Last weekend nine Batemans Bay Bushwalkers walked the Big Hole (and Marble Arch) Walking Track, located 40 kms south of Braidwood.
National Parks recently undertook work on the track; and although this area is a popular walking destination for bushwalkers from the South Coast and Canberra alike, the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers had not been back here since 2020.
Some of the nine drove up from the coast on the morning of the walk; others camped the night before at the head of the track at Berlang Campground. The temperature was not too cold, and rain not forecasted, so camping was a good option.
The track itself is only some 12-13 km return. It passes through spectacular wooded and heath country, with magnificent views over the surrounding valley. The trail, very quickly, heads directly to its landmark geological feature, ‘the Big Hole.’ Aptly named because it is a big hole formed through the erosion of limestone over millions of years.
From there it was another 4 kms for the Bay walkers to reach the steep descent to Reedy Creek. The descent was tricky due to being overgrown. It is, no doubt, awaiting some maintenance work from National Parks. But the descent was worth the effort.
Once at the creek, the Bay walkers followed it to the ‘Marble Arch’ cavern - a huge cave where blocks of marble have fallen from its roof. The cavern was easy to scramble through with the help of torch light; the Bay walkers clambering over limestone and marble formations.
The Bay walkers emerged in daylight at the slotted canyon that the creek follows. This narrow gorge can be navigated over slippery rocks to a clearing where, according to some of the walkers who had done this trek before, there is an alternative route up the hill to join the track. This time, though, rather than wade in the freezing water, the Bay walkers turned back when wading became the only option of passage through the gorge. Retracing their steps, the walkers headed back up the hill to the campground.
Many photos were taken of the incredibly unique geological features for which this walk is renowned. But as the walkers acknowledge, it is impossible to do the vistas justice. The Batemans Bay Bushwalkers are planning to return; this time not waiting 3 years before they do so.
For more information about becoming a member of the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers, or to just come along as a visitor on one of their walks, see the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers website for all the information -- http://baybushwalkers.org.au
