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 Six-Foot Trek 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 – 8am on Saturday morning , getting on our way to an Eco Lodge 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 , 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 Edo Lodge at Coxs River at around 4pm , and I tell you what , the Eco Lodge was certainly a sight for sore eyes . At around $ 35 per person , per night , it is very much worth it .
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 .