Coxs Cave is one of those little gems in the Blue Mountains that we can’t believe more people don’t talk about. It’s only a very short walk to get there, but the trail is a bit of an adventure. There is a tall ladder that leads up to an impressive cave, with fabulous views out to the rocky cliffs.
As you’re above the treeline, you can watch as all the little birds flit in and out of the greenery, amongst those gorgeous sandstone cliffs. There is no sound but that of the dripping water and the whistling wind. It feels far more remote than it actually is, and it’s an incredible place to sit and relax.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Coxs Cave.
The walk to Coxs Cave
The stats
Distance: 1.6km return (the circuit track is currently closed)
Elevation: 157m
Difficulty: Moderate
Where to start the trail
The walk begins at the Mount Piddington car park in Mount Victoria.
The track starts from the south eastern side of the lookout. You’ll see the trail and a signpost marking “Coxs Cave Circuit”. Whilst the trail isn’t in too bad condition, it isn’t maintained as well as many walks in the Blue Mountains, so expect uneven steps and sections where the path has become a bit slippery. Inside the cave there are big drops with no railings, although you can avoid them if you don’t follow the ledge around.
You used to be able to make the walk a circuit via Fairy Bower, but unfortunately that section is now closed and has been for some time. There’s no word on it re-opening which is a shame, but at least you can still access the cave!
Starting the trail: into the bush
You’ll immediately begin descending on a narrow path through the bush. After 50m you reach another sign post and continue following signs for Coxs Cave.
Another 120m later you’ll reach a second signpost, this time you need to turn right, as the trail on the left takes you to the cave via the closed track.
The trail descends quite gently at first, on a path that zigzags its way down through the forest. It soon becomes more steep and the zigzags are replaced with stone steps. It was a little slippery on our visit because of the sheer amount of shedding from the gum trees, and other leaf litter.
Without all the debris it would probably be a lot more stable. It’s not really difficult, but you do sometimes need to watch your step so you don’t skid on any big piles.
You’ll pass a number of large overhangs as the forest starts to get wetter. The track does deteriorate a bit, with some larger rocks and tree roots to climb around, but nothing that requires scrambling.
Roughly 800m after leaving the car park you’ll be standing at the base of the ladder.
Up the ladder
I was actually more excited about the ladder than the cave initially because I love things like that, although In the end the cave turned out to be so much more exciting than I had imagined!
All the ferns and foliage surrounding the ladder, and the fact you can only see a dark opening at the top makes it feel like you’re about to walk into an enchanted cave from a storybook. It’s incredibly picturesque and I’m so glad that it’s been left here just as it is.
In terms of climbing it, it’s easy as the ladder is sturdy and fixed to the cliff wall with bolts.
It would only be scary if you don’t like heights - but otherwise it felt nice and sturdy, and it’s a lot of fun. It is quite high and steep though, so if you are nervous, just take it slow and keep both hands on the ladder.
Into the cave
I thought the ladder led straight into the cave, but it actually takes you up to a ledge where you have a few minutes more walking to go.
At first you ascend on a sloped dirt path which is covered in leaf litter again. Then you have a few dirt steps to climb (quite steeply) up into the cave itself.
The steps are not very well formed and a bit muddy.
Neither the sloped path or steps are a problem on the way up, but on the way down just go carefully because it is a bit slippery. For me the ladder was easy, but descending from the cave to the top of the ladder was a little harder purely due to the slip factor.
Still it really only takes a few minutes and it’s totally worth it.
Inside Coxs Cave
Once up the steps you’ll be standing in a huge ferny overhang. The view framed by the top of the cave is fantastic and it feels truly wild.
You can follow the narrow ledge round to the right and get an even better view out to the neighbouring cliffs and over the forest.
The stony ledge is also somewhere you can sit and relax - inside the cave the floor is all dirt so gets quite muddy.
It’s a really peaceful spot, and so incredibly quiet. It’s one of those places where when you stop and fall silent, you can almost feel the stillness, and then the occasional water droplet or gust of wind will come and break it for a moment. I really loved this spot.
You can continue further along the ledge than the spot in our photo, but Joe did it and said he wouldn’t recommend it as it felt a bit sketchy.
When you’re ready to head back, just watch out for that first bit of the descent towards the ladder. After the ladder, it’s uphill all the way and might puff you out for a minute, but it’s not slippery.
If you love this walk and want to see some more great caves, on the opposite side of the Mount Piddington car park you’ll find the track that leads to Bushrangers Cave. It’s a fantastic walk with lots to see along the way.
Getting to Coxs Cave
Coxs Cave is located at Mount Piddington in Mount Victoria, in the Blue Mountains. The car park is free and there are no time limits.
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