G'day folks,
I've just been reading some of the trip reports here are thought some people might be interested in a recent trip I did off Radiata Plateau.
It was a fairly easy exploration of two historic passes. Blacks Ladders is an old aboriginal route into the Megalong, which was marked on maps from the late 1830's. Esgate Pass was put in up the distinctive nose of Megalong point by Ben Esgate, and involved one exposed section using chains.
I did this trip years ago, when I first started bushwalking, and it still amazes me that more people don't visit the area. Both passes are straightforward, navigation isn't too hard, there are only a few sections of scrub, and the views are pretty impressive.
I've written up a trip report here: http://fatcanyoners.org/2011/08/28/blacks-ladders-and-esgate-pass/
I really recommend the area for anyone who is looking for an interesting, historically significant day walk in the upper mountains. It still blows me away that you can be so close to town, yet on a walk that gives a sense of complete isolation!
Tim