Holly Kent

Topping the list of Blue Mountains walks for most people who have spent a lot of time hiking in the Blue Mountains, the Grand Canyon in Blackheath offers picturesque scenery, amazing views and glimpses of the native wildlife. Given this is one of the most popular walks in the Blue Mountains, this isn’t one you are likely to have to yourself like some of my other favourite walks. Located in the upper mountains suburb of Blackheath, the Grand Canyon track kicks off at Evans lookout. The Grand Canyon track follows the path of Greaves Creek through the Canyon so the track is peppered with creek crossings and little waterfalls.

The fire trail is a little over 4.5 kilometres from the highway on the left, there are a couple of trails on the left in this area but the Asgard Swamp one is quite a clear and obvious trail. The track to Pagoda Rock appears on the left a little over 2 kilometres from the entry, you can’t miss it, because its such a short detour that you can see Pagoda Rock from the fire trail. Walking behind Pagoda Rock offers views across Asgard Swamp, or you can take a short scramble up onto the rock for a view from above. The Asgard Swamp was a rich source of food and resources for the local Aboriginal people, and I have found numerous references in my research to this being a site of significance, including a photograph of a handprint listed as being at Asgard Swamp.

: A significant example of an Aboriginal rock art site in the Blue Mountains, Red Hands Cave contains over forty hand stencils from both adults and children, which were created by spraying ochre from the mouth over a hand pressed against the rock. Timing: Allow 2 hours from the carpark on the short route plus 15 minutes driving in National Park, 4 hours on the long route and 5 minutes driving in National Park. Timing: 60-90 minutes if you would like to have a wander around Shaws Creek Aboriginal Place, 20 minutes if you just want to check out the shelter and carvings. : Easily one of the most picturesque walks in the Blue Mountains, The Grand Canyon track also features a large, sandy floored overhang beside Greaves Creek called the Rotunda, which was used as an Aboriginal shelter.

Mountain Ridge Wines is just over 9 kilometres from the town of Berry, at 11 Coolangatta Road, Coolangatta. Coolangatta Estate Winery is just over 11 kilometres from the town of Berry, at 1335 Bolong Road, Coolangatta. This Shoalhaven Winery produces a number of white wines including Savagnin, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Semillion, as well as Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat. Wine tasting at the Cellar Door is available 7 days from 10am until 5pm for $10 per person which includes 6 wines.