Thursday 22/10/2020 Spring Gully Campground – Kellys Gap – Kellys Gap Fire Trail
Goulburn River National Park, NSW
Kamilaroi country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
Today we decided to explore the area near the campground by foot. There are not many designated tracks within Goulburn River National Park. One recommendation was to walk from the Spring Gully Campground to the Big River Campground along the road and to walk back along the river, wading where required. However, the water quality in the river had us questioning whether this would be a pleasant experience and if we might catch something we would prefer to leave alone in the river.
Max elevation: 424 m
Total climbing: 392 m
Total descent: -392 m
Average speed: 3.52 km/h
Total time: 02:59:21
We decided to go off track from the Spring Gully Campground heading through heavy undergrowth uphill, in a north-north easterly direction. It was very warm and humid after the rain yesterday and the air was not as clear as we would have liked. Near the top of the ridge we found some interesting sandstone overhangs and checked these for any signs of ancient aboriginal habitation, as apparently there is much of interest within this park. Alas, there was nothing obvious that we were observant enough to identify. From here we were soon on top of the ridge enjoying great views of the surrounding plains. From here we made much quicker progress as the vegetation thinned due to “recent” fire activity.
Sue climbing the ridge
We soon found Kelly’s Gap which was an old four wheel drive track. This made our descent very easy and we soon linked up to Kellys Gap Fire Trail before returning back to our pleasant campsite on the Goulburn River for lunch.
NSW National Parks signage at Spring Gully Campground states
“Goulburn River National Park is home to many rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species.
These include the Regent Honeyeater, Turquoise Parrot, Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, Platypus and reptiles such as the Broad-headed Snake.
This ‘in between’ world on the western edge of the sandstone Sydney Basin supports a mix of plants and animals from both the moister coastal regions and the drier west. Many species live here at the edge of their natural range, such as the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard.
The park’s Emus are one of the few wild populations in the Sydney Basin, and White-breasted Sea Eagles have been nesting in this area for over 20 years.”
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