Illustrative artwork — an impression of Blue Mountains — Grand Canyon Track, not a literal photograph.
The Grand Canyon Track is a loop day hike in Blue Mountains National Park, dropping off the tableland near Blackheath into a cool, fern-lined sandstone canyon before climbing back out to the rim. It's managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and needs no permit, so the real lodging question isn't about huts or booking windows — it's simply choosing which Blue Mountains town to base yourself in for the night before and after.
Why hike here
What makes this hike memorable is the contrast: you start on dry, sunlit tableland and within minutes drop into a narrow, damp world of sandstone walls, hanging ferns, and mossy steps cut into the rock. The track threads along a creek bed, crosses timber walkways, and at one point takes you behind or alongside a waterfall, where the air turns cool and the light goes green and filtered. It's a short escape from the open bushland above into something closer to a rainforest gully, then a steady climb back into the eucalypt scrub and sun at the rim. Because it's a loop, you finish near where you started, which makes it an easy add-on to a Blue Mountains base rather than a full day's commitment.
Getting there
Most hikers fly into Sydney and either drive or take the train out to the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains Line runs directly from central Sydney through Katoomba, Leura, and Blackheath, so a car isn't essential if you're staying in one of those towns. From Blackheath, the trailhead is a short local drive or taxi ride away, generally near Neates Glen or Evans Lookout. If you're based in Katoomba or Leura, plan for a longer local transfer to reach the start of the loop.
Where to stay
The realistic options, closest-to-the-trail first. Book through the official links — we don't list prices or availability because they change all the time.
Illustrative — evokes the setting, not a specific property. For example: Hotels, guesthouses and rentals in the Blue Mountains towns
Most visitors — the trailhead is minutes from Blackheath.
The towns sit right on the train line from Sydney.
Nearby-town lodgingFor example: National park and nearby campgrounds for those who want to stay outdoors
Campers pairing the canyon with other Blue Mountains walks.
A base for the many walks around Blackheath and the Grose Valley.
NSW National ParksPermits & rules
No permit is needed for the loop. The track drops into a cool, damp fern canyon with steps and a short passage behind a waterfall — it can be slippery, so wear proper shoes and allow time for the climb back out.
Gear you'll want for this trip
Matched to the terrain and conditions here. Real products — check current price on Amazon.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to hike the Grand Canyon Track?
No. The Grand Canyon Track in Blue Mountains National Park is a day-use walk with no permit required. It's managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, so it's worth checking current park alerts before you go, but there's no booking system or hut quota to plan lodging around.
Where should I stay — Blackheath, Katoomba, or Leura?
All three sit on the same train line from Sydney and all have hotels, guesthouses, and rentals. Blackheath is closest to this particular trailhead, while Katoomba and Leura are larger and offer more lodging choices overall. Basing yourself in any of the three works; Blackheath simply shortens the local transfer to the track.
What should I bring given the canyon is damp and slippery?
Wear proper hiking or trail shoes with real grip, since the sandstone steps and walkways inside the canyon stay wet and mossy even in dry weather. Bring a light layer for the cool, shaded section near the waterfall, and allow extra time for the climb back out to the rim, which is steeper going up than coming down.
Complete gearsets for this trip
Full curated kits built for exactly this kind of hike — what to bring, why, and links to similar gear.
Lodging details are compiled from official parks, refuge associations and reservation systems and can change without notice. We publish no prices, availability or ratings — always confirm current information on the official site before booking or setting out. Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; prices and availability are shown on Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.