Hike to Drawing Room Rocks, Berry

Right here is a simple way to spend the afternoon on a clear day.

View from the Top - Looking South toward Berry and Bomaderry

This is a very easy Hike situated just outside of berry.  The scenery at the top includes a breathtaking view of the gerringong and gerroa beach areas as well as further south toward Berry and Bomaderry on a clear day.  The unique formation of rock at the top is how this particular hike got its name.  The Rocks are weathered hawksbury sandstone which over time has eroded to form table top like shapes.  The erosion happened over a really long period of time and was likely accomplished by combination of wind, rain, cold, heat and chemicals in rainfall.  The flat table tops are horizontal strata sandstone and so the tops consist of stone made up of a harder more resistant mineral layer which has remained when the softer surrounding rocks have eroded.  They are really quite surreal to sit around

The Sandstone Rock Formations - Drawing Room Rocks

The Hike to Drawing Room Rocks is a relatively short hike uphill.  The trailhead sits at 250m above sea level and the first part of the track takes you through forest and heath land then onto a plateau that sits at 600m above sea level.  Continue on 100m to come to the drawing room rock and stunning view.  It is not a long Hike at 4.5 kilometres return, and the Average Walker will take about two and a half hours to complete.

How to Get There:

At the northern end of Berry, on the town side of the bridge, turn north-west into Woodhill Mountain Road. Continue for 6.8km to Woodhill where the road splits to Wattamolla Rd which continues to Kangaroo Valley. Follow Brogers Creek Rd for 100m and take the road on the right which is not signposted and appears to be a private driveway but is accessible to the public. The unsealed road winds uphill for about 400 metres to a private locked gate where there is parking space for about two small cars on the grassy verge. A sign next to the gate states "Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalk"

Some of the trees along the track are quite big!

Remember:

- Wear good walking shoes.

- Drinking water - Carry more in hot weather to avoid dehydration and heat stroke.

- Walking sticks are sometimes left at the beginning of the track near a fence.  If you use one or two Please put them back where you found them so other walkers can use them too!

- Your camera.  The views are too good to miss out on a photo op. :)

HAPPY HIKING!!

What to Pack - a checklist

Obviously when camping and exploring the outdoors there is certain equipment that you must have in order for you to have a safe and comfortable adventure.  When trekking and camping in more remote areas your gear needs to be compact and somewhat lightweight.  I find that every trekker is different in what they deem to be necessary to carry with them and your pack may vary depending on the conditions you may encounter.

When I go out there are certain things that I almost always take with me, and when trekking with my partner or a group certain items are shared between us.  But this checklist is only a guide and can be customised to suit your needs and wants.  Also I'm a huge fan of "gourmet camp food" and so i sometimes have to carry in certain utensils to use to cook with.

- Tent 

- Sleeping Mat

- Sleeping Bag

- Sleeping Bag Liner

- Compact pillow or inflatable Pillow (If you don't take this you can use a fleece rolled up for a pillow)

- Headlamp and Extra Batteries

- Compact LED lantern

- Map and Compass and/or GPS

- Stove/Cooking pots

- Fuel

- Matches (preferably waterproof) or lighter

- Plate, Bowl, Mug

- Sharp Compact Knife

- Spork

- Couple of metal spoons for Cooking

- Mini metal spatula for Cooking

- Small Scourer (My cooking pots are aluminium)

- One tea towel

- Bio degradable Multipurpose detergent

- Collapsible bucket

- Trowel

- Toilet paper

- Hand sanitiser

- Sunscreen

- (MY) First Aid Kit: Band aids and blister treatment (moleskin), pain killers, asthma puffer, antiseptic cream, Individual saline eye drops, compression bandage, Scissors, Small Nail clippers, hydration powder

- (MY) Toiletries: Deodorant, Baby wipes, Compact Hairbrush, Small length of dental floss, Compact toothbrush, micro fibre towel

-(MY) Wardrobe: 

                           - Hiking boots

                           - Socks

                           - Camp Shoes (ie: sandals or lightweight sneakers)

                           - Singlet

                           - Shirt

                           - Long sleeve thermal

                           - Fleece

                           - Lightweight Waterproof Jacket

                           - Lightweight Waterproof Trousers

                           - Zip off trousers (zip off legs for shorts)

                           - Long thermal tights/underwear

                           - Long, Warm comfy pants for at night

                           - Underwear

                           - A beanie/Toque/Hat

                           - Gloves

                           - Swimmers

- Gaiters

- Water 

- Water filter system/sterilisation tablets

- FOOD!!!!!!!! - this is where i get creative

- Garbage bags

- Waterproof Dry Bags

- Camera

Those are my Absolute basics for Trekking/Backpacking/Hiking.  Sometimes you will need to take a little more or a little less of the items listed and every trek will require certain equipment.

Sometimes we go Car Camping which we have a lot of fun with.  Its a lot easier to do as you don't actually have to carry all your equipment on your backs but can instead just load up the car and camp where you park.

When we do go car camping we simply pack the above basics, Plus we pack the items listed in the following list

- Lightweight Small-Medium Collapsible table

- Collapsible chair (each)

- Picnic Blanket

- Tarp and Ropes

- Esky with food and goodies

- Plastic Box to organise the "Camp Kitchen"

- Pillows (I cherish my pillow when i can bring it along)

- An extra blanket (just in case)

- Beach Towels

- Spare Tub for wet clothes/towels etc

- Entertainment such as Chess or Cards, Snorkeling Gear, Inflatable floatation for swimming and lounging in water, Kayaks, A Book, A Guitar etc.

- Refillable Water container with tap

- Spare set of clothes

- A Ball

So that's my guideline :)

Just remember:

* Be Prepared without overloading yourself 

* Take equipment designed for the climate and conditions you expect

* Don't wear cotton clothing.  Wool is preferred as it will keep its warmth if it is to get wet.  There are lots of other fabric that a fine to wear too.  But just stick to the Golden rule of NO COTTON when packing your clothing and you'll be good

* Take enough food and water -and an extra days rations (just in case)

If you have anything to add to this please leave a comment, Id be happy to hear any thoughts.

HAPPY PACKING!!

Car Camping @ Bendeela, Kangaroo Valley

Bendeela is located just outside Kangaroo Valley in the Shoalhaven.  It is a very large campground situated on the Kangaroo river with many spots for all kinds of camp setups. 

View at Bendeela Campground

Things to remember when going to Bendeela:

- The Campground is FREE which is awesome for those of us on a budget.  Although it can get crowded for those of us searching for more seclusion.  Best to visit in off peak times and mid week for the least crowds.

- This campground allows you to camp right next to your car which can make it a very easy way to experience the beautiful area.

- There are hundreds of spots for you to pitch a tent so take your time and find the best spot for you

- There are not many shady areas and most sites are in full sun.  I strongly suggest bringing adequate shade for protection and comfort.

- There are toilets but take your own toilet paper as there is no guarantee there will be any during your stay.

- No fires are permitted, Gas or Spirit stove use only.

- Activities include swimming, kayaking/canoeing, and fishing (if you hold a current fishing licence)

- Native wombats often emerge from their burrows in the early evening but are well aware of the annoyance of pesky tourists who are desperate for a close up and will be gone in a flash when approached.  My advice.  Stay where you are and let them wander around at their leisure and comfort and you may just find their presence enjoyable enough.

-The River is part of the Sydney Water Catchment Authority so Please do not pollute!  Remove all rubbish - ALL OF IT - No exceptions.

- Be respectful to other campers.  This site is popular among families and mature travellers and the beauty of the area can be tainted by those who are not there to enjoy a relaxing outdoor experience.

Wombats often emerge at dusk

On the Cartoscope Touring Map of the Shoalhaven Region

If you want to check out more info on Bendeela visit these links:

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/~/media/Visitor/Files/PDF/Brochures/bendeela-campground-fact-sheet-pdf.ashx

http://www.sca.nsw.gov.au/water/visit/bendeela-recreational-area

HAPPY CAMPING!

A little about my life

Im 27.

I currently live in the shoalhaven, NSW Australia.

I love all things outdoors and am always looking for new places to go and get outside!

I have have spent some time in Canada and New Zealand.

Im not rich (as in I'm quite poor)

But that doesn't stop me!!

Im a coeliac so eating became a challenge about 2 years ago when I was diagnosed and my whole dietary habits were turned upside down.  BUT I'm very lucky to have a personal chef/love of my life.  It certainly makes it easier to cook almost EVERYTHING possible, in the absolute yummiest way!

I really love music and I play the guitar, sing and produce my own music in my living room on garage band.

I am on a mission to thoroughly explore the shoalhaven area and do so on a limited budget.