Dargans Creek Canyon is a nice outing, and can be combined with some climbing at the Dam Cliffs Climbing Area. Access to both these places is currently via a railway access road.
Dargans Creek Canyon
The managers of the land – the Crown Lands Office are currently considering some major changes to the area. This will change the access for climbing and canyoning and ban swimming in the dam.
Climbing at the Dam Cliffs
A draft plan of management can be downloaded from the Crown Lands Website here.
The draft plan proposes banning swimming in the dam. It also proposes that drive in access along the railway line be stopped and people will have to park 2 kilometres away near the Bell Rd.
I think is is fair enough to stop people driving right down to the dam (the lower of two dams), but that access should be maintained along the railway line to just above the dam. This is the place than most canyoners and climbers park. The last part of the road to the dam itself is very rough and eroded. I think the last part should be closed and allowed to revegetate.
As for swimming in the dam. It has long been a traditional activity and I think people who swim there are prepared to do so at their own risk. Surely a sign saying that should be sufficient?
The Crown Lands Office welcomes submissions up to 2nd March 2012. They can be emailed via the website linked above.
Dargans Creek Canyon
I am a member of the newly formed Dargans Creek Reserve Trust. We are working under the plan of management and I can assure you that banning swimming, making access harder, or limiting the sensible recreational use of this land is not on out agenda.
I am a Dargan resident, and I am joined on the trust by climbing enthusiasts and other interested parties. We have improved the access road, we have prepared a fire management plan to better protect the environment, we are in the process of regenerating 4WD tracks that have damaged sensitive endangered ecological areas, and generally improving signage to assist with the use of the land for bush walking, climbing, canyoning, swimming, etc (not 4WDing though – sorry).
We don’t have any money and are working on government assistance and the kind contributions of busines houses both in the Lithgow area and further.
We are also working on a web site.
If you would like to constructively help in our endeavours, I look forward to you response.
Website now developed
I was there yesterday, Kevin (on my visit to the canyon). And despite your activism, nothing has changed in the 6 years since.
– pesky 4WD vehicles still come down all the way to the lake (I saw 2 of them parked at the dam and one revving the engine on the way back), the rocks covered with some much eroded sand that you cannot even walk on it: I slipped and fell once,
– bathers making lots of noise audible even from Chiefly Road above,
– divers jumping from the cliff across ~12m high,
– two ropes strung across the lake as for some serious Tyrolian exercise, but in fact the ropes are used for fun crawling by empty handed, noisy bathers, who become even more noisy as they cannot hold on anymore and drop to the water.
All of the above just makes me sick with disgust. When something will finally be done to protect the area’s wilderness and improve the experience of caring visitor, like myself? Having seen all of that yesterday, I will not come there anymore. Very sad, because I would love to come again, at least for the canyon…
Dear David or Kevin, can you let me know how Ican join your Trust group please. David B
I would use the “Contact Link” on the new website page mentioned (and linked) above – click on the link.
“bathers making lots of noise audible even from Chiefly Road above,
– divers jumping from the cliff across ~12m high,
– two ropes strung across the lake as for some serious Tyrolian exercise, but in fact the ropes are used for fun crawling by empty handed, noisy bathers, who become even more noisy as they cannot hold on anymore and drop to the water.
All of the above just makes me sick with disgust.”
So you want to reserve an area and lock it up to keep “noisy” ones out who are actively enjoying the area ?
It frustrates me more than anyone that a small minority of grubs leave litter around etc however you will get there always and everywhere. However law abiding and bush respecting citizens like our family should be allowed to enter the area just as much as you are and enjoy the area too. Now whether that is from us noisily taking a dip on a hot day and kids laughing loudly while enjoying themselves, I think you need to pull your skirt down a little, take a teaspoon of cement and harden up princess !!! The bush is there for everyone to enjoy.