Passes - Blue Drum Creek
| Grading | 5 | Hard |
| Track Type | 5 | Offtrack. |
| Track Condition | 5 | Overgrown or badly eroded. |
| Exposure | 3 | Tape or rope advised |
| Navigation | 4 | Hard. |
| Length | 10km | |
| Vertical | 290m | |
Blue Drum Creek is a rarely visited pass off the Kings Tableland. In fact it consists of two separate passes. One which follows Blue Drum Creek and another which negotiates a gully to the north of the creek. Due to the closeness of Blue Drum Creek to Lake Burragorang, all walks in this area need to stay close to the escarpment so that you avoid the 2km exclusion zone.
The first known gully descent and terrace ascent was by John Morris and Graeme Holbeach on 11/12/93. Prior to this, Blue Drum Falls was abseiled occasionally, but the exit route was Kills Head to the south.
Access:
- Tableland Rd, Wentworth Falls
Map: Jamison
Track Notes
Drive 12.5km from the Y intersection at the old hospital on Tablelands Rd, Wentworth Falls. Leave the cars at 605 531. There is a graded area on the left and one a little further on the right in which to leave the cars. Walk back along the road 650m (602 537). Leave the road and follow the flat ridge towards the cliffline in a SE direction. Once you reach the cliffline (594 532) circle around the head of the gully. The bush is very thick here. Don't descend into the gully too early. Follow the gully down the right slot. Just before you reach a spot where you might need a rope switch over to the left gully where the descent is easier.
Once down swing to the left through the ferns descending to no further than 470m. Staying at this level should bring you round to the bottom of the Blue Drum Falls.
Follow your path back but trying to stay as high as possible so that you can pick up a ramp onto the ledge that will take you to the top of the falls. The ramp starts at about 593 531 and takes you up to the base of the higher cliffs. The ledge has one slightly exposed section where some may prefer a hand line for safety. The ledge brings you out above the top of the falls. Descend to the creek, to the rocks above the junction of the two creeks. Cross the left hand creek, ascend a small way and sidle right on a ledge that leads into the right hand creek gully. Descend as soon as possible to the creek. Go up the creek for about 450m (past the cliffs on the left). Then head up to the left to the top of those cliffs. Turn left along at that level for 200m then right up to the ridge. Follow the ridge as it gradually swings left to the first line of cliffs around Harris Hill. Turn right around the base and look for an easy climb up. Follow the top of the ridge up and over the knoll until you reach the second cliff line. Turn left around the base and then right up a climbable gully. The summit cairn is to your right. Turn left along the top of the hill. The track back to the road goes off the end of the hill. At the road turn left, the cars are about 300m away.
Comments...
| 2021-09-20 | John N | Stunning route! We went clockwise. Incredible winds had the waterfall upside down: https://youtube.com/shorts/0jTyJuUHQX8?feature=share When we reached Holbeach’s Indent we went up rather than back-tracking to view Blue Drum Falls from below. I might try that another time. Thanks for the website! |
| 2016-02-13 | Jonno | Me + 1 other SUBW member (Saul) went out today, we got down the gully OK, traversed around to the falls, then back up the ramp. But we either didn't got high enough, or I am just 'overly prudent' because after traversing along the ledge till the waterfall was within 200m we got to a spot where there was a 2m wide slot dropping down from the ledge. It is possible this is the spot referred to as 'slightly exposed where some may prefer a handline for safety' but even with a handline we weren't game to proceed. So will have to have a crack from above once the shins have healed over from all the banksia cuts ;-) |
| 2015-11-17 | Graeme Holbeach | First known gully descent and terrace ascent by John Morris and myself on 11/12/93. Prior to this, Blue Drum Falls was abseiled occasionally, but the exit route was Kills Head to the south. |
| 2015-11-16 | Ewa | That was a great walk. I never walked in this area before. The scenery and the rock formations were magnificent! |
| 2015-11-16 | Ewa | Mount Solitary looked so different from Harris Hill. |
Grading System
Grade 1 (Easy)
Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.
Grade 2 (Easy-medium)
Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.
Grade 3 (Medium)
Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20 km.
Grade 4 (Medium-Hard)
Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.
Grade 5 (Hard)
Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often in distinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance should not exceed 30 km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.
Grade 6 (Very hard)
Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and no track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
Grades courtesy of John Cooper of The Bush Club
Exposure
Exposure is assessed on the hardest part of the track / pass
1: No Exposure.
2: Some simple climbing involved
3: Climbing with tape or rope neccessary for non-climbers. Still free climbable.
4: Belay advised for non-climbers. Aids for climbers.
5: Belay required for experienced climbers.
Track Condition
Track Conditions are assessed on the worst major section of the track / pass
1: Excellent.
2: Good.
3: OK, but needing some trimming or erosion repairs.
4: A number of sections in poor condition.
5: Overgrown, badly eroded or no track.
Track Type
1: Maintained Tourist track.
2: Marked track.
3: Unmarked track.
4: Footpad.
5: Off track.
Navigation
Navigation is an overall assessment of the track / pass
1: Easy. Track and offshoot tracks are signposted.
2: Easy-Medium. Track is and offshoots are well marked (cairns / tape).
3: Medium. Simple route finding is neccessary.
4: Hard. Route finding can be difficult.
5: Challenging. GPS or map and compass necessary.