Wednesday 16 April 2025

Crossing the Shoalhaven River

Leader Gavin hoping the wedged rock doesn’t decide to move

Making our way through the slot canyon

Rob checking out the marble and limestone formations

Glenn emerging from Marble Arch

Foot soak after 12 klms

Forging through

The fun begins

Through the tunnel

Photos courtesy of Amanda, DonnaG, Gavin and Denise. Walk report courtesy of Walk Leaders Gavin and Denise.

Eight walkers left from the Berlang Campground in the Deua National Park on a glorious autumn day. The first obstacle was the Shoalhaven River which was less than knee deep and not too cold. We left our water shoes on the other side and continued onto Big Hole. The track was well formed and passed through tall eucalypts. Once we climbed to the ridge the track levelled out and the canopy became more stunted.

A warning sign heralds the ‘Big Hole’ which is 100 metres deep and approximately 50 metres radius. Those who had done the walk before commented on the sparkling new viewing platform.

From here the track became less distinct and meandered up and down until reaching the edge of the Reedy Creek Gorge. A very steep decent of 150 metres on dodgy steps dropped us into Reedy Creek and the opening to the magical Marble Arch Caves. Water prevented us from passing right through the gorge, but the caves and the gorge itself were spectacular.

Returning the way we came rounded out a 12 kilometre walk and a special day.