The Jungle Circuit – 16 February 2016

I had seen the Jungle Circuit marked on old maps. It is a track that starts from the Govetts Leap to Bridal Veil Falls track near the bottom and traverses around to the base of Horseshoe Falls, and then around a loop (The Jungle Circuit) and back. This was my first visit.

The base of Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls and the nearby Bridal Veil Falls are, I think, the highest single waterfalls in the Blue Mountains – as they both fall down both the upper and lower cliff lines without a break.

Bridal Veil Falls

Other big waterfalls such as Katoomba Falls, Wentworth Falls, Gordon Falls and Leura Falls all have two waterfalls, one above and one below the half way ledge.

On this trip, I walked from Blackheath Station to Govetts Leap. This took about 30 minutes. Another 30 minutes took me to the turn-off near the base of Bridal Veil Falls. This turn-off is not marked, but is easy to find. It is just before a sharp bend in the track and a sign indicating the way to Rodriguez Pass. Look for some old wooden steps just before the bend.

the “track”

The track is quite overgrown, with ferns and fallen trees, but mostly easy to follow. There area few places where it crosses steep wet swampy areas and has been washed out. And further along, you need to be careful as the track goes around a sharp bend and descends old stone steps down a steep section. On my visit, the track was marked by orange tape tied to the trees.

Further along, there was a sign, in good order, saying the Jungle Circuit. I continued on the level track to the base of Horseshoe Falls where I stopped for a break.

Then I continued around the circuit. I followed the orange tapes which did not follow the route of the old track – so I missed some old bridges. I then made my way back to the Govetts Leap – Bridal Veil Falls Track. The whole loop took about 90 minutes. I think, if I return some time in the future, I will walk to the base of Horseshoe Falls and then try and follow the creek down to the main track to Blue Gum Forest. There should be some nice small waterfalls.

Next, I climbed back up to Govetts Leap and then around the track on top of the cliffs to Popes Glen. This gives some great views of Horseshoe Falls from above. I could look down and see all the Jungle Circuit.

Horseshoe Falls

Not far up Popes Glen, there is a small pool below a cascade and this a great place to cool off with a swim. I also had lunch here in a nice shady place.

A good place for a swim

I then continued up Popes Glen to Blackheath Station.

More photos are on my website here.

A rather old Yellow Leek Orchid