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Coxs River to Alum Creek

todo
Length: 6.1 km
Walking time: 2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min
Climbing: 499m
Descending: 210m
  • Starting from Coxs River this walk follows a dirt road beside Gibraltar and Murdering Creeks up through the valley for about 3km (and 300m vertical climb) to come to the open farmland at Kiangatha Yard. Within the first 750m the road fords Gibraltar Creek three times, your feet are likely to get wet and these creeks do become impassable after heavy rain. You will feel the climb and probably want to stop to enjoy a snack and the distant views from Kiangatha Yard.

    The walk continues up along Glen Chee Road, crossing another cattle grate and climbing up the ridge to Mini Mini Saddle (at just over 710m ASL), time for another rest. Here the road rounds the bend and leads downhill through the native forest to come to the well signposted Alum Creek campsite (with toilet), just before the actual creek. Alum Creek Campsite is nestled in a pleasant gully and a great place to overnight or for a lunch stop depending on your itinerary.

  • Creek Crossings
    The road fords Gibraltar Creek three times in the first 750m of this walk. There is no bridge and the creeks vary from dry to impassable during flooding. The road crossings are normally wet, but walkers have created tracks just to the side of the road to cross using the small boulders to keep feet dry when there is a small amount of water. Take care to not slip and never enter fast-moving water.

    Water
    Carry enough water for the whole walk. There is a water tank at Cox River Campsite. Water can normally be collected from Alum and Little Creeks at the end of the walk (except during prolonged dry periods). There is also a dam at Mini Mini Saddle that could be used in an emergency, do not plan to access the dam. All water sources need treatment before consumption.

    Signage
    The start and end of this walk is well signposted with trackhead signs. Intersections are signposted and there are regular 'throw-over' signs about every 1km.

    Toilets
    There is a toilet at the start and end, both Coxs River and Alum Creek campsites have well-maintained pit toilets.

    Seats
    There is plenty of informal places to site on the side of the road. There is a picnic table with seats at the Coxs River campsite and Alum Creek has a few timber bench seats as well.

    Shelter
    There is a small picnic shelter at Coxs River Campsite.

    Mobile Phone Coverage
    Mobile phone coverage is very limited - carrying a PLB is recommended.
    Telstra & Optus: There is patchy but some mobile phone coverage from about 1km below Kiangatha Yard to Mini Mini Saddle. There is no mobile phone coverage between Mini Mini Saddle and Alum Creek.

  • This whole walk follows a clear dirt road with a cattle grate and a few creek fords to cross. There are many bends and steep sections. Be mindful the road is open to the public so expect some traffic.

  • Although most people complete walks safely we need to be aware of and respond to the many potential hazards that a bushwalk presents, this page just looks are some of the more unique risks to this walk.

    This walk is exposed to extreme weather (flooding rain, hazardous wind, thunderstorms, hail, icy conditions and extreme heat). Carefully study weather forecasts and current conditions before starting this section and heed BOM warnings. It is recommended that you postpone your walk during days of Total Fire Bans or when there are nearby fires. Also, postpone your walk if there is extreme weather forecast such as thunderstorms. Ensure you and your group are well enough prepared considering the potential conditions you could face.

    It is recommended that you carry and PLB and know how to use in case of a life-threatening emergency outside of mobile phone coverage areas.

    Walking on even quiet roads presents a traffic risk, walk in a way that maximisers your visibility to drivers and keeps you clear of traffic. This walk follows a road that can become especially busy on long weekends with four-wheel drivers and dirt bikers, care is needed especially when walking in large groups. Some bends are very sharp limiting vision and cars travelling downhill on dirt roads at speed may struggle to stop in time.
    Crossing cattle grids presents a slip and fall risk, take care and keep to the side of the grate, using your hand to steady you.
    After prolonged rain or after a heavy downpour Gibraltar Creek can become unsafe to cross, never enter fast-moving or flooded water ways.

Coxs River Campsite
Coxs River Reserve campsite is a popular campsite near the Coxs River and on the Six Foot Track.
Alum Creek Reserve campsite
Tucked away in a pleasant gully this is the least used campsite on the Six Foot Track, but us a lovely spot.