TRACK NOTES
LOWER COLO GORGE LOOP
LO CO
ER RIV
D’A
R
R CY
AN
Mt Townsend
GE
LO CO
T3 Track end
eek e Cr
Colo Meroo Campground
R VE RI
i Toot
Cabba g
e Tree
MAILES
RIDGE
Lookout L
Creek
L Lookout LO CO ack
Suggested campsite
GOSPERS RIDG
E
es Rid
Toot ie
ge Tr
E
k (T3
ID G
C re e
GR
) Tra
ck
R VE RI
N LO
L Lookout
sR er sp
E
Go
GOSPERS RIDG
k Trac
id
ge
Mailes Ridge Track junction
B To
0
ilp
START FINISH
in
1
2
3
4KM
MO
OO L AG A IN UN T
N TR
A IL
Map data © OpenStreetMap
from Sydney’s CBD is around 1h 45min, and less if coming from Sydney’s west or northwest. Parts of the route are unsealed, but the road is normally maintained to 2WD standard. From Richmond, take Kurrajong Rd, following signs to Lithgow. Kurrajong Rd turns into Bells Line of Road at North Richmond. Take the signposted turnoff on the right to Mountain Lagoon at Bilpin after about 28km. Follow Mountain Lagoon Rd for 12km to a turnoff to the left to Bean Lane—the last few kilometres are unsealed. Continue along Mountain Lagoon Rd for another 500m and turn left onto Sams Way. Follow Sams Way for 1.2km to where a fire trail branches off north, and there is a sign saying, “Walking Tracks—Colo Meroo and Tootie Creek”. Park your car here.
However, the foot tracks have limited markings, and some scouting may be needed to determine the right route. Both days require a solid level of fitness, with around 500m of elevation change. Depending on water levels, the going in the river can be quite slow. Assume 1-2km per hour. Ideally, the water level as measured by the Upper Colo gauge (bom.gov.au/fwo/IDN60233/ IDN60233.563033.tbl.shtml or, if that’s too long a string of characters to search for, try tinyurl.com/2ss2e9za) should be under 1.00m. If the water level is above 1.30m, walking upstream in the river will be very difficult, and it is worth considering reversing the route. If the water level is above 1.80m, there will probably be a considerable amount of swimming, and it may be best to postpone a trip at this level.
FEES/COSTS/PERMITS
EQUIPMENT
No fees or permits are required for the walk.
Depending on the water level, and your choice of route, deep wades or short swims may be encountered in the river. All of your gear should be waterproofed using either double garbage bags or waterproof dry bags. Also, wear shoes that you are happy walking with in the water, or take a pair of sandshoes— such as Dunlop Volleys—that you can change into at the start of
DIFFICULTY & NAVIGATION The walk is a mix of fire trail, rough foot track and off-track walking, the latter mainly in the Colo River. The route largely follows ridges and the river, so navigation is relatively straightforward.
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k ree rs C
pe Gos
WILD
