Shoalhaven River

Tuesday 10 October: Shoalhaven ‘rock ribs’ section – M/R/W. A riverside walk on the area downstream of Oallan Ford, through some dramatic scenery where rock ribs channel the river into cascades between large pools with occasional beaches. This area is not often visited and, apart from some flood flotsam, has a wilderness feel.  Access is limited by private property, but crown land provides foot access to the river at one point and then along the river. Some open forest, some moderate to thick scrub, at least two wades of the river on slippery rocks to thigh deep, and around 2 hours of rock scrambling.  13 km, several undulations in the 20 to 30 metre range and a couple of 50 metre ones, about 7 hours including breaks.  A 1 hr 15 min drive from Queanbeyan. Maps: Oallan, Endrick. Leader: Linda G. Transport: $80 per car. Limit: 8.

Summary

Distance: ∼11km | Climb: ∼200m | Time: 8.40am – 4.10pm (7hrs 30mins), including ∼60 mins of breaks | Grading: M/R,W; M(10+)

Photographs

Photographs are available, where you can start a large sized slideshow.

Waypoint and Track Files

Not published.

Track Notes

I’ve run out of lids to dip for this walk leader. Another fabulous trip to an aggressively up-heaved area of the Shoalhaven River. Some of the ribs and layers were nearly at 90º.

We parked on Oallen Rd near the quaintly named Ningee Nimble Creek. A dry trip down it to meet the Shoalhaven, we were enjoyed the first of four wades. A leg of ∼3km through open woodland above the river, passing a few mining shafts and holes. Towards the end of this leg we came across a ‘tourist area’, signposts including Chinese writing!

A beautiful spot on the Shoalhaven River for morning tea, near the junction with Hockeys Creek.

From here, a 2+km leg scrambling the side of the Shoalhaven River, passing pools and cascades and climbing across the rock ribs. Slow going, but a fabulous area! Two black snakes.

A relaxed lunch, then we returned the same way.

I lost my two pairs of glasses on the outward trip, but Linda found them on the return 😳 .

Great day, great trip, great company, excellent leader.

Track Map

Not published.

Party

4 walkers – Linda G (leader), Meredith H, Jacqui R, me.


They can’t lose me in my fluoro | photo Linda G