Jenolan River walking track

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Jenolan River walking track and Blue Lake are closed after being damaged by fire and floods between 2020 and 2022. The track will re-open after infrastructure upgrades allow for a safe walking experience.

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

    Short but steep Carlotta Arch walking track, also called Shaping Waters walk, offers fantastic views of limestone formations and beautiful Blue Lake, at Jenolan Caves.

  • 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 a short and easy return walk at Jenolan Caves offering fantastic karst landscapes and wildlife spotting in the Blue Mountains.

  • A group of visitors admire a pool of water in a limestone cave at Jenolan Caves. Photo: Jenolan Caves © DPE

    Jenolan Caves guided tours

    Book in for a tour of Jenolan Caves, in the Oberon area. Whether you're staying at the caves or visiting from the Blue Mountains or Sydney, it's worth the trip to see the world's oldest cave system.

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

    Jenolan Caves House

    Enjoy old world charm at iconic Jenolan Caves House, in the heart of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Stay at this historic grand hotel as you explore the spectacular caves and walks, near Oberon.

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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/jenolan-river-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Jenolan River walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

2.6km return

Time

45min - 1hr 30min

Quality of markings

Sign posted

Experience required

Some bushwalking experience recommended

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Many steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Jenolan River walking track is in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Access to Jenolan on Jenolan Caves Road (5-Mile Road) is closed indefinitely. The only access is via Edith Road (2-Mile Road). This road is suitable for standard vehicles only. There is no access to Jenolan for caravans, trailers or any vehicle longer than a 12-seat minibus.

    From Sydney:

    • Travel west on the M4, which becomes the Great Western Highway at the foot of the mountains.
    • Pass through Katoomba and Blackheath and turn left onto Jenolan Caves Road at Hartley.
    • Drive through Hampton and turn right onto Duckmaloi Road. Do not continue along Jenolan Caves Road, access is closed.
    • Continue along Duckmaoi Road for 20km, then turn left onto Titania Road.
    • At the end of Titania Road, turn left onto Edith Road and continue until you reach Jenolan.

    From Goulburn:

    • Take Taralga Road out of Goulburn and travel north towards Taralga.
    • Pass through Taralga and continue north on Taralga Road towards Oberon. Taralga Road turns into Abercrombie Road at the Abercrombie River.
    • At Black Springs, turn right and continue on Abercrombie Road.
    • At Oberon, turn right onto O’Connell Road and then left onto Carrington Avenue.
    • Turn right onto Ross Street, then turn left onto Edith Road and continue until you reach Jenolan.

    Please note:

    • The last 5km of Edith Road is steep, narrow and winding, with several hairpin bends. Drive carefully and allow yourself plenty of time.
    • Edith Road is not suitable for caravans, trailers or any vehicle longer than a 12-seat minibus.
    • Traffic in and out of Jenolan is regulated for safety. Please check Live Traffic NSW before you set out.

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    • Parking is available at any of the 3 main carparks at Jenolan Caves. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
    • Designated disabled parking spots can be found next to the Guides Office and behind Caves House.
    • Bus parking is also available.

    Facilities

    The nearest toilet facilities are located at the Jenolan Caves ticket and information office.

    You'll need to bring your own supply of drinking water.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    River and lake safety

    The aquatic environment around rivers, lakes and lagoons can be unpredictable. If you're visiting these areas, take note of these river and lake safety tips.

    Prohibited

    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.

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Learn more

    Jenolan River walking track is in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Binomil

    Stalagmites in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: Jenolan Caves Trust

    The beautiful and mysterious Jenolan Caves holds special significance to the Gundungurra people who knew it as 'Binoomea' meaning 'dark places'. According to Gundungurra Elder, Old Jimmy Lynch, Aboriginal people knew the caves, carrying sick people as far as the subterranean water which they believed to have great curative powers. The Dreamtime myth of Gurrangatch relates to the forming of Wombeyan and Jenolan Caves. The caves are said to have been formed during a contest between Gurrangatch, a mythical being that was part fish and part reptile, and Mirragan, a legendary tiger cat.

    Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property

    Blue Lake track, Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: Jenolan Caves Trust

    It is truly amazing to think that a city the size of Sydney has a large World Heritage Area on its doorstep. The World Heritage listing recognises the geographic, botanic and cultural values of the area. The forests of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property have been described as a natural laboratory for the evolution of eucalypts; and more than 90 different eucalypt species occur here, some 13 per cent of all eucalypt species in the world. They grow in a great variety of communities, from tall closed forests, through open forests and woodlands, to the stunted mallee shrublands on the plateaus.

    Historic tourism

    Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve. Photo: David Hill

    Jenolan Caves is one of Australia's first tourist attractions; with land having first been set aside for public recreation and enjoyment in 1866. In the years following this, a number of buildings were constructed, the most notable being Caves House; an excellent example of early Victorian architecture and comfortable heritage accommodation. Innovations in engineering and cave lighting are evident - particularly in Chifley Cave. There are more than 300 caves within the Reserve, all containing a range of geological features and formations, like stalactites and stalagmites, plus rarer helictites and stromatolites The best way to find out about the caves is on a guided or self-guided tour. There are eleven caves to choose from.

    • Jenolan River walking track Jenolan River walking track and Blue Lake are closed after being damaged by fire and floods between 2020 and 2022. The track will re-open after infrastructure upgrades allow for a safe walking experience.
    • McKeown's Valley walking track McKeown's Valley walking track, also known as Healing Waters walk, is a short and easy return walk at Jenolan Caves offering fantastic karst landscapes and wildlife spotting in the Blue Mountains.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • Eastern bentwing bat. Photo: Ken Stepnell

      Eastern bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis)

      Eastern bentwing-bats congregate in caves across the east and north-west coasts of Australia, in colonies of up to 150,000. These small Australian animals weigh around 13-17g and can reach speeds of up to 50km per hour. Eastern bentwing-bats use both sight and echolocation to catch small insects mid-air.

    • A juvenile platypus saved by National Parks and Wildlife staff. Photo: M Bannerman/OEH

      Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

      One of the most fascinating and unusual Australian animals, the duck-billed platypus, along with the echidna, are the only known monotremes, or egg-laying mammals, in existence. The platypus is generally found in permanent river systems and lakes in southern and eastern NSW and east and west of the Great Dividing Range.

    • Brush tail possum. Photo: Ken Stepnell

      Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

      One of the most widespread of Australian tree-dwelling marsupials, the common brushtail possum is found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforests and urban areas. With strong claws, a prehensile tail and opposable digits, these native Australian animals are well-adapted for life amongst the trees.

    • Bare-nosed wombat. Photo: Keith Gillett

      Bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus)

      A large, squat marsupial, the Australian bare-nosed wombat is a burrowing mammal found in coastal forests and mountain ranges across NSW and Victoria. The only other remaining species of wombat in NSW, the endangered southern hairy-nosed wombat, was considered extinct until relatively recently.

    • Echidna. Photo: Ken Stepnell

      Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

      One of only 2 egg-laying mammals in the world, the short-beaked echidna is one of the most widespread of Australian native animals. Covered in spines, or quills, they’re equipped with a keen sense of smell and a tube-like snout which they use to break apart termite mounds in search of ants.

    • A spotted-tailed quoll walks across a moss-covered forest floor at night. Photo: Lachlan Hall © Lachlan Hall

      Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)

      The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest remaining carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. It’s protected as a vulnerable species in NSW.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)