Blackheath Walks – Bennetts Gully and Wallace Steam Engine – 30 May 2024

Bob had suggested a walk to visit Bennett Gully at Blackheath. So after parking at the Hat Hill carpark, we set off along the ridge up to Hat Hill and beyond out towards Bald Hill.

A lot of the way along there were great views. And some flowers – Native Iris –

Above Bennett Lookout, we left the track and headed towards the cliffline.

There was mild scrub in places.

We reached a spot with great views of the Grose Valley.

We could look down an see Bennetts Lookout.

Here is a telephoto shot of Bennetts Lookout –

And looking the other way to Mt Banks.

It was very easy to descend to Bennetts Gully, which we crossed. We then investigated two caves on the east side.

Next, was an easy and open walk up to the Wind-eroded Cave.

And we then walked the short way to Anvil Rock where we stopped for lunch on a rock outcrop. More fantastic Grose Valley views.

And then a look to see the Anvil –

We also had a look at the old picnic area. There are the remains of a fire place and water supply system.

The tap still works.

And this excavated cave would have been the spot where a picnic table was placed.

Rather than walk along the road back to the Hat Hill carpark, we followed a ridge for the first part.

There was a faint track along this open and very nice ridge.

And more great views.

On the way back, we visited the Aboriginal art site. Here are some Emu footprint engravings –

Sharpening grooves –

And some larger footprint engravings –

It was relatively early when we got back to Bob’s car, so we then decided to make a visit out to Wallace Lookout and look for the old Wallace Steam Engine.

A short way out, we passed the site of the Hermit of Hat Hill’s hut.

We followed a faint track to the historic steam engine.

Tim and Eric Wallace drove an old traction engine here in 1928 and used the engine for pulling up coal and timber from deep in the valley using a cable.