Walking trails around NSW pack a punch. Some long and challenging paths earn you well-earned bragging rights, some boast incomparable mountain views, and some are peppered with waterfalls and swimming holes. One that combines a little bit of everything is the historic Grand Canyon Track. As one of the most popular walking trails in NSW, this Blue Mountains gem is perfect all year round but especially delightful in summer. Nestled between towering sandstone walls, its highlights include stunning waterfalls, serene creeks, lush rainforest views, and as the name suggests, deep canyons. Here is everything you need to know about the beloved, century-old Grand Canyon Track.
Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains
Located near the town of Blackheath, this 6km loop trail offers a relatively short but immersive hiking experience with plenty to see along the way. The well-maintained path winds through dramatic landscapes and lush greenery, making it a rewarding outing on a clear, summer day. Here are the top highlights you shouldn’t miss on one of NSW’s best summer hikes.
Natural wonders: Waterfalls, canyons and creeks
As you make your way through this winding path lined by ancient ferns, rainforest gullies, and babbling creeks, you’ll find a treasure trove of natural wonders and sights along the route including canyons carved millions of years ago, a wonderful blend of rugged beauty and geological significance. The canyon is covered in lush fern giving the entire route an almost prehistoric atmosphere. The track first opened in 1907 which means avid hikers and adventurers have been traversing this same trail for over 100 years.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends starting the hike at Evans Lookout which offers beautiful mountain and valley views, a lovely precursor of what’s to come. From here, you will descend via a series of well-maintained steps and enter the Grand Canyon loop, tracing the path of Greaves Creek with charming little waterfalls and creeks. The deeper you go into the canyon, the greener it gets, almost like stepping into a completely different world.
Hidden gems: Glow worm caves and swimming holes
Whether you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure or you’re a seasoned hiker who’s walked this trail countless times, you are likely to stumble upon a hidden gem or two.
A little-known fact about the Grand Canyon Track is that it lights up with thousands of glow worms when the sun goes down. If you’re eager to catch a glimpse on your hike, keep an eye out as you navigate through rock chambers or look closely behind the waterfalls.
While it’s not typically known for swimming holes, there are hidden plunge pools and secret swimming holes along Greaves Creek that make for a refreshing summertime dip. Keep in mind though, that the water is ice-cold — but that might be just what you need on a hot, humid day. You’ll also encounter tranquil rockpools, perfect to stop and dip your toes in, as well as a variety of native flora and fauna, including lizards, freshwater Sydney crayfish, eastern water dragons, and the occasional Lyrebird and Yellow-tailed black cockatoos if you’re lucky. The path also boasts stunning rock formations and waterfalls, from small cascades that feed into small pools to larger falls you can even walk behind. Find more information about the Grand Canyon Track here.
Key features
Here are some facts to remember about the short and incredible hike.
Total distance: 6.3km loop trail
Total duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Grade 3 — Moderately challenging route with some steep climbs
Pets: Not allowed
Parking: Parking is available at Grand Canyon carpark
How to get there
The stunning trail is around a 1 hour, 45-minute drive from Sydney, near the town of Blackheath. From Blackheath, turn off the Great Western Highway onto Evans Lookout Road and follow the road to the Grand Canyon carpark. Public transport is available but you’ll need to allow at least 3.5 hours or more for the journey — hop on a train from Central to Blackheath or Katoomba, then catch a bus to Evans Lookout Road. From there, it’s about a 20-minute walk to get to the Grand Canyon Track.