Starting from Blue Waterholes campground this return walk will take you past 3 caves (Blue Waterholes, Barbers and White Fish) and along Cave Creek to the top of Cave Creek Falls. Let us begin by acknowledging the Wiradjuri people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Warning This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills. Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Campsite managed byNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. This is a free campsite.
Then pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
After another 60 m continue straight.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to a lookout. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 35 m veer right.
After another 55 m continue straight.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Side trip to a lookout overlooking the Cave Creek and Blue Waterholes Cave. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 30 m veer left.
After another 235 m turn right.
After another 80 m cross the ford.
After another 360 m cross the ford.
After another 540 m pass the "Barbers Cave" (25 m on your right).
After another 900 m come to "White Fish Cave".
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.3 km to get back to the start.
"Cooleman Falls".
About 195 m past the end is a summit.
Side trip to a lookout.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 25 m come to the end.
A viewpoint.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 25 m to the main route.
Side trip to a lookout overlooking the Cave Creek and Blue Waterholes Cave.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 15 m come to the end.
A viewpoint.
About 20 m past the end is "Blue Waterholes Cave".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Clarke Gorge Walking Track
Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length
4.6 km
Time
3 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min
Quality of track
Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure
No facilities provided (5/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Forecasted & unexpected severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)
Bushwalk
3 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min
Camp site: There is one 15 m from the start.
Toilet: There is one 15 m from the start.
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After 15 m head through/around the gate.
After another 80 m cross the ford.
After another 540 m pass the "Barbers Cave" (25 m on your right).
"Cooleman Falls".
About 195 m past the end is a summit.
A viewpoint.