CLEAR HILL is a precipitous headland forming the southern extremity
of the Narrow Neck peninsula. A track leads from Katoomba over the
Narrow Neck to Clear Hill which as its name implies presents a
marvelous panorama of well-nigh limitless expanse.
Across the valley of the Cox's River/ range after range unfolds the
heights of Kanangra, Gangerang, and the Main Dividing Range are
visible, while far in the distance the yellow sandstone walls of
Burragorang Valley, the Gib at Bowral and other well-known landmarks
can be seen. The landscape is sharply dissected by the Kowmung and
Kanangra Rivers which have torn deep narrow gorges between the
mountains.
Clear Hill is now the starting place for many an interesting walk. A
mile or two from its base are the Wild Dog Mountains, while a half
day's walk will take one to the most charming reaches of the
beautiful Cox's River. By the more energetic walker the Kowmung and
Kanangra Rivers and Gangerang Range can be attained in a day or two,
and there is an endless variety of other attractive features.
For years, however, the track to Clear Hill was a dead end because
the headland could not be descended and parties desiring to make
trips in the district had to use the route through Megalong Valley
and Carlon's homestead. It was realized that a direct way over Clear
Hill would be much shorter, and in June 1928 a party of walkers
succeeded, after a little trouble, in finding a hazardous way down
the rocky buttress at the end of the Hill. This was however too
difficult and dangerous to become a regular track because of a rock
face which necessitated a long detour along A ledge.
Some time after the first descent, William Tarr, an enthusiastic
walker, conceived the idea of swinging a ladder down the rock wall
to make the route easily accessible and more expeditious. This was
accomplished by stringing together small lengths of saplings with
fencing wire and two ladders made in this fashion were suspended
down the cliff to obviate the worst obstacles and the long detour.
Since the erection of these seemingly flimsy ladders the trip to
Clear Hill has become more popular, and an excellent round trip can
be accomplished from Katoomba in a week-end by going down the
ladders and then returning through Carlon's and Megalong Valley. As
the ladders have been standing for many years repairs have been
necessary from time to time to ensure their safety and recently the
saplings were replaced by wooden battens well painted to resist the
weather. So serviceable have the ladders been however that many
thousands of walkers have passed over them to the valley below in
safety, though perhaps not without trepidation—the first time at
least.
William Tarr has earned the gratitude of all these walkers who have
been to Clear Hill, and in recognition of his services he has been
designated "Taro, Duke of Clear Hill!"
