Pulpit Rock Reserve
Pulpit Rock Reserve is a clifftop lookout reserve in Blackheath NSW 2785, Blue Mountains, offering an almost 360-degree panorama across the Grose Valley to Mount Banks. Its standout feature is the multi-tiered lookout on a rock blade above the valley, which is the starting point of the Pulpit walking track.
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About Pulpit Rock Reserve
Lookouts and Views at Pulpit Rock Reserve
Pulpit Rock Reserve has a multi-tiered lookout built on a rock blade above the Grose Valley. The lookout delivers an almost 360-degree panorama across the dramatic cliff lines to Mount Banks and distant mountains. Pulpit Rock Reserve has three upgraded lookouts further out along the rock, fitted with Australian Standard-compliant safety barriers, new furniture and signage. The fourth, lowest lookout at Pulpit Rock Reserve has been removed permanently, because geotechnical investigations found it could not be safely reinstated. The Pulpit walking track to Govetts Leap lookout starts at Pulpit Rock Reserve.
Day-Use Area and Facilities at Pulpit Rock Reserve
Pulpit Rock Reserve has a new accessible day-use area with its own lookout. The day-use area includes an accessible toilet, parking, shelters and picnic facilities. Blue Mountains City Council designed the day-use area with older visitors and people with mobility impairments in mind. The original safety fencing, timber steps, signs, seating, picnic shelter and toilet at Pulpit Rock Reserve were destroyed in the 2019–2020 bushfires. Blue Mountains City Council rebuilt the replacement structures in sandstone to resist future fires.
Safety and Closures at Pulpit Rock Reserve
Pulpit Rock Reserve has several sections of narrow, steep stairs that can be slippery in wet weather. Visitors to Pulpit Rock Reserve should bring drinking water, a hat, sunscreen and binoculars. The Pulpit walking track at Pulpit Rock Reserve was partially closed by National Parks and Wildlife Service on 18 September, so visitors should check park alerts before walking. Fire bans are active in the area around Pulpit Rock Reserve. The Blackheath area is always open but may close at times because of poor weather or fire danger.
Facilities at Pulpit Rock Reserve
Visitor tips for Pulpit Rock Reserve
- ✓Check park alerts before walking, because the Pulpit walking track was partially closed on 18 September.
- ✓Pack drinking water, a hat, sunscreen and binoculars for the lookouts.
- ✓Plan for paid parking at $12 an hour or $38 for a day pass, which is the better value once you stay beyond three hours.
- ✓Avoid the unsealed approach after rain, as it can become boggy.
- ✓Take care on the narrow, steep stairs, which can be slippery in wet weather.
- ✓Expect only three upgraded lookouts, as the lowest lookout has been permanently removed.
Getting to Pulpit Rock Reserve
Reached from Blackheath via Hat Hill Road. Blue Mountains City Council upgraded Pulpit Rock Road. The unsealed approach can become boggy after rain. Paid parking is $12 per hour or $38 for a day pass, and parking is located in the accessible day-use area.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Blackheath
- 📍Govetts Leap lookout
- 📍Mount Banks
- 📍Grose Valley
- 📍Blackheath
- 📍Hat Hill Road
Frequently asked questions about Pulpit Rock Reserve
Is Pulpit Rock Reserve in Blackheath worth visiting?
Pulpit Rock Reserve offers an almost 360-degree panorama across the cliff lines of the Grose Valley to Mount Banks and distant mountains. The reserve has three upgraded lookouts with new safety barriers, furniture and signage, plus picnic facilities and shelters. It is also the starting point of the clifftop Pulpit walking track to Govetts Leap lookout.
Can I bring my dog to Pulpit Rock Reserve?
Pets and domestic animals are not permitted on the Pulpit walking track, which starts at Pulpit Rock Reserve. The only exception is certified assistance animals.
Where do I park when visiting Pulpit Rock Reserve in Blackheath?
Pulpit Rock Reserve is reached from Blackheath via Hat Hill Road. Parking is provided within the accessible day-use area. The unsealed approach can become boggy after rain, so check conditions before driving.
Is parking free at Pulpit Rock Reserve?
Parking at Pulpit Rock Reserve is paid and was installed by Blue Mountains City Council. It costs $12 an hour, or $38 for a day pass. The day pass is the better deal once you stay past three hours.
Is Pulpit Rock Reserve wheelchair or pram accessible?
Pulpit Rock Reserve has a new accessible day-use area with its own lookout. Blue Mountains City Council designed the day-use area with older visitors and people with mobility impairments in mind. The approach road is unsealed and can become boggy after rain.
Are there toilets at Pulpit Rock Reserve?
Yes, Pulpit Rock Reserve has an accessible toilet within its day-use area. The original toilet was destroyed in the 2019–2020 bushfires, and the upgraded reserve includes the replacement.