Info
walking distance: kmduration: ? h
walking: 0:00 h
elevation diff: m
location:
driving distance: km
driving time: h
water available:
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Video
Track notes
a bit far – 4h drive. (near cooma)
| Time: | 4 hrs |
| Distance: | 10km |
| Fitness: | E |
| Skill: | E |
| Ascent: | 220m |
| Maps: | LPI Kain 8826-IV-S 1:25000 |
| Notes: | Print-friendly notes (opens in new window) |
Introduction
The Big Hole
Much of the northern part of Deua NP is underlain by a band of limestone, forming caves and sinkholes. This walk visits two of the most impressive and easily accessed features – the enormous sinkhole known as the Big Hole, and the tunnel and slot canyon formations of Marble Arch.
Access
From the main intersection in Braidwood, follow signs to Cooma. Head south on Wallace St, and take the first right on to Coghill St. Turn left on to Araluen Rd, and after 1.7km, veer right on to Cooma Road. Follow this for about 40km, and turn left at the sign to Berlang/The Big Hole. The Berlang Camping Area is about 700m along a dirt road.
Track notes
From 20 Jul 2013, last checked 20 Jul 2013
Walking in the Marble Arch slot canyon
From the Berlang Camping Area, follow the track that leaves to the east, down to the upper reaches of the Shoalhaven River. Depending on the level of the river, you may be able to cross on stones, but otherwise a wade is required. This can be quite pleasant in summer, but very cold and somewhat painful to the feet in winter.
Follow the track as it climbs up the gully, on to the ridge, and then around the back of the hill to a large wooden platform. The platform looks down into the impressive and aptly named Big Hole, a massive limestone sinkhole over 100m deep.
Continue on the track as it descends steeply to the valley to the south-east, crossing over the Bettowynd Fire Trail, and continuing through pleasant open forest. The track is infrequently marked, and while it is mostly fairly obvious where it goes, some care must be taken.
The cavern of Marble Arch
At the edge of the Reedy Creek Valley there is a sign. The track descends more steeply, eventually ending up in Reedy Creek just upstream from Marble Arch. There is no track to Marble Arch itself, a large tunnel through which the mostly dry Reedy Creek runs. Turn right (downstream), and a bit of easy scrambling is required to get to the start of the arch. Torches are advisable, as the middle of the arch is quite dark.
Downstream from Marble Arch is an impressive slot canyon. When wet, the marble rock becomes very slippery, and it is tricky to negotiate the pools without getting wet feet. Though in summer this may be a good thing! A large pool requiring wading or a possible swim ends the fun for most parties, though the adventurous may like to press on.
Taking care, retrace your steps back to the track, and follow this back to the river crossing.
