Another weekend walk took me from Sydney to the Blue Mountains this time. This time I didn’t want to do a hike in Katoomba by default, but drove a bit further to Blackheath. In Blackheath I made in the end effect two trails one after the other, which were nevertheless quite short. However, that was not so much the problem, because the journey by public transport from Sydney always takes a long time. The one route was Cliff Top Track and the subsequent route went down into a valley and was the extremely worth seeing Grand Canyon Walking Track.
High above the valleys of the Blue Mountains, the village of Blackheath is a gateway to some of the region’s most unforgettable walks. Among them, two stand out for their beauty, variety, and sense of adventure: the Cliff Top Track, with its sweeping views across the Grose Valley, and the Grand Canyon Walking Track, a hidden world of waterfalls, ferns, and towering sandstone cliffs. In this video, we combine these two iconic hikes for a full day of exploration in the heart of New South Wales’ most celebrated wilderness.
The Cliff Top Track is one of those walks that takes your breath away the moment you begin. Stretching between Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, it follows the edge of the Grose Valley for about 3 kilometers. The path is relatively easy, but the rewards are immense: endless views of sandstone escarpments, deep valleys filled with eucalyptus forest, and ever-changing light as clouds drift across the sky. At Govetts Leap Lookout, one of the most famous viewpoints in the Blue Mountains, the valley drops dramatically beneath you, with Bridal Veil Falls tumbling from the cliffs in a delicate ribbon of water. From there, the trail hugs the cliff edge, weaving past wildflowers, native shrubs, and rock outcrops that seem to float above the valley.
As you walk, the scale of the landscape is humbling. The Grose Valley is vast, stretching as far as the eye can see, and the eucalyptus haze gives the mountains their distinctive blue tint. Birdsong echoes through the air, and you may spot black cockatoos or wedge-tailed eagles soaring on the thermals. Each lookout along the way – such as Barrow Lookout and Evans Lookout – offers a fresh perspective on this immense wilderness, reminding you of just how wild and ancient this landscape really is.
From the open grandeur of the Cliff Top Track, the adventure continues into the very heart of the sandstone. The Grand Canyon Walking Track, a loop of around 6 kilometers, is one of the most atmospheric and rewarding walks in the Blue Mountains. Despite its name, this canyon is not vast like its American counterpart, but it is every bit as dramatic in its own way. The trail descends steeply into a lush, shaded gorge, where towering cliffs rise on either side and a cool microclimate nurtures tree ferns, mosses, and waterfalls.
The path winds along creeks, across stepping stones, and under rock overhangs. In places, the canyon narrows so much that the light filters through in shafts, illuminating the greenery in a magical glow. Water trickles down moss-covered walls, and the sound of running streams accompanies your steps. It feels like stepping into another world, far removed from the dry bushland above. Built by hand in the early 1900s, the track itself is a heritage treasure, blending seamlessly into the natural environment with stone steps and carved pathways.
Emerging from the depths of the canyon, the trail climbs back to Evans Lookout, where the vastness of the Grose Valley spreads out once again. The contrast between the two walks – the open cliff-edge panoramas and the enclosed, lush canyon – makes for an unforgettable combination. Together, they capture the essence of the Blue Mountains: dramatic landscapes, hidden worlds, and a sense of timelessness that leaves a deep impression.
Practical tips: Both tracks can be walked in a single day, with the Cliff Top Track taking around 1.5 hours one way and the Grand Canyon loop around 3 hours. Good walking shoes, plenty of water, and a camera are essential. The weather can change quickly in the Blue Mountains, so bring layers. Public transport connects Blackheath with Sydney, making this an accessible adventure for day-trippers as well as those staying in the mountains.
Walking the Cliff Top Track and the Grand Canyon Walking Track is more than just exercise – it is an immersion in landscapes that inspire awe and reflection. From cliff tops where you feel the immensity of nature to deep gorges where you sense its intimacy, these trails show the Blue Mountains at their very best.
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