GUIDE TO CROSSINGS ON “WEST KUNDERANG” (To be read in conjunction with River Crossing Map).

• Do not cross river without prior permission. • Refer to River Crossing Guide Signs indicating crossing closures on “West Kunderang”. These signs are located at the first and second crossings upstream and the first and sixth crossings downstream. • Please remember all river crossings change with each and every flood event. • Walk all crossings before attempting vehicular access. (NB: if water is above knee height and flowing DO NOT attempt vehicular access at any crossing). • Locate in crossing, firm rock base, rather than fine/gravel or soft sand. • Always be aware of rising water levels. (NB: it is always more difficult to drive against the flow of the river (ie. driving upstream) than driving with the flow (ie. downstream)). Debris floating on the surface of the water, white foam and dirty water colour, are all indicators of rising river levels. Place a marker (ie. stick or large identifiable stone) at waters edge when you first arrive. This is a necessary safety precaution allowing an easy and effective way to monitor changing river levels. Please be aware that “West Kunderang” is the of several making up the Macleay Gorges. Thus it may rain elsewhere in this catchment, but not at “West Kunderang”, giving no indication of a flood event.

DOWNSTREAM (10.5km from 1st X-ing to 6th X-ing)

FIRST RIVER CROSSING - MAIN RIVER CROSSING IN FRONT OF RIVERFLAT CAMPSITE.

• This crossing has clearly viewed entry and exit points. • Locate previous tracks that have compacted the crossing. • Generally stay within two metres (i.e. a car width) above the rapids on this first crossing.

THE BLUFF - A 15 min 4WD trip across the 1st X-ing and turn Right before Billy’s Camp (situated on level, just before steep embankment back down onto Shingle bed of river, approximately ½ way between 1st and 2nd crossings). Then follow track up onto bluff for great views of “West Kunderang”, camping sites and views up-river. (Allow ½ hour for round-trip).

SECOND CROSSING DOWNSTREAM - PAST BILLYS’ CAMP (1.5km from 1st X-ing)

• This crossing also has clearly viewed entry and exit points. • Locate previous tracks that have compacted the crossing. • Again generally stay two metres (i.e. a car width) above the rapids on the second crossing.

THIRD CROSSING DOWNSTREAM – END OF FIG TREE FLAT (2.5km from 2nd X-ing)

• This is a particularly difficult crossing and can be quite unreadable and dangerous depending on river height. It is essential that permission is granted before attempting this crossing. • Once down steep sandbank, approach the water parallel to the river, locate log on left hand side of river. Stay close to log, and at its end veer right and head straight across river. Be careful not to go too far to the right as crossing has a soft base. • Do not attempt to cross if there is any flow in the river – this crossing can become deep and wide with a soft/silt base. When exiting this crossing drive along the waters edge for approximately 20m before turning into gap in tea trees.

FOURTH CROSSING DOWNSTREAM – END OF TEA-TREE FLAT (3.5km from 3rd X- ing).

• Approach this crossing with extra care. There are two channels at this crossing. Access to the initial channel is down a steep embankment, with tea-trees on either side. There are large, deceptively hidden, slippery rocks in the beginning and the middle of this crossing. Water has a channelled, fast flow when river has any height to it. Coming out of this channel there is soft gravel, which continues across the second channel to the other side.

FIFTH CROSSING – END OF MCLEODS POINT (1.5km from 4th X-ing)

• The approach going downstream to this crossing is a sand embankment, with a fine gravel crossing. At base of sand embankment, cross river in a direct line to other side. The right hand side of this crossing is very soft gravel. This set of rapids has a narrow neck, with any height in the river level the water flow becomes channelled and fast.

On return, once through this crossing, keep to the right and drive up rock embankment, not the sand embankment you entered the crossing by on your way downstream.

SIXTH CROSSING – END OF ANDY’S FLAT (2.5km from 5th X-ing)

DO NOT cross this crossing in a vehicle.

• Vehicular access past this point is for management purposes only.

We suggest this crossing as a favourite picnic/swimming spot, with an optional walk to the historic grave of GB Waller, located opposite the mouth of (approx. 30 minutes walking time each way). This grave is not signposted – so please ask for directions before leaving the “West Kunderang” camp grounds.

UPSTREAM

FIRST CROSSING – PAST MOYS’ CAMPSITE

• Generally this crossing has a firm gravel base but is deceptive, in that it is not a level crossing, it actually dips down on other side before exiting up a steep bank. • Stay approximately two to three metres above the rapids. • With an increase in water height this crossing becomes very deep, with a very fast flow on the opposite side, funnelling into a tight corner with overhanging tree branches. This can be one of our most dangerous crossings. • Always walk this river-crossing first. If there is any height in the river do not attempt a vehicular crossing.

SECOND CROSSING – END OF THE BIG FLAT (3.5km from 1st X-ing)

Vehicular access past this point is for management purposes only. DO NOT CROSS THIS CROSSING IN A VEHICLE.

Access beyond this crossing into the wilderness area is for self-reliant recreation only (ie. bushwalking and canoeing). The Apsley River coming in on left hand side allows for pleasant hiking and fishing, as it has predominately shallow pools of water. The Macleay River on the right hand side is usually characterised by a faster flow with deeper pools of water, conjusive to canoeing as well as fishing. Please refer to canoeing pamphlet for additional information.

RASPBERRY TRAIL – Access Restricted. Guided 4WD Access Only. This trip affords magnificent views across the Apsley and Macleay Gorges from a height of 800mm as well as views back down onto “West Kunderang”. Return trip takes 2 hours.

We cheerfully conduct regular tag-a-long tours on this trail for those interested – please ask for details.