Bowtells Swing Bridge Refurbishment

The Bowtells Swing Bridge Refurbishment project is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and accessibility of the Six Foot Track, a historic 46-kilometre walking trail between Katoomba and Jenolan Caves.

The bridge, which serves as a crucial river crossing along the trail, was closed in March 2023 when an engineering assessment indicated the need for immediate replacement due to the original design experiencing cable wear beyond the acceptable Australian Standards.

Location: Cox’s River, Six Foot Track (between Jenolan and Katoomba, NSW)

Project investment: $970,000 excluding GST

Dates: May 2024 to September 2024

Noise levels: medium, efforts to minimise impact

From [start date], we will be:

• Replacing the Bowtells Swing Bridge as a crucial river crossing along the Six Foot Track. Engineering assessments in March 2022 indicated the need for immediate replacement.
• Improving safety, maintaining historical value, and ensuring minimal disruption to walkers while enhancing the iconic Six Foot Track experience.
• Providing a secure alternative route during floods, minimising risks associated with the original river crossing.
• Transitioning from a V-shaped to a U-shaped configuration, allowing up to 5 people to access the bridge at once.
• Upgrading anchor and cable sizes for increased stability.
• Preserving the bridge’s original character and historical significance without requiring a Statement of Heritage Impact.

Weekdays 7 am to 6 pm, Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm.

• Temporary vehicle and pedestrian management measures in place for the safety of our crew, users, and pedestrians.
• Access to the alternative crossing via Cox's River will remain open.
• No entry to the river crossing during times of flood. For more information regarding the alternate crossing of Cox's River, read Six Foot Track.
• Occasional noise.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Updates

We’ll update this page as the project progresses.