Kanimbla was the name given to this area by the Gundungurra people. It is said to mean camping or fighting ground.

The aboriginal people of the area lived predominantly along the banks of the Cox’s River – Dreamtime stories tell of Gurangatch the Rainbow Serpent and Mirragan the Quoll having a mighty battle. As Gurangatch fled from Mirragan, he carved his way through the land making waterways and billabongs…Many of the waterholes along the Cox’s River are believed to still be inhabited by the descendants of Gurangatch the Rainbow Serpent.

When the first settlers arrived, they found a heavily timbered valley, a wilderness with fertile river flats and an abundance of wildlife, including platypus, echidnas, kangaroos, quolls, dingoes and wombats to name just a few.

Thomas Jones explored the area in 1819- he trekked from Glenroy Crossing across the floor of the Kanimbla Valley and found the rugged wilderness extremely challenging.

The first European land grant was made to James John Oxley and Nathaniel Norton in 1824. It eventually contained 12510 acres.

Today, the beautiful Kanimbla Valley remains predominantly farmland for livestock. The Cox’s River campground is a great walk-in camping area close to the banks of the Cox’s River. While you are there, take a walk along the historic Six Foot Track, and over Bowtells Swing Bridge.

The Six Foot Track was planned as a shortcut to Jenolan Caves. The first recorded passage of the completed track from Katoomba to Jenolan was made by the Governor, Lord Carrington in September 1887. It was said that this bridle track was made by following the trails left by wild brumbies.

It’s a pleasant 1.5 kilometre walk from the campground to Bowtells Suspension Bridge. A unique experience you won’t forget. The bridge was built and opened in 1992 by the Royal Australian Engineers in honour of Corporal Bob Bowtell who was killed whilst attempting to clear a tunnel during the Vietnam War.

The bridge spans the Cox’s River and offers an alternate route for hikers along the Six Foot Track during times when the river is running high.

As the bridge is elevated 270 metres above the river, you are sure to receive an adrenalin hit as you make your way across!

The Cox’s River offers many spots for anglers. The river sustains a healthy population of Rainbow and Brown Trout.

Kanimbla Valley has so much to offer- from great fishing spots to relaxing B and B’s, Colonial and Indigenous history and great camping areas, you are sure to love the beautiful Kanimbla Valley.