Access: Moderate walk.
Some Rock Scrambling.
Some Navigation required as the trail is not clear in some places.
A 4WD is handy to reach the car park described especially in wet weather.
Alternatively mountain bike in from below Bald Trig to the start of the walking trail then stash the bikes in the bush.
Navigation: Navigation is fairly straight forward though there is a bit of zero tracking to get down through the cliff lines.
Map: Wollangambe
Time: It takes about 45 min to walk down the to crater site.
Goochs Crater is not an actual crater but a natural depression that looks a bit like a crater on aerial photos. It is a popular among scout and bushwalking clubs as an over night walk from Bell. This takes 4-5hr each way but there is a much shorter route in from the back side from Clarence off the Dumbano fire trail,
Turn off the Bells Line of Road/Chiffley rd at the ZigZag railway at Clarence and follow the Newnes forest rd 4.8km till you reach an intersection below Bald trig. Take the right turn and follow this, there is a rough hill and some muddy patches so 4WD may be handy. Look for a turn to the right about 3.5km in, there is some old steel cable near the corner of the intersection this is at MGA459967.
Park here and follow the side trail on foot right to the end, ignoring motorbike tracks that cross it at several places. Continue along the ridge. The trail is hard to follow in spots as it crosses rock out crops but basically follows the ridge top. In a few spots you’ll be able to see Clarence colliery a few ridges over.
It’s about a 1.5km walk from the car park to the point were you can see Goochs Crater down to the left at MGA460951. The trail down is scrubby and can hide rock steps so care is needed.
The Crater is just one of many interesting features in the area and a little exploration around the site is suggested, You never know what you’ll find
Return: The same way you came
Note: The great outdoors is an ever changing place. Bush fires, changing weather, vegetation growth and forestry activities can all effect the trail conditions and thus the difficulty of the walk. These are a rough guide only and are by no means meant to be a definitive guide . They do not replace the need adequate map reading and navigational skills
Note 1: Taking care While reasonably well known these spots are still wild places and care needs to be taken around cliff edges and on the steep trails. Carrying the right gear as well as having adequate food, water and clothing is important. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.
Emergency beckons (PLBs) can be hired from Katoomba Police for very little.
Note 2: First aid A basic first aid kit is essential bit of kit whenever heading into the Aussie bush. A basic first aid is highly recommended
Note 3: Maps and Navigation Having the right map, a compass and knowing how to read them is very important when heading into the bush. If you are new to bush walking joining a club or accompanying more experienced walker for you first few outing is a very good idea. I found practicing map reading on well defined trails was helpful when I started out.
The Maps mentioned are the 1:25000 series. They can be purchase at Lithgow tourism information center, from outdoors shops or online for around $10 each.
Note 4: These are wild and beautiful places, respect them. If you are able to carry something in you can carry it out. Don’ be a tosser. Leaving your rubbish behind is a sure way to ruin it for every one else.
Trip Report 05-06-16 /10-05-17 / 08/07/17
sleepwhenwearedead 
One thought on “Goochs Crater”