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.

1. Explorers Tree

Distance 0 km

From the Explorers Tree (at the intersection of Nellies Glen Road and the Great Western Highway), follow the Six Foot Track – 200 metres sign up along the sealed Nellies Glen Road for just over 200 metres before turning left at another Six Foot Track sign. Here comes to a dirt car park and shelter with a large Six Foot Track information sign. 260m from point 1.

2. Six Foot Track Info Shelter

Distance 0.3 km

Follow the Six Foot Track sign around the lower locked metal gate to follow the management trail gently downhill. Continue down this trail, which becomes fairly steep in places, for about 500 metres. Here the trail flattens out and comes to an intersection marked with a couple of Six Foot Track signs and a Nellies Glen Bushland Restoration sign. 550 m from point Explorers Tree.

Walk variation – Side Trip to Int of Cliff Track and Norths Lookout Trail

Distance 800m

From point 3. Continue straight through the gap in the large metal gate, over a small rise. The fairly narrow track soon leads down a series of timber steps, past some nice views for just shy of 150 metres to a faint intersection with a track (on your left), marked with a Bonnie Doon Fauna Study sign. 0.148 from point 3. Return to point 3.

Walk variation – Side Trip to Norths Lookout

(0.8 km) From point 3. Follow the track downhill towards the open views. After about 50 metres you come to the fenced and signposted Norths Lookout with great views over Nellie’s Glen and into the valley. 0.062 from point 3. Return to point 3. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

3. Int of Six Foot Track and Norths Lookout Trail

Distance 0.8m

Turn right following the Six Foot Track sign, fairly steeply down the management trail past the Nellies Glen metal plaque and, about 10 metres later, past the timber Nellies Glen sign. After another 80 metres, the trail narrows and turn left to head through the green timber chicane with the Caution – Steep Decent andPedestrian Access only signs. As the sign suggests, now leads steeply down the Nellies Glen canyon steps for about 300 metres, passing alongside the tall rock walls and crossing the usually small creek a few times before bending distinctly left to cross below a small set of falls (below the main Bonnie Doon Falls). Here the track mostly flattens out and leads along the side of the gully for another 400 metres to pass a Blue Mountains National Park sign, then just over 100 metres later, passes another sign marking the lower end of Nellies Glen. About 600 metres after this sign, the track bends to cross a narrow gully then leads up to a small clearing at the northern end of the wide Nellies Glen trail. 1.627 from point 3.

4. Int at Lower Nellies Glen

Distance 2.4km

Veer left From the clearing, following the wide trail gently downhill while keeping the valley to your right. The trail leads generally downhill through the scribbly gum forest for about 1.4 kilometres to then cross the culverted Devils Hole Creek – just past the creek is an unused concrete pipe with wild bee hives inside. Continue along the trail for another 500 metres to an intersection with the Devils Hole Trail (on your left), marked a Six Foot Track and a Ladders have been removed sign. 1.976 from point 4.

5. Int of Nellies Glen Rd Trail and Devils Hole Trail

Distance 4.4km

Continue straight following the Six Foot Track sign along the Nellies Glen trail, to cross the culverted Diamond Creek to then come pass alongside the old Megalong Village site and horse paddock (which is on your left). 0.088 from point 5.

Point Of Interest – Megalong Village (Historic)

(4.5 km) 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. Not the area is private land with a horse paddock with a view of the escarpment behind. A small bronze sign marks the site .

6. Megalong Village site

Distance 4.5 km

From beside the historic Megalong Village site, walk along the wide trail, initially keeping the horse paddock and view to the escaprment to your left after just shy of 250 metres walk through a usually closed gate and continue gently undulating along the trail through the tall scribbly gum forest for 500 metres, crossing a usually small creek to then pass a 6FT 40 kilometres arrow post. About 400 metres further along this trail, soon after crossing the usually small Corral Creek, comes to a T-intersection, where a Six Foot Track, sign points back along the trail, and where there are some power lines to your right. 1.098 from point 6.

7. Intersection of Medlow Gap Management Trail and 6 Foot Track

Distance 5.6 km

Veer right walking west along the Nellies Glen Road trail, initially keeping the power lines to your right. After about 170 metres veers right at the lockedWari-Wari gate to climb the fence using a stile . Continue along the (now public) dirt Nellies Glen Road, for 900 metres passing a series of driveways, to rejoin then power lines for 120 metres passing just below a nearby house. Here the road leads downhill for 200 metres to pass a large Road subject to flooding… sign then just 100 metres later comes to an intersection with Six Foot Track sign and stile (just before the road bends right to cross Megalong Creek). 1.490 from point 7.

8. Megalong Ford

Distance 7.1 km

Follow the Six Foot Track sign over the fence using the stile. A sign reminds walkers to stay on the track as this section is on private property. Leads through mostly open farmland for 130 metres passing a Private Land No Camping sign to then cross Mitchells Creek, this creek may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain. Over the next 300 metres the trail leads over a rise through the farmland to then cross a fence using a stile on the right. The track now leads through a denser forest for another 300 metres to cross Mclennan Bridge, named after Mr Michael (Mick) Mclellan who has been in charge of the maintenance of the 6FT for many years. Just shy of 150 metres after the bridge continue straight at a four-way intersection for another 200 metres to cross a fence using a stile. Here cross the sealed Megalong Road, to find a car park beside a clearing and several Six Foot Track signposts (about 400 metres south of Megalong Creek). 1.136 from point 8.

Point Of Interest – Old Ford Reserve

(8.2 km) Old Ford Reserve campsite is a few meters north of the Megalong Road bridge over Megalong Creek. The campsite is accessible by car, has a (wheelchair accessible) toilet, and plenty of flat space to pitch a tent. Some nice groupings of trees and access to the creek makes this an OK place to stay. Been on the side of the road this campsite does attract some load campers at times. The campsite is about 500 metres north of the Six Foot Track crossing point at Megalong Road.

9. Int of 6 Foot Track and Megalong Rd

Distance 8.2 km

Continue straight following the Six Foot Track sign over the cattle grate or stile and goes beside the large sheltered Six Foot Track information sign. Here head gently downhill along the dirt road for about 80 metres to come beside a stone memorial, marking Megalong Cemetery (on your left). 0.096 from point 9.

Point Of Interest – Megalong Cemetery (historical) (8.3 km) 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 100 metres west of Megalong Road. This cemetery is currently under the management of the Blue Mountains City Council, and is recognised by the National Trust.

10. Megalong Cemetery

Distance 8.3 km

Walk gently downhill along the dirt road for about 80 metres to pass through gate with a No Through Road sign. Just shy of 300 metres later, passes a few driveways, beside the farmland to cross another cattle grate. Then about 150 metres later, the road leads close to Megalong Creek, where a sign reminds visitors this is private land. About 30 metres further on, the main dirt road veers right at a Y-intersection then cross a cattle grate. Here head uphill along the dirt road for just over 200 metres (with views of the escarpment behind) to cross another grate and come to an intersection marked with a Six Foot Track sign pointing right into the valley. 0.770 from point 10.

11. Int Near Guyver Bridge

Distance 9.1 km

Turn right following the Six Foot Track sign downhill along the narrow track into the valley. Now cross a small creek on the timber Guyver Bridge, named in honour of Jon Guyver who worked hard to redevelop the 6FT as the track coordinator/administrator until 2010. Here head up the timber steps and over a rise. The track now follow a wire fence down through the farmland and across a valley (above a dam) for almost 100 metres to metal stile just before a dirt trail. Here turn right and cross the fence using the stile, then follow a Six Foot Track sign along the track as it undulates over a series of hills for about 300 metres before crossing another fence using another metal stile beside a large tree. The track now leads uphill for 200 metres to pass a Private Land – No Camping before Coxs River Reservesign, then winds along the side of the hill for a further 150 metres before heading into a wooded forest and down some timber steps. Then cross a steep gully and winds along the side of the hill for just over 100 metres to pass a 35 kilometres 6FT arrow post, then 150 metres later, cross another fence using a metal stile. Here continue for another 600 metres through a mix of farmland and open forest, crossing a few more steep gullies with timber steps to head through a closed gate, marked with a few Private Property signs. 1.850 from point 11.

Private Gate

Distance 10.9 km

Walk downhill along the narrowing track, keeping the valley to your right. After about 120 metres, cross a timber fence on a metal stile, then continue down the track over a few large rocks for just over 200 metres, to an intersection with a wide trail. Here turn right then immediately left, to continue along the track as it narrows again. The track then leads down along the side of the valley for about 600 metres and passes through another usually closed gate, then about 250 metres later, the track passes a few granite boulders and head down a few timber steps. About 400 metres after this, walk down a 100 metres-long series of timber steps to cross a gully and find a series of large granite boulders – one of the small overhangs is home to a wild bee hive. The track leads out of the valley and gently down along the side of the hill for about one kilometre, where the valley opens up with wider views down to the Coxs River, then head down some more timber steps. About 250 metres later, the track leads down another set of timber steps to then head through a pleasant lush gully with views close to the river. The track then head along the hillside for another 150 metres to an intersection (just above the swing bridge, to your right), marked with a Six Foot Track and Alternative Bridge signs. 3.433 from

Point Of Interest – Bowtells Swing Bridge

(14.4 km) 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.

Walk variation – Alternate Route to Coxs River Campsite

Distance 14.4 km

From point 13. Continue straight from the clearing and floodplain, cross the river that may flow in two or three sections across smooth and slippery rocks. This river becomes impassable when in flood, the river is normally only shin deep, if deeper consider using the swing bridge upstream. Once on the sandy beach on the far side, follow the wide trail uphill for about 40 metres to the intersection marked with a Six Foot Track sign, where the Coxs River Campsite is just up to the right. 0.167 from point 13. Now Veer right to rejoin the main walk .

13. Bowtells Swing Bridge

Distance 14.4 km

Turn right following the Alternative Bridge When River High sign down the timber steps to the southern end of the Bowtells Bridge. Here climbs the ramp and cross the Cox’s River on the suspension bridge, observing the Only one Person at a time safety sign. This crossing can take some time with a large group – the bridge does swing a fair bit and people concerned by heights may find this challenging. The bridge spans 100 metres, giving great views of the river below. On the far side, steps off the bridge onto the large rock platform. 0.130 from point 13.

14. Bowtells Bridge West

Distance 14.5 km

From the north side of the bridge, walk up the timber steps through the dense forest to soon pass the Bowtells Bridge sign. At the top of these steps, the track bends left then leads along the side of the hill for 500 metres, crossing a few gullies and undulating up and down a series of timber steps to then pass between a couple of fences posts. Here continue down a series of timber steps to a clearing and intersection marked with a Private Land – No Camping sign. 0.585 from point 14.

15. Clearing east of lodge

Distance 15.1 km

Turn sharp right and follow the Camping Ground-500 metres sign north up the timber steps. The track soon bends left and follow the side of the hill for about 130 metres to then head through a gate with a Welcome sign. Continue along the clear track for another 70 metres to the intersection with the timber path just below the Six Foot Track Lodge. 0.208 from point 15.

Point Of Interest – Six Foot Track Lodge

(15.3 km) 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. Meal packs can also be organised for a fee. For more information, visit www.6fttracklodge.Com or call Willi-Joy Sirks (owner) 0415 523 041. All bookings must be made before commencing your walk (the cabin is not staffed).

16. Six Foot Track Lodge

Distance 15.3 km

Follow the clear track west initially keeping the lodge up to your right. After about 30 metres cross a gully then climbs over a fence using stile. Here turn right and follow the track for almost 50 metres to a T-intersection with a wide trail, beside a private property gate and marked with several Six Foot Track signs. 0.078 from point 16.

17. Lodge gate

Distance 15.4 km

Veer left following the Camping Ground-200 metres sign gently down along wide trail. After about 230 metres the trail flattens out and passes below the main camping area marked with a Coxs River Reserve sign. About 30 metres past here, comes to a clear intersection with a dirt road marked with a Six Foot Track sign. 0.331 from point 17.

Point Of Interest – Coxs River Campsite

(15.7 km) 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.

Point Of Interest – Coxs River

(15.7 km) The Coxs River starts west of Katoomba, running south-east as the main tributary for the Warragamba Dam. The Six Foot Track cross the river using on the slippery rounded stones or, when in flood, the large metal Bowtells Bridge. The campsite is located a short distance up the west bank from where the 6FT cross. The water must be treated before drinking. The river provides some potentially nice swimming spots, with pools and interesting granite rock formations, be very careful if deciding to swim as it can also be a very dangerous.

Point Of Interest – End of day 1

Distance 15.7 km

This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 1, happy camping.

18. Coxs River Campsite

Distance 15.7 km

Turn right following the Six Foot Track sign uphill along the dirt road passing alongside the Coxs River Campsite (which is on your right). After about 150 metres cross the usually shallow Gibraltar Creek that leads uphill for another 150 metres to pass close to a high tension power line tower (up the hill to your left). Continue up along the dirt road for 200 metres to cross a usually small creek then head under the high tension power lines to cross the usually usually shallow Gibraltar Creek again. These creeks may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain, they also often dry up. From here the dirt road winds moderately steeply uphill for about 2.1 kilometres where it then passes around a left hand hairpin bend to pass another Drive With Caution Walkers On Road sign (where there is also some views to your left). The road leads more gently uphill where it then bends right to lead gently past the top of the Kiangatha Yards to cross a cattle grate on the dirt road. 3.056 from point 18.

19. Kiangatha Yards

Distance 18.8 km

From beside Kiangatha cattle Yards walk north west along the dirt road to cross a small dip and head straight through an intersection and continue for 250 metres to pass a Grid sign (facing away). About 140 metres later pass another Grid sign then 100 metres after cross another cattle grid. Continue (moderately steeply in places) up the dirt road for 700 metres where it flattens out mostly at a grassy clearing with view of the distant escarpment (behind). Here the dirt road leads more consistently and steeply uphill for 300 metres until suddenly flattening out on at the top of Mini Mini Saddle, beside a large clearing (on your left). 1.421 from point 19.

20. Mini Mini Saddle clearing

Distance 20.2 km

Continue straight beside the Mini Mini Saddle clearing, follow the dirt road gently uphill along the side of the hill. The road leads past a open section of forest and starts to head downhill to pass a 6FT 20 kilometres arrow post about 250 metres after leaving the clearing. From here walk downhill, moderately steeply in places for 900 metres where the road bends left around the edge of a grassy clearing. About 40 metres further down the road, passes an intersection with the regenerating trail (on your right) and continue steeply downhill for just shy of 300 metres to turn left at the intersection at the other end of the regenerating trail. Continue more gently downhill along the dirt road for just over 350 metres until coming to the signposted (and gated) Alum Creek Reserve(on your right). 1.636 from point 20.

Point Of Interest – Alum Creek Camping ground

(21.8 km) 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 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).

21. Alum Creek Reserve

Distance 21.8 km

Follow the dirt road downhill for just shy of 100 metres to cross Alum Creek. Here head up between the two timber posts and head through old farmland for about 300 metres to pass a Drive with Caution Walker on road sign (facing away). Over next 300 metres continue through the old farmland, then leads beside Little River before crossing the usually shallow Little River. Just over 100 metres later this dirt road leads across the river again , then again after another 110 metres. These creeks may become impassable after heavy or prolonged rain, and may become dry. The dirt road now starts to head uphill for about 300 metres where it then bends right around a hand hairpin bend then a short distance further up to the Kiangatha gate. 1.366 from point 21.

22. Kiangatha Gate

Distance 23.2 km

Walk up through the Kiangatha Gate and continue walking fairly steeply uphill along the dirt road. After about 500 metres the road leads around a left hand hairpin bend then 150 metres later the road briefly flattens out beside a large flat clearing (on your left). Continue steeply uphill for 800 metres to walk past a Drive with Caution Walkers On Road sign (facing away) to a Y-intersection with the signposted Waterfall Creek Fire Trail(on your right). 1.453 from point 22.

23. Top of Waterfall Creek Fire Trail

Distance 24.6 km

Turn left following the arrow on the metal post quiet steeply uphill along the dirt road. After about 400 metres passes a 20 kilometres 6FT arrow post then about 150 metres later the road flattens out briefly to pass a clearing on the top of the ridge (on your left). The dirt road continue to wind fairly steeply uphill for another 700 metres with some distance views of the escarpment behind before passing around a sharp left hand hair pin bend. Just shy of 150 metres later comes to a clearing at the top if Black Range, marked with a few 6FT signs and the intersection with the signposted Cronje Mountain Fire Trail. 1.367 from point 23.

24. Int. Black Range Rd and Cronje Mtn Fire Trail

Distance 26 km

Veer right and follow the 6`t arrow on metal pole generally west along main dirt road that follow the top of the ridge line. The dirt road undulates along the ridge line for 2.1 kilometres, moderately steeply in a few places through a wooded forest and past a few large ant mounds until leading up to the signposted intersection with Moorara Boss Fire Trail (on your left). 2.056 from point 24.

25. Int. Black Range Rd and Moorara Boss Fire Trail

Distance 28.1 km

Continue straight following the 6`t arrow on metal pole west and uphill along the main dirt road that follow the ridge line. After about 100 metres walk past a small dam on the side of the road then continue along the dirt road as it gently undulates through the pleasant open forest for 2.3 kilometres before heading up a short steep section. About 900 metres from the top of this steep section the road leads fairly gently up to and intersection with the signpostedWarlock Fire Trail (on your left). 3.205 from point 25.

26. Int. Black Range Rd and Warlock Fire Trail

Distance 31.3 km

Continue straight and follow the arrow on the metal 6`T post west along the main dirt road. After just shy of 100 metres this road splits in two for a short distance then almost 400 metres later comes to an intersection with the signposted Beefsteak Creek Fire Trail (on your right). 0.433 from point 26.

27. Int. Black Range Rd and Beefsteak Ck Fire Trail

Distance 31.7 km

Continue straight following the 6`t arrow on a metal post north west, uphill along the main dirt road. Soon the road leads up a short steep rise then leads more gently as it undulates along the ridge for 400 metres to pass straight ahead at an intersection marked with a metal Kanangra Boyd National Park sign. Continue along the main dirt road for another 1.2 kilometres to pass a short trail (on your right, that leads into a clearing that has been used as a campsite). Here the dirt road continue gently uphill for 500 metres to find an intersection with a faint trail (on the left), just before the clearing and pine forest. 2.106 from point 27.

28. Int. Black Range Rd and Bulls Creek Fire Trail

Distance 33.8 km

Walk north and gently uphill along the main trail, towards the clearing. After about 80 metres the dirt road leads past a Black Range Fire Trail sign then about 25 metres later comes to the edge of the clearing and intersection with another trail. Here continue straight and gently up along the main dirt road for 400 metres as the road bends right to a T-intersection on the edge of the pine forest , marked with a 6`t metal arrow post. 0.532 from point 28.

29. Black Range Rd

Distance 34.3 km

Turn left following the 6`t metal arrow post downhill along the dirt road keeping the main pine forest to your right. After about 250 metres comes to a clear four way intersection marked with several Six Foot Track signs, and some power lines on your left. 0.250 from point 29.

30. Int north of Black Range Campsite

Distance 34.6 km

Turn left and follow the Six Foot Track – Black Range Camping Ground sign gently downhill and some under power lines along the dirt road. After about 50 metres walk past a Drive With Caution Walkers On Road sign then another 50 metres later comes to an information sign in front of the Black Range Camping Ground(on your right). 0.108 from point 30.

Point Of Interest – Black Range camping ground

(34.7 km) 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

Point Of Interest – End of day 2

(34.7 km) This is the planned overnight stay for the end of day 2, happy camping.

31. Black Range Campsite

Distance 34.7 km

From the information sign in front of Black Range Camping Ground, follow the dirt road gently downhill initially keeping the campsite to your right. After about 100 metres leaves the edge of the campsite and comes to an intersection with a management trail (on your left), marked with a 6FT arrow post. 0.091 from point 31.

32. Black Range Campground Int (SW)

Distance 34.8 km

Follow the 6FT arrow post gently downhill (south west) along the management trail through the tall wooded forest. After almost 200 metres passes a 10 kilometres 6FT arrow post then about 400 metres later the trail bends right and head more steeply downhill for about 200 metres where the trail bends left to cross a ferny gully (the upper reaches if Bulls Creek). Continue along the trail heading uphill past a few more 6FT arrow posts for about 500 metres to a clearing at the top of the ridge. Here the trail bends and leads downhill through tall eucalypt forest with some pine trees for 250 metres to veer left at an intersection with a faint trail (on your right). Now continue up the moderately steep hill keeping the valley on the left for just shy of 300 metres to then head up a notably steeper section of trail with a few Telsta posts for about 250 metres. About 40 metres from the top of this climb comes to a clear intersection with a trail (on your right), marked with 6FT arrow post. 2.052 from point 32.

33. Int of 6 ft track and Bull

Distance 36.8 km

Follow 6FT arrow post south west gently downhill along the clear trail. After about 50 metres the trail bends right then leads fairly steeply downhill for 250 metres to a pleasant gully. The trail then gently undulates along the side of the hill for 300 metres to find a T-intersection, marked with a 6FT arrow post (pointing right). 0.638 from point 33.

34. Int of 6 ft track and and Ridge Rd Service trail

Distance 37.5 km

Veer right following the 6FT arrow post gently uphill along the trail heading north west. After about 120 metres this trail bends left (at a large grassy clearing) then just over 100 metres later the trail passes a Road Ahead sign and comes to a larger clearing and gravel stock pile beside the sealed Jenolan Caves Road, 0.247 from point 34.

35. Int of 6 ft track and Jenolan Caves Rd

Distance 37.7 km

From the clearing and gravel pit, cross Jenolan Caves Road (take care with traffic) veering a little left to follow a 6FT arrow post along the narrow track. From here walk past a Road Ahead sign (facing away) and winds gently along the side of the hill for about 300 metres before turning right, following a 6FT arrow post, down some timber steps. After another 40 metres cross a ferny gully and small creek on a small flat timber plank bridge. Here head along the side of the gully and up timber steps for about 100 metres before flattening out and heading around the side of the hill for another 200 metres. Here comes beside the road and head just behind the safety barrier for about 30 metres before heading around the side of another small hill for 120 metres. Here turn right and follow another 6FT arrow post down some timber steps for about 80 metres to cross another gully on another small flat timber plank bridge. Now head up more timber steps for about 40 metres where the track flattens out near the road again. Turning right now head around the side a small hill for 40 metres before once again turning right and following the 6ft arrow post down timber steps across a gully then head up the hill for 130 metres to the large blue Jenolan Caves Welcome sign.

The track now widens (into an old trail) and follow fairly close to road and power lines for 400 metres before bending right to lead up over a hill for about 600 metres (passing a 5 kilometres 6FT arrow) to then come down and walk along side of a vegetating clearing and come back to the road. From here follow the track keeping the road a short distance to your left for 150 metres to an intersection with driveway near a large blue Jenloan Caves Cottages sign. 2.385 from point 35.

36. Jenolan Caves Cottages Administration

Distance 40.1 km

Veer right and follow the Cottages sign along the driveway past the 20 km/h speed limit sign, initially keeping the office/house to your left. The driveway leads over a small rise then head downhill for about 300 metres to pass a toilet block. Here stays on the driveway as it bends left and continue beside the clearing to come beside the cottages. 0.538 from point 36.

Point Of Interest – Jenolan Caves Cottages

(40.6 km) Located 9 kilometres from Jenolan Caves by road, Jenolan Caves Cottages offers eight well presented self contained timber cottages for guests to stay in. Each is fully insulated and furnished, with lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms and linen. The is a large flat grassy area in front with often with kangaroos grazing and with a children’s playground. For more information call the Jenolan Caves on 1300 763 311. The cottages have a two night minimum stay and prices are from around $130 per night per cabin.

37. Jenolan Caves Cottages

Distance 40.6 km

From beside Jenolan Caves Cottages, walk gently uphill along driveway (initially keeping the cottages to your right) for about 60 metres to walk around the metal gate beside Six Foot Track sign. Continue along this mostly flat trail for 350 metres through tall wooded forest to a T-intersection marked with a Kia-ora Hill Fire Trail sign. Turn right and follow Six Foot Track sign gently down along the trail for about 300 metres to find a fairly large flat clearing. Continue along the trail which generally leads downhill along the ridge line for 1.5 kilometres to where the trail moves to the side of the steep valley (on your right). The trail begins to become steeper then after 400 metres the trail leads particularly steeply down along the rocky trail for about 600 metres. Here the trial flattens out on a saddle with a Y-intersection marked with a Six Foot Track sign (pointing right) and a Mt George sign (pointing ahead). 2.806 from point 37.

38. Int of 6FT and Mt George trail

Distance 43.5 km

Veer right following the Six Foot Track sign downhill along the narrowing track, keeping the steep wide valley to your right. After about 25 metres the track leads between two timber posts and continue fairly steeply down the side of the valley with glimpses to the cave buildings for 500 metres where the track flattens out a bit and head under a solid gum tree leaning over the track. The track continue leading downhill for another 300 metres to cross a narrow saddle and along a very narrow ridge where there are good views down to Blue Lake (on your left). The track now leads down some timber steps for about 50 metres to a T-intersection with a gravel path where a Six Foot Track sign points back uphill. 0.872 from point 38.

39. Int of 6FT and Carlotta Arch Track

Distance 44.3 km

Turn left and follow the Caves House sign gently downhill along the gravel path a short distance to an intersection and fenced lookout near Carlotta Arch(on your left). 0.014 from point 39.

Point Of Interest – Carlotta Arch

(44.3 km) Carlotta Arch is a large and spectacular cave remnant overlooking Blue Lake. It is believed that the arch was named in honour of a daughter of a surveyor – General P.F. Adams. Adams is credited with having taken some of the earliest photos at Jenolan.

40. Carlotta Arch Lookout

Distance 44.3 km

From the fenced lookout near Carlotta Arch, follow the Caves House sign gently uphill along the stone path with handrail. The path leads over a small rise to a view into another valley. Here the path begins to zig zag fairly steeply downhill for 150 metres beside the limestone cliffs passing views down to Caves House, past a bench seat to a Caves House information sign. The path continue more gently downhill for another 100 metres past the Grand Archinformation sign (and view of the Arch) then just over 30 metres later to the Southside Show Caves information sign. The path continue down the side of the valley for another 80 metres to head down some concrete steps to the side of Jenolan Caves Road, opposite Caves House, where a Six Foot Track sign points up the steps. The official end of the Six Foot Track. 0.414 from point 40.

Point Of Interest – Jenolan Caves House

(44.8 km) 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.