5
Moderate
Activities
  • Trekking with a full pack
Accommodation
  • 2 nights camping
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 2 Breakfasts

3 Days$795AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
Read More
Trip Code: BSFT

Trip highlights

  • Three days exploring historic and spectacular landscapes at your own pace
  • Crossing the iconic Coxs River via an exciting suspension bridge high above the river
  • High quality gear and delicious light weight food provided
  • Final day pickup from Jenolan Caves included
  • All logistics taken care of so you can relax and enjoy the walk

Less than 2-hours drive west of Sydney is the world-heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains. Consisting of over a million hectares, the Blue Mountains is renowned for some of the best walks in Australia. We've created this three-day 48 kilometre self-guided walking adventure so you can explore the Six Foot Track, which is one of Australia's most iconic and well-known trails, at your own pace, following the provided maps and notes, and camping under the stars.

The Six Foot Track was 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 nineteenth century. Prior to 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 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.

Activities:

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Your day will start with a 45min (3km) walk from your accommodation in Katoomba to the Six Foot Track trailhead, near the historic Explorers Tree. Shortly after commencing, the track descends via steep and at times slippery steps through the temperate rainforest canyon environment of Nellies Glen, down to 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 the 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 the Coxs River you’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, your night's camp at the Coxs River Campsite is reached. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  L,D

Day two of your walk is straightforward yet challenging with a consistent uphill gradient for most of the day. At the Coxs River you were at approx. 290 metres above sea level and your day concludes at approx. 1200 metres. You’ll enjoy some great views from near Kiangatha Cattle Yards. After passing Alum Creek Campground (with its pit toilet) you’ll continue along the lush valley of Little River. Depending on the water levels this is an area you’ll likely be getting wet feet as you navigate your way across numerous river crossings. From Little River you’ll begin your climb up the eastern end of the Black Range ridgeline. This is followed by a slightly-inclining walk along the ridge through a mix of open forest and pine plantation to your night’s camp at the Black Range Campground. Walking Time: 8-9 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

For your final day’s walk, you’ll follow a series of trails through varying vegetations, including some pleasant gullies, before you start the final descent to the limestone caves at Jenolan. The majestic Carlotta Arch will signal your imminent arrival at Jenolan Caves, where you may consider enjoying one of the many spectacular cave tours. After this celebratory underground adventure, you will be picked up by private mini-bus for the drive back to Katoomba. Optional accommodation at The Carrington Hotel can be organised (prior to your departure) so that you can enjoy a night of luxury before heading home. Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Backpack, tent (twin share) and inflatable sleeping mat
  • Camp stove, fuel, cook-set and eating utensils
  • Hearty deli-prepared gourmet lunch for the first day
  • Lightweight meals thereafter
  • Transport by private minibus from walk's conclusion at Jenolan back to Katoomba
  • Emergency communications device (PLB)

  • Guides and on-trail services
  • Sleeping bag (can be hired) and inner sheet
  • Meal complements: snacks and food other than lightweight main meals
  • First aid kit
  • Backup or emergency services support
  • Travel to and from Katoomba
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature: clothing, boots, alcoholic beverages, car parking etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Cave tour at Jenolan Caves

Accommodation

Camping

The two nights of the tour will be spent camping along the track at designated campsites. We provide strong, 2 person, bushwalking tents (twin share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. You will be shown how to put up and pull down the tent at your pre-departure briefing.

Suitability

Moderate

5

We believe our walking adventures are heaps of fun, and we want to ensure you have the best experience possible. It’s important to us that you have the fitness and skills to enjoy your time with us so please read on. For our multi day bushwalking experiences, participants require a good level of fitness and must be willing and able to walk over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. In order to complete this walk you should already have a good level of fitness and ideally undertake regular exercise three or fours times a week. Experience with hill walking with a day pack is recommended. Participants will get the most out of their walk if they feel comfortable walking up and down stairs and on uneven ground.

Departure dates

Daily departures

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
A high season supplement applies for any dates that overlap with a public holiday.
DN2
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tour suggestions.

Priceper person from

$795AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Six Foot Track Self Guided Walk trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Trip reviews

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.