Galah Canyon - track notes

Entry

See Newnes Plateau & South Wolgan Fire Trails for information on how to drive to the starting point. From the locked gate at the end of the Rocky Creek exit track at AMG466141, head N along the fire trail, staying on the fire trail when the Rocky Creek exit track turns off to the right. At the end of the trail at about AMG476167, head NE along the ridge for 500m and then E and then SE to the bend in the creek at AMG483170. There is a short section of attractive canyon with a couple of deep wades in the top of the creek, including a short drop that is probably worth leaving a handline on to get back up on your way out. A relatively easy creek walk follows before the canyon starts at about AMG489175.

Notes

The first drop is about 20m from a tree on the left after scrambling down a bit. Be careful of loose rocks. There is another short abseil, followed by a slide or abseil down a log. Another slightly dodgy slide into knee deep water follows, or bridge the tricky waterfall. There are a couple more abseils before the final short drop down a slippery waterfall, from a sling behind a small deep pool. There is a bit more canyon, and a deep wade or short swim before it opens out near Rocky Creek.

Exit

Once the canyon opens out, traverse around under the main cliff until you are well above Rocky Creek. As you climb a small hill, look up to your right for (hopefully) a rope hanging down from a tree. This short exposed climb leads to a steep ramp and gully that takes you up through the cliff line. Head up to the top line of cliffs, and follow it along until it rejoins the creek. Continue up the creek and exit where you dropped in at the start.

Alternatively you could walk upstream on Rocky Creek to one of the other exits.

Comments

Galah is a good canyon, with a number of tricky little abseils and a nice constriction. The exit is interesting, as is the top section of canyon.

Rating: 4/5

Time

3 people, all experienced, about 8.5h from car to car, including lunch.

Tom Brennan : website@ozultimate.com: updated 20060613