Newnes Plateau & Evans Crown
Society members Nell, Maddy, Dom, Dan, Isaac, Bella, Archie, Hamy, Pippa, Billie and Darcy based themselves in the Central West of NSW during September 2022 for a series of expeditions with the highlights being those to the Newnes Plateau and Glow-worm tunnel and to Evans Crown Reserve near the town of Tarana.
The drive to the Newnes Plateau in the Gardens of Stone National Park was an adventure in itself along fire trails and through increasingly wild country. We also became unfortunately separated meaning that we ended up in different carparks, though this was soon remedied. All together we then walked through past an impressive landscape of tall forests, lush tree ferns, narrow gorges and stunning pagoda rock formations to reach the tunnel - a 387 metre-long tunnel was built in the early 1900s as part of the railway for the slate mining industry at Newnes. It’s now home to thousands of glow worms that cling to the dark, damp walls. We saw many, though this meant often walking in the pitch black to let our eyes adjust. On the far side of the tunnel we spent some time admiring the native bush, before returning through the darkness lit only with the faint light of the glowworms.
The next day we took to the road again and made our way via the town of Tarana to the Evans Crown Reserve where we climbed the spectacular granite outcropping to the summit, 1104 metres above sea level. That was when our exploration intensified (after a revitalising picnic), as we roamed over the top of the area between the many granite tors, exploring little caves and climbs and finding our way to the best lookout points. There was some particularly impressive rock scrambling from Archie, Hamy and Billie, and an excellent day’s hiking for all.
About to enter the glow worm tunnel. Archie well equipped with head lamp, and all keen to go.
Society photo opportunity on the far side of the 387 metre tunnel.
Family selfie! Newnes Plateau style.
And up we go! Commencing the climb to the top of Evan’s Crown.
A brief rest on out way to the top. Stout walking sticks in evidence and and Darcy taking the opportunity to do a little dirt drawing.
Another rocky gully to scramble up. The top of Evan’s Crown was a real maze and we spent many hours exploring every possible way.
Family of Explorers! Looking east from the top of Evan’s Crown.
Obligatory father/daughter shot from the summit with Bella looking moderately unimpressed…