Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for McKeowns Valley Lookdown Walk hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
McKeowns Valley Lookdown Walk
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
1 Hrs 9 mins
2.2 km
193 m
Return
18.4 km SE of Oberon
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Track: Moderate
Following the ridge above the Jenolan River this walk has great views of the valley while still remaining a very easy to walk on trail. From the various lookouts along the way it is possible to see the 6 ft track across the valley. Caves House is a great spot to start and end the walk with a relaxing cup of coffee.
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.
Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)
Cross sectional view of the McKeowns Valley Lookdown Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the McKeowns Valley Lookdown Walk bushwalking track
You can promote your organisation on the web and in the bush by sponsoring a set of Wildwalks tracknotes. Sponsorship starts from $10 per/month. This program is unique and will offer a great return on your investment.
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.
(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.
Carlotta's Arch
Alt = 837
Carlotta's 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.
(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 6 ft track and Carlotta Arch Track Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Distance = 0 km
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection the track heads north until coming to an intersection with the 6 ft track.
(0.47 km) Int of 6 ft track and Carlotta Arch Track to Carlotta Carpark Intersection Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 0 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -1 m
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 north along the gravel footpath following the sign to carpark no 2. This shortly passes by the entrance to a cave before going up slightly to an intersection. To the left is a large carpark.
(0.51 km) Carlotta Carpark Intersection to McKeown's Valley Lookdown Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 92 m
Descent = -18 m
From the intersection the track heads up the footpath. This zig-zags its way up the hill and at one point passes by Jenolan Caves Rd. Continuing up the hill the track soon comes to a great lookout over the valley, and of the 6 Ft track. The trail continues up the hill for about 20m before meeting up with Jenolan Caves Rd once again. At this point there are also several private dwellings. The track follows the sign to Mcewans Lookdown and heads to the right. This shortly turns to the .... and goes around the hill. Just before zig-zagging up the hill again the track passes a sign pointing back down the track to Caves House. At the top of the hill the track comes to an intersedction with a dirt road marked by a sign pointing to 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
