McKeowns Valley Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs

3.5 km Circuit

347 m

Hard track

Looping around the northern bush tracks surrounding Jenolan Caves, this walk explores a variety of different environments, up on the ridges and down along the river. The campsite is a great spot to break and enjoy the quiet, at one of the less-frequented areas of the park. Be sure to allow 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.

Looking down on Cave's House from Carlotta's Arch

The vegetation next to the track and the Jenolan River

(0km) Caves House → Carlotta Arch Lookout

410 m

12 mins

74m

-21m Moderate track

From the opposite side of the Jenolan Caves Road from Caves House[1], this walk follows the 'Six Foot Track' sign up the concrete steps[2]. The walk then follows the stone footpath up the side of the valley for about 80m to pass the 'Southside Show Caves' information sign[3] then just over 30m later to the 'Grand Arch' information sign (and view of the Arch)[4]. The walk continues fairly gently up the path for 100m (as it bends right) to find 'Caves House' information sign[5]. The path soon starts leading much more steeply up as it begins to Zig Zag up past a seat[6] and more views down to caves house[7] for 150m beside the limestone cliffs[8]. At the top of this climb the path leads over a small small rise then gently down to a fenced lookout beside 'Carlotta Arch'[9][10].

(0km) Top of Carlotta Arch Steps → Bottom of Carlotta Arch Steps

30 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk goes down the stairs until coming to the entrance of the cave. On the way, this walk goes under the towering Carlotta's Arch. The lookout has great views of the valley and Blue Lake. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(0km) Carlotta Arch Lookout → Int of Mckeowns Valley Bushtrack and Devils Coachhouse Trail

270 m

8 mins

-45m Hard track

Continue straight: From the 'Carlotta Arch'[11][12] lookout, this walk follows the gravel path[13] (past the top of the steps) gently uphill (initially keeping the arch to your right) a short distance to an intersection with the sign posted 'Six Foot Track' (on your right), where another sign points back to 'Caves House'[14].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the gravel footpath until coming to an intersection with a track signposted as the way to the 'Devil's Coachhouse'.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads off the gravel footpath and goes down the stairs, zigzagging down the hill. The walk then crosses a bridge over the Jenolan River and comes to intersection with a bush track, marked by a 'Devil's Coachhouse' sign.

(1km) Int of Mckeowns Valley Bushtrack and Devils Coachhouse Trail → McKeowns Valley Campsite

840 m

19 mins

35m

-41m Easy track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads alongside the Jenolan River (left of the track). The track crosses the river at several points using metal bridges. (Watch out for stinging nettles along this part of the track.) Continuing north along the gravel footpath, the walk slowly winds to reach an electric fence, then heads through the grass clearings signposted as the 'Old Playing Field'. The walk comes to a group of buildings and an intersection with a management trail (which crosses the Jenolan River).

(2km) McKeown's Valley Campsite → McKeown's Valley Lookdown

810 m

28 mins

183m

-67m Moderate track

Turn left: From the campground, this walk crosses the Jenolan River and begins to zigzag up the hill to the south-west. This continues to the top of the hill, where the trail passes a large gate[15] and comes 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 with a management trail, where there is a sign pointing towards 'Caves House'[16].

(2km) McKeowns Valley Lookdown → Carlotta Carpark Intersection

600 m

19 mins

18m

-92m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, following the 'Caves House' sign. The track winds past several private residences and soon heads uphill, coming near a dirt road (Burma Rd). The track turns left and begins to to go down the hill, soon coming to a great informal viewing point which looks over the valley and the Six Foot Track. At this point, the track begins to zigzag down the hill and, at several points, goes past Jenolan Caves Rd. In time, the track comes to a small picnic area and intersection, with a large car park off to the right.

(3km) Carlotta Carpark Intersection → Int of Carlotta and Mckeowns Valley Tracks

40 m

1 mins

-7m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the gravel footpath. Shortly after passing the entrance to a cave (on the right), the track comes to an intersection with a set of stairs.

(3km) Int of Carlotta and Mckeown's Valley Tracks → Caves House

490 m

13 mins

29m

-74m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the gravel footpath until coming to an intersection with a track signposted as the 'Six Foot Track'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Caves House' sign[17] gently downhill along the gravel path a short distance to an intersection and fenced lookout near 'Carlotta Arch'[18][19] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the fenced lookout near 'Carlotta Arch'[20][21], this walk follows the 'Caves House' sign gently uphill along the stone path[22] 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 150m beside the limestone cliffs[23] passing views down to Caves House[24], past a bench seat[25] to a 'Caves House' information sign[26]. The path continues more gently downhill for another 100m past the 'Grand Arch' information sign (and view of the Arch)[27] then just over 30m later to the 'Southside Show Caves' information sign[28]. The path continues down the side of the valley for another 80m to head down some concrete steps to the side of Jenolan Caves Road[29], opposite Caves House[30], where a 'Six Foot Track' sign points up the steps[31]. The official end of the Six Foot Track.

Maps for the McKeowns Valley Circuit walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Six Foot Track	1:50 000 Map Series	Six Foot Track	NSW-six-foot-track
Jenolan	1:25 000 Map Series	89303N JENOLAN	NSW-89303N
Katoomba	1:100 000 Map Series	8930 KATOOMBA	8930

Cross sectional view of the McKeowns Valley Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the McKeowns Valley Circuit

Altitude analysis for McKeowns Valley Circuit

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	3.5 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 990m is flat with no steps. Whilst another 190m is very steep and the remaining 35m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 2.6km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 840m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 3.5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 3.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 190m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 3.5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the McKeowns Valley Circuit walk.

Carlotta's Arch Track

828 m Return, 30 mins

From Caves House, this short but relatively steep trail goes up to Carlotta's Arch, enjoying fantastic views out over Blue Lake, the Jenolan Valley and River. Back at Caves House, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a milkshake in the bistro. For those in Jenolan primarily do a caves tour, this is a g

Total climbing: 95m

Moderate track

McKeowns Valley Lookdown Walk

2.2 km Return, 1 hr 9 mins

Following the ridge above the Jenolan River, this walk enjoys great views of the valley along its course. From the various lookouts along the way, it is possible to see the Six Foot Track across the valley. Caves House is a great spot to start and end the walk with a relaxing hot drink or snack.

Total climbing: 220m

Moderate track

McKeowns Valley Walk

3.1 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

Exploring the Jenolan River, this track makes for one of the more beautiful walks in the Jenolan area as it winds its way along the creek bed. High cliffs on either side form an amazing valley, and there are views of the caves as well as a great spot to break at the campsite.

Total climbing: 224m

Hard track

Jenolan Cottages to Caves

4.6 km One way, 2 hrs

This is a great walk for those staying at Jenolan Cottages and wanting to walk to the Caves. Following the well-maintained and signposted Six Foot Track, there are great views and a variety of environments to enjoy. Be sure to notice the buildings surrounding Caves House as you come into the Jenolan

Total climbing: 103m

Hard track

Six Foot Track

44.8 km One way, 3 Days

This classic walk takes you from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves via a historic horse route. The walk travels mainly along well-maintained service tracks and explores Nellie's Glen, Megalong Valley, Cox's River, Black Range, and Jenolan. There are well established and popular campsites along the way.

Total climbing: 2066m

Hard track

Six Foot Track (Alum Creek Reserve)

44.8 km One way, 2 Days

The Six Foot Track is a classic walk which takes you from the Explorers Tree in Katoomba out to the amazing Jenolan Caves. This walk stays the night in Alum Creek Reserve before tackling the long hill up to Black Range Road. The walk is a classic and normally done in 3 days, this two day option is f

Total climbing: 2066m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the McKeowns Valley Circuit walk.

River Walk (Blue Lake)

2.6 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk takes you from the Grand Arch along the surreal Blue Lake, following the hillside downstream to the old Jenolan Caves Hydroelectric Station. The track is dotted with magnificent views of Carlotta's Arch and the top of the Grand Arch. The circuit-style walk brings you underneath the bridge

Total climbing: 216m

Moderate track

Megalong Rd to Bowtells Swing Bridge (Coxs River)

12.6 km Return, 5 hrs 30 mins

Starting from Megalong Rd, this walk will take you past the historic Megalong Cemetery and then through some farmland as you wander along private dirt roads on part of the Six Foot Track. Just shy of 1km into the walk, you will then follow a track as it crosses the Guyvey Bridge and meanders through

Total climbing: 772m

Hard track

Along Narrow Neck to Taro's Ladder

20 km Return, 7 hrs

This walk follows the Glenraphael Drive management trail along Narrow Neck, enjoying plenty of great views of the Jamison Valley and across to Mount Solitary. The climb down Taro's ladder requires skill, and much care and caution should be used. There are plenty of pleasant spots to rest along the

Total climbing: 671m

Moderate track

Narrow Neck to Castle Head

4.2 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

From the locked gate on Glenraphael Dr, on Narrow Neck, this walk heads out to Castle Head lookout. From the Lookout, there are fantastic views over the Jamison Valley back to Katoomba and over to Mount Solitary. You get a birds eye view of Ruined Castle, and distant views of the Three Sisters. M

Total climbing: 229m

Hard track

Golden Staircase to Mt Solitary via Ruined Castle

11.7 km Return, 8 hrs 45 mins

With quite significant hills, this is a great walk is for the day-walker looking for something more challenging than the average Katoomba cliff top walk. With fantastic views at Botting's Lookout, from the top of the Ruined Castle, and especially good views from Mt Solitary, this walk is well worth

Total climbing: 1048m

Experienced only

Ruined Castle Walk

7.9 km Return, 5 hrs

Entering into the Jamison Valley via the popular Golden Staircase, this walk climbs one of the most recognisable landmarks in the Jamison Valley - The Ruined Castle. A beautiful rock formation that offers great views over the valley as far as Wentworth Falls and Katoomba. Explore some of the history

Total climbing: 666m

Hard track

Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via the Jamison Valley

29.2 km One way, 2 Days

This is the two day version of this popular and challenging walk. This walk passes popular sights including the Landslide, Ruined Castle, Mt Solitary and Wentworth Falls, and is a great way to explore the Jamison Valley. Water is rarely available at the campsite, with the Kedumba River being the on

Total climbing: 2135m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary - Kedumba River - Wentworth Falls

29.3 km One way, 3 Days

Circling the Jamison Valley, this spectacular three day walk is packed with great views and beautiful scenery. From Scenic World the walk heads around the base of the cliffs before climbing up to the Ruined Castle and then Mt Solitary. Walkers can rest in the sheltered Chinaman's Gully campsite over

Total climbing: 2147m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway to Golden Staircase Circuit

5.9 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

Exploring below the cliffs on the western side of the Scenic Railway, this walk passes some spectacular lookouts, especially the view from the Landslide. In addition to this, it goes through beautiful shrouded forest before climbing steeply up the Golden Staircase. Once out of the valley, be prepare

Total climbing: 723m

Hard track

Scenic Railway to Leura Forest

6.7 km Return, 4 hrs 30 mins

Any walk that begins with a trip on the world's steepest railway is bound to be exciting, but its the tranquility of Leura Forest that makes this walk extra special. From the bottom of the Scenic Railway, this walk goes through the cool forest at the base of the cliffs, until reaching Leura Forest.

Total climbing: 622m

Moderate track

Scenic Railway to Mt Solitary via the Ruined Castle

16.2 km Return, 11 hrs

One of the longer day-walks in the Katoomba area, this track goes from the very popular Scenic World to the fantastic lookout on top of the Ruined Castle and then on to the amazing Mt Solitary. Be prepared for a long, but amazing, day of viewing the Jamison Valley. Make sure you are back to catch t

Total climbing: 1345m

Experienced only

Scenic Railway to Ruined Castle

12.4 km Return, 7 hrs 30 mins

This is a very popular, full day walk, in the Katoomba Area, offering great views of the valley. The walk follows the edge of the cliffs, through the undergrowth, from the Scenic Railway to the Ruined Castle. There are great views to enjoy from the Ruined Castle. Arrive back in time to catch the Sc

Total climbing: 963m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The McKeowns Valley Circuit walk starts and ends at the Caves House (gps: -33.820325, 150.02117)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Central Tablelands weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

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.

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