Lady Northcote
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| | Difficulty:4B (v4a2 II) Raps:0-3, max ↨197ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Best season: | Dec-Feb
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-36.3936, 148.2732
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Introduction[edit]
While a little contrived, this canyon earns its stripes from the "whole experience". It's situated in a unique and interesting part of Kosciuszko National Park that has no easy access adding to the "whole of trip" experience. There is a ~60m drop at the end. You can walk around every abseil but... then you're not canyoning.
If you choose to approach via one of the creek lines be warned none of them are easy or quick with a LOT of boulder scrambling. Some people access the area via Lady Northcote Aqueduct (a.k.a. Siren Song Tunnel) but this is Snowy Hydro infrastructure and not permitted.
It is recommended to do this as a two day trip and camp at Opera House Hut.
Approach[edit]
There are a lot of ways to access Lady Northcote. Finding a route in/out for this canyon is part of the challenge/experience! Be prepared for a long slog in and out, regardless of the route you choose. The Opera House Hut log book is full of reports about how difficult (lots of boulder scrambling) and slow going all of them are.
Some options include:
- Lady Northcote Creek from the top. Dropping in anywhere from the main range track. The creek/gully just south of Little Austria is an option.
- The Sentinel - an epic but very steep and slow bush bash from the summit straight down to Opera House Hut
- Strezelecki Creek - it's possible to rappel some falls here.
- Crags creek
- From Geehi via the 2.25km long Lady Northcote Aqueduct (a.k.a. Siren Song Tunnel). However, this is Snowy Hydro infrastructure and not permitted or without risk. It's an aqueduct with actual water running through it!
There is a small flat section of grass behind Opera House Hut with enough room for a few tents. The hut itself is small, with 1 bunk, a fireplace and a table. There is a small access trail to the north that leads straight down to Lady Northcote Creek and P3.
Descent[edit]
Proceed down canyon referring to the Lady Northcote Canyon v4a2II* canyon topo for details on problems you will encounter along the canyon.
Canyon topo[edit]
If you notice any inaccuracies with the canyon topo please contact the author.
Tips[edit]
- Do not enter the snowy hydro catchment at P2. This is drained by a large man-made siphon. This can be remotely activated by Snowy Hydro without warning. There are bush-bash and scramble options around each side.
- There is a bail-out option on the main falls. You can abseil on the RR to rock ledges that can be scrambled down to the end of the large pool.
- As the canyon is not frequently visited, take a small shifter in case bolts need tightening.
Photos[edit]
Problem 2 is a small waterfall drop into a Snowy Hydro intake. Avoid entering and instead climb around.
Exit[edit]
- After the last problem (~60m waterfall) walk downstream to the junction of Lady Northcote Creek and Strzelecki Creek
- Walk up Strzelecki Creek for about 400m until you reach the Opera House Hut access road
Red tape[edit]
- Lady Nortcote Aqueduct is Snowy Hydro infrastructure and access by unauthorised persons in not permitted.
- Do not enter the snowy hydro catchment at P2. This is drained by a siphon. Bush-bash and scramble options exist either side of the catchment.
- Completing a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service trip intention form is highly recommended
Beta sites[edit]
- https://www.khuts.org/index.php/huts/kosciuszko-national-park/opera-house
- https://www.adventureswithm.com/2001/04/16/lady-northcotes-sirens-song-they-sounded-so-benign/
- https://www.ski.com.au/xf/threads/lady-northcote-canyon-falls.25923/
- https://www.mickeymichelle.com/blog/opera-house-mt-kosciuszko-by-mickey
- https://www.subw.org.au/2008/01/05/lady-northcotes-canyon/