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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Dadder Cave are found in each of the tabs below
Dadder Cave
Time: 4 hrs Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
8 km SSW of Glenbrook
Length: 6 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 6 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Blue Mountains National Park
Climb: 375 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 375 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Route: Unmanaged

A great day or overnight walk along Erskine Creek to the Dadder Camping Cave. This cave has a long history of use for overnight camps. The lovely Erskine Creek provides plenty of opportunities to cool the feet down. The climb down to Erskine Creek is steep, and the walk along the banks of Erskine Creek can be very slow at times. (open in app)

This walk passes through a remote area and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.
There are Closed areas in Blue Mountains National Park
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Dadder Cave

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Dadder Cave bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Dadder Cave
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Pisgah Rock track head
Pisgah Rock Intersection
Pisgah Rock
Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks
Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks
Lower Lincoln Campsite
Starting point for this hiking track: Pisgah Rock track head

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Penrith 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-90303N 
 Penrith 1:100 000 Map Series 9030 

Photo Gallery

 
Pisgah Rock car park
 
Pisgah Rock car park +
 
Pisgah Rock car park
 
Pisgah Rock car park +
 
mm-20090706_027
 
mm-20090706_027 +

 
Pisgah Rock track
 
Pisgah Rock track +
 
Pisgah Rock track
 
Pisgah Rock track +
 
Tree on Pisgah Rock track
 
Tree on Pisgah Rock track +

 
Pisgah Rock Track
 
Pisgah Rock Track +
 
Looking towards Pisgah rock from the end of the old management trial
 
Looking towards Pisgah rock from the end of the old management trial +
 
Walking along the top of Pisgah Roch
 
Walking along the top of Pisgah Roch +

 
View up Erskine Creek from Pisgah Rock
 
View up Erskine Creek from Pisgah Rock +
 
View from Pisgah Rock
 
View from Pisgah Rock +
 
Looking down the climb from Pisgah Rock
 
Looking down the climb from Pisgah Rock +

 
View from small Cave
 
View from small Cave +
 
Near the top of Pisgah Rock
 
Near the top of Pisgah Rock +
 
View up Erskine Creek from just below Pisgah Rock
 
View up Erskine Creek from just below Pisgah Rock +

 
Track on ledge between Pisgah Rock and Erskine Creek
 
Track on ledge between Pisgah Rock and Erskine Creek +
 
Small cave between Pisgah Rock and Erskine Creek
 
Small cave between Pisgah Rock and Erskine Creek +
 
Track near Erskine Creek
 
Track near Erskine Creek +

 
Track near Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks
 
Track near Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks +
 
Lincoln Creek
 
Lincoln Creek +
 
Junction of Lincoln and Erskine Creeks
 
Junction of Lincoln and Erskine Creeks +

 
Small water hole on Lincoln Creek
 
Small water hole on Lincoln Creek +
 
Looking down Erskine Creek
 
Looking down Erskine Creek +
 
Small cascade on Lincoln Creek
 
Small cascade on Lincoln Creek +

 
Junction of Lincoln and Erskine Creeks
 
Junction of Lincoln and Erskine Creeks +
 
Track to campsite from Creek Junctions
 
Track to campsite from Creek Junctions +
 
Near Campsite
 
Near Campsite +

 
Lower Lincoln Campsite
 
Lower Lincoln Campsite +
 
Walking along flood bank
 
Walking along flood bank +
 
Glimpse down to Erskine Creek
 
Glimpse down to Erskine Creek +

 
Erskine Creek North of Lincoln Creek
 
Erskine Creek North of Lincoln Creek +
 
Small beach on Erskine Creek south of Dadder Cave
 
Small beach on Erskine Creek south of Dadder Cave +
 
Nice swimming hole
 
Nice swimming hole +

 
One of many smaller caves south of Dadder Cave
 
One of many smaller caves south of Dadder Cave +
 
Erskine Creek
 
Erskine Creek +
 
Rock shelf on eastern bank of Erskine Creek
 
Rock shelf on eastern bank of Erskine Creek +

 
Small cliff on side up from Erskine Creek
 
Small cliff on side up from Erskine Creek +
 
Large Boulder just South of Dadder Cave
 
Large Boulder just South of Dadder Cave +
 
Top end of Dadder cave
 
Top end of Dadder cave +

 
Stash of gear in Dadder cave
 
Stash of gear in Dadder cave +
 
Dadder Cave log Book
 
Dadder Cave log Book +
 
Interesting reading
 
Interesting reading +

 
Erskine Creek just below Dadder Cave
 
Erskine Creek just below Dadder Cave +
 
Dadder Cave
 
Dadder Cave +
 
Dadder Cave from the North
 
Dadder Cave from the North +

 
Some comfy seats in Dadder Cave
 
Some comfy seats in Dadder Cave +
 
Fire place in Dadder Cave
 
Fire place in Dadder Cave +
 
Dadder Cave
 
Dadder Cave +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Dadder Cave bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Dadder Cave bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Dadder Cave bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Dadder Cave bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 6km
Time 4 hrs
.


Grade 6/6

Route: Unmanaged
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep and difficult scrambles (5/6)
Quality of track Off track (no visible track at times) (6/6)
Signs No directional signs (5/6)
Experience Required Very high level of bushwalking experience recommended (6/6)
Weather Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Infrastructure No facilities provided (5/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
Around 2.1km of this walk is very steep with difficult rock scrambles, whilst the remaining 850m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track
1.5km of this walk follows a known route where there is no visible track and another 760m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. Whilst another 610m follows a smooth and hardened path and a 75m section follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining 20m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs
Around 2.2km of this walk Has no directional signs, whilst the remaining 780m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
1.5km of this walk requires a leader with a high level of bushwalking experience and another 760m requires no previous bushwalking experience. Whilst another 610m requires at least one leader with a very high level of bushwalking experience and a 75m section requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining 20m requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
1.6km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety and another 780m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation). The remaining (610m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
Around 2.2km of this walk has no facilities provided, whilst the remaining 780m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Drive to Pisgah Rock track head
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Sorry there are no driving directions, but you can see the start of this walk on this map

(0 km) Pisgah Rock track head to Pisgah Rock
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 777 m Time = 15 mins
Climb = 21 m Descent = -22 m
From the Pisgah Rock car park (2.2km further along Nepean Lookout Fire Trail from the Oaks Picnic Area), this walk follows the 'Pisgah Rock 700mt' sign along the old management trail. The track meanders through the Eucalypt and Casuarina forest as it climbs a gentle hill and then heads down the other side. The track soon comes to an intersection with a small bush track off to the left, from the intersection there are glimpses of the valley views.
Veer left: From the intersection this walk takes the short bush track toward the view of the valley. The track comes to the unfenced cliff and great view from the top of Pisgah Rock and a sign posted 'take care when walking near cliffs'.

Pisgah Rock Alt = 253 m
Pisgah Rock, is a short walk from Nepean Lookout Fire Trail in the lower Blue Mountains, and provides excellent views up Erskine Creek Gorge. The informal lookout is not fenced, and the surface is uneven with large crevasse like cracks. The view is simply amazing, with great views right up the middle of Erskine Creek Gorge. There are also great views to the left, down Erskine Creek Gorge and across the flats of the southern parts for greater Sydney. The rock presumably derives its name from the height point on Mount Nebo, where the Bible reports Moses seeing the promised land for the first time. In Hebrew pisgah refers to a high place. This Pisgah Rock is very much a high place, with great views.

(0.78 km) Pisgah Rock to Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Crks
Route: Unmanaged - bushtrack
Length = 605 m Time = 21 mins
Climb = 18 m Descent = -200 m
Turn right: From the 'take care when walking near cliffs' signpost on Pisgah Rock this walk now follows the rock at the top of the cliff keeping the valley below to the left. After passing a couple of very steep looking cracks in the rock, the faint track comes to a much more gentle looking pass with a large Banksia growing out of it. The walk heads down through this pass. The track turns right and heads down a much steeper climb through the V in the rock. At the bottom of this climb the bush track leads to a small unfenced rock platform. The walk then turns right heading down the couple more climbs then turns left back under the rock platform. The track continues to wind down several more steep rocky climbs following a faint track and cairns. after most climbs the track generally tends left and down hill. After the last climb, the track heads away from the cliff making, tending left heading fairly steeply to an intersection near the junction of Erskine Creek and Lincoln Creek.

Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks Alt = 71 m
The junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks, in the Blue Mountains National park, occurs at a large rock platform. The rock platform contains many water holes, a few large square boulders and a few short cascades. There are breath taking views up looking Erskine Creek Gorge. Looking up to the escarpment, to the north east, there is a view of Pisgah Rock. This area floods after rain, but when water levels are normal, this can be a lovely place to rest and enjoy the creeks and gorge.

(1.38 km) Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks to Rock platform
Optional sidetrip: Route: Hard - undefined
Length = 261 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 22 m Descent = -13 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk head downstream along Erskine Creek, keeping the creek to the right. After following the indistinct bush track for a short while it leads to an large open rock platform. The walk continues along the rock until coming to the edge of a large pool at the bottom of the cascades.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)

Rock Platform Alt = 82 m
This is a rock platform on Erskine creek about 200m downstream from the junction with Lincoln Creek. The area does flood so depending on water levels this is usually a large rock platform with some interesting water holes, and a lovely cascade flowing into a shallow pool. Although this lacks the majestic view up Erskine Creek (found a short distance upstream), this spot does provide an open spot, great for a snack, lunch and to rest.

(1.38 km) Junction of Erskine and Lincoln Creeks to Lower Lincoln Campsite
Route: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 74 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -4 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk cross Lincoln Creek at the rock pools staying upstream of the small cascade (this may be impassable after rain). On the other side of the creek the walk picks up a faint track heading gently up the ridge. Soon the track opens up into a large campsite with some wonderful grass trees.

Lower Lincoln Campsite Alt = 71 m
This well established campsite is found about 60m up the spur, south west of the junction of Lincoln and Erskine Creek. The large campsite has enough room for 6-10 tents and has an established campfire with log seats. The campsite is set among some lovely eucalypt and grass trees. Water from both creeks should be treated before drinking. If this campsite is full, there are a few alternative smaller sites in the area, one further up the hill, and another down by Erskine Creek.

(1.46 km) Lower Lincoln Campsite to Dadder Cave
Route: Unmanaged - undefined
Length = 1.54 km Time = 32 mins
Climb = 67 m Descent = -40 m
Turn left: From the eastern side of the campsite this walk follows the narrow track towards Erskine Creek. Just before the creek the track turns right and heads up stream. The track soon fades and becomes undefined, this walk continues along the flood bank to find a good spot to cross to the other side of Erskine Creek. There are a few cossing options before coming to the land slide, feet will most likely get wet (the creek may be impassable after rain). When crossing notice the rounded hill upstream, Dadder cave is about 1km before it. One on the eastern bank the walk continues upstream heading towards the rounded hill with Erskine creek now to the right. The walk passes several smaller caves and as the walk gets closer to Dadder Cave a fairly well defined track forms leading up behind a large boulder and into the cave. The cave is just upstream from, and on the opposite side of the gorge, from a gully entering Erskine Creek from the west. The cave has clearly been used for camping for some time, with a campfire, and left over camping material.

Dadder Cave Alt = 99 m
Dadder cave, is a large sandstone cave, that has been used as a camping cave by bushwalkers for several decades. The cave is on the easter side of Erskine Creek, about 1.5km upstream from the junction with Lincoln Creek. The large cave is about 30m up the bank and fairly well protected from the weather. There is enough room to sleep about 6 people, more if people are comfortable with each other, and happy to spread along the full length of the cave. A large stone fire place, a bench seat, and a few other items have been left by previous walkers. A log book that makes interesting reading is found under a tarp at the high end of the cave. The cave make a great base camp, for walkers planning to spend some time enjoying Erskine Creek. The name 'Dadder' is believed to come from Death Adder, abbreviated to D'adder, and then finally to Dadder. Erskine Creek provides plenty of water, treat the water before drinking.

Drive from Pisgah Rock track head
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Sorry there are no driving directions, but you can see the end of this walk on this map

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk
Since this walk starts on a low grade road
Google can't give you a route plan to the start.
View the location on a road map here --> See the start of the walk on a map
From the end of the walk
Since this walk ends on a low grade road
Google can't give you a route plan from the end.
View the location on a road map here --> See the end of the walk on a map


Near by


Campsites in the park
Acacia Flat
Burralow Creek camping ground
Coxs River Camping Area
Euroka campground - Appletree Flat campervan and camper trailer area
Euroka campground
Ingar campground
Mount Werong campground
Murphys Glen campground
Perrys Lookdown campground
Euroka Campground - Darug
Euroka Campground - Red Gum
Euroka Campground - Nioka
Euroka Campground - Bennetts Ridge


Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Summit Gear 11 Ross St , Glenbrook (02) 4739 4373 8.2 km
Boots Great Outdoors Shop 25 Home Centre Wolseley St , Penrith (02) 4733 5744 11.2 km
Kangaroo Tent City Cnr Mulgoa & Blaikie Rds, Penrith (02) 4733 4111 11.7 km
Getaway Disposals 549 High St , Penrith (02) 4732 2285 14.1 km
Mitchell Adventure 24 Henry St , Penrith (02) 4731 8482 14.9 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Dadder Cave.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Dadder Cave
Click to re-center search
4 RIV04 Fire Service Rusden Road MT RIVERVIEW 12 km (to the NNE)
2 KUR02 Miles Comms Site 1 1 246 Burralow Road KURRAJONG HEIGHTS 32 km (to the N)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 32 km (to the E)
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
50 km (to the ENE)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 51 km (to the ESE)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      31°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu18°|28°Possible shower.
Fri18°|32°Mostly sunny.
Sat15°|26°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Blue Mountains National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, Blue Mountains National Park holds some of Australia's most spectacular and diverse wilderness areas. Explore the Grose Valley, with its sheer sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and scenic walking, or enjoy the famous views of the Three Sisters. Easy access makes a day trips very worthwhile, but with such diversity it would be great to stay in one of the many B&B's and spend a few days soaking up the region.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping Facilities
Current Park Closure information for Blue Mountains National Park
Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM
Closed areas: Grand Canyon walking track
The Grand Canyon walking track will be closed from Wednesday 14 October 2015 to mid-June 2016. The closure is necessary to allow work to continue on improving the walking track. Access for canyoners will be on weekends only. Access from Evans Lookout via Beauchamp Falls to the Grose Valley will remain open. Evans Lookout carpark, Loop carpark, and Neates Glen carpark will remain open. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 47878877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens
Waratah Native Gardens picnic area is closed for maintenance. This includes the Gorge Walking track. No access to the area is permitted.Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Hawkesbury area office on (02) 4588 2400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Prince Henry cliff walk, Leura
Blue Mountains City Council wishes to advise that Prince Henry cliff walk between Majestic lookout and the junction with the Leura Cascades walk is currently closed due to a landslip. Detours will be in place and clearly signposted around the affected area. Access from the Leura picnic area to the cascades is unaffected. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Tourism on 1300 653 408 or Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Butterbox Swamp track
The traditional access to Butterbox Canyon via the endangered swamp is now closed and rehabilitated. No access permitted. Canyoners should use the new track provided. Temporary signage is in place.
Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Claustral canyon access change
Access to Claustral canyon via the previous route across private land at Mount Tomah is no longer possible due to landholders denying access. Canyoners should respect the rights of Mount Tomah residents and avoid using private land. Alternative access from the west side of Mount Bell has been identified. For more information, please contact the Blue Moauntains Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Closed areas: Cahills lookout - Katoomba
As a result of a recent bushfire, Cahills lookout remains closed until further notice. For more information, please contact Blue Mountains City Council on (02) 4780 5000.

Closed areas: Waratah Native Gardens
Waratah Native Gardens Some areas of this park are closed due to a major landslip event occurring across The Gorge Walking Track. Closed areas include The Gorge Walking Track in the Blue Mountains National Park. A full assessment is underway to determine the extent of damage and to ensure the area is made safe. The Gorge Walking Track is closed at the entry trackhead however the Waratah Native Gardens Day Use and Picnic Area located off Valley Ridges Road Berambing (west of Bilpin) has now been reopened. This closure may be extended and any extension will be posted as soon as possible. For more information, please contact NPWS Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877, open seven days 9am to 4.30pm, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines


Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Mark Ayto - Any latest info on Dadder Cave IP:27.32.127.xxx | 2015-03-03 08:17:35
Hi all

I'm hoping to do the Dadder Cave walk this weekend and was also hoping for any latest intelligence and information on how overgrown the paths are and how difficult it might be to find the tracks. Hoping someone has done the walk recently?

Thanks

Mark
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