Wednesday 5 August, 2026

Starting the long boardwalk

Steve H. on the way down to the overhangs

Erika on the rope back up

250M year old fossils

Brian enjoying his day out

Some members down in Gadara Pass

Searching for fossils

Capturing those down below

Photos courtesy and Phil, Erika, Steve D. and Brian.  Walk report by Walk Leader Donna.

Fifteen members braved the early start and the cool weather on a spectacular winters day for a 14.5km outing on Little Forest Plateau. Our visit to Ngaityung Falls this time took in a side trip to Gadara Pass. Gadara Pass is not a spot where the club normally visits so it was a welcome opportunity for yet another stunning view of the Budawangs from another aspect. The more adventurous members descended down the pass, via a rope and sure footing, to a remarkable overhang below the cliffline.

Following this, it was on to Ngaityung Falls which was surprisingly flowing, which made the Walk Leader very happy indeed! We enjoyed our lunch here before retracing our steps back to the cars but not before enjoying a small detour on a northern edge of the plateau. We descended down a small rock shelf to an overhang which contains 250M year old fossils called Crinoids, contained in Permian sanstones (thanks Rob!). These fossils are close relatives of sea stars, sea urchins and brittle stars and it was fun to search for them in the overhang.

Thanks to all of those who made the effort to get up early and travel the distance it made for a very enjoyable day.