While Dunns Swamp may not have the best name, i think it must keep the crowds away from this beautiful campsite in Wollemi National Park. Where else will you find sandy beaches, swimming amongst the ducks, hikes and views, aboriginal artwork, caves, a place to paddle and a great shady campsite (with facilities!), so close to Sydney. So with Kayak on board, we headed off for the weekend to get wet.
Little did we know we would get more than just wet while we were away!
Waking up to the sounds of black cockatoos, it’s not long before the kayaks are blown up and we are gliding on the mirror-like water. Heading upstream, swamp hens and pied cormorant look on from the shore wondering who was intruding on their breakfast. We travel as far as we can, the inflow slowly narrowing and winding through the marshes. As the kayak scrapes on the sandy bottom we turn and head back towards the weir. The lake was formed with the construction of Kandos Weir built to supply water to the Kandos cement factory back in the 1920s.
Downstream the marsh edges are replaced with towering sandstone gorges, having been sculpted by wind, rain and erosion over time. From our kayaks we hug the edge exploring the ledges and crevices, with one rock appearing to be suspended overhead.
With a brief summer shower cooling us down it provided a glimpse of what was to later come that night.
Camping is summer has some great benefits. It’s hot enough to swim and you don’t need to pack lots of warm clothes. However, one thing you forget about is the possibility of a summer storm rolling in. And this is exactly what happened on this trip.
Much like the big bad wolf, it puffed and puffed and blew the house down - well our friends tent actually. Over 30 minutes we had lightening, hail, drenching rain and howling winds. Then, as quick as it came, it disappeared leaving one very flooded campsite.
Luckily for us the camper trailer remained upright with no damage.
Day 2 we woke to a beautiful morning, so the kayak was replaced with walking shoes for an easy hike up to Pagoda Lookout then on to the Weir.
Following the meandering path along the lake shore we disturb a lyrebird which quickly disappears into the undergrowth. IT is not long before we reach the base of the impressive rock pagodas. From here it’s a short but steep climb to the top of the rocks themselves which requires a little bit of rock climbing at the end. These unique rocks remind me of beehives with their dome shaped formations. Reaching the top, we are greeted with stunning 360-degree views over the river and valleys. It is from this vantage point that you can appreciate the way the Cudgegong River cuts through the landscape.
Heading back down (always harder than the climb) we turn back on to the main track towards the weir. The track heads slowly climbs up through the bush, some well-placed stairs and climbing rails making life easier. Continuing along the track after the weir we reach the Long Cave. While it is really just a long rock overhang, it is still impressive. From here the track loops back the way we came.
With the weekend coming to an end dark storm clouds begin to brew on the horizon. Not wanting to get caught in another gale, we quickly pack for home, the end of another lovely camp.
Luxury - indoor swiming pool!
Its wetter inside the tent than outside….
