The Totem Pole
Over the long weekend Karin, Don, Joe and Dorinne accompanied me on a terrific adventure down the Wolgan Valley from Newnes to see the Totem Pole.
The Totem Pole appears to be a conglomerate erosion residual protected by a large capstone. There is a smaller column nearby, similarly protected by a capstone. Similar, but smaller, erosion residuals, complete with capstones, can be seen on the eastern slopes above Annie Rowan Creek.
Further upstream along the Wolgan River there are other pinnacles that do not have the protection of capstones. These pinnacles resemble some of the hoodoos found in Canada.
Route:
- Day 1 – 24 km – Newnes to Annie Rowan Creek
- Day 2 – 15 km – Annie Rowan Creek to the Totem Pole and return to Rocky Creek
- Day 3 – 13 km – Rocky Creek to Newnes
When we arrived at Newnes we found the river was up after the overnight rain. It was too deep to drive through, which increased the walk by one kilometre on both Saturday and Monday.
We had perfect weather and walking conditions for the entire weekend.
On Saturday we walked to Annie Rowan and camped in a very comfortable grassy area beside the creek. The first 18 kilometres of the walk were along the fire trail beside the river. The three water crossings were tricky because of the higher water levels but were negotiated safely. Even though it was broad daylight we saw several wombats.
After a relaxed lunch at the end of the fire trail we headed up the slopes and traversed around to Annie Rowan. I chose the higher route to avoid the acacia and wait-a-while that make walking lower down so unpleasant. We were rewarded for our efforts by amazing collections of huge elkhorns, flowering orchids, masses of mosses, fascinating rock formations and even a python.
On Sunday we set off early to see the Totem Pole. As we were camped a little way upstream on Annie Rowan Creek, it made sense to take the high route and head straight across to the Totem Pole. We avoided the steep slopes and the thick scrub growing lower down.
The Totem Pole is incredible. You can hardly believe what you are seeing when you first make it out. As you get closer it seems even more unlikely. We spent some time photographing the Totem Pole and its surrounds. It was a great place for an early morning tea break.
We returned to our campsite, packed up and had an early lunch before heading off to Rocky Creek. For some reason I decided to try the lower route despite the acacias. Once we encountered their needles we quickly decided it was much better to go higher and avoid them. At one point I almost trod on a wombat—I'm not sure who was more startled.
The walk back along the fire trail to Rocky Creek was very pleasant, with the afternoon light illuminating the cliffs, an incredible array of birdlife and, of course, another wombat.
There are several camping spots near Rocky Creek. We chose a lovely site a short distance up from the creek, with a formed fireplace, rocks to sit on and level spots for the tents. Fabulous.
We were woken early by the dawn chorus and, after a very relaxed breakfast, broke camp and enjoyed a very cruisy walk back to Newnes. Along the way we stopped to look at the relics from the old farm and at Newnes itself.
We were back at Newnes just after 2.00 pm—time for an ice cream on the verandah of the Newnes Hotel.
We covered 52 kilometres with more than 2,500 metres of ascent.