Newnes and Glen Davis

[iandsmith]

Around the western side of the Blue Mountains is some of the best country in the area. In addition to what I'm covering here there is Dunns Swamp, Fern Glade and several other places.
The two I went to this time are both old shale mines so, in addition to normal bushwalking, you get history thrown in at no extra charge......well, unless you visit the museum at Glen Davis and then it's only a couple of dollars.
For those of you who are twitchers you'll be in heaven. Up to 240 have been recorded in the area.

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Red Wattle bird

Birds - Red Wattle Bird sp.jpg (131.12 KiB) Viewed 17236 times

Cliffs near Glen Davis

Looking towards Capertee

[iandsmith]

Since I can only upload three at a time, here's some more.

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Inside the retort (furnace) ruins

Autumn colours at Glen Davis

Glen Davis - Glen Alice 212.jpg (98.05 KiB) Viewed 17235 times

Superb wren in eclipse plumage

Bird - Superb Wren in eclipse plumage (4).jpg (91.43 KiB) Viewed 17235 times

[iandsmith]

These three were all taken at Newnes

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Wolgan Rover at Newnes

Fern forest on the Glow Worm Trail

Sandstone Formation on the Pagoda Trail

[corvus]

Nice photos especially the Birds
C

[johnw]

Nice photos Ian, I know all of those spots. One of my favourite areas too, although been a couple of years since last visit. Did an overnight trip from Newnes to Glen Davis via Pipeline Pass. How are things now in the Newnes area with the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort development going ahead?

[climberman]

The resort is pretty much hidden behind Donkey Mountain. From memory you'd be hard pressed to know it was there if you are down at Newnes 'towship' or surrounds (coal mines cliffs, coke ovens, etc).

[johnw]

The resort is pretty much hidden behind Donkey Mountain. From memory you'd be hard pressed to know it was there if you are down at Newnes 'towship' or surrounds (coal mines cliffs, coke ovens, etc).

Thanks climberman. Actually Donkey Mountain is something that has been on my to do list for years, but I think I read somewhere that access may now be blocked by the resort (they now own it I think). True?

[jerreldulay]

Great photos!!! What a treat. I really like the 3rd and 4th ones! The one of the birdy about to take off really catches my eye as well.

[climberman]

johnw, likewise, always meant to get up Donkey but was sidetracked by the cliffs further down... such is a climber's lot.

From memory, the resort owns the access but committed to keeping some provision for public access open.. Some internet trawling will find something. If it wasn't illegal to incite someone to break the law, I'd suggest just going and claiming innocence should you be accosted.

[jerreldulay]

I'd suggest just going and claiming innocence should you be accosted

Hahahaha! If that isn't the story of my life, then I don't know what is.

[johnw]

johnw, likewise, always meant to get up Donkey but was sidetracked by the cliffs further down... such is a climber's lot.

From memory, the resort owns the access but committed to keeping some provision for public access open.. Some internet trawling will find something. If it wasn't illegal to incite someone to break the law, I'd suggest just going and claiming innocence should you be accosted.

Thanks, if this is valid the official position would appear to be:

Concern was also raised in public submissions that the proposed feral fence would restrict public access into the Gardens of Stone National Park and Donkey Mountain. This fence would be approximately 10km long, commencing at Cape Pinnacle and terminating at Tunnel Creek. The fence would predominantly traverse along Wolgan Road and would cross the Wolgan River at two locations. The feral fence is supported by DPI and neither DEC nor DNR object to the fence.

Currently access to the Gardens of Stone National Park and Donkey Mountain is via two locations off Wolgan Road. To maintain access Emirates proposes to install a gate at these locations, with access to be controlled by DEC. Access would also be possible via the resort gatehouse. The Department considers that the measures proposed by Emirates would ensure public access to these areas is maintained and recommends that Emirates continues to negotiate the management of access points with DEC

So I guess access should still be possible, including through the resort gate. When we eventually get around to attempting it I'll ring them first.

was sidetracked by the cliffs further down... such is a climber's lot.

We had an avid climber with us on a walking trip earlier this year. His adventure stories had my mental vertigo working overtime .

[Jeff Cottrell]

Hi

I know some of the staff at the resort and my understanding is they have built a public car park area on the side of the road and ladder over the fence right at the walking track at donkey mountain so you can park off the road and do the walk up the mountain

[johnw]

Hi

I know some of the staff at the resort and my understanding is they have built a public car park area on the side of the road and ladder over the fence right at the walking track at donkey mountain so you can park off the road and do the walk up the mountain

Thanks for that. I'm keen to do this walk when the weather is cooler.

[wellsy]

There is public access(carpark) to Donkey mountain via a metal style over the fence. An amazing area of pagodas, chasms(canyons) and caves I've recently explored with members of the Bush Club. You can also see the Emirates resort complex from up on top. Well worth doing.

[johnw]

There is public access(carpark) to Donkey mountain via a metal style over the fence. An amazing area of pagodas, chasms(canyons) and caves I've recently explored with members of the Bush Club. You can also see the Emirates resort complex from up on top. Well worth doing.

Thanks wellsy, I'll get there eventually. And welcome to the forums.

[climberman]

Ta Wellsy !

[iandsmith]

Wished I'd have gotten back sooner. How long roughly would it take to get to Donkey Mountain from the resort. I'm a fairly brisk walker (just spend too much time taking pictures) if that's any guide.

[flatfoot]

I'm heading up there in late September. Will be checking out Donkey Mt and Newnes. From the mud maps of Donkey Mt I've seen it's a maze up there.

I've been visiting Newnes years but have always driven past Donkey Mt.