Splendour rock Anzac service

[Lith]

I saw somewhere that there's an annual dawn service on Anzac Day at splendour rock and thought that'd be a really nice thing to go to. Anyone know if this still happens? not sure if that information is still reliable

[GPSGuided]

Yep, many bushwalking groups attend that service and no different this year.

[tom_brennan]

There were well over 100 people at Splendour Rock for the Dawn Service in 2016, and probably over 80 in 2017 - despite Anzac Day falling on a Tuesday.

[Lith]

Wow! 100 people! That's a lot more than I expected, I bet the tent placement situation gets a bit awkward

[GPSGuided]

I'd say the parking and traffic be a bit heavier than usual at Dunphy's and Megalong Rd. I also understand that many camp away from Splendour Rock and commence their walk to the memorial site in the dark early hours. Not sure you'd want to set up a tent when up to 100 people are going to funnel through that narrow area.

[tom_brennan]

It's not as bad as it sounds - many people walk in from Mobbs to avoid carrying water. I'd suggest getting to Splendour Rock at 5:30am for good seats.

The top of Mt Dingo is a good spot to camp if you want to be a bit away from the rock - but only 5 mins walk. It's not an easy walk in in the dark if you haven't been there before.

[Lith]

It's not an easy walk in in the dark if you haven't been there before.

Yeah I've never been anywhere near the wild dogs before. How easy is the trail to follow from megalong valley to the rock and back? I'm not inexperienced but I'll be going alone and the closest i've been to the area is the view from the top of solitary so I'm a little nervous about losing my way. Are there any bush bashing or trail finding sections?

[GPSGuided]

No. Pretty straight forward and well worn route. Even easier with a GPS to guide you.

[tom_brennan]

No. Pretty straight forward ...

...in the daylight!

[johnw]

No. Pretty straight forward ...

...in the daylight!

Good advice. I've only visited the rock outside of Anzac Day but there's a quite stunning Anzac sunrise photo of Tom's in the 2018 BWA calendar this month. And on here:

[tom_brennan]

Link to original photos from last year's trip
http://ozultimate.com/tom/bushwalking/2 ... photos.htm

[michael_p]

I know a guy who walked out to Splendour Rock in the dark. He left the Dunphy car park after midnight and got to Splendour Rock before sunrise. Reckons it was a great spot for watching the sun come up. After watching the sun come up he walked back to the car and drove home.

Michael.

[tom_brennan]

We left the car park at 1am and got to Splendour Rock at 5:30am. A bit slow as one party member was suffering nausea - would have been there by 5am or before otherwise. With a bit of bush bashing trying to find the track out of Mobbs in the dark!

[kimloane]

Does anyone know if, or where I can find out if, the Anzac Day Service at Splendour Rock is going ahead this year?

The road to Dunphys is closed at the (old) first gate, 3km away, due to the road wash-out just near Dunphys. Last Easter Sunday I was told the road would be repaired in three weeks which would be the right timing. Plus the tracks are in mint (!) condition in so much that regeneration is in full flight and understory vegetation is thick and there is not even a sign of a pad any more on Wombat Parade or large sections over the top of Dingo.

Not that either of these are showstoppers but it makes the night hike in a tad more challenging for younger hikers.

Many thanks.

[keithj]

Does anyone know if, or where I can find out if, the Anzac Day Service at Splendour Rock is going ahead this year?

Yes, I believe it is.

The road to Dunphys is closed at the (old) first gate, 3km away, due to the road wash-out just near Dunphys.

A BMCC grader was fixing the bit from the 1st gate down the steep hairpins last week. However, the recent rains have washed out the road between the new bridge and the T-junction up the hill.

Last Easter Sunday I was told the road would be repaired in three weeks which would be the right timing. Plus the tracks are in mint (!) condition in so much that regeneration is in full flight and understory vegetation is thick and there is not even a sign of a pad any more on Wombat Parade or large sections over the top of Dingo.

There appeared to be a diversion around the above washout.

As v. few other ceremonies are taking place in NSW, Splendour Rock may be unusually busy this year. In 2015 the camping area was almost full of cars, so maybe latecomers will have to park further down the hill.

I'd also allow a bit of extra walking time - the single track is currently sodden, and the new growth is thick in some parts of the single track.

See you there...

[crollsurf]

Does anyone know if, or where I can find out if, the Anzac Day Service at Splendour Rock is going ahead this year?

https://www.bushwalkingnsw.org.au/remembrance-at-splendour-rock-2021/

[keithj]

The NPWS site https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/vi ... cal-alerts says -

Green Gully, Dunphys campground and access closed due to road damage from flooding. Walkers permitted.

...although the road is open right up to Dunphys.

[khouw]

Hey peeps, we are actually on the way for the 2021 ANZAC dawn service at Splendour Rock. Heard that the road to Dunphys Campground is blocked, is this true? Can we drive into the campground tonight?

[keithj]

Hey peeps, we are actually on the way for the 2021 ANZAC dawn service at Splendour Rock. Heard that the road to Dunphys Campground is blocked, is this true? Can we drive into the campground tonight?

The road all the way to Dunphys campsite was open this arvo.

[khouw]

On behalf of the willing coalition, I thank you, you awesome peeps

[GregG]

I went to this morning's dawn service at Enoggera which was quite moving and well executed after last years driveway only services. I am wondering if anyone in the forum went to Splendor Rock? Any pictures would be good.

[FatCanyoner]

Greg, the below is a report from John Murray of the Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking Club on this year's service. The link at the bottom is to some of his photos and videos from the service and walk.

Started walking at 0800 from the locked gate on Narrow Neck. Clear skies as the descent of Tarros Ladders was done. The path is taken up to the saddle between Mt Mouin and Mt Warrigal. This is trackless at the moment, following the fires and rain and the lush regrowth of grasses that are now waist to head high. The track is okay behind Mt warrigal, with water coming down over Wombat Parade, and across to the Warrigal Gap. As you climb up to Mt Merrimerrigal the Playground of the Dingos has remained intact, with low growth and rock shelves. Once you drop off the plateau the chest high grasses cover the track again and slow progress is made, even at Dingo Gap, and on to Mt Dingo. Arrived at the camping area at Splendour Rock at 1600. The usual camping areas are now overrun with the waist high grasses and a bit of work is required to get tents up.

At 0530 on the 25th, alarms sound and everyone is out of bed for the service at 0600. There were about 100 people there for the service, in cool, still conditions. At 0630, while watching the sunrise, I had my bacon and eggs cooking for my two bacon and egg rolls. Packed up and underway for the return trip at 0800. The return trip was down Mt Dingo and along towards Mobbs Swamp, where there was plenty of water. This track was in good condition, with a bit of water on the track in parts. Continued along through Medlow Gap, little Cedar Gap, Tattos Ladders and Clear Hill. A long slog along Narrow Neck was followed and the cars were reached at 1500. A 40k walk but all for a great service.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7ddvxi7b2ddd ... _r0Ga?dl=0

[FatCanyoner]

On a side note, I hope those who attended this year did a better job of cleaning up after themselves. I was up there a few years back, a couple days after the dawn service, and our group spent about an hour cleaning up more than a dozen fires, most with stone circles, several full of burnt rubbish. It's important for those organising this service to ensure all those who attend -- many of whom are not particularly active bushwalkers -- understand the principle of leaving no trace and ensure they keep the area as pristine as possible.

[wildwanderer]

Nice pics on the drop box.

Those spikes at taros look recently cemented. Can anyone confirm?

[GregG]

Thanks Fat Canyoner.

[keithj]

Those spikes at taros look recently cemented. Can anyone confirm?

I don't think there's been much maintenance on them recently.

From a few yrs ago....

[Tyreless]

I attended this year. The organisers made a special note at the start of the service about cleaning up and removing traces of fire rings. The service was solemn and moving as always.

[FatCanyoner]

I attended this year. The organisers made a special note at the start of the service about cleaning up and removing traces of fire rings. The service was solemn and moving as always.

That's great to hear Tyreless.

[GregG]

Thanks for the picture tyreless. This has been on my bucket list for a very long time, long enough in fact that I doubt the possibility of it happening now. Glad to hear that it was a solemn and moving service.

[Hoojar]

I was at the Dawn Service again this year. I felt that the number of attendees was closer to 150 than 100. There were around 50 Scouts/Venturers/Rovers. I noticed more trail runners / Day walkers than in previous years too.