Beginner 3 day bushwalk @ Kedumba

Please note we are reaching out for Registered Adult Helpers, Rovers, Adults Leaders and Fellowship to support on these days. All adults on site must be registered with Scouts NSW. Ideally 2 or more adult members to join with Tristan and a minimum of 5 youth to proceed.

Child safety is our number one priority at Scouts NSW. Therefore, all Adult Helpers are thoroughly screened, undergo a Police Check, must hold a valid, verified Working With Children Check and undertake two online training modules to ensure the safety of our youth members.

Prerequisites: OAS bushwalking and camping 3 + some nights camping + have practiced carrying an overnight pack + developing knowledge of bush toileting and hygiene + developing knowledge of water purification.

Please note: parts of the walk are considered remote, we are staying relatively close to firetrails to provide some peace of mind for our developing walkers.  These firetrails are not available to public vehicles and locked, however land managers including NPWS, Sydney Water and emergency services can access these areas if required. NPWS officers drive into Kedumba weekly to maintain the toilets and replenish toilet paper.

Some harder grade, steep decent, ascent into valley, shallow creek/river crossing, mix of firetrail and possibly some walking track on the link to mount solitary walking track (base only) we are not climbing solitary - plenty of time and can stop as often as we need, gentle pace, supportive group

Description

Situated in a wide grassy area next to the Kedumba River, this walk-in campground is ideal for self-sufficient campers. Once part of the pioneering Maxwell Farm, Kedumba River Crossing campground lies in the heart of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property.

You can reach the campground via a 9km walk down Kedumba Pass, along Kedumba Valley fire trail, near Wentworth Falls. The walk has very steep and arduous descents and ascents so take enough water and food. 

At the bottom of the valley, intrepid campers will find plenty of flat campsites to choose from, as well as toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for a barbecue and bush tea. It takes 2 to 3 hours to hike down and 3 to 4 hours to hike back out. 

Once you’ve set up camp for the night, enjoy the peaceful surrounds, including breathtaking views of Mount Solitary, the Katoomba escarpment and Kings Tableland. At sunset, the sandstone walls glow gold, and on a clear night the Milky Way shines bright.

Be sure to check out heritage-listed Maxwell’s Hut, the original Maxwell family homestead, and keep an eye out for red-necked wallabies and wombats. At dawn and dusk you might see platypus in the river, near the majestic stand of rare Camden white gums.

NPWS

Learning focus:

• develop communication/teamwork
• develop confidence/physical ability to carry a loaded pack
• develop independence and knowledge of daily routines on overnight and multi day hikes

Cooler July temperatures and reduced wildfire fire risk. Thermal top and bottoms recommended.

Start point - Wentworth Falls Station 8:30 am, we may reach out for support for a carpool 6.2 km on sealed road to Queen Victoria Hospital. We can also look into a maxi taxi/mini bus transfer if we are short on seats. Once everyone is transported to the old hospital we plan to depart 9:30 am/10 am ish.

Taking place on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the NSW public school holidays.

Friday 10th July TBC Queen Victoria Hospital to Kedumba campground via Kedumba Valley Road (unsealed/firetrail)
Saturday 11th July TBC 
Sunday 12th July TBC

Water can be refilled from safe water sources on the route, either purification tablets or a water filter are recommended

Toilets are available at Kedumba campground

Awesome video

Kedumba Pass to Kedumba Campground (ambient hiking) David and Rachel > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J15bXnpHII

https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/kedumba-river-crossing-campground