Duration: 6½ hours
Category: Medium
Height: 820 metres then 150 m descent
Length: 13 km
HOW TO GET THERE:
From Braidwood, take the Krawarree / Cooma Road. Continue on
this road for 42 km until you see the Gundillion Cemetery on
your left. The turn-off to the Deua National Park and Berlang
Camping Area, (the stepping-off point for this walk), is
immediately after the cemetery. The signpost is easily missed,
so take care.
WALK DIRECTIONS:
From the rest area, the path is clearly marked. As you have to
ford the Shoalhaven River shortly after beginning the walk, it is
wise to come prepared for wading. After leaving the river, the path
follows a gentle upward slope for 2 km to the Big Hole.
The track to the Marble Arch is a continuation of the walk to the
Big Hole. It begins below the viewing platform at the Big Hole.
After reaching the base of the hill, a clearly marked track follows
gently undulating terrain for 4 kilometres until the descent into
the Marble Arch. The last 150 metre section is very steep.
TIME ESTIMATE:
6½ hours total, which includes a 40-45 minute drive each way and 4
- 5 hour walk from the Berlang Rest Area.
DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:
Easy to medium day walk, depending on fitness. The 150 metres
descent into / ascent out of the Marble Arch is more demanding.
NOTES:
This walk is suitable for any time of year. However, with the need
to ford the Shoalhaven River (knee-deep for a person of average
height), it is best to bring a towel to dry off. Should the river
level be higher than usual, the walk may not be accessible.
Camping is available, for a small fee, at the Berlang Camping
Area, fireplaces and toilets are available. Take food and water, and
dress appropriately for the time of year. Be prepared to take your
rubbish home as no facilities are available.
It is inadvisable to enter the Marble Arch if the water level in
Reedy Creek is high or there are storms in the area.
A torch would assist your exploration of the Arch.
BROCHURES / MAPS:
Deua National Park brochure
Topographic Map KAIN 8826 - IV - S
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Spectacular views of the Shoalhaven Valley can be seen from the
sub-alpine heathlands of dwarf casuarina on top of the ridge behind
the Big Hole. Take care returning to the track, as the hole is not
obvious from this angle.
Underlying much of the north-western part of the Deua National
Park is a karst or limestone layer. The caves at Cleatmore, Wyanbene
and Bendethera are part of this, and the Marble Arch is another
example. The geological origin of this area dates back over 400
million years.
The Marble Arch is a narrow canyon some 3-4 metres wide and 25
metres deep and over 1 kilometre in length. Wide bands of marble can
be seen in the walls of the canyon and the cave roof.
The remarkable Big Hole also lies in this area. This remarkable
feature is thought to have formed when the overlying Devonian
sandstone collapsed into a cavern in the limestone layer, creating a
chasm some 96 metres deep and 50 metres wide.
Beautiful ferns cling to the lower sides of the canyon and
smaller tributaries of Reedy Creek.
While there are many caves in the area of the Marble Arch,
permission must be sought before entering. Some cave entrances
contain deep pools of water.
If you wish to explore the canyon beyond the cave, it is
advisable to take a torch as the section of creek floor which is the
exit from the cave, is in darkness.
The many species of birds seen in the area include galahs,
sulphur-crested cockatoos, white-winged choughs and wedge-tailed
eagles.
Red-necked wallabies, echidnas, wombats and tiger quolls can also
be seen in the vicinity.
WARNING:
The Shoalhaven River may become impassable after heavy rain.
Do not enter the Marble Arch if Reedy Creek has risen or there
are storms in the area.
Disclaimer:
The bushwalk detailed here is neither controlled nor managed by
Palerang Shire Council. The Council makes no representation that the
bushwalk is in a suitable condition for use at any time. Persons
wishing to use the walk should satisfy themselves as to the
condition of the walk intended to be taken by inquiry to the
National Parks and Wildlife Service's office at Narooma (Ph: 4476
2888) before setting out on the walk. The Council will accept no
responsibility for any injury however caused resulting from the use
by any person of any of the bushwalks.
