Our Story The Hike Events Donate Get Involved Stay Updated Members
Six Foot Track · Sep 2026

Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Hike For
HEARTS ♥
Distance 44 km
Duration 3 days
Date 25–27 Sep 2026
Track Six Foot Track

A small group of friends hiking Australia's iconic Six Foot Track to raise funds for cardiac research, and to prove that a repaired heart can still climb a mountain.

Donate Now Read the Story
Scroll

Our Story

Why I'm Walking

In July 2021, I was struck down by Endocarditis, a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection of the heart's inner lining. What followed was a battle I wasn't sure I'd win.

"I underwent open heart surgery, received a prosthetic heart valve, and developed complete heart block, requiring a permanent pacemaker to keep my heart beating."

I was one of the lucky ones. Endocarditis can strike anyone, at any time, from an infection that would otherwise seem minor. Cardiac research that could improve survival, recovery and outcomes for people like me remains chronically underfunded.

Hike For Hearts is my way of turning a frightening experience into a force for good. Every dollar we raise goes directly to funding the research that saves lives.

Dave Padden, Founder, Hike For Hearts

The Challenge

The Six Foot Track

Originally built for horses in the 1880s, the Six Foot Track winds 44km through ancient gorges, towering eucalypt forests and the remote wilderness of the Blue Mountains.

Start DateFriday 25 September 2026
Finish DateSunday 27 September 2026
Total Distance44 kilometres
Start PointExplorers Tree, Katoomba
Finish PointBinda Bush Cabins
Night 1 CampCox's River Campsite
Night 2 CampBlack Range Campsite
DifficultyModerate to challenging
About the Track ↗

Day 1: Friday 25 September

Katoomba to Cox's River Campsite · ~15 km

Departing from the historic Explorers Tree, we descend via Nellies Glen through rainforest, cross the Megalong Valley, and cross the Cox's River via Bowtells Swing Bridge to reach camp.

Camp: Cox's River Campsite

Day 2: Saturday 26 September

Cox's River to Black Range · ~19 km

We climb out of the Cox's River valley and wind through forested fire trails and service tracks. A steady, rewarding day through remote Blue Mountains wilderness.

Camp: Black Range

Day 3: Sunday 27 September

Black Range to Binda Bush Cabins · ~10 km

The shortest day, and the reward for everything that came before. The terrain eases as we descend through eucalyptus forest to Binda Bush Cabins — a well-earned finish line.

Finish: Binda Bush Cabins

Fundraising Events

Join Us Along the Way

Before the hike, we're hosting a series of events to raise funds and build the community around Hike For Hearts.

🎯
April / May 2026 · TBC

Trivia Night

Gather your team for a fun-filled trivia night, with rounds on general knowledge, Australian geography, and yes, a heart health round. Entry fees and raffle prizes all go to cardiac research.

🎟️
June 2026 · Online

Charity Raffle

Tickets on sale online with great prizes up for grabs. 100% of proceeds go directly to our fundraising total. Details and prize list coming soon.

🏢
Ongoing

Workplace Giving

Many employers match employee donations dollar for dollar. Ask your HR team about donation matching programs, or enquire about a fundraising morning tea at your workplace.

Event details will be announced on our Facebook page. Follow us to stay up to date.

Get Involved

Three Ways to Help

💛

Donate

Every dollar goes to cardiac research. Whether it's $10 or $1,000, it genuinely makes a difference to the research that could save lives.

📣

Spread the Word

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, tell your friends, and share our posts. Awareness is everything for a grassroots fundraiser like this.

Facebook Instagram
🎉

Come to an Event

Join us at our trivia night, enter the raffle, or bring Hike For Hearts to your workplace. Every event gets us closer to our goal.

See Events

Registered Hikers

Members Area

Resources, documents, and team information for registered Six Foot Track hikers.

🔒

Members Only

This area is for registered hikers only. Log in to access your gear lists, training schedules, team contacts, and event logistics.

🏔️

Welcome back, hiker! Everything you need for the Six Foot Track is below. Questions? Email dave@hikeforhearts.com.au

Gear Lists

Everything you need to pack for 3 days on the track — essential items and recommended extras.

Training Schedules

Week-by-week training plans to get you trail-ready for September. Beginner through to advanced.

Team Contacts

Contact details for all registered hikers and the event organiser.

Event Logistics

Transport, accommodation, meeting points, and the full day-by-day itinerary for the hike weekend.

♥

Donation Page Coming Soon

We're setting up our official donation page right now. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the announcement, or get in touch directly at dave@hikeforhearts.com.au.