Where Eagles Soar

My new buddy Mark identified all the peaks and landmarks visible from the Monkey Creek Cafe then asked if we had been to Hassans Walls. I had, but quite a few years ago so we got directions. Hassans Walls is the name of a ridge high above the plains that lie at the foot of Victoria Pass, the steep winding road which descends the western side of The Blue Mountains. It is named for its resemblance to an area in India, Hassan, where many intricately carved temples in the shape of pagodas are located. The dominant feature of Hassans Walls is the natural rock formations known as pagodas.

Sadasiva temple at Nuggehalli - Hassan district of Karnataka state India Image credit

The road from Dargan to Hassans Walls is via the mining town of Lithgow. This town has risen on the back of the coal industry and there is presently some concern over plans to expand mining operations into areas of natural beauty. Find out more about the fight to Protect the Gardens of Stone.

A short, but steep, winding, narrow road climbs out of Lithgow to the top of the ridge. From the carpark at the end of the road is a short walk to a boardwalk perched on the edge of the escarpment. Standing here you are presented with a majestic 180˚ vista from the east on your left around to the west on your right. The view takes in the undulating rural landscape below.

And as we prepared to leave this beautiful wedge-tailed eagle suddenly appeared above us effortlessly riding the thermal currents above the cliff tops.