Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the diverse landscapes of McKeown Valley walking track, a hidden gem in Australia. Offering a moderate 2.6km return trail, marvel at karst features, encounter abundant wildlife and explore the historic Devil's Coach House cave. Perfect for bushwalkers, the trail also features a unique blind valley and a chance to spot kangaroos, wallabies, and lyrebirds. Don't miss the chance to reward yourself with a terrace lunch at Caves House post-hike.

Length:

2.6km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: 4655 Jenolan Caves Rd

End: 4655 Jenolan Caves Rd

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

New South Wales

Nearby town: Jenolan

From state capital: 175km

Latitude: -33.82035487

Longitude: 150.02097666263583

6,469 views

Overview

Route

Photos

Reviews

Similar

Weather

Hike overview

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.

Map and GPX file

McKeown Valley Walking Track (2.6km)

Share your GPX file

It looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one to share, please email it to me! I’ll verify it against official maps before adding it to help other hikers have a safer, easier experience. Thanks for contributing to a better hiking resource.

Photo gallery

Add your photos

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Blackheath, Hartley, Jenolan Caves, Katoomba, Lithgow, Little Hartley, Mount Victoria, Oberon, Tarana, Wentworth Falls

Getting to the trailhead in 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.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

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 safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

McKeown Valley Walking Track (2.6km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Suggest an edit

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.

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

McKeown Valley Walking Track (2.6km)