Bushwalking    Canyoning

Cycling    Paddling    Wildlife

Merrigal Creek ~ 23 October 2005

Leaving the dunphy carpark at 8.30, I headed over ironpot ridge and along tinpot mountain to goolara peak. My only previous visit to this peak had been in pouring rain, surrounded by thick mist, so I was keen to check out the view. I wasn't disappointed. The rocky peak is very open and affords 180 degree views of the coxs valley. After descending to the coxs I made my way to the base of wallaroo point. I had planned to climb up here and follow the krungle bungle range to Mt Jenolan. However, after all the rain during the week, the coxs was flowing nicely and under clear blue skies it made far more sense to stroll downstream, and take advantage of the nice cool swimming holes on offer (ie I piked).

Coxs River

 

Coxs River

 

Coxs River

 

Coxs River

 

Coxs River

 

Strolling along, I soon arrived at breakfast creek. Despite all the rain, I'm afraid its still as dry as a dead dog's d*#%$/*ger at the junction. So I wandered upstream to find pools of drinking water. The locals were out in numbers. Apart from the plentiful birds, I saw many fish, and eel, two lace monitors and was very excited to spot a turtle near heartbreaker bend. It was very cute, and being a rather slow mover, it allowed me to photograph it.

A turtle

 

It was very friendly!

After lunch and a nap at merrigal creek, I followed blue pup spur up to blue dog ridge. The lookout at the end of cattle dog ridge provided a nice spot for afternoon tea. After skirting the cliffs on the northern side, I descended to the cool, shady breakfast creek. A short walk up carlons creek led me back to the car.

View from Cattle Dog Ridge - Carlon's Farm and Carlon's Head

 

View from Cattle Dog Ridge - Breakfast Creek and Ironmonger Spur

 

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Page last updated 19/12/2005

All images © James Bevan. No image can be used for any purpose without permission.