Finding Nargun

As we are still in throws and the COVID 19 pandemic, like many others I have started to take the opportunity to explore the hidden gems we have just outside our back door.

On the numerous trips we have taken to East Gippsland I have always been fascinated with a sign showing the way to "The Den of Nargun". The name conjures up thoughts of entering a magical and enchanting world full wonder and perhaps a little fear.  Well finally I found someone who is equally curious about this location.

Steph from my work has been sharing her adventures on Instagram for some time and I have to admit I had been a little envious of her experience but also inspired to do this myself. My problem being that although Terry is very patient with me when I want to go walking in the bush, he's not really a fan. After recently chatting with Steph and talking about her posts on Badgers_Adventures, she offered to join me (actually offered to take me on a walk). So that was on Tuesday with a commitment to do this, by Wednesday night we had had decided where and then on Saturday worked out the logistics and on Sunday morning at 8:00am, Steph was at my door, as promised, and we headed out on a very cool, slightly foggy and overcast morning.

The forecast for the day was to be clear and sunny with a top of 13C. The weather gods did not disappoint because as we got closer to our destination the skies did clear and when we headed to higher ground the view over the distant valleys were pretty amazing.

As we headed off I did have some concerns that I might slow Steph down, but luckily, like me, she loves taking in the scenery, stopping to take photos and just generally enjoy the environment.The bush here is so different to home. 

The path to the Bluff Lookout was an easy walk down the hill and on reaching the lookout point we were greeted with a stunning vantage point overlooking the Mitchell River far below us in the gorge.

Steph, being far more adventurous than me jumped the fence to get a picture on this rock. So I had this brainwave that I would like to do this too. Luckily I haven't subjected you to me trying to get over the fence. I have come to realisation that I'm not as nimble as I used to be, but having said that, after I achieved this feat and Steph had stopped laughing, I think she got a good shot. 

After admiring the view from the top, it was time to head down to the river. While the track becomes narrower and a little more uneven, it was still fairly easy to navigate. We knew we were close to the river when we found canoes stowed off to the side of the track. The view across the river to the steep gorge walls was impressive with huge boulders perching along the banks of the river. 

The path came out at the rapids but due to the vegetation it was a bit hard to see the river in it's entirety. 

After being slightly disappointed with our view of the river we made our further along the path to Deadcock Den. This was an unexpected delight. We entered an amphitheatre like space that was walled with beautiful almost coral pink coloured rock. Although the waterfall of Woolshed Creek was barely a trickle from the top of the wall, there was a beauty and sense of calm that would mellow the most stressed of people. Just the right antidote to craziness of what is happening in our world right now. You can really feels the sense of importance this site would have to the indigenous population of the area. 

Dragging ourselves away from this spot we followed the creek back down to Mitchell River. It was easy to walk along the rocks due the lack of water running down the creek.

It's so interesting that the same tree can look so different depending on the angle your photo is taken. As I walked past the tree I looked back toward the den and was a little taken aback by the reflection of the tree I had just taken a photo of.

Leaving Woolshed Creek we went on the find the famous Den of Nargun. The track became less obvious but the only way to go was to continue along the floor of the gorge. Entering this was like stepping into a different world. With an ethereal beauty that you would not be the least bit surprised if you caught the glint of a fairy or a goblin from the corner of your eye. 

It was dark and cool with mossy vines twisting their way down from the trees. There were gnarly roots exposed by the passage of time. It almost felt we were being lured into a mysterious world of enchantment and magic.

As we moved further down the gorge we came across an area that almost looked  like what used to be a clearing and I turned back to look a fallen tree I saw a shape that out of the corner of my eye saw a figure that looked like of a the evil queen from Snow White.I know it's a dark photo but I'm sure she's there!

Once again dragging ourselves away from the spell this forest had put on us, we ventured a little further to find the beauty of the Den of Nargun. It's an incredibly serene place with the mouth of the den and the rock in front of it beautifully mirrored in the still water of the pool in front of us.

There was nothing to do here but take in the beauty, the peace and tranquility and feel the presence of those who have protected and respected this land for thousands of years. Finally it was time to head back to the car park for a bit of lunch before we headed home. Up until now the tracks had been fairly easy to navigate, but path back up the hill was a bit of a steep goat track that would be terribly slipping if it had been wet. We were so glad that we had chosen to walk the track in an anticlockwise direction as this would have been difficult to come down with nothing to hold on to or stop your descent if you were to slip. As we passed people at the beginning of their walk we pretended that this last leg was a breeze and we had practically jogged the whole course. Back at the carpark there were plenty of tables so set down to enjoy our lunch. Thanks to Steph who made my day by volunteering to come with me. If this day was an indication of what Victoria has to offer I can't wait for the next adventure.