Overview
We all have seen the lazy times during Covid Lockdowns, its time to give ourselves a pat on the shoulder for surviving and celebrating the opening with a stunning hike and overnight camp at Donkey Mountains, the mystery of canyons
Donkey Mountain is 950m above sea level. Elevation is 350m from the Wolgan Valley base which inclines at a fairly high rate. There are many latter sections at a 45º+ angle.
The total distance covered from the carpark to Donkey Mountain summit will be around 6 KM but this can be extended via the amount explored on top of the summit and the route chosen to get up.
Please make sure you read Sydhikers Hike Disclaimer before you join the hike. Please don’t join the hike if you disagree any part of it or are not willing to read it.
Departure
We must leave at 5AM sharp from Sydney on 20th of Nov 2021, so we can reach at the starting point of the hike before 8AM and start the hike before its too hot. Carpool planning will be done in coming days and everyone’s pick up will be arranged accordingly.
To leave at 5AM sharp from Sydney.
First Meetup (Coffee Break)
We all need to meet at McDonalds Blaxland at Great Western Highway A32 for a short coffee break and first meetup. We need to make sure we don’t spend more than 15 minutes.
Short Coffee / Brekkie break at McDonalds Blaxland at 6:05 AM Sharp.
Hike Start Arrival (Car Park)
We will arrive at the Access to Donkey Mountain, Car Park at around 7:30AM. Here we will spend 20 minutes to assemble our gear and get ready for the exciting hike.
Group leaders and admins will announce the plan of action and provide initial guidance on the hike strategy.
Leave for Summit at 8:00 AM Sharp.
Donkey Hike Plan
Donkey Mountain hiking is a fairly advanced but not super hard hike. You will pass through a range of canyons which will require a bit of scrambling and climbing. If you are claustrophobic, you might have difficulty in the caves and canyons we will pass through.
High Level Hike plan is below. (DRAFT – will be revised in a couple of days)
08:00 0.0 km Start the hike
10:00 3.0 km Stop in a cave for snack / tea break
10:15 3.0 km Resume Hike with fresh energies
12:00 4.0KM Have Lunch
03:00 6 km Walk and climb through the canyons and explore areas
04:00 6 km Reach Grand Hall Canyon
05:00 Set up camp and get your pre dinner snacks
07:00 Have dinner and enjoy Star Gazing
The Fun Night
If the weather is good then there will be plenty of Stargazing opportunity. Feel free to bring your telescope and cameras for night photography.
Make sure you bring your breakfast, dinner and lunches and make sure they are light weight.
Next Day (21st Nov)
Wake up at 6AM next day and prepare the Breakfast. Finish your breakfast by 7AM and have everything packed up and ready for the departure to the car park
Next day, we need to be back at the car park before 12PM, so we can go to Glow worm Tunnel.
Trip to Glow worm Tunnel
On our way back, we will have a short hike and sight seeing of Glow Worm Tunnel, its a short hike with stunning tunnel view.
Activities
- Dry Canyoning
- Unrivalled astrophotography (it’s completely lightless at night and a must do for experienced hikers/photographers)
- Hiking/climbing
- Bird watching
- Photography opportunity at every angle from the flat summit of Donkey Mountain looking out 360º onto Wolgan Valley.
- Camping
Special Notes
- There are no toilets on the trail so make sure you do your business before the hike starts.
- Bring enough food (fruits, energy bars, snacks etc) and at least 3 litre water per person.
- Nights might be colder so make sure you have proper cloths and shoes. And bring spare cloths.
- Wear sturdy shoes as the rocks might be slippery.
- Strictly no littering (organic or non organic), keep all your garbage with you and bring it back.
- Respect Social Distancing.
- Keep organizers informed if we need to detour or leave the group for some other hike.
Wear proper sturdy shoes as the rocks might be slippery and rough.
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