This walk takes you from the Grand Arch along the surreal Blue Lake, following the hillside downstream to the old Jenolan Caves Hydroelectric Station. The track is dotted with magnificent views of Carlotta's Arch and the top of the Grand Arch. The circuit-style walk brings you underneath the bridge and back to the amazing Grand Arch. 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.
Start of River Walk. | Photo by adminAccess to Blue Lake. | Photo by adminBlue Lake weir. | Photo by adminWaterfall below Blue Lake. | Photo by adminRiver Walk track. | Photo by adminOne of the bridges on the River Walk. | Photo by adminPicnic area at Jenolan Caves Hydro Electric. | Photo by adminIntersection above the bridge. | Photo by adminDeBurghs Bridge. | Photo by admin
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.
Turn slight left onto Jenolan Caves Road, 1 and drive for another 45.7 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the eastern side of the Grand Arch, the walk heads over the road to the right of the bridge and the lake behind. The walk then tends left around the lake for approximately 40m to an intersection marked by a 'No swimming fishing or throwing stones' sign.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Then head down the steps (about 15 m long)
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 20 m veer left.
After another 15 m pass the "Lucas Cave" (70 m on your right).
After another 30 m turn left.
After another 105 m continue straight.
After another 600 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 490 m cross the ford.
After another 150 m find the "Jenolan Caves Hydroelectric Power Station" (15 m on your left).
Jenolan Caves Hydroelectric Power Station
Jenolan Caves Hydroelectric Power Station
Jenolan Cave Hydroelectric Power Station was originally a Leffel Wheel, built in 1889 on the Jenolan River. The building has a glass front with a light switch to show the large machinery which was once used to power Jenolan. Near the hydroelectric building, there is a nice picnic area by the weir.
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Jenolan Cave Hydroelectric Power Station was originally a Leffel Wheel, built in 1889 on the Jenolan River. The building has a glass front with a light switch to show the large machinery which was once used to power Jenolan. Near the hydroelectric building, there is a nice picnic area by the weir.
Turn around.
After another 1.1 km turn right, to head along Blue Lake Loop.
After another 25 m cross the ford.
After another 115 m (at the intersection of Jenolan Caves Road & Blue Lake Loop) continue straight, to head along Jenolan Caves Road (a road).
After another 45 m cross the bridge
After another 60 m come to "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.
The end.
"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 55 m past the end is "Carlotta Arch".
Carlotta Arch
Carlotta Arch
Carlotta Arch is a large and spectacular cave remnant overlooking Blue Lake. It is believed that the arch was named in honour of a daughter of a surveyor - General P.F. Adams. Adams is credited with having taken some of the earliest photos at Jenolan.
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Carlotta Arch is a large and spectacular cave remnant overlooking Blue Lake. It is believed that the arch was named in honour of a daughter of a surveyor - General P.F. Adams. Adams is credited with having taken some of the earliest photos at Jenolan.
About 65 m past the end is "Chifley Cave".
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
River Walk (Blue Lake)
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
2.7 km
Time
1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Bushwalk
1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min
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Then head down the steps (about 15 m long)
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 15 m pass the "Lucas Cave" (70 m on your right).
After another 600 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 490 m cross the ford.
After another 150 m find the "Jenolan Caves Hydroelectric Power Station" (15 m on your left).
