Dunphy’s Kowmung Adventure

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The walk will showcase how the voluntary efforts of early bushwalking clubs led to the dedication of large national parks and, consequently, wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains. It will celebrate the pivotal role of wilderness in the protection of nature in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. In November the walk and its legacy will be presented to the World Parks Congress.

Myles Dunphy

Colong Wilderness WalkDunphy’s Kowmung AdventureAlex Allchin

16 | BWA August 2014

In October 1914 young Myles Dunphy and Herbert 'Bert' Gallop set off on an adventure into the heart of the southern Blue Mountains. Their aim was to trace the length of the Kowmung River.

Leaving Katoomba, they walked via the Six Foot Track to Jenolan Caves. From here, armed with advice from local cave guides and very rudimentary parish maps with more blanks than drawn sections, they entered into the unknown. During the next three weeks, they gained an understanding of the importance of the area through which they had travelled. The original journey concluded at Picton taking 21 days to complete. Along the way they:

Walked the length of the Six Foot Track to Jenolan Caves, descending from Katoomba by candlelight.

Slept in the first Japara tent to be made in the country.

Dealt with multiple crossings of the Kowmung River in full flood, with some crossings taking over 40 minutes.

Journeyed through land untouched by contemporary maps and not marked by tracks (though undoubtedly traversed by local indigenous people and graziers).

Sighted the mighty Morong Falls, which they believed to be the highest falls in the country.

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Visited the silver mining town of Yerranderie, where supplies were bought and Bert purchased patent leather dress shoes to replace his worn out boots.

Climbed Mount Despond in the pouring rain.

Witnessed the destruction caused by rabbits before the introduction of myxomatosis.

Passed bullock trains as they made their way through land now under the waters of Lake Burragorang.

It was an adventure of epic proportions and soon after completing the walk, Myles founded the Mountain Trails Club, the first bushwalking club in NSW, and the genesis of the state’s bushwalking and conservation movements.

Now, in 2014, five young Adventure Teams will retrace Myles Dunphy and Bert Gallop’s historic journey. Each team of walkers will include a person with a connection to the stage being walked. Some stages will allow others to participate in the journey – whether as walkers, to camp or just sit around a campfire to celebrate.

Dunphy's Kowmung Adventure – how to get involved

Walk Launch - 10am Friday September 26: Katoomba Cultural Centre, 30 Parke Street, Katoomba – morning tea provided.

Six Foot Track Day Walk - September 26: An easy day walk, from Katoomba Cultural Centre to Old Ford Reserve. You can choose

to walk back to Katoomba or be driven back by bus around 10pm. Basic BBQ dinner provided.

Six Foot Track Day Walk, Old Ford Reserve Campfire and Camp - September 26 -27: Walk as above, stay for a campfire and camp at Old Ford Reserve and walk back to Katoomba (rated a moderate walk).

Six Foot Track Overnight Walk - September 26 – 27: Walk as above, continuing to Coxs River and camp and walk back to Katoomba (rated a longer moderate walk).

Adventure Walk in stages of 3 to 4 days duration - September 27 to October 6: For experienced walkers. Up to 1,000 metre daily ascents some with mild exposure. Join walk leaders for one of five possible stages.

Celebration Camp and dinner, Wooglemai Environmental Education Centre, Sheehys Creek Road, Oakdale - October 5 and 6 (Labour Day long weekend): Last Adventure Team arrives and we celebrate the journey. Camp or stay in a cabin. Bring your own dinner for BBQ.

Use of Old Bushwalking Gear - We intend to use bushwalking gear from throughout the last century. We welcome the loaning of suitable bushwalking gear from years past.

We encourage you to take part where you can. Please visit the event website or Facebook page below to find further details on the walk, and how you can register and become involved.