Despite Covid restrictions, lockdowns and forecast wet weather, the club managed to do a multi-day pack walk in October. The walk billed as medium difficulty, mainly on tracks and through the Budawangs attracted a lot of interest from members- all anxious to enjoy the experience. Eight lucky members managed to get out there and were (as usual) ably led by Ian. And from all accounts they had a great time, with good weather to boot.
Ian has put together a comprehensive report on the walk below, accompanied by photos courtesy of Rob, Gay, Tom, Donna, Wendy, Rachael and Ian – well worth a read – enjoy.
Eight clean, fit and eager bushwalkers ready to go
Sassafras to Yadboro 25-28 October 2021
The Sassafras to Yadboro route through the middle of the Budawangs Wilderness is 35 kilometres and is usually walked in three days. The quality of the “trail” can be regarded in three parts – from Sassafras, a 13 km slog along the Endrick River Firetrail to The Vines; 12 km of “footpad”, mostly followable to the Wog Wog track; and finally, having joined the more popular Wog Wog track, 10km of easily followed “footpad” to the Long Gully campground on the Yadboro River.
Since it is nine years since the BBBW walked through this area it was no surprise that interest in a four-day walk was high but getting 12 nominations was a big surprise. It is very pleasing that six of our eight walkers had not previously been on this route and three had not at all before tasted the Budawangs. Unfortunately, the limit of walkers was eight, so five Club members missed out altogether. The walkers on this occasion were Tom & Gay, Wendy, Rachael, Geoff, Rob, Donna and Ian.
After the boring firetrail slog, the first night’s camp was early, at Camp Rock. This allowed for an afternoon exploration to the south where we gained views into Camping Rock Ravine and Kilpatrick Creeks, and across to Island and Quilty’s Mountains. We had light showers of rain that night.
The Budawangs is all about spectacular and interesting rock formations, but sometimes difficult to get to, and from one to another
In the few rainforest sections, the walking was delightful
Just another track obstacle
The Quilty’s Mountain Aboriginal stone arrangement
Next morning, after a brief inspection of Red Johnny’s Cave and a pause in the rainforest of The Vines, we headed south on the old overgrown logging road. On the basalt soils in this area, the regrowth since the 2019 fires is “wheatfield” and with the recent good season, it is now over head high. More importantly, the Lawyer (Smilax australis) and Coral (Kennedia coccinea) Vines have started to intertwine the wattle and eucalypt whipstick stems and, because this route is not often used, the track is becoming indistinct. The bush was still wet from the previous night’s rain so pushing through the mess was not pleasant.
Nevertheless, we were temporarily relieved of the burden with a side trip up and on to Quilty’s Mountain. The main attraction here is the grand view to the east and south, taking in the Galbraith plateau, Island Mtn again, Mounts Elliot, Sturgiss and Haughton, and Hoddles Castle.
This location also afforded a viewing of the Aboriginal stone arrangement, which overlooks the panorama. We spent some time here, contemplating the structure’s age, its possible significance to past and present local Aboriginal people and, of course, its magnificent setting.
Discussion also centred on what appeared to be European people’s involvement with the site. It was apparent there have been some alterations. In addition to the original layout (itself “enhanced”), since our last visit, there are now many more arrangements adjacent, constructed by persons unknown and, we can only assume, with unknown significance.
Returning to the track and pushing on through the scrub, including through some impressive 4 metre high Incense Plant (Calomeria amaranthoides) thickets, we abandoned any thoughts of a Hidden Valley visit and set up camp at Styles Creek, a very picturesque and comfortable spot. Gay discovered that along the way, she managed to befriend the one and only lonely leech living in the Budawangs!
Style’s Creek camp
Wendy blazes a trail across Style’s Plain
Hoddle’s Castle overlooks the walkers
One of the many Mount Haughton overhangs
Looking east down Holland’s Gorge to Pigeon House Mountain
Our Mount Tarn lunch spot
Next day, after crossing the wonderful Style’s Plain “grasslands”, we encountered more thick fire regrowth up the ridge to the base of Mt Haughton, constantly losing any sign of the original track. It was unwelcome heavy going and a more than normal recovery break was needed at the first overhang.
In contrast, the traverse under the cliff line across to Mt Tarn was enjoyable, the track being still in good order, the overhangs interesting and water was constantly available.
After crossing the saddle and punching up on to the Tarn plateau, lunch in the sun on the cliff tops gave lovely views to the west. The track and occasional boardwalk across the swampy plain survived the fire well and we were soon to the other side and descending the southwestern face of Mt Tarn.
Upon joining the more popular Wog Wog track, the pace picked up and we soon set up camp at the Mt Cole camping caves. Because of the recent rains, the nearby “Presbyterian Ladies College bathroom” under its clifftop overhang was open for business and the tap was on so everyone enjoyed a well deserved shower (not all at once of course).
Gay practices her recently learnt navigation skills “Stick to the boards folks
The Mount Cole camp
Entering the northern end of Monolith Valley
More obstacles
Resting at the base of the most northern, and smallest, of the Seven Gods Pinnacles
More Gods
The final day’s walk was the traditional exit through Monolith Valley encompassing visits to the Seven Gods Pinnacles, the rainforest containing the Green Room, Emerald Room and the Natural Arch, wonderful vegetation free views of the valley from the Eagles Nest, and an exit through Neiblung Pass.
The long descent from the Castle saddle is always hard for old knees and creaky backs (prevalent among us), and this day was no different. The warm temperature and high humidity didn’t help either so by the time we got to the Yadboro River, it was straight in, boots and all, for a cooling swim.
Gay enjoys entering the Green Room
Donna exits the Green Room
Enjoying the panorama of Monolith Valley from the Eagles Nest
Down the chains into Neiblung Pass
The very welcome sight of the Yadboro River
Rachael’s Panorama of Monolith Valley
There were no injuries but many of us took a few days for full recovery. Our gratitude goes to our drivers, Miriam, Rudy and Berkeley, for the set down and pick up taxi service. We thank you!
Ian
Eight ragged, exhausted, and now not so keen, bushwalkers, ready to go home
Our Batemans Bay Bushwalkers emblem is a pair of Gang-gang cockatoos. We are lucky to have them in this area, but they are in trouble, with numbers down by 69% over the last 21 years.
