The Blue Mountains may be considered a top adventure destination but continue driving west and you’ll find a wild side even many well-trodden travellers are yet to discover. Expansive and tranquil, Capertee Valley is the world’s second-largest canyon and, at 30km wide, the widest — surpassing the American Grand Canyon by a kilometre. Here you’ll encounter endless stretches of mountain landscapes, majestic cliffs, rare and endangered birds, and grassy woodlands enveloped in sandstone escarpments rightfully earning it the title of the ‘Grand Canyon of Australia.’ Naturally, the opportunities for adventure are abundant. With so much ground to cover, you might need some help planning your visit. Here are the best things to see and do at Capertee Valley.
Capertee Valley
The Capertee Valley came into being between 60 and 90 million years ago, carved into the sandstone plateau of the Greater Blue Mountains by natural forces. Popular activities include daytime hiking and stargazing under the pristine night skies — it’s not uncommon to spot the Milky Way on a moonless night. A true paradise for bird lovers, the Australian counterpart of the Grand Canyon offers a wealth of adventures; here are our top picks.
1. Go hiking through the valley
The best way to explore Capertee Valley is on foot. Seasoned climbers can try and reach the peak of the Pantoney’s Crown monolith, an isolated, flat-topped mesa that rises majestically from the floor of the valley treating hikers to stunning views and native flora and fauna. Then there is the incredible Valley of the Dinosaurs and Ultimate Slot in the Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area near Capertee, a wild and wonderful short walk filled with pagoda rock formations and huge tree ferns. The 2.5km Pagoda Lookout walking track is another popular hiking trail in the area with views of rock pagodas and stunning landscapes.
2. Explore the town of Kandos
At the doorstep of Capertee Valley is the small town of Kandos, another hidden gem well worth exploring. Known as the ‘town that built Sydney‘, Kandos was a key supplier of cement used in constructing the city and landmarks like the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You won’t find any skyscrapers here but as the gateway to the Wollemi National Park, the Capertee Valley and the tranquil wineries of the Mudgee Region, it’s perfect for nature lovers. Learn more about the town’s history at Kandos Museum, housed within a heritage-listed church, go looking for canyons and rock pagodas in the nearby Gardens of Stone National Park, drive out to cellar doors like De Beaurepaire Wines in Rylstone or simply take a stroll and admire the town’s old-world charm.
3. Camp under the stars
A natural wonder of this magnitude deserves a stay to match. If you’re looking to make your time here extra memorable, consider booking a stay with Bubbletent Australia and enjoy spectacular views of the Capertee Valley from close quarters in a transparent glass dome. Endless skies, starry nights, wood-fired hot tubs, hiking trails and stunning views of the valley are on offer. Book a stay for this unique off-grid experience here.
4. Spot a rare bird
Widely regarded as one of the best bird-watching spots in the world, the Capertee Valley is home to 242 species of birds, including rare, threatened, and critically endangered species. While spring is the perfect season to visit if you’re going exclusively to spot birds, the valley remains a year-round hotspot for this activity. Bird enthusiasts have spotted a remarkable variety of species here, from a Wedge-tailed Eagle to a Black-Chinned Honeyeater, Gang-gang Cockatoo, the rare Regent Honeyeater, Rockwarblers and many more.
5. Take a helicopter ride over Capertee Valley
Not a fan of hiking? No problem! Hop inside a helicopter and experience the breathtaking beauty of this jaw-dropping natural wonder from the sky. Capertee Valley Helicopters offers visitors a unique vantage point in their bubble-shaped Bell 47 helicopter, providing panoramic views from every corner of the aircraft. Soar above sandstone cliffs and rock pagodas, and discover hidden gems in the valley you may miss on the ground. Book a ride here.
The best time to visit Capertee Valley
Capertee Valley is a year-round destination but there are a few things to consider while planning your trip. Spring is perfect for birdwatching with cooler temps leading to more bird activity. Meanwhile, Autumn brings pleasant weather for hiking and mountain biking and summer is a good time for a leisurely picnic by the river. Read more about Capertee Valley and find accommodation options here.
How to get there
Capertee Valley is around a 3-hour drive from Sydney, located west of the Blue Mountains, making it an excellent day trip destination. Driving is recommended and it is not accessible by public transport but there is a train and bus service to Mudgee and Lithgow.