Walk in: Moderate 60min
Popularity: Average
Jumps: 3-6m Trip report and photos 15/04/2017
Drive: Dirt can get a bit corrugated and pot holed. Warning: The pine plantation is a working forest and roads are apt to change or new ones appear. A bit of navigation skill and the right map will come in handy (topo maps can be purchased at Lithgow information center)
First time I visited this part of Deep Pass was on a school camp, a long time before I knew what canyoning was or that other places like this existed. Our teacher, Murray Reins, borrowed some of dads maps and offered up the tasty activity a 2hr bike ride followed by a 1hr walk. Only after volunteering were we told of a swim at the end.
Deep Pass clearing is a popular walk in camp site. The canyon in the upper waters of Nayook cr is a really nice trip. With a bit of scrambling skill it’s possible to get all the way up without getting wet though where is the fun in that?
The optional slides, jumps and swims are a lot of fun. Fixed handlines assist the scramble up beside the waterfalls but should be checked as there’s no telling how old they are. The pools are deep, clear and cold. The canyon can be done from the top down but most people walk up from the bottom and just reverse back down.
The camp ground itself is pleasant and it’s worth having an explore around.
On the southern side of the camp ground is Split Rock and you can scramble around the back of the rock formation and walk through the very narrow split. It’s like a narrow dry canyon. There is also a U shaped cave/tunnel that it is possible to squeeze through. You’ll need a head torch, a lack of claustrophobia and a bit of care but it is often full of glowworms if you are game enough to turn the torch off and give your eyes time to adjust.
Getting there: Drive out along the Glowworm Tunnel rd via Lithgow or via the Zig Zag railway. Reset your odometer at the Bungleboori picnic ground (Main camp ground on the right at the pine forest.
Stay on Glowworm tunnel road for 9.4km and turn right at the end of the pine forest, this is usually signposted with Eastern Boundary Rd. Ignore the secondary road that parallels the main rd and head up the hill past another side rd and take the second left at the 10km mark, which is the Mt Cameron fire trail and at the time of writing is signposted.
Veer R at the Y intersection. At the 12.6km mark keep straight, ignoring the turn to the right. At 13.1km veer R at the Y intersection, this is usually sign posted.
Keep on the main trail ignoring first a turn to the R and then one to the L and you will reach the car park at 15.3km. Follow the old closed off 4×4 trail down the hill.
To get to the canyon and swimming holes turn R just before the road crosses the stream and follow the foot pad upstream.
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.
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