Ettrema Deception Creek Canyon

[mirv2535]

Looking at hiking the lower Ettrema from down near the junction with Yalwal Creek up to Deception Canyon area. I haven't seen much written about the lower reaches but Deception Canyon looks interesting with a large waterfall in the upper reaches of the canyon. Any info on the terrain would be appreciated, and areas to camp.There is also Deception Pass on the Southern arm of the canyon but the satellite image makes it look like sheer cliffs, is it doable, does it need ropes? Thanks

[melinda]

Hi mirv2535, can't give you info on Deception Creek, but now is the moment to be exploring when the impenetrable scrub of this area has been so thoroughly incinerated. I have camped down at the junction of Ettrema and Yalwal Creeks, nice sandy beach, great swimming holes! To any one who loves Ettrema Gorge, the lower reaches aren't as impressive as the upper, but heh your plan is adventurous and I'm sure you'll have fun. Not a lot of height in this area but would have thought a rope or climbing tape would come in handy! PS That little creek on the far side of the pool is Ettrema flowing into Yalwal! This pre-fire photo was taken about a year ago

Junction of Ettrema & Yalwal Creek

[mirv2535]

Thanks Melinda we were down near the Yalwal Ettrema junction last week and water levels were still a bit high to cross hopefully we will get down there in next few weeks with the warmer weather

[melinda]

Yeap, Yalwal is all about the creek. More about wading than walking. Let us know how you go with Deception Creek mirv2535. Would be very interested to know if much of the old track on Drovers Ridge is still negotiable.

[puredingo]

Hi Melinda, I was on the Drovers about a month ago. It’s more negotiable than ever since the fires, great walking.

[melinda]

Thanks puredingo, certainly the time to be out there!

[mirv2535]

just did a quick day walk up Ettrema as fas as Colley CReek and wandered up Colley Creek for a while. Stunning country and the lower Ettrema is such easy and pleasant walking. The damage from the recent floods was extensive. Looking forward to check out Drovers as well

[KateRock]

Sounds like such a wonderful trip. Love exploring side creeks and canyons. How is access to yalwal creek these days (near the shoalhaven). I read somewhere that yalwal creek road access is blocked by private property. I found a faint trail on google to the west of the road but would love any info on access now we have had a few years of regrowth. How are the roads in this area. Could my crappy 2wd make it out there. Thanks

[KateRock]

Hey I got out there and road is good. There is a track to the river near where I estimated from the google (my blue track) it’s a bit overgrown but ok and allows you to skip the private property. Beautiful part of the world.

[kanangra]

Thanks for that. Did you go far upstream?