The Birthday Canyoning Weekend – 6-7 October 2012

A few of us had recently had birthdays and we normally head out into the bush to celebrate. This year, with a few babies in the group, we set up a fixed camp in the headwaters of a dry canyon in Wollemi National Park. Both days of the weekend were spent visiting dry canyons.

On the way up, some of the party camped at Perrys Lookdown at Blackheath. We woke up to light rain and mist. Plenty of wildflowers were in bloom and their colour provided a sharp contrast to the more etherial mist.

As we drove into Wollemi National Park, the weather cleared into a nice sunny day. We headed to our campsite and set up things. After lunch, we headed down into our first canyon. This was conveniently close and very easy to get through. But it was also quite dark and spectacular. Some of us got out tripods and spent a while trying to capture its magic with photographs.

Leaving the main party in the canyon, I headed out to get a few photos from the pagodas above. The view of the canyon from above was quite startling. It certainly has a deep slot. The rock formations and pagodas daisies were also quite nice

As we returned to camp, we were met by others in the party that had arrived late. They were heading down into it too.

Back at camp, we had a good celebration around the campfire. Thanks to all those in the party for bringing some really great food and drink to share.

In the evening a few of us headed down into the canyon again to see if there were any glow worms. There were!

On Sunday, I got up early to see if there would be a good sunrise from the pagodas above the canyon. The sunrise was nothing special – but it did herald another beautiful day.

After breakfast, we broke into a few groups to do different things. I was in a group that visited another dry canyon. This one had a few abseils so was unsuitable for the babies. Above this canyon were more pagodas – but these had some particularly delicate formations. Extreme care was required not to cause any damage.

The canyon was short but quite spectacular.

Then it was back to the campsite to pack up things and head back to town. Digi Dave and myself wanted to do a bit more photography so went out towards Perrys Lookdown once more. On the way, we turned off to Anvil Rock Lookout – where I had been a few days earlier. We were just in time for sunset (but probably a bit too late for the best conditions) – it was still nice however. This must be one of the better vantage points overlooking the Grose Valley.

More photos can be found on my website here.