Each year, Sydney University Bushwalkers hold a walk to the Kowmung River on the October long weekend. The walk is called the “PBT” for “President’s Bludge Trip”. This was the 44th PBT. This year it was led by club president Rebecca with assistance from Ashley.
The extra day provided by a long weekend allows the party to experience a fair section of walking along the Kowmung River on the middle day. This year the route was along one of the nicest parts of the Kowmung River between Hughes Clearing and Orange Bluff.
The party set off from Kanangra Walls on the Saturday morning, and after some photography on the plateau, soon started walking down the Gingra Range. Part way along, we turned off down Hughes Ridge and arrived at the Kowmung River in the mid afternoon.
After eating up camp on a nice grassy flat, we explored the area and found a nice pool for a swim.
The second day was spent walking upstream to Orange Bluff. Most of the way there are open grassy flats to walk on, but frequent crossings of the river are desirable to stay on the easier side. On the way, many delightful pools are passed, and it is impossible not to stop for some swimming.
The pools are separated by gentle rapids formed by the river cobbles.
The large campsite at Orange Bluff is one of the best on the river. As well a a large grassy clearing, there are the beautiful orange quartzite bluffs towering over the far side of the river.
Monday is the day spent walking back to the Walls and this means an ascent. A big ascent! But at least packs are a bit lighter. We climbed Brumby Ridge to reach its junction with the Gingra Range for lunch. Fro there it is not too far back to Kanangra Walls.
This was a most pleasant walk with great company. Its hard to think of a better place to be on the October long weekend than the Kowmung River.
More photos from the walk are online on my website here.
