I recently went on a solo overnight hike along the Six Foot Track, from Megalong Valley down to the Coxs River. At just 14 km return with around 520 m elevation gain, it’s an awesome day hike adventure, but really beautiful as a camp - that gives you farmland views, an iconic suspension bridge, and the chance to camp right by the river.
The Track
The walk begins at Megalong Valley Road, near the old cemetery. The first section passes through open farmland with views back towards the escarpment, before heading into bushland. The track is well signposted and straightforward, with a mix of gentle slopes, flat stretches, and short climbs.
At around 6.5 km you’ll reach Bowtells Swing Bridge, an 80 m long suspension bridge high above the Coxs River. It’s sturdy but wobbly enough to give you a thrill, and the views down to the river are incredible. Once across, the river is just a short walk away.
Camping by the River
I camped about 800 m beyond the bridge at the private riverfront campground run by the Six Foot Track Eco Lodge. For $25 a night you get flat grassy sites right by the river, plus access to the lodges facilities just 100 m away - a kitchen, gas stoves, bathrooms and water. Bookings can be made through the Six Foot Track Eco Lodge website. If you book while the lodge is running, you can also order food from their menu. I booked during the week, so the lodge was closed, however they gave me access to enter.
There’s also the free Coxs River Campground, 500 m further on. It has a pit toilet, rainwater tank, and picnic tables, but no other facilities. It’s car accessible via a 4WD track, so you may share it with vehicle campers. Fires are not permitted here, so you’ll need a stove for cooking.
My Experience
Camping by the Coxs River was one of the most peaceful nights I’ve had. I spent the evening making a fire, cooking steak sandwiches, and photographing the Milky Way. The sound of the river at night made it easy to fall asleep, and in the morning I woke to the sound of birds & the river, cooked pancakes, and took my time packing up.
The walk back retraces the same track, with most of the climbing on the return leg. It’s steady but not too steep, and I passed kangaroos and sheep along the way through the farmland.
Trailhead Access
The trail starts at Megalong Valley Road in Megalong Valley, about 30 minutes from Katoomba. The road is sealed and suitable for any car, with a decent sized parking area. There are no facilities at the trailhead, so come prepared with water and supplies.
Extending the Hike
This walk is part of the 45 km Six Foot Track, which runs from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. If you’re up for a longer challenge, you can extend this overnight into a three-day hike that covers the full track.
