Canoe Creek Track in Wollemi National Park is one of the wildest and most rewarding places I’ve camped. It’s an 8 km return walk with around 480 metres of elevation gain. Not a huge distance, but don’t let that fool you. It’s steep, remote and properly challenging with a full pack.
The first part was pretty cruisy and, at the time of writing, not overgrown, so it was easy to navigate. But once the descent starts, the track quickly becomes narrow, steep, and loose. There were a few spots where I had to take off my pack to get down safely, and it’s easy to lose the path in places. Cairns help, but they’re not always reliable, so offline maps are essential. There’s no phone reception once you leave the car park.
After about 4 km, the trail reaches Canoe Creek and then the Colo River. Towering cliffs surround a white sand bend in the river, with clear water and plenty of space to camp. I set up by the river, filtered water from the creek and watched the sunset by the fire. It felt quiet, remote, and untouched. A proper off-grid spot not too far from Sydney.
The climb back out the next morning was slow. That steep descent becomes a hard slog on the return, especially with an 18 kg pack. But the views, the solitude, and that feeling of being deep in nature made every step worth it.
Access to the trailhead is via Grassy Hill Fire Trail. It’s a rough 8.7 km unsealed road with ruts, rocks, and a few steep sections. A 4WD or a capable AWD with decent clearance is definitely recommended, especially after rain. The car park is a flat clearing at the end of the road with space for a few cars.
If you’re after a wild overnight hike that’s only two hours from Sydney but feels like another world, Canoe Creek is one to add to your list. Just don’t underestimate it. It’s remote, rough, and absolutely worth the effort.
