Gordon Falls Reserve Upgrade
The Gordon Falls Reserve Upgrades
Update: 18 December 2024
Delivery of the second stage of upgrade works at Gordon Falls Reserve continues to progress, following the work on the new amenities building. The upgrades are now scheduled for completion in March 2025 (weather permitting).
Currently, work includes:
- Sealing the southern carpark
- Works to complete the installation and finish of furniture, fixtures and fittings to complete the southern carpark,
Work will continue on the northern carpark from mid-January 2025, integrating the new amenities building (which is complete but can only open once work is finished on the northern carpark, due to its linkages to the carpark and surrounding area).
Thanks to the community for your patience while the work is underway to rejuvenate and make Gordon Falls Reserve more accessible
Update on Prince Henry Cliff Walk, Leura Upgrades
March 2024
Hundreds of steps along Prince Henry Cliff Walk between Elysian Rock and Tarpeian Rock track have been replaced and a footbridge spanning a landslip constructed. The descent to Olympian Rock Lookout is now much easier from Olympian Parade with repaired steps.
For up to date information on Walking Track Closures please refer to:
Further updates are available in the news feed below.
Background:
The precinct is a popular place for residents of Leura and surrounding villages. It also has the potential to have a key role in the visitor experience of the Blue Mountains.
There is a need to upgrade the precinct to protect the environmental and cultural values of the site, meet current and future demand, improve the experience of both residents and visitors, meet current safety standards, improve residential amenity, support local economic development, and provide universal access to allow those of all abilities to enjoy the spectacular views from neighbouring lookouts.
The precinct plan will guide future upgrades of the Gordon Falls Reserve, and Elysian and Olympian Rock lookouts.
To find out more about this project, you are encouraged to read the information provided below, and in the Document Library and FAQs to the right.
It is important to note that Council is not looking to change the role of the Reserve as a public park and access point to walking tracks. The purpose of the proposed upgrade is outlined below.
Gordon Falls Reserve is located within the Country of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples. We recognise that the Dharug and Gundungurra Traditional Owners have a continuous and deep connection to their Country and this is of great significance to Aboriginal people, both locally and in the region.
Context:
Council is preparing a Southern Escarpment Master Plan which aims to provide an integrated, co-ordinated and strategic framework to the planning of natural area visitor facilities from Katoomba to Wentworth Falls. As part of that process Council is undertaking precinct plans of the higher priority visitor precincts. Gordon Falls is one such precinct. Gordon Falls is an important visitor node within the Southern Escarpment and is identified as the mid-point of the two-day Grand Cliff Top Walk.
Find out more about the Southern Escarpment Masterplan here.
The focus of the Gordon Falls Reserve Precinct Masterplan is to:
Council is working with experienced consultants on this precinct plan, specifically to:
- Renew / upgrade the existing amenities building
- Review existing park infrastructure including seating, tables, and the children’s playground
- Review existing carparking in the reserve and surrounding streets to determine capacity and suggest improvements
- Upgrades to the walking track and Elysian and Olympian Rock Lookouts
- Investigate the feasibility of an accessible walking track to a lookout within the Reserve
About Gordon Falls Reserve:
Family-friendly Gordon Falls Reserve offers waterfalls and valley views, a great playground for the kids, and plenty of nearby walking tracks, in Leura.
A short walk from the reserve, Gordon Falls lookout offers views of the 200m cascade of Gordon Falls, as well as the stunning cliff faces of Sublime Point.
An excellent spot for birdwatching, look to the skies for peregrine falcons or scan the forest floor of lyrebirds.
For scenic valley views and wildflowers, access Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Gordon Falls Reserve. Stretching from Katoomba to Leura, this walk includes famous lookouts, iconic scenery and several hanging swamps. Gaze across to the impressive views of Mount Solitary and Kings Tableland from Elysian and Olympian Rock lookouts, and see the back of the Three Sisters, Ruined Castle and Narrowneck Plateau from Tarpeian rock.
This webpage will be progressively updated throughout the life of the project. Please subscribe to receive regular project updates directly to your inbox.
