Carlotta Arch

Carlotta Arch Walking Track - Shaping Waters Walk


Useful Information

Location: 4655 Jenolan Caves Road, Jenolan Caves NSW 2790.
182 km west of Sydney.
(-33.8190019, 150.0236179)
Open: No restrictions.
[2023]
Fee: free.
[2023]
Classification: natural bridges
Light: n/a
Dimension: D=45 min, L=1 km, VR=78 m.
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: definitely not
Bibliography:
Address: Jenolan Caves, 4655 Jenolan Caves Road, Jenolan Caves NSW 2790, Tel: +61-2-6359-3911, Tel: 1300-76-33-11. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History


Description

Carlotta Arch is a natural bridge which was formed by the destruction of huge cave passage. All that remains is a single arch, with impressive stalactites at the ceiling. On one side is a steep slope to the valley floor, the Blue Lake and the exit of Lucas Cave. From here a trail goes up the steep slope, which was built using steel beams and roasts. It is quite strenuous, but the view through the arch to the blue lake is worth the effort. Just take enough time, if you are fit it takes half an hour, but one hour for a more enjoyable experience is recommended.

The trail through the arch ends at the top, right at the Six Foot Trail, which is a long distance trail which runs through Jenolan. We strongly recommend an alternative route, start at the Jenolan Caves Hotel, on the opposite side of the road the Six Foot Trail starts. It leads uphill in serpentines, until you reach the trail through the arch. Turn right and walk down through the arch, which is quite spectacular. Finally, you will reach the road on the other side of the Grand Arch, you can return along the road to the starting point.

According to local lore, the Carlotta Arch was named in honour of a daughter of a surveyor, General P.F. Adams. Adams is also credited with having taken some of the earliest photos at Jenolan.