Grand Canyon track

The Grand Canyon track is a 6.3 km loop from Grand Canyon carpark: it drops from the plateau to Greaves Creek, threads the sandstone canyon, then climbs out at Evans Lookout before returning to the carpark. Allow 3 to 4 hours. It’s graded 3: the track is formed and clearly signposted, but the hills are short and steep and the route has many steps. It’s a moderate walk for people happy with a long stair workout; it won’t feel like a casual 6 km stroll.

The descent starts in open plateau bush, among banksias and mountain devil, then slips into a cooler, shaded gully where ferns and rainforest take over. You lose height quickly on the way down, and you’ll have to climb it back later. The formed path makes the route easy to follow, but the uneven stone and timber steps are part of the effort from the start.

The creek is the thread through the canyon. The track crosses it several times on stepping stones or small bridges, passing little waterfalls and pools under high sandstone walls. Watch the scenery change from open bush to a narrow, fern-filled gorge; the rock walls and overhangs make this feel much more enclosed than the ridge above. A short tunnel cut through a sandstone overhang is one of the walk’s odd, memorable details. Stones and rock can be slippery after rain, and the crossings may be higher.

After the canyon, the way climbs steadily through a long run of stairs to Evans Lookout. This is the big change in mood: the tight creek gully opens to broad views across the Grose Valley and its sandstone cliffs. Take a few minutes here before following the lookout connection and Evans Lookout Road back to the carpark. Visitors disagree about which way round the circuit is best, so don’t expect one direction to make the climb disappear.

People have walked this route since 1907. A major restoration ran in 11 stages from 2008 to 2017, balancing the old stonework with safer, durable construction. Materials for the work were flown into the canyon by helicopter, a good measure of how awkward it is to build and repair a path in a steep, enclosed gorge.

Grand Canyon carpark is on Evans Lookout Road near Blackheath. There are non-flush toilets at the carpark, but no drinking water; Evans Lookout also has toilets, including an accessible toilet reached by a concrete path. Dogs and other domestic animals aren’t allowed, apart from certified assistance animals. Park access can change with fire danger or poor weather, so check current alerts before driving out.

If you want the canyon’s wide view without the full loop, Evans Lookout is a separate, much shorter stop from the road. On the circuit, it’s a satisfying finish after the stair climb. The broad Grose Valley view is especially striking around sunrise or sunset; the canyon itself is better for noticing the close-up creek, ferns and layered rock.