About Bridal Veil Falls (Govett’s Leap)
There were numerous waterfalls around the world named Bridal Veil Falls, but in this particular case, we’re talking about a wispy, light-flowing, cliff-diving waterfall that may also be known as Govett’s Leap. Given its light-flowing nature when we saw it, we couldn’t say for sure how reliable the falls was. All we could really say about its reliability was that we visited during a storm and that it occurred on a year when most of southeastern Australia was seeing some of its worst drought in its history. Thus, it was difficult to tell how the waterfall would normally behave.
Aside from the uncertainty of the waterfall’s flow, as you can see from the photos on this page, the Govett’s Leap Lookout certainly boasted some of the most spectacular views in the Blue Mountains. The waterfall itself really accentuated the expansive panorama close to the town of Blackheath. We definitely felt like we were on top of the world taking in the lookout and going on some of the walks in our attempt to get closer to the falls (something we weren’t successful in doing though we didn’t try all that hard, to be honest).
Speaking of other walks, we also did a short walk towards another wispy, cliff-diving waterfall called Horseshoe Falls. I believe it was so-named because the wide amphitheater it was in was curved and perhaps reminded someone of a horseshoe. Apparently, the falls was one of many very temporary waterfalls in the area. However, we were unsuccessful getting a clean view of it due to line-of-sight obstructions. That said, the walk allowed us to experience a bit more of the precipitous cliffside views, and if we were so inclined, we easily could’ve occupied several hours meandering about on the many trails within the trail network on this part of the Blue Mountains.
Even though we happened to show up during a brief break in some bad weather, the views were still impressively beautiful. I can imagine that on a clearer day, you’d get much better views as well as maybe even a glimpse of that bluish mist that gave the Blue Mountains their name.
The Govett’s Leap Lookout is at the end of a well-signed spur road (aptly named Govett’s Leap Road). As you drive Hwy 32 into Blackheath (about 11km or under 15 minutes drive west and north of Katoomba), look for the signs for the falls or be on the lookout for Govett’s Leap Road to your right (or left if you’re on Hwy 32 coming from the west or north). Then follow the Govett’s Leap Road to its end. There’s a car park and plenty of space for the expansive lookouts here.
For further context, Blackheath is about 128km (under 2 hours drive) west of Sydney CBD.
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Blackheath Waterfalls March 28, 2012 7:02 am - I noticed the pictures of the Bridal Veil Falls & Horseshoe Falls at Blackheath were taken in an "off" year. Here are the pictures I took in 2009 after some good rain. ...Read MoreNearest Waterfalls
