Heart Attack Canyon - track notes

31/12/2004 - report - photos

Heart Attack Canyon is a good canyon in the lower reaches of Rocky Creek. It starts with an impressive 40m abseil into the canyon and continues for some way.

It was first identified on an NPA bushwalk led by Ted Daniels in 1974, and subsequently descended in January 1976. It received its name as the party was woken on the steps of the Bell Cafe by someone looking for a phone to call for help for a heart attack victim.

See Newnes Plateau & South Wolgan Fire Trails for information on how to drive to the starting point.

From the locked gate at the start of the Deanes Lookout track at the locked gate at AMG462141 (Rock Hill), follow the fire trail N for about 1.8km to a junction. Turn right on to rough fire trail crossed by many logs and fallen trees. Follow this for 2.2km to another junction at AMG466178 (Mount Morgan). Head NE along this fire trail. Despite what the Mount Morgan map says, the fire trail actually heads E and then SE from Murrays Mount at AMG471184, and not N. Follow the trail to the end and then make your way down into the creek, possibly with an abseil.

An alternative route leaves the fire trail at a large log about 300m past Murrays Mount, and heads N along a ridge, E down to a saddle and up to a hill, before heading down the creek that joins Heart Attack Brook at AMG485186. On the right of the creek you can do a 40m abseil down the main cliffline. 50m+ ropes are recommended to get enough angle on the pull down. Because of the length of the abseil, most parties will probably find this slower.

Either way, head down the creek to the start of the canyon.

The canyon starts with a spectacular 35m abseil at AMG485189. This can be done from various places but the big chockstone 20m downstream provides an easy pull down. The side canyon 150m downstream on the left can also be used for shorter drops to enter. After this the canyon opens out into an excellent gorge for a while before narrowing. There are a number of tricky climb downs. There is a final tricky 9m abseil near the end. There are a number of wades up to about waist deep.

After the canyon ends, head downstream for a few hundred metres to the next gully on the left at AMG484196. This provides an easy exit back to the tops.

Heart Attack is a good canyon, but with a long walk in and out. It is a fairly long day with around 16km of walking. Mountain bikes are possible though the legality of their use is questionable. If used, you would be better to continue along the Deanes Lookout track to the clearing. Wetsuits are not really required.