Hastings River (Lower Falls)
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-31.2445, 152.2290
-31.2537, 152.1574
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Introduction
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
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
- 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
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
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
Hastings at 13 ML, October 2023 (Facebook link)
The Inner Sanctum Canyon - Canyoning Australia