New Bowtells swing bridge completed
A key section of the iconic Six Foot Track in the world heritage listed Blue Mountains has been re-opened to bushwalkers after the completion of a $971,849 project by the NSW Government to construct a new bridge.
The Bowtells Swing Bridge had been closed to the public since March 2023 after an engineering assessment found the 32-year-old structure was in need of a major upgrade.
Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, engaged NSW Public Works to manage the project to renew the bridge and ensure it complied with the latest Australian standards.
The original suspension bridge was built in 1992 by the Royal Australian Army Engineers and named after fellow soldier Corporal Bob Bowtell, an engineer from the Blue Mountains who died while attempting to clear a tunnel during the Vietnam War.
The bridge is a much-loved tourism destination, with intrepid bushwalkers having to traverse the 100-metre structure that is suspended high above the Coxs River, about eight kilometres west of Katoomba.
Reopening of the Bowtells Swing Bridge will ensure bushwalkers and families can immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Blue Mountains Six Foot Track and experience the traditional country of the Darug, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri peoples.
The new bridge provides stunning views and an exhilarating experience, while maintaining the highest safety standards. Upgrade work included installation of a new bridge platform, cables, rock anchors, and structural bolts, ensuring the structure remains secure for coming decades.
The new bridge maintains the character of the original structure but enhances safety with a U-shaped configuration, rather than the previous V-shaped design. The previous bridge could only accommodate one walker at a time, but the new structure allows up to five individuals to cross the structure at a time.
The 45-kilometre Six Foot Track, which starts at Explorers Tree near Katoomba and ends at Jenolan Caves, follows a former stock route used by settlers and explorers in the 19th century. It covers diverse terrain from grasslands, forests and valleys to river crossings, offering stunning views of the Blue Mountains and access to native wildlife and diverse plant species.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The Six-Foot Track is a much-loved part of the Blue Mountains and a great experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, whether you are a seasoned bushwalker wanting to cover its full distance or looking for a less challenging hike in a NSW natural paradise.
“Safety is our highest priority, and the new bridge is robust to ensure visitors can enjoy this unique track and see up close this beautiful, World Heritage listed area.”