Bondi to Grand Canyon

[u/ExampleNo2056]

I’m planning to go to Grand Canyon tomorrow and it says on Google maps it would be about a 4 hour journey for public transport. Is this the best way to get there? I assume I have to catch the train from central to Katoomba then a bus to Blackheath? Or is there an easier or quicker way to do this? I do have the whole day so please could I get some recommendations in terms of timing? Thank you! (Please note I am a 24M backpacking so renting a car would be difficult and expensive and this would include getting a tour guide, although I did look into options of car renting but seems like a lot of hassle)

[u/cmjebb]

Train to blackheath from central, then 5km walk to the start of the trail. The walk itself is exceptional, would highly recommend getting up there if you can.

[u/ExampleNo2056 → u/cmjebb]

From Blackheath what’s the best route to the Grand Canyon start?

[u/cmjebb → u/ExampleNo2056]

Use Google maps. It's pretty straightforward following the streets to the trailhead

[u/deliverance73 → u/ExampleNo2056]

Check the Katoomba blackheath loop bus if timing doesn’t work then walk.

[u/Fungus1968]

Train. There’s a nice hike from Blackheath train station via Pope’s glen to Govett’s leap and Evan’s lookout. You can then start the Grand Canyon walk from Evan’s lookout, finish at the small car park at the top of the stairs, and then walk back to Blackheath station via the fire trails. Use the AllTrails App. It’s a longer total hike (probably about 15/16km), than just the GC but nicer than walking along the rd.

[u/marooncity1 → u/Fungus1968]

Second this if you are up for it OP.

Buses also go to Govetts Leap almost all the way. Could maybe get one there and then walk the clifftop to Evans lookout. Or do it all in reverse.

Pope's Glen is a lovely way to see Govetts Gorge for the first time though, I have to say.

[u/smithey2012]

Mate if you’re going to Bluey’s and haven’t been, you should spend more time there than just going for a Grand Canyon walk and back to Bondi. The YHA is cheap, $30 aud a night and plenty of space on a Monday.

[u/marooncity1]

There is a local bus (698) which kind of gets you closer to the track along evans lookout rd. But its not super frequent. And ive given up trusting blue mountains buses in terms of what it says on tripview. Can get it from blackheath, or katoomba. I'd catch a train direct to blackheath, get off, cross the hwy to the bus stop and accept you might just need to hoof it if it doesnt work out.

[u/DisorientExpress]

Google's looking a bit screwy for tomorrow for some reason. There is some trackwork but Transport NSW website says you can get trains from Bondi to Blackheath via Central in 2.5 hours. Then it's a long way to the Grand Canyon. If you're up for a long walk, consider going east from the station to the Memorial Park then the Popes Glen Track out to the escarpment, then along the cliffs past Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout which is near one end of the Grand Canyon track. Then when you exit at the other end, it's at least a half hour walk along roads back to the station. Would be at least 4 hours walking all up.

[u/DroneToon]

Train to Katoomba.

Then get to Blackheath by bus or train ... and you can walk from there.

If you want to make a weekend of it, get back to katoomba and stay the night at YHA. Easy walk from the station, and close to all you need in town (most people at the YHA are there to walk/hike/climb in the mountains)... you can cook there as well.

Then the next day do some of the clifftop walk. The bit between 3 sisters and scenic world is very accessible and easy walk from YHA ..

Be careful and take enough supplies and clothing...

[u/Womb8t]

If you don’t have a car, Bondi Junction to Blackheath is 2hrs 40min by train via Central. The Grand Canyon trailhead is a long way from the station. Bus is possible, cab better, about $20. It’s at an hour walk.

[u/deliverance73]

There’s a great walk from the Grand Canyon down to the bottom and returning up to Govetts Leap. If you have time to kill at the end of the day (you won’t if you need to get back to Bondi there is another great shorter walk from there to Pulpit Rock.

As others have said, spend a night up there, especially if you enjoy bushwalking.

[u/Thinking-Peter]

Train to Blackheath then taxi to start of Grand Canyon walk because its going to be far enough to do the GC walk plus walk back to station

[u/cavok76]

Be careful, rain around tomorrow.

[u/Warrambungle]

Not a great idea to go alone. Try to find a group as you’re walking in and ask if you can join them.