The gang have been doing an annual pilgrimage to Blue Lake for a while now. This is the second time I’ve got to join them.
We did a day at Charlotte Pass where I gave skiing a go for the second time and had fun rumbling down green runs.
The following day we headed up to Guthaga, where it was like an random uni reunion for Kylie and her former class mates as well as a Blue mountains adventure crew hang out. Lots of coincidental trips with like minded people over the weekend.
We said our g’days and yakked then went our separate way and shoed out to little twynam.
Well, Sonya, Kylie and I shoed Kris and Hywaida decided it was icy enough to. Just use crampons. This proved a wise choice and one we’d all adopt for the rest of the weekend.
Blue bird days
We dig the tents in and settle in for the night.
I say “we” but Kylie pretty much set up ours on her own. I was in a mind daze and struggling physically. Belatedly I realised I hadn’t had any thing to drink all day. Rooky mistake
A shot of Thorzt in my water bottle and I came good and set about building a rough kitchen
Next day we were up early to make the most of the good weather to play around on the ice walls.
Atmospheric Kris setting up a T anchor for us.
Back at camp
When your mate is the author of the best wilderness cook book on the market, Xtreme Gourmet. Sonya showing us how easy great food can be.
It’s not much but it surprising at how much more comfortable a simple bench and table make the experience.
Access: Easy access to the start of the trail. Dirt roads but well maintained at time of writing
Navigation: Navigation is fairly straight forward. Signposted tourist trails
Map: Lithgow
Time: There’s various options but give yourself a couple of hours
The name is inspired by the resemblance of the spectacular towering pagodas to some fabled lost city, The lost city has been a well known favourite to 4WDers, rock climbers and avid bushwalkers for years but recent works by NPWS has improve accessibility and the area now has a family friendly loop.
While not as shady or rainforesty as the Grand Canyon loop at Blackheath it more than make up for it with towering cliffscapes and industrial heritage
Getting there:
There are a couple of options of where to start, The Northern Lookout (Traditionally more well known) and the Southern Lookout (up until recently more of a local secret.)
Drive out of Lithgow via Atkinson Street and continue up State Mine Gully Road.
(Halfway up the steep hill (Dobbs Drift) there is a parking area on the left and it’s worth a stopping for a quick side trip to have a look here.)
Drive to the top of the hill. The first turn on the left as it flattens out will take you to the southern car park.
Alternatively continue along and onto Glowworm tunnel road. Take the left fork at the Bungleboori Picnic ground, then left again. this will take you to the Northern car park.
Suggested Walks.
Easy 1: Start at the Southern Lookout and enjoy the expansive views over toward the lost city. Follow the main trail down to Marrangaroo creek then return the way you came.
Easy 2: Start at the Northern Lookout and enjoy wandering through the amazing pagodas. Follow the trail down Marrangaroo Creek then return the same way.
Through Walk: Do a car shuffle and walk between the 2 lookouts. I’d suggest starting at the Northern Lookout and walk to the southern lookout via the main trail.
Southern Loop: If you don’t want to do a car shuffle but want a loop rather than an out and back I’d suggest starting at the Southern Lookout. Descend via the miners track then come up the main trail. This provides views over some old mining heritage and takes in a nice waterfall (best after a bit of rain) then a more gentle climb out along the gorgeous Marrangaroo Creek.
The Full Box and dice: If you want to take it all in I’d suggest parking at the Northern Lookout. Walk down and up to the Southern lookout via the main trail then descend the miners track back to Marrangaroo creek and hence back to the Northern Lookout not the main trail.
Of course if you don’t wish to tackle the stairs it’s worth just visiting the lookouts.
sleepwhenwearedead 