Start | At the intersection of Nellies Glen Road & Great Western Highway (-33.7040364,150.2913232) |
Mode | Bus Car (There is free parking available.) |
Directions | From Parke Street, BMD, Katoomba.
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Finish | At the intersection of Jenolan Caves Road & Six Foot Track (-33.8203805,150.0209901) |
Mode (end) | Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Special (There is no public transport from Jenolan caves. There are a lot of tourist buses, most will not give you a lift.Trolley Tours has a special deal for bushwalkers and offers a $40 ($35 concession) one way deal from Jenolan to Katoomba. The bus leaves the caves at 3pm daily and takes about 1.5 hrs to get to Katoomba town center (about 1 min walk to the train station). Tickets must be pre booked and paid for by phoning 1800 801 577, or through their website. More info) |
Turn map | Directions & comments |
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At the intersection of Nellies Glen Road & Great Western Highway Start heading along Nellies Glen Road (a residential road).
![]() Explorers Tree, Katoomba
Explorers Tree, Katoomba
In 1813, the explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Wentworth and William Lawson, on their historic crossing of the Blue Mountains, engraved their names not only into the history books, but also reportedly into this tree on the side of Pulpit Hill. The tree now long dead was caged in 1884 in an attempt to preserve the engravings. The engravings are no longer visible and there is even debate over the last 100+ years as to the authenticity of the engravings.
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In 1813, the explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Wentworth and William Lawson, on their historic crossing of the Blue Mountains, engraved their names not only into the history books, but also reportedly into this tree on the side of Pulpit Hill. The tree now long dead was caged in 1884 in an attempt to preserve the engravings. The engravings are no longer visible and there is even debate over the last 100+ years as to the authenticity of the engravings.
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Norths Lookout. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
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After another 110 m find the "Megalong Village (Historic)" (15 m on your left).
![]() Megalong Village (Historic)
Megalong Village (Historic)
In 1870, kerosene shale was discovered in the area surrounding the upper end of Megalong and Diamond Creeks so in 1885, Mr J. B. North started to mine the resource. The mine continued for nearly 10 years. During the life of the mine, the Megalong Village grew to to a small town with a hotel, butchery, bakery, public hall and around about 40 families. When the mines were closed in 1904, the best buildings were demolished and rebuilt in Katoomba. In the December of 1904, a huge bushfire ripped up through the valley destroying what buildings were left. Now the area is private land with a horse paddock with a view of the escarpment behind. A small bronze sign marks the site .
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In 1870, kerosene shale was discovered in the area surrounding the upper end of Megalong and Diamond Creeks so in 1885, Mr J. B. North started to mine the resource. The mine continued for nearly 10 years. During the life of the mine, the Megalong Village grew to to a small town with a hotel, butchery, bakery, public hall and around about 40 families. When the mines were closed in 1904, the best buildings were demolished and rebuilt in Katoomba. In the December of 1904, a huge bushfire ripped up through the valley destroying what buildings were left. Now the area is private land with a horse paddock with a view of the escarpment behind. A small bronze sign marks the site .
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to Old Ford Reserve camping and picnic area where you can spend the night. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
At the intersection of Six Foot Track Road & Megalong Road continue straight, to head along Six Foot Track Road (a vehicle track).
![]() Megalong Cemetery (historical)
Megalong Cemetery (historical)
The Megalong Cemetery became the final resting place for at least 14 people who died between 1894 and 1931. Many of the grave sites are in poor repair or can no longer be easily found - please take care in the area to avoid any further damage. A tall stone monument marks the edge of the cemetery on the Six Foot Track, about 100m west of Megalong Road. This cemetery is currently under the management of the Blue Mountains City Council, and is recognised by the National Trust.
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The Megalong Cemetery became the final resting place for at least 14 people who died between 1894 and 1931. Many of the grave sites are in poor repair or can no longer be easily found - please take care in the area to avoid any further damage. A tall stone monument marks the edge of the cemetery on the Six Foot Track, about 100m west of Megalong Road. This cemetery is currently under the management of the Blue Mountains City Council, and is recognised by the National Trust.
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The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Bowtells Swing Bridge to Coxs River Campsite. To take the alternate route continue straight here. Details below.
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![]() Bowtells Swing Bridge
Bowtells Swing Bridge
This suspension footbridge spans the Coxs River and provides an alternate route for the Six Foot Track when the river is in flood. Regardless of weather, this route is now becoming more popular with many walkers, wanting to avoid the river crossing. The bridge was built and opened in 1992 by the Royal Australian Engineers. The bridge is named after a fellow soldier of the builders, Corporal Bob Bowtell, who suffocated and died in foul air whilst attempting to clear a tunnel of the VC during the Vietnam war . Bowtell grew up in Katoomba and is now buried in West Malaysia.
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This suspension footbridge spans the Coxs River and provides an alternate route for the Six Foot Track when the river is in flood. Regardless of weather, this route is now becoming more popular with many walkers, wanting to avoid the river crossing. The bridge was built and opened in 1992 by the Royal Australian Engineers. The bridge is named after a fellow soldier of the builders, Corporal Bob Bowtell, who suffocated and died in foul air whilst attempting to clear a tunnel of the VC during the Vietnam war . Bowtell grew up in Katoomba and is now buried in West Malaysia.
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Then find the "Six Foot Track Lodge" (20 m on your right).
![]() Six Foot Track Lodge
Six Foot Track Lodge
The Six Foot Track Lodge is situated above the flats of the Coxs River along the Six Foot Track alternate route, not far north of Coxs River Campsite. The lodge consists of two cabins, each with the capacity to sleep twelve people in bunks. The cabins are equipped with linen, warm blankets, log fire, pizza oven, tank water and has its own outhouse toilet. At $35 per person per night, this is a very pleasant way to spend an evening. Authentic meals can also be organised for a fee. For more information, visit www.6fttracklodge.com or call Pavel on 0421 932 631. Walk-ins are welcome, however to ensure beds are available, booking in advance is recommended.
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The Six Foot Track Lodge is situated above the flats of the Coxs River along the Six Foot Track alternate route, not far north of Coxs River Campsite. The lodge consists of two cabins, each with the capacity to sleep twelve people in bunks. The cabins are equipped with linen, warm blankets, log fire, pizza oven, tank water and has its own outhouse toilet. At $35 per person per night, this is a very pleasant way to spend an evening. Authentic meals can also be organised for a fee. For more information, visit www.6fttracklodge.com or call Pavel on 0421 932 631. Walk-ins are welcome, however to ensure beds are available, booking in advance is recommended.
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After another 30 m find the "Coxs River Camping Area" (25 m on your right).
Coxs River Camping Area
Coxs River Camping Area
Cox's River Campsite, on the Six Foot Track, is situated on the western bank of the Cox's River. It provides a shelter, water (rain tank or creek - treat before drinking either), picnic tables, toilet and a flat grassed camping area with excellent access to the river.
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Cox's River Campsite, on the Six Foot Track, is situated on the western bank of the Cox's River. It provides a shelter, water (rain tank or creek - treat before drinking either), picnic tables, toilet and a flat grassed camping area with excellent access to the river.
![]() Coxs River Campsite
Coxs River Campsite
Coxs River Campsite, on the Six Foot Track, is found on the western bank of the Coxs River. It provides a sheltered picnic table, water (rain tank or creek - treat before drinking either), toilet and a flat grassed camping area with excellent access to the river. The campsite is used by people walking the Six Foot Track, but is also visited at times people people camping in 4WD. A nice place to camp. Despite the several fire scares, this is a fuel stove only area no fires allowed.
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Coxs River Campsite, on the Six Foot Track, is found on the western bank of the Coxs River. It provides a sheltered picnic table, water (rain tank or creek - treat before drinking either), toilet and a flat grassed camping area with excellent access to the river. The campsite is used by people walking the Six Foot Track, but is also visited at times people people camping in 4WD. A nice place to camp. Despite the several fire scares, this is a fuel stove only area no fires allowed.
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The alternate route finishes here. Turn left to rejoin the main route at the 15.5 km waypoint. Details below.
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At the intersection of Six Foot Track & Gibraltar Creek continue straight, to head along Six Foot Track.
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![]() Alum Creek Camping ground
Alum Creek Camping ground
Signposted as 'Alum Creek Reserve', this fairly flat grassy area, off the side of the dirt Glen Chee Road, part of the six foot track). The campsite is the least used and least developed of the three official campsites on the Six Foot Track, and makes a good place to stay if attempting the walk in two days. There are no facilities provided but the flat campsite is in a well-protected valley with the small Alum Creek beside the campsite and the fairly reliable Little River down the road (treat water before use).
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Signposted as 'Alum Creek Reserve', this fairly flat grassy area, off the side of the dirt Glen Chee Road, part of the six foot track). The campsite is the least used and least developed of the three official campsites on the Six Foot Track, and makes a good place to stay if attempting the walk in two days. There are no facilities provided but the flat campsite is in a well-protected valley with the small Alum Creek beside the campsite and the fairly reliable Little River down the road (treat water before use).
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After another 1.4 km (at the intersection of Black Range Road & Glen Chee Road) turn right, to head along Black Range Road (a vehicle track).
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After another 250 m (at the intersection of Caves Road Trail & Black Range Road) turn left, to head along Caves Road Trail (a vehicle track).
![]() Black Range camping ground
Black Range camping ground
Black Range camping ground is found along the Six Foot Track, and is also accessible by car. The well maintained and signposted campsite has a couple of sheltered picnic tables, toilets, rainwater tank and and information board with map. The campsite is in a large fenced grassy area. The tank water is quiet reliable but the tank can become empty during long dry spells or through vandalism, please treat before use. A sign reminds campers that this is a Fuel Stove Only area - no camp fires
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Black Range camping ground is found along the Six Foot Track, and is also accessible by car. The well maintained and signposted campsite has a couple of sheltered picnic tables, toilets, rainwater tank and and information board with map. The campsite is in a large fenced grassy area. The tank water is quiet reliable but the tank can become empty during long dry spells or through vandalism, please treat before use. A sign reminds campers that this is a Fuel Stove Only area - no camp fires
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![]() Jenolan Caves House
Jenolan Caves House
Jenolan Caves House, built in 1898, is a heritage-listed building which houses dining, a variety of accommodation options, and other services for visitors to the caves. Jenolan has two licensed restaurants: Trails Bistro is open from breakfast onwards and closes early evening. Trails serves a range of light meals including sandwiches, salads and hot food. Chisholm's Restaurant is open each morning for breakfast and each evening for dinner from 6.00pm. Essential items and beautiful souvenirs may be purchased from Things Jenolan, located on the ground floor of Caves House. Don't forget to explore one of the many caves to explore in the area. For more information, call Jenolan Caves on 1300 76 33 11.
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Jenolan Caves House, built in 1898, is a heritage-listed building which houses dining, a variety of accommodation options, and other services for visitors to the caves. Jenolan has two licensed restaurants: Trails Bistro is open from breakfast onwards and closes early evening. Trails serves a range of light meals including sandwiches, salads and hot food. Chisholm's Restaurant is open each morning for breakfast and each evening for dinner from 6.00pm. Essential items and beautiful souvenirs may be purchased from Things Jenolan, located on the ground floor of Caves House. Don't forget to explore one of the many caves to explore in the area. For more information, call Jenolan Caves on 1300 76 33 11.
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Turn map | Directions & comments |
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Turn map | Directions & comments |
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Class 4/6 Hard track |
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Length | 44.6 km |
Time | 16 h, 2 days to 3 days |
Quality of track | Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) |
Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
Signage | Directional signs along the way (3/6) |
Infrastructure | Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6) |
Experience Required | Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6) |
Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) |
Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
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Seat
| 70 m | [seat] |
Shelter
| 290 m | Six Foot Track Information Shelter |
Camp site
| 8.1 km + 490 m | Old Ford Reserve |
Seat
| 11.4 km | Ron's Roost |
Tourism|alpine_hut
| 15.2 km | [tourism|alpine_hut] |
Tourism|alpine_hut
| 15.2 km | [tourism|alpine_hut] |
Campsite
| 15.5 km | Coxs River Camping Area |
Campsite
| 15.5 km | Coxs River Campsite |
Toilet
| 21.7 km | [toilet] |
Campsite
| 21.7 km | Alum Creek Camping ground |
Campsite
| 34.7 km | Black Range camping ground |
Toilet
| 40.5 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 44.6 km | [toilet] |