Jenolan River walking track
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Overview
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.
- Where
- Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve in Sydney and surrounds
- Distance
- 2.6km return
- Time suggested
- 45min - 1hr 30min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, suitable clothing, binoculars
- 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.
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.
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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.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Jenolan Caves
- 1300 76 33 11 or
- 02 6359 3911 within Australia
- +61 2 6359 3911 International
- reception@jenolancaves.org.au
- 4655 Jenolan Caves Road, Jenolan Caves NSW 2790
Park info
- in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve in the Sydney and surrounds region
This reserve is open every day from 7am to 7pm. Check the Jenolan Caves website for information about guided tours, restaurants and events.
What's nearby:
Things to do (46)
- 4WD touring (2)
- Aboriginal culture (2)
- Adventure sports (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (8)
- Cafes and kiosks (1)
- Cycling (4)
- Environmental appreciation/study (2)
- Historic heritage (4)
- Other experiences (5)
- Photography (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (1)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (2)
- Show cave tours (3)
- Sightseeing (19)
- Swimming (1)
- Walking (20)
- Waterfalls (8)
