Dr Darks Cave is an intriguing rock formation that was used as a holiday retreat by a doctor and his family in the 1930s and 1940s.
A relatively short but challenging walking track leads to the cave, where remnants of their time there can still be found.
| Dr Darks Cave Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3.2 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Maps: |  PDF map |
 Interactive map |
|
Getting There
The walking track to Dr Darks Cave begins at the Fortress Ridge car park, about 9 kilometres along Mount Hay Road.
Mount Hay Road is accessible from the Great Western Highway near the Leura Mall exit. The last 6 kilometres are unsealed, and while a 4WD isn’t strictly necessary, a vehicle with higher ground clearance is recommended.
This car park also serves as the starting point for the Fortress Ridge Trail and the walk to Fortress Creek Falls, so it can get a bit busy on weekends.
Below is a map of the walk from the car park to the cave.
Track Notes
The track to the cave is a challenging hike. It’s not particularly long, but there are steep sections, and the path is sometimes poorly defined. You’ll also need to do some rock scrambling along the way.
The track notes below are detailed, but a bit of bushwalking intuition and stamina are needed to reach the cave. We don’t recommend going alone, as there is no phone reception.
Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.
Start of the Walk
From the car park, head past the locked gate where the walk officially begins.
The first few hundred metres follow a slightly ascending fire trail before reaching an unmarked junction with another fire trail.
The path straight ahead is the Fortress Ridge Trail (which we recommend saving for another day), while the track to the left leads to Fortress Rock and the start of the side trail to Dr Darks Cave.
After about 300 metres on this fire trail, you’ll spot a path branching off to the right (as shown in the photo above). Take this path to begin the walk to the cave.
The fire trail straight ahead continues to Fortress Rock, only a few hundred metres away. We highly recommend going there after visiting the cave, as the views from the lookout are incredible.
Descent to Dr Darks Cave
The first 10–15 minutes of the trail follow a narrow, steep path descending into the valley. Although steep, this section is easy to navigate as the path is well-defined.
The first real challenge is a short scramble down a slippery rocky surface (as shown in the photo below). It’s best to use both hands and feet for stability while descending.
The trail soon reaches the valley floor, where a creek runs through. Here, the path becomes less distinct, so you’ll need to focus on finding the right way forward.
Keep walking northwest and look for a track alongside a large rock overhang. You’re now getting closer to your destination.
After another few minutes of hiking, you’ll come across a small rocky outcrop (as shown in the photo below). You’ll need to climb up here, but it’s easier than it looks at first glance.
Once you’ve made it up, you’re only moments away from the cave.
The path continues beneath an impressive rock overhang, with scenic cliff and valley views to your left.
You may think you’ve reached the cave, but there’s still a little way to go.
You’ll see a narrow gap between the cliff wall and a large boulder. Instead of squeezing through, it’s easier to climb over the boulder.
Once past this final hurdle, Dr Darks Cave soon comes into view ahead.
Dr Darks Cave is a tall, deep rock overhang, framed by trees with a small waterfall beside it.
The cave is named after Katoomba doctor Eric Payten Dark (1889–1987), who discovered this spot in 1937 and turned it into a holiday retreat for his family.
As you explore the cave, you’ll find various artefacts, including pots, pans, sleeping gear, a notebook, and a backgammon board.
Visitors are expected to leave everything as they found it so future bushwalkers can continue to enjoy this special place. However, you are welcome to read and sign the visitor logbook.
Once you’ve finished exploring the cave, retrace your steps to the fire trail via the same path. The climb back up is steep, so take your time.
As mentioned, we recommend stopping by Fortress Rock Lookout, which is only a short distance from the cave trailhead.
The views from this quiet vantage point are impressive, with Govetts Creek winding through the valley below, framed by steep cliff walls.
Looking west, you might spot a waterfall at the base of the cliffs. This unnamed waterfall flows into the valley as part of Govetts Creek.
