It was nice to visit this canyon at Blackheath again. Bob and myself headed up the mountains and parked near Hat Hill on the road to Perrys Lookdown (Hat Hill Road). A hot day was forecast, and we wanted to get the road section done first while it was cooler.
We walked back to the usual parking spot and were soon on the track down to the creek. Early on we spotted some nice Horned Orchids (Orthoceras strictum) –
Part way down, we deviated off the track to look down to see the top of Teasing Falls –
And we were soon in the creek.
It was not far down to the start of the first constriction. Here we met some other parties. One large group, we knew, more ex SUBW members and their families –
First Constriction
The first constriction is short but nice, with a long swim. It is followed by a rough section –
Not far down is the second constriction.
Second Constriction
After that there is longer section of creek walking. The first bit was slow – with lots of logs to cross after floods and fires. Then some faster nice rainforest –
Then we were approaching this Third constriction.
Third Constriction
There is now a lot more swimming in this section that before.
After the constriction, we climbed up aside creek to a waterfall with several natural arches.
Here we filled up our water bottles and climbed out via nearby pass. Higher up on the ridge we stopped for lunch in a shady area. Nearby, we spotted this orchid –
Perhaps a Small Duck Orchid (Caleana minor). Further along the ridge, we found a few Flying Duck Orchids (Caleana major) –
And on the ridge, a Large Tongue Orchid (Cryptostylis subulata) –
We visited a nearby Aboriginal site. There are quite a few sharpening grooves –
And some very hard to spot small engravings.
With direct overhead sunlight, they are very hard to discern. But you can just make out some Lyrebird footprints.
It was by now a very hot day and we were glad Bob had parked his car nearby.