A challenging 3-day hike, Six Foot track winds from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves, passing through Kanangra-Boyd National Park and state forests. This walk is managed by Crown Land.
Looking for an exhilarating adventure that will give your mind and body a hard yet exhilarating workout? The dynamic Six Foot walking track packs it all into a three-day hike for enthusiastic bushwalkers. Winding through state forests and Blue Mountains National Park, this historic track takes in heritage sites, heath, woodlands, and rainforest, with several opportunities for excellent overnight camping.
Following an 1884 heritage horse track, this challenging walk starts near Katoomba, passing cascading waterfalls and wild rivers into the Megalong Valley and village, before crossing a unique swing bridge, climbing the range, and arriving at Jenolan Caves.
At night, cook up a hearty meal and enjoy some stargazing before falling asleep to the sounds of the bush. Alternatively, if you don't feel like completing the entire walk, shorter sections can be undertaken.
Camping and accommodation
Campgrounds with toilet facilities are located at Old Ford Reserve, Cox's River and Black Range. At Allum Creek, there's a campground, but there are no toilet facilities. Cabin accommodation is available at Binda Bush cabins, approx. 4km from Jenolan Caves.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
- If you're planning a long hike or visiting a remote part of the Greater Blue Mountains wilderness, drop into the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Blackheath, to complete a trip intention form and hire a personal locator beacon (PLB).
- Check the weather before you set out as Six Foot walking track can become boggy when it rains.
Total distance: 45268 m
Max elevation: 1213 m
Min elevation: 267 m
Total climbing: 1778 m
Total descent: -2031 m
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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.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.
Six Foot track starts near Explorers Tree, in the Katoomba area of Blue Mountains National Park. To get there, take the Great Western Highway towards Katoomba. Around 2.2km west of the Katoomba turn off, turn on to Nellies Glen Road then Pulpit Hill Road. Alternatively, around 2.6km west of the Katoomba turnoff turn on to Explorers Road then left on to Pulpit Hill Road. Six Foot track, starts from Pulpit Hill Road, near Explorers Tree. Please note:
- There’s no public transport to or from Jenolan Caves. If you plan to finish this walk at Jenolan, please arrange your own transport.
- Access to Jenolan is via Edith Road (2-Mile Road) only. This road is only suitable for vehicles smaller than a 12-seat minibus.
- A minibus shuttle service can be arranged between Jenolan and the pick-up point for larger buses. Contact the Jenolan Caves office before you hike on 1300 76 33 11 to confirm cost and availability.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford
Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, home of the famous Three Sisters in Katoomba. Discover iconic lookouts and waterfalls, historic walking tracks, mountain biking, Aboriginal culture, adventure sports, and camping - right on Sydney's doorstep.
Katoomba area is the heart of Blue Mountains National Park. This popular day trip from Sydney is home of the iconic Three Sisters. It's packed with heritage walks, world-class views and waterfalls, including Wentworth Falls.
The dazzling natural beauty of Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls has drawn visitors for over 100 years. Echo Point is a Blue Mountains favourite. Marvel at the famous views of the Three Sisters rock formation, Mount Solitary, and the dramatic sandstone cliffs towering above the Jamison Valley.
From family-friendly strolls to challenging descents into World Heritage-listed wilderness, Katoomba area is a walker's paradise. Take in ever changing views along Prince Henry Cliff walk which boasts over 20 lookouts and 3 waterfalls between Katoomba and Leura. Swap cliff top for cool rainforest on the short Round walking track. It's easily combined with a Scenic World ride (fees apply). The historic Giant Stairway will test your legs as it zig zags down the cliff face to meet the heart-pumping Federal Pass.
Looking for more walks in or near Blue Mountains National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
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Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
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Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
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7 Reviews on “Six Foot Track Walk (46km)”
Man, what a boring slog. Given this is promoted as one of the Blue Mountains ‘must do’ hikes, I was entirely underwhelmed. We found ourselves sharing a significant portion of the trail with 4-wheel drives and motorbikes. Our intention for this hike was to escape the typical noise and disturbances that often come with such encounters, but unfortunately, it was unavoidable on this particular route. Essentially, this trail consisted of a series of fire roads designed primarily for emergency vehicle access rather than for hikers. Many parts of the trail were exposed and not particularly enjoyable.
Numerous campgrounds along the trail were accessible to car campers, which posed a risk of having to share facilities with individuals who may not be aware that hikers rely on these resources, especially water sources. For a more satisfying experience, it would be advisable to base yourself in Katoomba and explore one of the many other trails that are easily accessible and offer much greater natural beauty. Not recommended at all.