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Jenolan River walking track

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Park closed for road repairs and upgrades

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve is closed until 2026 while Transport for NSW repairs flood-damaged roads and landslips. During this time, NPWS and Jenolan Caves Trust will also work to upgrade the accommodation, walking tracks and access to caves.

Jenolan River walking track and Blue Lake are closed until 2026 while Transport for NSW repairs flood-damaged roads and landslips.

Distance
2.6km return
Time suggested
45min - 1hr 30min
Grade
Grade 3
Please note
  • Swimming is prohibited in Blue Lake, as it's an important platypus habitat. You can swim at the waterhole downstream, below the waterfall along Jenolan River walk.
  • Check with the ticket office for walking track advice or closures before you set out.

Jenolan River walking track takes in amazing Blue Lake, waterfalls, bridges and Jenolan Caves' hydro-electric heritage. Also called Working Waters walk, it's great for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

It’s hard not to feel energised by the natural beauty along Jenolan River walking track. Also known as Working Waters walk, this easy walk at Jenolan Caves is suitable for almost everyone, all year round.

Starting from the eastern side of Grand Arch the track provides great views looking back up to Carlotta Arch, as it traces the edge of beautiful Blue Lake. See if you can spot the trout ladder next to the hydro hut, or glimpse the lake's resident platypus.

To make the most of this walk, why not pack a picnic lunch to enjoy beside the vibrant waters of Blue Lake.

Continue beyond the lake's weir, following the Jenolan River through woodland downstream. Detour to the bottom of the small waterfall and swimming hole. While you can't swim in Blue Lake, you can enjoy a dip at this scenic spot.

For a shorter walk, return to Grand Arch. Or, follow the track further downstream along the hillside to reach the old Jenolan Hydro Electric Power Station and picnic area.

Bird watchers are in for a treat, with bellbirds, rock warblers and lyrebirds often spotted amongst the area’s woodland. Goannas, kangaroos, wallabies and eastern water dragons are also never far away.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • A close-up view of the bumpy rock formations of Carlotta Arch in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: Jenolan Caves © DPE

    Carlotta Arch walking track

    Carlotta Arch walking track is closed until 2026 while Transport for NSW repairs flood-damaged roads and landslips.

  • Two brush-tailed rock wallabies sit on rocks in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: Jenolan Caves © DPE

    McKeown's Valley walking track

    McKeown's Valley walking track, also known as Healing Waters walk, is closed until 2026 while Transport for NSW repairs flood-damaged roads and landslips.

  • Exterior shot of Jenolan Caves House lit up at night, Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: Jenolan Caves © DPE

    Jenolan Caves House

    Jenolan Caves House is closed until 2026 while Transport for NSW repairs flood-damaged roads and landslips.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Jenolan environmental monitoring program

The Jenolan environmental monitoring program, created in 2008, uses special sensory equipment to measure tiny variations in air and water quality at different sites around the karst environment of Jenolan Caves. While still allowing visitors to explore the caves, this allows scientists to protect geodiversity, ensuring conditions stay stable for future generations.

Visitors inside Jenolan Caves, Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: J Lim