WALKS AND SOCIAL PROGRAM
APRIL - JUNE 2010
Fri 2-Mon 5 Apr IN PADDY PALLINS FOOTSTEPS TO MOUNT JAGUNGAL Hard pack walk
Leader: Derek S. At the time of Paddy Pallins death, Wild Magazine published an account of his preferred route to Mt Jagungal. This is a 47km circuit walk via Round Mountain Hut, the Tumut River, Doubtful Gap, Cesjacks Hut, Jagungal Gap, Mt Jagungal, Grey Mare Track and Farm Ridge Track. Paddy Pallin could do the walk in three days, but it takes we mere mortals four days.
Substantial parts of the walk are off-track, and the regrowth after the fires may be thick. You do however have the satisfaction of following in the footsteps of a God!
Cars: 500km ($60). Map: Khancoban 1:50000. Please contact Derek by 26 March.
Sat 3 Apr MORNING WALK MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER FROM KAMBAH POOL 8km Easy (6)
Leader: Margitta A. We will be walking north (with a couple of steep sections) along the Murrumbidgee walking track to a rocky outcrop with great views. Return the same way. Bring morning tea. Meet 9.00am at the entrance to the Kambah Pool Reserve at the end of Kambah Pool Road. ***
Sun 4 Apr Young Family Walk
Contact: Val B. Meeting Time 10.00am
Sun 4 Apr MOUNT TENNENT FROM THE VISITORS CENTRE 10km Medium (9)
Leader: Jillian B. We walk from the Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre up the Alpine Walking Track to the fire tower on Mt Tennent and then return. Climb of 750m, all on track. Nice views from the summit. Bring plenty of water. Map: Williamsdale. Meet at Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre at 8.00am. ***
Mon 5 Apr Deadline for WALKS IN THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK - THE COAST TRACK on Mon 26-Thu 29 Apr.
Contact: Jillian B
Wed 7 Apr WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Peter W
Wed 7 Apr SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C
Meet at 9.30am. ***
Sat 10-Sun 18 Apr THE GREAT NORTH WALK Hard pack walk
Leader: Derek S. Walk 144km on one of the classic Australian trails, from Yarramolong south to the centre of Sydney through glorious Sydney sandstone country around the Hawkesbury River.
Two years ago, the Great North Walk was awash after unprecedented autumn rains. Hopefully this year will be drier! Cars: TBA. Maps: TBA. Please contact Derek by 30 March.
Sat 10 Apr ROB ROY NATURE RESERVE CIRCUIT WALK 10km Easy (7)
Leader: Annabel A. This is a circuit walk from Callister Crescent Theodore, via Callaghan Hill, to Rob Roy Nature Reserve. Here we pick up another track which takes us below Big Monks Hill into Banks. From the reservoir at Banks we follow a fire trail and bush tracks back to Callister Cresent Theodore. All on track with steady climbs for the first half of the walk and a steep descent into Banks. Wonderful views. Some of the walk is on private land. Climb: 500m. Cars: 26km ($3). Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at K.
Sun 11 Apr BUNGONIA STATE CONSERVATION AREA - FALLS BETWEEN BUNGONIA AND CAOURA GORGES FROM ABOVE 10km Medium (11)
Leader: Peter W. Wonderful views. Starting at the camping area, we will use the yellow track as access. We rock scrabble down Bungonia Creek to the falls, up the track to the lookout, to Jerrara Falls, to Paddys Castle, north for 1km for the views, and back across country and via the track. Boots, plus volleys for the rock scrabbling in wet feet. Some scattered scrub. Climb: 300m. Cars: 220km ($26) plus park entrance fee. Maps: Bungonia and Caoura, and BSCA brochure. Meet NL leaving at 8:30. ***
Wed 14 Apr WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Steve R
Thu 15 Apr Deadline for MID-WEEK PACK WALK, BURBIDGE AND NAMADGI PEAKS on Tue 20-Thu 22 Apr.
Contact: Richard K
Fri 16-Mon 19 April KANGAROO VALLEY
Leader: Colleen F. I am proposing 2-3 days of walking in the Kangaroo Valley area. Accommodation would be in a caravan park so that participants could choose either to camp or book cabins. There are a range of easy/medium walks in the area. Phone the leader by Fri 12 March if interested in participating.
Sat 17 Apr COMPO CANYON 8km Easy (5)
Leader: Ken J. A walk along a fire trail, through open bush and some rock-hopping. Visit Curley Falls and London Bridge. Cars: 50km ($6). Map: ACT 1:100 000. Meet at Q.
Sun 18 Apr SUGARLOAF CREEK TRIBUTARY ABOVE FALLS, MONGA NP 8km (10)
Leader: Peter W. Rainforest walking. The idea is to see the lower 2/3 of the tributary of Sugarloaf Creek, the one below Pooh Corner on Clyde Mountain road. We will leave cars on the Misty Mountain Fire trail at 708598, go 600m N, 200m down to the mouth of the tributary, up the beautiful falls and plunge pools, then 3-4 km up a valley in rainforest to the first big falls. We then climb out 150m up 300m SE to the ridge, and go directly back to the cars in open Eucalyptus forest, partly following the old fire trail. We will be mainly out of riverbed, so I suggest boots, not volleys. You will need either trousers or high gaiters for a few kilometres. Climb: 500m. Map: Monga. Cars: 225km ($27). Leaving Q at 8:30. ***
Mon 19-Fri 23 Apr WALKING IN SYDNEY Easy
Leader: John C. Two colonial cottages at Camp Cove have been booked for 4 nights with a maximum of 14 people. These cottages are fully self-contained and linen is supplied. There will be three full day walks and short walks on the other days. There will be a number of walks to choose from.
Tue 20-Thu 22 Apr MID-WEEK PACK WALK, BURBIDGE AND NAMADGI PEAKS Hard
Leader: Richard K. From Yankee Hat car park we will walk up the south arm of Middle Creek through open grass and light forest and then a steep, rough forest climb to a frost-hollow campsite below Bogong Gap (8k, 500m climb). On the second day we will climb without packs: Burbidge 200m and Namadgi 440m both starting from the campsite. On the third day we will return by same route. This will be a slow, rough walk. Map: Rendezvous Creek. Cars: 120k ($14). Phone leader by Thurs 15 April.
Wed 21 Apr SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C
Meet at 9.30am. ***
Wed 21 Apr WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Philip G
Sat 24 Apr TANKS, TOP AND ROCK 9km Medium (10)
Leader: Prue D. From the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station site we head for the tanks above it. Then climb through open bush to the top of hill 1364. Our next move is in a westerly direction down to the open area between the hills. Climb through thick scrub with some rock scrambling to the Spinnaker rock. More scrub down to the road for the final leg. Climb: 440m. Cars: 70km ($9). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.
Sun 25 Apr HONEYSUCKLE CAMPING GROUND TO BOOROOMBA ROCKS 11km Easy (6)
Leader: Bob C. We walk from the end of Apollo Road along the foot tracks to Booroomba Rocks for panoramic views and return the same way. This is a pleasant walk in open forest. Climb: 340m. Cars: 80km ($10). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.
Mon 26-Thu 29 Apr WALKS IN THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK - THE COAST TRACK
Leader: Jillian B. We will be car camping at Bonnie Vale, about 1km from Bundeena. We need to set up camp on Monday afternoon and leave on Thursday. In order to procure camp sites in this popular and lovely spot we need to book early. Please let Jillian know by Mon 5 Apr.
Wed 28 Apr WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Co-ordinator: Mike S
Sat 1 May BLACK MOUNTAIN AND O'CONNOR RIDGE 12km Easy (6)
Leader: Annabel A A circuit track walk starting from North Lyneham shops and taking in O'Connor Ridge and Black Mountain, all within nature reserves. Undulating with not much climbing. Lunch at the Botanic Gardens. Meet at: NL.
Sun 2 May Young Family Walks
Contact: Val B Meet at 10.00am.
Sun 2 May ORRORAL VALLEY HILL 1339 12km Medium (10)
Leader: Bob C From the Orroral Valley Tracking Station car park, climbing 200m along the way, we walk 4.3km along the Cotter Hut Road/Alps track to the hairpin bend at GR742578. We leave the track and climb 260m through medium/thick forest roughly northwest until we reach the rocky knoll marked as point 1339. After lunch we descend steeply, roughly east, to the grassy valley and follow the Orroral River back to the cars. Some rock scrambling. Climb: 460m. Cars: 100km ($12). Maps: Corin Dam and Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.
Mon 3 May Deadline for the POTLUCK DINNER on Fri 7 May. Ring Judy G to discuss contribution.
Wed 5 May SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meet at 9.30am. ***
Wed 5 May WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Doug F
Fri 7 May POT LUCK DINNER
Co-ordinator: Judy G We will enjoy a meal together where each person brings along an agreed part of the dinner to share. There will be a limit of 30 people. Meet at 6.30pm for 7.00pm. Venue: MS Society, Denison St, Deakin. Please book with Judy for this popular event before Monday 3 May.
Sat 8 May BLACK MT, ARANDA BUSHLAND, MT PAINTER 16km Medium (9)
Leader: Barry M We will explore some of the numerous less-frequently-used tracks to climb Black Mt. and then descend to pass under Gungahlin Drive and onto Mt Painter for lunch. Return will be by a different route where possible. Climb: 400m. Map: Canberra Street Directory. Meet at the substation in Frith Street. ***
Sun 9 May MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER & SHEPHERDS LOOKOUT Half day 8km Easy (6)
Leader: Judy G From East Uriarra we follow a track across open country to cross the Molonglo River. We climb 100m to Shepherds Lookout then return via the Molonglo to the Murrumbidgee and back to East Uriarra. There will be opportunities for swimming. Cars: 25km ($3). Map: Umburra. Meet at W.
Wed 12 May WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Eric P
Sat 15 May KOWEN FOREST 9km Easy (6)
Leader: Brian L From the Burbong Bridge on the Bungendore Road we walk along the Molonglo River across grassland and fire trails to the junction with Glen Burn Creek. We visit the ruins of the William Collier and Glenburn homesteads and one of the earliest European cemeteries in the region. The return is along Kowen Forest tracks. Listen for the competition trap shooters at their national range facility near Glen Burn Creek. Cars: 10km ($1). Map: Bungendore. Meet at Q.
Sun 16 May LITTLE YANKEE HAT 10km Medium (9)
Leader: Doug F A round trip from the Boboyan Pine Forest parking area across Bogong Creek to the SE slopes of Little Yankee Hat, the peak nearest Middle Creek. We climb up to the ridgeline, scramble over the top rocks and down the other side to Middle Creek and then back to the cars. Mostly off track. Climb: 450m. Cars: 130km ($16). Maps: Yaouk, Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.
Wed 19 May SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meet at 9.30am. ***
Wed 19 May WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Allan M
Sat 22 May LONDON BRIDGE TO BURRA 12km Easy (7)
Leader: Robyn K Start at London Bridge woolshed, go down to London Bridge arch, and up Burra Creek on the right bank to Burra. Return on left bank to cars. Cars: 40km ($5). Maps: Captains Flat, Williamsdale. Meet at Q.
Sun 23 May NURSERY CREEK RENDEZVOUS CREEK CIRCUIT 14km Medium (10)
Leaders: Richard & Jenny K Walk from Nursery Creek car park up the Nursery Creek track. We leave the track below Nursery Swamp and head SW through bush on a modified route avoiding the thicker scrub up to a saddle 762497 (170m climb). Descend steeply to Rendezvous Creek. We pick up a footpad and head upstream 3km, then climb 120m through saddle (747515) back to Nursery Creek then back along tracks to cars. Cars: 90km ($11). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K at 8.30am. ***
Tue 25 May Deadline for BUDAWANGS CAR CAMP on Sat 29-Sun 30 May.
Contact: Allan M
Reminder: WALKS PROGRAM MEETING on Tuesday 1 June at N Lyneham
Wed 26 May WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Co-ordinator: Mike S
Sat 29-Sun 30 May BUDAWANGS CAR CAMP 12km Medium (10)
Leader: Allan M Leave Canberra on Saturday morning for the drive to Yadboro for an evening car camp beside the river at a pleasant camp site. We will do a half-day afternoon walk, probably up Pigeon House. On Sunday we start early on the route to Byangee Walls visiting the Cathedral Cave and the arch at Castle Gap. Depending on time and the party we may climb onto Byangee Walls or just admire them! All on track, with some steep sections, and in places rough. The optional climb onto Byangee involves a scramble. Cars: 300km ($36). Map: Corang. Contact leader by 25 May 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 29 May CATHEDRAL ROCK FROM ORRORAL CAMPGROUND 10km Medium (8)
Leader: Paul N From the Orroral campground we head north then north-west up the ridge to Cathedral Rock with views over Orroral Valley. We descend and return along the valley. Climb: 420m. Cars: 80km ($10). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.
Sun 30 May CALVARY RUIN AND RETURN 9km Easy(6)
Leader: Judy G Open walk on fire trail along edge of Bullen Range to pisι homestead ruin for late morning tea. Return south along the creek and open ridgeline to lunch at Barnes Trig overlooking Lanyon valley. Early afternoon finish. Climb: 200m. Cars: 30km ($4). Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at K.
Tue 1 Jun WALKS PROGRAM MEETING Please attend if you are able to contribute to the July-December 2010 program. The meeting will be at N Lyneham from 7.30pm.
Wed 2 Jun SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meet at 9.30am. ***
Wed 2 Jun WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Peter W
Sat 5 Jun SENTRY BOX ROCK AND MOUNTAIN 12km Medium (11)
Leader: Peter W From the Yaouk Road near Bradleys Creek Homestead we go to the saddle NW of the rock, then climbing the rock, and across to the massif to the SE. We then go back to the saddle, and SW to the road. A good spot on a fine day, and classic walk. Climb: 700m. Cars: 180km ($22). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K leaving at 8:30. ***
Sun 6 Jun Young Family Walks
Contact: Val B Meet at 10.00am. ***
Sun 6 Jun MORNING WALK COTTER RESERVE 6km Easy (5)
Leader: Margitta A Exploring some of the tracks in the Cotter Reserve; some short uphill sections. Participants may wish to stay on after the walk for a picnic or a BBQ. Meet at 9.00am at the Cotter Reserve just beyond the bridge over the Cotter River. ***
Wed 9 Jun WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Mary H
Sat 12 Jun HORSE GULLY HUT 15km Medium (8)
Leader: Trevor W We walk from the Mount Clear car park up the Naas Creek valley, following a track through open country. We continue through light bush past Demandering Hut before dropping down to Horse Gully Hut in the valley below. Return on same track. Climb: 330m. Cars: 200km ($24). Map: Colinton. Meet at K.
Sun 13 Jun BLACK MOUNTAIN, MT PAINTER AND THE CORK PLANTATION 13km Easy (6)
Leader: Ken J We meet at the car park on Caswell Drive just south of the overpass into Aranda and walk first to Mount Paynter; then back to Bindubi Street, down to William Hovell Drive and into the Cork Plantation. We head for Denman Drive to get us back into the Black Mountain Nature Reserve and back to the cars. Climb: 100m. Map: Canberra Street Directory. The car park is shown on Map 48 at F10. Meet in car park at 9.30am. ***
Mon 14 Jun TALLANGATTA NATIONAL PARK, BUTMAROO AREA 12km Medium (8)
Leader: John C We drive along Butmaroo Road past the homestead and take the right track at the first fork. We park at the first copse of trees. The National Park is only a short distance to the south. We roughly follow the boundary east and south until we meet the North Black Range Fire Trail. Near Wombat Flat we follow a track to Mulloon Creek. After about 1km downstream we turn west and return to the cars. Climb: 250m. Cars: 85km ($10). Map: Manar. Meet at Q.
Wed 16 Jun SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meet at 9.30am.***
Wed 16 Jun WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Co-ordinator: Steve R
Sat 19 Jun BOOROOMBA ROCKS BUSHFOLD FLATS APOLLO RD 8km Easy (5)
Leader: Robyn K From the Booroomba Rocks car park we follow the Alpine Track footpad through wet and dry forest to the beautiful Bushfold Flats. We then follow the fire trail back to Apollo Road, and then up the road to the cars. A short car shuffle. Climb: 200m. Cars: 90km ($11). Maps: Corin Dam, Williamsdale. Meet at K.
Sun 20 Jun BOGONG FALLS 16km Medium (11)
Leader: Mary H The walk starts from Yankee Hat car park. The first 4km are along track, then we walk up the right hand side of Bogong Creek to the falls. Last time we did this walk we had to negotiate some dense scrub. Return along much the same route. Climb: 380m. Cars: 100km ($12). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K at 8am. ***
Wed 23 Jun WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Co-ordinator: Mike S
Sat 26 Jun MOUNT TENNENT FROM THE EAST 8km Medium (11)
Leader: Allan M We will start from the high point on the road about 1km south of the Alpine track, go through a saddle, before going steeply through bush and up a spur to the fire tower on Mount Tennent for good views of Canberra and Namadgi. We return down about 200m of fire trail and then the Alpine Track. The walk is steep in parts with some minor rock-scrambling. Climb: 700m. Cars: 60km ($7). Map: Williamsdale. Meet at K.
Sun 27 Jun RENDEZVOUS CREEK TO YANKEE HAT ROCK ART 10km Easy (7)
Leader: Bob C This walk is all in open, undulating, short-grass country, with a couple of short sections on tracks. We follow the track on the south side of Rendezvous Creek for about a kilometre, then strike west along a low ridge for two kilometres, looping around to cross Middle Creek and head south to the Yankee Hat rock art. We return via the Yankee Hat walking track to Bogong Creek and follow this creek to cross Middle Creek where the two creeks meet. We return to the cars via a series of low hills, passing close by Gudgenby Homestead. Total climb: 200m. Cars: 130km ($16). Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk. Meet at K.
Wed 30 Jun WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Co-ordinator: Mike S
Wed 30 Jun SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Val B or Meg C Meet at 9.30am. ***
SPRING AT MYALL LAKES
This is a repeat of the walking trip we did a few years ago. I suggest we go in October 2010 for a Sunday to Friday visit, thus avoiding the week-end. We will stay in the resort at Myall Lakes where there is a variety of accommodation, with cabins costing about $50 per person per night and bunkhouse and sites costing much less. Walking is generally easy and varies from coastal to inland rain forest. Contact John C if you are interested or want more information.
COUNTRY TO COAST CAMPING TRIP SEPT 2010
Leaders: Trevor and Lyn We are planning a car camping/walking trip next spring to take in Mudgee (incl historical town walk), Walcha (Apsley Gorge), Port Macquarie and Crowdy Bay National Park (coastal walks, wild flowers). Accommodation in campers, tents or cabins. It will be possible to join for just part of the trip. Proposed dates: 7-17 Sept. Further details will be available as our plan takes shape. Expressions of interest are welcome now.
Oct 2010 NORTH WEST ISLAND (south end of the Great Barrier Reef) Very Easy
Leader: Mary H North West Island is a part of Capricornia Cays National Marine Park. It takes just 50 minutes to complete a brisk walk around the island at low tide. The island is a coral atoll, and is surrounded by reef. Activities on the island include very short and very easy walks, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, turtle watching (green turtles), reef walking, bird observing, photography, spear fishing. The only development on the island is three composting toilet blocks. No roads, no vehicles. Camping is available for up to 150 campers, but the camp areas seem to be less than half full except during school holidays. Access is via slow barge from Gladstone which will take unlimited camping equipment (no generators allowed). The island is covered by pisonia forest, and there are a few other tree species. The major bird species are mutton birds (burrowing shearwaters) and black noddys. The major downside of the island is that the birds are VERY noisy, particularly at night, and the black noddys roost in the trees above the camp sites with predictable consequences. I would like to organise a trip for up to 40 people at the end of October, staying for about 8 days. At this time the turtles are nesting on the island. The barge travels when they have sufficient bookings, and this year the cost was $234 per person return. Camping cost is $5 per night. I need to have expressions of interest by the end of January. I will provide additional information on request. Camping and walking (medium walks) in national parks on the way up and back is suggested.