Deep Pass Canyon is a pleasant canyon in the upper reaches of Nayook Creek, near Deep Pass clearing. It is popular due to its easy access and the fact that it can be done without swimming or abseiling.
Entry
See Newnes Plateau & South Wolgan Fire Trails for information on how to drive to the starting point. From the parking area at Deep Pass, head down the fire trail until it becomes a foot track, and continue to the bottom of the hill. Just before you cross the creek, turn right onto a track and follow it up into the canyon.
Notes
There are a quite a few drops with fixed ropes to climb up through the canyon. Some of these may be dodgy, so take care.
Getting near the top of the canyon, there is a large pool that you need to traverse on the right. You will get quite wet if you do slip. On the far side of the pool is normally a dodgy setup of logs and ropes that will get you across the last section ... if it doesn't break. If you can negotiate all of this then you can stay dry above the knees at normal water levels. There is a bit more canyon before the creek opens out.
Exit
Once the creek opens out at MGA489074, head up the slope to the right (NE) and up on to the ridge. Pick up a faint track along the ridge, heading NNW and then WNW to the car park. Alternatively, reverse the canyon and exit up the road.
Comments
- Difficulty: E
- Abseils: No
- Longest abseil: NA
- Quality: 5/10
- Time: 1-3 hours
- Distance: 3km
- Ascent: 120m
- Wetsuits: No
- Maps: 8931-2N Rock Hill
A nice little canyon with a few challenging bits to keep dry, a couple of good spots for jump ins, and some good constricted sections. Be a bit cautious about doing it in winter, as there is plenty of potential getting wet. Of course, it is possible to simply reverse the canyon if you reach a tricky section, to avoid a swim.