Six Foot Track in Comfort, Blue Mountains, NSW

Walk one of Australia’s most iconic and well-known trails, the Six Foot Track, on this guided tour, carrying just a day pack.

The Six Foot Track is one of Australia’s most iconic and well-known trails.

Originally built as a bridle trail to shorten the journey to Jenolan Caves, which was growing in popularity as a tourist attraction during the mid and late 19th century. Before its creation, the journey to the caves from Sydney was a long one, via rail and a lengthy horse ride from the nearest railway station at Tarana (between Lithgow and Bathurst). 

In 1884 a new horse track from Katoomba across the Coxs River was marked out and constructed to be six feet wide in order that two loaded horse-drawn carts could pass each other. In time, with the growth in motor vehicle ownership, this route to Jenolan Caves was replaced. 

For walkers, the Six Foot Track remains an enjoyable multi day 45km journey through a mix of dense native bushland, towering sandstone cliffs, granite creek beds, open farmland, pine forests and the unique limestone geology of Jenolan.

Trip Highlights

• Three days exploring this historic route and enjoying the spectacular landscapes with only a day pack
• Crossing the iconic Coxs River via an exciting suspension bridge high above the river
• A night’s stay at the Six Foot Track Eco-Lodge on the Coxs River
• And a night camping in comfort with safari-style canvas tents and a stretcher bed with a mattress and pillow
• The walk concludes with a guided cave tour at the famous Jenolan Caves

AT A GLANCE

10–12 December 2021
25–27 February 2022
*more dates to come*
(If the dates listed are not suitable, please contact our team travel@australiangeographic.com or call 1300 241 141 to enquire about alternative dates)

Activity level

Introductory to moderate. Participants require a good level of fitness and must be willing and able to walk over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Participants will get the most out of their walk if they feel comfortable walking up and down stairs and on uneven ground.

Duration

3 days trekking with a day pack, 1 night in a cabin. 1 night camping in comfort.

Prices

From $1595 per person twin share
Single private tent hire (2nd night only) available from $200

Group size

Minimum 6, maximum 14 guests

Featuring regions

Katoomba, Coxs River, Jenolan Caves, Blue Mountains, 

ITINERARY

This trip commences with a COMPULSORY pre-departure briefing held the day before the trip commences in Katoomba. It is ESSENTIAL that you make your travel arrangements to enable you to attend this briefing.

DAY 1: Katoomba to Six Foot Track Eco Lodge via Bowtells Swing Bridge (16km)

Walking Time: 6–7 hours

Please advise us which hotel you are staying at in Katoomba so we can arrange your pick up. Alternatively, why not let our friendly team help to recommend a hotel for your stay in Katoomba. Your day begins with a short transfer from your accommodation to the trailhead of the Six Foot Track, near the historic Explorers Tree, where you will start your walk. Shortly after commencing, the track descends via steep and at times slippery steps through the temperate rainforest canyon environment of Nellies Glen, into the Megalong Valley floor. A brief stop at North’s Lookout for views over Nellies Glen is a must. The lush rainforest transitions into tall scribbly gum forest and in time opens to become cleared farmland. After crossing Megalong Road you’ll walk past the historic Megalong Cemetery and then on towards Coxs River. Before reaching the river, you’ll be walking through open farmland with cattle, horses and vineyards, and the closer you come to the river the natural forested vegetation returns and the geology shifts from sandstone to granite outcrops and boulders. At Coxs River we’ll cross one-at-a-time, high above the water, using a steel suspension bridge, called Bowtells Swing Bridge. Shortly after this exciting river crossing, you’ll reach your night’s accommodation at the Six Foot Track Eco Lodge, where a relaxing late-afternoon beverage and a hot meal awaits.

Lunch and dinner provided.

DAY 2: Six Foot Track Eco Lodge to Black Range Campground (19km)

Walking time: 8–9 hours

Day two of your walk is straightforward yet challenging with a consistent uphill gradient for most of the day. At Coxs River you are about 290m above sea level and your day will conclude at about 1200m. You’ll enjoy some great views from near Kiangatha Cattle Yards. After passing Alum Creek Campground (with its pit toilet) we’ll continue alongside the lush valley of Little River. Depending on water levels, this is an area where you’re likely to get wet feet as we navigate across numerous river crossings. From Little River we’ll begin our climb up the eastern end of the Black Range ridge. This is followed by a gently inclining walk along the ridge line through a mix of open forest and pine plantation to our night’s camp at Black Range Campsite. Our pre-established camp will await us with canvas, safari-style tents and raised camp stretchers with pillows and mattresses, and a hot meal.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

DAY 3: Black Range Campground to Jenolan Caves (10km)

Walking Time: 4–5 hours

On our final day we simply walk away from the campsite, leaving it for others to pack up! We’ll follow a series of trails through varying vegetation, including some pleasant gullies, before we start the final descent to the limestone caves at Jenolan. The majestic Carlotta Arch will signal our imminent arrival at Jenolan Caves, where your guide will look after your pack while you enjoy a cave tour. After this underground adventure we’ll be picked up in our private bus for the drive back to Katoomba.

Why not stay longer and have some time to explore? Ask our friendly team for suggestions. 

Breakfast and lunch provided.

This itinerary is subject to change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Professional, knowledgeable and passionate guide(s)
• 1 night accommodation in a fully-equipped cabin and 1 night camping in comfort
• 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
• A hearty deli-prepared gourmet sandwich as your first-day lunch
• Group camping equipment including all cooking and eating equipment
• National park entrance fees
• Transport by private minibus
• Emergency communications and group first-aid kit
• Cave tour on the final day (subject to availability).

COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Daypack
• Sleeping bag (can be hired) and inner sheet
• Travel to and from Katoomba
• Accommodation before or after the trip
• Items of a personal nature: alcoholic beverages, car parking, etc.
• Travel insurance.

COVID-19

Until further notice: from 1st October 2021 we will require that all participants on our tours must be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccine against Covid-19 with the final dose administered no later than two weeks prior to departure. See terms and conditions for more details.

We have introduced a range of new safety measures into our operations that address risk minimisation around COVID-19. You can expect:

• Extra pre-trip screening for 
• All guides following a strict response plan developed by a medical advisor
• Adjusted groups sizes where required
• Deep cleaning of vehicles, food preparation areas, sleeping areas and camp sites
• Stricter safety protocols on vehicle transfers
• Social distancing measures on the trail 
• Stringent hygiene procedures around camp cooking
• Vigilant monitoring of staff health, guides who have shown symptoms will not be leading trips.