Rivers of The Tablelands Way experience

Key River Catchments

Abercrombie River
The Abercrombie River rises in the Southern Blue Mountains National Park, near Mount Werong. It then flows into the Lachlan Murray River system. The river is lined with beautiful river oaks at lower altitudes, and river gums higher up. The Abercrombie River is characterised by little rapids, called ‘riffles’. The river and its environs provide a home for a great number of birds and animals. Look out for cockatoos, including the endangered Gang-gang Cockatoo as well as an array of owl species. You may also be lucky enough to spot a platypus, a wombat, an echidna, or a swamp wallaby.

Cudgegong River
Map to be composed by outline on Hemma Map
The Cudgegong River is a tributary of the Macquarie River in New South Wales. It rises near Rylstone, a village with a population of 1200, and flows generally north-west past Mudgee on a 250 kilometre journey to the Macquarie River. Rylstone is a good place to view the Cudgegong River. Alternatively you can see its trapped waters at Dunns Swamp in Wollemi National Park. Dunns Swamp was artificially created by the establishment of Kandos Weir in the 1920s. Today the waters are home to many creatures, including long-necked tortoises and platypuses.

Capertee River
The Capertee River sub-catchment is near the town of Rylstone. Large sandstone cliffs run along the edge of the valley, while the valley floor is largely shale. One of the best places to view the Capertee River is at Glen Davis. You can see the endangered Regent Honeyeater in the white box gums trees in the valley of the river.

The Coxs River
Both the upper reaches and mid reaches of the Coxs River are in the Tablelands region.

Along the river’s upper reaches water is trapped at Lake Wallace, Lake Lyell and Thompsons Dam. Near Wallerawang the river exhibits an unusual feature known as a chain of ponds. The upper reaches are also home to the endangered purple copper butterfly. The middle section of Coxs River passes through two World Heritage listed areas, Kanangra Boyd National Park and Jenolan Caves. In Kanangra Boyd National Park it is surrounded by narrow pristine granite valleys. You can cycle or walk along Coxs River in this area. Do so by joining the ‘six foot track’, a horse track linking Katoomba to Jenolan Caves that dates back to 1884.

Wolgan River
The Wolgan River joins the Capertee River and the Wollemi River in the Wollemi National Park. Together these rivers become the Colo River. The Wolgan River flows through a number of fine sandstone gorges. Newnes is a popular access point for the Wolgan River. At Newnes the Wolgan River gorges become narrower, as the river heads into the Wollemi Wilderness.

Wollangambe River
(Map of the Wollangambe to be traced from Hemma Maps)
A tributary of the Colo River, the Wollangambe winds its way through spectacular canyons and gorges. It is a challenging canyon, accessible to experienced canyoners who are prepared for its long and steep walk in. From Mount Wilson fire shed, follow the signs down into Wollangambe River. Take a lilo with you and inflate it upon reaching the river. To follow the full length of a canyon you will need an experienced guide.

The Kowmung River
The Kowmung River is known as a Wild River. This description refers to how much it travels through pristine wilderness, and how much bio diversity it sustains. The river is protected by the isolated Kowmung Valley. The Kowmung River is one of just a few Wild Rivers in New South Wales. The water is so pure that you can drink directly from its running stream. Approximately 70% of the catchment is protected within the Kanangra-Boyd and Blue Mountains National Parks. These National Parks form part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The Boyd Plateau bogs (such as Little Dingo Swamp, Wheengee Whungee Swamps, Little Morong Bog and Roly Whalans Swamp) are located within the Kowmung River sub-catchment. They form part of the Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) known as the Montane Peatlands and Swamps. Tuglow River flows into the Kowmung River.

Tonalli River
The Tonalli River falls within the Lake Burragorang sub-catchment, along with Butchers Creek, Laceys Creek and Green Wattle Creek. The whole area is under special environmental protection as it supplies Sydney’s water. The area is significant on a number of levels. The magnificent beauty of the area known as the Blue Breaks is highly prized by bush walkers. The name was first coined by conservationist Myles J Dunphy.

The Blue Breaks is suggested as the place name for the area bounded by Butchers Creek, the Coxs River, Wollondilly River and Tonalli River. It consists of a dissected sandstone plateau in the form of cliff-walled ranges and canyons and characteristic sandstone gaps or breaks. The main valleys are Lacys, Green Wattle and Butchers or Black Hollow Creek.

The area can be accessed by bushwalks out from Yerranderie.
 

Wollondilly River
The Wollondilly River subcatchment contains significant agricultural lands and associated industries. They were developed early in European settlement and carry through to the current time. As with many such areas, the Wollondilly subcatchment has been significantly altered since European settlement. The Wollondilly River formed an important source of water for early farming and town needs. Today it feeds the Warragamba Dam catchment, Sydney’s water supply. The major tributaries of Wollondilly River include the Nattai River, Tarlo River, and Wingecarribee River. A great place to see the history of the Wollondilly River, and its role as a vital water supply is at Goulburn’s historic Marsden Weir and Waterworks, which dates back to 1883. Here you can also picnic in tranquillity and enjoy the local bird life.

Country roads are often narrow and winding.
Bends and curves are often dangerous due to a build up loose dirt and stones.
Be prepared for changing road conditions and surfaces in wet weather.
Always drive to the conditions, which is not necessarily the posted speed limit.

Photo Galleries for Rivers of The Tablelands Way experience

Rivers of The Tablelands Way experience (12 images)