Goochs Crater and Billabong Canyon

Goochs Crater and Billabong Canyon

Looking for something a little different from your usual hike? Goochs Crater and Billabong Canyon offer up a unique mix of landscapes — from towering pagoda formations to a hidden crater and a stunning canyon that feels like a secret oasis. These lesser-known gems are perfect if you're after a day out that’s off the beaten path but still totally doable. Jess and Logan explored this area on a cool, sunny day and were blown away by how varied and beautiful the terrain was. If you’re after a hike with a bit of everything — this one’s for you.

Quick Details

Length: 5km to 12km depending on where you park

Elevation: around 100m

Grade: Moderate

Best season: Year Round

Suitable for kids: Yes

Starting the Trail

The main fire trail that takes you to the trailhead is in pretty rough condition at the time of writing. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to drive the 3.5km to the turnoff — but if you have to walk it, don’t stress. It’s a fairly easy stroll. From Old Bells Line of Road, turn onto Wollangambe Trail and park in the clearing just after the turn if your vehicle has low clearance.

There are four tracks that start from this clearing. Standing with your back to Old Bells Line of Road and counting the tracks from left to right, take the third track (it’s pretty much straight ahead as you turn into the clearing). This is the Wollangambe Fire Trail — although on some maps, it’s labelled Dumbano Fire Trail. There are a few big puddles and rocky sections along the way, which is why it's better suited to high-clearance vehicles.

There are quite a few smaller tracks that turn off from the main fire trail — ignore them. About 1.9km from the clearing, the fire trail forks — take the right fork (towards the power poles). At around 3.5km, there’s a sharp turn to the right and a small incline — that’s your turnoff. From here, the track narrows. While there’s room for a couple of cars down there, it’s easier just to park at this point.

From the Trail Head

About 600m down the hill from the turnoff is where the real track begins. There are no signs, but you’ll spot a single-file foot track heading into the bush. Before long, you’ll reach a pile of rocks that look like mini pagodas. Keep walking out over the rocks — the track continues down the left-hand side. In spring and summer, you’ll likely spot a few different banksias in bloom along the way.

After a short time you’ll reach the edge of the forest and step out to a wide area with views out towards some pagodas - as well as the Clarence Colliery, but you can easily ignore that for the fantastic views in front of you! The ground starts to get a bit rocky, but the track is still quite obvious where to go. 

As you reach the pagodas the track splinters into three directions. The centre and right-side tracks will lead you to the pagodas (we’ll head down the left track shortly). Climbing the pagoda right in front of you will give you a fantastic view of Goochs Crater. It’s worth noting that these pagodas have quite a few broken pieces on them, so please take care if you decide to climb one for the view. 

Goochs Crater

Is this really an ancient volcano fallen to ruins after lying dormant for millenia? No - It just happens to look vaguely like a crater. A bushwalker with the last name Gooch marked the crater on a map in the 1970s and that’s how it got the name. The sides are sandstone pagoda formations, and the centre is sunken in. From above, it’s easy to see what makes this place so special.

You’ll notice a foot track leading around the base of the walls inside the crater, if you decide to head down there it’s important to stick to the track. The grassy field in the centre may look like the ideal place to run through, but it’s actually a swampy-area and as such is quite delicate (also you’re likely to sink up to your knees or higher in mud if you try to run through there). There’s a large overhang area in the crater, affectionately known as the “Camping Cave” that makes a great camping spot, so long as there’s not a lot of rain…

Goochs Lake?

It’s a rare phenomena, but when this area gets significant rain, and the crater fills with water faster than it can drain, it actually turns into a temporary lake. If you time your visit within a few hours after rainfall, you might catch it. Some people have even gone for a swim, just to say they have.

Back to the Trail

Now, remember a moment ago when the track split into three? Well now you’re going to take the track to the left. Keep your eye out, after a few metres you’ll see a narrow foot track to the right leading down past the pagodas. This is the track to get down into Goochs Crater. On this trip Jess and Logan decided to skip heading down there, but from previous visits we can tell you it’s a beautiful area to explore. 

Continuing on the foot track, it gently curves down the hill. It’s narrow, but not too steep and is manageable. You’ll soon find yourself walking amongst trees again, and now ferns too, as you reach a stone wall on your right. From here, the track will follow the wall. You’ll likely also start to hear the sound of running water, as beneath all those ferns and scrub on your left is a creek that leads to the Wollangambe River.

Billabong Canyon

You’ll soon reach a large overhang on the rock wall to your right, with a few large ferns scattered about. There’s something about the way the light filters down here that makes everything seem to glow. This is the entrance to Billabong Canyon, but could easily be a destination in its own right for how pretty it is. 

After making your way past the clearing, you come to a pool of water that’s shrouded by the stone walls around it. The water cascades in over some rocks at the other end. While it’s pretty on its own, the real gem is hidden beyond the cascade. It will require getting wet feet though… and legs… and torso… the water is usually about chest deep on us. If you have small children with you, you might want to choose to go no further than this. 

After wading through the water, which we can pretty much guarantee will be cold no matter what season it is, scramble up the rocks into the small cavern above. The water flows down the groove in the stone wall, into a shallow pool at the bottom. There’s never really a lot of water, which is actually kind of perfect for the small space. 

The sandstone walls have mostly kept their brilliant colouring as they’re protected from the elements here. If you don’t fancy getting wet again, it’s possible to skirt around the wall on your right to reach the water flowing down into the pool. 

Once you’ve finished marvelling at this beautiful secluded spot, simply retrace your steps to the car. The hills aren’t too bad going back the other way. Because of the rough fire trail entry this place isn’t overly popular so you’ll likely have it to yourself on your visit. 

Getting There

From Bells Line of Road/ Chifley Road, turn off at Zig Zag railway/ Clarence Station onto Old Bells Line of Road. Follow the fire trail for around 4.8km and turn right on Wollangambe Trail (Dumbano Trail in most mapping systems) which is sign posted. 

Tips and Tricks

If you have a 2wd, or low clearance vehicle park in the clearing at the turn off of Wollangambe Trail. The fire trail from here has large puddles, rocky sections, as well as sections of soft sand that will likely see you get bogged - with a very expensive tow truck call out if you need to be rescued. 

The walk from Wollangambe Trail clearing to the trail head is pretty easy, and can be done in around 40 minutes at a leisurely stroll. 30 if you want to stretch your legs. 

If you ever have the chance to visit after significant rain you might get to see the rare phenomena of Goochs Crater turning into a temporary lake. 

Be sure to check out Logan on Instagram!