Name: Cox’s River Campground To Bowtells Suspension Bridge: 1.5km Walk To A Spectacular Swing Bridge
Rating: 4.5

A walk across Bowtells Suspension Bridge is a unique Blue Mountains experience that you won’t forget. Created in 1992 as an alternate route for hikers on the Six Foot Track during times of heavy flow on the river, Bowtells Suspension Bridge (also known as Cox’s River Suspension Bridge and Bowtells Swing Bridge) is elevated about 270 metres high. A walk across the bridge is highly recommended if you are after something special, that also gives you a bit of an adrenalin hit!

How To Get To Bowtells Suspension Bridge / Cox’s River Suspension Bridge

To complete the easy, family friendly 3km return walk from Cox’s River Campground to Bowtells Suspension Bridge, you will need an all wheel drive. The walk begins from Cox’s River Campground.

The last section of the road to get there has some minor ruts to cross that a regular vehicle will struggle with. You will also drive on an unsealed road, so expect your car to get nice and dirty.

From the Great Western Highway, turn into Cox’s River Road.

Cox’s River Road becomes Ganbenang Road. After that, it turns into Glen Chee Road, then Six Foot Track. Travel for about an hour until you reach Cox’s River Campground. Park there to take the 1.5km walking track to Bowtells Swing Bridge.

IMPORTANT! DO NOT FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS’ DIRECTIONS IF IT TELLS YOU TO TRAVEL VIA MEGALONG VALLEY. Trust us, we learnt the hard way and you will need to turn around and head back to the Great Western Highway towards Hartley to turn into Cox’s River Road.

The Megalong Valley route has private roads that lead towards the Cox’s River area but you are NOT able to use them and they do not seem to take you to the campground anyway. So save yourself two hours and ignore Google Maps on this one!

Remember – you must turn onto Cox’s River Road from the Great Western Highway in Hartley, just west of the The Lolly Bug.

Click here to see the correct route – View Map

Where To Park & Start Your Walk At Cox’s Creek Campground

This is the start of the track from Cox’s River Campground.

Park at Cox’s River Campground and head left to follow the signs to Bowtells Suspension Bridge.

What To Expect On The Walk

How Long Will The Walk Take?

The easy 3km return walk to Bowtells Swing Bridge will take you around an hour and a half to complete, depending on how long you and your group take to cross the bridge.

If there are few people wanting to cross the bridge you will need to wait a bit longer as only one person is allowed to cross at a time. You may also want to stop half way and take in the views and beauty of the area – it is really lovely!

View of Cox’s River below, from the bridge.

Rather than crossing back across the swing bridge straight away you may like to explore a little down at the rocks underneath the bridge. If walking with children, keep them away from the waters edge. There are some river rapids here. It isn’t wise to explore down there after heavy rain and if the water is gushing fast.

Overall, the path from Cox’s River Campground to Bowtells Suspension Bridge is easy to follow and there are signs along the way to assist you.

Narrow Path

Even though this walk is part of the three day 46km Six Foot Track (aptly named back in the late 1880s to allow two laden horses to pass), most of the walk is fairly narrow with some overgrown grass touching your legs as you walk.

Therefore, if you are walking as a group, much of the walk will require a single file and if you prefer, wear long pants to avoid the grass brushing on your legs (the grass might bother some children plus ticks might be around). In saying that, the path is clear enough to walk and you can see where you are walking.

Stairs

There are quite a few ascending stairs on your walk to Bowtells Suspension Bridge and a few to climb on your return walk, but many children with an average fitness level should manage them well. Keep hydrated and stop along the way for breaks if need be. Apart from the stairs the walk is mostly flat and easy to navigate.

Wildlife

A little lost turtle along the Six Foot Track between Cox’s Creek Campsite and Bowtells Swing Bridge.

Along the six foot track, you might be lucky enough to spot unique native animals along the way. Goannas, geckos, echidnas and even turtles have been spotted along this historic track!

Who Is This Walk Suitable For?

This track is suitable for children. Always follow bushwalking safety guidelines when in the bush with children and bring a good first aid kit with you.

The walk from Cox’s River to Bowtells Suspension Bridge is not usually suitable for very young children or anyone afraid of heights or bridges that sway. Children from about 8 years and older who follow instructions well should be okay to cross the bridge by themselves.

One person is allowed to cross the bridge at a time. This can take some time with large groups.

Always assess the risks yourself and make wise choices for your own family. It is best not to allow children to cross alone if you think that they may not manage. The height can be a little scary for some.

The walk is narrow, with stairs, so it is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchairs or prams.

A walk across Bowtells Suspension Bridge is a wonderful experience! It requires some effort to arrive at the campground but this walk is worth your time. You can even splash your feet in Cox’s River and try a spot of fishing afterwards.

Have a splash, fish or just relax by Cox’s River.

Bowtells Suspension Bridge / Bowtells Swing Bridge

Bowtell’s Suspension Bridge is around 100 metres long. It feels sturdy enough but the bridge can swing a little when you’re on it. If you are afraid of heights the walk across the bridge may be disconcerting for you.

Bowtells Bridge is about 100 metres long.

The view from Bowtells Suspension Bridge is wonderful!

A walk across the bridge is a fun and exciting challenge for children on this bushwalk.

There is a ramp to walk down at the other end of the bridge.

Good To Know

The Six Foot Track Eco Lodge is only a couple of hundred metres away from the start of this walk at Cox’s River Campground andit has been known to serve drinks to thirsty hikers.
We visited on a public holiday so the Eco Lodge was closed. It is located at 145 Cullenbenbong Rd, Ganbenang NSW 2790 and only open on Friday and Saturday nights. Text Lucie on 0431 072 862 for more information or visit the website: http://www.sixfoottrackecolodge.com
There is no mobile phone coverage at the campground or along the track, so you should always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. You may also collect a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) from Blackheath National Parks Office before you trek.
It is also essential to bring a first aid kit, as the track is quite remote if you need medical assistance.
If you need a drink, boil river water first to steralise it.
The nearest train station is near the start of the Six Foot Track at Katoomba (which is 2.6km from the start of the track at Explorer’s Tree). Cox’s River Campground is a 15.7km walk from here.
Before you visit check with Oberon Visitor Information Centre on 02 6329 8210 to confirm access.
The track may be closed during periods of high fire danger.

Camping At Cox’s River Campground

Cox’s River Campground is spacious and generally well maintained.

Make a holiday out of your trip and stay at the campground. Cox’s River Campground is one of the four campgrounds along the Six Foot Track that takes you from Katoomba to Jenolin Caves. It has a pleasant vibe and with (mostly) maintained grass. It is free to camp at Cox’s River Campground but it is managed by Crown Lands so you will need to register.

From 1 June 2020, you now need to fill out the Crown reserves camping registration form. To register, fill in the online form and submit. This link can be emailed or sent by text message. This is now required to comply with the Public Health Order and COVID-19 Safety Plans.

There are toilets and a watertank (which can at times be empty so it is best not to rely on it). Always boil your water first to steralise it. No fires are allowed at all at this campground so you will need a portable camp stove for cooking.

Bushwalking Safety

Heading back to the campground at the end of our walk.

Before you grab your children, backpacks, drink bottles and walking shoes (I recommend these waterproof hiking boots* after using them through a wide range of conditions), ensure that you check all of the relevant safety requirements for the particular track that you are walking. Bushwalks for kids in the Blue Mountains are all different and require a different level of preparation.

Please read our tips for keeping children safe on bushwalks. It’s a good idea to also download the NSW National Parks app and check out the Think before you TREK advice on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Read more about bushwalking safely with children and water safety when swimming in natural spots.

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*This link is an affiliate link for a product I have tried and genuinely endorse. I will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase.

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Cox’s River Campground To Bowtells Suspension Bridge: 1.5km Walk To A Spectacular Swing Bridge

Cox’s River Campground To Bowtells Suspension Bridge: 1.5km Walk To A Spectacular Swing Bridge

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