If you’re scared of heights then don’t look down! The thin wires of the Bowtells Swing Bridge do nothing to hide the fact that you’re suspended many metres above the Coxs River.
However, it’s no longer quite the nail biting affair it used to be due to the fact the bridge has been completely upgraded. It doesn’t sway nearly as much and if you are nervous you can now reach for a reassuring hand because the new bridge can hold more than one person at a time!
Personally I did prefer the old jangly swing bridge which swayed so much in the middle that you really did need to hang on - though I can see that it’s now much safer and will be especially beneficial if you’re carrying an overnight pack!
When down at the bridge you can also take a dip in the river, which has several sublime swimming holes making for a truly worthwhile day walk.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Bowtells Swing Bridge and swimming holes.
The Bowtells Swing Bridge
The different ways of getting there
Most people visit the bridge when walking the 45km multi day Six Foot Track, but you can also do a 12.6km return walk, which is the option we chose.
The old swing bridge
The Megalong Road to Bowtells Swing Bridge Walk
The stats
Distance: 12.6km return
Elevation: 450m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Summary: The walk to the swing bridge is all on well formed track. It’s eroded in parts, but not along any sections which would make it precarious. There are also a number of stiles, but they are all nice and sturdy.
On the return journey much of the trail is uphill, but it’s never overly steep. This hides the fact the elevation gain is actually pretty significant on this walk.
Starting the trail at Megalong Cemetery
The first 850m of the track are on a gravel road. I was not looking forward to this section, but in honesty the scenery is beautiful, it’s all rolling farmland scattered with boulders and lots of birdlife. Definitely not a hardship.
We were lucky and only one car passed us so we didn’t have any issues with dust being kicked up, which would make this otherwise pleasant road unappealing.
The road descends at first and then ascends before you’ll see a signpost for the Six Foot Track on your right. From here it’s a proper trail all the way and well marked.
Through the farmland
You’ll cross over a little bridge and then begin heading uphill across farmland. It’s very exposed along this section which you definitely feel on a hot day.
The narrow path is heavily eroded, but as you’re just crossing farmland, it’s not too much of an issue. It is likely not so great if you’re carrying a big pack for the Six Foot Track though!
It’s a pretty stretch of trail with beautiful views over the rolling vineyard of the Dry Ridge Estate.
On the way back when you walk this stretch, it goes from pretty, to spectacular, as you’ll be walking straight towards the mountains which look simply sensational.
There are several stiles to climb as you make your way uphill, before you begin descending to the creek (2.3km into the track). You’ll cross the little creek and enter bushland for some much needed shade.
Into the bush
Although there are some undulations, once you enter the bush a lot of the track is flat, which makes for pleasant and easy walking.
If you’re not visiting on a busy weekend you’ll probably need to clear your fair share of webs, which crisscross the track with alarming frequency.
Otherwise it’s a nice piece of bushland and the terrain is good, making for a relaxing stroll.
You’ll pass a little bench seat at the 3.3km mark if you want a break, and a kilometre of leisurely walking later you’ll begin the final descent.
It’s mainly on steps which make it straightforward and you’ll quickly come to a gorgeous little cascade with crystal clear water.
This is a lovely spot to dip your feet and it sits beside a huge boulder which keeps it very cool and shady; that is if you’re not visiting during a long dry spell, as it was bone dry the last time we passed by!
Descending to the Bowtells Suspension Bridge
Although you are descending through the forest for much of the time, there is also plenty of flat track to break it up, so it doesn’t feel difficult in any way.
You’ll be walking above the river and depending on the water levels, the sound can be quite something. The first time we walked the track it sounded like we were going to arrive at some pretty major waterfalls due to how many cascades had formed around the rocks!
As you get closer to the river you’ll see lots of social trails leading down towards it at various points.
I still think the swimming holes close to the bridge are a nicer place to have a dip though.
Roughly 6.2km into the walk you will see a signpost pointing you towards the bridge, which is just 100m away.
Arriving at the Bowtells Swing Bridge
It’s hard to believe how long the bridge actually is - a staggering 80m - and you don’t really get a good feel for it until you’re actually crossing. It looks impressive from the end of the trail, but it’s even better from part way across.
You’ll walk up on to the bridge and straight away get some fab views of the river.
Sadly gone are the days when the bridge gets more wobbly the further you go as it’s relatively sturdy now. It’s still a fun swing bridge, but it’s not quite the same as when you could look down through the wires and straight into the cascades below.
The old swing bridge
The new bridge probably makes it a lot easier if you are nervous about swaying bridges, or you’re carrying an overnight pack though!
If the trail through the bush has been webby, watch out for giant webs on the sides of the bridge too. It took me a moment to realise that every single space was occupied by giant webs and by that point I’d put my hands into several!
It’s good to have a stick or walking poles to clear your way a bit and then you can relax and enjoy!
Once on the other side the trail continues towards the Coxs River Campground, which you could stay at if you want to spend some more time in the bush.
You could also stay at the Six Foot Track Ecolodge (900m away) if you’re visiting on a weekend (you’ll want to prebook ahead of time).
If water levels allow, you can take a dip in several spots close to the bridge. The water is clear and refreshing and even when the river level is low the cascades still run, creating an abundance of plunge pools, as well as the larger swimming holes.
The Coxs River swimming holes
After a long walk down to the bridge, there is nothing better than taking a dip in one of the many gorgeous swimming holes on the Coxs River. Whether you're looking for large shallow pools, tiny little pot holes for one, or deep pools for a proper swim, there's something for you.
Our favourite pool is to the left (downstream) of the bridge, around 100m away. You'll see some small cascade pools and potholes and then a larger pool which can be reached by rock hopping - the rock is nice and grippy when dry.
The first bigger pool is great for a swim and very pretty, with low rock walls running along both sides of the water and a great view to the bridge.
However, the best pool in my opinion is a few metres away to the left of this one and shielded from view, giving it an air of seclusion.
A picturesque small waterfall runs into the deep green pool and craggy rock walls complete the scene. The cherry on top is that you can access the pool directly from the little sandy beach, making it so easy and relaxing to get in, no slippery rocks to worry about here!
The water is shallow as you enter, but then gets deep and in summer it's cool, but not cold. It's an idyllic spot and the perfect way to cool off before heading on to the campground or back to your car.
Heading back
The way back has the vast majority of the elevation gain (about 350m), but it’s not too bad. There is enough flat track that it never feels like you’re climbing for too long.
Depending on what time you’re heading back you will very likely spot some kangaroos in the bush.
We were walking late afternoon and saw many, which made the walk back even more enjoyable. Once you hit the farmland you’ll also get those incredible mountain views, which makes for a lovely end to the walk.
Getting to the trailhead
The walk begins at The Megalong Cemetery on Megalong Road. There was a sign saying not to leave any valuables in the car, but we didn’t have any issues.
It’s roughly 140km (2 hour drive) to Sydney and 26km (30 minute drive) to Katoomba, the road is sealed all the way.
There are no facilities at the trailhead or anywhere along the way. Please remember to pack out all rubbish with you.
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