Six Foot Track, NSW - Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey

Overview

Highlights

Three days exploring historic and spectacular landscapes on your expedition journey
Crossing the iconic Coxs River via an exciting suspension bridge high above the river
Final day pickup from Jenolan Caves included
All support logistics taken care of so students can concentrate on their expedition and route planning

Less than 2-hours drive west of Sydney is the World-Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains. Consisting of over a million hectares, the Blue Mountains is renowned for some of the best walks in Australia. On this three-day 48 kilometre expedition you will walk the Six Foot Track, which is one of Australia's most iconic and well-known trails.

The Six Foot Track was originally built as a bridle trail to shorten the journey to Jenolan Caves, which was growing in popularity as a tourist attraction during the mid and late nineteenth century. Prior to its creation the journey to the caves from Sydney was a long one, via rail and a lengthy horse ride from the nearest railway station at Tarana (between Lithgow and Bathurst). In 1884 a new horse track from Katoomba, across the Coxs River, was marked out and constructed to be six feet wide in order that two loaded horse-drawn carts could pass each other. In time, with the growth in motor vehicle ownership, this route to Jenolan Caves was replaced.

For walkers, the Six Foot Track remains an enjoyable multi-day journey through a mix of dense native bushland, towering sandstone cliffs, granite creek beds, open farmland, pine forests and the unique limestone geology of Jenolan.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Katoomba

Activities:

Grading:Moderate

Itinerary

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Day 1
Katoomba to Coxs River Campsite - via the Bowtells Swing Bridge (19km)

Your day will start with a 45min (3km) walk from your accommodation in Katoomba to the Six Foot Track trailhead, near the historic Explorers Tree. Shortly after commencing, the track descends via steep and at times slippery steps through the temperate rainforest canyon environment of Nellies Glen, down to the Megalong Valley floor. A brief stop at North’s Lookout for views over Nellies Glen is a must. The lush rainforest transitions into tall scribbly gum forest and in time opens to become cleared farmland. After crossing Megalong Road you’ll walk past the historic Megalong Cemetery; and then on towards the Coxs River. Before reaching the river, you’ll be walking through open farmland with cattle, horses and vineyards; and the closer you come to the river the natural forested vegetation returns and the geology shifts from sandstone to granite outcrops and boulders. At the Coxs River you’ll cross one-at-a-time, high above the water, using a steel suspension bridge, called Bowtells Swing Bridge. Shortly after this exciting river crossing, your night's camp at the Coxs River Campsite is reached. Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Coxs River Campsite to Black Range Campground (19km)

Day two of your walk is straightforward yet challenging with a consistent uphill gradient for most of the day. At the Coxs River you were at approx. 290 metres above sea level and your day concludes at approx. 1200 metres. You’ll enjoy some great views from near Kiangatha Cattle Yards. After passing Alum Creek Campground (with its pit toilet) you’ll continue along the lush valley of Little River. Depending on the water levels this is an area you’ll likely be getting wet feet as you navigate your way across numerous river crossings. From Little River you’ll begin your climb up the eastern end of the Black Range ridgeline. This is followed by a slightly-inclining walk along the ridge through a mix of open forest and pine plantation to your night’s camp at the Black Range Campground. Walking Time: 8-9 hours

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Black Range Campground to Jenolan Caves (10km)

For your final day’s walk, you’ll follow a series of trails through varying vegetations, including some pleasant gullies, before you start the final descent to the limestone caves at Jenolan. The majestic Carlotta Arch will signal your imminent arrival at Jenolan Caves, where you may consider enjoying one of the many spectacular cave tours. After this celebratory underground adventure, you will be picked up by private mini-bus for the drive back to Katoomba. Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Meals: Nil

Learning outcomes for students

A World Expeditions Schools adventure is a unique learning experience. Our journeys are designed to encourage thriving and positive youth development along with leaving the communities and environments where we travel in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to enhance the following life skills that will help you grow as an individual:
• the confidence to lead a group and make decisions
• the value of working together as a cohesive team to achieve a common objective
• the ability to face mental and physical challenges
• the ability to adapt to new environments outside of their 'comfort zone'
• to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The environments we trek through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers and also the local peoples
• basic outdoor skills obtained on trek such as personal hygiene, pitching a tent, helping to prepare meals
Importantly our adventures help increase general well-being and build resilience in young citizens to help them deal with adverse situations in life.

Inclusions

What's included

Backpack, tent (twin share) and inflatable sleeping mat (or as required by your School)
Camp stove, fuel, cook-set and eating utensils (or as required by your School)
Transport by private minibus from walk's conclusion at Jenolan back to Katoomba
Backup or emergency services support
Professional Wildnerness Guide
First Aid Kit and Emergency communications
Teachers from School to accompany expedition

What's not included

Sleeping bag (can be hired) and inner sheet
Meals (can be included as per School or Award requirements)
Travel to and from Katoomba
Items of a personal nature: clothing, boots etc
Travel insurance
Cave tour at Jenolan Caves

Accommodation

Camping

The two nights of the tour will be spent camping along the track at designated campsites. We provide strong, 2 person, bushwalking tents (twin share), which provide each occupant with a personal access door and vestibule for individual use. You will be shown how to put up and pull down the tent at your pre-departure briefing.

Grading

Moderate

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