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Deep Pass Canyon is a pleasant canyon in the upper reaches of Nayook Creek, near Deep Pass clearing. It is popular due to its easy access and the fact that it can be done without swimming or abseiling. It can be run in both directions.
Guiding Ratios
Guiding Ratios
Overall Numbers: Guide to Participants ratio 2:10. Max group size 12.
Spacing of groups: 30min spacing is needed between groups. This rule still applies if MAG is running two groups.
Map
Map
From the carpark the canyon can be run in either direction. The notes here are written for running the canyon from the carpark to the camp site. The alternative is to walk down the track to the campsite and reverse the canyon back to the carpark.
Approaching the Canyon:
Approaching the Canyon:
From ZigZag Railway: Follow Bells line of road for 9km (15min) to Glowworm tunnel road. Turn right onto Glowworm Tunnel Road and follow for 11km (15min) to Deep Pass trail road. Turn right and follow for 200m, taking the second right turn onto Mt Cameron Trail Road. Follow for 3km (5min). Take the slight right and follow for 2km to Deep Pass Carpark. The Carpark is located at 33°20'25.2"S 150°18'00.0"E.
TRACK CONDITIONS: After the 2019/2020 bushfires the track from the upper carpark to the canyon start is burnt out and indistinct. Follow the spur down to the canyon and keep to the track to the best of your ability for minimal impact.
Packing List
Packing List
Client Gear:
Harness - 1 per client
Helmet - 1 per client
Wetsuits in winter
Ropes and Rigging:
10m Static lower line
10m static/tape for emergency rigging
Safety:
First Aid Kit
PLB
Bothy Bag Shelter
Site Specific Briefing
Site Specific Briefing
The Guide articulates Deep Pass Canyon will take 1-3 hours to complete.
The Guide articulates the skills and actions required for Deep Pass Canyon. These include;
Bushwalking in difficult terrain
Being in a remote area and exposed to cold climates
Rock scrambling and short rock climbs
The possibility of being in cold and/or dark water
Negotiating narrow or confined spaces
For further briefing information click through the below steps.
Rigging Deep Pass Canyon
Rigging Deep Pass Canyon
Obstacle 1
Obstacle 1
Obstacle 1 is, in safety terms, a low deep water traverse. There is no capacity for spotting, only verbal coaching. Assess client ability and help as you see fit.
The biggest risk is a client falling into the water. Be prepared for cold management if needed.
Obstacle 2
Obstacle 2
Obstacle 2 is a 1.5m lower down an established hand line.
To be treated as a cliff edge. Clients must be on a safety before approach. The top belay system can be that safety.
Check all ropes and anchor points for any points of weakness. If in doubt, back it up with your own rigging.
Use a simple lower system for safety. If the client is struggling you may take up the weight to assist.
Obstacle 3
Obstacle 3
Obstacle 3 is a 4m lower down an established hand line.
To be treated as a cliff edge. Clients must be on a safety before approach. The top belay system can be that safety.
Check all ropes and anchor points for any points of weakness. If in doubt, back it up with your own rigging.
Use a simple lower system for safety. If the client is struggling you may take up the weight to assist.
General Obstacles
General Obstacles
Deep Pass has smaller obstacles and traverses beyond the 3 major ones listed above.
When using existing rope systems, check all anchors and rope conditions.
If there is a traverse rope and exposure, clients may clip in. Ensure only 1 client is weighting an anchored section of rope at a time.
Hand lines that traverse water crossings should not be clipped into
MAKE NOTE OF MOVING IN CANYON ENVIRONMENT
Emergency Exit Point
Emergency Exit Point
Deep Pass Canyon is short enough that emergency exiting is easiest to just reverse or finish the canyon. If a client has a non-emergency injury/issue it is best to head for the campground to stage any further evac.
Phone Reception
Phone Reception
There is no phone reception throughout the canyon and carpark area. Nearest phone reception is the Junction of Glow Worm Tunnel road and Waratah Ridge Road.
All groups operating in this area must carry a PLB and have a clear plan, timings and actions on with basecamp/ emergency contacts.
Additional Notes for Deep Pass area
Additional Notes for Deep Pass area
Camp Site
Camp Site
Deep Pass Campsite can and may be used for programs.
The toilet facilities are often unavailable, appropriate sanitation solutions need to be made
The area receives heavy traffic: stick to tracks and take care not to damage the area
The area holds significance for the Wiradjuri People. Do not run abseils/climbs on any rock area besides within the T-Slot.
T-Slot
T-Slot
Entry to the base of T-Slot: 33°20'23.8"S 150°18'32.3"E
A fun area to explore with clients. Possibility of a small abseil (left branch) or rock scramble (right branch) exit. Can be linked up with exploring the short cave, located after the right branch exit.
Helmets must be worn in the T-Slot.
Cave
Cave
Entry to the cave: 33°20'21.2"S 150°18'36.1"E
The cave is a short, relatively easy system to take clients through. Best practise is to have at least 1 guide who knows the cave well.
Head Torches and Helmets are required
The cave has a small colony of glow worms. The group needs to be as quiet as possible and to turn off headlights when not moving to minimise impact.
Toileting
Toileting
There are toilet facilities at the Deep Pass campsite but it is often closed and not maintained.
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