GLENBROOK CREEK

Kayaking websites have become my new favorite tool for bushwalking. I find myself searching through them for new areas to packraft. They give a great insight into which rivers and creeks can be run, at what heights and grades.

I have been looking around for easily accessible creeks to run that don't require long drives, car shuffles and bike loops. Basically, after work type runs and half dayers so I can squeeze in some fun between a fairly hectic schedule.

The biggest problem faced is the fact a lot of local stuff is in an urban area so the runs are often dangerous due to debris and only work when large amounts of rain fall in a short time. Lately I've been racing down to a few of the local creeks after heavy rain to check on some interesting drops and runs in the hope of running them soon.

After reading the guide for Glenbrook creek I decided to do a recce for when the water levels come up.
It's 3 K's of grade 4 when it runs properly between .7m to 1.3. See here - Guide

The river gauge has not been accessible on the BOM site for a while, so after 100mm of rain in western Sydney a week prior I figured I'd just go anyway even though it would be back down to low levels. I decided to use public transport as it's quick and convenient.

 Glenbrook station was bustling with bikes as I stepped off the train. The popular Oaks fire trail loop was in full swing as I headed to the park entrance and on down to the causeway. I was quietly hoping that the creek would still be high enough to run but not so.

The causeway gauge confirmed my suspicions but I decided to do the run anyway so I could get an idea of what to expect next time.

I came across this gauge after a few hundred metres and figured it was damaged and probably why the BOM hasn't been updating. The easy access brought plenty of rubbish and graffiti along the 3 kilometer section.

The creek was fairly consistent although some sections were choked with trees. There was barely enough water to run and I portaged a lot. It did give me an idea on what it will be like at higher levels though with some good tight technical rapids at grade 3-4.

 

Some of the runs will require some careful scouting as this one has a nasty sieve at the top. High water will obviously change the creek drastically.
 

This rapid was fun although barely runnable at these levels.

Finally the Nepean river appeared.

After reaching the Junction I paddled back towards the bridge to the take out and walked along the bush track which conveniently ends at Lapstone station. With the next train arriving at 12.19pm I discussed the general decline of the world with an old timer and headed home reasonably satisfied.

A short video of some very bony G1 sections......Bring on the rain!


Untitled from Dibble on Vimeo.

Google maps shows how easy access is.


View Larger Map