Capertee Valley: Walk at Blackmans Crown

Date: Sunday 15th October 2017

Leader(s): Elly Rands and Joby Mitchell                                                                Report by: Joby                                                                                                                Photos by: Hans Staub

The Clubs last visit to Blackman’s Crown was back in July 2013. So with new members and interested persons alike Joby thought we should re-visit this area.  As we all drive past this magnificent rock formation and landmark on our journey’s to and from Sydney and admire it – this walk gave members a different perspective. (Looking down onto the Castlereagh Highway).

Blackman’s Crown is a significant pagoda outcrop on the Crown Ridge in the Capertee Reserve. The elevation of the rock formation is 1010m. The Crown is named after James Blackman a colonial road surveyor.

Note: On the side of the Crown (across from Pearsons lookout), is an old historic shale mine shaft – 1896 to 1932 easier access to this from the highway, (not visited today).                                                                 So with a promise of views of the Capertee and Turon Valleys and Pantoney’s crown to tease those who have not walked the later-one & to site some lyre birds 20 bushwalkers headed off from the lower southern end under the Power Lines following a MTB/4WD track up towards the ridge to the crown; then further along to tackle some uneven area’s of track to reach the tail of the pagoda for a well earned lunch stop. The group then headed to the crown portion 9flat area) above the highway for some views of the surrounding area, There are several routes to tackle the crown and after some discussion 5 members explored an alternative route down to reach the cars. Good plan. While others admired the rock formations on the return route. Distance walked approx 3-4klm.  The weather was a mild 16 degrees with a threat of rain.                                                          Map Ref: Capertee 8831-1-S

Footnote: The reserve lies on the western edge of the geological structure of the Sydney Basin, with sub-horizontal Sydney Basin sediments occurring over the whole reserve. Triassic age Narrabeen Sandstone is the youngest layer and outcrops in the cliffs and pagodas of Capertee Reserve Plan of Management JUNE 2011 12.