Grand Canyon

Where

Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park in Sydney and surrounds, Country NSW

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Time suggested

5hrs

Grade

Hard. You need a moderate level of fitness, as well as canyoning experience and proficiency with ropes and other canyoning equipment.

Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Personal Locator Beacon

If you're planning to loan a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) from one of these locations, wait and fill out your trip intention form in person.

What to
bring

Drinking water, canyoning equipment, helmet, wetsuit, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, first aid kit, mobile phone, dry bag, personal locator beacon, snacks

Please note

• Don't visit the canyon just before, during or after heavy rainfall or storms. Check park alerts before you go.
• You may encounter commercial tour groups.
• Planning a guided tour? Choose a Park Eco Pass operator. Only Parks Eco Pass holders are permitted to operate tours in Blue Mountains National Park.

Grand Canyon is a 400m canyon in Blue Mountains National Park. It features an unavoidable 30m swim and requires a total walk of 5km to get in and out. To complete it you need to be physically fit, experienced, and accomplished using ropes and other canyoning equipment. Expect to encounter commercial tour groups.

Located near Blackheath, Grand Canyon is cool and shaded. Since you can't complete the canyon without going for a swim, the best time to go is in warm summer months to reduce the risk of getting chilled when wet.

To reach Grand Canyon, start at Neates Glen parking area off Evans Lookout Road. From here, follow Grand Canyon track for about 2km downhill, passing through a rock tunnel. You'll find the start of the canyon to the left of the track, marked by a set of abseil bolts and chains. Be careful, there's a big drop beneath them.

Once you've made it through Grand Canyon, you’ll find a sign with directions to Evans lookout and Neates Glen. Follow this track to find your way back to Neates Glen carpark.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info