Six Foot Track Distances

[jimmeyer176]

Heya I was hoping someone could let me know where I can find distances along the Six Foot Track, as in kilometers between certain points, like Explorers Tree to first campsite, Alum Creek, last campsite, Jenolan, etc...I am not interested in suggested walking times, but kilometers.

Also, I hear about this 'huge' climb on 'day 2' of the track, can someone please explain what makes the climb huge?

Cheers.

[mountnman]

From the official 6 Foot Track Map:
Day 1
Explorers' Tree to Megalong Cemetery: 8km
Megalong Cemetery to Cox's River Camp: 7.5km
Day 2
Cox's River Camp to Alum Creek Camp: 6.5km
Alum Creek Camp to Crest of Black Range: 4km
Crest of Black Range to Black Range Camp: 10.5km
Day 3
Black Range Camp to Jenolan Caves: 8.5km

The climb on day 2 is a long sustained climb - From Cox's River Camp (270m) to Mini Mini Saddle (720m) is 450m elevation gain, then decend to Alum Creek (560m), then climb to the crest of Black Range (980m) another 420m, then walk to the campsite which is around 1200m. So a total of about 1090m of climbing on day 2. Put it this way, my then 11 year old stepson was telling me to hurry up to get up the hill (but I was carrying all his gear too!!!!), but the year before I had no worries at all when carrying just my equipment. I go every spring school holidays - perfect weather! (including light snow once....)

The official six foot track map has all this info, plus an elevation map, and a 1:100000 scale topo of the whole track, and some other info on flora/fauna etc. You can pick it up for less than $10.

[Liamy77]

and it is a great walk!! - theres a log book on mt solitary too if you're into that sorta thing....

[johnw]

Looks like mountnman beat me to it. I walked it from Jenolan caves back to Katoomba, ie the reverse direction to what is commonly done.

Yes, the “huge climb” people refer to is really just a relentless steep walk up to the top of the Black Range. It’s all on FT, nothing technical, but would be strenuous with a heavy pack. I walked down it so missed that bit of fun, but walking either direction probably requires a similar level of effort.

You could also have a look at these distances by the Six Foot Track Marathon organisers, as they claim to be measured accurately:

http://www.sixfoot.com/course.php

+1 the official map is quite useful. Also http://www.wildwalks.com has track notes and maps but I can’t access the site at present.

p.s If walking from Katoomba Railway Station to the Explorers Marked Tree, you need to add about 2 km.

[johnw]

and it is a great walk!! - theres a log book on mt solitary too if you're into that sorta thing....

Different walk Liam

[jimmeyer176]

Thanks people...this is what I was looking for, I figured as much on the climb, I find it amusing that some people feel the need to talk about the fact that trails go uphill at times, almost like it's not normal or something ha. The climb sounds more interesting than difficult...but then again, I enjoy hiking, which in turn means going uphill often : )

[Liamy77]

i detoured/extended from the 6' track to go over the top of solitary (and stopping to resupply at Katoomba via the golden staircase)...... had linked a few tracks together....and came out at Lake Burragorang..... but yeah it is off the official route..

[johnw]

i detoured/extended from the 6' track to go over the top of solitary (and stopping to resupply at Katoomba via the golden staircase)...... had linked a few tracks together....and came out at Lake Burragorang..... but yeah it is off the official route..

Ah, now that explains it! I was scratching my head as to how Solitary got into the picture. Sounds like an interesting trip. L. Burragorang eh? A bit naughty .

[Liamy77]

nah the fella i went with had access permission for the catchment area but you can also get out from solitary accross the kedumba then up the cliff and out at wentworth falls area to make a circut of the jameson valley (and still avoid most of the tourists flocking around the 3 sisters)

[johnw]

nah the fella i went with had access permission for the catchment area but you can also get out from solitary accross the kedumba then up the cliff and out at wentworth falls area to make a circut of the jameson valley (and still avoid most of the tourists flocking around the 3 sisters)

[jimmeyer176]

Anyone know if Alum Creek runs year round? Is it dependable?

[mountnman]

I've only done the walk in September/October, and I can say every time I've done the walk there has been water in Alum Creek, and even more water in Little River a little further along the track.

Another option would be to carry water from Cox's River if heading from that way.