Carlotta Arch walking track
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
Overview
Carlotta Arch walking track is closed until 2026 while Transport for NSW repairs flood-damaged roads and landslips.
- Distance
- 1km one-way
- Time suggested
- 45min - 1hr 15min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- What to
bring - Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, suitable clothing
- Please note
- This walking track is short but it's steep and has many steps, so a reasonable fitness level is recommended.
- 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.
Carlotta Arch walking track 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.
Carlotta Arch walking track is part of the Jenolan Caves network in the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property. Also known as Shaping Waters walk, it's easily combined with a self-guided tour of Nettle Cave.
The track starts opposite historic Jenolan Caves House and climbs steeply uphill behind the ticket office. Stop to catch your breath and soak in the views of Caves House nestled in the valley. Spot Cunningham's skinks basking on the rocks, wallabies, and pretty little rock warblers.
You'll soon be face-to-face with the enormous, freestanding Carlotta Arch. Steps lead from the lookout under the limestone arch to a lower viewpoint, with birds-eye views of the brilliant Blue Lake.
Head back to the main track, passing the Six Foot track, to reach the steps that lead down into the next valley towards Devil's Coach House cavern. The track continues through this massive limestone chamber before meeting Jenolan Caves entry road. From here, walk through Grand Arch to return to Caves House.
If you want to explore more, visit the free, self-guided Nettle Cave, accessed from inside Devil's Coach House, or connect with Jenolan River walking track. Majestic Carlotta Arch also forms a sensational backdrop as a wedding venue.
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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.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Jenolan Caves
- 1300 76 33 11 or
- 02 6359 3911 within Australia
- +61 2 6359 3911 International
- reception@jenolancaves.org.au
- 4655 Jenolan Caves Road, Jenolan Caves NSW 2790
Park info
- in Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve in the Sydney and surrounds region
This reserve is closed until 2026. For more information, check the Jenolan Caves website.
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