Nichols and Clarke Gorge

[sanbot]

I've been reading up on Nichols and Clark Gorge walking trails and was hoping someone could help clarify a few things:

- How long is the unsealed road to the track head and is it suitable for a low 2wd for example would the road condition be similar to the one going to Lockleys pylon trailhead?
- Does Nichols gorge walking track include Clark Gorge?
- If not how long to do both?
- The website has two listings of Clark Gorge one says 1.5 hours one way the other says 3 hours. I'm assuming the 3 hours is supposed to say return?

[Onestepmore]

Hi, if these are the gorges in the Kosci NP, then this is one of the day walks we're planning to do at Easter. The info I have regarding the access road, is that Long Plain road is gravel, 18.5 km from Kiandra. Turn R on Blue Waterholes Trail, signed Coolamine Honestead and Blue Waterholes. The notes say from the 17.3 km point (the road to track start is 25.4 km in total from the original turnoff) it is suited for 2WD vehicles in dry weather but unsuitable for caravans. I don't know about comparisons to the track you mention.
From Blue Waterholes/Magpie Flat camping area, you can access both the 'Jennings Walks'. The return trip to the waterfall via Clarkes Gorge is stated to be 5 km, 1.5 hours return, easy grade
The George Nichols Circuit is 6.7 km, allow 2 hours, moderate grade.
This info is on pages 126 and 127 of John and Lyn Daly's book, Take a Walk in Kosciuszko NP.
I've not been there yet myself, but hope this helps.

[sanbot]

Thanks for the reply. I think I'm confident enough that my car will make it!

[Onestepmore]

I am pretty sure Kanangra can give you some first hand information. Ha has a trip report written under that section in the NSW sub section. Or send him a PM.
He's regularly checks in so he may see this post.

[sanbot]

So I ended up going and in case anyone is wondering. The road is rough and at 25km its a bit harsh on the suspension and tyres (well at least it was on my mazda 323). But definately doable by 2wd. It was well worth it though. Beautiful gorge even more impressive if you can make it up to the top and look down. Created problems for myself for trying to find a way to do it without getting wet so make sure you prepare to get yourself wet if you don't want to go bushwacking or scrambling up to higher sections.

The dirt road took me 1 hr each way.

[SteveJ]

There is some good spotted bush tucker in there too

[Onestepmore]

Nice, my rods are coming at Easter.
Well done!

[neilmny]

Nice, my rods are coming at Easter.
Well done!

Will that include a Tenkara rod OSM????????

[Onestepmore]

Yes it will!!
Spinning rods will come as well as conventional fly rods too, for a bit of a play in Eucumbeen
I have read that fishing on the Murrumbidgee is good, and we're there (Yarrongobilly Caves house) for four days

Did I mention that I caught my first Chinook salmon on the Rio Serrano in Chile?
(and then lost of on the bank landing it.....)

Fishing in Chile was AMAZING

[neilmny]

.........Did I mention that I caught my first Chinook salmon on the Rio Serrano in Chile?
(and then lost of on the bank landing it.....)

Fishing in Chile was AMAZING

I'd call that a non contact release well done.

[SteveJ]

Sorry to hijack (again) but any oppurtunity to show off....I cuddle my chinook before release I soooo want to fish Chile, where is the trip report???

[sanbot]

I think we need to rename the subject =P

[Onestepmore]

Sorry to hijack (again) but any oppurtunity to show off....I cuddle my chinook before release I soooo want to fish Chile, where is the trip report???

He's beautiful! /envy

Basic report in International, under Patagonian Trip Planning or something similar. Haven't had time to organise pics and do a comprehensive write up (I have some time off in a couple of weeks)
I think I included a link to the guides we used. They had great gear, very professional.

I just bought a small telescopic spinning rod to take to these holes in the canyons in the Nicholls and Ckarke Gorges and the Blue Waterholes that my son can use. Hubby and I will use Tenkara fly rods. We'll also try our luck on the Murrumbidgee (but I've read access can be scrubby)