Australia Archives

Tag Archive for: Australia

Crossing Bowtells Swing Bridge

The sign as you reach Bowtells Swing Bridge on the Six Foot Track

The History of Bowtells Swing Bridge on the Six Foot Track.

Many people have walked the 45km historic Six Foot Track and crossed the famous Bowtells Swing Bridge that spans the Coxs River, but very few people perhaps know the history of the suspension bridge and how its name came about.

Crossing Bowtells Swing Bridge on our popular Six Foot Track adventure for many is a challenge in itself; perhaps it’s the fear of heights for some, or just the instability of the bridge while crossing it ensures a laser focus and determination getting from point A to point B. The bridge is an alternative route built for when the Coxs River was flooded but has now become a feature of the Six Foot Track traverse and is now part of completing the adventure challenge.

Once successfully crossed, there is a sense of achievement, the positive emotion of overcoming our fears. At this point, we ask people to reflect on the history of Bowtells Swing Bridge and the ultimate sacrifice and the history behind it.

Built and named in memory of one of our war heroes

Bowtells Swing Bridge was built by 3 Troop, the ‘Tunnel Rats’ of the 1st Field Squadron of the Royal Australian Engineers based at Holsworthy Army Barracks in 1991 and was officially opened on the 23^rd April 1992. The bridge is named after a fellow soldier of the builders, Corporal Bob Bowtell, who suffocated and died on the 11^th of January 1966 in foul air while attempting to clear a tunnel of the Viet Cong (VC) during the Vietnam war. Bob was the first member of the unit killed in the Vietnam War.

Corporal Bob Bowtell was born on 25^th April 1932 and grew up in the Blue Mountains before joining the Army on the 10th July 1959. Bob served initially as an infantry rifleman with 3RAR and then 4RAR before transferring and becoming a combat engineer. On the 2nd of July 2016, with the assistance of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia and as part of one of Australia’s largest war repatriations, Bob’s remains and the remains of other Vietnam Veterans in Malaysia and Singapore were returned to Australia for final burial.

So next time you are crossing Bowtells Swing Bridge over Coxs River, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice of not just Bob Bowtell but all the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the freedom of our great nation. It’s these sacrifices that allow us the freedom and privilege to enjoy the great outdoors and adventures like the Six Foot Track.

You can read it here at the Australian War Memorial to learn more about Bob Bowtell and his exemplary service to our nation or in this article from the Blue Mountains Gazette.

Photo used with approval from the Bowtell family

The Official Opening of Bowtells Swing Bridge

Many people now walk across Bowtells Swing Bridge as part of our Six Foot Track adventure, so we were truly honoured to have received these rare photos of Bowtells Swing Bridge officially being opened on the 23rd of April 1992. John Roberts, the Troop Commander of 3 Troop, the ‘Tunnel Rats’ of the 1st Field Squadron of the Royal Australian Engineers and who built the bridge in 1991/92, kindly provided us with these rare photos.

Corporal John Bowtell, the first Army Engineer killed in Vietnam and whom the bridge was built in honour of, Grandson, was the first to walk across the bridge during the official opening. The grandson later followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, becoming a Royal Australian Engineer himself and serving with the Australian Army in Afghanistan.

Photo used with the approval of John Roberts – Former Troop Commander 3 Troop

How to cross Bowtells Swing Bridge safely

It’s best to cross Bowtells Swing Bridge with two hands on the top cable guides, so it’s recommended to put walking poles or walking sticks in your pack, so both hands are free. The bridge swings less if you take it slowly and move in a slow, steady-forward movement. This is more important if carrying a large full pack because you will be more top-heavy. If you have a fear of heights, focus on the other side and try not to look down, and before you know it, you will be on the other side. If your fear of heights is uncontrollable and overwhelming, we suggest you take the alternative route over the rocks below, but we can assure you that you will feel much better and have a sense of achievement for trying and overcoming your emotions.

05/10/2019/by Darren Wise

6 Foot Track Blue Mountains Adventure

Adventure Inspiration, Adventure Stories, Destinations

Hacing some fun on the 6 Foot Track in the Blue Mountains

Crossing the Bowtells Swing Bridge on the 6 Foot Track

STORY BY: Mark Henderson

The weekend I trekked the 6 Foot Track.

The 6 Foot Track is not too far from Sydney in the Blue Mountains, but, often, when we consider the word adventure, we think of far off places; places yet to be explored or discovered. Rarely, do we consider that we, in Australia, live in one of the most beautiful and unique places on the planet and we have access to some amazing adventures.

However, Australia offers many opportunities for adventure. We have oceans, desert, rainforests, and vast landscapes, often untouched by people. Recently, I was privileged to join an adventure, here in our own backyard. The adventure dubbed the 6 Foot Track, runs for 45 kilometres from the Jenolan Caves, through to Katoomba, took place in the historic Blue Mountain’s, located one and a half hours from Sydney CBD, which makes it fairly accessible to anyone interested in tackling it.

Let by experienced guides, Shane Pophfer and Darren Wise of Peak Potential Adventures, the 6 Foot Track Trek took myself and a small group of adventurers along a trail blazed by Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson, and William Charles Wentworth in 1813, as part of their journey across the Blue Mountains.

The trail itself was beautiful. There was lush scenery, as we carved our way up the mountains, and down into valleys, travelling from the magnificent Jenolan Caves right through to Katoomba. We saw little rivers and were captivated by the wildlife, with birds, wallabies and even wild cows making their homes in the mountains.

Despite the beauty, 45 kilometres is a tough ol’ slog, even across two days.

Day 1 – Jenolan Caves to Coxs River

On day one, myself and five other wannabe adventurers arrived at Katoomba to meet our guides and the team. We were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, despite arriving at Katoomba for 6am.

From Katoomba, we drove across to the beginning of the 6 Foot Track at the Jenolan Caves. Arriving at Jenolan, I was in awe of the place. The natural land formations and the way the morning light broke through and lit up inside of the caves was fairly breath-taking, as was the beginning of our hike, albeit in a very different way.

We started on the trek, leaving from Jenolan Caves at around 7:45–8:00 AM on Saturday morning, getting on our way to the 6 Foot Track Eco Lodge overnight rest stop at Coxs River, about 30 kilometres away.

Day one was intriguing. We got to see so much, and everyone chatted away, happy to be out on an adventure.

Like every adventure though, the trek had its challenges. It wasn’t quite a stroll in the park, as, at points along the trail, we were forced to walk up hills, and then down again into valleys. Early on in the piece, it was nice when the downhill sections came up.

They’d give you a chance to catch your breath and to enjoy some of the scenery. However, as the journey continued and the aches and pains began to set in, I started to detest the downhill parts. However, I pushed through, and I’m glad I did.

On, that first day, we worked hard, pushing ourselves close to our limits, until at one point, around 20 kilometres into the trek, we came upon what our expedition leaders called Heartbreak Hill.

It was a series of steep hills, that never seemed to have an end. We just walked up, and then up, and then up, and it truly did break your heart.

However, upon reaching the peak of heartbreak hill, the views were glorious, and I was awash with an overwhelming feeling of achievement. It was brilliant.

From Heartbreak Hill, we continued, mostly downhill, until we came to the Six Foot Track Eco Lodge at Coxs River at around 4:00 PM, and I tell you what, the Eco Lodge was certainly a sight for sore eyes.

There are bunk beds with all blankets and pillows provided, and believe me after a 30-kilometre hike through the mountains, a bed is a very welcome sight. There is also a pit toilet, and after having to hold on all day, unless you were some of our team, who were happy to dig a hole while on the trek, a pit toilet (despite the smell) is an absolute luxury.

Near the Eco Lodge, there were a few private pools, and being the nice guy that I am, and being part of a nice team of adventurers, the young couple who run the lodge took us down to a secret spot, and allowed us the opportunity to relax and clean the dirt and pain from the day off. The rocks, made of a naturally occurring granite also trap some of the heat from the sun, so we were able to relax, and take full advantage of a sneaky, naturally occurring hot rock treatment, which was really well received.

After day one, resting at the 6 Foot Track Eco Lodge helped heal and relax the body, bringing me back to life and after a great night sleep, I was ready for day two.

Day 2 – Coxs River to Katoomba

We were up early on day two and hit the trek at around 8:00 AM, with the knowledge that there was only around 15 kilometres left.

About one kilometre or so into day two, we came to our first real challenge of the day, The Bowtells Swing Bridge, which was situated around 15-20metres above the flowing water beneath.

Personally, I’m fine with heights and was keen to tackle the bridge. In fact, it was one of my favourite parts of the trek. It bounced and swung ever so slightly, and for the avid photographers on the team, it made for some great pictures.

However, not everyone was quite as okay with heights as I was, and we had a few worried faces crossing over. For some of the team, the bridge was one of the realest challenges on the 6 Foot Track

From there, we moved on, eventually coming into the beautiful Megalong Valley. Now, if you ever travel to the Blue Mountains, I vigorously recommend acquainting yourself with the Megalong Valley – it is mesmerising. An open valley among mountains, littered with gorgeous fields and open spaces, as well as naturally occurring small creeks and river systems, it is a wonderful place.

As the name might suggest, Megalong, is just that, “mega long” and we trekked through it for quite some time on day two. In fact, after Megalong, we only had a few kilometres until our final destination and Katoomba.

As with many challenges, the hardest part of the journey is right at the end, and the 6 Foot Track trek was no exception.

Darren and Shane had both warned me throughout the journey about “Dummy Spit Hill”, which basically made up the last kilometre of the trek.

The name is a little deceptive, as “Dummy Spit Hill” is not really a hill, but rather a ridiculously steep set of stairs that climbs up the side of a mountain. It was by far the hardest part of the trek.

My legs wanted to give up, and I must have drunk close to three litres of water making my way up that staircase. It was tough.

However, I don’t often get to feel the sort of elation I was thrilled to experience once I reached the top of those stairs, and made my way to the end of the trek.

It was a fantastic feeling.

The 6 Foot Track Trek was definitely a challenge that pushed me. I felt uncomfortable and worn out along the journey, but I also felt excitement and life. It was an awesome adventure and something that I will remember for a long time yet, and it was in my own backyard, which is really just an added bonus.

Next time, you feel as though you need an adventure, but need something close, and attainable, I would highly recommend pushing yourself and tackling the full 6 Foot Track, right here in Australia’s beautiful Blue Mountains.

01/06/2018/by Darren Wise

Blue Mountains Walk – 45km

Adventure Inspiration, Adventure Training, Destinations

The Peak Potential Adventures group photo with Megalong Valley and the Blue Mountains in the distance as they trek along the Six Foot Track

Walk across Botwtells swing bridge on the Six Foot Track Blue Mountains Walk

STORY BY: Mark Henderson

One of the best walks in the Blue Mountains.

Peak Potential Adventures invites you to join us on a journey of discovery as we walk through some of Australia’s most historic and beautiful landscapes in the Blue Mountains on this Six Foot Track walk that only takes a weekend. This trek would be up there as one of the most popular and iconic Blue Mountains walks. On this adventure, you’ll meet many like-minded people who love adventure and the great outdoors. Because of the support vehicle, you’ll only need to carry a daypack with the rest of your overnight gear carried in the vehicle to your eco lodge accommodation at Coxs River. This adventure is suitable for many fitness and outdoor experience levels because it’s professionally guided, and the support vehicle follows the team most of the way.

Departing monthly, the Six Foot Track adventure is one of Peak Potential Adventure’s most achievable, fun, and accessible walks.

The challenge, which takes place in the historic Blue Mountains, located one and a half hours from Sydney CBD, takes adventurers across a trail blazed by Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson, and William Charles Wentworth in 1813 as part of their journey across the Blue Mountains.

Peak Potential Adventure’s expedition leader, Shane Pophfer describes the adventure, “We sometimes call it the JENKAT because the trek runs from the Jenolan Caves (JEN) to Katoomba (KAT), and in its entirety, and the track is around 45 kilometres long,” said Shane.

“Although it might not be as challenging as some of our other adventures, it definitely does test your resolve. It’s also up there as one of the best Blue Mountains walks,” he said.

“I like to think of the Six Foot Track adventure as a trial run for some of our bigger adventures like Mt Kilimanjaro, Overland Track or Everest Base Camp as it helps to build confidence, but it is a challenge on its own, and when you complete it, there is a real sense of achievement — it’s rewarding,” Shane said.

The Six Foot Track adventure runs for two days over the weekend, with the team leaving the Jenolan Caves at 8:00 AM on Saturday morning.

What to expect on this Blue Mountains walk

“With Peak Potential Adventures, we aim to start the walk leaving from Jenolan Caves at around 7:45–8:00 AM, and on the first day, we walk to the eco lodge at Coxs River, with our aim to arrive between 3–3:30 PM; however, it is dependent on the team’s speed, but we like to get in there before 4:00 PM,” Shane said.

“We spend the night at the eco lodge, get the fire going and enjoy some downtime at the eco lodge. It’s usually really good fun and a great time just to catch up and chat about how the walk is going. We put a good feed on as well.

“The next morning, we aim to leave the eco lodge around 7:30 AM, walking to our first stop at Megalong Valley, which we usually get to around 10-10:30 AM. From there, we take the final leg of the journey, aiming to get to Explorers Tree between 12:30-1:30 PM, wrapping up there at Katoomba,” said Shane.

“Right at the end, we have one final challenge on this Blue Mountains walk. We call it “Dummy Spit Hill”. It’s the one part of the walk that does test your resolve, but I think it’s a really good feature to have right at the end, as it makes people work for it and challenges them – for us, it’s a fantastic finish, and you get the finished feeling.”

Unlike other Peak Potential Adventure challenges, Shane believes The Six Foot Track adventure is something that anyone who is willing can tackle.

An adventure for everybody

“One of the best things for people who want to attempt the walk is that we run a support vehicle for just about all of it, so if it does become too challenging, you can jump in for part of the journey. This way, we think it opens the adventure up to anyone who wants to give it a go,” Shane said.

As part of the Peak Potential Adventures Six Foot Track adventure, teams are generally limited to 12 to allow for a more personal and enjoyable experience.

“We honestly believe we offer the best program for this walk in Australia,” said Shane. “Clients are always rewarded with great scenery on this Blue Mountains walk because it passes through so many great features, and the landscape is always changing,” he said.

“As part of this, we try to make the adventure manageable for everyone. We keep the numbers limited to 12 as we don’t want to clutter it, and we want to ensure we can be available for everyone.”

Much of the necessary gear will be provided by Peak Potential Adventures; however, it is important to wear comfortable walking shoes or boots, a jumper and warm pants, toiletries, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Morning tea, lunch, and dinner are provided on Saturday, while breakfast and morning team is provided on Sunday, as well as a variety of snacks throughout the two-day walk.

If you are interested in finding out more or joining Peak Potential Adventures on this historic Blue Mountains walk traversing the Six Foot Track, you can find more information about the adventure here

03/12/2015/by Darren Wise

Hiking in Tasmania – The Overland Track

Adventure Inspiration, Adventure Stories, Destinations

The team hiking in Tasmania on The Overland Track

STORY BY: Tracey Jordan

Winter hiking in Tasmania is an unforgettable adventure experience.

Hiking in Tasmania during winter is such an amazing and special experience, and one week after our adventure began, I still cannot believe I did The Overland Track in winter. When my friend Michael invited me to go hiking in Tasmania and take on The Overland Track Winter Trek, also known as The “Tassie Tuff'”, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. With much trepidation, I packed my backpack and sleeping bag (both borrowed) as I didn’t own such things, and off I went to Launceston for two days of preparation with the Peak Potential Adventures team. After their careful analysis of the contents of my backpack (I can’t believe they made me take out my coffee machine and makeup bag), my pack weighed in at 15 kilos and armed with everything I needed for 6 days in the wilderness – rehydrated mince sachets; baby wipes; sunscreen; 2 minutes noodles and about 3 kilos of chocolate. I was ready to go. We met the other group members before we left and bonded over a beer and a burger on the eve of our departure.

The Tasmanian adventure starts

Up bright and early on Sunday morning, Darren Wise and Shane Pophfer (Peak Potential Adventure guides and former Paratroopers), myself, and 4 strong fit men boarded the bus to begin The Overland Track adventure. I cannot lie; I had moments of reflection on my decision, wondering how I would keep up because I’d never done much hiking before, let alone hiking in Tasmania during the winter period. I knew this would be the challenge of a lifetime, but there was no turning back now.

And then the magic began. After a short ferry ride and with absolutely no expectations of what lay ahead, we headed off to reach the first cabin (about a 4-hour walk). The terrain on The Overland Track was a combination of mud, snow and slippery tree stumps (not for the faint-hearted, I thought). At a cracking pace, we made it just before nightfall, and I can’t believe how much I was looking forward to rehydrated mince and freeze-dried peas.

Day 1 was tough, and hiking in Tasmania in winter has its challenges, but it was all incredibly new and a bit daunting. On day 2 we were up early and on our way for another full day of climbing. This was a tough day, but Darren and Shane made sure we had frequent stops to rehydrate and take in the view. It was spectacular. On day 3, we got our groove on, and things really started to fall into place. The scenery was breathtaking. Each day threw up new challenges; Day 3 was 6 hours of walking through knee-deep snow and ankle-deep mud, but the enchanted rain forests and the incredible mountains we were passing kept us awe-inspired and motivated. The rest day at Pelion Hut was much appreciated as we had additional food bought in and the fruit cake and custard Shane and Darren organised was like all our Christmases had come at once.

I couldn’t help but think they were sweetening us up for what was yet to come, and I may have been right, but as we got used to the terrain and the weight of the backpacks, we all seemed to take each day’s new challenge, as it presented itself. The good humour of the group also went a long way to get us through.

We finally made it on our last day after 17 km of more snow, steep inclines, mud and rocks (and even more spectacular scenery). We had conquered The Overland Track in winter, and I could not have been more proud of myself and my team. Hiking in Tasmania is some of the best in the world because of the pristine national parks, given that the Overland Track is A World Heritage Protected Area. Many people trek The Overland Track during the normal season, but for me, the winter trek brought out the essence and the real beauty of The Overland Track and best of all, it was quiet with very few trekkers on the track. This is definitely one of the best hikes in Tasmania and perhaps even Australia.

A Tasmanian wilderness adventure of a lifetime

There is no way I could have done this without the incredible support of Darren and Shane. Shane for his incredible kindness; patience; sincerity, and calm soulful demeanour (and his incredibly funny and entertaining stories), and Darren for his professionalism and unconditional focus and commitment to the comfort, safety and wellness of each member of the team. Micky, Conrad, Matthew and Chris were all amazing team members whose sense of humour, kindness and protection of me helped to get me through. It was a tough challenge, but I am so glad I did it, and I will be looking at doing some more hiking in Tasmania on some other adventure that the Peak Potential Adventures team are putting together, like the Three Capes Track adventure. These fond memories will stay with me forever. Thank you, Shane and Darren. You amazed me every day, and I cannot wait for our next adventure together.

12/11/2015/by Darren Wise

Tasmanian Adventure – The Overland Track

Adventure Inspiration, Adventure Stories, Destinations

Shane Pophfer on the Overland Track in Tasmania

The definition of a Tasmanian adventure.

We’ve been thinking about our new awesome Tasmanian adventure. That’s not new but what is new is that we want to find out what adventure means to you.

We want your take on adventure and if you’re just beginning an adventurous journey – what do you want those choices to bring to your life?

The push is for more than a definition, we are looking for meaning, and yes, there is a difference. Today I reached for my 1979 edition Collins English Dictionary (yep it’s old) to learn that adventure is:

risky undertaking of unknown outcome.
an exciting or unexpected event or course of events and
a hazardous financial operation or course of events.

Yeah, that’s not how we define it. We want to get you thinking and talking about adventure to inspire you to make choices that will see treks and expeditions become part of your life story.

Peak Potential Adventures is offering three very different adventure experiences in 2015 and building momentum on the development of more treks and adventures. The Overland Track Winter Trek is our newest trek, and over the Christmas/New Year period we reflected on what we took from the trek and considered what the adventure could add to your life.

A real Tasmanian adventure during winter

The Overland Track is a real Tasmanian adventure if you complete it during the winter period, and would be considered a tough adventure challenge; you have got to work for it. It’s designed to be a back-to-basics wilderness trek which means you carry everything, cook everything, clean everything and contribute to a team environment. It’s an adventure that offers the opportunity to learn how to operate effectively in the Tasmanian wilderness and is 70km of mental and physical challenges in a wilderness environment of remarkable beauty and diverse weather conditions. Big adventure!

Our experience of The Overland Track and our Tasmanian adventure involved a really big push from the Nicholls Hut through to Cynthia Bay. It was around 27 kilometres, and we had too much weight in our packs. That daily distance is not on the cards for the Tasmanian adventure; what the adventure gave us in the wake of the challenges of that final day was this: life’s damn good, and we are so lucky.

That feeling, that meaning, came as we sat in The Cynthia Bay Resort Cafe and ate a hamburger that was just magic; we thought it was the best hamburger we had ever eaten – now it probably wasn’t – but at that moment, after our six days on The Overland Track, it was magic. Every sense was heightened, and our appreciation of the simple things was so much greater. We had clarity of thought, felt that life’s damn good, and we are so lucky.

The experience of pushing yourself in challenging environments will make you see the world differently and appreciate the good in your life – even when times are tough. That is a little of what adventure adds to our lives and our take from our Overland Track winter Tasmanian adventure.

So we’ve shared – now let’s hear from you!

Please get in touch with the Peak Potential Adventures team at [email protected] if you want a full information brochure on this amazing Tasmanian Adventure.

Peak Potential Adventures is an authorised operator on the Overland Track Track issued a licence by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.