Few things are better than lacing up and setting off on a weekend walking adventure: fresh, crisp air, beautiful greenery, warm sunlight and quality time with your friends (plus the snacks and post-hike beer). Luckily, New South Wales is home to many cracking ones, from wind-swept coastal hikes in the Royal National Park to summiting the big beauty that is Mount Kosciuszko. Now, the legends at AllTrails have dropped its list of the most popular hikes to tackle this spring and summer, and the Blue Mountains’ Grand Canyon Track came out on top.
The first time I attempted the Grand Canyon track, I was a kid, and I think my good old dad carried me for most of it (love you, dad). Over the years I’ve done it a bunch more times, with my brother and mates, and each time its beauty and majesty blow me away. Keen to give it a go this spring and summer? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Grand Canyon hike is a 6.3km loop that’ll take you through an awe-inspiring canyon and the lush rainforest of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Beginning at Evans Lookout, the trail is a heart-racer, with some challenging sections, but at around three to four hours long (depending on how many snack breaks you take), it’s totally doable for a day trip. And the sweat is worth it for the cascading waterfalls, Jurassic Park-like ferns, trickling creeks, moss-covered rocks and spectacular Blue Mountains views.
It’s easy to reach the Grand Canyon Track. From Sydney, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive to Blackheath. Don’t drive? No worries. Catch the train from Central to Blackheath – the trip takes about two hours and 15 minutes. From there, it’s about a 45-minute walk to the start of the track, but I reckon you’re better off saving your legs and catching a 10-minute taxi instead. Find out more info here.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, lotsa water and lunch (I’m partial to cheese and bacon rolls).
Time Out tip: Afterwards, if you want to treat yourself to an early dinner, my picks in Blackheath are Frankie & Mo's, a father-son wine bar and restaurant (order the pet nat), and the flame-powered Ates. Just be sure to pack a change of clothes (and deo).
You can check out the best trails in New South Wales here.
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