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McKeown's Valley walking track

Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

McKeown's Valley walking track is closed for road repairs and upgrades until 2026.

Distance
2.6km return
Time suggested
1hr 30min - 2hrs
Grade
Grade 3
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
Please note
  • Self-guided Nettle Cave is accessed via the stairs and turnstile inside Devil's Coach House Arch.
  • Check with the ticket office for cave and walking track closures before you set out.

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.

For a bushwalk combining impressive karst landscapes, shady woodland, and great wildlife spotting opportunities, you can’t go past McKeown's Valley walking track.

Also known as Healing Waters walk, this short and easy return walk sets out along the road from Jenolan Caves House, passing through the Grand Arch. Beyond the arch, follow the signs on your left to enter the incredible Devil's Coach House open cave. 

Continue through the massive cavern into the pretty McKeown's Valley and onto the historic Old Playing Fields, where you can still see the old concrete cricket pitch, and old campground.

As you follow the track you'll cross the Jenolan River and see some amazing surface karst features, including a blind valley. You may also spot rock and swamp wallabies, goannas and lyrebirds during the day. If you're staying overnight, an evening walk gives you a chance to see and hear owls, sugar gliders and possums.

If you want to explore more, visit the free self-guided Nettle Cave, accessed from inside Devil's Coach House. You can also combine this walk with steep but rewarding Carlotta Arch walking track or scenic Jenolan River walking track.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Things to do:

Carlotta Arch walking track

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

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

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