TAHMOOR GORGE and BEYOND

Reflections from Rachael, Margo and Emily

Sunday 6 April 2025

The weather was perfect. Sunny, but not too hot. It was commented on, a bit nervously, a bit too brightly, as we gathered in the car park. Everyone was excited until Michele and Kalina talked about helicopters and emergency beacons. Just in case they said…always, just in case!!

After Kalina led an Acknowledgment of Country and shared some interesting information about this land in Wollondilly, the traditional custodians being the Dharawal and Gundungurra peoples.

We set off on a straight forward path through the bush, but we all knew that would change.

Michele motioned us to stop. A waterfall! What a view. The water stretched behind the fall, and below, a big calm pool.

Mermaid pool

Past this first big waterhole, popular with young lovers and beer swilling hoons, is a path where few go. Michele’s brother, whose house is on the other side of the Gorge, had marked out the track with blue and white ties in the bush, the white ones being bits of old bedsheet. It supports the work of a famed old local, Rob Sloss, who painted yellow markers and set up a book for bushwalkers to sign at a fork in the natural track.

Caution…Slippery when Wet

Our diamond leaders guided us through technical, challenging, but doable trails. We walked along narrow tracks, climbed over rocks and boulders, and went through some water, too. It was heads down and constant concentration. On the rare occasions we looked up, we saw blue skies, the depth of the Gorge, and the water that ran, fell, and pooled its entire length. Most of the time, we just felt the gentle warmth of the day as we focused forward.

A leap of faith

The constant decisions of where to step next didn’t stop us chatting.  Conversations about Life, the Universe and Everything only halted when Michele warned about a particularly steep descent ahead. “Go down on your bum,” she advised, going first to discover what would work. Down we slid. When it was too steep for that, we turned over and climbed down like a ladder. Sometimes to a lower rock ledge, sometimes to a higher one before going down again. We now had to use/remember all of the hiking skills that we are regularly taught in training. We used these skills to help us slide down steep dirt tracks whilst holding onto ropes. It was a bit scary and hairy at times. The most used body part was our ‘bottoms’ and the most used skill was teamwork.

Sometimes backwards is better

All the way to the water at the bottom, where we balanced on boulders and walked through the shallows, continuing along the Gorge, climbing back up onto narrow paths on the rock ledges when needed. At the back was Kalina, giving help and encouragement. In between were those training for big upcoming trips, regular thrill seekers and those new to Diamonds, possibly wondering why the company of these cheerful maniacs was so compelling.

 After a few hours, Michele announced it was the end of the Gorge.

“Now we are in The Beyond!”

Rob’s markers in the bush near rock shelves above us were getting harder to find. Another hour or so and we came to our lunch spot at the very end of The Beyond i.e the junction of the Bargo and Nepean Rivers. At first feeling hot from exertion, the day was so mild that only a few ended up swimming in the last, and by far, biggest pool. After that energetic section of the track, we definitely had an appetite for Michele's well-prepared lunch- vegetable layer bake, waldorf salad and chocolate (of course).

The junction pool

We couldn’t stay comfortable for too long. It was time to make our way back.

“In some ways it’s easier going up,” promised Michele.

Really…easier going up???

After walking along and through shallow steams, we began our climb to the top. Some rocks and boulders were loose and had to be rolled out of the way. Poles thrown forward, back packs thrown backwards, all hands on deck to help each other up.

All the way up, right to where roads, paddocks, nearby towns and industries can be seen from the bush track, oblivious to the wonders below.

We were making good time. Other small details were noticed. Someone had marked out a section of track by gathering and folding dry strands of bush into big, neat knots.

There was one more, relatively gentle, descent that took us back to the bottom of the Gorge. Michele pointed back to a rock ledge she had climbed across once, and only once.

“I saw my life flash before my eyes doing that,” she explained. No one argued.

The sight of the first waterfall and waterhole welcomed us, and the rest of the bush track to the carpark was easy.

Homeward bound

Reflecting I was glad Michele and Kalina pre warned us about this challenging technical track and how potentially dangerous and difficult it was. I really think this information helped to keep us all safe, and ensured we all returned with no injuries. Instead, we returned with great memories, confidence and eager to enrol in the next Diamonds Day hike. The chippies, apple cider and ginger beer that Michele and Kalina set up on a trestle table in the carpark could not have tasted better before we piled into our cars and drove home.

A further reflection from Emily…..

It was an awesome and challenging day for me. Before setting out, I felt nervous—unsure if I could manage a 10+ km mountain hike, a river crossing, plus a 1.5-hour drive each way in one day.

The first real challenge came as we ventured beyond the Tahmoor Gorge: a steep downhill section. I took Michele’s advice—packed my poles, lowered my body, and slid down the toughest parts. It made me feel much safer and helped me move faster.

After lunch, we faced a steep uphill climb. It truly pushed my limits, testing both my strength and climbing technique on narrow trails and rocky terrain.

There’s no need to say too much about the Mermaid Pool—it was absolutely stunning. Additionally, the peaceful atmosphere of the pool at the end of our ‘beyond’ section made it the perfect spot for a break and a quiet lunch.

I was genuinely impressed by the experienced members of the group. They have such a strong spirit of adventure, a deep love for nature, and they’re always looking out for everyone else. By the end of the day, I was completely worn out—but also incredibly proud. I felt stronger than I expected, and more connected to nature and the people I shared the trail with.

Thanks so much, Diamond! I really enjoyed both the training sessions and the trip—it was such a great experience.