Carlotta Arch Track
Wiradjuri & Gundungurra Country

25 min to 30 min

1 km
return

↑ 78 m
↓ -78 m

Moderate track
From Caves House, this short but relatively steep trail goes up to Carlotta Arch, enjoying fantastic views out over Blue Lake, the Jenolan Valley and River. Back at Caves House, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a milkshake in the bistro. For those in Jenolan primarily do a caves tour, this is a great walk to add a little bit of variety to your day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wiradjuri & Gundungurra people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Cave's House. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The Grand Arch from Carlotta's Track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Carlotta's Arch Footpath. | Photo by admin, 2008.
The view of the western valley. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Flowers along the track. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Deformity on gum tree. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Blue Lake. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Carlotta's Arch. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Steps down below Carlotta's Arch. | Photo by admin, 2008.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start At the intersection of Six Foot Track & Jenolan Caves Road (-33.8203805,150.0209901)
Mode Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom , Kyewong.
  • Turn on to Jenolan Caves Road, 1 then drive for 19.7 km
  • Keep left onto Jenolan Caves Road and drive for another 305 m
  • Continue onto Jenolan Caves Road, 1 and drive for another 26 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the opposite side of the Jenolan Caves Road from Caves House, this walk follows the 'Six Foot Track' sign up the concrete steps. The walk then follows the stone footpath up the side of the valley for about 80m to pass the 'Southside Show Caves' information sign then just over 30m later to the 'Grand Arch' information sign (and view of the Arch). The walk continues fairly gently up the path for 100m (as it bends right) to find 'Caves House' information sign. The path soon starts leading much more steeply up as it begins to Zig Zag up past a seat and more views down to caves house for 150m beside the limestone cliffs. At the top of this climb the path leads over a small small rise then gently down to a fenced lookout beside 'Carlotta Arch'.....
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Six Foot Track & Jenolan Caves Road Start heading along Six Foot Track (a footpath).
After 140 m pass the car park (15 m on your right).
After another 240 m pass the toilet (about 70 m ahead).
After another 30 m turn right.
After another 20 m come to the cave.
Then head through the tunnel (about 35 m long)
Then head through/around the gate.
After another 10 m come to the cave.
Then head down the steps (about 50 m long)
About 35 m past the end is "De Burghs Bridge".
De Burghs Bridge
De Burghs Bridge

The bridge spanning out from the Grand Arch was designed by Mr Ernest M. De Burgh, and built by the Public Works Department in 1896. The bridge allowed greater access to the caves and was built from locally cut limestone.
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The bridge spanning out from the Grand Arch was designed by Mr Ernest M. De Burgh, and built by the Public Works Department in 1896. The bridge allowed greater access to the caves and was built from locally cut limestone.

About 65 m past the end is "Blue Lake".
Blue Lake
Blue Lake

Blue Lake, or Lake Jenolan, is a small lake on the eastern side of the Grand Arch. The lake is fed by the River Styx and the Jenolan River. Blue Lake's intense colour comes from the refraction of light through limestone sediments.
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Blue Lake, or Lake Jenolan, is a small lake on the eastern side of the Grand Arch. The lake is fed by the River Styx and the Jenolan River. Blue Lake's intense colour comes from the refraction of light through limestone sediments.

About 75 m past the end is "Lucas Cave".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 520 m to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Carlotta Arch Track


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 1 km
Time 25 min to 30 min
Quality of track Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one 380 m from the start.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
380 m[toilet]
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Articles
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Weather & Alerts
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