Hole in the Wall Canyon – 30 January 2016

Dan and friends were coming up from Canberra for a weekend of canyoning. Wendy and myself joined him. The party was – Dan, Lauren, Sharon, Gabriel, Bridget, Wendy and Dave. The first canyon Dan wanted to visit was Hole in the Wall Canyon in the Wollangambe Wilderness. Dan, and the Canberra group had driven up the night before and camped near the Waratah Ridge carpark. There had been some thunderstorms that afternoon (and Wendy had had her power cut off for an hour or so). Wendy and myself joined Dan’s group on the Saturday morning at the carpark.

I had visited Hole in the Wall Canyon not that long before, but it is a “showcase” canyon that I am always happy to visit again.

We set off along Waratah Ridge. Dan, like myself and Wendy, was on the lookout for orchids and sure enough we spotted Flying Duck and Horned Orchids not far along the track. In total we saw eight different orchid species over the weekend.

Chiloglottis tribaria

We soon arrived at the start of the canyon – the upper constriction. This is always a great place for photos, and it is easier to take them now since there are no longer any deep pools.  So I just walked through with my camera mounted on the tripod.

Then down to the lower constriction. Nice walking in the middle bit – through rainforest, easy creek walking and scrambling over boulders.

At the lower constriction, there was some nice lighting in the chamber below the first abseil. Spider webs in the sunlight added to the interest.

Often in this canyon, I skip the next bit – the tunnel. It is much easier to climb up over it and you don’t need to carry a torch. This time we went through the tunnel, and recent rain meant a spectacular glow worm display. But there were a few awkward bits to clamber through. Next time I will have to try and get some photos of the glow worms.

Then down a short hand over hand and down to the next abseil. Just above was a small birds nest with baby birds in it. One parent, a rufous fantail was flying down bringing food to the chicks.

The second abseil, the longest in the canyon, can be descended on a 30 m rope. Then more photo-pfaffing in the delightful section of canyon below.

All too soon, we arrived at the “hole in the wall” into the South Branch of Bungleboori Creek. We headed upstream and arrived at the base of the exit for lunch.

Storms were threatening, and on the walk out a thunderstorm passed overhead. But, by the time we war rived back at the car we were back to blue sky conditions. Another thunderstorm hit us later that afternoon when we arrived at Mt Wilson where we camped the night.

More photos taken on the day can be viewed on my website here.