David Hufton was keen on a photo trip to Crawfords Lookout above the junction of the Colo River and Wollemi Creek in Wollemi National Park. He talked me into joining him.
We headed up the Putty Road and turned off along the Culoul Range. This fire road is in quite good condition and we had no trouble driving all the way out to the end of the road at Hollow Rock in David’s small 2WD car. I think this is about 12 – 13 km. On the way out we stopped at Jonathans Knob – a small basalt cap on the range (one of two) – an area that used to have cattle on it. It is a grassy area with a lot of nice tall trees.
At the end of the road, we were surprised to see three other vehicles. Bushwalkers or fishermen?
We set off past the barrier that marks the end of the road, and continued out for about 40 minutes along an old fire road, then turned off along a track down to Crawfords Lookout. I think it took us less than 90 minutes from the car to the lookout. Pleasant walking with the views getting better as you proceed.
Crawford Lookout is at the top of Buck Pass 1 as shown on the old Colo Sketch Map compiled by Bob Buck back in the early 1970’s. The pass is a fairly straightforward way to the Colo River. You go down the pass to Wollemi Creek, then continue down that to the Colo. The lookout is at the top of the pass, and the best vantage sites are a short way off the main track. We followed a side track to a nice rock platform. Nearby was a small area that we ended up camping on. It was sloping, but not too bad. The magnificent views made up for any discomfort!
After dumping our gear, we investigated the area for the best places for photos. It was easy to walk on ledges a short way towards the Colo junction. We spent the afternoon relaxing near the lookout and taking photos.
Our photo taking rate increased towards dusk. We were fortunate that there were some clouds to add to the atmosphere.
Next morning – the dawn light was not too special. It took a long while for the Sun’s rays to hit the side of the gorge.
After breakfast, we packed up and walked back to David’s car. Before heading off we walk the short distance to Hollow Rock.
We then headed to Windsor for lunch. Thanks to David Hufton for suggesting the trip and the invitation to join him. More photos are online here on my website.
I went to the Colo River down from the end of the Culoul fire trail via Crawfords lookout in summer 1979, a time when not many bushwalkers used to go there. In the aera around the only feature with a name was Hollow Rock.
Now it is more than 40 years later and I would like to know if the last big bushfire this november 2019 has burned the aera around the Colo Gorge.
I wonder how it the aera looks now from Crawfords lookout ?
I also hope nothing happened to the secret stands of the Wollemia pine, probably situated a lot north in the Wollemi NP …
Quite a few bushwalkers visited the area in the 1970’s (I was one). Yes – the area has been burnt out in the recent bushfire (and also in previous bushfires).
I have just come back from the area 22-23 and the damage is patchy mainly on the high ridges.
All good around Crawfords lookout.
We got down to the river but it was very high so did not go much further.
All the grass trees were in flower always a magic area.