Hastings River (Lower Falls)
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| Best season: | Oct-Apr (avg for this region)
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-31.2445, 152.2290
-31.2537, 152.1574
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Introduction[edit]
Hastings has a spectacular slot known as "The Inner Sanctum". However, it is a long day and as at October 2023 the exit is extremely bushy. "The only way I will ever return is if the entire thing goes up in flames."
Water gauge: Hastings River at Mt Seaview 207015
5 ML/d = low
35 ML/d = moderate to high
Approach[edit]
Very long day - we broke it up by hiking in night before and camping at end of Mesa Trail
Walk-in - along bushy plateau at the top and then along ridge down to river. Want to drop in between the ‘HASTINGS’ and ‘RIVER’ labelled on the topo
Descent[edit]
- 30 mins of creek walking until first drop which includes numerous swims through big pools
- R1 - 15m - RR - into big pool (potentially a jump?)
- R2 - 12m - RR - a few random bolts at top
- R3 - 15m – RR
- R4 - 8m - bolts on boulder in river centre. Entry into slot
- Jump - 3m
- Slot section - take your time and admire!
- Jump - 2m
- 5m traverse line RL to R5 (traverse bolt is a bit dodgy - could be replaced). R5 - 30m - RL - down waterfall
- End of slot, top of big falls. Two possible ways down the final falls:
- First option:
- R6a – 5-10m – RL – to hanging rebelay which makes for easier pulldown
- R7a - 35-40m - RL - anchors in bush somewhere? Land on ledge, bush bash across to rocky nose sticking out which has bolts on
- R8a – 30m – RL into big pool at bottom
- Second option:
- R6b – 70-80m? – RR on wall – full flow abseil, go all the way down
- Creek walking for about 30 minutes until exit ridge on RR
Exit[edit]
Walk-out - extremely difficult and long. As art October 2023 the entire ridge and plateau are covered in thick thick scrub. Took us 9 hours to get back to Mesa Trail (although we made slow progress in the dark).
Red tape[edit]
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Hastings at 13 ML, October 2023 (Facebook link)
The Inner Sanctum Canyon - Canyoning Australia