Gooch's Crater is a very unusual crater surrounded by vertical sandstone walls in the Wollemi Wilderness and lies in fascinating pagoda rock country just north of Bell Station about 3 hours drive from Sydney. It can only be reached by navigating on foot over rugged terrain but is a relatively short walk of about 5 km each way. This is a full pack walk, suitable for those who can carry a pack with all their needs and can look after themselves in the bush for a weekend. There are no facilities of any sort and no shops. We will be in the bush the whole time, camp under a rock shelter, so will not need tents, and you will need to be able to carry and cook your own food on a fuel stove. There is a small wilderness creek near the camp site from which we will be taking water.
It is particularly important that you have a suitable sleeping bag, pack, warm clothes and other equipment and that you will have no trouble carrying it all. Remember it can be cold in the mountains in March. We usually light a campfire but this depends on bush fire conditions. We will be walking through scratchy heath, climbing over fallen logs and slippery rocks, negotiating scrub and finding our way through the maze of pagodas. This is great fun and good navigation practice. On top, you will enjoy marvellous views and a great time away from civilisation.
Our old scout master Tony used to organise this hike regularly in the past, so speak to leaders or venturers for a first hand account. You can borrow a rucksack, mattress, sleeping bag, gas stove, lightweight pots etc. and from the group, so no need to buy, especially if this is your first hike. We return Sunday, probably well before 5pm. Please email or see Jan if you need more information. Further information on registration and on the information night on Wednesday 25 February at the Fairlight/Manly scout hall.
