Deep Pass // Newnes (NSW)

If you’re looking to spend a weekend under the stars with hikes and pristine waterfalls right at your feet, a trip to Deep Pass might be just what you need. Located near Lithgow, about 3 hours from Sydney, it makes for the perfect weekend getaway (and technology detox), and with no phone reception, that steady influx of work emails will just have to stop!

Highlights

- Waterfalls (that you can swim under!)
- Canyoning
- Free camping
- Secluded location

The Lowdown

Our Friday afternoon drive to Newnes was quite uneventful… until nightfall, where we ended up in the state forest without phone reception or our three other friends and their car. Our weekend getaway quickly turned into a living nightmare but long story short, we found everyone alive and well on Saturday morning.

**Pro tip: if you’re travelling in a group of 2 more cars, bring radios and drive in a car convoy (seriously, learn from our mistakes).

So the adventure continues.

Saturday afternoon was an absolute blast – a few of us decided to explore the nearby trail and pick out a nice astrophotography spot for that night. Despite the ominous warnings from other fellow campers, we headed over to the waterfalls just as it was getting dark. Yes, it was quite slippery but still definitely worth it. The falls were absolutely stunning and we stocked up on water and headed back to camp shortly after nightfall.

For Sydneysiders, it’s rare to see more than a few stars in the sky at a time (such is CBD light pollution). If you ever have the chance, I’d urge you all to drive a few hours away from any major city and stargaze. The difference in what you see is absolutely phenomenal.

We packed up all our gear and headed home on Sunday afternoon. It was definitely a memorable weekend and we now know the area so well it’d be silly not to go back!

Essential Gear

4WD or AWD vehicle (our AWD sedan had some trouble, something with better ground clearance would be a better bet)
Sturdy footwear
Torch/headlamp
Tent
Cooking gear (incl. pots to boil water for drinking)
Warm clothing
Enough food to last the duration of your trip (civilization is about 1hr drive away)
Camera/tripod (good astrophotography opportunities)

How To Get There

The only viable way to get there is by driving: GPS coordinates for the carpark are -33.3402, 150.3001. The trail down to the campsite is obvious and easy to see.

Activities

Photography
Hiking
Canyoning

Skill Level

The walk down to the campsite from the carpark is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness, however those with breathing difficulties may find it hard, especially on the uphill walk back to the car. The walk to the first waterfall is quite easy, however access to the second waterfall requires climbing using existing ropes.