Newnes Bush Camp, Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains NSW

Sunday 29 August - Friday 3 September 2010

Led by: John F

Reports not credited : Photos by Donna

Thirteen intrepid BBBW explorers led by John F spent a memorable week at Newnes. Renowned for its shale industry in the early 20th Century, Newnes now provides campers with spectacular views, imposing cliffs and interesting walks.

Many thanks to John for his organisation and enthusiasm in showing us this magical place. And to Betty who also led many of the walks.

Day 1: The first walk of the camp was an orientation walk for the whole group of the historic Shale Oil Works. Firstly we saw the remains of the Newnes Railway Station and then walked along the railway track back to the industrial site. The Shale Oil Works were established in 1909 and finally closed in 1937. All that now remains are the ruins of this huge undertaking - the terracing with the magnificent brick retaining walls, the remains of retorts, tanks and major buildings. A pleasant walk for all.


Newnes campsite Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Abandoned railway station Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Remains of Shale Oil Works Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Old coke ovens Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Day 2: All twelve of us set out to see the Glow Worm tunnels. We split into two groups with the faster walkers taking off first along the Wolgan Valley Railway track which was a rather steep zigzagging climb. We found a pretty spot looking out over the hillside for morning tea, only to have the slower walkers pass us to find their own spot a little further on. Not to be outdone, we took off with great gusto a short time later and regained the lead.

We walked through the most magnificent rainforest with towering cliffs on both sides as we passed through Penrose Gorge where the old railway used to run, then on to and into the glow worm tunnel where we stopped to don lights and warmer clothing as it was much colder inside. On entering we found it to be rather uneven and wet underfoot after all the rain and the sound from the running water was amazingly noisy, but we were absolutely fascinated to see the number of bright lights from all the glow worms as we turned off our torches. John remarked that there were many more glow worms this time, than at the previous camp.

After exiting the tunnel the silence of the rainforest was striking in comparison. We looked over the Wolgan Valley as we had lunch, then some of our group walked up the road and entered the second tunnel. They didn't really go too far in as they had no torches with them, and it was too dark to see far. We walked back to the cars via the Pagoda Track and The Old Coach Road. Thanks Betty for a wonderful walk and a great day.


Robyn and Val Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The Pagoda Track Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Jan and Ann collect firewood Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Robyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Day 3: Six walkers set off on an exploratory adventure walk along Petries Creek. From the camp we followed the track past the ruins of the hospital and manager's residence. As the track ran out we crossed the creek many times with beautiful mossy rocks, waterfalls and an abundance of ferns to be seen. As the cliffs closed in we stopped for lunch and then returned through the rainforest to camp. On the way back three walkers diverted from the track to take the Philosophers Track, climbing through massive outcrops of rocks at the base of the escarpment.

The other group of five went a way up Petries Creek before returning to find the Pipeline Track. After crossing Petries Creek, they reached the stairs at the start of the track. Shortly afterwards they found the remains of the No. 1 Shale Oil Mine where they had lunch before returning to camp.


Petries Creek Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Betty, Val, Geoff, Robyn and Elizabeth in Petries Creek Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Camp wombat Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Nocturnal visitor Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Day 4: Five of John's team walked along the railway easement about 3kms to Zobel Creek triangle area where the engines were turned around, then on past a strange eroded organ pipe-like cutting to Constance marshalling yards and where the railway sheds used to be. We took photos of all of us on an old flatbed rail carriage (I don't have that one - Ed.) and saw more relics of bogeys, rain water tanks, pipes, etc. Very warm, but with clouds very threatening - came to nothing. Thanks John.

WE MADE IT!! Led by Betty - Geoff, Elizabeth, Donna, Valerie and Robyn climbed a very steep 350 metre local peak in 1.5 hours. The top had outcrops of pagoda-type rocks over which we clambered and admired the nearby cliffs and the deep recesses of the Wolgan Valley. We were able to look down on the old Newnes Pub and our camp way below. Our lunch spot was superb.


Elizabeth, Geoff and Betty climbing up Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Geoff and the view Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Geoff, Elizabeth, Val, Donna, Betty and Robyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Happy hour Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo