This walk is a great, two day walk that drops down from Katoomba to Cox's River in the Megalong Valley. From the scenic Cox's River, the walk returns to Katoomba via Dunphy's campsite and Narrowneck. The trip is two solid days of walking that takes in some breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
A Personal Locating Beacon is a hand-held device that, when triggered, sends a message to the emergency services with your location. The emergency services staff can then look at your trip intention forms and decide how best to help you. In the Blue Mountains, you can hire these for no charge, just complete this Trip intention form, and a borrowing form. The device can be picked up from:
NPWS Office - Govetts Leap Rd Blackheath - 9am to 4pm 7 days Ph: 02 4787 8877
Katoomba Police Station - 217 Katoomba St Katoomba - Anytime Ph: 02 4782 8199
Springwood Police Station - 4 Jerseywold Avenue Springwood - Anytime Ph: 02 4751 0299 More info
(0 km)
Explorers Tree
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Int of 6 Foot Track and Norths Lookout Trail Walk: Easy - road
Length = 812 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -74 m
From Explorers Tree, this walk heads west along Nellies Glen Rd for approximately 200m before turning left at the 'Six Foot Track' sign. The walk follows a wide dirt road until coming to a large boom gate and large Six Foot Track information sign. The walk continues south along the service trail, following the track markers until coming to an intersection with a bush track signposted as 'Cliff Track' off to the left.
Explorers Tree (Katoomba)
Alt = 1051 m
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 this tree on the side of Pulpit Hill. The tree, now caged to minimise further vandalism, marks the start of the Six Foot Track. There has been much debate over the last 100+ years as to the authenticity of the engravings. More info
(0.81 km)
Int of 6 Foot Track and Norths Lookout Trail
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Int of Devils Crk Service trail and 6 ft Track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.52 km
Time = 1 hr 20 mins
Climb = 48 m
Descent = -447 m
From the intersection, this walk heads west, steeply down the service trail until coming to the sign saying 'Nellie's Glen'. The track turns sharply left and heads through the gully formed in the cliffs. The track is made up of steep steps and occasionally crosses small sections of creek. These crossings are particularly slippery. Gradually, the track turns to the south-west and flattens out. Shortly after passing another sign for 'Nellie's Glen' the track widens into a service trail. This continues south-west until coming to an intersection with another service trail, next to several private paddocks.
Megalong Village (Historic)
Alt = 584 m
In 1870, kerosene shale was discovered in the Nellie's Glen area and, 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 little town with a hotel, butchery, bakery and public hall. When the mines were closed in 1904, the best buildings were were demolished and rebuilt in Katoomba. In the December of 1904, a huge bushfire ripped up through the valley destroying what buildings were left.
(4.34 km)
Int of Devils Crk Service trail and 6 ft Track
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Mitchell Crk Int Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 2.68 km
Time = 46 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = -63 m
From the intersection, this walk heads south-west along the Nellies Glen Rd management trail. Shortly after the intersection, this walk passes a trail (which heads off to the right and across Megalong Creek). Several hundred metres beyond this, the walk passes through a gate (leave the gate as your found it). From here, the walk continues until crossing Coral Creek, just before coming up to the intersection with the Medlow Gap Management Trail. From the intersection, this walk heads west along the unsealed Nellies Glen Road. In this section, the track passes numerous driveways. The track also passes over several fences, using the stiles and small bridges that have been installed. This walk continues until coming to a 'Six Foot Track' sign and two stiles, just as Nellies Glen Road bends to the right to cross Megalong Creek.
(7.01 km)
Mitchell Crk Int
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Int of 6 Ft Track and Megalong Rd Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.14 km
Time = 22 mins
Climb = 39 m
Descent = -20 m
From the intersection, this walk crosses over the fence using the stile and heads south-west across the paddocks. Shortly after beginning this section, the walk crosses over Mitchell Creek and turns slightly more to the south. The walk continues until the track turns sharply to the west and heads along the bush track. This is largely through the paddocks, however it is clear by the signs where the track goes. This continues until the track descends to a small bridge and onto the bush track. The track goes across another small bridge several hundred metres on, just before coming to an intersection with Megalong Rd, marked with several signs saying 'Megalong Cemetery'.
Megalong Cemetery (historical)
Alt = 570 m
There are few historical records about this cemetery. There are a few remaining tombstones. This cemetery is currently under the management of the Blue Mountains City Council, and is recognised by the National Trust.
(8.15 km)
Int of 6 Ft Track and Megalong Rd
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Bowtells Bridge West Track: Hard - bushtrack,duckboard
Length = 5.96 km
Time = 2 hrs 14 mins
Climb = 209 m
Descent = -470 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Six Foot Track' sign through a gate, passing the information shelter. The walk heads down the hill along the service trail, to the west, soon passing the cemetery. Approximately 200m down the hill, the walk crosses over a fence using a stile. The track then flattens out slightly and continues along the service trail until crossing another fence and heading through the paddocks. The direction of this walk is clearly signposted and, at all points where it is necessary to cross fences, stiles have been installed. Just after Harrys Creek, the track heads into the bush. At this point, there are several gates (leave them as you found them). From here, this walk continues around the hill above Coxs River, with several small ups and downs, until the track crosses a small tributary of Coxs River, then turns north for several hundred metres before turning back to the west. After this change of direction in the track, there are several little hills to cross until it is possible to see a large swing bridge in the distance. At this point, the track heads down almost to the level of the Coxs River, and continues for several hundred metres until coming to an intersection signposted as the way to 'Bowtells Swing Bridge' From the eastern bank, this walk crosses the bridge, approximately 100m to the other side. The bridge swings and bounces as you walk across it.
Bowtells Swing Bridge
Alt = 296 m
This bridge is a suspension footbridge that spans the Coxs River. This bridge avoids the often-dangerous river crossing when the Coxs is in flood. 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.
(14.11 km)
Bowtells Bridge West
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Cox's River Campsite (West) Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail,servicetrail
Length = 1.14 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -83 m
From the swing bridge, this walk heads up some stairs into the bush. The track then undulates around the hillside for approximately 1km to descend quite a few stairs to a flat clearing beside the river. From the bottom of the stairs, this walk heads straight down and along the flat grassy area for approximately 60m, then tends right for 10m to the stile (fence bridge). From the stile over the fence, the track heads down and then up the hill, west, to the gate on the service track above 'Six Foot Track' signs. From the gate, this walk follows the 'Six Foot Track' signs down the hill for approximately 200m, to the corner of a fence where a bush track leaves the service trail, going up the grassy hill to the shelter of Cox's River Campsite.
Coxs River Camping Area
Alt = m
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
Alt = 270 m
The Coxs River starts west of Katoomba, running south-east as the main tributary for the Warragamba Dam. The Six Foot Track crosses the river using either stepping stones or, when in flood, the large metal swing bridge, Bowtells Bridge. Although a same-named campsite has been sited on the banks of the Coxs River, the water itself is not safe to drink without prior treatment. The river provides a nice swimming spot, with its pools and interesting granite rock formations.
(15.25 km)
Cox's River Campsite (West)
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Cox's River Campsite (East) Route: Hard - wade
Length = 164 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -5 m
From the campsite, this walk follows the 'Six Foot Track' signs down to the river bank. The walk crosses the river by the rocks, or by wading through it to the other side. On the far bank, this walk then climbs up the grassy hill for approximately 50m to the 'Six Foot Track' sign near the tree line. This river crossing can be very dangerous (especially in flood) - the bridge to the north offers a safer way of crossing the river when the water is at a dangerous level.
(15.41 km)
Cox's River Campsite (East)
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Little River and Coxs River Int Track: Hard - undefined
Length = 3.22 km
Time = 1 hr 2 mins
Climb = 81 m
Descent = -103 m
From the east side of the Cox's River Campsite, this walk heads south-east alongside the river, through the pastures where cows often graze. At this point, the track is not defined. As such, the best navigational tool is the river. After leaving the paddocks, the walk continues between the fence on the hill, and the river. There are numerous 'No Entry' signposts, indicating private property - in order to walk through this section of land, you will need to obtain permission from the owners or walk right next to the creek, which is public land. This walk continues around the river, turning to the east, taking the easiest routes around the numerous boulders and rocks strewn around. The walk continues in this manner, as the river turns back around to the south. Power lines can be seen in the distance. After crossing underneath these, the walk continues for approximately 100m before coming to an intersection with a management trail, marked by a bridge going across the Cox's River.
(18.63 km)
Little River and Coxs River Int
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Quartpot Gully/ Coxs River Track Intersection Track: Hard - undefined
Length = 3.3 km
Time = 1 hr 5 mins
Climb = 93 m
Descent = -119 m
From the intersection, this walk heads south-east along the management trail, keeping the river to the right. After approximately 100m, the walk breaks off the trail and heads down to the creek through the cattle gate (remember to leave the gate as you found it). The walk then follows the river south, passing a house on a private property to the left. Following the river, this walk gradually bends around to the west, the trail becoming more distinct as it passes several creeks and gullies. The walk then comes to a sharper bend in the river to the south (left), where the walk comes to an intersection with a track, up the hill on the left. (This is not long before Quartpot Gully.)
(21.93 km)
Quartpot Gully/ Coxs River Track Intersection
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Coxs River Blue Mountains NP Entry Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.68 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 66 m
Descent = -67 m
From the intersection, this walk heads south, keeping the Cox's River on the right. The walk follows a reasonably well-defined bush track, however at time this becomes slightly less well-defined, particularly in the areas of high grass and boulders. There are occasional ventures through stinging nettles. The walk passes numerous signposts saying 'Blue Mountains National Park' and pointing south along the river, as well as signs prohibiting camping. After a while, the trail comes to a small gate and a 'Blue Mountains National Park' sign.
(23.61 km)
Coxs River Blue Mountains NP Entry
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Int of Coxs Ck and Breakfast Ck Trks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.24 km
Time = 1 hr 15 mins
Climb = 169 m
Descent = -186 m
From the gate, this walk heads south, keeping the Cox's River to the right. The track is quite well-defined around here but tends to fade when going through areas of boulders and grasslands. There are steep hills on both sides of the creek, and some great views to the south. About 1.3 km past the gate, the trail crosses the river - At the time of writing, this was marked by a large stick stuck into the ground, ahead of which the dense bushland comes down to the river bank. After crossing the river, the track continues along the western bank, keeping the river to the left. This continues for approximately 1.6 km until crossing back to the eastern bank of the river. Note: This crossing is not as noticeable as the first one and therefore it is necessary to watch for the track on the opposite side of the creek. The track continues south along the river, though staying about 30m back from the banks. The walk passes several small campsites and soon comes to the junction of Breakfast Creek (which goes to the left).
Breakfast Creek Campsite
Alt = 210 m
This campsite is located at the junction of the Cox's River and Breakfast Creek. Fresh water is available from the Cox's River but should be treated before drinking. There are no facilities at this campground.
(26.86 km)
Int of Coxs Ck and Breakfast Ck Trks
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Breakfast Ck and Blackhorse Ridge Trk Int Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.74 km
Time = 1 hr 33 mins
Climb = 281 m
Descent = -185 m
From the junction, this walk heads east along Breakfast Creek, keeping the creek to the right. Very soon, the track crosses to the southern bank, but its easier just to walk along the creekbed for the first little section. After joining up with the track on the western bank, the walk continues east. This continues for several kilometres until the trail stays on the northern bank for quite a large section before climbing up and over a small steep knoll and then joining back up with the river on the eastern side. After crossing the knoll, the track continues east in the same manner as before, with the track frequently crossing the creek. The track comes to a distinct turn in the creek, where it heads north, and an intersection with a rough bush track coming down through Bad Dog Gully from the Blackhorse Ridge Track.
(30.6 km)
Breakfast Ck and Blackhorse Ridge Trk Int
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Int of Ironpot Mtn and Dunphys Servicetrails Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 3.13 km
Time = 1 hr 26 mins
Climb = 361 m
Descent = -54 m
From the intersection, this walk heads north-east on the track running next to Breakfast Creek. The track crosses the creek at numerous points, while steadily and gradually climbing. Approximately 1km after the intersection and on the east side of the creek, the track passes a reasonably large clearing which has clearly been used as a campsite.
From here, the walk continues north-east along the bush track until gradually turning more to the east and the creek becomes largely dried up. Near the top of the creek, the track turns right and sharply heads uphill through the cleared grasslands to the east. The walk follows a faint outline of a management trail. This continues until the track bends to the north (left) and heads along the management trail, passing by a sign saying 'Blue Mountains National Park - Please Take All Rubbish With You'. Approximately 50m up the hill from here, the walk crosses over a fence at a National Parks stile, then comes to an intersection with a more distinct management trail.
(33.72 km)
Int of Ironpot Mtn and Dunphys Servicetrails
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Dunphys Camping Area Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 290 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = -1 m
From the stile, this walk turns to the right, initially heads east on the management trail. This heads up the hill for approximately 250m until coming to a campsite marked with a signpost saying 'Dunphy's Camping Area'.
Dunphys Camping Area
Alt = 630 m
Dunphy's camping area is at a large clearing next to the very southern end of Megalong Valley Rd. There is a large, well-built toilet, barbeques with shelter and a rainwater tank. There are also information signs on the walks and tracks in the area. The campsite is next to private property so be prepared to wake up in the morning to cows and horses wandering around the campground.
(34.01 km)
Dunphys Camping Area
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Int Dunphys Servicetrail and Bellbird Ridge L.O. trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 717 m
Time = 21 mins
Climb = 90 m
Descent = -23 m
From Dunphy's camping area, this walk heads south-east, steeply up the management trail following the signs to the 'Bellbird Ridge Lookout Track'. Once reaching the first rise, the track turns slightly north and continues to climb more gradually. Once reaching the ridge, the track continues along the flat management trail, gradually turning back to the east until coming to a large gate signposted 'Blue Mountains National Park'. About 150m later, the walk comes to an intersection marked by a green signpost saying 'Bellbird Point 1.5km'.
(34.73 km)
Int Dunphys Servicetrail and Bellbird Ridge L.O. trk
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Int Medlow Gap Management Trail and Carlons Head trk Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 585 m
Time = 12 mins
Climb = 27 m
Descent = -10 m
From the intersection, this walk heads east along the wide management trail for approximately 550m. The walk then comes to an intersection with a more distinct management trail, signposted 'Medlow Gap Management Trail', directly under the high-tension power lines.
(35.32 km)
Int Medlow Gap Management Trail and Carlons Head trk
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Bottom of Carlon Head Pass Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 542 m
Time = 28 mins
Climb = 189 m
Descent = -10 m
From the intersection (at the 'Medlow Gap Management Trail' sign), this walk takes the overgrown management trail north-east under the power lines. Near the tower, the walk turns to the east (right), following the rough bush track directly up the hill. This section of the track is very steep and often slippery.
The track continues to be very steep until reaching the first set of cliffs. The track heads around to the north slightly (left) around the knoll for approximately 50m until coming to a chimney and set of chains on the rock, this is the bottom of Carlon Head Pass.
(35.86 km)
Bottom of Carlon Head Pass
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Top of Carlon Head Pass Route: Unmanaged - bushtrack
Length = 96 m
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 102 m
Descent = 0 m
From the bottom of Carlon Head Pass, the climb starts, heading up four main climbs in close succession. Ensure the chain is safe to use before starting to climb, check the pegs are secure before use. The walk then heads up the cliff using the chain, pegs and carved foot holds up the cliff. Once at the top there is a fantastic view back across the valley.
Carlon Head Pass
Alt = 968 m
Carlon Head Pass has a chain and metal spikes to assist with three consecutive drops of about five metres each. This is a vertical climb/descent and the chain is secured to the rock. Great care is required to scale Carlon Head pass safely as it is very exposed.
(35.95 km)
Top of Carlon Head Pass
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Fire Tower Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.31 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 91 m
Descent = -27 m
From the top of Carlon Head Pass, this walk heads east away from the view, through thick forest and scrub. The track is unclear much of the way, but it follows the ridge line till coming to the public toilets at the fire tower on Bushwalkers Hill.
(37.27 km)
Fire Tower
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Int of Glenraphael and Cliff Drives Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 9.56 km
Time = 3 hrs 24 mins
Climb = 344 m
Descent = -437 m
From the fire tower at the top of Bushwalkers Hill, this walk heads north, following the dirt road through the thick gum tree forest and through the scrub. The trail undulates along Narrow Neck ridge, until it comes to the intersection of the southern Castle Head track. From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt road up to the top of the steep hill. The track then flattens out and continues along until it reaches the intersection of the northern Castle Head track. From the intersection, this walk heads north, following the dirt road as it undulates along the ridge for a while, before it reaches the National Park gate and the car park just on the other side. (For emergency access, keys to the National Park gate are available from the local council, police and National Parks services.) From the National Park gate, this walk follows Glenraphael Drive north through the parking area. The dirt road continues through the bush, undulating along the ridge for about 1km before coming to the signposted intersection at the top of the Golden Stairs, with some more car parking either side of the road. From the Golden Stairs car park, this walk follows the dirt road north, down the gentle hill and along the ridge as it undulates up and down for about 1km, before reaching the intersection of the Sydney Water service trail - this is closed to the public at all times. From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt road heading up the hill and undulating along the ridge for about 1km, before it climbs up to the intersection of Cliff Drive.
(46.83 km)
Int of Glenraphael and Cliff Drives
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Scenic World Walk: Easy - road
Length = 591 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -36 m
From the intersection, this walk heads up Cliff Drive briefly, to then follow the service trail on the right, just past the house. At the end of the service trail, this walk turns right onto Violet Street, which it follows to the front entrance of Scenic World.
Scenic World
Alt = 951 m
Scenic World is one of the most renowned tourist attractions of Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. Located on the cliffs of the Jamison Valley , visitors can enjoy a ride on the Scenic Railway (the world's steepest incline railway) or the Scenic Cableway, into the Jamison Valley, and explore the Scenic Walkway from the base. Alternatively, the Scenic Skyway offers a bird's eye view over the valley, with a glass floor to enhance the experience. Scenic World also features a revolving restaurant, a cafe and a kiosk, in addition to the documentary theatre and souvenir shop. Rides can be purchased, starting from $16 for adults and $10 for children, and combination or family passes are available. More info
Fire Danger This walk passes Central Ranges fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 51 minutes ago) This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 51 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
Established for environmental, heritage and recreation protection, this reserve protects sections of the Six Foot Track. The Six Foot Track passes through several different parks, reserves and crown land. This reserve covers areas near the start of the walk and near the Cox's river.
Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.
Hiking near Sydney 
10 km
not too much longer now :)