Located in the Kuring-gai Chase National Park, access to the Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk will cost $12.00 per car for a day. This will cover you for any other parts of the National Park you visit on that day too. The fee allows you to use the picnic areas and walking tracks in the area, which are well maintained by NSW Parks and Wildlife. Payment can be made at the entry gate as you drive in.
Our first stop was Empire Marina, where the still morning are provided amazing reflections on the water of the boats and surrounding forest. After this we drove to the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, where the boardwalk starts.
View from Empire Marina to the picnic groundsBoats at Empire Marina Bobbin Head
The Boardwalk
The boardwalk meanders through the mangroves and there are information signs to help you learn more about the environment and plenty of opportunities to see the mangroves and crabs up close. Because it was low tide when we went, we didn’t see any crabs, only the openings to their burrows.
The boardwalk is 552 meters long and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way we had more amazing reflections in Cockle Creek as well as views of the mangroves.
The track continues into the forest as Gibberagong Track, which we followed for a short distance to get more views over the creek.
This was a great little walk with amazing views. We were the only ones there during our visit early on a winter morning, but in summer it is very busy.
Suspension bridge through the mangrovesSuspension bridge through the mangrovesMetal sculpture of Cunningham’s SkinkCowan CreekThe boardwalk through the mangrovesEroded sandstoneTrees growing in the sandstone on the river bankBrush TurkeyStone steps at the end of the boardwalkView over Cowan Creek
One of the great walking tracks in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, the Grand Canyon Track is a 6.3km loop that descends 1,000 steps to Greaves Creek before climbing out again to the top. During the hike, you pass through rain forest, past waterfalls and get some of the best views of the surrounding World Heritage Listed area.
Parking
Three carparks in the area are all good places to leave your car. As the walk is a loop, you will need to pass all of them at one stage. Which one you choose is up to you, but we used Neates Glen car park, because it lets to start on the track straight away. Additionally, you get to finish the climb out of the canyon with the spectacular views from Evans Lookout.
Wet weather made the track wet, muddy and slippery in many places, especially where some of the steps were covered in mud. We wore good hiking boots and were pleased that we did. Some people only wore sneakers and they were soon soaked, covered in mud and slippery. Even in dry weather, good hiking boots would be a good idea, because of the extra grip and support they provide.
Descending through the rainforest, you pass eucalypts, and wonderful tree ferns. With the surrounding cliff and rock overhangs, it feels like something from a Harrison Ford Raiders of the Lost Ark Movie. Well maintained, the track is easy to follow without having to stop and decide which way to go. We had no difficulty finding our way. However if you need a map, one is available at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
Stone Steps Leading DownOne of the Tree Ferns at the Start of the TrackWet and Slippery Steps on the TrackThe Muddy Track Passing Through FernsThe Track Passing under Boulders and CliffsSteppingstones on the Track Going Past Cliffs and Ferns
Centre Section
At around the mid-way point the track flattens slightly and you need to cross Greaves Creek several times. One crossing had its steppingstones submerged, but we crossed OK, due to our hiking boots. In this section, there are rocky overhangs with sandy floors where previous floods have eroded the cliffs.
This section of the track also contains two of its highlights. The first is a short tunnel. It’s not long, but can be dark inside, so just take your time.
The second is a waterfall, which was flowing nicely when we visited. Recent rain meant that the usual small trickle was a good flow. the track passes behind it, which is fun and worth the photos.
Steppingstones and Steps Cut into Rock on Greaves CreekEucalypts growing on a Cliff FaceThe Track Leading Through the CanyonSandy Floor of the Undercut CliffA Small Waterfall Over the Track. Hikers have to go Behind it.A Small Waterfall Over the Track. Hikers have to go Behind it.Steppingstones at the Cliff Base
Climbing out of the Valley
This section was the hardest and whichever way you decide to walk the track, you must climb around 1,000 steps to get out. We took our time, admiring the views and forest as we went. Finishing at Evans Lookout gives you a nice place to relax and enjoy a fantastic view over the mountains as a reward for your hard work.
The walk back to the car from Evans lookout to the carpark was a bit boring and I can see why some people might choose to do this section first ending at Neats Glen car park as it is a letdown after the scenery in the canyon. Nevertheless, we did get to see some Waratahs in bloom on the side of the track.
The cliffs showing the height to be climbed to finish the trackGreaves Creek at the Bottom of the CanyonStepping StonesOverhanging Cliff and Ferns at the Bottom of the TrackA view of the Escarpment Near the End of the TrackWaratah, The State Floral Emblem of New South Wales
What Did We Think?
This was a fantastic track, with a well deserved reputation as the best in the Blue Mountains. We enjoyed the challenge of the 1,000 steps while admiring the beautiful scenery and rainforest. Remember to wear good hiking boots, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
An initiative of the Maitland Council to encourage people to use the Hunter River and visit the Levee Precinct, the kayaks are operated by Lake Mac Kayak and Bike Hire. We hired two double kayaks for us and our two adult children. As well as the kayaks, life jackets are provided.
As suggested by Lake Mac Kayak, we took the following items along. Bringing these items made sure we had a good time on the water, didn’t get sunburnt and got dry afterwards.
a hat
sunscreen
sun glasses
a towel to get dry afterwards
water-friendly shoes – we used Crocks
A zip-lock or waterproof bag for phones to make sure they didn’t get wet.
Having an hour to use the equipment, we went upstream, paddling against the current. Although tiring, this meant we had an easier time on the return travelling with the current.
Seeing the river from this preselected was great, giving us a different perspective of Maitland. We paddled as far as the Belmore Bridge, which was interesting to see if from the underside in the middle of the river.
We had a great time even though we got wet but because we came prepared with towels and a change of clothes we soon dried out. There are chairs to sit on the side of the river also. Paddling on the Hunter River through Maitland was a fun 60 minutes. Check the website or Maitland Council to see if it’s still operating.
So, if you’re looking for something to do, hire a kayak at Maitland and spend a fun 60 minutes on the Hunter River near the Levee in the centre of town.
Hunter RiverView From the Middle of the RiverBridge Over the Hunter RiverKayakers on the Hunter River
