club 80 leaders walk program Close of Bookings

ASAP

Enquiries Michael Keats mjmkeats@easy.com.au or tel. 9144 2096

The Party

Michael Keats, leader, Brian Fox, John Fox, Bernie Hunt, Kelvin Knox, Yuri Bolotin, David Atkins, Harold Thompson, Marion Davies, John Cooper, George Maroun, Keith Maxwell, Ian Starkey, Scott Marshall, Anthea Michaelis and Christina Graf. 16.

Two Fox brothers, John and Brian at Fox’s Lookout. Photo: Kelvin Knox.

The Weather

A typical Blue Mountains winter day, a misty morning, evolving into a cloudy day with occasional light rain and some brilliant sunshine during the lunch break. Temperature 6 to 12 degrees C

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Plot of half the walk! (2 GPS units failed!). The walk started at Evans Lookout, and then proceeded south to Paul Harris Lookout with views over Beauchamp Falls. Lizard Rock Lookout was visited before l returning to Evans Lookout. The party also went up the Braeside Track as far as the cascades before returning to the Cliff Top Track. At the Popes Glen track head, a side visit was made to Boyds Beach. Total distance of the walk was 11.1km

Background Track Notes (from 3rd November 2008) with current walk information in blue text.

It is rare for me to propose a walk so easy. This occasion was special. Brian Fox and I needed to do this classic walk to include it in the suite of walks for inclusion in a book we are writing on exploring the Upper Grose Valley. (Today the walk was special as it is one of 80 walks by 80 member leaders to commemorate 80 years of the Bush Club offering walking activities). Throughout the 10km (11.1km) length of the walk there are magnificent views. Whilst familiarity can breed contempt, our two interstate visitors reminded us constantly of what a gem of a place the Grose Valley is and just how spectacular are the views along this walk.

With the car shuffle completed the party assembled at Evans Lookout at 0905. Brian, who had done comprehensive research on the 21 lookouts we would visit, gave a brief overview. The history of each lookout would be given as they were visited.

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It was already very warm and humid so a check on the amount of water being carried by everyone was crucial as dehydration can be serious. The day warmed up to be very warm with sun temperatures in the high 20 degrees C. Today it was bracingly cool.

Although the walk advice suggested that Evans Lookout was the first to be visited, it was merely a starting point for parking vehicles. Just carrying water, left our packs in the vehicles (packs were carried all the way) and headed down the well- defined track towards the point where it branches – and the main track continues down towards the Grand Canyon and Beauchamp Falls. This track has now been completely reconstructed using a lot of dimensioned sandstone blocks. The white waterworn gravel sections have all been removed1.

Leaving the track at the junction walked out along a narrow rock ledge for about 100m noting some very old stone stairs, c 1930 and dry stonewalls. This rarely visited spot is known as John Harris Lookout2, GR 522 732. The position is commanding with the bare rock outcrop accentuating the elevated and prominent position. We were impressed.

A bit of back tracking, (possibly 30m), along this dramatic rock outcrop led to our second lookout, Lizard Rock3. This is a large flat rock platform sitting atop a 150m high cliff. There is no safety fence and by standing at the extreme northern end great pictures are possible of Point Pilcher, The Carne Wall and on the horizon, the profile of Fortress Ridge. Far below the bare rock face of Blackwall Glen provides an indicator of the position of the Edenderry and Hilary Falls. A solitary specimen of the native cymbidium orchid, C. sauve in flower at the base of a tree was photographed. (no flowers today!)

Captured some great images although the short comings of all mini purpose digital cameras are obvious when you really need the whole box and dice. Trekked back up the 150m+ to Evans Lookout4 and had a good look at the old stone shelter shed, constructed September 1901. (The group photo was taken here) The views from Evans Lookout give a great perspective down the Grose Valley with the profiles of Fortress Hill and Lockley Pylon making for stunning photos. 1 The white water worn gravel was ’mined’ at Medlow Bath in by a water blasting technique of quarry operation at an off-limits location now known as The Catacombs.2 Located on a rocky outcrop at the very end of the ridgeline below Evans Lookout, Blackheath and being 100m beyond the top of the Horse Track. John Harris (1838-1911) was Mayor of Sydney 1881-1883 and 1888-1889. Moved to Blackheath and purchased 'Eirene' in 1904 Mentioned in the Blackheath Sights Reserve Trust Minutes 24th October 1935. Minutes read "moved Mr Byrnes 2nd Mr Bradshaw that Enquires be made re John Harris Lookout." Remains of old track and steps before lookout reached. View to Beauchamp Falls, John Harris officially opened the Sydney Town Hall on the 27th November 1885.3 Minutes read "moved Mr Byrnes 2nd Mr Bradshaw that Enquires be made re John Harris Lookout." Remains of old track and steps before lookout reached. View to Beauchamp Falls, John Harris officially opened the Sydney Town Hall on the 27th November 1885. Descriptive name adopted by the Outdoor Guides Course conducted by Jim Smith. Named Christmas period 1986-1987. Jack Austin, (1927-2017), made the comment when people were lying down peering over the rock into the valley below "Flat out like a lizard drinking water." Ref: Oral history and written walks by Jack Austin July 2001. Old track nearby leads to (see) John Harris Lookout.4 A lookout located on the top of the escarpment at the eastern end of Evans Lookout Road, overlooking Govett Gorge, Blackheath. George Evans (1838-1910), Solicitor. Lived corner Govetts Leap Road and Cleopatra Street, Blackheath. Reputed to have discovered the route into Govett Gorge from this lookout c1885. But William Hayward preceded him years earlier in 1847. Lookout named in 1882. George Evans bought his property 3rd May 1880 (3 portions) and adjoining portion in July 1883. Mentioned in The Mountaineer Illustrated Tourist Guide, 1898, p. 99 as Evan's Outlook, but map in this guide as Evans Lookout. Evans Lookout is an important track terminus for tracks climbing in and out of Govett Gorge including Rodriguez Pass, Grand Canyon, Horse Track and Cliff Top Track. The Katoomba Daily 6th January 1938 records "A new cliff walk was opened by the Blackheath Sights trust this week from Govetts Leap to Evan's Lookout, via Bridal Veil."

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Ten minutes of ambling along the Cliff Top Track brought us to the next lookout – Valley View Lookout5or Bradshaw Lookout6, GR 519 739, on Bradshaw Point. The current name says it all - time for a group picture, and yet another angle of the serried folds of the talus slopes and the cliffs of the Grose Valley. A sea of flannel flowers bedecked the area once more making it hard not to burn a few more electrons. No flowers today

A quick side trip to collect our packs from the vehicles, rehydrate and then it was off to the Barrow Lookout7, GR 509 754, with the stunning view of the top of Govetts Leap. This is a delightful spot, with the wind catching the spray and giving us all a very welcome cooling shower. No spray, thank goodness This was a perfect spot for morning tea and time to appreciate the hanging gardens as the adjoining cliffs are referred to. A rainbow over the top of the Leap added to the atmospherics.

Morning tea at Barrow Lookout. Photo: Kelvin Knox.

5 This lookout is located 100m to the left of the parking bay at the end of Evans Lookout Road, Blackheath. Descriptive name given to the view of Govett Gorge (valley). This lookout was previously called (see) Bradshaw Lookout. Named 1991 by Barry Simpson National Parks & Wildlife Service Ranger, Blackheath. Named 1991 by Barry Simpson National Parks & Wildlife Service Ranger, Blackheath. A well- maintained track leads to well fenced lookout at this spot. Ref: Oral history Cath Ireland National Parks & Wildlife Service Ranger, Blackheath 30th July 1999. UBD Street Directory 1996.6 This lookout is located 100m to the left of the parking bay at the end of Evans Lookout Road, Blackheath. Named after Richard (Dick) Bradshaw (1885-1953), Alderman Blackheath Municipal Council 1937-1947. Officially opened 28th January 1946. Sights Reserves Committee Report to Council 15th January 1946 re-opening. Council Minutes 7th May 1946 "provide suitable direction sign to Bradshaw Lookout." This lookout is now called (see) Valley View Lookout.7 A lookout on top of the escarpment on the Cliff Top Walk about 100m east and above the junction of track and Govetts Leap Brook and Braeside Walk, Blackheath. Isaac Le Pipre Barrow (1844-1930). Surveyor and Draftsman in Victoria (1865-1876). NSW Government draftsman and surveyor from 1876- 1914, appointed draftsman Department of Lands, July 1887. delete Married Grace Hagan 1880. Lookout name suggested by Brian Fox March 1999 in recognition of the maps Isaac Barrow compiled. Signage placed at lookout January 2004. Lookout name suggested by Brian Fox March 1999 in recognition of the maps Isaac Barrow compiled. Signage placed at lookout January 2004. Views to Horseshoe Falls, Govett Gorge and Pulpit Rock. Shown on a map included in this publication. Isaac Barrow mapped Emu Plains to Medlow c1890, Medlow to the Great Zig Zag c1890, County of Cook 1907, Tourist Sketch Map of Blackheath 1908 and Tourist Sketch Map of Wentworth Falls 1908. This lookout has been upgraded with new fencing, steps and paving July 2001. Barrow Lookout officially assigned 6th August 2004. Ref: Government Gazette No 131, p. 6431. The Barrows lived at Dulwich Hill, Sydney and owned a house at Woodford.

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Views to the Horseshoe Falls and Pulpit Rock are accentuated by the helicopter view some 300m below over the area known as The Jungle. On the day it looked lush and very inviting. It was a pleasant and leisurely morning tea.

A short climb up the northern side brought us to a lookout now long forgotten – the Cullen Lookout8. It is a short 10m bash through the greenery to find the spot. (Not really seen as the bush has overgrown most of the relics a fence along the track bypasses what was this look out.) It gives good views over the fall of Govetts Leap. All that remains of the lookout are two, hand- cut holes in the sandstone, that at one-time could have supported the posts for a railing.

Govetts Leap. Photo: Kelvin Knox.

The track continues to climb as it nears Govetts Leap Lookout9, GR 506 757. The path crosses a permanently wet area, Haywards Gully. Here in the cut banks there are large numbers of blue –purple Sun Orchids (Thelymitra sp), as well as a selection of pink Baurers and white flowering Sundews. Not today Also, trackside along this section, and particularly on the track north of Govetts Leap Lookout there are many Waratahs (Telopea specisosissima) in full bloom. (No flowers today!)

Govetts Leap is possibly the most visited site in the Grose Valley. It is readily accessible by car and the casual visitor can experience a magnificent vista with little effort. On the day there was a steady stream of visitors content to walk the 50m from the car to the railing and say, “been there, done that.” A shame as the top lookout is only the beginning of so much more.

8 A lookout on the Cliff Top Track, approximately 50m NE of the junction of walking track and Govetts Leap Brook and Braeside Walk, Blackheath. Leonard (Len) Cullen. (1893-1971). Merchant, Park Ranger for Blackheath, Council grader driver and gardener to his retirement. Lookout name suggested by Brian Fox March 1999 in recognition of the work Len Cullen carried out. First employed as Ranger on the 13th February 1926 by the Blue Mountains Sights Reserve Blackheath Group. Was praised for his efforts a number of times including preparations for the Royal visit in 1927, and by the Minister for Lands Colin Sinclair in April 1936. Retired to Nambucca Heads to be near his daughter. Ref: Minute book Blackheath Group, Oral history Ken Cullen (Uncle) March 1999. Access to lookout no longer exists due to track upgrading and fencing July 2001.9 A lookout on the top of the escarpment at the end of Govetts Leap Road, Govetts Leap, Blackheath. Named after William Romaine Govett. (1807-1848). Cairn erected to Govett by the Blackheath Reserves Trust, unveiled 3rd September 1938. The Blue Mountain Echo 28th March 1919, p. 5, records construction of wall at Govetts Leap Lookout. The Blue Mountain Echo 28th March 1919, p. 5, records construction of wall at Govetts Leap Lookout. The Blackheath Trustees placed tenders to construct wall 3 feet high and 1 foot thick on the edge of the cliffs at Govetts Leap 1919. Lookout has extensive views over Govett Gorge, Fortress Hill, Mount Hay

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The view when the sun broke through the mist was truly special. Photo: Kelvin Knox.

A small deviation was then made along the wheel- chair accessible Fairfax Track to the George Phillips Lookout10, GR 505 760. Brian had brought along a photograph of the original sign for the lookout that had been discovered by John Simpson, operator of the Glen Davis Museum in a rubbish tip. It had been thoughtlessly used as a board for mixing concrete and then discarded. John, appreciating its historical significance had retrieved it and cleaned it up. The new signage whilst more comprehensive and elaborate does not have the charm of the old original. We had both. (not done today)

The heat was now quite oppressive, and we had no hesitation in using the old stone shelter shed to cool off and top up on fluids. Returned to Govetts Leap and rejoined Govetts Walk track, signed to Popes Glen heading generally north. (Today we were all keen to just get moving. Christina and Yuri both left the walk here)

Again, the next lookout was not far away – 100m. This is the Laws Lookout11, GR 505 759. The view is great and forms part of the continuing cyclorama of magic as you progress around 180 degrees of the walk. Noted several loads of bagged sandstone on the lookout out platform that had been ‘choppered’ in prior to work being undertaken to upgrade the walking track.

and Mount Banks.10 A lookout at Govetts Leap between Govetts Leap Lookout and Horseshoe Falls on the Fairfax Walking Track, Blackheath. George Phillips (1864-1948) Builder and Contractor. Blackheath Council Alderman and member of the Blue Mountains Sights and Reserve Trust. Lookout opened 28th January 1946 and shown on the 1946 Tourist Map of Blackheath by Victor Coleman. Views over Govett Gorge and across to Fortress Hill and Mount Hay. Plaque at the lookout reads "George Phillips Lookout. In appreciation of the able and energetic service of ex-Alderman George Phillips. A pioneer of the district and active member and secretary of the Blackheath Group of the Blue Mountains Sights Reserves from 1917-1939."11 A lookout on the escarpment about 100m north of Govetts Leap Lookout and at the intersection of Govetts Loop Track and Pulpit Rock Track. Directly above Two Falls Lookout, Blackheath. Walter Charles Wesley Laws (1865-1938). School Teacher and President of the Blue Mountains Sights Reserve, Blackheath Group during the 1920s. Ref: Minutes Book. Lookout name suggested by Brian Fox March 1999 in recognition of the work Walter Laws carried out. Walter married Lilian Gertrude Garrard 1894. Ref: Electoral Roll Hartley 1903-4 and NSW Register Birth Death and Marriages. Walter Laws was involved with the opening celebrations of the Grand Canyon, Ref: The Daily Telegraph 18th February 1907. Alderman Blackheath Municipal Council December 1919-March 1926. President of Blackheath Progress Association. Headmaster Blackheath Public School 1895-1926. The name J. G. Watson 1939 has been cut into the rock face at this lookout.

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The edge of Govetts Leap. Photo: Kelvin Knox.

Our next lookout was a mere 20m below Laws Lookout. It has its own special charm and is well worth the visit. This lookout is Two Falls Lookout12 and named because by standing at the end of the fenced section you only need to rotate the head to see both Govetts Leap and the Horseshoe Falls. Today vegetation on both sides of the lookout obscure the water falls.

It was about this time when we started losing track of what we had seen and how to recall the differences between each lookout. The next one was number 12. We were passed half-way! Another leisurely stroll and we reached Rodriguez Lookout13, GR 505 762. It was time for some thought about the keenness with which the local council and interested others went about maximising the opportunities to exploit and promote the wonders of the Grose Valley.

12 This lookout is on a projecting rock formation about 150m north of Govetts Leap Lookout and 20m on side- track below intersection of Govetts Loop Track, Blackheath. Named due to the fact that both the Horseshoe Falls and Govetts Leap can be seen from this small vantage point. At present vegetation is obscuring the line of sight to Horseshoe Falls. Known by this name prior to 1909. Shown on a map included in this publication. Ref: Mentioned in Oliver Trickett's map Blue Mountains Lawson to Lithgow 1909. Oral and written history from Lewis Hodgkinson (1915-2004) resident of Blackheath. Council Minutes 7th May 1946 "That a sign Two Falls Lookout be erected at that lookout."13 A lookout on Govetts Walk, about 400m north of Govetts Leap Lookout and before the track descends to Popes Glen Creek, Blackheath. Named after Tomas Ramon Rodriguez (1860-1929) who promoted the walking track to join base of Govetts Leap with base of Evans Lookout. Name suggested by Brian Fox March 1999 in recognition of the work Tomas Rodriguez carried out. Tomas Rodriguez was on a number of committees and trusts including the Govetts Leap Reserve Trust. Ref: Government Gazette 15th November 1893, Blackheath Group Sight Reserves Minutes Book January 1926. Shown on a map included in this publication

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There is virtually not one headland or projecting rock on this walk that has not been commissioned as a lookout.

Some more gentle walking and we arrived at the Horseshoe Falls Lookout14, logically named for its commanding position looking over the Horseshoe Falls.

To visit the next lookout requires some preparedness to flout the rules and be prepared to accept that the visit is a risky business. For those of us who went it is probably the best lookout to view the Horseshoe Falls and enjoy a different perspective. It is the Moss Lookout15. (not done this time as the wet conditions made it too dangerous). The view south is interesting as it is possible to take photos that give that ‘suspended in space’ feeling. To really enhance the pictures the cliff about 20m south was covered with blue sun orchids. Top stuff! Also, a tree has grown a spectacular root formation which when lined up with a flowering grass tree frames pictures of the Grose Valley in a special way.

When we looked down on this lookout from the northern side of the Popes Glen Creek, we realised just how precarious this viewing spot is. A 2.5 earth movement reading on the Richter scale would have it tumbling into the valley below. Love this spot.

Leaving this lookout, we joined the Popes Glen Track for a short distance before it changes its name to the Pulpit Rock Track. We visited to a pool a manmade pool knowns Boyds Beach, which even today attracts people seeking to cool off. It is a very picturesque spot16. Just before we made the crossing of Popes Glen Creek Brian produced a copy of a photo showing an elaborate timber bridge across the creek. It was of significant dimensions and made from locally cut timber. It would have made an excellent promenading spot and given a different view of the creek before it plunged over the edge. By comparing some of the features on the ground with those in the photo, we think we know approximately where the bridge stood. When destroyed by a bushfire it was never replaced. (too wet to show photos today).17

14 A lookout on the Pulpit Rock Track, about 400m north of Govetts Leap Lookout and before the track descends to Popes Glen Creek, Blackheath. This lookout was signposted as Horseshoe Falls Lookout. This lookout is above Horseshoe Falls on the Govetts Leap side but has only a partial view of the falls. Believed to be named prior to 1946, possibly early 1900’s15 Old lookout about 500m from Govetts Leap Lookout and 55m on a sidetrack. On the southern side and above Horseshoe Falls, Blackheath. Robert Moss (1834-1906). Owner of 'The Pines' guest house with his wife Isabella in the 1890s. Trustee of Govetts Leap Reserve during the late 1890s. Lookout name suggested by Brian Fox March 1999 in recognition of the work Robert Moss carried out as trustee. Picturesque Blackheath c1910 shows photo of Govetts Leap from this lookout. This lookout has been closed for safety reasons. The Blackheath Progress Association 1898 recognises that Moss was one of the men who saw the possibilities of constructing a track down the cliff face at Govetts Leap. Robert Moss was the first proprietor of, The Mountaineer newspaper in Katoomba.16 Boyds Beach refers to a small sandy spot on Popes Glen Creek, approximately 400m upstream of Horseshoe Falls, Blackheath. Named after Michael (Mick) John Boyd (1880-1956), a Blackheath local and ranger for Blackheath Council, who maintained the walking tracks (see more in previous entry). Named by Sights Reserves Committee on 21 December 1945. Officially opened 28 January 1946. Walking access via Popes Glen Walking Track from Govetts Leap or Dell Street, Blackheath. Ref: The Blue Mountains Advertiser, 21 December 1945, p. 6 records, "recently Ranger Boyd was honoured when a delightful picnic spot was named Boyd's Beach." Smith, Jim. How to See the Blue Mountains, 1986, p. 94. MW 505 765.

17 Churchill Bridge was a wooden walking bridge built over Popes Glen Creek, near Horseshoe Falls, Blackheath. Constructed just after WWII and named, Churchill Bridge after the British Prime Minister Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS, R A., a British statesman who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1939 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. Constructed from local

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Next was Bradleys Lookout18, GR 505 762. Here we looked back and appreciated the precariousness of Moss Lookout and initiated a discussion about some interesting old handrail relics made from galvanised steel piping. On an earlier walk Brian had explained how knowledge of pipes, fittings and design help pinpoint the date of construction of old infrastructure. These days old handrails are left intact as part of the NP&WS policy. When you see some old rusting railings and items you may wonder why they have not been sent for recycling, it is because they represent a period in our industrial development, and they are to be left as is. No doubt a PhD thesis will be forthcoming.

Boyds Beach. Photo: Bernie Hunt.

The track now swung to the east again changing the perspective of the Grose Valley. Next lookout was the Cripps Lookout19 and our first views to the south. This lookout was to be our

bush timber, August 1945. Ref: The Blue Mountains Advertiser, 7 September 1945, p. 3. Photo in the Brian Fox collection. Ross Hatswell, Blackheath Brigade Captain, records that it was destroyed by bushfire on 30 November 1957. The Mountaineer, 16 November 1894 records, a previous bridge in this vicinity. MW 505 763.

18 A lookout on a rocky outcrop on Pulpit Rock Track directly above and to the north of Horseshoe Falls and Popes Glen Creek, Blackheath. Walter Bradley (1861-1937). Trustee of Govetts Leap Reserve during the 1890s. Shown on a map included in this publication. Name suggested by Brian Fox, March 1999 in recognition of the work Walter Bradley carried out. Ref: Government Gazette 17th June 1890. One of the earliest trustees for this 445ac reserve at Govetts Leap which was dedicated on the 14th October 1881. Also see Churchill Bridge which linked this lookout to Moss Lookout.19 A lookout located on Pulpit Rock Track, Govetts Leap. Below Twin Falls Lookout and approximately 250m NE of Horseshoe Falls. Blackheath. See a map included in this publication showing location. William (Bill) Sydney Cripps (1873-1947). Entered the Blackheath Council in 1928 and was Alderman to 1944. Mayor of Blackheath 1933-1939; 1943. Orchardist by occupation and trustee of Mount Victoria Group Sights and Reserves. Name suggested by John Yeaman town engineer. Lookout referred to as New Sight, 11th August 1939. Ref: The Blue Mountain Echo, which implies position is below Twin Falls Lookout. Shown on the Tourist Map of Blackheath 1946 produced by BMCC. Private in army at Boer War. Ref: Lithgow Mercury 16th November 1900 and 8th July 1902. Cripps owned land portion 124-127 Shipley Road, Blackheath. Ref: Deposited Plan 12669. Known as a fine horseman, Bill Cripps instigated and promoted the natural features of Blackheath by inviting Eric Spooner the Minister for Local Government to the area to gain funding. Most map references including the Tourist Map of Blackheath 1946 show position further east. Position corrected on 3rd edition Mount Wilson Topographical Map 2000. Both the Horseshoe Falls and Govetts Leap can be viewed

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lunch spot, but first after discarding our packs we headed up through the scrub to another long-forgotten lookout, Twin Falls Lookout20. This lookout located at the end of what was once a road has a great view and is a good 50m higher than Cripps. The elevation makes it worth the visit. The handrails on this lookout are original and have never been touched. The handrails have that air of being constructed by an engineer with a whole lot of spare fittings he just had to use up.

Bradleys Lookout. Photo: Bernie Hunt.

Lunch was interrupted by an opportunistic currawong seeking food for its young. Broken biscuit pieces were caught in the air and held in the beak two at a time. This bird is no stranger to humans. It even followed us another 2kms along the track. (lunch was a lot later today and no birds were out)

After a half hour break, we resumed walking along the track. Some old stonework up a slope caught my eye. Post walk research by Brian about this is as follows “The small cave on the Pulpit Rock Track you saw and called us back to check out is detailed in the Journal of The Sydney Speleological Society, 2006, Vol. 50, No. 10, p. 507-514. It is called Lyrebird Cave, named by Bruce Knowling as he saw lyrebirds in the area when he first went there. Named late 1970s early 1980s. The word ‘Jenny’ on the cave wall in which I took a photo was Bruce Knowling’s daughter, Jeni Stevens, (she had changed the spelling of her name from Jenny to Jeni around 1984). Bruce recalled he had only slept in it 2 or 3 times.” 

from this lookout.

20 This lookout is located at the southern end of Roslyn Road, which is a 4WD track accessed from Hat Hill Road, Blackheath. Named due to the fact that both the Horseshoe Falls and Govetts Leap can be seen at this location. Most likely this lookout was constructed just after The Hunton Estate was surveyed in this area June 1957. Ref: Historic Blackheath by The Rotary Club of Blackheath, 1975-6, p80 and Geoff Bates local historian of Blackheath. This name and lookout became known with the part construction of the proposed subdivision of Hunton Estate. The subdivision did not go ahead when it was realised that the houses would be an eyesore from Govetts Leap.

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A few photos were taken, then we pressed on. 1335 saw us arrive at Boyd Lookout21, GR 512 764. By now the views of the Grose had changed significantly and the cliffs beneath the path were steeper and, in many cases close to vertical.

We pushed on and at 1348 went passed a gate, GR 514 769, and a set of partly burnt steps leading to a property. It was unclear whether this was a legitimate inlier property or whether the owner had decided to extend his boundaries. Took photographic record.

The next lookout is another one that the NP&WS do not want you to visit. The Scandritt Lookout, GR 517 76822, it is accessed by a very rough path and some old cut and fill steps. A rusting handrail at the terminus is more a token than a real barrier. Again, it was an interesting spot and one with far better views than the more obvious lookouts.

Lush ferns on the Cliff Top track. Photo: Bernie Hunt.

The second last lookout has a special significance being named to recognise the

sterling contribution of Brian Fox to the recording and documenting of Blue Mountains history. Access is almost obliterated by post fire regrowth. The lookout itself is good with a panoramic view south. It is Fox Lookout23, GR 519 768. There is no handrail to interrupt the 21 Located on the Pulpit Rock Track, Govetts Leap, between Cripps and Pulpit Rock Lookouts, Blackheath. Note this has mistakenly been called Cripps Lookout in the past. Michael (Mick) John Boyd (1880-1956). Park Ranger for Blackheath and active in community affairs. Shown on a map included in this publication. Views across to Govetts Leap. Lookout name suggested by Brian Fox, March 1999 in recognition of the work Mick Boyd carried out. First employed as Ranger on the 13th February 1926 by the Blue Mountains Sights Reserve Blackheath Group. Was praised for his efforts a number of times including preparations for the Royal visit in 1927, and by the Minister for Lands Colin Sinclair in April 1936. Ref: Minute book Blackheath Group, Historic Blackheath by The Rotary Club of Blackheath, 1975-6, p60 & 318 and cemetery records. Resigned due to ill health 1945, The Blue Mountains Advertiser 21st December 1945.22 A lookout on the walking track from Govetts Leap to Pulpit Rock, north of Cripps and Boyd Lookouts, Blackheath. Named by Christopher (Chris) John Woods, January 1999. Willie Beechworth (Beech) Scandritt (c1890-1956). President of Blackheath Sights and Reserves Trust in 1935. Blackheath Tourist Map, 1946 drawn by Victor Coleman shows lookouts in this area, but no name shown. This lookout was opened c1935. A rocky spur projecting 85m out from Govetts Leap to Pulpit Rock Walking Track and commencing 15m south of an obvious cave between Boyd and Pulpit Rock Lookouts. Beech was also a local hairdresser, bandmaster and member of Blackheath Rotary. Ref: Minutes Book Blackheath Group Sights and Reserves.23 An unfenced lookout located on a small spur off the Pulpit Rock Track, 660m west of Pulpit Rock Lookout, Blackheath. Named by Dr Peter Rickwood in recognition of Brian Kenneth Fox's research into place names of the Blue Mountains. Fox Lookout named June 2002. Lookout shown (without name) on Tourist Map of

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view. (Today at 1320 it was our lunch spot! The sun came out for the duration and we enjoyed a special time in a special place).

It was possibly the hottest part of the day (No, maybe one of the coolest!) as we approached Pulpit Rock Lookout24 – the last lookout in our lookout marathon. Pulpit Rock has had significant resources lavished upon it and as such has lost much of its aesthetic appeal. It is all aggressively safe steel hand handrails, board walks and designed for tourists to do a flying visit and tick another box on their Blue Mountains visit.

Pulpit Rock from the cliff Top Track. Photo: Bernie Hunt.

After a sampling of all the hardware we assembled in another vintage shelter shed and drank and drank. (not so today- our thoughts generally were for something warm to drink and eat). It was also an opportune time to say thank you to Brian whose diligent research and unbridled passion for history made the walk such a success.

Michael Keatsfor The Bush Club Inc.180619

Blackheath 1946, by Victor Coleman. Ref: Draft manuscript for Blackheath Rotary Club's book on Blackheath, section on Blackheath topographical features, 2002. Blackheath today from yesterday, edited by Peter Rickwood and David West, 2005, p512.24 This lookout is located directly above Pulpit Rock, Blackheath. This lookout can be accessed via Pulpit Rock Track or from Hat Hill Road, Blackheath. See Pulpit Rock, Blackheath. Pulpit Rock Lookout officially opened, 14th December 1935. Plaque placed at this lookout in 1939 reads "Pulpit Rock Lookout Officially opened by the Honourable E. A. Buttenshaw M. L. A. Minister for Lands 14th December 1935. The cairn and obelisk were erected by the Blackheath Sights Trust."

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BCPW 21 Lookouts on the Grose Valley Rim -170619- Track Notes/MK

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