Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for McKeowns Valley Circuit hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
McKeowns Valley Circuit
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
2 Hrs
3.4 km
319 m
Circuit
18.4 km SE of Oberon
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Track: Hard
Looping around the northern bushtracks surrounding Jenolan Caves this walk explores a variety of different environments (up on the ridges and down on the river) as well as different tracks. The campsite is a great spot to break and enjoy the quiet (this is one of the less frequented areas of the park). Be sure to spare time to enjoy the views from up on the ridge and especially of Carlotta's Arch. Watch out for stinging nettles down on the river.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
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(0 km) Caves House to Top of Carlotta Arch Steps Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 60 m
Descent = -13 m
From the intersection of the bush track and Jenolan Caves Rd (opposite the visitors centre, Caves House) the track heads north-east up the hill. Nearing the top of the hill the track begins to zig-zag up the hill relatively steeply. Once reaching the top of the hill the track turns to the north for approximately 20m before coming to an intersection with a set of stairs off to the right. These go under Carlotta's Arch.
(0.46 km) Top of Carlotta Arch Steps to Bottom of Carlotta Arch Steps Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0 km
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection the track goes down the stairs until coming to the entrance to the cave. On the way the track goes under Carlotta's Arch which is a towering arch. The lookout has great views of the valley and Blue Lake.
(0.46 km) Top of Carlotta Arch Steps to Int of Mckeown's Valley Bushtrack and Devil's Coachhouse Trail Track: Hard - footpath, bushtrack
Distance = 0.2 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -39 m
From the intersection the track heads north until coming to an intersection with the 6 ft track. From the intersection the track heads north along the gravel footpath until coming to an intersection with a track signposted as the way to the Devil's Coachhouse. From the intersection the track heads off the gravel footpath and goes down the stairs. These zig-zag down the hill until reaching a bridge that crosses the Jenolan River. On the other side of this bridge the track comes to an intersection with a bushtrack marked by a sign pointing to the Devil's Coachhouse.
(0.67 km) Int of Mckeown's Valley Bushtrack and Devil's Coachhouse Trail to McKeown's Valley Campsite Walk: Easy - Bush Track
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 35 m
Descent = -41 m
From the intersection the track heads north along the Jenolan River. This crosses the river at several points. Also along the trail it is necessary to watch out for stinging nettles. Continuing north along the gravel footpath the track slowly turns to the west. Once reaching the electric fence off to the left the track goes right through the grass clearings. These are signposted as the Old Playing Fields. This continues until coming to a group of buildings and an intersection with a servicetrail that crosses the Jenolan River.
(1.51 km) McKeown's Valley Campsite to McKeown's Valley Lookdown Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 183 m
Descent = -67 m
From the campground the track crosses the Jenolan River and begins to zig-zag up the hill to the south-west. This continues until at the top of the hill passing a large boomgate and coming out next to a dirt road and several green buildings. At this point the track heads south along the dirt road for about 20m before coming to an intersection of a servicetrail. At this point there is a sign pointing towards Caves House.
(2.32 km) McKeown's Valley Lookdown to Carlotta Carpark Intersection Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -92 m
From the intersection the track heads south following the sign to Caves House. This goes down the hill slightly before turning to the east and passing under several private residences. Shortly after the track goes up the hill and joins onto a dirt road. At this point the track turns left and begins to to go down the hill. Shorlty after this comes to a great lookout over great lookout over the valley, and of the 6 Ft track. At this point the track begins to zig-zag down the hill and at several points goes past Jenolan Caves Rd. The track continues down the hill until coming to a small picnic area and intersection. Just off to the right is a large carpark.
(2.91 km) Carlotta Carpark Intersection to Int of Carlotta and Mckeown's Valley Tracks Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 0 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -8 m
From the intersection the track heads downhill along the gravel footpath. Shortly after passing the entrance to a cave off to the right the track comes to an intersection at a set of stars with a track going off to the left.
(2.95 km) Int of Carlotta and Mckeown's Valley Tracks to Caves House Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -60 m
From the intersection the track headssouth along the gravel footpath until coming to an intersection with a track signposted as the 6 Ft Track. From the intersection the track heads south until coming to an intersection with a track going down the stairs and under Carlotta's Arch. From the intersection the track heads south along the footpath. 20m later and the track comes to the top of the hill. Immediately it begins to zig-zag down the valley until turning to the south-west. Once going in this direction the track continues gradually down until coming to an intersection with Jenolan Caves Rd across the road from the Jenolan Caves Visitor Centre (Caves House).
This Reserve is home to the world famous Jenolan Caves. The are a number of guided tours avaible paying visitors to explore the underground on well maintianed tracks through the caves. There are also a number of self guided caves that you can walk through at your own leisure, including the masive Grand Arch which you can drive through. There is accomodation and food avaialble in the area and a number of nice walks.
Hiking near Sydney 
500 meters
