WALKS AND SOCIAL PROGRAM
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2010
Sat 2-Mon 4 Oct FROM KATOOMBA TO JENOLAN CAVES ALONG THE SIX FOOT TRACK Hard pack walk
Leader: Derek S This classic 44km walk follows a historic horse route from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. We will have a car camp on Friday night at the Old Ford Reserve in the Megalong Valley before starting the walk at the Explorers Tree on Saturday morning.
Saturday: 15km to the Coxs River campsite
Sunday: 19km to the Black Range campsite
Monday: 10km to Jenolan Caves and return by car to Canberra.
Cars: 660km. Maps: Hampton 1:25000, Jenolan 1:25000, Katoomba 1:25000 Please contact Derek by 24 September.
Sat 2 Oct NIL DESPERANDUM 8km Easy (6)
Leader: Judy G From Tidbinbilla Discovery Centre open walk on fire trails to rebuilt Nil Desperandum homestead. Views over Tidbinbilla Valley at morning tea. Climb: 100m. Cars: 70km ($10 includes park fees). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at K.
Sun 3 Oct MONGA NATIONAL PARK, PLUMWOOD FOREST 7km Medium (10)
Leader: Peter W We leave the cars at Dasyurus Picnic area (from Braidwood go 19km along the Kings Highway, then 2.5km along River Forest Road). We go up a side creek on clear ground beneath Plumwood forest to the tops near Monga Mountain, and come down on minor forest roads. Coffee at Braidwood on the way back. Climb 300m. Map: Monga. Cars: 174km ($20). Meet at Q.
Wed 6 Oct SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Annabel A or email ewwcontact AT familybushwalkers.org.au Meet at 9.30am. ***
Wed 6 Oct WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Peter W
Fri 8 Oct Deadline for the deposit for Tue 9-Fri 12 Nov MID WEEK ACCOMMODATED RETREAT CURRANGO KNP
$30pp to be received by Margaret R
Sat 9 Oct KOWEN FOREST 9km Easy (6)
Leader: Brian L From the Burbong Bridge on the Bungendore Road we walk along the Molonglo River to the junction with Glenburn Creek across grassland and fire trails. We visit the ruins of William Collier and Glenburn homesteads and one of the earliest European cemeteries in the region. Return along Kowen Forest tracks. Listen for the competition trap shooters at their national range facility near Glen Burns Creek. Cars: 10km ($1). Map: Bungendore. Meet at Q.
Sun 10 Oct FISHING GAP TO COTTER RIVER 12km Medium (11)
Leader: Doug F We follow the fire trail in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to Fishing Gap, and then descend about 300m to the Cotter River for lunch. The regrowth in the area has made finding the old path difficult. Some exploration may be required. Return by the same route. Climb: 600m. Cars: 70km ($10 includes park fees). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.
Sun 10 Oct MT ORRORAL FROM THE WRONG SIDE 16km Hard (13)
Leader: Mac K Starting from the Orroral tracking station car park, we walk south to the track to Nursery Swamp and on to the saddle between Nursery Creek and Rendezvous Creek. We then proceed NNW for about 1.5km to hill 1424, and then turn NE to the top of Mount Orroral. Return to the cars is via the lunar laser ranging station and the Granite Tops Walking Track. Great views, rocks, some rough going, and a seldom seen side of Mount Orroral. Climb: 700m. Cars: 90km ($11). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.
MON 11-FRI 15 OCT SPRING AT MYALL LAKES Easy
Leader: John C We are staying in the resort at Myall Lakes where there is a variety of accommodation, with cabins costing about $40 per person per night and bunkhouse and sites costing much less. Walking is generally easy and varies from coastal to inland rain forest. The trip is now fully booked with 22 people in cabin accommodation. Cars: 1100km ($132).
Wed 13 Oct WEDNESDAY WALK CBC Medium
Co-ordinator: Jeff B
Sat 16 Oct GOOGONG DAM TO DODSWORTH 9km Easy (6)
Leader: Paul N From the Googong Dam picnic area we follow the boundary of the Cumbeyan Nature reserve across a saddle to follow Valley Creek to the outskirts of Queanbeyan. Climb 150m. The creek banks are open scrub. Car shuffle required. Cars: 13km ($2). Maps: Hoskinstown, Bungendore and Canberra. Meet at Q.
Sat 17 Oct Emu FLAT 12km Medium (10)
Leader: Bob C This is a triangular walk from Smokers Trail car park and is mostly off track with some rough sections after an initial 1km along the trail. We turn off the trail and head east for Blue Gum Creek and follow the creek upstream. This will lead to Emu Flat where we will have lunch. The return journey is roughly north back to the Smokers Trail, near where we left it. Climb: 300m. Cars: 70km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.
Tue 19 Oct Deadline for bookings for Fri 22-Sun 24 October BUDAWANGS Med-hard pack walk.
Contact Philip G
Wed 20 Oct SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Annabel A or email ewwcontact AT familybushwalkers.org.au Meet at 9.30am. ***
Wed 20 Oct WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Peter W
Fri 22-Sun 24 October BUDAWANGS Med-hard
Leader: Philip G A three-day walk in the southern Budawangs from Yadboro, taking in Castle Gap, Holland Gorge, Angel Creek, Mt Cole and Monolith Valley, among other highlights. Climbs of about 300 metres and 600 metres are involved on the first two days. Partly off track. Contact leader for more details. Map: Corang 1:25,000. Bookings by Tuesday 19 October. Cars: 180km. Limit of 8.
Sat 23 Oct 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 24 Oct OLD MILL ROAD, BRINDABELLAS 15km Easy (7)
Leader: David W A walk on fire trails through forest with distant views and a waterside morning-tea stop. We will start from the Mount Franklin Road near Piccadilly Circus and wander along Old Mill Road, Warks Road, Gravel Road, and Moonlight Hollow Road, then climb up Bulls Head to complete the day. Climb: 450m. Cars: 100km ($12). Maps: Cotter Dam and Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.
Sun 24 Oct MOUNT GINGERA FROM CORIN DAM 18km Hard (13)
Leader: Mac K From Corin Dam we have a long ascent to Stockyard Spur and then along the ridge to join the Mount Franklin Road beneath Little Ginini Mountain. We follow the road south, passing Priors Hut, and after about 2km turn to follow the track to the top of Gingera. Return via the same route. Cars: 90km ($11). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K at 8.15am***
Wed 27 Oct WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Contact: Mike S
Thur 28 Oct-Sat 6 Nov 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 min 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 camp areas are never crowded. 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. From near the end of October the turtles are nesting on the island. The barge cost is $286 per person return. Camping cost is $5 per night. I will provide additional information on request.
Sat 30 Oct BRANDY FLAT HUT 11km Easy (7)
Leader: Margitta A From the Glendale Crossing we follow the fire trail to the hut at picturesque Brandy Flat, where we will have lunch. Return by the same route. Climb: 300m. Cars: 85km ($10). Map: Michelago. Meet at K.
Sun 31 Oct GININI FALLS FROM MT GININI CARPARK 8km Medium (11)
Leader: Peter W We drive to Mount Ginini car park, and walk direct to the falls down the spur. A very direct route, all off-track, but with little scrub. The forest is unburnt by the fires except in the immediate vicinity of the falls.
Climb: 650m. Cars: 160km ($18). Maps: Corin Dam, Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.
Wed 3 Nov SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Annabel A or email ewwcontact AT familybushwalkers.org.au Meet at 8.00am. ***
Wed 3 Nov WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Peter W
Sat 6 Nov HOSPITAL CREEK 9km Easy (6)
Leader: Paul N From the Boboyan (Yankee Hat) car park walk along the Old Boboyan Rd to Frank's Hut then on to Hospital Ck. Hut. Then north along the creek to the falls for lunch. Pick up a fire trail and return to cars. Climb: 150m. Cars: 100km ($12). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K.
Sun 7 Nov MOUNT WEE JASPER 14km Medium (9)
Leader: Jillian B Climb up Hume and Hovell Track from the Fitzpatrick Track head on Wee Jasper Creek through open forest to top of Mount Wee Jasper for lunch. Return by the same route. Climb: 700m. Cars: 170km ($20). Map: Couragago. Meet at W at 8:00 am ***
Tue 9-Fri 12 Nov MID WEEK ACCOMMODATED RETREAT CURRANGO KNP
Leader: Margaret R A booking has been made for the Tue-Thurs nights at "The Pines", a former workers cottage in the historic Currango precinct. Planned walks include some compulsory paddles: Tuesday half day to Hains or Old Currango, Wed to Pockets and Oldfields and summit of your choice, Thurs to Lovenest, Pedens and Townsends Huts with a leisurely exit on Friday via Hainsworths Hut and Long Plain. Other activities such as fishing, bird watching, and veranda occupation, can be enjoyed. (Where are those sketchers and etchers???) A lovely time of the year, green, and no March flies. If you have never stayed there, and would like to come, please first peruse the various websites under "Currango Homestead" to understand the type of accommodation, booking conditions, etc and then contact the leader (email preferred) in second half of September. A deposit of $30pp (non-refundable if you don't come) needs to be received by 8th October. Actual cost per night depends on no of participants, but is modest. Camping is not permitted in the precinct. Joint activity with the Kosciuszko Huts Association.
Wed 10 Nov WALKS PROGRAM MEETING
Please attend if you are able to contribute for the Jan-Jun 2011 program. The meeting is at Lyneham, from 7.30pm.
Wed 10 Nov WEDNESDAY WALK CBC Medium
Co-ordinator: Jeff B
Wed 10 Nov REMINDER: THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held on Wednesday 17 November.
Sat 13 Nov RAMBLE IN ROSES MORNING WALK 9km Easy (5)
Leader: Lyn W A morning walk taking in the Parliamentary Triangle, including the Parliamentary Rose Gardens, the foreshores of the Lake and the Yarralumla embassies. Option of lunch at Manuka afterwards. Map: Canberra suburbs. Meet across the road from the Manuka Pool at 9am. ***
Sun 14 Nov YERRABI TRACK 14km Medium (8)
Leader: Bob C Walk on the Yerrabi Track to Boboyan Trig from where we can enjoy views of the Bimberi Wilderness. Then cross-country involving a steep, rough descent of 250m to the Old Boboyan Road. The descent may have become more difficult as a result of regrowth after the bushfires. We'll visit the ruins of Boboyan Homestead before returning to the cars. Climb: 240m. Car shuffle. Cars: 120km ($14). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K at 8.30 am.***
Wed 17 Nov SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Annabel A or email ewwcontact AT familybushwalkers.org.au Meet at 8.00am. ***
Wed 17 Nov WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: John E
Wed 17 Nov ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
At the Canberra Bridge Club at 6 Duff Place Deakin at 7.30 p.m. Usual business followed by supper. Bring a plate.
Sat 20 Nov BACK OR GRASSY CREEK CIRCUIT 13km Easy (7)
Leader: Annabel A Walk from the locked gate at Naas Creek to Bulls Flat Creek, passing the ruins of the Old Boboyan Homestead. Walk along Bulls Flat Creek, cross to Back or Grassy Creek and finish at Brayshaws Hut. Car shuffle required. 150m climb. Cars: 120km ($14). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K.
Sat 20 Nov Deadline to contact Sue W to organise contribution for PROGRESSIVE DINNER on Sat 27 Nov
Sun 21 Nov YANKEE HAT 10km Exploratory Medium (11)
Leader: Doug F From the Yankee Hat carpark we will investigate a route up the south ridge to the top of Yankee Hat. Regrowth has made life more difficult in recent years on other routes, hence the exploratory rating. Return by same route or east face. Climb 550m. Cars: 130km ($16). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K.
Wed 24 Nov WEDNESDAY WALK NPA Medium
Contact: Mike S
Sat 27 Nov PROGRESSIVE DINNER 13km Easy(7)
Leader: Sue W Meet at Fadden for entree then walk to Prue's via Wanniassa Trig and Isaac Ridge. Dinner at Prue's in Mawson returning to Fadden along a lower route. Dessert at Fadden. BYO and bring torch and warm clothing for the return at night. Please ring Sue by 20 November to organise contribution.
Sun 28 Nov WALKS LEADER/NAVIGATION COURSE.
Leader: Bob C Comprises a one-day introductory course, in a bushland setting, on daylight terrestrial navigation training (mapcraft, compass, GPS etc) and the role and responsibilities of a walks leader.
Bring pencil and paper. If you have (or can borrow) a Silva-type compass, bring it along. Mapping material and notes will be supplied. Please contact Bob by Sunday 14 Nov to book a place on the course. Meet at K.
Sun 28 Nov LONG FLAT FROM MT CLEAR CAR PARK 18km Medium (9)
Leader: Mac K Note: the last time I did this walk, I was confused by a new fire trail and missed the Long Flat! I want to go back to explore! Starting from the car park we follow the Long Flat Fire Trail to Long Flat, at the south end of which we turn west along a small creek to reach the NSW border in the vicinity of spot height 1376. We then follow the fire trail on the NSW / ACT border north-westerly for about 4 ½km until we reach a saddle, from where we follow north flowing tributary to Grassy Creek and back to the car park. Climb: 450m. Cars 160km ($19). Maps: Bredbo, Colinton. Meet at K.
Wed 1 Dec SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Annabel A or email ewwcontact AT familybushwalkers.org.au Meet at 8.00am. ***
Wed 1 Dec WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Peter W
Fri 3 Dec ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BARBECUE
We will hold the picnic/barbecue at the home of Rene L, Kaleen, from 6pm. BYO food and portable chairs if you have them. Also bring a jumper/jacket. A four-burner barbecue and some wine and juice will be supplied. For enquiries, contact Judy G or Rene.
Sat 4 Dec Deadline to book for Sat 11-Sun 12 Dec BRANDY FLAT HUT PACK WALK
Contact Jillian B
Sat 4 Dec MT TENNENT, MORNING WALK 14km Medium (9)
Leader: Peter W We walk from near the visitors centre up the Alpine walking track to the fire tower on Mount Tennent and return before it gets hot. All on track. Bring water. Climb: 750m. Cars: 45km ($5). Map: Williamsdale. Meet at K at 7:00 am***
Sun 5 Dec PINE ISLAND TO KAMBAH POOL AND RETURN 19km Easy (6)
Leader: Bob C From Pine Island North car park (top of hill) we follow the track to Kambah Pool. Lunch and swim at Kambah Pool. Return via same route. All on track. Climb: 100m. Cars: 14km ($2). Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at K.
Wed 8 Dec SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Annabel A or email ewwcontact AT familybushwalkers.org.au Meet at 8.00am. ***
Wed 8 Dec WEDNESDAY WALK CBC Medium
Co-ordinator: Jeff B
Sat 11-Sun 12 Dec BRANDY FLAT HUT PACK WALK
Leader: Jillian B We will walk in from Glendale Crossing to Brandy Flat hut on Saturday afternoon and return to the cars on Sunday. If people are interested we could have a gourmet dinner on Saturday night. Contact leader by Sat 4 Dec to arrange transport and food. Cars: 90km ($11). Map: Michelego.
Sat 11 Dec SHANAHANS MOUNTAIN AND SHANAHANS FALLS CREEK 13km Medium (9)
Leader: John C Starting at Boboyan Road, walk to Shanahans Mountain, then along spur NE and down to Shanahans Falls Creek. We follow the valley upstream until it leads onto the Mount Clear fire trail. A walk with lots of variety. Mainly off-track. Climb: 300m. There will be a short car shuffle. Cars: 120km ($14). Map: Colinton. Meet at K.
Sun 12 Dec A FEW TUGGERANONG DELIGHTS BEFORE BREAKFAST IN ISTANBUL 10km Easy (6)
Leader: Clare M Enjoy delightful vistas from the Urambi Hills, follow Tuggeranong Creek down to the Murrumbidgee and complete a lap of the Lake all before an optional coffee/breakfast stop in Istanbul on the Hyperdome cafe strip in Anketell Street. Climb: 270m. Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at the locked gate near the corner of Learmonth and Athllon Drives in Kambah at 8 am***
Wed 15 Dec WEDNESDAY WALK FBI Medium
Leader: Mary H
Wed 15 Dec SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Annabel A or email ewwcontact AT familybushwalkers.org.au Meet at 8.00am. ***
Sat 18 Dec MT GINGERA TWO WALKS. 12km Medium(8) and 20km Hard (13)
Leaders: John C (Med), Eric P (Hard)
Johns party will walk from the Mt Ginini car park along the firetrail and then the footpad to Mt Gingera summit, about 14kms total. Cars 140km ($17).
Erics party will walk from Corin Dam to Stockyard Spur, across to Pryors Hut and on to Gingera, about 18kms total and ~1000 metre climb. Cars 100km ($12). The two parties will meet for lunch at Gingera. Map: Corin Dam. Both groups meet at K for 8.30am start***.