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Written by Cliff Guy, © 2004. Published
in On the Road Magazine
December 2004
If
it's an enjoyable daytrip, camping holiday, or simply getting back
in touch with nature experience you're after, Cathedral Rock National
Park is a most ideal destination. Well known for its majestic granite
formations, sub-alpine heath-lands, massive eucalypts and decorative
flora, this National Park is both unique and spectacular.
Located
70 km east of Armidale on the New England Tablelands, NSW, Cathedral
Rock National Park has two main access points, easily traversed
by two-wheel drive vehicle. From the Armidale to Grafton Road, a
sign-posted 8 km of unsealed road will take you to Barokee rest
and camping area. Along the Ebor to Guyra Road, there is easy access
to Native Dog Creek rest area and camping ground.
Due
to the idyllic location and well graded trails of this wild and
wonderful National Park, kick back and enjoy your four wheel drive
for its space and comfort alone, as engaging the hubs at either
camp ground is hardly necessary. The easy access certainly does
not detract from your off the beaten track, wilderness experience,
as even the main highway before turning off onto the dirt, offers
a sense of being 'away from it all', with views, forest and rolling
farmland greeting you around every bend. I have visited Cathedral
Rock half a dozen times now, and I am yet to see a crowd, even during
holiday season.
Barokee
provides somewhat secluded and relatively private camping and picnic
sites set amongst a wonderland of gums, grass trees and banksias.
The purest of high country water, runs adjacent to, and within easy
walking distance from the camp sites. Crystal clear and icy cold,
this small stream flows quietly through a maze of shrub and wetland
heath, and is guaranteed to awaken the sleepiest of campers with
one splash to the face!
This area is about 1500 metres above sea level, and like so many
mountain streams found at this altitude, the water actually tastes
like water is meant to taste. Rich in minerals, its purity rejuvenates
the senses and makes you realize that this is how our life supporting
elements are supposed to be.
Campsites
at both Barokee and Native Dog are well set out, spacious and offer
basic but clean and well presented picnic and toilet facilities.
The real beauty of the campsites at Barokee, is the feeling of being
amidst natures picturesque display, whilst having ample cleared
and level area to erect a tent or lay the swag. Each site has a
wood BBQ and timber table and benches. A communal pile of split
timber in the center of the camp ground is made available by National
Parks and Wildlife, to keep your small fire burning into the often
chilly alpine night. It is not uncommon for campers to be visited
by an abundance of wildlife, with local kangaroos drifting through
the camp grounds, oblivious to onlookers. Small Tree Creepers hop
and peck whilst Red Robins fluff and preen their colourful plumage.
Currawongs have become accomplished thieves of unguarded food in
this area, so it is advisable to keep an eye on your breakfast.
I lost two pieces of toast in as many minutes, not watching these
opportunists of the bush closely enough, but ate the third jam covered
piece with boastful delight, as the yellow-eyed pickpockets gazed
down at me from their vantage points.
Speaking
of feathered friends, Cathedral Rock National Park provides the
birdwatcher and the casual observer with a plethora of elegantly
plumed inhabitants. Many species attracted to nectar producing plants
can be seen carrying out their daily activity, whilst brightly coloured
Rosellas dart like guided missiles through the trees, their calls
piercing the peaceful ambience of the park. Absolutely wonderful!
A
variety of sign posted and well structured walking tracks weave
their way through stringy bark forest, sub-alpine woodland and boggy
heath, giving the keen bush walker sensational trails to explore
from either one of the Cathedral Rock campsites. Crossing the wetland
from Barokee and following a circuit, the 5.8 km Cathedral Rock
track takes about 2.5 hours to complete all up. This well graded
trail ascends, descends and plateaus through a wonderland of rock
scree and almost mythical forest. Xanthorrhaeas, commonly known
as grass trees, dot the landscape like well placed artwork, set
amongst massive granite boulders, bold, yet appearing delicately
poised.
A
short walk of around 500 metres, leads off the main trail for those
wishing to reward themselves with some of the most spectacular 360
degree views one will find anywhere on earth. Rocks can be slippery,
and crevices are places of no return if you don't watch your step,
but by taking care and following the arrows, climbers reaching this
high energy pinnacle will be delighted. A chain has been strategically
placed to assist in clambering to the windswept summit, a place
of eagles, gods and modern day adventurers' equipped with designer
bush boots and museli bars! At 1584 metres, this region is the highest
point on the New England Tablelands.
Staying
in Cathedral Rock National Park costs a reasonable $3 per adult
and $2 per child, per night, with no bookings required. Fees are
used to maintain the parks services and facilities, walking tracks
and roads. Management plans, endangered species and feral eradication
programs also benefit from visitor fees.
All
in all, another one of Australia's pristine, not to be missed locations,
found only when we take……the Road to Adventure.
For
more information, contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service,
North Coast Region, Dorrigo Plateau Office on 02 66572 309 or at
PO Box 170, Dorrigo NSW 2453.
Till
next time, remember….
Your
Journey is Your Own - Enjoy it!
Cliff
Guy
Info
File:
Where:
New England Tablelands, NSW. Approximately 1 hours drive East from
Armidale,
2 hours drive West from Coffs Harbour.
When:
All year round, but recommended camping is during Spring, Summer
and early Autumn months. Winter is most beautiful in this part of
NSW, but be prepared for very cold nights.
Camping
Suggestion:
All areas of Barokee camping ground are very well maintained and
presented, although it is recommended to bring your own gas or fuel
cooking gear, as split timber supplied for fireplaces can often
be damp.
Tip:
Pack warm clothing and take with you if bushwalking. The weather
can change quickly in alpine and sub alpine areas. Take time to
sit quietly by the stream on dusk and watch the kangaroos feeding
in the last of the long shadow light - beautiful!
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