It's hard not to feel energised by the abundant and pristine beauty that surrounds you on this gorgeous, easy walk at Jenolan Caves.
Suitable for almost everyone, and at any time of year, Jenolan River walking track is all about scenic water views. Beginning and ending from the eastern side of Grand Arch, the track rewards you with beautiful views of the river, lake, waterfalls and suspension bridge. You can even bring your gear to enjoy a dip in one of the swimming holes.
To make the most of this walk, why not pack some lunch to enjoy at the nearby waterfront picnic area? See if you can spot the trout ladder adjacent to the hydro hut or glimpse the Blue Lake's resident platypus.
Birdwatchers are in for a treat with bellbirds, rock warblers and lyrebirds often spotted amongst the area's diverse plant life, while kangaroos, wallabies and eastern water dragons are also never far away.
The weather in this area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
The section of road into Jenolan Valley is one-way from 11.45am to 1.15pm every day to allow coaches to enter Jenolan safely. Take Oberon Road if you're leaving Jenolan between these times.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
To Jenolan Caves. Jenolan River walking track is in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. To get there from Sydney:Take M4 Motorway, then Great Western Highway over Blue Mountains to Hartley. Turn off at Hartley onto Jenolan Caves RoadIt's approximately 45 minutes from here to the caves Park entry points Jenolan Caves See on map Parking Parking is available at any of the 3 main carparks at Jenolan Caves. Designated disabled parking spots can be found adjacent to the Guides Office and behind Caves House. Bus parking is also available. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore the caves at Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, near Oberon. It's a great daytrip from Sydney, or enjoy a weekend away staying in heritage accommodation. The Jenolan Caves are limestone caves located within the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve in the Central Tablelands region, west of the Blue Mountains, in Jenolan, Oberon Council, New South Wales, in eastern Australia.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Favourite
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Favourite
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Favourite
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Favourite
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
