The Blue Mountains are known for their hiking and waterfalls. However, this hike is often missed. Cox’s cave in Mount Victoria is one of the Blue Mountain hidden gems you need to add to your list. Only a short hike from the car with few people around the rugged bush is perfect for adventurous souls to take in the Blue Mountains without the crowds.
This Mount Piddington walk is by no means the easiest in the area, however, it is one of the best Blue Mountains hikes in the area and offers a unique hike for those after a little more adventure than just scenic views.
This hike is for the more adventurous explorer, as the trail is significantly less maintained than other hikes in the Blue Mountains region. The path is rugged, with numerous trees blocking the path and eucalyptus trees shedding making the path slippery. When we visited the region the Blue Mountains had recently received significant rainfall adding to the rugged nature of the trail. Many sections of the path were muddy, slippery, and falling into disrepair. However we imagine that under other conditions the track may be easier, but it will still be a relatively rugged track and we would not advise this Blue Mountain hike for someone new to hiking.
However, this is one of the best hikes Blue Mountains National Park has to offer if avoiding crowds is on your do-to list.
We’ve included instructions for this hike with 2 options for you to choose from to make the most of your time.
How to find Coxs Cave
Grade: moderate Length 1.6kms/4kms (depending on route)
For this hike, you’ll need to start at the top of Mount Piddington in Mount Victoria. There are limited carparks here, however, there is a small carpark at the summit of Mount Piddington in the Fairy Bowler Reserve located on Mount Piddington Road. Here there are long drop toilet facilities as well as picnic benches.
From here you’ll be looking for this sign on the southeast side of the road.
From here the track is relatively well signposted. As the sign states follow the track to the right and follow the path for approx 300m down the side of the mountain. Here once again you’ll be greeted by another sign. This time follow it to the left.
Follow this path for another 200m down the side of the mountain until you reach another sign. Here you’ll need to make a decision. If you head right, you’ll be taken straight to Coxs Cave down a steep path. If you choose this option. Simply follow the path all the way down the mountain. Keep in mind that the path is steep and slippery. It will be a slow descent down. You will find the cave on the right-hand side of this path after approx. a 500m descent.
However, if you choose to head left at this intersection you’ll jump onto the Coxs Cave Circuit hike. This is a rugged hike through the Blue Mountains National Park. It is well-signposted and simply put. Follow the signs.
Halfway through the hike, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful grotto. This small waterfall offers picturesque scenery and a nice little reprieve. This grotto waterfall is known as the Fairy Bower and is a significant part of the fairy bower circuit, which you can easily add to this hike.
At approx 1km into the hike you’ll reach a small footbridge. Veer right at this footbridge and continue on the path. Eventually, you’ll find yourself walking along the cliff edges with the wow factor that the blue mountains is known for.
It takes approx 1.6 km to reach Coxs Cave on this loop. At every intersection past the footbridge veer right and you won’t be able to miss Coxs Cave on the left-hand side of the track.
The Cox’s Cave Ladder
Cox’s Cave is mostly known for the large ladder which you need to climb in order to access the cave. The ladder itself is relatively stable. Although it should be noted the higher you go the more flimsy the ladder feels. You don’t need to fret as the is securely bolted into the cliff face. There is nothing at the top of the ladder for you to hold onto though and you will need to squat immediately after getting off the ladder.
Inside Coxs Cave
To our surprise, the ladder doesn’t actually take you into Coxs Cave. From here you’ll need to climb up the steep and slippery cliff face into the cave itself. This is roughly 200m from the ladder.
The cave itself is spectacular. Words can’t actually describe how it feels to stand in the cave, it’s almost an ominous feeling.
From inside the cave, you can also walk along the cliff edges and see some pretty unique views of the Blue Mountains.
Getting back to the Car.
If you chose to only go to the cave, simply put your head back the way you came. This will be a very slow ascent as it is a very steep and rugged trek.
If you chose to do the Coxs Cave Circuit, after climbing down the ladder continue on the path you were following earlier past the cave. As mentioned this is a slow ascent back to the car. At approx 600m it takes around 30 minutes to take you back to the car.
This Blue Mountains hidden gem is a must-see for explorers in the regions looking for a lesser-known hike away from the crowds and tourists. However, we believe this is one of the best Blue Mountains hikes as it includes all the wow factors you come to the region for.
Looking for more adventurous hidden gems, make sure you check out this one in Lake Macquarie!