4/24/2016 Bell to Wollangambe Crater - Bushwalking NSW

BelltoWollangambeCrater
Please note that while the maps on this web site are useful and generally contain more, and more accurate, information on trails, the relevant topograp
should be carried on most walks. These are available from the Lands Information Centre, map shops, and most outdoor stores.
Time: 2 days
Distance: 18km
Fitness: EM
Skill: M
Ascent: 490m
Maps: LPI Mount Wilson 8930-1N 1:25000
LPI Wollangambe 8931-2S 1:25000

Introduction
Wollangambe Crater is an interesting formation in the Wollangambe Wilderness. While there are many volcanic necks in the Blue Mountains, this "cr
appears to be a large bowl formed simply by the erosion of several small creeks.

Access
Heading west along Bells Line of Road, turn o onto Sandham Rd just before the main road crosses the railway line at Bell. Drive up Sandham Rd for
1.5km to a driveway on the right. There is a sign on a tree saying "Wollangambe River 5km", and the road changes from sealed to unsealed at this po
right is National Parks sign saying "Bell Perimeter Trail". Park here on the side of the road.

Alternatively, catch a train to Bell Station and walk up Sandham Rd for about 400m to where the re trail branches o .

Track notes
From 09 May 2003, last checked 16 Oct 2010

This walk traverses part of the Wollangambe Wilderness, so track notes are less detailed than usual. Parties should be pro cient in their navigation as
vague. This is a wilderness area, so there are no cairns or markers.

Day 1: Bell to Wollangambe Crater (9km, 100m ascent)

From Sandham Road, head down the rock lined path on to the driveway through private property. After heading north for 100m, turn right at a Y inte
painted sign on a tree says "Walking Trail". Another 100m or so brings you to a wide clearing with power lines running overhead. Head left for 100m u
power lines and then veer right into the bush on a re trail at a locked gate. There is a National Parks sign saying "Blue Mountains National Park - Wal
Continue following the re trail, which winds down and around a bit, for about 400m to a junction. Take the left trail, which is strewn with logs. This tra
roughly north, winding down the ridge, and for much of its length it is no longer obvious that it was once a re trail. After about 2km you cross a creek
Climb the steep hill up the other side and follow the track towards a large pagoda (spot height 994, known sometimes as "the Centre of the Universe"
pagoda, pick up a track that heads north east, before it swings south east, drops left across the saddle, and then continues south east following the ri

As you approach the 978 point, you will need to drop o the ridge on the left hand side, and head towards the saddle. The main ridge turns into a n
sticking out with a 30m cli that is not marked on the map. If you nd yourself on it, it does provide good views! Once in the saddle, climb the rock fac
other side.

From here to the Wollangambe the route is vague, although it follows the ridge that heads generally east. While there is a track, there are numerous p
and rocky outcrops to cross, and the track disappears across these. Careful navigation and route nding is needed from here to reach the nal hill ab
Wollangambe. There is a steepish descent from the hill to the Wollangambe. Some good campsites exist on this side of the river, but to visit Wollanga
Crater, cross over the river and head east for about 200m, keeping to the south side of the creek that emerges from the Crater.

There are a number of small campsites in the vicinity of the crater.

Day 2: Wollangambe Crater to Bell (9km, 390m ascent)

The following day, return the same way that you came.

Bushwalking NSW - http://bushwalkingnsw.com - Tom Brennan 2002-2016

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