It’s been a while since I’ve organised an obscure trip.
Others take the piss out of my scrub bashes to shit canyons but I get a kick out of checking out places the majority wouldn’t bother with.
So when we were thinking about what to do and South Bowen formed up as the front runner I suggest how about we go in fro the top.
Not that’s it’s overly obscure, for as long as I can remember David Noble has been commenting that people miss 3 or 4 canyon sections by going in the “standard” entry.
Still upper sections tend to be hit and miss so I wasn’t expecting high quality but they are all worth doing once.
The only hitch was the car shuffle. We didn’t have a second car.
Let’s just do the top and scramble out the Cork Screw entrance. Says I. That way it’s only a 2km walk back up the highway and we can do that first.
Deal.
We pick one of the branches below Mt Wilson turn off and make our way in. It was scrubby on the spur and muddy in the creek line.
Like scrubby scrub and muddy mud
But it’s only a short bash to the first canyon section. And it’s surprisingly high quality.
And once we got to the junction with the “standard” entry we reversed back up the Cork Screw section and found a break in the cliffs to scramble up.
Kylie, Hywaida, Kris, Jason, Aimee, Tash and meeeeeeeeee
19/02/2022
I’ve done the lower section of Bell creek a couple of times. It’s beautiful.
Like really, jaw droppingly beautiful
But the first time it took us 3hrs to walk into the start of the access canyon, Bell Fry(which is a pretty little canyon in its own right)
Next time we knew where we were going and a hazard burn had taken out a lot of the scrub on the ridge. So we cut that down to just under 2hrs.
But it was still a difficult walk, having to scramble into the start of Du Faurs creek then climb up the other side.
Anyhoo, the Jamieson guide says a good overnight trip is to include the upper section. It also suggests you could do both in a very very long day.
Myself and Madie had mentioned a few times about having a crack of doing it in a day. But we never got around to it
This year a trip got planned. Unfortunately last minute I had to work
I get a text. Ok we are heading in.
Just over 6hrs later. We are out.
Wait! What?
Anyhoo I finally got the chance to give it a crack.
Now I’m not as quick as Madie and Russ but a 30min walk down a fairly easy ridge, with me just following my nose until Aimee checked the map and corrected my course and we slipped down a short side canyon and entered Bell creek just upstream of where it canyons up.
I’ve said before that Du Faurs creek is a more canyony version of the Wollangambe. Bell creek is even more so.
We wade scramble and float down some long, impressive canyon sections @kylie
So the girls hadn’t caught up for a while and there was a chatter. Well, I say chatter but it was more weird noises and giggling. And, I say giggling, but it was more like cackling. Like b grade movie witches planning downfalls.
TBH I wasn’t expecting the upper section to be so good.
“Upper sections” as described in the book can be hit and miss around here. The upper section of Du Faurs creek is good. The Bowens (North and South) have upper sections that contain pretty canyon sections but they pop in and out and there is scrub and scrambling between. Upper Wollangambe is basically a creek walk…. But this one has sustained sections of quality canyon.
Ok so there are no abseils… I get that’s what some people are after but it’s like 2 totally different sports. Vertical canyoning and this.
Maybe the old skool bushwalkers had it right when they described these trips as Swalks (Swim/walks)
either way it’s an adventure in beautiful surrounds with great people. Winning
Because I knew it wasn’t the very very long day Jamieson suggested we weren’t rushing at all. We even stopped for little lunch… I never stop of little lunch… but we still managed get from the car to the junction with Bell Fry in just a bit over 3.5hrs. So not much longer than the standard way into the lower section and far more interesting.
The gate keeper to the lower section
As surprisingly nice as the upper section is the lower section really is special
It might not be as iconic as the Hulks Fist in Claustral but its the Hulks Hand
We stop for a bite to eat and Kris finds this little beauty
Hatchling Eastern Small Eyed snake. It was teeny tiny
And then the Canyon opens out a bit. It’s still grand and dwarfs us as we boulder hop down to the junction with Du Faurs creek. Then up to exit out Joes and up to the fire shed.
Group Size: 7
Time: 8.5hr car (Water Trough Hill) to car (Fire Shed).
Some of God’s children just are naturally wild: Ray Wylie Hubbard
Ed, Ethan, Dick, Russ, Libby, Jared and Paul and me
So New Years Day we have developed a bit of a tradition of doing an “easy, recovery” canyon. This year the families ditched us but other mates came along.
All photos here a copy write to Ed as my camera still needs repairing
We meet up at the car park and head off down the trail. Post fires the trail is very overgrown with grass at the moment and despite knowing it reasonably well there were a couple of spots at the start where we really had to look for it.
Some off us were smart enough to don wetties at the car park. We were soon soaked from pushng through the grass
With the usual banter, laughs and good times we continue down the river
Logs wedged high in the rocks above were a reminder of how much the water levels can rise in the ‘Gambe. But it hadn’t properly rained for a few days and even after the wet conditions we had experienced earlier in the week the water levels were fairly normal.
I’d say the river at the usual entry and exit beaches was up about 50-100mm on what it was in 2019 at the end of the long dry spell but the mighty ‘Gambe, usually viewed as a benign, casual family trip was about to remind us that even in these conditions our water playgrounds should never be taken for granted.
The following day tragedy would strike.
There had been no more rain. Water levels had not risen. But a change in hydrology had caused a dangerous, and hidden siphon to develop and unfortunately 2 canyoners lost their lives, 1 in an attempt to save the other.
My heart goes out to their family, friends and party members. It is a sad reminder that there is inherent risk in everything we do.
Stay safe and I hope to catch you out there somewhere
Russ and meeeee. With a late inclusion of Leo and Madie
A few options were thrown about for weekend adventures but in the end it was cold and damp… Perfect weather for descending a couple of pretty little slots on the Sunnyside plateau
First stop Zorro
The road out is surprisingly clear. Of course I took the first fire trail, belatedly remembering the rough hill down the rocks. I pull up and explain my error. Madie doesn’t look too keen on testing the 4WD capabilities of her ute. Leo, in the drivers seat, looks like a kid on the way to a lolly shop but I decide to turn back and do the detour. Lucky, as looking back up the hill at the junction the link trail hadn’t been cleared for fallen trees
We find our car park and in no time we are descending between the parallel walls of the entrance hall.
And it’s not long until we get to the first abseil
Bottom of first abseil
Last year the canyon was as dry as I’ve ever seen it. Today more normal conditions saw a couple of pools, some of which required some tricky bridging to keep feet dry.
Leo contemplating the first of the little pools
Checking out the second drop. Russ pointing out the dodgy anchor some people abseil off.
I’ve always just down climbed this one. With some careful bridging you can stay dry. I missed a step and right leg went in up to my knee. That leg was too warm anyway
Have I ever mentioned how pretty the central chamber is
The soft light and mist really adding to the beauty
The exit hall was also very atmospheric today with the mist rolling in
Then it opens out for the final abseil.
Not mentioning any names but somebody <Coughitwasrusscough>may or may not have left the safety draw attached to the pull cord and had to prusik back up to retrieve it. Fun times
Then it’s a short stroll back up the hill to the car and we drive back up around the head of the main gully to some cool little features on the other side. The Cracks of DOOM!!
They start a tad squeezy and we got wetter sliding through COD 1 than we had in Zorro
Finally, a quick stop at Bardens lookout where Madie and Leo romp up a pumpy little climb to finish the day off
Saturday 12/07/2020
Mandy and me
We’d had a lazy morning but decide to head out of a lunch date.
I’ve always thought this one a pretty little canyon so I was a little apprehensive as to the state it would be in post fires.
Turns out the canyon itself was fairly untouched. Some of the ferns in the main chamber were brown but that looks more a result of drought
Some people like to cause commotion. Others like to be the commotion.
I had a busy weekend lined up and didn’t think I’d get out bush at all but when The Mad One lined up a trip with the awesome Canyoning/Climbing fam I was keen as a bean for a catch up so I rearranged some stuff to free up my Sunday. They really are a great bunch of like minded folk and a ball to hang out with
Anyhoo we meet at Mt Wilson at a very lazy 10am and dither about before setting off along the fire trail. Laziest start to a canyon day for ages.
The walk in would soon address that….
The shade of the overhang below the first abseil proves an enticing place to have lunch so more lazing about before we slip down the creek. I scramble into the start of the canyon and try to entice the others down with my best Pennywise impersonation, Do you want a balloon too, Georgie? but they go over the top to the next climb down.
The first little bit was as dry as a nuns nasty
Madie and Aleasha making their way in
The swim into the first “Duck under” was little more than a deep wade. There followed an impromptu chorus of Ooooh shit it’s cold. Which had Libby dubbing the trip the Whingee Whungee trip.
Russ and Libby Liability enjoying a coolish dip
Whungee is usually such a high quality canyon but the low water and lack of glowworms took a bit of the shine off
io! Wanna fight? Caaarn, I’ll fight the lot of yas
Leo and the Wizard
It does have some beautiful bits thou
Dualing photographers dual
Barely a duck under
Russ, Libby, Aleasha and Jez
Ok the top section was a little down on it’s usual high standard but the final hallway is still bloody stunning
We briefly check out a rumoured short cut exit but decide the climb is too dicey today so it’s into the ‘Gambe for a float down to the usual exit.
Surround yourself with exceptional people, experience exceptional things
Party Size: 8
Time: I didn’t really pay much attention but I think it was 7-8hrs with plenty of stops along the way
This section of the ‘Gambe is harder to get to than the more common “tourist sections” but is renown for having some of the best canyon bits on the river.
In hindsight that’s a bit like saying Wang Dam has the best bits of beach in Lithgow….
Or sumfink
Anyhoo, it’s a bit of the ‘Gambe I hadn’t visited before and I had wanted to do it for a while. I knew Madie was keen to check it out too so we semi organised a crew and then half made plans.
Then the weather turned to shite and we ummed and ahhed about going. Even an hour before we were due to head off the rain came in and we discussed doing something else. Then the sky cleared and we thought “Fugg it!” and off we went
I’d planned to do the car shuffle to the end of the Dumbano/Wollangambe fire trail as it should be a shorter walk and I’m not overly familiar with the maze of trails in from Bell.
In high spirits we skipped out to the end of the fire trail and had no difficulty finding a pass down through the cliff.
From there it all turned a bit shit.
My intel said there would be a track.
Reality said there was scrub.
Now I’m not adverse to a bit of a scrub-bash but this scrub was heinous. Razor grass and dead fall and despondency.
Out of the scrubby side-creek and into the scrubby Gambe our efforts to stay dry before the camp were in vain
An hour later we’d barely gone 600m and light was fading. I wasn’t 100% sure where the famed camp cave was so we made the decision to bunk down in the next viable overhang to shelter from the predicted overnight moisture.
Finding a small but sheltered and some what cozy overhang we opted to make camp rather than push on in the dark
We snacked on Madie’s infamous butter chicken and settled in for a reasonably comfortable if slightly cramped night.
Of course the actual camp cave with large, flat sandy floor was just 100m or so down stream…
Morning comes and we pack up for a not so early start. Our advice was it was going to be a long/hard day. After yesterdays experience in the scrub we decided to avoid the banks and stay in the river as much as possible.
This was faster. Mostly. But full of energy sapping sand with pockets of quicksand ready to swallow your leg without warning.
The three images above summarise the tip for me. Stunning cliff lines, dead fall galore and complex boulder scrambling. Oh and sand. Lots of sand….
Did I mention stunning cliff lines?
There were fun bits in between the slogs thou I think Gabby would be smiling no matter what
The canyon sections, when they came were spectacular. Just very short compared to the effort to get to them
Even thou the canyon is impressive here I’d class the trip more a creek walking than canyoning trip
Eventually we make it to a part of the ‘Gambe we are all familiar with.
Reaching the exit point is usually a bitter-sweet moment as you are glad to have finally made it but know the adventure is nearly over. This was no different. We were exhausted (We’ll maybe not Madie, she seems to gain engery the longer she goes) but smiling. It was a hard trip, even tougher than I had expected, but as always the company and laughter made it great.
Now just the 1hr uphill stroll to the car.
Your comfort zone is a very dangerous place to be
Times:
Mt Wilson fire-shed to Dumbano fire trail locked gate: 30min (drive)
Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking club trip lead by Kate.
*Slight detour* in March I am again taking part in the West Cycles Classic to raise money for the Westpac rescue helicopter service. Whether preforming bush rescue, emergency patient transfers, and all the rest no one has ever had to pay to use the helicopter due to public donations. If, like me, you believe this is an invaluable service or if you just enjoy reading my blog think about pitching in with a donation. Large or small every bit counts. follow this link for details 2018 West Cycles
Anyhoo
So this year I set a bit of a goal to do a couple of the sections of the ‘Gambe I hadn’t done before, I am super keen to do the section between the crater and Mt Wilson, so when I saw a trip to the Upper, Upper section on the program of UBMBC I signed up for the walk.
Turns out the walk would be to a section further up but that was OK it was on the list too.
So after a meet and greet we headed off along a suprisingly good track. I was kind of expecting to be zero tracking. No idea why I thought that, just one of the preconceved ideas you sometimes get completely wrong…
Heading out toward pagoda country
After a warmish walk in along the ridge we we looking forward to hitting the water
Water levels in the ‘Gambe are fairly low at the moment. This coupled with the hot conditions has lead to a bit of an algae bloom. And when I say “a bit” this section was full of algae. It was a bit of a shock being use to the usual crystal clear waters but it was ok just a bit harder to see where you were putting your feet in the shallow sections.
Some pleasant canyon sections were interspaced with more open sections
Typical stunning Wollangambe cliff lines
Hawk Moth, possibly Coequosa australasiae?
This section reminded me of a similar bit on October Creek
Or Fortress canyon
Interesting vertical slabs in a side creek put me in mind of shark gills
Side creek
More canyony bits
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John proving some boys dont grow up. click images to enlarge
After the monster yabbie we saw in Whungee last week this little nipper was a bit cute
“Giant” Spiney Crayfish, Euastacus spinifer
Final swim
Then it was onto the ridge where the wild flowers are still in bloom despite the hot dry spell
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Group size: 12
Time: 8hrs car to car relaxed pace
The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper
Eden Phillpotts
*Slight detour* in March I am again taking part in the West Cycles Classic to raise money for the Westpac rescue helicopter service. Whether preforming bush rescue, emergency patient transfers, and all the rest no one has ever had to pay to use the helicopter due to public donations. If, like me, you believe this is an invaluable service or if you just enjoy reading my blog think about pitching in with a donation. Large or small every bit counts. follow this link for details 2018 West Cycles
Anyhoo…
I explained the naming of Whungee Wheengee on the write up of our previous visit there. It’s a great canyon with lots of different challenges, or “Activities” as Ed described them, things of interest and wow moments. It’s very technical in places and the water is much colder than that of the wider Wollangambe. It’s also reasonable sustained.
Anyway, on a hot day it was a great place to be.
Crossing the Wollangambe. Water levels have dropped at least 3″ since our New Years day trip 3 weeks ago
On the walk in we had caught up to a larger party at the climb down the tree roots, They were doing Whungee too and graciously waved us throu. They caught us on the climb up the other side and again at the abseil point. but were happy for us to go in first.
Through the week a couple of groups had posted to Ozcanyons about a brown snake inbetween two of the abseils. I let our lot know to be careful and let the other group know as well, offering to point it out to them if we saw it.
We saw it, waited for a while but it was getting a bit cold and while we couldn’t think of a way to notify them we figured it had been really obvious so they’d have no trouble spotting it. We meet up again at the exit beach.
Did you guys see it? asks Ed
Yeah, laughs one of their guys, wasn’t quiet the size they made out.
Ah it was a good meter long, Says Gaz
Really? The one we saw was tiny… Holds up his hand 15cm apart.
Ok there are a few snakes in Whungee Wheengee at the moment.
Anyway on with the show
Abseiling down the cliffline into the creek I was molested by a dead tree… It grabbed me right on the arse…. Well it caught my shorts that I wear over the wet suit to protect it a bit. Um I’m kinda stuck.
There was a little fork in the top and it wasn’t letting me go. I was nearly ready to crack the prusiks out. Before I did I tried a final pull up with the top hand and reef on my leg. Rippppppp!
OK thats the 3rd set of shorts I’ve torn the arse out of in 3 canyons…. Bugger
Jodie dropping into the first “optional” bit of canyon
Optional? yep you can bypass this bit by staying on ledges above… No idea why you would though, unless it was in high water or you are in a big hurry.
Why you you bypass these cool little tunnels
Jodie squeezing down a hole
The first dark tunnel swim
Canyon formation
Gaz in a more open bit
Gaz
Entering the next constriction
When the water levesl are up a bit you have to swim under water to pass this “Duck under”
The top section alternates between the dark tunnels and these grand passageways
Another duck under
Tal
Tal emerging from another tunnel swim
Another “Duck under”
Crap photo pf a leaf tailed gecko getting fat on the massive cave crickets. Gaz got some cool footage of it swimming in the video linked below.
Gaz and Ed coming out of the cave
Check out this grand old dame. The big yabbies are typically the females they carry their young and eggs, or berries as they are called, under their tail. I double checked this one had none before lifting her out of the water for some photos. It’s the biggest one I have seen in ages.
Eastern Water Dragon
Tal doing his ABCs.
And all is good
Canyon formation
Another tunnel section
Tal following Ed downthe canyon
The final hallway
After a few hours in the cold confines of Whunee Wheengee the more open Wollangambe feels almost bathy warm
And as always with the ‘Gambe there are options for water jumps
A room just for Ed.
And a final float down to the exit point.
Another great day out in the great outdoors with great people. Whungee throws a little bit of everything at you and never has a dull moment. I’d have to put it in my top 5 favourate canyons
Group Size:5 all experienced
Time. 8hrs car to car
This edit is slightly longer then normal but Whungee is such an action packed canyon and gaz got so much good footage I thought it worth it.
Human beings make life so interesting. Do you know that in a universe so full of wonders, that they have managed to invent boredom.- (Terry Practett)
sleepwhenwearedead 