This activity has been marked as cancelled.
Mittagong to Katoomba: a classic sandstone walk
Fri 08th Dec 2023
This is a hallmark NSW sandstone walk, although now rarely walked. We will start from Wattle Ridge, near Mittagong, and follow the old Nattai River Track down to the pretty Nattai River. We continue downstream and then over Beloon Pass, before walking through to the old mining town, Yerranderie. From there, we follow Scotts Main Range to Mt Cookem, before descending to the Coxs River. We then ascend to the tip of Narrow Neck Peninsula, finishing in Katoomba. Expect some wonderful sandstone and riverine scenery along the way.
This should take us six days, but we will allow one day for contingencies. There are three major rivers that are normally straightforward to cross, but are subject to flooding, which I will monitor prior to departure (the rivers are currently low).
While much of the route is on tracks, there will be some scrub and fallen logs in the first two days. Procuring drinking water can be a challenge on this walk. Walkers should be experienced and fit, as some sections will be arduous.
At this stage, it is planned to catch trains to near the start of the walk, and from near the finish.
There is good information about the walks and strip maps in Robert Sloss's 2018 revision of 'The Ensign Barralier Trek: Mittagong to Katoomba', but beware some of the material is out-of-date.
Additional Information
Booking deadline
Wed 06th Dec 2023
Length
Long
Terrain
Medium
Distance (km or hrs)
About 120 km
Ascent
circa 3000 (?)
Descent
2700
Map name
NSW 1:25 000 Hilltop/Nattai/Bindook/Yerranderie/Kanangra/Bimlow/Jamison/Jenolan/Katoomba
Terrain information
As above, there will be scrub on the first two days, with slow going one morning from the Nattai River to Beloon Pass. There is a major climb of about 800 metres from the Cox's River to Katoomba, which will probably be over two days. Some short sections will be very steep. We will also need to climb Tarros Ladder, which is near vertical up spikes for a short distance. Again, this is not too difficult, but we will likely packhaul here.
Transport information
This will likely be via train from Canberra to Mittagong, and then taxi to the start of the walk. We can catch trains back from Katoomba to Sydney, and then either trains or coaches back to Canberra. Alternatively, walkers may have friends or family happy to drop off and/or pick up.
Travelling date
Fri 08th Dec 2023
A multi day backpacking or base-camping activity.
Date and Time
Activity Owner
