Bushwalkers Adventure In The Gorge

Last Sunday’s club activities were both centred in the Finch Hatton Gorge area, with a group of the more adventurous members venturing off track towards Dooloomai Falls, and six others heading up the well-used pathway to Araluen Falls for morning tea and then continuing further up to inspect Callistemon Crossing before turning back.

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After an early start from town, the first group followed the track nearly to the Wheel of Fire Falls before climbing a steep ridge to the west, and then descending to the junction of the left and right branches of Finch Hatton Creek. This was followed by a steep scramble to the bottom of Dooloomai Falls, before following an old National Park track to the top, which led to spectacular views. The return to the cars involved negotiating a track overgrown with Wait-a-While which eventually showed the way back to the main track. 

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As for the more leisurely walkers who had left town an hour and a half later, many photos were taken and much reminiscing took place as the members made their way up to Araluen Cascades where a few other groups were admiring the scenery or braving the cold water in the swimming hole. Although the original plan was to explore no further, a decision was made to follow the track as far as the creek crossing, and one or two tested out their skills by venturing part way across. The group included a few who had been walking together for decades, and many past adventures were recalled, some involving climbing Mt Dalrymple. 

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Further information about the club can be obtained by phoning 0429 363 929 and future outings are planned to Mt Ossa, Clark’s Pinnacle, and along the beach to the mouth of Bakers Creek.

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Contributed by Carole Weekes

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