Grand Canyon Track: Down into Blackheath’s Ferns

Grand Canyon track is a full descent into a fern-lined sandstone canyon and a climb back out. Choose it when you want several hours on foot with creeks, waterfalls and a marked circuit. A visit to Evans lookout alone is a different outing; reaching the canyon floor commits you to the uphill part afterward.

Begin at Grand Canyon car park

From Blackheath, turn off Great Western Highway onto Evans Lookout Road and follow it to Grand Canyon car park. That is the NPWS start, rather than an assumed start at Blackheath Station. If you arrive without a car, arrange and confirm both road transfers before choosing this circuit.

The published route is 6.3 km (3.9 mi), three to four hours, Grade 3. It descends from woodland into the Greaves Creek environment and climbs out at Evans lookout. Continue following the signed Grand Canyon circuit back to its car park; arriving at the lookout is not yet the return to your vehicle.

Add stops for the creek and waterfalls to the walking allowance. The ascent belongs at the end of the day’s effort, so make your decision before descending, particularly if your group is already tired after travel. Hike difficulty is useful here because the distance alone understates the change in terrain.

Rain changes the decision

NPWS says never enter a canyon before, during or after heavy rain because creeks can flood. A forecast with that problem is a reason to choose a different day, not merely carry a better jacket. Read the current local alerts before departure as well.

The October 2026 park fire ban prohibits campfires and solid-fuel stoves in this walking area. A cold picnic keeps the plan simple; gas cooking has separate conditions, and a Total Fire Ban has different rules. Bring water because none is supplied at the car park. Pets are prohibited apart from certified assistance animals. The walking circuit does not require the abseil and swimming skills of the separate technical canyon activity.