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Walk: Wollemi National Park: Around Minotaur Lair

Leader: Yuri Bolotin

Maps, etc: Ben Bullen

Description: Park at GR 431 232 on Wolgan Rd and climb towards Minotaur Lair. Attempt to find a way up

to the tops along the southern cliffs of the gully leading to Minotaur Lair. Explore the incredible dissected pagoda and slot country S and E of Minotaur Lair. Return the same way or via

Minotaur Lair. About 6k. Scrambling and exposure. Exploratory.

Rating: 6M. S233E

Gear Issues: 2 litres of water, GPS, PLB, appropriate head and footwear, electrolytes, maps, compass, tape

(leader only). Change of gear for afterwards.

Date walked: 10 September 2016.

Important Note: Part of this walk is through private property. Access permission must be sought for each visit.

The Party: Yuri Bolotin (leader), Geoff Fox, Kent Dwyer, Joan Chan, Mark Bolotin

The Weather: A mostly cloudy day of changing weather conditions – from slight drizzle to sunny periods,

generally improving towards the second part of the day. Strong winds, especially on high and

exposed tops. Temperature range 9 to 14 degrees C.

Existing names in the area

Minotaur Lair is a canyon located in an unnamed creek system that flows generally east into the

western side of the Wolgan River, 1.7km south, south west of junction of Zobels Gully and

Wolgan River. Access via Wolgan Road, 3km south of Newnes. In Greek mythology, the

Minotaur was a creature with the head of a bull on the body of a man. He dwelt at the centre of the Cretan Labyrinth, which was an elaborate maze like construction. Named by Michael Keats

on a Bush Club walk, 21st July 2010. Described by Michael as, "It is labyrinthine, it is

mysterious, it is serpentine, it is long and it is varied; it is a special place." Previously known as

Bell Miner Canyon, so named by Andrew Valja due to the Bellbirds in this vicinity, May 2002.

Minotaur Watch is where at the base of the cliff line a great glide block has moved out from the

main cliff line, fractured into two separate blocks but somehow managed to remain in position.

Located 900m south west of the Wolgan River / Zobels Gully junction. Named by Michael

Keats, Brian Fox and Yuri Bolotin on a Bush Club walk, 7th April 2016. The Minotaur Lair is

800m further up the gully.

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Minotaur Tail is where a compound pagoda-slot development reached a new apogee a

spectacular slot perhaps 50m deep and no more than 1m wide. At the base is a level floor and

leads a way deep into a bell shaped chamber 20m long, 10m wide and about 5m high that is the

forecourt to a deep notch and the magic of the Minotaur Tail. Located 700m above and west of

the main cliff line and 2km south west of the Wolgan River / Zobels Gully junction. Named by

Brian Fox, Michael Keats and Yuri Bolotin in keeping with the Minotaur theme on a Bush Club

walk, 7th April 2016.

Background Notes As you walk up the steep slope towards Minotaur Lair from Wolgan Road, you first approach the

wall of cliffs that guards the entrance of the valley where the canyon is located. I usually stop

here, get the group to leave their packs and do a short circular trip around Minotaur Watch, an

amazing feature at the bottom of the cliff line. I had not visited the area for a few years, until

March this year. By then, I was using Google Earth aerial photographs to plan and execute our

walks, and I was astonished to see how interesting Minotaur Watch looks from above. I also

thought then, it would be incredible to get on top of these cliffs, to the very tip above the valley.

A walk plan was hatched that had two main objectives: firstly, to find a way up to the top of the

cliffs (which I thought would only be possible from further into the gorge), and, secondly, to

visit Minotaur Watch from above.

Minotaur Point and Minotaur Watch on GE. Recorded by Geoff Fox and prepared by Yuri Bolotin

Track Notes

We drove to a spot on Wolgan Road at GR 4296 2277, 552m, where cars were parked. For pre-

walk briefing, I took the group across to the other side of the road, in the opposite direction to

our intended route, so that they could see in a distance and just poking out high above the trees

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the rather intimidating end of the cliff line around Minotaur Watch. Would we be able to get on

top? We would soon find out.

It was a cool, cloudy day, and there was no wind deep down in the valley. Walking commenced

at 0919, initially through a sea of golden Wattles, Acacia decurrens and then, very soon, up a

very steep timbered slope covered with leaf litter that was quite slippery due to the rainfall

overnight.

When you leave the comfort of your car and put your backpack on, it takes a little time for the body to get used to this new mode of operation, but once it does, you can get into a climbing

rhythm which is quite enjoyable and meditative. In a few minutes, we were underneath a field of large boulders covered in brilliant mosses, with bright splashes of flowering Purple Twining-pea,

Hardenbergia violacea. Slowly, we negotiated our way through these obstacles, as the slope

continued to relentlessly push us further and further up towards our first destination. The foot of

Minotaur Watch was reached at 0946, GR 4270 2297, 703m.

The packs were left here, and we went exploring. Minotaur Watch is a great pinnacle some 40m

high that has separated from the main cliff line. One part of the split pinnacle has become a

separate monolith that ends up with a giant pyramid shaped top. That structure is strangely

reminiscent of the famous Chrysler Building in New York. The other part has a flat square top.

Within the first, larger part, is a double slot, divided by a rubble of broken sandstone and a thin

wall. Both sides of the slot can be climbed, but the left hand side is easier and perhaps more

spectacular. The left crack, just enough to squeeze your shoulder through, rises sharply through

some loose rocks, and the journey along its 50m length is an exhilarating one. Care needs to be

exercised in order not to displace any boulders onto other members of the group below you; for

that reason, we climbed through the slot one at a time.

Yuri at Minotaur Watch. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Climbing the slot. Photo: Mark Bolotin

Kent, trying to make the slot wider. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Joan, Geoff and Kent in Minotaur Watch slot. Photo: Mark Bolotin

Once out of the slot, we arrived at a flat platform beneath the main cliff line. From here, our journey was back down, around the other side of Minotaur Watch monolith. That area, being

enclosed on two sides and in the shade, has developed a totally different character to the exposed

outer side. It is cool and moist there, with green ferns and bracken lining the soft floor. The inner

side of the pinnacle has some wonderful overhangs. Opposite the caves, there is a giant thin

structure of golden sandstone, leaning against the tall cliffs.

Surrounded by these tall stone towers, I felt like a tiny creature out in a big forest. ‘What would

it be like to be standing up above this?’, I thought as I was waiting for the others to catch up. The

trip through and around Minotaur Watch only takes a short time, but it is an experience not to be

missed.

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Joan, Geoff, Yuri and Kent in the shade of the Minotaur Watch monolith. Photo: Mark Bolotin

Having completed the circuit, we collected our packs and moved up to a narrow ledge that

gradually took us around the point and into the Minotaur Lair Gully itself. We had been sheltered

from the wind before, but could now feel its full strength. As we wanted to stay in this area and

investigate more of it, our next move was to climb steeply up to the base of the walls from the inside, to see whether there was any way up. When we reached a spot that looked promising, it

was morning tea time, at 1017, GR 4259 2297, 759m.

I was so curious about what is over there around the corner from us that I swallowed my banana

in about 15 seconds and went investigating. I first walked some 50m in a northwesterly direction

back towards where we came from, but at a much higher level, until I could see a big window in

the rock face. I approached the window and peered through it. Wow! In front and underneath me

was the Chrysler Building-like pinnacle part of Minotaur Watch. From my commanding

position, I could see its sharp, red lichen clad spire, standing out menacingly in front of the green

mass of tree tops in the distant background and framed by the honey coloured second part of

Minotaur Watch on one side and the dark main cliff line on another. What a sight!

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The view from the window. Photo: Mark Bolotin

But there was more! Before proceeding, I went back and called the rest of the team to follow me.

I then continued from the window at about the same level for a few more metres, until I saw a

deep drop that indicated there was nowhere else to move at that elevation; however, right in front

of me, I saw a small ledge that was easy to get to. The ledge ends in a crack less than a metre

wide; I jumped over it; from the other side, I was able to see that the crack was pretty shallow

and one could even climb through it. I was now on the edge looking down at Minotaur Watch!

No longer did I feel like a tiny helpless creature lost in a forest; I now thought I was a mighty

giant peering above these towers of stone.

But there was still even more! The thin spur I was walking along, with sheer 40-50m drops on

both sides, continues for about 100m to its end, which is very narrow and crowned with a small rock, about 1m in diameter. There is a cairn on top of that rock, which looked to me rather old.

Standing there, I was suspended above the Wolgan Valley and the Minotaur Lair Gully gorge

below me. Across on the other side of the gorge, I could see slots and great caves of pale yellow

sandstone framed by green bush; looking back, the towering eroded face of the first of the two

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pagodas at the end of the cliff line that we had seen from the Wolgan Road was about 100m

away from me. I named this spectacular location Minotaur Point, GR 4264 2306, 770m, 1040-

1045. Whilst on Minotaur Point, we heard some shouts from way down below. We were able to

see some people there at the bottom of the valley, but could not recognize them.

Yuri and Kent on Minotaur Point. Photo: Mark Bolotin

Mark and Yuri on Minotaur Point. Photo: Geoff Fox

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Coming back from Minotaur Point, Kent and I decided to climb further up and in the opposite

direction from the window, to see if there was a way from there to the top of the main cliff line.

We did not find anything safe, but spotted a very old cairn at the end of small promontory at GR

4260 2293, 777m, at 1100.

I later received the following advice from Brian Fox, one of the Bushexplorers and a history

researcher, “The area above the cliff line in which you walked was covered by a mineral lease

application by George Anderson and applied for 3rd July 1905. For Shale. Ref: Plan of Portion

MP 13, Parish of Gindantherie, County of Cook. S1782. Surveyed 19th July 1906.”

By 1109, we completed our investigation of the area and started to move further into the gorge. As I wished to continue exploring for ways up, we stayed near the southern walls. The erosion

formations are truly special in this section, and the sun, now out, was at a really good angle to

make the walls of these caves, their dramatically protruding blades and baroque decorations glow

with intensely bright colours.

Beautiful light play. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Caves and cliffs on the way to Minotaur Lair. Photo: Geoff Fox

Geoff in one of the many caves on the way to Minotaur Lair. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Cliff line architecture. Photo: Mark Bolotin

Joan, Yuri and Kent in Minotaur Lair gorge. Photo: Geoff Fox

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The forest in the gorge down below, with its green ferns and giant Grey Gum and Blue Mountain

Ash trees, provided a wonderful contrast to the stone textures in front of us. As we progressed,

we saw several spots where it might be possible to ascend, but none of them looked convincing

enough, particularly today, when many stone surfaces were slippery with running water. One of

the potential ways up, GR 4223 2289, 756m, at 1126, was the best out of the lot, but we still

decided to give it a miss.

At GR 4217 2289, 741m, 1135, we reached a beautiful narrow canyon with a couple of small

waterfalls and a pool framed by tree ferns. Geoff and Kent, keen canyoners, took notes. I could see they were planning to come back here one day with abseiling gear.

Canyon in Minotaur Lair gorge. Photo: Mark Bolotin

As the gorge was closing in and there were no visible breaks in the cliffs, we now moved away

from the walls and into the forest for a while. Soon, we were back under a great shallow

overhang with a kinky Sassafras tree in the middle of a long sandy floor. GR 4209 2296, 738m,

at 1150. On the edge of the overhang, an enormous Eucalyptus tree reaches its branches all the

way to the roof and above.

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Geoff and Kent on the kinky Sassafras tree. Photo: Mark Bolotin

The forest giants. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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King of the forest. Photo: Mark Bolotin

From here, we continued on the bottom of the dry creek through fallen trees and debris until a

point where I could see a break in the cliff line, GR 4193 2297, 765m, 1210. I went up to

investigate, followed by Kent. It was doable! As I was coming down to let everyone know, I first

heard and then saw two new people in the group! They were Lyn and Jim Cook from UBMC

doing a walk to Minotaur Lair, but coming back the same way they had entered. They were the

people we had heard from Minotaur Point some time ago. We invited Lyn and Jim to join our

journey, but they decided not to change their plans.

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A chance encounter. Lyn and Jim Cook. Photo: Mark Bolotin

The climb out of the gorge involves at this point a rather awkward scramble up a short chute; this

can be avoided by going on the right around a large rock; but the problem with that approach is

that it is then not easy to get off the rock, unless someone is at the bottom helping. I was the one

that fullfilled that duty, whilst Geoff had climbed up the second, longer chute to set up the tape.

In the end, the tape was not really needed by our group, but I would recommend it for safety with

larger groups.

Geoff holding up the tape, for others to use. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Up this way, Joan! Photo: Mark Bolotin

The last part of the pass is a walk up a ramp about 5m to the left of the second slot. We were all

on top at 1225, GR 4187 2293, 800m. Another objective of today’s walk was achieved! Once

there, we drank in the view and then had a chat about our options for the rest of the day. Because

several in the group had not visited Minotaur Lair before, the decision was made to proceed

south over the top of Koopartoo Mesa, eventually descend into Minotaur Lair canyon and then

walk its full extent. I also felt this would make a more rounded day, compared with exiting

through Koopartoo Gully south.

Where did you say we are? Photo: Mark Bolotin

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There were still a couple of small scrambles before we reached a more gentle gradient. Once

through, we continued on a gradually raising slope through moderate scrub. Spring flowers

started to appear, their aroma hitting our nostrils; pink clusters of Boronia deanei being

especially noticable. We headed south west and then south to a big slot I saw on the aerial photo

map. Soon, we were in pagoda country, with many exceptionally fine examples of weathered

sandstone and ironstone filligree. The slot, however, looked a bit dissappointing, at least from

above, where we were, so we decided to have lunch and think about it. GR 4176 2270, 861m, at

1300 till 1318.

From our lunch spot, we could see in the distance Minotaur Point and, further beyond it, the

formidable eastern cliff line of the Wolgan Valley.

Minotaur Point view from our lunch spot (zoomed in). Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Pagodas and slot above our lunch spot. Photo: Mark Bolotin

At 1328, we reached a great pagoda lookout, giving expansive views south and west towards

Wolgan Valley. This also was the highest point of today’s adventure. GR 4164 2262, 884m. The

photos we took do not give this very special view the justice it deserves. Immediately underneath

that point is a tight canyon known as Minotaur Tail, but it was hidden from our view by the

pagodas.

The group at the lookout. Photo: Geoff Fox (self-timer)

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From here, we turned north towards Minotaur Lair. At 1338, GR 4159 2266, 869m, there was

another great lookout above a deep slot that we knew from the previous walks could be

descended a few hundred metres downstream and then followed all the way (with some

interesting challenges) down into Koopartoo Gully.

Ironstone beauty. Photo: Mark Bolotin

This slot that offers descent into Koopartoo Gully a few hundred metres further down. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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As we progressed north, the rate of our descent accelerated, but the shallow water course we

were following became very hard to negotiate due to abundance of vegetation. We moved

sidewise and to the left, onto a small spur, then back again, sliding and hopping into the gully. A

good camping cave (for two people in comfort) was noted at GR 4149 2296, 801m, at 1408.

There were a few small streams and water drips nearby, but permanent water availability cannot

be relied on in that location, although Minotaur Lair itself is not that far off from there. A

striking flowering shrub, Hovea speciosa, was photographed near the cave; we had not seen it

anywhere else during today’s trip.

Hovea speciosa. Photo: Mark Bolotin

At 1421, we arrived at a prominent junction that is the start of Minotaur Lair. GR 4144 2308,

742m. At first, the canyon is just a fairly open creek bed, but as you progress downstream, it gets

more and more interesting with every step. The walls become gradually higher, the available

sunlight diminishes, and with that, ferns and rainforest species appear. At one of the bends, on

the sunny side of the canyon, was a great mass of Dracophyllum secundum, in brilliant bloom.

The last, north to south oriented section, is the deepest, the narrowest and the most beautiful,

with great examples of canyon wall erosion, dripping mosses and ferns and lighting effects one

would find in bigger and more difficult to access canyons. Today, the wetness of the landscape

due to recent rainfall added to the experience, as we could both see the streams coming down the walls and hear their melodic dripping sounds in the air. In spite of much water, we were able to

keep our feet dry during the entire passage.

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Approaching Minotaur Lair. Photo: Joan Chan

The canyon will soon get better! Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Geoff taking photo of Dracophyllum secundum. Photo: Mark Bolotin

Are you having fun? Photo: Mark Bolotin

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In the canyon. Photo: Geoff Fox

Geoff in Minotaur Lair. Photo: Joan Chan

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We exited the canyon at 1513, GR 4189 2299, 705m. When we had stumbled onto this canyon in

July 2010, we approached it from here and I remember we could hardly see anything beyond a

narrow crack in the tall walls of the gorge. I must add that doing it from top to bottom as we did

today is a better experience, as you save the best till last.

Straight after the canyon discharges into the valley, there is a big overhang some 100m long that

led us to the point where we had ascended from a few hours ago. We had completed a loop

around Minotaur Lair.

For variety, we proceeded via the creek bed rather than underneath the cliffs. That way was new

to me and was suggested by Geoff, who had done it this way before. As the creek is dry, it is relatively easy going, except for frequent clambering over the fallen trees – but this could be

termed as ‘fun’. Along the way, we did climb out a couple of times above the edge of the water

course to photograph the forest and the stunning sandstone walls of the gorge lit by the afternoon

sun. In this section, we photographed an interesting small flowering tree, probably Pomaderris

velutina.

Baroque caves of the Wollemi. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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An obstacle course. Photo: Mark Bolotin

Geoff and Yuri in Minotaur Lair gorge. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Flowering tree, probably Pomaderis velutina. Photo: Mark Bolotin

When coming back this way, it is important not to miss the exit point, where you must ascend

out of the creek bed on the right hand side. GR 4257 2306, 717m, at 1545. The reason for that

soon becomes obvious, as not far from that spot you could see the gully discharges down through

a big waterfall. From the ascent point, it is only necessary to come up perhaps 20m in elevation,

where you can pick up a ledge that would take you around the cliff line and onto the slope

immediately underneath Minotaur Watch.

Big boulder field on the way to Minotaur Lair. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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From here, it was a steep, but easy and picturesque descent through the field of boulders covered

in mosses of thousand shades of green and then the open forest, all the way down to Wolgan

Road. We reached the cars at 1628, GR 4296 2277, 552m. The end of a remarkable bushwalk

that added so much to our knowledge of the area.

A nice touch. Photo: Mark Bolotin

Moss therapy. Photo: Mark Bolotin

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Trip statistics: Total distance 7.31km, total ascent 542 m.

Walk track on topo map. Recorded by Geoff Fox and prepared by Yuri Bolotin.

Walk track on GE. Recorded by Geoff Fox and prepared by Yuri Bolotin.

Table of Times, Locations and Grid References

Time Location Grid Reference Elevation

0919 Cars parked and started walking GR 4296 2277 552m

0946-1010 At Minotaur Watch GR 4270 2297 703m

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1017 Morning tea GR 4259 2297 759m

1040-1045 At Minotaur Point GR 4264 2306 770m

1100 Old cairn GR 4260 2293 777m

1126 Potential way up GR 4223 2289 756m

1135 Canyon GR 4217 2289 741m

1150 Kinky tree overhang GR 4209 2296 738m

1210 Bottom of the pass GR 4193 2297 765m

1225 Top of the pass GR 4187 2293 800m

1300-1318 Lunch on pagodas GR 4176 2270 861m

1328 Lookout GR 4164 2262 884m

1338 Another lookout GR 4159 2266 869m

1408 Camping cave GR 4149 2296 801m

1421 Creek junction, start of Minotaur Lair GR 4144 2308 742m

1513 End of Minotaur Lair GR 4189 2299 705m

1545 Left the creek bed GR 4257 2306 717m

1628 Back at cars GR 4296 2277 552m