Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains: Complete Hiking Guide (Parking, Tips & Where to Stay)

Quick Stats

Distance	6.3 km loop
Time	3–6 hours
Grade	Grade 3 – Moderate (steep descent/ascent)
Dogs	❌ Not permitted
Cost	Free
Start	Evans Lookout Rd, Blackheath NSW 2785

The Grand Canyon Track in Blackheath is one of the finest walks in the Blue Mountains — and I’d argue, in all of Australia. Not because it’s the longest or the highest, but because it packs so much variety into 6.3 km: sandstone cliffs, ancient rainforest, creek crossings, a hidden waterfall, and some of the best birdlife in the region. I’ve done it half a dozen times and find something new every visit.

This guide covers everything you need for a great day out — parking, which direction to walk, what to see, when to go, and where to stay nearby.

Exploring the wider Blue Mountains? Our Local’s Guide to Leura & the Blue Mountains covers 21 things to do across all seasons — walks, gardens, villages, and more.

Visiting the Blue Mountains? Stay at Magnolia Cottage in Leura — 15 minutes from the trailhead.

The track descends steeply from the escarpment into a deep, lush canyon carved by Greaves Creek. As you make your way down, the environment dramatically shifts from dry eucalypt forest to cool, temperate rainforest, filled with ferns, mosses, and towering trees like Coachwood and Sassafras. The track was first cut in 1907 and has barely changed since — it winds along the creek bed, crosses the water numerous times via charming sandstone stepping stones, passes under dramatic rock overhangs, and even takes you behind a cascading waterfall.

Clockwise or Anticlockwise?

The Grand Canyon Track is a loop, and you can walk it either way. Most guides recommend starting at Evans Lookout and walking clockwise (Evans Lookout → Grand Canyon → Neates Glen → back along the fire trail to Evans Lookout). Here’s why: the steepest section — roughly 300 stone steps — comes early in the walk while your legs are fresh. The return leg along the ridge fire trail is flat and easy. If you start at Neates Glen and go anticlockwise, you’ll be climbing those steps at the end when you’re already tired.

Both car parks are close to each other. Some people shuttle cars for a one-way walk — but the fire trail return is only 1.5 km and very easy, so it’s not worth the logistical hassle.

Getting There & Parking

There are two car parks, both off Evans Lookout Road in Blackheath:

• Evans Lookout Car Park — end of Evans Lookout Rd, Blackheath NSW 2785. Free, unsealed, fits ~30 cars. Recommended start point for a clockwise loop.
• Neates Glen Car Park — 1.5 km back along Evans Lookout Rd. Free, smaller. Use this if Evans Lookout is full.

Drive times: ~1 hr 45 min from Sydney CBD · ~20 min from Katoomba · ~15 min from Leura. Search \”Evans Lookout Car Park Blackheath\” in Google Maps for the exact pin.

There is no public transport to the trailhead. A car or taxi from Blackheath station (about 10 minutes) is your best option if coming by train.

What You’ll See On the Track

Walking clockwise from Evans Lookout, here’s what to look out for:

1. Evans Lookout — Take five minutes at the lookout before you descend. The panoramic view across the Grose Valley is one of the best in the Blue Mountains. Early morning light is spectacular.
2. The rainforest transition — Within the first 500m of descending, dry eucalypt bush gives way to cool temperate rainforest. The air becomes noticeably cooler and the light turns green. It feels like entering another world.
3. Greaves Creek crossings — You’ll cross the creek multiple times on sandstone stepping stones. After rain, some crossings run ankle-deep. Waterproof shoes or gaiters are handy.
4. The Rotunda — A large, sandy-floored rock shelter historically used by Aboriginal people. The overhang is enormous and the acoustics are incredible.
5. Behind the waterfall — The track passes directly behind a cascading waterfall. You can stand in the cave and look out through the curtain of water. Kids love this spot.
6. Wildlife — Eastern Water Dragons are common along the creek. Lyrebirds are heard more than seen, but patient walkers sometimes spot them. Crimson Rosellas and Superb Fairy-wrens are regular companions.
7. Neates Glen exit — The canyon opens up and you emerge at the Neates Glen car park. The fire trail back to Evans Lookout is flat, open, and takes about 25 minutes.

The Glow Worm Secret

Not many guides mention this: the Grand Canyon Track has glow worms. They live in the damp, dark overhangs and tunnel sections of the lower canyon, and are most visible at dusk or just after dark. If you start the walk in the late afternoon (around 3–4pm in autumn/winter), you may catch them on the lower section of the trail as natural light fades.

Bring a torch and turn it off for 30 seconds once your eyes adjust — the tiny blue-green pinpricks of light on the cave ceiling are genuinely magical. They’re not as dense as the famous Waitomo caves in New Zealand, but they’re free and far less crowded.

Planning a Blue Mountains trip? Magnolia Cottage in Leura is a 15-minute drive from the Grand Canyon trailhead — a peaceful base with a fireplace, firepit, and 2,200m² of garden.

Is It Family-Friendly?

Yes, with the right expectations. The Grand Canyon Track is suitable for children aged 8 and up who are comfortable walking for 3–4 hours on uneven terrain. The stone steps, creek crossings, waterfall cave, and wildlife make it genuinely exciting for them.

It is not suitable for prams, wheelchairs, or children under about 6. The descent involves hundreds of uneven stone steps and the track is narrow in sections. Dogs are not permitted in the national park.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (October–November) and Autumn (April–May) are the sweet spots. The weather is mild, the light is golden, and the track is at its most beautiful. Autumn brings falling leaves to the upper forest; spring sees the ferns at their most lush.

Winter brings cold mornings but crystal-clear air and fewer crowds. The waterfalls run stronger after winter rain. Pack layers — the temperature inside the canyon can be 5–6°C cooler than at the trailhead.

Summer is the busiest season. The canyon stays cooler than the plateau on hot days, but car parks fill by 9am on weekends. Start before 8am if visiting in December–February.

What to Wear & Pack

• Footwear: Trail runners or hiking boots with good grip. The steps and creek banks are often wet and slippery. Avoid thongs or smooth-soled sneakers.
• Layers: Even in summer, the canyon floor is noticeably cooler. A light merino layer or windproof jacket is worth carrying.
• Water: At least 1.5L per person. There’s no water on the trail and the walk takes 3–6 hours.
• Trekking poles: Optional but helpful on the descent, especially for those with knee issues.
• Snacks: There are no cafes or shops near the trailhead. Bring enough food for the full day.
• Torch: Only needed if timing your walk for glow worms at dusk.

After the Walk: Blackheath Village

Blackheath is a 5-minute drive from the trailhead and one of the most underrated villages in the Blue Mountains. The main street has excellent cafes and the Gardeners Inn pub — perfect for a post-hike meal and cold drink. Becassine and Two Fat Blokes are local favourites for brunch and lunch. Easy to combine with the walk for a full day out.

Where to Stay for the Grand Canyon Track

The Grand Canyon Track is in Blackheath, but most accommodation is in Katoomba and Leura — both within easy reach. Magnolia Cottage in Leura is about 15 minutes by car from Evans Lookout: a 2,200m² property with a fireplace, firepit, mature gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere after a day on the trail.