tags: #publish links: [[Places]] created: 2022-01-02 Sun --- # Warrumbungles camping 2021-12 Stayed at Camp Blackman 3 for 5 nights. Site 107 - not enough shade Hot showers A very interesting area geologically - the eroded remains of a 13-15-million-year-old volcanic complex. It has multiple lava vents. The volcano ended as a huge runny basalty shield volcano covering a 50km radius. Much of that is gone now, leaving sandstone underneath and the hardest lava parts standing as exposed, mountainous formations. Area is on the boundary of "coastal" and "inland" environments. Very visible in views from summits - different landscapes in different directions. There's little unique-ecosystem pockets of remnant rainforest from when the climate was different and rainforest extended here all the way from the coast. Very severe bushfires in 2013 - park is partially recovered but evidence is still quite visible in places. There's an ANU-operated astronomical observatory at Siding Springs, with around 18 telescopes and a ~5-metre diameter one you can visit - we did. Hikes we did: ## Valley loop walk from the campsite ~6km, not super interesting but nice wildflowers and valley views. ## Grand High Tops, then Bluff Mountain. ~14km Up East Spirey Creek which surprisingly is basically a brick-paved boardwalk and staircases. Visited Balor Hut, then across the tops via the Breadknife which is an amazing 4m-wide lava dyke cliff/knifeedge, standing on its own above a valley. Then to **Bluff Mountain** which is a huge lava dome with spectacular views. I slipped on walk down and sliced open my hand :D On the walk back to eventually join the West Spirey Creek route, we watched climbers laboriously ascending the huge cliff on Bluff Mountain and wondered how they managed the logistics of it and walking back out. ## Belougery Split Rock ~7km A hot, steep hike with an interesting rock scramble near the top. You don't really get to see the "split" part from the loop walk! You do get to see lots of lava geology and interesting erosion cliffs with semi-caves. ## Mt Exmouth ~17km A long hike, took the out-and-back route via West Spirey Creek (again). Top was rocky, amazing views, but sadly riddled with large horseflies. Walk up through wildflower meadows 2/3 of the way up. Again numerous scree slopes.