Main Gully
| Rating: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | Difficulty:3A (v3a1 III) Raps:9-12, max ↨115ft
Red Tape:Access is Restricted Shuttle: Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Limestone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Start: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parking: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Condition Reports: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best season: | Jan-Dec
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Regions: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-34.7938, 150.0194
-34.8016, 150.0178
Search nearby locations
Weather forecast
Waterflow
Introduction
Main Gully v3a1III*, also known as Cement Canyon, is a rare Australian canyon that is substantially formed in limestone. Access is limited due to the existence of the Boral limestone quarry in the headwaters of Main Gully.
This is a very low flow canyon. A small stream of water is present in typical conditions however a wetsuit is not required. Pools are between ankle and knee deep.
Approach
Approach from the southern side of the Bungonia gorge to avoid access issues crossing the Boral quarry.
Access is difficult due to the fact that the first abseil within this canyon lies on the border of Boral quarry land and National Parks. Descent of this canyon is not currently recommended as the access, depending on the chosen route, may overlap with Boral quarry land. The remainder of the canyon lies within national park.
With careful route selection and perseverance, it may be possible to access the canyon by ascending the gully on the western side of Frome Hill, skirting the border of the National Park, and then descending into the canyon. Abseiling off trees may be required due to the steepness of the terrain.
Descent
| Problem number | Type | Metres | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abseil | 14m | RR | Sling on tree |
| 2 | Abseil | 10m | RC | Sling on tree |
| 3 | Abseil | 20m | RR | XX |
| 4 | Abseil | 10m | RR | XX |
| 5 | Abseil | 20m | RL | XX. Use sling on tree as access to bolts on edge. |
| 6 | Abseil | 20m | RR | XX |
| 7 | Down climb | 10m | RR | Bolder scramble |
| 8 | Abseil | 20m | RC | XX. |
| 9 | Abseil | 35m | RR | XX. Optional. Can be bypassed on river right scrambling down near cliff wall. |
| 10 | Abseil | 15m | RR | Sling on tree. Optional. |
| 11 | Abseil | 7m | RR | Sling on tree. Optional. |
| 12 | Abseil | 10m | RR | Sling on tree |
Exit
Return via the Red Track - the downstream leg is more accessible.
Red tape
Access may, depending on chosen route, cross land owned by the Boral quarry, and thus legally questionable. Descent of this canyon is not currently recommended.