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Megalong Valley to Coxs River

todo
Length: 7.5 km
Walking time: 2 h 30 min to 4 h
Climbing: 223m
Descending: 519m
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Overview

Starting from Megalong Valley Road this section of the Six Foot Track follows explores a series of farms before heading into the Coxs River valley with the stunning granite landscape.

Start by following the signpost dirt road (over the cattle grid or stile), past the information signs and past the historic Megalong Cemetry. Continue along the dirt road for about 800m crossing some more cattle grids to then turn off the road and follow the narrow track down the steps and across the timber bridge. The track then leads you as you meander through the undulating farmland.

The track then leads you through a series of lovely granite boulder filled gullies as you approach the main Coxs River valley. Here the Coxs River flows over the solid granite creek bed with many naturally carved pools and cascades. One of the highlights most people remember is crossing the Coxs River on the 100m long Bowtells Swing Bridge, it gets the heart pumping and the views are stunning. There is an alternate route that bypasses the bridge and the eco-lodge, crossing the Coxs River near the campsite (it is a wet crossing and only passable when the river is low).

The walk then leads past the Six Foot Track Eco-Lodge where you can spend the night (if you've pre-booked), or walk further to the well establish Coxs River campsite. There are a series of lovely swimming holes in the River (assuming the river is not in flood).

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Facilities

Creek Crossings
Typically the creeks that require crossing are bridged or can be stepped over whilst keeping your feet dry. Flooding often occurs in the Cox River, a 100m long swing bridge is available for crossing at any time. Never enter a flooded or fast-moving waterway

Water
Carry enough water for the whole walk. There is a water tank at Cox River Campsite. Water can be collected from Megalong Creek before this walk. All water sources need treatment before consumption. Guests of Eco-lodge have access to large water tanks. The Coxs River is particularly polluted, best to avoid using it as a water source, if required, ensure it is well treated before consuming.

Signage
The start and end of this walk is well signposted with trackhead and information signs. Intersections are generally signposted and there are regular 'throw-over' signs about every 1km.

Toilets
There are no toilets at the start. There are pit toilets at Cox River campsite at the end of this walk. The Eco Lodge has toilets for guests.

Seats
There is plenty of informal seating on steps, stiles, rocks along the way. There is one formal seat ("Ron's Roost") at 3.4km, there is also a picnic table with seats at the campsite at the end the walk.

Shelter
There is a small picnic shelter at Coxs River Campsite at the end of the walk. The Eco Lodge may also be able to provide shelter in an emergency.

Mobile Phone Coverage
Mobile phone coverage is very limited - carrying a PLB is recommended.
Telstra & Optus: There is some but patchy coverage for the first half 2.5km of the walk from (west of Megalong Road) on both 3G and 4G.

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Track Conditions

The first nearly 900m of this walk follows a wide dirt road with a series of cattle grates to cross.
The majority of this walk follows a narrow track through open farmland or native bushland. The track is clear and the second half has a granite gravel surface (that can be extra slippery). There are a series of stiles for climb and a few gates to pass through (closed after you). There are timber/earth steps leading in and out a series of gullies.
If you cross the Cox River on the swing bridge, it is 100m long, swings and is high off the ground. The alternate route avoided the bridge (and Eco Lodge) and crosses the Coxs River near Coxs River campsite.

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Hazards

Although most people complete walks safely we need to be aware of and respond to the many potential hazards that a bushwalk presents, this page just looks are some of the more unique risks to this walk.

This walk is exposed to extreme weather (flooding rain, hazardous wind, thunderstorms, hail, icy conditions and extreme heat). Carefully study weather forecasts and current conditions before starting this section and heed BOM warnings. It is recommended that you postpone your walk during days of Total Fire Bans or when there are nearby fires. Also, postpone your walk if there is extreme weather forecast such as thunderstorms. Ensure you and your group are well enough prepared considering the potential conditions you could face.

It is recommended that you carry and PLB and know how to use in case of a life-threatening emergency outside of mobile phone coverage areas.

Walking on even quiet roads presents a traffic risk, walk in a way that maximises your visibility to drivers and keeps you clear of traffic.
Crossing Cattle presents a slip and fall risk, take care and keep to the side of the grate, using your hand to steady you.
Climbing stiles, especially with a full pack presents overbalancing/fall and slip risks.
After prolonged rain or after a heavy downpour Coxs River (and other creeks) can become unsafe to cross. The Coxs River floods often and has a very large catchment, the Swing Bridge is available to cross the Coxs River. Never enter flood or fast-moving waterways.
The bridge over Coxs River is for use by a single person at a time and must not be overloaded, deliberately bounced or swung. The bridge is high and exposed, many people find it challenging to cross and people with a fear of heights may not be able to use the bridge.
The section of track in the main Coxs River valley has sections with granite and granite gravel base, this can be extra slippery.

Six Foot Track Eco Lodge
The echo lodge sites above the Coxs River and is a great place to spend the night on the track if you want a bit of luxury.
Coxs River Campsite
Coxs River Reserve campsite is a popular campsite near the Coxs River and on the Six Foot Track.