Camping at Northern NSW

Heading out on Boxing day full of xmas cheer, Chris and I headed south-west into New South Wales for a few days of camping, hiking and kayaking.

We arrived at Urbenville just after lunch and decided to hike to a new climbing spot that afternoon while the weather was fine. The route descriptions were pretty good and we followed faint motorcycle tracks before a step, ferny section lead steeply up to the rock wall. Kicking away the leeches that had attached themselves to Chris' shoes, we checked out the routes and rested before heading back down the hill.

Once back at the car we decided to go for a swim at Tooloom Falls, and wash away the sweat and grime. We scrambled down the rock cliff and had a great swim in and around the falls. Noting the the adjacent camp site was full, we drove in to town to have dinner at the local pub, and watched the day turn to night.

That night, we decided to explore Yabbra State Forest a little more, to try and find a suitable place to camp for the night. We drove past 'Battery Hill' a small section of rock we planned to climb the next day. Soon the narrow track became overgrown, and before long I was driving through metre high grass unsure of where the track continued. Sticking to the mountain we found the track again, following it all the way around to where we started from! Feeling tired and not seeing any other suitable sights during the day, we parked on the other side of the waterfall on an old rocky road and set our tents up as best we could.

No sooner had we finished then the rain kicked it. We hastily climbed into our tents, tried to get comfy on the rocky ground, and fell asleep to the rain getting heavier. It continued through the night, by morning it had stopped but it was clear that we wouldn't be climbing that day.

Plan B involved driving a little further south to a place called Paddys Flat, nestled on the banks of the upper Clarence River. It was the site of many previous camping adventures, and an epic winter kayak trip earlier in the year.

After an early lunch and setting up camp to dry a few things out, Chris and I set off down the Clarence River. The recent rain had stirred up the water, but it was pleasant paddling downstream. We navigated the small rapids without issue, but as we got further downstream the skies darkened.

Keeping in mind we would need to paddle all the way upstream back to camp, we turned around after a few hours and started back. Soon after, the skies opened up. Lightly at first, but the rain soon grew heavy. The river swelled a little, and it was noticeably harder paddling against the extra current.

The rain eased as we arrived back to camp, we set about starting a fire and drying things as best we could. At least our tents were properly pitched so our bedding was dry. The fire was soon blazing, and we say around in the light drizzle enjoying a beer and a hot dinner. Night came and with it more rain, so we retired to our tents for the night, a lot more comfortable on a bed of thick grass beneath.

It was hot and humid the next morning as we packed up camp, still no climbing to be done due to the rain, so as we started back to Brisbane we made a slight detour for one last hike. We stopped at Mt Maroon (the site of many great adventures) and started up the steep summit track. We made good time and arrived at the top after lunch, drenched under the hot sun. It was very windy at the top, so after a moment to enjoy the vista and a short rest we started back down.

A few hours later we were back home, another great trip away. It was a shame that we couldn't get any climbing in, but we more than made up for it with some great hiking and kayaking. A trip to be repeated soon.

More photos here

Climbing Urbenville

Once again some friends and I headed south to Northern NSW to do some rock climbing at Urbenville. Our intention was to climb at 'The Crown', the unmissable volcanic plug which dominates the skyline. On arrival we parked in a paddock just outside of the sewerage treatment plant and made our way through the grassy field until we reached the tree line, where the track steepened up towards the mountain.

A short while later we arrived to the rock face, and were greeted with a wall of near featureless slab. While the type of rock provided plenty of friction, only the thinnest of edges were available when climbing, any slip likely to cause a skin shredding fall.

Marie and I started up 'Sonoluminesence', a 20m grade 17. The climbing was delicate and balancey, and not being used to slab climbing I found the grade harder than indicated. Almost every move required you to trust your feet to stick while your fingertips searched for any purchase on the rock. So much for an easy warm up.

While Joel and Chris searched for more climbs, Marie and I decided to try 'Slip', a 23m grade 19. It started difficultly, and it didn't get any easier the higher we went. I lead the first pitch, once Marie joined me at the belay station we decided to continue higher on the 50m 'Genocide and Caramel' (18) route. Marie lead the second pitch, and I lead the final section.

Once again, it was extremely delicate and committing climbing. Slowly, with worn down fingertips and cramping toes, I made it to the top. I set up a belay while Marie climbed, and took in the late afternoon view.

Once back on the ground we hiked back to the car, where we sat and drank a well deserved beer in the company of a bunch of inquisitive cows.

We left as the sun was setting and made it back to the pub in time for happy hour, ordered some hot, fresh pizzas and rested after a challenging day.

From there it was a short drive to the Tooloom Falls where we set up camp, sat around a roaring fire and relaxed. It was a mild night so I left the fly off my tent, and eventually fell asleep underneath the moonlit skies with the sound of the waterfall in the background.

The next morning was brisk, we had a large breakfast of bacon, eggs and coffee while the sun burned off the heavy overnight fog. After packing up camp we drove to nearby 'Battery Hill' for a morning of easier climbing. Parking next to the cliff, we set off on some shorter, easier routes. It was another beautiful morning of climbing, I finished on the fun 'Copper Top' (19) before calling it a day.

Driving back out of the state forrest I stopped for a quick, frigid but refreshing swim in Tooloom Falls before leaving Urbenville and heading home to Brisbane. Another great weekend away.

More photos here

Climbing Urbenville

Feeling the urge to one more go exploring, I got a crew of climbers together headed into northern NSW for a weekend of camping and rock climbing. We delayed leaving as the summer storms rolled in on Friday night and gave South East Queensland a much needed soak. We awoke early Saturday morning to overcast skies, but decided to take our chances in the potential storms and made our way south.

A few hours later we passed through Urbenville, then took some roughly graded tracks through Yabbra state forest until we arrived at our destination, Battery Hill. We started up some of the easier climbs while the rest dried out, and after some difficulty route finding we managed to get in a decent day of sharp, crimpy, balancy climbing.

Calling it a day while we still had light we drove to a nearby camp site in the late afternoon, set up our tents, then climbed down to the adjacent waterfalls and washed away the day’s sweat and grime.

Feeling exceptionally refreshed (but hungry) we dried off and took a short drive to the local pub for a schooner of beer (or two) and a piping hot pizza for dinner. Then back to camp where we collapsed in our tents to fall asleep to the thunderous cacophony of cicadas.

I awoke early to a glorious Sunday morning, I brewed a fresh pot of coffee while the others stirred. After a quick breakfast we made our way back to Battery Hill to tackle a few more sections. We started up some more climbs as the hot sun beat down, and managed to tick off some really fun routes before we had to head back. The allure of the water was too strong, so after packing up we once again swam and relaxed under the amazing Tooloom Falls.

Begrudgingly we returned home to Brisbane, exhausted but elated to have such an amazing weekend away. It was great to get out of Queensland, climb a new area, and see so much wildlife (birds, snakes, spiders, lizards) driving through the country roads. It couldn’t have turned out any better.
More photos here