Grand Canyon Track: A Complete Guide to the Blue Mountains Rainforest Loop from Blackheath

Have you ever wanted to walk through a real canyon without ropes, a wetsuit or an abseil? The Grand Canyon Track near Blackheath lets you do exactly that. The path drops from the sunny clifftops into a deep, shady gorge cut by Greaves Creek. Down there it is cool and green, with tree ferns, mossy overhangs, little waterfalls and a short rock tunnel. Then you climb out to Evans Lookout, one of the best views over the Grose Valley in the whole Blue Mountains.

I spent part of my au pair years in Australia, and in my 10 + 1 things to do in Sydney post I suggested a day trip to the Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters. However, we haven't hiked the Grand Canyon Track yet. It's high on our bucket list, so I've researched every detail for you.

People have walked this track since 1907. It is only about 6 km long. But don't underestimate it! There are a lot of steps, and the climb out at the end is hard work.

At a glance

• Distance: 6.3 km loop, according to NSW National Parks. Wildwalks measures the main circuit at about 5.4 km
• Elevation gain: around 425 m of climbing in total, mostly on steps (Wildwalks figure)
• Allow 3–4 hours, plus extra time if you add the side trip to Beauchamp Falls
• Difficulty: Moderate (Grade 3). A formed, signposted track with many steps and short steep hills
• Route type: Circular (Grand Canyon carpark → Neates Glen → Greaves Creek → Evans Lookout → Grand Canyon carpark)
• Start/finish: Grand Canyon carpark on Evans Lookout Road, Blackheath
• Best season: all year, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Never walk it during or after heavy rain
• Prices: free, with no park entry fee in the Blackheath area
• Toilets: non-flush toilets at the Grand Canyon carpark. Evans Lookout has non-flush toilets and an accessible toilet. There is no drinking water, so bring your own
• Suitable for children: yes, for kids who are happy to walk up a lot of steps. Not suitable for pushchairs
• Dogs: not allowed (only certified assistance animals)

Route description

NSW National Parks suggests going down via Neates Glen and climbing out at Evans Lookout, so I describe it this way.

Grand Canyon carpark to Neates Glen

From the Grand Canyon carpark, follow the signs for Neates Glen. A short bush track crosses a clearing under power lines and then joins a gravel path to the small Neates Glen parking area. This first part is flat and easy, about 700 m and 10–15 minutes.

Down Neates Glen into the canyon

At Neates Glen the real walk starts. Stairs zigzag down the side of the glen, with railings in the steeper spots. As you drop, the plants change from dry heath with banksias and mountain devil to lush ferns and rainforest. You cross the creek, walk along the side of the canyon under mossy rock overhangs and cross a little boardwalk bridge. From here the path follows Greaves Creek deeper into the gorge.

The Rotunda

After more steps down, you reach the Rotunda. This is a big sandy overhang at a signposted junction, about 2 km from the start. It is a lovely spot for a snack break before the best part of the walk.

Through the Grand Canyon

From the Rotunda, follow the signs for Evans Lookout. This middle section looks like so much fun. The path hugs the canyon wall under overhangs, goes through a small rock tunnel and passes behind a waterfall. Then a railed section leads to a bridge in front of another waterfall. Further on, you cross the creek several times on rocks and bridges. The stepping stones can be slippery, so take your time.

You will also pass the spot where the technical Grand Canyon canyoning route starts. This is a completely different trip. It involves swimming, scrambling and a 20 m overhanging abseil, and it is only for experienced canyoners. Stay on the walking track!

Side trip to Beauchamp Falls

At the junction with the Rodriguez Pass track, you can make a side trip down to Beauchamp Falls. It is roughly 380 m each way but steep, so allow 30–40 minutes extra. Of course, every step down is a step you have to climb back up. So I suggest you only do it if you still feel fresh.

The climb to Evans Lookout

Now comes the hard part. From the junction, cross the creek and start climbing. Stone-cut steps and wooden stairs lead up through a gap in the cliffs, then the path weaves between boulders and climbs a final staircase through a rock pass. It is only about 1 km, but it is steep and relentless. Many walkers say it is much harder than they expected.

The reward is Evans Lookout. The fenced lookout looks straight out over the Grose Valley, with its huge sandstone cliffs and endless forest. Early morning and late afternoon light is said to be the most beautiful here.

Back to the carpark

From Evans Lookout, walk past the toilets and follow the road for about 100 m. Then take the bush track on the left back to the Grand Canyon carpark. It is about 800 m, or 15–20 minutes.

Tip: some walkers prefer the loop the other way round, from Evans Lookout. Then the steepest stairs are on the way down.

How to get there

By car and parking

Blackheath is about 120 km west of Sydney on the Great Western Highway. In Blackheath, turn off the highway into Evans Lookout Road and follow it to the Grand Canyon carpark.

Parking: park at the Grand Canyon carpark. It is the big, purpose-built car park for this walk, with toilets, and parking is free. Please don't park on the roadside verges at Neates Glen, as this area overflows quickly and affects residents and the bush. On sunny weekends and in school holidays, arrive early to avoid disappointment.

By train

Blackheath is a stop on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney Central. The trip takes roughly 2 hours. You can tap on and off with an Opal card or a contactless bank card or phone, just like in Sydney. Check the Transport for NSW Trip Planner for current times and trackwork.

From the station it is about 4.8 km (around 1.5 hours) on foot to Neates Glen, via the Braeside walk and Evans Lookout Road. This adds a lot to your day, so I suggest you start early.

By bike

You can also cycle from Blackheath to the Grand Canyon carpark along Evans Lookout Road. There is no dedicated bike parking, so bring a lock.

Permits, fees & opening times

• You don't need a permit to walk the Grand Canyon Track.
• Prices: free. There is no park entry fee for the Blackheath area. The $8 per vehicle per day fee only applies at attractions in the Glenbrook area of Blue Mountains National Park (as of 2026).
• Opening times: the Blackheath area is always open. However, it may close at times because of bad weather or fire danger. So check the park alerts on the NSW National Parks website before you go.
• Visitor centre: the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath, is open 9 am to 4 pm daily (closed Christmas Day).

When to go

You can walk the Grand Canyon Track all year. Blackheath is the highest town in the Blue Mountains, at around 1,065 m. So it is cooler than Sydney, and it usually gets a couple of snowfalls each winter.

In my opinion, spring and autumn are the best times. The temperatures are comfortable for all those steps, and the heath is full of wildflowers in spring. In summer the shady canyon and its waterfalls are a great place to cool off. However, the climb out can be hot and sweaty, so start early. In winter the canyon is cold and damp, and the days are short.

The most important rule is about rain. Greaves Creek can flood after heavy rain, and you should never walk in a canyon before, during or after heavy rain. Weekends and school holidays are busy, so go on a weekday if you can.

Hiking with kids

Suitable for children: yes, if they are used to walking. The tunnel, waterfalls and stepping stones make it a real adventure. But the many steps, especially the climb up to Evans Lookout, can be tough for little legs. I think it suits confident walkers from around 7 who don't mind a long climb.

• Pushchairs: not suitable. The track has many steps and short steep hills.
• Carriers: a back carrier is the best way to bring toddlers. Take care on the wet steps and stepping stones, and watch your head under the overhangs.
• Shorten it: with younger kids, walk down Neates Glen to the Rotunda for a picnic and come back the same way. Or just enjoy the view from Evans Lookout, which has an accessible path.
• Keep them engaged: count the waterfalls, spot the change from dry bush to rainforest and listen for birdsong.

What to pack

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots with good grip, as the rocks and steps are often wet
• At least 1.5–2 litres of water per person, as there is no drinking water on the walk
• Snacks or a picnic for the Rotunda
• A light waterproof and a warm layer, because the canyon floor is cool even in summer
• Hat and sunscreen for the open clifftop sections
• The free NSW National Parks app with the map downloaded

Mobile reception is limited in the canyon. If you walk a lot in the bush, the Garmin inReach Mini is one I recommend in my guide to personal locator beacons. It lets you send an SOS without phone signal.

Safety tips

• Check the weather and park alerts before you set off. Don't walk in the canyon before, during or after heavy rain, as the creek can flood.
• Take the creek crossings slowly. Wet rocks and mossy steps are very slippery.
• Pace yourself on the climb to Evans Lookout. It is steep and long, so take breaks and drink water.
• Download the Emergency Plus app before your visit. Mobile reception is limited, and you need it to call Triple Zero (000).
• Smoking is not allowed in NSW national parks.

Leave no trace & sustainable tips

• Come by train. Blackheath has its own station on the Blue Mountains Line, so you can leave the car at home.
• Stay on the formed track. The ferns and mosses in the canyon are fragile, and shortcuts cause erosion.
• Take all your rubbish home, including fruit peel and tissues.
• Support local: buy your picnic and your post-walk coffee in Blackheath.

Where to stay & eat nearby

• Blackheath is the obvious base. It is a small mountain town with guesthouses, cottages, motels and cafés.
• Medlow Bath, the next village towards Katoomba, is home to the Hydro Majestic hotel.
• Katoomba is the biggest town in the upper Blue Mountains, with the most choice of accommodation, restaurants and supermarkets.
• Camping: NSW National Parks runs campgrounds in the Blackheath area, such as Perrys Lookdown. Check the details on the NSW National Parks website.

More to explore nearby

• Cliff Top walking track: a 6 km return walk (3–3.5 hours) from Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap lookout along the edge of the Grose Valley, with wildflowers in spring.
• The Three Sisters and Scenic World: in Katoomba, a short train ride away. This is the day trip I recommended in my Sydney post.

FAQ

How long is the Grand Canyon Track?

NSW National Parks lists it as a 6.3 km loop that takes 3–4 hours. Add 30–40 minutes for the side trip to Beauchamp Falls.

Is the Grand Canyon Track hard?

It is graded 3 by NSW National Parks, so it is a formed, signposted track with no experience needed. However, there are a lot of steps, and the climb out of the canyon is steep. You need reasonable fitness.

Where do you park for the Grand Canyon Track?

At the free Grand Canyon carpark on Evans Lookout Road, Blackheath. It has toilets. Please don't park on the roadside at Neates Glen.

Can you do the Grand Canyon Track without a car?

Yes. Take the Blue Mountains Line train to Blackheath, then walk about 4.8 km to Neates Glen via the Braeside walk and Evans Lookout Road.

Can you bring a dog?

No. Pets are not allowed in NSW national parks, except certified assistance animals.

Have you walked the Grand Canyon Track? Did you do it from Neates Glen or from Evans Lookout? Let me know in the comments!