15-Nov-2021 -- I started out early for this confluence point, leaving Sydney at 5am. I’ve been to the region before and know there are driveable fire trails which lead to within a couple of km of the confluence point, but I was a bit nervous with my car and recent rains and the chance of getting bogged, so I planned to park along Kanangara Walls Road and walk the trails before an anticipated 1.6km of bush bashing.
The area had a strong wind warning on the day I went, up to 50km/h winds. About 2km in to Kannangara Walls Road a tree had blown over, blocking the road. Another hiker had arrived before me and was taking to the branches with a handsaw. I decided to drive back towards Edith Road to get phone reception and left a message with the Ranger. However upon returning a 4WD had arrived and was able to winch the tree enough so that cars could drive around. I parked at the beginning of Boyd River Fire Trail.
Tracks can be followed to within 1.6km of the confluence point before having to go through scrub. I made the mistake (it is probably the same mistake that Rainer Mautz made in 2012) of heading directly south to the confluence point from the trail.
Around 700m from the point I encountered a severe hillside, it was almost a cliff face. In these winds it would be way too dangerous, and it appeared a river crossing would be required. At this stage I almost called off my attempt thinking I had approached this from the wrong direction. But then I read Ross Finlayson also approached using the Boyd River Fire Trail. Thankfully he included a waypoints that avoided the most challenging terrain, so I headed towards a point due East of the confluence and was able to follow the ridgeline around the river.
The confluence point is on an extremely steep hillside sloping West. It was difficult to secure proper footing. I took my photos, sat down and had lunch there.
Upon returning I followed Ross’ waypoints and it was a much easier return journey. I attempted to observe the surrounds using my drone bit the winds were way too strong.
Here is that video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bHF5TZTXxE
Walking back about 1km from where I parked at the end of the fire trail a tree had blown over. I was very thankful I never drove down further because I would have been stranded until someone removed it.