After our visit to Rocky Creek the day before both Albert and myself were keen to visit another showcase canyon and continue our canyon photography. So we set off for Hole in the Wall Canyon. This would be my first visit to this canyon since the October 2013 bush fires and it would be interesting to see how things had changed.
At the carpark there were a lot of cars in contrast to Rocky Creek the day before when there had been no other visitors. We thought the canyon may be crowded. Two more cars turned up as we were about to head off. But as it turned out – all these other people must have been visiting other canyons in the area, or they had visited Hole in the Wall much earlier in the day.
We walked out past the barrier. The first part of the way is along an old fire trail and is still easy to follow. After 50 minutes or so of walking, we turned off along the track to the canyon. It was still quite easy to follow despite being quite burnt out. We did loose the track a few times, but it was easy to pick it up again.
We soon arrived at the canyon. Sunday was a very sunny day – no clouds this time until late afternoon. So we would have to rely on reflected light for our photography. This is where Hole in the Wall Canyon his good. In fact it is interesting to see the rich colours in the canyon that can be picked up with a camera on a tripod with a long exposure. To the eye much of the canyon just looks dark. This is especially so in the Upper Constriction.
The Upper Constriction of Hole in the Wall is magnificent. A very deep and narrow slot. A special place. We found it quite different on this visit. All the swims had gone! Sand had filled up a lot of the pools. I don’t think the canyon has been made worse – but it is certainly different. And perhaps a bit easier? Previously there was a tricky downclimb in a very dark section. If you slipped – you fell into a deep pool. Now this section is completely level. Further down there is an awkward climb down some boulders – but it is a well lit section and you can see what you are doing.
It is certainly much easier for photography in the Upper Constriction now. No need to repack pack the camera and get it out again from drybags for more photos.
The section downstream below the constriction has also changed a bit. It is mainly burnt out, but still fairly easy walking.
The Lower Constriction is not much different than before. We bypassed the tunnel section by climbing over it- that is still easy. Logs have blocked up a short drop further downstream and it best now abseiled. Then the main abseil – into the lower dark bit. This takes you to the heart of the canyon – a turquoise pool of exquisite beauty and one of the few swims of the canyon. We spent a lot of time in the section with our cameras and tripods.
Then we reached the Bungleboori and headed upstream to the exit for a late lunch.
It was hot for the walk out, and I think we lost the track a few more times than earlier, but is generally still easy to follow and easy to find again if you do loose it. Back at the carpark – all the vehicles were still there.
More photographs can be viewed on my website here.