WALKS AND SOCIAL PROGRAM
JANUARY - MARCH 2009
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS NEED PREBOOKING.
MURRAMARANG NATIONAL PARK WALKING TRIP Easy. . Contact John C by Friday 2 Jan so we can book cabins for Mon 2 Feb-Thu 5 Feb.
GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK This is a 250km pack walk in south-western Victoria that explores the magnificent lower Glenelg River, the wild coastline of Discovery Bay and the dramatic headlands of Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson. If you are interested in taking part in this walk during the APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, please contact Derek S by early March.
SPRING AT EDROM FOR A WHALE OF A TIME Edrom Lodge (www.edromlodge.com.au) will be booked for 4 nights in mid-October. Edrom gives us access to the Light to Light Walk (easy) in the height of the whale-watching season as well as Mt Imlay, Merrica River and further exploration of the Nadgee NP to stretch medium walkers. A group of between 20 and 30 easy and medium walkers fit comfortably into the Lodge @ about $35 pp per day (cost depending on numbers, more meaning less).
Expressions of interest to Clare M
Sun 4 Jan-Sun 11 Jan KOSCIUSZKO WALKING WEEK -
We will stay in a lodge in Perisher, and walk in the National Park. We can probably organise 2 walks (easy and medium) a day, so the numbers are limited to about 30. Contact Allan M for more details and Judy L to book your accommodation.
Wed 7 Jan WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Co-ordinator: Doug F
Sat 10 Jan-Fri 23 Jan AAWT MOUNT HOTHAM MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO PACKWALK
Leader: Derek S The exact dates of this walk will be negotiated with participating walkers. Please contact Derek early if you are interested.
Sat 10 Jan MOUNT PERCIVAL EARLY MORNING RAMBLE Easy (5)
Leader: Madeleine H This is a ramble into a new area in Nicholls near the Gungahlin Pond. The walk will be finished by midday. Meet at NL at 7.30am. ***
Sun 11 Jan SUGARLOAF CREEK SWIMS 10km Medium (9)
Leader: Peter W From the Misty Mountain Fire Trail bridge we will walk up Sugarloaf Creek on the terraces and river bed, mainly in shade, with swimming in the many pools. Return by 220m climb up spur to road and walk back along road. The walk is graded medium because of the uneven footing along the rocky creek bed. Beautiful creek and rainforest margins. Total climb: 270m. Cars: 240km ($29). Maps: Monga, Currowan. Meet at Q.
Wed 14 Jan WEDNESDAY WALK FBI/CBC Medium
Co-ordinator: Allan M
Fri 16 Jan Deadline to notify Davinia W for the MORNING WALK AND LUNCH on 17 Jan.
Fri 16 Jan Deadline for PACK WALK DEAD HORSE GAP TO CASCADE HUT from Sat 24 Jan-Mon 26 Jan. Contact: Col B
Sat 17 Jan MORNING WALK AND LUNCH 10km Easy (4)
Leader: Davinia W Vineyards, golf course, horse trails, Ginninderra Creek and pot luck lunch. These are the ingredients for a leisurely walk in Belconnen, concluding with a social lunch at the Wells abode in Scullin. Commencing at Belconnen Way we will walk along the Drake Brockman Drive horse trail which allows views of the vineyards [our version of Umbria] into the Holt Golf Course Estate. We will then connect with horse trails bordering the edge of Macgregor and then wind our way along Ginninderra Creek. From there we will navigate the green belts through Holt and Higgins before returning for lunch. Ring leader by Fri 16 January to discuss your contribution to the lunch. Meet at 8.30am. ***
Sun 18 Jan EVENING WALK GIBRALTAR ROCKS 6km Easy (6)
Leader: Colin B Weather a bit hot for walking? Try this evening walk. Bring a picnic tea, and well allow plenty of time for it. The rise is about 300m. We will allow ourselves time to drive out before the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve closes at 8.00pm. Cars: 60km ($7). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at the old Tidbinbilla visitor centre car park at 4.30pm. ***
Sun 18 Jan GIGERLINE NATURE RESERVE AND GORGE 9km Medium (8)
Leader: John C From Smiths Road car park south of Tharwa we follow the Murrumbidgee upstream to the gorge where we rock hop along the river until we find a good lunch spot with swimming opportunities. If not too hot, steep scramble out of gorge to a ridge and then amble back to cars. Cars: 40km ($5). Map: Williamsdale. Meet at K.
Wed 21 Jan WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Co-ordinator: Peter W
Sat 24 Jan-Mon 26 Jan PACK WALK DEAD HORSE GAP TO CASCADE HUT 20km Easy pack walk
Leader: Colin B We will walk in on Saturday to Cascade Hut on the Cascade Trail (part of the Alpine Walking Track), do a day walk on Sunday without packs (no more than medium grade) and walk out on Monday. Total climbing 180m on Saturday, 240m on Monday. If there is a total fire ban, the walk will be cancelled. Cars: 400km ($48). Map: Thredbo 1:50 000. If you are interested, please contact the leader by Friday 16 January.
Sat 24 Jan MORNING WALK. SQUARE ROCK 8km Easy (6)
Leaders: Richard and Jenny K From Corin Dam road we will walk the Square Rock Circuit. Bring morning tea. Cars: 70km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K at 7.30a.m. ***
Sun 25 Jan SOUTH WODEN RAMBLE 16km Medium (8)
Leader: Prue D A loop walk covering Mt Taylor, Farrer Ridge, Mt Wanniassa and Isaacs Ridge. Lunch in the Isaacs Pine Plantation with an early finish. A longish walk that can be shortened if it gets too hot. All on track. Total climb: 450m. Map: Canberra Street Directory. Meet at the Southlands Shopping Centre, near the Woolworths petrol station in Mawson Place, Mawson at 7.30am. ***
Wed 28 Jan WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Leader: Mike S
Fri 30 Jan MOUNT AINSLIE CHAMPAGNE SUNSET WALK 3km Easy (5)
Leader: Judy G Enjoy nibbles while sipping champagne or fruit juice and admiring the sunset over the Brindabellas. This traditional event is always popular. Bring your own glass or mug and $3 to cover expenses. Total climb 250m. Bring a torch for the walk back down at dusk. Cancelled if weather is wet. Meet at War Memorial car park at 6.30pm. ***
Sat 31 Jan CIRCUIT TO SOUTH OF MOUNT GININI 9km Medium (10)
Leader: Peter W This will be a circuit, mainly off-track, through the open snowgum forest, rough underfoot. It will be at 1500 to 1600m, so should be 8oC colder than Canberra. We walk to Mt Ginini, Little Ginini Mountain, then down Stockyard Creek to the arboretum, and back to the cars on the old fire trail. Total climb: 570m. Cars: 140km ($17). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at W.
31 Jan deadline to contact Diana K re food contributions and addresses for Progressive Dinner and Walk on Sat 7 Feb.
Sun 1 Feb BENDOURA HILL, SNOW GUM HILL 10km Easy (7)
Leader Bob C From Moonlight Hollow and Chalet Road junction we follow the NSW/ACT border to Bendoura Hill (climb 200m), then on to Snow Gum Hill (climb 50m) for lunch. Return via Chalet Road. We shall explore the Bendoura Hut and the Bendoura Arboretum. We commence walking off track on low level vegetation for 3km and fire trail/tracks for the remaining 7km. Climb: 250m. Cars: 100km ($12). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.
1 Feb Final date to contact Trevor B for NAVIGATION TRAINING on 7 Feb.
Mon 2 Feb-Thu 5 Feb MURRAMARANG NATIONAL PARK WALKING TRIP Easy
Leader: John C We will stay in cabins at either Depot Beach or Pretty Beach. Walking will be mainly around Durras but we may try Pigeon House Mountain if the interest is there. To book the cabins I will need to have firm commitments by Fri 2 Jan.
Wed 4 Feb SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meeting Time: 8.00am. ***
Wed 4 Feb WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Co-ordinator: Peter W
Thu 5 Feb Final date to book for EASY PACK WALK IN THE SNOWIES from Fri 13 Feb-Sun 15 Feb. Contact: Jillian B
Sat 7 Feb Progressive Dinner and Walk 11km Easy (5)
Leaders: Judy L, Davinia W and Diana K Starting at Judys for entrιe, we then walk 5km to Dianas for main course and then walk a further 6km to Davinias for dessert. Limit: 20. Car shuffle. Bring a torch. Phone Diana by 31 Jan to arrange food contributions and get the addresses. Map: Canberra street map. Meet at 4.00pm. ***
Sat 7 Feb NAVIGATION TRAINING
Leader: Trevor B Trevor will conduct a one-day introductory navigation course in a bushland setting within the ACT. The first part of the course will be spent going through some of the principles behind map reading and compass navigation. The second part will apply the theory by navigating around a route of varying difficulty in a bush terrain. If you have (or can borrow) a Silva-type compass (or other brand), bring it along, but dont go and buy one. Mapping material and notes will be supplied. Please contact Trevor by Sun 1 Feb to book a place on the course. Meet at K at 8.30a.m. ***
Sat 7 February STOCKYARD CREEK FALLS FROM CORIN DAM 13km Hard (12)
Leader: Max S From Corin Dam climb to Stockyard Spur and then down to the falls on Stockyard Ck. From the falls we will proceed up the Creek, climb to join the Stockyard Spur track and return to cars back along the track. About 5 km off track, some parts fire affected and rock scrambling. Climb: 700 m.
Cars: 100 km ($12). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K at 8.00 am***
Sun 8 Feb SUBURBAN RAMBLE 9km Easy (5)
Leader: Lyn W A morning walk taking in the Parliamentary Triangle and the shady streets of Canberras older suburbs, with the option of lunch at Manuka afterwards. Map: Canberra suburbs. Meet across the road from the Manuka Pool at 9.00am. ***
Sun 8 Feb FAMILY WALK Very Easy
Contact: Val B
Wed 11 Feb WEDNESDAY WALK FBI/CBC Medium
Co-ordinator: Allan M
Thu 12 Feb Final date to contact Philip G for the medium-hard MT JAGUNGAL PACK WALK from Mon 16-Wed 18 Feb.
Fri 13 FebSun 15 Feb EASY PACK WALK IN THE SNOWIES
Leader: Jillian B The destination will be decided closer to the departure date. Could those interested in going please phone Jillian by 5 Feb.
Sat 14 Feb SPINNAKER ROCK 7km Medium (8)
Leader: Derek S High above the Honeysuckle Creek picnic area sits the prominent exposed feature known as Spinnaker Rock. We walk up the road to the site of the collimation tower, then NE along the ridge to magnificent granite boulders and views of Orroral Valley, then back for lunch at Spinnaker Rock with time to explore. A steep scrubby descent back to the cars. Total climb: 250m.
Cars: 80km ($10). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.
Sat 14 Feb CORNER HILL, YANUNUNBEYAN RESERVE 8km Easy (7)
Leader: John C This is a walk to see the very dry forest of this area and the chance to swim in the Queanbeyan River in a tranquil setting. This area is just upstream from the Googong Foreshores Reserve. We approach Corner Hill from Woolcara Lane, and walk to Corner Hill, down to the Queanbeyan River, retrace our steps and do an arc through the forest to a pool where we should be able to swim. Lunch there, and then back to the cars. The forest has almost no scrub, and is relatively easy underfoot. The walk can be reduced if it is too hot. Total climb: 260m. Cars: 60km ($7). Map: Captains Flat. Meet at Q.
Sun 15 Feb CORANG LAGOON AND CASCADES 14km Medium (9)
Leader: Doug F From the Wog Wog entrance to the Moreton National Park we walk mostly on track to this popular spot in the western Budawangs. We will explore upstream along the Corang River. There is interesting vegetation and there should be an opportunity for swimming at the cascades. Cars: 260km ($31). Map: Corang. Meet at Q at 7:30am. ***
Mon 16-Wed 18 Feb MT JAGUNGAL PACK WALK Medium-hard
Leader: Philip G A three-day walk in Kosciuszko National Park. The walk starts at Round Mountain and is mostly off-track. Some steep climbs and rock scrambling. The precise route will depend on weather conditions. This walk is also on the NPA(ACT) program. Cars: 470km ($56). Maps: Jagungal 1:25,000 and Toolong Range 1:25,000. Contact leader no later than Thursday 12 Feb.
Wed 18 Feb SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meeting Time: 8.00am ***
Wed 18 Feb WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Co-ordinator: Peter W
Sat 21 Feb MOONLIGHT HOLLOW ROAD TO BENDORA ARBORETUM 14km Easy (7)
Leader: David W The walk starts at the locked gate at Warks Camp, along Warks Road to Gravel Road, then Moonlight Hollow Road on to Bendora Road,0.5km from Bulls Head. Follow this road to the Bendora Arboretum where we will have lunch. Then follow Warks Road back to Warks Camp. Climb about 200m. A car shuffle is required. Cars: 110km ($13). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.
Sun 22 Feb BLACK MT, ARANDA BUSHLAND, MT PAINTER 16km Medium (9)
Leader: Barry M Starting from the substation near the Botanic Gardens and CSIRO, we will climb Black Mountain by some of the less used tracks, descend and pass under Gungarlin Drive and onto Mount Painter for lunch. Return will be via a different route where possible, following some of the numerous tracks. Total climb: about 400m. Map: Canberra Street Directory. Meet at substation in Frith Street at 9am. ***
Mon 23 Feb Final date to phone Doug Finlayson (6281 5810) for pack walk OLDFIELDS HUT, MOUNT MURRAY, GOURMET DINNER, Sat 28 Feb-Sun 1 Mar.
Wed 25 Feb WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Leader: Mike S
Sat 28 Feb Final date for medium grade PACK WALK IN BUDAWANGS (Sat 7-Mon 9 Mar). Contact Derek S for details.
Sat 28 Feb-Sun 1 Mar OLDFIELDS HUT MOUNT MURRAY GOURMET DINNER
Leader: Doug F From a locked gate on the Pockets Saddle Road north from the Tantangara Dam we pack walk along a fire trail (pretty easy) for 3km to Oldfields Hut where we camp. We will walk without packs up Mt Murray on the Saturday afternoon (10km, 540m climb, medium) to work up an appetite for a gourmet dinner (imagination welcome; black tie optional). We will explore the upper Goodradigbee River and Pockets Hut area on Sunday. Cars: 280km ($34). Maps: Rendezvous Ck, Rules Point. Phone the leader by Monday 23 Feb to arrange transport (7.30am start) and dinner contributions.
Sat 28 Feb LEGOLAND FROM HONEYSUCKLE CREEK PICNIC AREA 10km Medium (9)
Leader: John C We go cross country from near the picnic and camp ground, north-west along a ridge to Legoland, explore the granite piles with views, and return along the footpad to the collimation tower site, then by road to the cars. Total climb: 430m. Cars: 80km ($10). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.
Sun 1 Mar WHITE ROCKS, QUEANBEYAN RIVER 8km Easy (6)
Leader: Brian L We park at Barracks Flat, 3km from Queanbeyan.
Cross the Queanbeyan River to visit old lime kilns and the mining area. Possibility of swimming. Cars: 6km ($1). Map: Hoskinstown. Meet at Q.
Wed 4 Mar SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C
Meet at 8.00am. ***
Wed 4 Mar WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Co-ordinator: Doug F
Sat 7-Mon 9 Mar PACK WALK IN BUDAWANGS Medium
Leader: Derek S Please contact by 28 Feb for details.
Sat 7 Mar MOUNT AINSLIE EARLY MORNING WALK UP MOUNT AINSLIE Easy (6)
Leader: Madeleine H This walk starts on the west side of Mount Ainslie. It will be finished by midday. Meet at the Nature Park end of Kellaway Street in Hackett at 7.30am. ***
Sun 8 Mar ORRORAL VALLEY CIRCUIT 20km Medium (8)
Leader: Bob C From the Orroral Tracking Station car park we follow the Cotter Hut Road/Alps track. Turning into Smokers Trail we soon find another track that crosses Sawpit Creek, and runs along the centre of the main valley back to the car park. Total climb: 300m. Cars: 100km ($12). Maps: Corin Dam and Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.
Sun 8 Mar FAMILY WALK Very Easy
Contact: Val B
Mon 9 Mar - LEGOLAND FROM ORRORAL VALLEY 13km Medium (9)
Leader: John C From the Orroral car park we cross the bridge over the Orroral River and follow the Link Road up to the Legoland car park. Then south-east along the ridge, past the two boulders shown on the map, and look for the best way back to Orroral Valley. Climb: 450m. Cars: 100km ($12). Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam. Meet at K.
Wed 11 Mar WEDNESDAY WALK FBI/CBC Medium
Co-ordinator: Allan M
Sat 14 Mar BLACK MOUNTAIN EARLY MORNING RAMBLE Easy(6)
Leader: Madeleine H A different climb up Black Mountain from the East side. The walk will be finished by midday. Meet at the corner of Clunies Ross Street and Black Mountain Drive at 7.30am.
Sun 15 Mar MOUNT TENNENT AND BBQ LUNCH AT THE VISITORS CENTRE 10km Medium (10)
Leader: Diana K We walk from the Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre up the Alpine Walking Track to the fire tower at the top of Mt Tennent. Return the same way. Climb of 750m, all on track. Nice views from the summit. BYO BBQ (gas BBQs available at Visitors Centre) and bring something to share. Map: Williamsdale. Meet at Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre at 8.00am. ***
Tue 17 March Deadline to contact Allan M for MONOLITH VALLEY CAR CAMP, Sat 21 Mar-Sun 22 Mar.
Wed 18 Mar SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C
Meet: 8.00am. ***
Wed 18 Mar WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Co-ordinator: Eric P
Sat 21 Mar Final date to book for the MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO CIRCUIT PACK WALK, Sat 28 Mar-Sun 29 Mar. Contact Diana K to book and arrange meeting place.
Sat 21-Sun 22 Mar MONOLITH VALLEY 15km Medium (10)
Leader: Allan M Leave Canberra before lunch on Saturday for the drive to Yadboro for an evening car camp beside the river at a pleasant camp site and a short afternoon stroll. On Sunday we start early for the climb up the Castle Track to Meakins Pass, Nibelung Pass, and into Monolith Valley and the Seven Gods Pinnacles. Good views of spectacular Budawangs peaks on the way, and visits to highlights of the Budawangs such as the "Green Room". Return by the same route. All on track but some is steep and in places rough. Cars: 300km ($36). Map: Corang 1:25000. Contact leader by 17 March for details and transport arrangements. Some participants will be staying over and camping again on the Sunday night. Please indicate if you intend to do this.
Sat 21 Mar CUUMBEUN NATURE RESERVE 10km Medium (8)
Leader: Brian L A short drive from Queanbeyan to a point 1km along the Captains Flat Road. We head off on foot along a fire trail until we get to a creek which will lead us to a lovely gorge. We will follow this gorge for several kilometres for views over Queanbeyan. Return the same route. Cars: 20km ($2). Maps: Bungendore, ACT 1:100,000. Meet at Q.
Sun 22 Mar BENDORA DAM 12km Easy (6)
Leader: Annabel A From the Bendora Dam Car Park we follow the trail down the Cotter River for about 6 km. We return by a similar route but will cross the Cotter River if possible. Bring shoes for the water crossing. Climb: less than 100m. Cars: 120km ($14). Map Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.
Wed 25 Mar WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Leader: Mike S
Sat 28 Mar-Sun 29 Mar MOUNT KOSCIUSZKO CIRCUIT PACK WALK 25km Medium (11)
Leader: Diana K From Charlotte Pass we follow the old road to the top of Kosciuszko, with lunch at the Snowy River. From the top of Kosciuszko, we head to Muellers Pass and then to Wilkinsons Creek to find a campsite. Distance first day 13km, climb 400m. On the second day, we head along the Main Range to Carruthers Peak and Blue Lake (optional walk to the lake), and finally back to Charlotte Pass. Distance second day 10km, climb 300m (12km, 400m with Blue Lake). Lovely walk, all on track, high peaks with lots of views. Could be cold overnight. Cars: 420km ($50). Map: Perisher Valley. Ring or email Diana by 21 March to book and arrange meeting place.
Sat 28 Mar FITZS HILL AND HALF MOON CREEK 10km Easy (7)
Leader: Trevor W A short sharp climb from our parking spot on Boboyan Road to the top of Fitzs Hill, followed by a pleasant amble south along the top of the ridge, mostly on a foot pad. Then we will drop down, quite steeply, to the valley and follow Half Moon Creek for a few km. Then up and over the ridge again, to the cars. Total climb: 390m. Cars: 90km ($11). Map: Michelago. Meet at K.
Sun 29 Mar SHANAHANS MOUNTAIN, SHANAHANS FALLS CREEK & NAAS CREEK 13km Medium (9)
Leader: Colin B Starting at Boboyan Road, walk to Shanahans Mountain, then along spur NE and down Shanahans Falls Creek, then up Naas Creek Gorge, and on to Mount Clear campsite by fire trail. A walk with lots of variety in the beautiful upper Naas Creek Valley. About half off-track. Climb: 220m. There will be a short car shuffle. Cars: 120km ($14). Map: Colinton. Meet at K.