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30-Jan-2008 9:08:38 AM
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Hi all - I was visiting the caves near Carol gorge and clark gorge over the weekend. Near Bluewater
holes camping area near Yarangobilly. My google searching skills must be pretty crap because I can't
find any info regarding climbing in this area.
Would I be correct in saying that climbing is banned in this area, could anyone shed some light.
Did climb a little near the Cave river waterfall, that was fun.
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30-Jan-2008 10:04:43 AM
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There is definately climbing at Blue Water holes. Look for the old style painted initials at the bottom of the routes. No idea when the routes went up. There is a lot of loose rock around.
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30-Jan-2008 10:51:09 AM
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Why would climbing be banned there? Climbing isn't banned in Kosciuszko National Park.
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30-Jan-2008 11:14:33 AM
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> Bluewater holes camping area near Yarangobilly
How did you get there? Best way from Canberra?
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30-Jan-2008 11:58:07 AM
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We went the long way via cooma, adaminaby then past yarrangobilly caves you turn right down long
plains road, follow that road for about 40 minutes and you will reach bluewater holes camp ground.
There is a y intersection on this road, just keep left and the road will take you there.
There is apparently a shorter way to get there, I believe it's around 120km
but as for time, not a clue, I've heard the road isn't that great in
parts. You go by Brindabella Road, then something like Clarke Rd on to
Long Plain Road. A map would be a good idea as the turn off to Blue
Waterholes isn't signposted at the turnoff. Going by Brindabella Rd and
Webbs Rd to Tumut, then down to Blue Waterholes would be quicker than
going by the highway.
As for climbing, the rocks do look pretty loose. I guess I'll keep searching for information about routes
and grades.
Cheers
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30-Jan-2008 11:58:47 AM
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Limestone is such a rarity in Australia that many areas are banned - especially when they are near established caving areas. Karsts are one of the most highly protected things in our National Parks.
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30-Jan-2008 12:12:50 PM
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Ahh, the Blue Water Holes.
Brings back fond memories of caving there, ... back in the early 70's when people were allowed to drive vehicles right up to the gorge vicinity.
Most memorable trip was going underground and upon return to surface it had snowed. It was quite an ethereal experience coming out to this 'other world'.
Did not do much climbing there myself, just a couple of abseils, but remember there being a number of established routes already done there at the time.
I doubt climbing is 'banned' however NP&WS probably have a permit system limiting numbers and sizes of parties there for speleological trips these days, so it wouldn't surprise me if they sought to limit climbing as well.
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30-Jan-2008 1:42:17 PM
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My girlfriend rang NP&WS, they do allow climbing, they just like the courtesy of knowing.
Maybe I should move this discussion to crag & route beta, Hmmmmm.
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30-Jan-2008 1:47:25 PM
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Just moved now...
Bluewater holes is in NSW?
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30-Jan-2008 2:05:54 PM
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Yes - near Yarrangobilly caves between tumut and Adaminaby.
Anyone who has climbed here in the past that can offer insight into some established routes, guide
information if it even exists, this would be greatly appreciated.
cheers
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30-Jan-2008 2:22:16 PM
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I haven't climbed at Bluewater but have climbed near Jillabenan Cave in the Yarrangobilly area. I just headed across from the end of the track to the cave and headed up a nice looking buttress. Found 2 pitons on the clmb which was about 40m and grade 16 from memeory (It's a while ago now). The limestone was quite nice and featured. Looked around for info myself at the time and never found anything.
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30-Jan-2008 3:15:21 PM
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I've never heard of a guide. The climbs date back to the 1960s or so I think. May be some details in ancient ANU Mountaineering Club newsletters.
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31-Jan-2008 11:00:10 AM
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Thought as much - thanks for the help everyone.
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31-Jan-2008 2:06:35 PM
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It looks like it's worth a trip:
![](/upload/userfiles/Capt_mulch/blue_water_holes.jpg)
Crag at Blue Water Holes - climbing allowed!!
From Cooma, head towards Selwyn ski fields on the Snowy Mt Hwy, go past the Selwyn turn on the left and continue 15km or so, then turn right onto Long Plain road, drive for about 20km and there will be a turn on the right with signs. Apparently you can get there in a decent 2wd. You should be able to work out how to get there from the Tumut end.
Mmmmm, Limestone. Climbers cannot live on Granite alone.
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31-Jan-2008 2:11:10 PM
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That shot reminds of a write-up in an old Argus . . .
You might want to check issues from late 70's to early '80s . . .
Looks well worth a look . . .
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31-Jan-2008 2:57:01 PM
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i remember doing a side trip to blue waterholes on a walk from kiandra to tharwa (pre climbing days) from my blurry memory of the place, i think it would be worthy of a mission to check it out
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31-Jan-2008 3:01:58 PM
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I'm on Brendan, you've just got to stop working on the weekends!!
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31-Jan-2008 3:31:21 PM
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yeah i need the money though for europe, only 3 weeks until i go now....
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31-Jan-2008 3:44:24 PM
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Come on, tell the truth. You're not going for the climbing, are you? ;-)
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31-Jan-2008 4:29:06 PM
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um maybe a girl, but i swear i'll climb as well, honestly
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