Overnight hiking trip Longpoint lookout to Badgery lookout

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No Camping or Vehicle Entry Fees

Overnight trip into the wilds of the Shoalhaven Gorge. The walk starts at Long Point Lookout. Just look for Longpoint lookout road on your car gps. We ascent at Badgery lookout just outside the small village of Tallong. A steep descent into the gorge sees the party arrive at the Shoalhaven River. Following the river we pass through some great country and will have our pick of some great camping spots. Make camp early to ensure we have time for a swim. Next day we continue along the river until we come to the track leading up to Badgery lookout, our exit.

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Due to the time of year and the fact we camp next to the mighty Shoalhaven River, this is definitely one where you might want to bring your lilo and your swimmers because we will be jumping in the river number of times which is absolutely amazing.

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The area abounds with wildlife and has a rich Aboriginal and pioneer history, so there's plenty to see - from a massive lace monitor scrambling up the trunk of an ancient river She Oak to the golden flecks you'll find in the river sand near the campsite.

This walk is classified as medium difficulty. Steep walk into the gorge, several river crossings and a steep walk out of the gorge.

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Map: Caoura 8928-3-N 1:25,000 (reverse)

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Click map to make big

Other important info:

Mobile Phone reception - There is no mobile reception in the gorge itself. You can only count on your phone working at Badgery's Lookout (start point) and the Long Point Lookout (end point).

Car Shuffle - since the start and end points are different, we will need to perform what they call in the biz a "car shuffle". The bulk of the party parks up at the Longpoint lookout car park (start point), while two more vehicles head to Badgery car park (end point) that way we drive everyone back to the starting point at the end of the walk.

Remote Area - This is a remote area, therefore as a group and as individuals we must be as self-sufficient as possible. Camping areas are non-developed. Water for drinking, cooking and washing comes from the Shoalhaven River and nearby creeks. This means there are no taps and certainly no toilets - you make your own out there - well away from any waterways - it is good practice to treat or boil water since we don't know if there's a dead rotting bunyip in the river upstream or if an unseen canoe party around the next bend is washing and toileting in it. It would be wise to invest in a packet of Aquatabs water purification tablets. Because we will be in a national park, it is our legal and ethical responsibility to make sure we leave as little trace of our passing through as possible. This means no breaking or cutting live vegetation, no harming animal or bird life, and packing out our rubbish.

Safety - That time of year there will be snakes around and chances high that you may see one. Give them a wide berth and they will not bother you. There is no vehicle access into the gorge, so in an emergency you walk out or be carried or choppered out. Bring 2 litres of water with you for the walk down and make sure you have about 3 litres for the walk up to the car park at Long Point Lookout - it's steep and January means hot days. There is scope for people to become separated from the main party - especially after rest stops. We will minimise this occurring through regular head counts. If you do happen to become lost, stay put because we will soon miss you. We will find you. Because of the time of year, don't count on being able to have a campfire. Bring gas cookers since there will be fire restrictions that time of year.

Navigation - The group will have the relevant paper maps as well as at least one compass. GPS with relevant mapping will also be carried.

Proposed Itinerary -

Saturday, 22 November -

Morning: Arrival at the Longpoint Lookout car park by around 9 am, then deliver one or two vehicles to the Badgery lookout car park for the car shuffle. Aim to depart down into the Shoalhaven Gorge on foot by approximately 10 am.

Lunch time: Lunch on the track or at campsite depending on the speed of the party.

Afternoon: Set up camp. Explore the surrounding area - Geology, topography, flora, fauna, European history, Indigenous history, etc. or just laze the day away in camp. Activities include swimming, bush tucker walk, bird watching, gold fossicking.

Evening: Dinner and socialising around the fire place.

Sunday, 23 November-

Morning: Breakfast and break camp. Head off along the river by approximately 10 am.

Lunch time: Before we start the ascend

Afternoon: A mid-afternoon arrival at the Badgery lookout car park. Car shufflers retrieve vehicles from Longpoint Lookout car park. Party depart for home or for a pre-arranged rendezvous at a pub or restaurant on the way home.

Disclaimer - By participating, you agree you are ultimately responsible for your own safety, health and wellbeing during the activity. While the organisers will of course take all reasonable care, no responsibility is taken.