Bob and myself had long wanted to do the walk near Buxton on the Southern Highlands to Dobsons Cave on Little River. But we had given it low priority as other walks looked better, and it was relatively short. Now Bob suggested visiting Dobsons Cave as part of longer walk. The plan was to walk downstream from The Aqua Pool, which Bob and myself had visited on an earlier walk, and then continue all the way along the River to Dobsons Cave and then exit via the Dobsons Cave track. Doug was keen to join us. Also, Nipper and Airdrie were in then area and could also join us, and a second car meant we could avoid a road walk back to the start.
We had an excellent walk, and it was probably a bit easier than we anticipated.
We started off, down the track to The Aqua Pool.
Wild flowers were prolific.
We soon reached Little River. Crossing it was easy. No need to take off shoes like on the previous walk to the Aqua Pool.
We then continued downstream.
We soon reached the Aqua Pool. A beautiful spot.
There are a number o old looking engravings here. Chiselled names.
Doug spotted these sawfly larvae on a leaf –
We then continued down Little River. At first on a rough track.
We soon arrived at a section of cascades. On the previous visit these had been very spectacular and beautiful. Not so good now with just a trickle of water.
We expected the river downstream to be slower with boulders and scrub, but most of the way was easy and open on sandy flats.
It was fast and please walking for the most of the way. We did have to cross numerous times.
We could now see Dobsons Cave ahead.
At Dobsons Cave, a side creek joins the river. There was a waterfall with almost no flow and a large pool. It did not look very inviting for swimming.
In the cave, a long overhang, there is some old chiseled graffiti – eg this one by Dobson from 1917.
Here is the junction of the side creek and Little River –
And a panorama photo –
After a lunch break, we climbed out by the track. This was easy walking. The track crosses a small creek known locally as Rain Trap Creek.
I was in front and spotted a Red Bellied Black Snake, that was sunning itself. It disappeared into the creek –
Waratahs
Just before the track reaches the road, it passes through a powerline corridor. Here we found a number of Yellow Leak Orchids – Prasophyllum flavum.
This had been a very pleasant walk. On the way back to Sydney we stopped at the Leafy Latte Cafe near Buxton for refreshments.