For a bushwalk incorporating a scenic combination of karst features, diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, you can't go past McKeown Valley walking track.
This track, also known as Healing Waters walk, takes in a range of different settings, and leads you into the incredible Devil's Coach House cave, through the pretty McKeowns Valley, and onto the historic Old Playing Fields, where you can check out the old concrete cricket pitch.
As you follow this bushwalking track, you'll see some amazing surface karst features, including a blind valley. You may want to stop at the campground at the end of the walk for a snack, or reward yourself with a terrace lunch at Caves House.
Plenty of wildlife can also be spotted on this easy walk around Jenolan Caves. Kangaroos, wallabies and lyrebirds are just some of the area's daytime visitors, while an evening walk allows you to see and hear owls, sugargliders and possums.
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.
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Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve.
To Jenolan Caves. McKeown Valley 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 Jenolan 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.
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.
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Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Blackheath, Hartley, Jenolan Caves, Katoomba, Lithgow, Little Hartley, Mount Victoria, Oberon, Tarana, Wentworth Falls
About the region
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.
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