Big step for Six Foot Track with new Bowtells Bridge

The iconic Six Foot Track in the world heritage listed Blue Mountains will receive a much-needed boost with the awarding of a $802,740 tender to Carters General Engineering Pty Ltd to rebuild the Bowtells Swing Bridge, which was closed for safety in March 2023 after an engineering assessment.

The new bridge will largely replicate the original design but renew and upgrade the 32-year-old structure to ensure it meets latest Australian standards.

Construction work is due to start on site from 22 May. The project will involve removal of the current bridge components apart from the main bridge towers, and installation of a new bridge platform, cables, rock anchors and structural bolts. 

The bridge’s existing V-shape will be upgraded to a U-shape with larger upgraded cables and anchors in a new configuration to provide added stability.

Before it was decommissioned, the bridge’s maximum loading was limited to one person at a time. The revised design will allow multiple walkers to cross the bridge while providing improved safety and a better experience.

Due to the current bridge’s closure, walkers of the world-renowned 46-kilometre track between Katoomba and Jenolan currently have had to navigate the rocks across the Cox’s River, limiting access particularly during flooding.

A tourist destination in its own right, 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.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 

“This is a key piece of infrastructure for the Six Foot Track enabling walkers to truly immerse themselves in the unique beauty of the Blue Mountains and experience Country of the Darug, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri peoples.”

“This is not just an investment in our communities’ safety, we’re also enabling more people to share in our culture and history and see first-hand why this area is on the World Heritage List.” 

Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle: 

“The six-foot track is a much-loved part of the Blue Mountains experience for both locals and tourists alike. This injection of funds to enhance that experience will be welcomed by my community and all those who visit the track each year.

I’m pleased to see this investment in our World Heritage region, honouring the natural beauty that surrounds us and ensuring a safe passage for walkers.”