Canyoning Near Bell – 17 December 2020

A wet day was forecast for the mountains. It was the day for a canyoning or bushwalking trip with Bob, so we decided to head up the mountains and then work out what we would do when we were up there and could see what the weather was like. As it turned out, it was a relatively fine day, at least during the period of our visit. We visited two short canyons near Bell.

The first one, Kangaroo Corner Canyon, I had last visited back in 2005. It is not a great canyon, as canyons go, but still a nice creek with some good formation. The canyon lies in a crown land reserve, and this extends to the Darling Causeway – so that is the best access, rather than walking in through private land from the Chifley Road.

On the walk in we found some Horned Orchids –

After the bushfires, the walk in was a bit clearer.

Here is the start of the canyon –

This looks back at the only swim we had to do –

After this, the creek opened up, so we climbed out.

In the far distance – we could see a raptors nest or roosting site –

And one more orchid –

We then headed to Dalpura Canyon. On the walk in, I was on the lookout for pink Flannel Flowers. I had seen them in that location in the past, not long after a bushfire. This time I could not spot any. Perhaps a bit early for them?

We soon arrived at the start of the canyon.

We had lunch at the bottom – downstream of the pool. This gave me some time for some photos.

Then it was an easy walk out.

And some more orchids – Flying Duck Orchids –

It had been a nice day out. We had no rain, but later in the day there were some storms.