Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is an easy 600 metre circuit track set in the cool, dark rainforest of the Megalong Valley. Children will enjoy this fascinating 15 minute walk as they explore the incredible vines that climb and twist up artistically into the rainforest canopy, investigate a variety of colourful fungi, rock hop across the creek and spot lyrebirds.

What To Expect On The Coachwood Glen Nature Trail

Expect to be amazed with the diverity of natural wonders packed within this short nature trail. From brightly coloured fungi, climbing vines, little waterfalls, birds and insects, there is so much to explore in this unique rainforest ecosystem.

Fungi

Coachwood Glen is famous for its wide array of fungi species, of all shapes, sizes and colours. Even though you will find fungi along Coachwood Glen Nature Trail at any time of the year, Autumn, after rain, is a particulary good season to view a spectacular variety of fungi explode into colour.

Earth stars, Earth tongues, Corals, Cups, Brackets, Jellies, Clubs and Polypores adorn the forest floor and fallen trees, each one playing its part in the cycle that helps to keep an ecosystem stable
(Bushcare Blue Mountains, 2019).

Even if you and your children are not fungi enthusiasts (yet), it is fun for children to go on a fungi hunt (remembering not to touch, pick or eat them!). Your kids may soon develop an interest in fungi and enjoy learning about their role in nature as decomposers and nutrient recyclers and releasers.

The Creek

This is the second creek crossing.

On your walk around Coachwood Glen Nature Trail you will cross Pulpit Hill Creek twice. Take care crossing the creek that you don’t fall in or slip on the rocks. This is why good sturdy walking / hiking shoes or boots are recommended.

Twisting Tree Vines

On your walk through this delightful nature reserve, remember to look up. You will notice the most interesting twisting climbing tree vines using trees for support as they search for sunlight.

Lyrebirds

If you’re lucky (and quiet) you may spot another rainforest decomposer. The Superb Lyrebird uses its strong claws and sturdy strong feet to search for food, especially insects on the ground. Their scratching moves leaf litter around and encourages the decomposition process and recycling of rainforest nutrients.

The Track

As you descend into the beautiful Coachwood Glen rainforest, the landscape is dominated by magnificent Sassafrass and Coachwood trees. After rain, the trail becomes quite muddy and slippery, so wearing waterproof, non slip hiking shoes or boots are best.

Waterproof hiking boots or shoes will help to make any muddy or wet trail a more pleasant experience.

You may notice that the vegetation changes after the first creek crossing as you head up onto the Mountain Ash Track.

The track around Coachwood Glen Nature Trail can be tricky to follow at times. However, there are signs to help you find your way. Just remember, that the track circuit has two Pulpit Hill creek crossings. It is only a short walk and is fairly intuitive.

If you park near the arch, follow signs to the Mountain Ash Track and after you have crossed the creek for the second time head back to the ‘Archway Carpark’.

The track can be very muddy and slippery. Take care walking on rocks as they are often moss covered and slippery.

How Long Does It Take To Walk The Circuit?

Even though the Coachwood Glen rainforest walk is expected to take around 15 minutes, it will take longer because you may like to stop to explore and play at the creek, admire the climbing vines, search for fungi and rest on a seat to breathe in the cool, fresh rainforest air. Set aside at least 30 minutes if you are walking with young adventurers.

Leeches & Mosquitos

As Coachwood Glen Walking Track is set in a dark, wet rainforest, you should expect that leeches and mosquitos reside here. Wear long sleeves and pants that cover your body. You may like to pack aeroguard and salt in your first aid kit too. Here are some tips on how to treat bites and stings.

There are few spiders have made their home at Coachwood Glen too. If you stay on the track, you shouldn’t walk through too many webs.

Recommended Ages For This Walk

Due to the slippery nature of this walk and the two creek crossings, we recommend that children about six to eight years and older might be able to complete this walk independently. All children may need a hand stepping on the rocks to cross the creek. Younger children might manage this walk too as it is easy with gentle hills, but they may need carrying across the creek.

As always, if there has been heavy rain recently and you do not feel confident crossing the creek (it’s only a small creek crossing but could swell more in heavy rain), then it is best to return another day to complete the circuit when the water is lower and slower.

Are Dogs Allowed On The Coachwood Glen Nature Trail?

Coachwood Glen Nature Trail, Blackheath, is not in the Blue Mountains National Park. View Map.

Yes, Coachwood Glen is set outside of the Blue Mountains National Park so dogs on a leash are allowed there. Although crossing the creek might be difficult for some dogs – and they will likely get very muddy paws!

How To Find Coachwood Glen Nature Trail

This is the main entrance and carpark for Coachwood Glen Walking Trail.

There are two entrances to access Coachwood Glen Nature Trail. We recommend starting at the main entrance that is marked by a large stone and wooden arch. You will also see signs at the entrance with maps and information about the nature trail.

At the main entrance, there is a parking area that might comfortably fit about four cars.

TAKE CARE backing out of this parking area as cars can fly around the corner coming down Megalong Valley Road. It is a bit of a blind spot so watch out for cars in both directions, but particularly the ones coming down into Megalong Valley.

Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is a wonderful stop for your visit to the beautiful Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains. It is a short and impressive family friendly walk, with a lot to discover!

Blue Mountains Mums

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Coachwood Glen Nature Trail: A Short 600 Metre Rainforest Walk With A Creek Crossing, Amazing Vines & Colourful Fungi

Coachwood Glen Nature Trail: A Short 600 Metre Rainforest Walk With A Creek Crossing, Amazing Vines & Colourful Fungi

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