When it comes to the great walks of Australia, the Grand Canyon Track is high up there among the very best. The wild and wonderful walk is a scenic route that winds through sandstone walls, hidden waterfalls, rainforest terrain and dramatic tree-lined landscapes. One of the Blue Mountains’ most popular walks, the Grand Canyon in Blackheath offers an intimate and thrilling experience through the heart of the World Heritage site that hikers and walkers have wandered for over a century. The Blue Mountains is home to a whopping 900 slot canyons and this is one of the rare ones where you don’t need any specialised abseiling equipment or a guided tour to explore it. Here’s everything you need to know about the picturesque walk.
Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains
Despite being a relatively short loop trail, the hike is considered a moderately challenging route so you’ll need to be prepared for a few steep climbs, a number of semi-ledges and a fairly long climb out.
Evans Lookout is the first and last lookout on the Grand Canyon walk and treats visitors to scenic views of Grose Valley. It’s worth taking a moment to enjoy the views from this spot, arguably one of the best lookouts in the Blue Mountains. Once you start the long and steep descent into the canyon, you’ll be met with sandstone walls carved over millions of years by Greaves Creek, lush ferns, dramatic views, wildflowers during the warmer seasons and lovely little waterfalls on the way. If you’re always chasing waterfalls, watch out for a small, photogenic one you can even walk behind.
Wondering what else you’ll find along the Grand Canyon track? There are some serene rockpools along the way where people stop to cool off and plenty of native flora and fauna including lizards and the occasional Lyrebird. Rock formations and luscious rainforest vegetation are generously sprinkled throughout the track. If you’re extra adventurous, try embarking on the walk at night because the track is known to light up with thousands of twinkling glow worms after dark. There are plenty of places to see glow worms in the Blue Mountains and if you’re keen to get a glimpse of these bioluminescent creatures on the walk, keep an eye out when you scramble through the rock chambers or look closely behind waterfalls. Evans Lookout also presents a beautiful view of the night sky at the end of the walk.
How long is the Grand Canyon walk?
The walk is around a 6.5km loop trail and should take about 3 or 4 hours to complete depending on how often you stop along the way.
Is there parking?
The Grand Canyon track has a dedicated carpark between the two entry points, built specifically for those intending to do the walk.
What do I need for the walk?
A good pair of hiking shoes is essential. Carry plenty of water, sunscreen and a raincoat and a head torch if you’re looking for glow worms after dark. But remember never to point the light directly at the glow worms.
What is the best time to do the loop?
This is a popular walking track so you should expect to meet people along the way. Start as early as possible to avoid the crowds although it’s unlikely you’ll get the place to yourself. It’s also wise to avoid it on a very hot day as it can get quite humid. You can get to the Grand Canyon Track from Sydney in less than a 2-hour drive.
Find the map for the walk here. Get more information about the walk here.