Tracks - Jamison Creek Track
| Grading | 5 | Hard |
| Track Type | 5 | Offtrack. |
| Track Condition | 5 | Overgrown or badly eroded. |
| Exposure | 2 | Some simple climbing |
| Navigation | 5 | Challenging. |
| Length | 6km | |
| Vertical | 130m | |
The Jamison Creek Track is a route only. Although a footpad exists for the first kilometer after the Jamison - Valley of the waters creeks junction the rest is off track. Jim Smith mentions in his 1990 book on Lindeman Pass that it would be good to find a route which completes the grand circuit of the Jamison Valley. Currently, unless one uses the public rooad from Kedumba Pass to Rocket Point (Wentworth Falls), the circuit is not possible. One possible route to complete the circuit is to follow Jamison Creek. Another, which will be explored at a later date, is to find a way along the top of the tallus slope at the bottom of Kedumba walls. This page focusses on the first.
Access:
- Wentworth Falls - National Pass, Slacks Stairs and Hypocrene Falls track
- Kedumba fire trail
Maps: Katoomba & Jamison
Track Notes:
After descending from Wentworth Falls picnic area via National Pass, Slacks Stairs and the Hypocrene Falls track, take the track off to the left which leads to the junction of Jamison creek and Valley of the Waters creek. Cross over Jamison creek where you will find a good clear area with logs and fire place. From this spot a footpad leads down the eastern side of the creek for about 1km. This footpad is fairly easy to follow until about 300m (557 636) before the arc shaped cliff line on the major side creek. Continuing on this side by sidling the very steep slope as I did is difficult and precarious in places. It is better to cross to the western side and follow the creek fairly closely. After the big left hand bend at 551 631 head away from the creek and up onto the flatter area on the 260m contour. The crossing of Lawton's creek is straight forward with a steepish climb up the other side. The next gully marked as 2 small creeks has very steep sides. You will need to head down the gully to find a suitable point to climb up out again or follow it down to Jamison creek and head along the flatter section beside the Jamison.
Cross back to the eastern side just after the large flat rock ledge next to the creek on the western side of the bend at 547 622. This is an easy crossing. Again head away from the creek up out of the thick vegetation and try to stay on the 220m contour till you reach the Kedumba/Leura fire trail. There are 4 gullies to cross none of which are significant obstacles but the bush is a little thicker around them.
Comments...
| 2016-04-04 | Florence | I have walked with Rob’s group several times around Jamison Creek area and ending at Kings Tableland, each time we made a different off track explore. That is pretty cool. Every time we discover new routes, learning the area more, and you never feel the same. This walk combined lots of up/down both on track and off track, and finished with 7km up hill. You feel very proud of yourself after you completed the walk. |
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.