Overnight Hike to Yarunga Creek/Griffins Farm in Morton National Park

I love Kangaroo Valley.  When European Explorer George Evans passed through the area in 1812 he claimed that the valley offered views that "no painter could beautify".  Over 200 years later I find myself in absolute agreement with Evans.  The valley is one of the most beautiful areas in the Shoalhaven region.  With its gently sloping lush green fields surrounded by high mountains of the NSW southern highlands and ferns, creeks and rivers galore it is one of my favourite places to explore.  So when I decided that for Australia Day I wanted to wake up in the Australian bush I decided a Hike near Kangaroo Valley was were I was going, and so the adventure to Yarunga Creek/Griffins Farm was in motion.

After convincing my partner and our neighbour to come along for the adventure we packed our packs and headed on our way.  Driving to the trail head was easy.  Coming from Nowra,  driving through the Kangaroo Valley township and over Hampden Bridge (historical fact : the oldest suspension bridge in Australia - its hard to miss.) we turned of on Bendeela Rd.  After approx 4km the road continues straight into Jacks Corner Rd and we continued along that for another 8km or so, passing the Bendeela pondage and pump station and lots of dream worthy properties with the last 1.3km being unsealed, until we reached a Large Morton National Park sign and car park where the road takes a sharp left. It was time to strap on our packs and head into the park.

Park Sign indicating distances to locations.  On this particular Hike we only got as far as Griffins Farm

The track is graded Medium to Hard as there is a 1.5km steep climb out from Yarunga Creek on the return hike.  With a good level of fitness this is not as daunting as it sounds.  The rest of the track is gentle undulating fire trail so its and excellent choice if you have never hiked overnight.  It took us approx 3hours to walk in to Griffin Farm but we took our time and a lot of breaks to cool down as it was a very very very hot summers day (34C!!)  This walk offers a lot of shade but it isn't recommended in summer (even though thats when we did it).  We were however very prepared and we brought with us an excess amount of water:  For the overnight i think we had roughly 4.5L each.  And that was exactly enough to drink and cook with.  Our estimate on how much came from the fact that it was a relatively short hike in and out and we would not be walking over an extended amount of time. There is the option of collecting creek water and either boiling, filtering or purifying with tablets but as I wasn't sure what state the creek would be in being the middle of summer we all agreed carrying in our water would be the best for this particular trip.  Plus it made the trek out a lot lighter!

Team Selfie L-R : Myself, My Neighbour and My Partner

Griffins Fire Trail

After following the trail from the start for about 3.5km you reach a locked gate that you will need to find your way past (its easy)  From here the steep decent down to the creek starts and I suggest taking care of where you place your footing as we all had a few near slips on some loose rocks.  Trekking another 1.5km down you come to Yarunga creek and here you will need to either be prepared to get your shoes and socks wet OR take them off and cross the creek - which is what we did and it was perfectly fine.  CAUTION: Do not cross the creek after heavy rain.  Crossing creeks in flooding can be dangerous and life threatening.  Also - a word of wisdom:  Check yourself for leeches after the crossing.  We did not get any on us but we did see one crawling on my pack as i was putting my boots back on! eekk!

The creek crossing - We found it came up to just above
 knee level in the deepest part.  Lots of smooth stones to
navigate your way across on.  We didn't find it
particularly slippery but obviously take care.
 It was incredibly cooling on such a hot day.

Once across the creek, we headed up the trail till it veered to the left and followed it along another 800m to the path that leads into griffin farm.  On the left you can see remnants of the old pioneering farm - such as whats left of an old rock wall overgrown with blackberry bushes and ferns.  We even spotted a couple of really old fruit trees in what would have once been the orchard, that had well and truly finished fruiting and where now just part of the vegetation.  When you get close to the path which leads to the camp site on the left again you can see just the smallest remains of the corner of the old farm house and what appears to be the front steps overgrown with ferns and moss.  We actually missed these on the way in but were fortunate enough to spot them on our way out the next morning.

The path into Griffin Farm Camp Area

Griffin Farm Camp Area - Isolated beauty.
Pitch your tent anywhere you please!
The Ferns surrounding are home to lots of
Blue fairy Wrens and Jenny Wrens so keep an
eye out for these gorgeous little birds

We found our way down to the creek from our camp via a wombats trail - there are a few there - just make sure to pick one that isn't so steep!  Creek water can be boiled or purified before consuming.

Yarunga Creek by Griffins Farm

Yarunga Creek

After cooking dinner while a couple of resident wombats manicured the grass around us we chilled out and played a quick game of three handed euchre - which i thought was fitting being that the top trump or best bower comes from the german word bauer meaning "farmer".  With our neighbor winning in the end, It was time to get some shut eye.

The temperature dropped 10C overnight and we were lucky to have only a little bit of rain throughout night with it clearing to overcast skies in the morning.  We expected rain from the forecast and took a couple of tarps for extra protection just in case.

In the Morning

Officially in love with Yarunga Creek Valley

After Packing up we were ready to set out on our way back.  The trek out was faster than we had expected.  Even with the steep climb up out of the valley.  And especially once we'd reached the relatively flat part of the fire trail we'd come in on it took us less than two hours to reach the car park.
All in all a very successful overnight hike that i would recommend for novice hikers who want to get some experience staying a night in the wilderness.

The trail on the return walk

I definitely plan to do this trek again only i would head on past griffin farm and camp at Gales Flat next time which is another 4km or so up the trail.

Remember:
- Watch out for snakes and treat any you come across with the utmost caution
- Hike with someone else.  Hiking alone can be dangerous even for the most experiences trekkers
- Bring lots of water or something you can use to treat or boil creek water with.  Dehyration can be a real problem especially in the warmer months
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return - remember to contact them as soon as you are out to let them know you have returned safely.  If something happens out in the wilderness its always a good idea to have someone back at home know the details of your trek in any case of emergency.
- Walking sticks are awesome
- Pack in Pack out - that means take any rubbish out with you.  If it doesnt come from the bush, it doesnt belong there.  That means fruit peel and seeds too.  They aren't natural to a bush environment even if they come from the earth so do the right thing and pack them in a plastic bag in your pack to dispose of when you get home
- Take a small shovel with you - if you need to go to the toilet you will need to bury your waste.  Dig a hole at least 100m away from waterways, do your business and then bury your waste.  Its not pretty, but when you've gotta go, you've gotta go.
- Be respectful of wildlife.

For more Detailed info on this hike click on the link below

http://www.kvexplorer.com.au/KV_Explorer/Griffins_Fire_Trail_files/KVExplorer_GriffinFireTrail_final.pdf

HAPPY HIKING!!