-19 - bush club

Spring 2020

www.thebushclub.org.au

Web Information and Notice Board


Please send anything you think will interest our

members to

Roy Jamieson

[email protected]

A SPECIAL REMINDER NOTE

FOR LEADERS WHILE COVID-19

RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN

FORCE:

1. All activities will be “contact leader” and

strictly limited to the number of people allowed

by the government guidelines for outdoor

gatherings. This includes the leader, members,

prospectives and guests.

2. Rather than sign the Walk Report Form (as is

usual practice), collect the contact details

beforehand and hold a roll call before the activity

commences. Members' responses will indicate

that they have read, understood, and accepted

the requirements on the Walk Report Form

(available above), namely that:

In participating in this activity as a financial

member of The Bush Club, I am aware that this

may expose me to risks that could lead to injury,

illness, death, or to loss of or damage to my

property, and that the leader may not have

walked this track before and, even with thorough

preparation, there may be risks associated with it

which have not been anticipated. To minimise

these risks, I have endeavoured to ensure that

this activity is within my capabilities; and that I

am carrying food, water, and equipment

appropriate for the activity. I have advised the

activity leader if I am taking any medication or

have any physical or other limitation that might

affect my participation in the activity. I agree that

if I choose to leave this activity early, I will notify

the leader and I am personally responsible for my

welfare and safety.

3. All members will maintain a safe distance of

1.5m at ALL times.

REMINDER FOR MEMBERS

When booking onto walks please

include:

Your mobile

Your emergency contact details

First Aid – Yes or No

Spring Walks Program – Page 13

For both the Printed Program

and Short Notice Walks, preferably use the

Online form

www.thebushclub.org.au/OnlineForms/Wal

kSubmissions/WalkSubmissionForm.htm

or go to the For Leaders section on our

website

The postal address for all Bush Club

correspondence - Secretary, Treasurer – is

PO Box 207

Milsons Point, NSW 1565

http://www.thebushclub.org.au/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.thebushclub.org.au/OnlineForms/WalkSubmissions/WalkSubmissionForm.htm

http://www.thebushclub.org.au/OnlineForms/WalkSubmissions/WalkSubmissionForm.htm

ETHIOPIA

By Christine McColl

Ethiopia, famine, war, Haile Selassie. For most

people these words cover all that they know

about what actually is a fantastically, interesting

destination. In February this year I was lucky

enough to have a pre-Covid trip to Ethiopia with

fellow Bush Club member Jan Campbell. For

those wistfully dreaming of their next trip, I’ll

outline how we did it and our trip’s highlights.

Self-organisation

We organised the trip ourselves i.e. we worked

out an itinerary, used our own travel agent to

book the fares, and researched and used two

Ethiopian based hiking companies to set up our

two treks. You do not need to go on an organised

tour to have a very good time there.

Sorting out what to do etc. was not too hard. The

Bradt guide to Ethiopia, online forums (Trip

Advisor, Thorn Tree) and online traveller report

blogs provide plenty of information.

Ethiopia is the second largest country on the

African continent, so visitors must be selective in

their destinations. Most first time visitors to

Ethiopia concentrate, as we did, on Addis Ababa,

the capital, and destinations to its north, the

Lakes district (source of the Nile), cities with

monuments and ruins dating back to the second

century AD (Lalibela, Gondar, Axum), and Harar

(a predominantly Muslim city to the east of Addis

Ababa).

Those who want to hike typically go to the Simien

Mountain NP. We went there and also did a

multi-day hike in the Tigray area, which borders

Eritrea in the north. We did not go to the Danakil

depression nor to the Omo valley region in

southern Ethiopia, though many do.

In all these cities, good quality hotels (similar to a

decent two or three star hotel here) can be

booked online via booking.com. We paid an

average of $80 per room per night for an ensuite

room (often with air con). Breakfast was always

included. You could pay more or less.

Getting around

Planes (using the highly reliable Ethiopian

Airlines) are the easiest way to move between

destinations, unless you are keen to spend up to

24 hours in a bus. It is possible to self-drive

around, or to hire a driver and car (we met

several European tourists travelling this way). In

towns tuk tuks and taxis are plentiful and cheap.

Welcome

New Members Bruce Henderson

Christina Darwell

John Rae

Sophie Baron

Simon Tellam

Anita van den Bogaardt

Karen Brown

Jenny Speakman

Food

Cheap, tasty, easy to be vegetarian though it is

not easy to acquire dairy products such as cheese

and yoghurt. Outside of Addis Ababa, shopping is

done at small stores or in outdoor markets. Fruit

is seasonal though probably bananas can be

found anytime. In places we found fantastic juice

stores.

The local dish is injera, a pancake made of gluten

free fermented flour on to which are placed spicy

legume and vegetables. It is definitely an

acquired taste. Pasta, rice and vegetable

combinations are a good alternative. We ate out,

often sometimes in pretty basic places and had

no tummy problems.

Safety

Although Trip Advisor features posts from people

who report harassment from the locals, we did

not experience this. Ethiopia has experienced

rapidly increasing tourist volumes in the last

several years, so the sight of a tourist is not

unusual. Often people went out of their way to

be helpful, e.g. the curator who opened up the

postal museum in Addis Ababa for us as we had

arrived after it had closed, the guide who added

a couple of hours to his day by taking us to a

spectacular lookout further on from our final

destination. Of course, we were sensible and

took all the precautions tourists must take

anywhere.

In fact, we felt least safe when driven in private

cars on the roads with overtaking on blind

corners, speeding, huge trucks with khat fuelled

drivers coming our way.

Political unrest seems endemic. It did not

threaten us, but it had occurred in areas we

visited not long before our stay. In Harar we saw

windows in buildings close to our hotel which had

been smashed in recent riots. The general advice

is to avoid the border with Somalia and Sudan

(though we heard that Sudan is now very tourist

friendly). So, keep an eye on what is happening in

areas you want to visit. You may be unlucky

enough to run into a demo or a roadblock.

Highlights

Overall: landscape and culture. Landscape: the

spectacular mountain ranges of the Simien

Mountains NP and the Tigray area.

Culture - it was absorbing to be in a country

which retains so much of what came before

major recent European influence: people dress

differently, the script is impenetrable, religious

observance is public and widespread, churches

are vividly painted and decorated with Byzantine

like painting styles. Had we gone south to the

Omo valley we would have seen groups living

lives in a far more ancient tribal pattern.

Our walking highlights were:

A five-day hike in the Simien Mountains. The

Simiens are a staggeringly beautiful set of ridges

and mountains slowly being reforested after the

locals were cleared out to make the national

park. Troops of baboons live in parts of the park,

there are small groups of Ethiopian wolves and

ibexes on cliffs.

We organised our hike through Michael, of

hikeinethiopia.com. He provided top quality

camping gear, a superb cook, a guide and crew.

The hiking was moderately demanding but no

more than hiking around the Snowies, though

altitudes ranged from 3500 to 4000m plus.

A six-day hike in the Tigray Mountains. This was

organised by Tesfa tours, a locally run company

which uses guesthouses built and staffed by local

villagers, who profit from this. It’s a dry area,

whose colours are like those of the Australian

outback, but the landscape is wild and

mountainous, with rock hewn churches an

interesting cultural feature.

Non walking highlights:

The churches, sometimes fantastically painted

(think Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel) sometimes rock

hewn, with priests often happy to share the

church treasures of antique crosses, manuscripts

and ceremonial drums.

The camel market near Harar, where hundreds of

camels are traded between Ethiopians and

people from Djibouti, Somalia and Somaliland.

With women counting wads of the local currency,

coffee stalls made of thornbush, lanky henna

haired elders, and a small goat market it felt like

being in another era.

The khat market which we drove through on our

way to Harar. Khat is a plant widely chewed for

its narcotic effects. The market is open 24 hours

a day with one million US dollars’ worth of khat

traded every day. We passed khat laden trucks

speeding on their way to Somalia, people

carrying huge bundles of the plant and fields full

of the khat. It had the exotic feeling of an open-

air marihuana market

Addis ... the palace of Haile Selassie, its surrounds

now turned into a theme park with giant camels

and black lions; Entoto hill, home of the Emperor

Menelik who colonised the lowlands from the

highlands of Ethiopia creating the borders we

know now; the museum where a replica of Lucy,

the world’s earliest hominid located in the Rift

valley in the 70s, coffin shops….

So many more there is not space to describe.

After Ethiopia we went on to Israel and Jordan,

but that is another article!

WALTZING TO SYDNEY HARBOUR WITH CAPTAIN

COOK, IN THOSE PRE-BASTILLE DAYS

By Margaret Cameron-Ash

On the first Sunday in May, while the Endeavour was anchored in Botany Bay (250 years ago), a few of us commemorated Captain Cook’s secret discovery of Sydney Harbour in 1770, when he walked along the well-worn Aboriginal trading track from Botany Bay to Bellevue Hill.

Filled with Franco-British rapport, we also celebrated the French officers from La Perouse’s two ships, who walked along the same ancient track 18 years after Cook, to visit the English colonists at Sydney Cove in 1788.

We carried the contemporary flag of France, with its pre-revolutionary white field with golden fleur de lys, and the British flag, with just the two crosses (St. Andrew and St. George) of the first Union flag.

Setting off from Botany Bay (at Frenchmans Beach), we paused halfway to salute Captain Cook’s statue at Randwick, then walked along Frenchmans Road, and up to the trig point of Bellevue Hill. From here we enjoyed the wonderful view that James Cook saw 250 years ago – and the French saw 232 years ago!

Our walk took three and a bit hours – as we had to dodge schools, shops and hospitals now built over the ancient track. It was great fun! Margaret Cameron-Ash is the Author of “Lying for the Admiralty” Rosenberg Publishing, 2018

TAFFY’S ROCK MEMORIAL

The walk to Taffy’s Rock is a popular Bush Club

activity but who was Taffy?

Around the 8th January 1948, Dorothy Vera

“Taffy” Townson made news all around Tasmania

and NSW for the wrong reason. She had died of

snake-bite, twice on the leg and elsewhere while

on a multiday walk in Tasmania.

Taffy joined the Rucksack Club in January 1944

and must have been an independent woman who

was 39 in 1948. In 1948 the Rucksack Club was a

strong club with around 100 members of whom

33% or more were women. The Hikers Club of

Sydney became the Rucksack Club in November

1936 but unfortunately faded away about 1975.

A strong portion of the club had served in WWII

as service women and men.

In 1947 the Murwillumbah area was her home

where she may have been the proprietor of a hair

dressing salon. She approached Alfred Watkins

and Sam Hinde to join a Rucksack Club multiday

walk from Waldheim Chalet (Cradle Mountain) to

Lake St Clair in Tasmania. Well into the walk

beyond Pelion Hut her friends went ahead while

she was left alone for a toilet break.

Unfortunately, she disturbed a Tiger Snake which

struck three times.

Extreme efforts were made to get medical

assistance from Sheffield, outside the National

Park, to no avail. Survival may have been unlikely

anyway. Two only of the bites were attended to

via the basic treatment methods of the time.

Taffy may have had to walk to join her friends

plus (it is said that) she was too modest to say

that a third bite had occurred when her

underpants were down.

Taffy died about 4.30am on the 8th January 1948.

Bushwalkers from Sydney University

Bushwalking Club (SUBW) helped carry her body

out of the National Park. The track could only

allow two at a time to carry the improvised

stretcher in 10-minute bursts.

Taffy now lies in Devonport Cemetery. At the

Rucksack Club General Meeting on 14th January

those present stood for a moments silence to

remember this well-respected member. Plans

were started almost immediately for a memorial

to Taffy. Tasmania would not accept a memorial

but on 20th March a memorial walk was held with

the hope that in future the Lands Department

would accept a nomination for a location to be

named in her honour.

Minutes from May 1948 show that member Ted

Sloane was delegated to seek such a spot. At the

General Meeting of January 1950, a quote from

Raynore Pty Ltd of £8.8.0 was accepted for the

manufacture of the current plaque at Taffy’s

Rock. The Club to bear the full expense.

So, when you are next at Taffy’s Rock spare a

moment to reflect on the unlucky Taffy and her

snake bites.

Keith Maxwell

KAMCHATKA

Kamchatka is a peninsula in the far east of Russia,

with the Pacific Ocean to its east. It’s on the ring

of fire, which starts in New Zealand, goes up

through the Philippines and Japan, then along a

string of islands to Kamchatka. At the

recommendation of an old friend, Dave Roots, a

group of 11 of us did a trip there in 2008: some

of my old canyoning friends and some girls from

my old running group on the Northern Beaches.

At the time, and probably still, it’s not a ‘Do It

Yourself’ place. In fact, when you see the poverty

there you feel it’d be wrong not to employ some

locals; it was a strategic military base back in

Soviet times, but no longer, and now Moscow

seems to have forgotten them, and there’s not

much work there. So, we hired a local team: a

guide, a translator, a cook and two porters for all

the supplies. As well, there are no reasonable

maps available: any they have are closely

guarded by the Russians and you can’t buy them.

We aimed to visit some of the spectacular

volcanoes on Kamchatka. Two are right in the

background of the capital, Petropavlovsk. The

first one we climbed was Avachinsky, 2741m

high, with a bigger one close by: Koryasky 3548m,

shown in the photo.

It’s a stiff climb up Avachinsky, at the top there’s

a large crater with a lot of fumaroles, sulphur

vents and unfortunately lots of hydrogen

sulphide gas. But great views from the top, and

an exhilarating climb to get there.

Next, we took a helicopter well south of the

capital and spent a couple of weeks walking in a

virtually uninhabited area of volcanic vents,

lakes, forest and hot springs. The main residents

there are grizzly bears, foxes and ground

squirrels. We saw quite a few bears, including a

visit from one at night – see footprint.

The first ones we saw were climbing trees. Now I

didn’t think grizzly bears could climb trees, but it

turns out that only the cubs can, the adults are

too heavy. Our guide was very secretive about

how to protect against an attack, which was a

concern. When I was in the Canadian Arctic in

2001, we had taken two shotguns and we each

had a capsicum spray; but this guy didn’t seem to

have anything. One of our team had brought a

capsicum spray, and classed it as “personal

medication”; then at the end of the trip he asked

the guide if he’d like it, the guy couldn’t grab it

fast enough!

Eating when you’re bushwalking in Kamchatka is

rather different to home. They didn’t have any

dried meals, everything was fresh: potatoes,

meat, tins of all sorts, nothing whatsoever was

dried. That’s why we needed a couple of hefty

young porters to carry it all – plus the tents and

the stove they brought. And we made two food

drops on the helicopter flight in, to be picked up

later. Our guide was very secretive, I guess it’s the

old Soviet fear of foreign spies. When he

consulted the map he’d go some distance away

from us and not let anyone see it; he had a GPS,

but from what we could see of him he didn’t even

know how to use it! We offered to help him out,

but we might have been American spies so he

couldn’t allow that!

The main volcano we visited on the walk was

Mutnovsky. It had several craters and seemed to

be more active than Avachinsky. We went up and

looked into the main crater, not an inviting view

inside! And there were other craters, plus several

glaciers. After that visit we retired to more

agreeable places, there are plenty of hot springs,

very nice to have a dip in. We went to a couple of

other volcanoes, nice country when you’re not

on the edge of a sulphurous crater with

fumaroles and H2S everywhere. At our last camp

site there were a lot of salmon in the river, you

could just walk into the water and pick them up;

but eating them is not recommended, they come

up there and having laid their eggs they die and

then they’re toxic to eat.

That night, being our last night out, our guide and

the porters got stuck into the vodka. Gerry in our

team joined them, they got through 6 bottles and

he was in a bad way next morning. Trying to

match vodka drinks with Russians is not

something I would ever risk!

On returning to Petropavlovsk we did a dramatic

bay cruise. It’s a great natural harbour, with lots

of seals and sea lions, but in particular it’s a

paradise for birds, there are thousands of them

perched on rocky crags – seagulls, cormorants,

puffins and eagles. A memorable day’s cruise.

We wondered how things will go there in the

future. They had the idea of promoting heliskiing,

they have a lot of helicopters left over from

Soviet days and they had had quite a few

heliskiers there, but no lifts at all for normal

downhill skiers. Kamchatka certainly has tourist

potential, but they are so far from Moscow that

they don’t get any help from there. But an

interesting place to go, we all enjoyed it.

Peter Cunningham

SPRING FLORA TO WATCH FOR

Telopea speciosissima, or the Waratah (its

aboriginal name), has been the official floral

emblem of New South Wales since 1962. An

erect shrub, it can grow to 4 metres and flowers

from September in low-lying areas to much later

in mountain districts.

BLAST FROM THE PAST FROM WALKS & TALKS, ISSUE NO. 35 JANUARY

1965

THINGS TO REMEMBER IF CAUGHT IN A

BUSHFIRE (From information contained in a

CSIRO pamphlet)

1. Do not panic, and do not run unless absolutely

necessary.

2. Cover up all exposed parts of the body, i.e. put

on long trousers, jacket, hat etc. (This is a shield

against radiated heat).

3. Take refuge in running streams or pools, or in

a rut or a hollow. A covering of earth is a

protection.

4. In dense smoke hold a handkerchief or cloth

(wet if possible) over mouth and nose. Breathe

slowly and await pockets of fresh air before filling

lungs. Remember air near the ground is fresher

and cooler.

5. If you have to run for it, go downhill. Try to

work way to edge and rear of fire front.

6. If it is necessary to pass through flames to

reach safety, don’t delay. Take some quick, deep

breaths and move briskly through.

7. Do not enter flames more than five feet high,

or thirty feet deep, or when undergrowth is thick.

8. If the situation is dire, lie prone on barest piece

of ground around, or in a rut or hollow. Cover up

every exposed part of skin with spare clothes,

tent, rucksack, everything available. Remember

radiated heat striking exposed skin can kill before

the flames reach you. Woollen material is the

best protection. Use everything that will act as a

cover against radiated heat. HELP PREVENT

BUSHFIRES BY OBEYING THE REGULATIONS

Poem for Michael By John Maltby

The air is getting colder

There’s a frost up in the sky

We’ve been wading through clear water

The long day tiring, though we try

We’re climbing up the valley

From down Kanangra way

Tryin’ to get to Carlon’s

It’s further north they say

Heading up the rising creek

Before the heavens roar

Walking through the ‘Wild Dog’ scrub

Where Keatsie’s been before.

They tell me everything’s gonna be alright

But, I bet we’ll get for!

Just trying to get to heaven, up where the eagles

soar,

Just trying to get to heaven before they close the

door.

Gonna sleep down by some gold flat place

And try to relive those dreams

I’ll close my eyes and wonder if all is as it seems

Just trying’ to get to Megalong before they close the

store

Just tryin’ to get to heaven before they close the

door.

Some like the high clear valleys, some like the clear

blue sea

Some just stand in wonder, but what’s right for you

and me

For we may not come this way again, of that you

can’t be sure

But all walkers have been to heaven and never need

for more,

All walkers get to heaven before they close the door.

ITEMS FOR SALE

1. Snorkel, mask and Flippers, all adjustable. 2. Two Flexible Camp chairs, uses your inflatable mat to transform into a seat. 3. Keen Sandals W Size 8.5. 4. Mont Daypack, 15L with gusset. If interested call Kris Moore on 0434 082 001

An Important Reminder If you haven’t already done so, please carry

your Bush Club Emergency Contact & Medical

Form in your First Aid kit. It could make the

difference if you’re caught up in a medical

emergency.

http://www.thebushclub.org.au/down/BushClubEm

ergency&MedicalForm.pdf

Booking on walks When contacting leaders who don’t know you,

there are several things you can do to make the

leader’s job much easier.

Firstly, note the order in which the leader lists

their contact details.

A good idea is to provide your full name, a

mobile number and/or an email address,

preferably both.

An absolute must is to provide a recent walk

history (up to 3 months is preferable), with as

much detail as possible.

In other words, the more information you

provide about yourself, the happier the leader

will be.

Bush Club PLBs

(Personal Locator

Beacons)

The club has two PLBs for use by leaders on

walks.

Tony Hickson (email

[email protected]) and

Graham Conden (0418 647 951) are

custodians of the PLBs. You can contact

them at any time to borrow one.

Note that a PLB is to be used only in life

threatening situations, as a last resort. You

should always try to contact emergency

services via your mobile phone and “Triple

Zero”.

Emergency services will have a better idea of

how to respond to your incident/injuries if

you can contact them via your mobile.

For more information see the More

Information for Leaders page on our

website.


http://www.thebushclub.org.au/down/BushClubEmergency&MedicalForm.pdf

http://www.thebushclub.org.au/down/BushClubEmergency&MedicalForm.pdf

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.thebushclub.org.au/

Spring Walks Program 2020

Following a somewhat tumultuous year to date, what might be described as The Bush Club’s annus horribilus, where many of our activities have been curtailed

due to fires, floods, park closures and then a global pandemic, we are very pleased to be able to offer a program which provides members an opportunity to

participate in a range of activities. Hopefully, spring will truly be the season of new beginnings.

A total of 59 activities have so far been submitted by leaders, including 9 advanced notice activities. This is a notable achievement considering there is currently

a ban on all international travel and most interstate travel as well. I expect that many more activities will be added to the program in the coming months as

short notice walks. This has become common practice in recent times as our leaders grapple with many of the uncertainties that currently prevail.

The Spring Walks Program offers members a variety of walks from Grade 2 to Grade 4, and a Grade 5 walk for those who relish the challenge of going “off-

track” and maintaining a fast pace. There is also an extended pack-walk in Kosciuszko National Park. Additionally, a number of leaders have planned walks based

on a theme. Through a series of walks you can travel the Great North Walk or the Great West Walk – or do both! There are also quite a few opportunities to

walk in Bouddi National Park. In addition, there are five special events for cyclists including the allure of a “moonlight cycle”. Planned interstate activities

comprise a series of day walks in Tasmania, a full-pack walk over the first stage of the Heysen Trail, South Australia, and cycling in Victoria. All of these activities,

of course, will be dependent on any government directives in place at the time. So please check any updates on the program and details with the respective

leaders.

Many thanks to those leaders who have stepped up to contribute activities to the Spring Walks Program, especially to those who have made a tremendous

contribution: Tom Dowling (13), Mujib Shaik (12), Nick Rutledge (6), John Hungerford (5), Bandula Gonsalkorale (3) and Jon Hestelow (3). Other leaders

contributing activities include Adrian Jones, Greg Layman, Bernie Hunt, Colin Isaac, Graham Conden, Jennie Kelso, Kaye Birch, Kerrie McLean, Lydia Chua, Anne

Armstrong, Morrie Donovan, Paul Webster, Rob Gibson, Robyn Christie, Lynn Dabbs and Kevin Williams.

Bouddi National Park

Bouddi National Park is located near Gosford. The park contains one of the last mature temperate rainforests on the Central Coast and offers an “abundance of

wildlife, beaches and sweeping ocean views”.

Great North Walk

The Great North Walk is approximately 250 kms in length running from Sydney to Newcastle and includes a huge variety of wildlife and scenery.

Great West Walk

The Great West Walk is a 65km walking route stretching from Parramatta to the foot of the Blue Mountains. The route incorporates a varied landscape of local

rivers and creeks, public parklands and some of Australia’s oldest architecture.

Nev Ellis

Walks Secretary

The Bush Club Spring Walks Program – September to November 2020

Every person participating in any activity organised by or with the involvement of The Bush Club Inc. does so at his or her own risk and by participating,

acknowledges that neither The Bush Club Inc. nor its office-bearers nor its activity leaders have accepted responsibility or liability for any damages to property

nor for any death nor injury suffered and that he or she will take all responsibility for any person under 18 years of age invited by him or her to participate in

any activity organised by or with the involvement of the Bush Club Inc.

President:

Tony Hickson 0417 200 980 Secretary: Colin Reid 0408 655 595 Membership Secretary:

John Hungerford

9498 6635

Walks Secretary:

Neville Ellis 0406 912 626 Treasurer: Wendy Dodd 0416 125 245 Web Site: www.bushclub.org.au

GENERAL: Even on day walks, walkers should carry a small first aid kit, matches and torch. A day walk may unexpectedly become a night walk. Come suitably equipped with strong walking shoes, a backpack, hat, rain gear and water. Members are also encouraged to carry map and compass and become proficient in their use. With experience gained in club walks it is hoped that members will become walk leaders and /or office bearers.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Phone 131 500 to check train, bus and ferry times. Timetables are sometimes altered at short notice. If the train is not running to timetable or if there is any doubt, contact the leader. Traditionally, Bush Club members travel in the second rail carriage from rear, upper level, unless otherwise advised.

ENQUIRIES: Enquiries about a walk should be directed to the leader. In times of bush fires, check news services and/or NPWS re closure of parks or access roads. Do phone the leader if you are unsure.

CAR COST SHARE: The rate is 33c per km divided by the number of car occupants, including the driver.

LEADERS: All day walks must be held unless conditions are unsafe. A minimum of four (4) Full Members or Prospective Members, including the leader, is required for a Club walk. If there are fewer than four, including leader, a walk, if continued, is not an official Club activity and is not covered by insurance. If a leader is unable to lead his/her walk, he/she should arrange for a substitute leader and inform the Walks Secretary accordingly. The leader (or substitute) must travel to the starting point of the walk (unless all participants are known and are notified of the change).

PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS:

Prospective members are required to seek the leader’s agreement to participate in any walk; they are advised to commence with Medium Grade 3 walks (or easier if new to bushwalking).

VISITORS: Visitors including children are welcome to take part in walks only if invited by a full member (who must be present on the walk) and subject to the leader’s prior approval. The member, not the visitor, should request approval. A leader has the right to refuse to take visitors on walks. Visitors will be granted temporary cub membership to enable them to take part in the activity.

SEARCH AND RESCUE:

Contact the police or other emergency agency only if life or limb is endangered. In the event of a party being overdue, or some other incident, please phone the following Bush Club contacts – Graham Conden 0418 647 951, Keith Maxwell 0431 262 101 or Lynn Dabbs 0408 214 669. Contact may also be made with the Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue by phoning 0427 455 897. Wait for the delayed response of the phone transfer system.

GUIDE TO GRADING OF WALKS

M Qualifying All walks marked “M” are membership-qualifying walks. Generally, this applies to all walks grade 3 and higher, but there are exceptions. Do check! However, prospective members may attend any walk with the leader’s consent.

80 Leaders - The activity is for the 80 Leaders 80 Walks Project.

LTW - Leadership Training Walks The leader is available to instruct aspiring leaders in techniques of walk leadership.

SEA - Support, Encourage, Achieve The leader promotes and encourages a supportive environment – a team effort.

Grade 1 (Easy) Opportunity for large numbers of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well-marked and even tracks. Tracks are man-made and may have a few steps. Should not be steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.

Grade 2 (Easy-Medium) Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well-marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.

Grade 3 (Medium) Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20km.

Grade 4 (Medium-Hard) Steeper, rougher terrain and may have some off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.

Grade 5 (Hard) Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often indistinct tracks or tracks in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossings involved. Distance should not exceed 30km, but may be short and difficult. Not suitable for beginners.

Grade 6 (Very Hard) Strenuous off-track walk or very long distance. Opportunity for highly experienced walkers to explore remote and challenging natural areas without reliance on managed tracks. Terrain may be steep, uneven and not on track. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking and crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short and difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.

ONLY OFFICE BEARERS OF THE BUSH CLUB INC. MAY GIVE OUT COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE

Date Grade Route and DescriptionTransport and Meeting

Details

Leader(preferred Contact

listed first)

SEPTEMBER

Tue1 Sep

Grade 3 MUnhurried pace

12km150m total climbs

Brisbane Water NPWondabyne to Pindar Cave and waterfall: Steep uphill on firetrail to start then tracks all the way to the cave via Mt Pindar where orchids and wildflowers should be in profusion Map: CMA Gunderman

Contact leader for train times Mike [email protected] (preferred) 9884 74280419 236 939 (on day only)

Thu3 Sep

CommitteeMeeting

Bush Club Committee Meeting, 4:30pm, Thornton RoomKirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy St, Kirribilli

Thu3 Sep

Grade 3 Fast pace13km

300m total climbs

Garigal NPManly Dam + Bantry Bay: This walk offers pleasant bush tracks and decent views in return for a medium effort and several moderate climbs. From Seaforth Oval we will enter the west side of the Manly Dam circuit, follow it anti-clockwise to cross the dam wall and walk the recently re-opened lakeside track to the Curl Curl Track. Here a short climb brings us to the pipeline and Warringah Aquatic Centre. We cross the footbridge then head down through Forestville Park to Currie Road Trail, up Natural Arch Track and Bluff Trail up to Bluff Lookout. The Bluff Track and a final ascent up Timber Getters Track take us back to the cars. Grade 3 due to final ascent. (Joint walk with SBW)

Contact Leader Nick [email protected] 698 810

Fri4 Sep

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace20km

600m total climbs

Berowra Valley NPBerowra Loop: Berowra Stn - Waratah Bay - Mt Kuring-gai Stn - Lyrebird Gully - Berowra. Map: Cowan

Contact leader Tom Dowling0415 402 [email protected]

Sat5 Sep

Grade 3 MMedium pace


Bouddi National ParkPutty Beach to MacMasters Beach and Return: The Bouddi coastal walk is 8.5kms one way from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach in the Bouddi National Park in Central Coast near Gosford. This walk is one of the best known coastal walks with abundance of wildlife, beaches and sweeping ocean views throughout the walk. We will do Putty Beach to Gerrin Point Lookout to Maitland Bay to Little Beach to Macmasters Beach and RETURN making it total 17kms walk. Meeting point is Woy Woy station, car pooling will be required to drive the 12km distance from Woy Woy station to Putty Beach and return. I will be driving and can take 3 walkers in my car. COVID-19 safety guidelines apply. Map: Bouddi National Park

Contact leader Mujib [email protected] 278 977

The Bush Club: Walks Program - Spring 2020: Sep - Nov

Before attending a walk, members are advised to check the electronic program or contact the leader.


Details


listed first)Sun6 SeptoFri11 Sep

Mixed Grades M

Medium pace10 - 20 km

200, 500, 700m total climbs

Warrumbungles NPWalking in the Warrumbungles: A car camping trip with day walks. Arrive in Coonabarabran Sunday - accommodation that night in town (approx $50-$120 depending on share room or not) to support the area and dinner at a local restaurant (probably the Chinese) again to support the community - this is a requirement for this trip. Drive to Camp Blackman Monday (last minute shopping can be done - Woolies and Coles in town) and set up tents - walks will commence that day. Various levels over 4 days. Depart Friday back home. Map: Warrumbungle

Contact leader

TRIP FULL

First listed 07 July 2020

Robyn [email protected] 403 622

Mon7 Sep



Garigal NPSeaforth Oval to Lindfield Station: Walk from Seaforth Oval along the Timbergetters Track, The Bluff, natural bridge, Magazine Track, Flat Rock Track, Two Creeks Track then up to Lindfield station. A delightful walk with lookouts, bays, bush tracks, firetrails and lots of ups and downs but not too steep. Map: STEP Inc. Sheet 2

Contact leader Kerrie McLeanE: [email protected]: 0417 074 380

Wed9 Sep

Grade 2 Medium paceApprox 14kmQuite flat

Western SydneyThe Great West Walk – Parramatta to Penrith - 1 of 5 Parramatta to Toongabbie: See www.greatwestwalk.com.au This new walk was launched on 11 October 2019 and is a total of 65 kms. Today we’ll do the first section from Parramatta Railway to Toongabbie Railway. We’ll walk through Parramatta Park to Gov. Phillip’s Camp at the confluence of Toongabbie Creek, Darling Mills Creek and the Parramatta River. Then alongside Toongabbie Creek and follow the Redbank Track, part of Pemulwuy Loop and the Settlers Track to Sue Savage Park before diverting to Toongabbie Railway. We should see an abandoned railway and the Peter Parade Levee. Map: UBD – 211,190,191,190,189

Contact Leader John [email protected] 6635

Thu10 Sep

Grade 3 CYCLE

Unhurried pace25km

1 hill (Not a biggie)

CBDSydney Moonlight Cycle: From Centennial Park we'll cycle to a Harbourside Park in Kirribilli and watch ferries pass by while enjoying a pizza or fish 'n chips with the city lights as a backdrop. Return back over the Harbour Bridge via Sydney Observatory and Archibald Fountain to our starting point at Centennial Park. 80% Dedicated Cycleway, 20% Shared path with pedestrians. Must have front & rear lights, Hi-vis vest, bell & helmet. Map: Sydney CBD

Contact leader

Meeting at Centennial ParkLight Rail is close by and bicycle friendly

Paul [email protected] to 0438 248 344



Details


listed first)Sat12 Sep





Sat12 Sep

Grade 4 MFast pace26km

1500m total climbs

Cowan Cowan - Brooklyn - Cowan: The good ol’ C2B but doubled (so approx 13km x 2). Several steep climbs of 100 – 200m each. Pace: fast and furious. Few stops (if any), between end points. Fit prospectives welcome to apply. Map: Cowan (Joint walk with SBW)


Mon14 Sep

Grade 3 CYCLE

Unhurried pace32km

Minor climbs

Central CoastCycle Tuggerah Station to The Entrance and return: Cycle from Tuggerah Station on the shared cycleway to The Entrance enjoying the scenic ride along the foreshore of Tuggerah Lake from Chittaway Bay to The Entrance and coffee. Lots of shade along the path and a breeze off the lake makes this a pleasant ride. Lunch stop at Chittaway Bay Lions Park on the return ride. Refueled for the last 6ks back to Tuggerah Station. Bike Helmet and Hi Viz vest please. Limit 10 Map: Google Maps Cycle paths

Contact leader Colin [email protected] 842 257

Mon14 Sep

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace13km

375m total climbs

Ku-ring-gai NPCowan to Brooklyn: Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay: Cowan to Brooklyn is part of the Great North Walk starting from Cowan Station and ending at Brooklyn (Hawkesbury River Station). Some fire trail walking towards the end. Map: Cowan

Contact Leader Tom Dowling0415 402 [email protected]

Thu17 Sep


400m total climbs

CowanTaffy's Rock: The walk to Taffy’s Rock will begin at Cowan Station and initially follow the Great North Walk down the gently sloping, forested gully to Jerusalem Bay, a lovely spot for a short rest. A sharp climb takes us to the point we leave the GNW and head east along an overgrown track that follows Govett Ridge for around 4km. The track becomes quite rough along the later part until we swing north to Taffy’s Rock. Some excellent views, an interesting tessellated dome and a rest on the large sandstone outcrop that is Taffy’s Rock will be our reward. We return the way we came to Cowan Station. Fit prospectives welcome to apply. (Joint walk with SBW) Map: Cowan




Details


listed first)Fri18 SeptoSun20 Sep

Grade 2 & 3 Medium pace

km tbatotal climbs tba

Mt WilsonCar Camping: Camping at Cathedral Reserve Campground or staying in cottages at Mt Wilson in the Blue Mountains. Three days of walking nearby.Boronia Point walk 4.6km, grade 2Zircon Creek Walk and Happy Valley Walk grade 3Sunday Spur and Bogey Holes Walk 13km, grade 3Cathedral Reserve Campground is a large grassy open space with plenty of room for tents, Campervans and small motorhomes. Own transport is required, may be options for sharing cars depending on availability. Driving to walks will be shared amongst drivers and club rates will apply for passengers. Limit 20

Contact Leader for itinerary and more information

First listed 25/11/19

WALK FULL

Adrian [email protected]

Fri18 SeptoTue22 Sep


12-17km per day, 73km total

up to 350m per day climbs

Heysen Trail, South AustraliaCape Jervis to Victor Harbor: A full pack walk over the first stage of the Heysen Trail, travelling along the Fleurieu Peninsula coast to Victor Harbor. We will take 5 days. Number limit applies. https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/heysen-trail-south-coast/ You will need to be in Cape Jervis by the evening of Thursday 17th (bus from Adelaide at 3:30pm) and we plan to spend the evening of Tuesday 22nd in Victor Harbor accommodation somewhere. Bus back to Adelaide next day or stay a few days. Map: Heysen Trail, Map Sheet 1

Contact leader

first listed 5/3/2020

Status currently very uncertain (1 August)

Lynn Dabbs and Kevin [email protected] 214 669

Sat19 SeptoSun20 Sep

CYCLEMedium pace65km each day200m total climbs

M7 / WindsorCycle Chipping Norton to Windsor, and return over two days - A social weekend away. On Saturday we will meet at Ascot Drive, Chippington Norton, 8.15 am for an 8.30 am start. Cycling mostly on quiet roads and bike paths to Canley Vale for coffee, then on bike paths to the M7 cycle way, then to Rooty Hill Pub for lunch (or BYO). Continue to Richmond Road cycle path, then onto Windsor. I have booked a room at the Windsor Hotel, 54 George Street, Windsor. Best to book your accommodation early, after contacting leader. Local Pub for dinner (possibility of a band Saturday night). Sunday 20 September, Windsor Mall Markets from 9.00 am, departing Windsor approx. 10.00 am. "Picnic lunch" on the way back. Returning to Chipping Norton between 4.00 - 5.00 pm. Limited numbers. Map: Nepean

Contact leader

First listed 27 Feb 2020

Status uncertain at this stage due to CV restricitons (12 May)

Rob [email protected] 070 345



Details




17km600mm total climbs


Contact leader Grade 3 MMedium pace17km350m total climbs

Sun20 SeptoWed23 Sep

Grade 2 to 3 Unhurried pace

low kmminimal climbs

Kosciuszko NPReunion Walk: A full pack reunion walk for Weary Old Pack Walkers. In the first decade of the 21st century there were quite a few of the same old faces turning up to Tony Hickson’s or my multi day pack walks in the Vic Alps or the Snowy Mts. Most are now in retirement from full pack walking. But during COVID-19 dozens of very old photos started doing the rounds on email. So I thought maybe we should have a reunion walk? Here’s a chance to visit a great area, base camp beside one of the oldest huts and do some nice walking while catching up. It’s only a 2km walk into Davey’s Hut on Snowy Plain. It will be an easy 4 days, let’s see how many are keen to dust off the big pack and tiny tent?? The last night (Thursday 24th) could be a bit of luxury in a motel in Greenway, southern Canberra. Expressions of interest please. High clearance all wheel drives or 4 wheel drive vehicles needed.

Contact leader

WALK FULL

first listed 16 May 2020

Morrie [email protected]

Wed23 Sep

Grade 2 Medium paceApprox 14kmQuite flat

Western SuburbsThe Great West Walk – Parramatta to Penrith - 2 of 5 Toongabbie to Western Sydney Parklands: See www.greatwestwalk.com.au From Toongabbie Railway we’ll walk via some streets and green corridors to the corner of Richmond Road and Knox Road at Dean Park. Then exit by bus to Blacktown Station. Map: UBD 189,188,168,167


Thu24 Sep

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace21km

750m total climbs

BlackheathBlackheath Circuit via Grand Canyon & Evans Lookout: Blackheath Station to Neates Glen via Braeside Fire Trail - Grand Canyon - Evans Lookout - return to Blackheath via Grand Canyon / Braeside Trail (due to Cliff Top & Pope Glen track closures). Map: Blackheath




Details






Contact leader Grade 3 MMedium pace17km350m total climbs

Sun27 Sep



Ku-ring-gai Chase NPBobbin Head Loop EXTRA: Another variation on the Bobbin Head Loop (somewhat different from my last), this walk will include some extra off-track for those who want to work on basic navigation skills. We start at North Wahroonga, head briefly east on the Gibberagong Track but almost immediately head off-track northwards down to the upper reach of Cockle Creek, cross the creek and ascend steeply the spur opposite to reach Chase Trail and Kalkari Track. We follow the track down to Bobbin Head enjoying some fine views over Ku-ring-gai Chase and Cowan Creek. After a short stop at Bobbin Head, we will return with a second off-track climb along the ridge south of the Gibberagong Track, then descend the steep Murrua Trail and complete our loop by heading west on the Gibberagong Track back to North Wahroonga. Grade 4 due to off-track. (Joint walk with SBW) Map: Hornsby


OCTOBERThu1 Oct

CommitteeMeeting


Thu1 OcttoThu8 Oct

Grade 2 & Grade 3

Medium pace10-15km per day

No major climbs

New England, Cathedral Rock & Dorrigo NPDay walks in New England area: We will stay in Platypus cottage at "Two Styx" near Point Lookout via Ebor, NE of Armidale. Each day we travel to different National parks in the area, walking on tracks with a variety of rainforest, eucalyptus forest and grass land, with some possible muddy and slippery sections. Magnificent scenery from the escarpment will be viewed and New England NP is a Gondwana World Heritage Area.Optional activities include trout fishing, bird watching and orchid spotting with opportunities for photography and relaxing by the wood fire. 1st and 8th October are travelling days.Accommodation is self catering and around $45 per person per night depending on numbers. Only members who are prepared to share accommodation (2 in a room) should apply. Limit: 8. Map: Ebor, Hyatt's Flat

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Car pooling available

First listed 28 June 2020

WALK FULL

Wait list operating

Lydia Chua (organiser), Leaders - Jon Hestelow and Anne Armstrong0403 071 [email protected]



Details


listed first)Sat3 OcttoSat17 Oct

CYCLEMedium pace

Ride 387km, walk 7km

climbs tba

VictoriaA variety of cycles on rail trail paths across Victoria: East Gippsland Trail - Bruthen to Bairnsdale 60km & Bruthen to Nowa Nowa 54kmCentral Gippsland Trail - Stratford to Heyfield 58kmGrand Ridge Trail – Boolarra to Stratford 26kmBass Coast Trail – Wonthaggi to Kilcunda 32km and walk a section of George Bass Coastal Walk 7km – grade 2Lilydale to Warburton Trail - Mt Evelyn to Launching Place 45kmMurray to the Mountains Trail – Myrtleford to Everton Station 52km & Myrtleford to Bright 60kmAll cycles are on crushed granite (hard dirt) off-road paths suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes only. Accommodation will be at a variety of caravan parks. Own transport required as we will need to drive to some activities. Limit 16.

Contact Leader for itinerary and more information


TRIP FULL

Adrian [email protected] 779 196

Sat3 Oct



Blue Mountains NPFortress Ridge and Lockley Pylon: A short circuit around Fortress Ridge then Mount Hay Rd. - Lockley Pylon - return. We will also visit a very special cave location. Sensational Blue Mountains scenery. Spring wildflowers. A little bit of scrambling and off-track. Map: Katoomba 1:25 000 Mount Wilson 1:25 000

Contact leader Greg Layman8061 93420409 328 602

Sun4 Oct


500m total climbs

Duffy's ForestOff-Track around Duffy’s Wharf, Cowan Trail, Long Trail: This walk offers useful navigation and off-track practice at an intermediate level. From Booralie Rd, Duffy’s Forest, we will descend Duffy’s Wharf Track, then near its end we head off-track northwards to the ridge top. We follow the ridge towards its point, until we go northeast off-track again to cross an unnamed gully and climb to Cowan Trail. We follow this trail some way, then drop into the next gully and again climb northeast to Long Trail, where we can rest and compare scratches and torn clothing. Our hardest work now behind us, Long Trail can be followed north to Peach Trees and finally back south to the cars. Expect a day of scrambling, route-finding, backtracking and occasional cursing, interspersed with self-congratulation when we reach each marked track. Applicants must be fit, and comfortable with moderate/dense bush and moderate scrambling. (Joint walk with SBW) Map: Hornsby




Details


listed first)Thu8 Oct



Ku-ring-gai Chase NPBobbin Head Loop Basic: A classic bush circuit on creek-side tracks steeped in canopy-filtered light and irrepressible bird song. From the park entrance on Bobbin Head Road, we descend steeply the Sphinx Track down to Cowan Creek, which we follow northward along Warrimoo Track to Bobbin Head. The Gibberagong Track takes us to Gibberagong Waterhole, from where we climb Murrua Track and Murrua Side Trail to return to the park gate. Pace medium-fast. (Joint walk with SBW) Map: Hornsby


Fri9 Oct

Grade 2 Medium paceApprox 14km

Mostly flat. One climb of 50m.

Western SydneyThe Great West Walk – Parramatta to Penrith - 3 of 5 Western Sydney Parklands to Mt Druitt Station: See www.greatwestwalk.com.au We'll take a bus from Blacktown Station along Richmond Road to Hill End Road then walk through the Western Sydney Parklands and Nurragingy Reserve - stopping to view the Chang Lai Yuan Gardens. We'll also summit Rooty Hill (at 73m) and finally arrive at Mt Druitt Railway. Map: UBD 167,187,186


Sat10 Oct



Bouddi National ParkMacMasters Beach to Putty Beach and Return: The Bouddi coastal walk is 8.5kms one way from MacMasters Beach to Putty Beach in the Bouddi National Park in Central Coast near Gosford. This walk is one of the best known coastal walks with abundance of wildlife, beaches and sweeping ocean views throughout the walk. We will do Macmasters Beach to Little Beach to Maitland Bay to Gerrin Point Lookout to Putty Beach and RETURN making it total 17kms walk. Meeting point is Woy Woy station, car pooling will be required to drive the 16km distance from Woy Woy station to MacMasters Beach and return. I will be driving and can take 3 walkers in my car. COVID-19 safety guidelines apply. Map: Bouddi National Park


Sun11 Oct

CYCLELTW

Unhurried pace40km

150m total climbs

Parramatta RiverCycle - 40k - Westmead to Putney: Parramatta Park - Rydalmere Bridge - Sydney Olympic Park - Bennelong Bridge - Meadowbank - Kissing Point - Mortlake Ferry - Breakfast Point - Return to Parramatta Park. Lovely cycle along the Parramatta River on mainly cycleways-cycle lanes. This will be a leisurely cycle with plenty of stops on mainly flat route with some short sharp climbs. Suitable for all bike types. Map: Parramatta


Thu15 Oct

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace19km

400m total climbs

Sydney HarbourTaronga Zoo To Manly: All on defined track. Beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. Exit for shorter walk at Spit Bridge. Morning tea / coffee at Frenchy's Cafe on Chowder Bay Road. Map: Sydney Harbour




Details


listed first)Sat17 Oct





Mon19 Oct

OPENING DATE FOR WALK SUBMISSIONS FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM (Dec 2020 - Feb 2021) Send your walks to the Walks Secretary: 1. via the online form on the Bush Club website (preferred) 2. by email to [email protected] 3. by letter post to PO Box 207, Milsons Point, NSW 1565

Click here and then in the pop-up box to go to the online submission form.

Click on the 'DRAFT PROGRAM' tab at the top or bottom of this window to see the walks already submitted. Change a walk using the form on our website - Forms for Leaders page

Mon19 OcttoFri23 Oct

Mixed Grades M

Medium pace

9km to 17km300 to 750m total

climbs

Warrumbungles NP4 walks in Warrumbungles NP: We will be doing various walks over the 3 walking days. Day 1: Two short walksDay2: Grand High Tops and BreadknifeDay 3: Mt Exmouth (highest peak in NP)We will be based at Coonabarrabran at Castlereagh Village (cabins) or John Oxley Caravan Park (choice of cabins, caravans and camping). We will drive to the NP each day.Each person is responsible for their own transport and accommodation. Limit 12. Map: Tooraweenah

Expressions of interest to Jon Hestelow

First listed 15 July 2020

WALK FULL, wait list operating

Jon [email protected]

Tue20 Oct

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace15km

450m total climbs

Blue Mountains NPSpringwood Circuit: Springwood Station - Sassafras Gully Track - Perch Ponds-Martins Lookout- Magdala Creek Track- Springwood Station. All on track - mostly lovely shaded walk. Map: Springwood


Fri23 Oct

Grade 2 Medium paceApprox 14kmMostly flat

Western SydneyThe Great West Walk – Parramatta to Penrith - 4 of 5: Mt Druitt Station to Ropes Crossing.: See www.greatwestwalk.com.au We’ll walk through the Dr. Charles McKay Reserve and other green corridors. Towards the end we’ll observe the old St. Mary’s Munitions Factory before arriving at Ropes Crossing shops – refreshment opportunity. Exit by Bus 759 to St Mary’s Station OR Bus 780 to Mt Druitt Station. Map: UBD 186,166, 165, 145




Details






Contact leader Muijb [email protected] 278 977

Tue27 Oct

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace16km

480m total climbs

Royal National ParkOtford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit: The walk starts with a short climb at Otford Stn before entering the Royal National Park. Mostly bush track and fire trail. Beautiful views along the coast. Side trip to the Figure of Eight Pools. Will require rock hopping. Map: Otford


Thu29 Oct

CLOSING DATE FOR WALK SUBMISSIONS FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM (Dec 2020 - Feb 2021) Send your walks to the Walks Secretary: 1. via the online form on the Bush Club website (preferred) 2. by email to [email protected] 3. by letter post to PO Box 207, Milsons Point, NSW 1565

Click here and then in the pop-up box to go to the online submission form.

Click on the 'DRAFT PROGRAM' tab at the top or bottom of this window to see the walks already

submitted. Change a walk using the form on our website - Forms for

Leaders page

Fri30 Oct

Grade 3 Medium pace

15km - extra 2km if gardens visited360m total climbs

Upper Blue Mountains NPBaltzer Lookout / Hanging Rock: This is a pleasant walk which offers great views from Baltzer Lookout and of Hanging Rock, along with the opportunity to view spring flowers such as (hopefully) waratahs and terrestrial orchids. From Blackheath Station we proceed on footpath to Ridgewell Road. A short road walk is followed by a fire trail for most of the distance. Once at the lookout a short steep track down to the left takes you to even closer views of Hanging Rock. We return on the same track. On the way back there is an optional visit to the Rhododendron Gardens for spectacular views of the gardens, gold coin entry. Map: Katoomba and Mt Wilson

Contact leader Jon [email protected] 764 195



Details







NOVEMBERLate Octto early Nov

Grade 4

Medium pace

unknown kmunknown climbs

New ZealandLeslie-Karamea/eastern Wangapeka track and Cobb Valley track: Tramping in NZ Expressions of interest sought. Subject to the introduction of flights between Australia and NZ, I am hoping to do the Leslie-Karamea/eastern Wangapeka track (5 days) https://www.trampingnz.com/report-11-leslie-karamea-wangapeka-2014and the nearby Cobb Valley (5 days) - in Virginia Riley's footsteps. https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-marlborough/cobb-valley-mt-arthur-tableland-brochure.pdf Small group, times above exclude travel.

Contact leader

first listed 25 May '20

WALK FULL

wait list operating

possible plan B below

Kaye [email protected]

Sun1 NovtoFri13 Nov

Grade 3 M

Unhurried pace

106km max65km min

Reasonably flat

Plan B - possible replacement walk for New Zealand trampsWashpool-Gibralter NP: Washpool Gibralter World Heritage Walk This is the first walk of a planned trip to take the place of the NZ trip if we are still unable to fly. Therefore nothing can be locked in, only 'hope for the best, plan for the worst'. Dates are approximate. Map: Web-sites only https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/gibraltarwashpool-world-heritage-walk

Own car Kaye [email protected]

Sun1 NovtoFri13 Nov

Grade 3 M

Unhurried pace65km

Reasonably flat

Plan B - possible replacement walk for New Zealand trampsYuraygir NP: Yuraygir Coastal Walk This is the seond walk of a planned trip to take the place of the NZ trip if we are still unable to fly. Therefore nothing can be locked in, only 'hope for the best, plan for the worst'. Dates are approximate. Map: Web-sites only https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/yuraygir-coastal-walk

Own car Kaye [email protected]



Details


listed first)Mon2 Nov

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace14km

500m total climbs

Ku-ring-gai NPCowan to Berowra: Explore Berowra Waters with great views & lookouts along the many ridge tops. There are a number of steep climbs on the route. This is a Grade 3 + walk with the climbs. Map: Cowan


Thu5 Nov

CommitteeMeeting


Fri6 Nov

Grade 3Medium pace


Blue Mountains NPNarrow Neck: This walk will commence at the locked gate on Narrow Neck (on Glenraphael Drive) and we will follow the fire trail to Clear Hill, the southern end of the Narrow Neck plateau. Although we will be on fire trail for the day there will be many opportunities for scenic views of the Jamison and Megalong Valleys. Note, due to the fires of last summer there is only limited vegetation obstructing our views. We will also have the opportunity to see great views from Clear Hill. Map: Jamison 890-II-N

Contact leader Jon [email protected] 764 195

Sat7 Nov



Berowra Valley National ParkThornleigh to Hornsby: This is a lovely walk on bush tracks with some undulating sections. Beautiful bush land with creeks and abundance of native wildlife. The final section of the walk is ~350 step climb which we will attempt in our post lunch session. We should finish early afternoon with a short walk to the Hornsby Station. Map: Berowra Valley NP


Thu12 Nov

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace13km

375m total climbs

Ku-ring-gai NPCowan to Brooklyn: Cowan to Brooklyn via Jerusalem Bay: Cowan to Brooklyn is part of the Great North Walk starting from Cowan Station and ending at Brooklyn (Hawkesbury River Station). Some fire trail walking towards the end. Map: Cowan


Sat14 Nov



Berowra Valley NPThornleigh to Hornsby: This is a lovely walk on bush tracks with some undulating sections. Beautiful bush land with creeks and abundance of native wildlife. The final section of the walk is ~350 step climb which we will attempt in our post lunch session. We should finish early afternoon with a short walk to the Hornsby Station. Map: Berowra Valley NP


Tue17 Nov

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace13km

350m total climbs

Berowra Regional ParkHornsby to Thornleigh via Refuge Rock: Start from Hornsby Station. Some street walking to start of GNW track. Follow GNW track before descending to cross Berowra Creek and then climb to Refuge Rock. From here a mix of bush tracks and firetrails to the Jungo and back to Thornleigh Station. Map: Hornsby




Details


listed first)Wed18 Nov

Grade 2 Medium paceApprox 17kmMostly flat

Western SydneyThe Great West Walk – Parramatta to Penrith - 5 of 5: Ropes Crossing to Penrith: See www.greatwestwalk.com.au We’ll walk through Wianamatta Regional Park, Jordan Springs and Cranebrook. Perhaps we’ll call in to the Go-Shu Sake outlet. Then along the Great River Walk to the new Yandhai Pedestrian Bridge over the Nepean River– thence to Penrith Railway. Map: UBD 145, 144, 143, 163


Sat21 Nov


11km300mm total climbs

Berowra Valley NPHornsby to Thornleigh: Beautiful bush land and well marked bush walk, we will join the GNW a short distance from Hornsby station where we will begin our flight down ~350 steps to reach Hornsby Park at the bottom. We will continue further down to the Blue Gum walk, cross Fishponds Lookout and many sections criss crossing Berowra Creek, Zigzag creek, fire trails, some undulating sections and reach end of track in Thornleigh. A short walk will take us to Thornleigh Station where we will finish our walk by early afternoon. Map: Berowra Valley NP


Thu25 Nov

Grade 3 MLTW

Medium pace16km

350m total climbs

Ku-ring-gai Chase NPBerowra Loop: Berowra Stn - Waratah Bay - Mt Kuring-gai Stn - Lyrebird Gully - Berowra. Map: Cowan


Sat28 Nov



Berowra Valley NPHornsby to Thornleigh: Beautiful bush land and well marked bush walk, we will join the GNW a short distance from Hornsby station where we will begin our flight down ~350 steps to reach Hornsby Park at the bottom. We will continue further down to the Blue Gum walk, cross Fishponds Lookout and many sections criss crossing Berowra Creek, Zigzag creek, fire trails, some undulating sections and reach end of track in Thornleigh. A short walk will take us to Thornleigh Station where we will finish our walk by early afternoon. Map: Berowra Valley NP




Details


listed first)

ADVANCE NOTICESSun3 Jan2021toFri8 Jan2021



Kosciuszko NPWheeler's Hut - Kiandra: Extended 6-day pack walk, medium-hard, big climbs, on and off tracks.Tooma Rd. - Wheeler's Hut - Derschko's Hut - Mackey's Hut - Brooks Hut - Tabletop Mt. - Kiandra.A hard but rewarding and interesting walk. Visit old goldfields, climb Mt. Jagungal, walk on tracks as well as off track in unique alpine country.Joint walk with NPA Map: Contact leader

Contact leader Greg Layman8061 93420409 328 602

Sun21 FebtoSun28 Feb2021

Commercial

Unhurried pace

various kmvarious climbs

TasmaniaSouth East Explorer Group 1: Varying day walks covering Freycinet (2 nights, 3 days) Maria Island (1 night, 2 days) and the Tasman Peninsula (3 nights, 3 days). Specially tailored for us as a non carry, day pack only. See brochure athttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tm6ekk9nn48zn2TKdLkIsYrdWeLyV9OE/view?usp=sharingAll transport is provided. There are only 10 position available per group and also considering covid-19 Policies apply. Map: South East Tasmania Peninsula As this is a commercial tour run by Tasmanian Hikes, the normal Bush Club insurance does not apply

Expressions of interest please

Pickup and return to Hobart

first listed 24 July 2020

walk full

Jennie [email protected] 422 050

Thu4 MartoSat6 Mar2021

Grade 4 MLTW

Unhurried pace40km

600m total climbs

Kosciuszko NP (Northern)Mt Jagungal Wilderness: A 3 day packwalk and ascent of Mt Jagungal, “The Bushwalkers Mountain “, one of the biggies at over 2000m (2042m). Approx 40k from Round Mtn gate and return. A lovely shaded camp amongst the Snowgums near Derschkos hut and an asc. Of Jagungal with daypacks only. Luxury!Day 1 - Walk into campDay 2 - Climb JagungalDay 3 - Return to cars. Map: Jagungal , Toolong Range

Club cars

first listed 8 June 2020

WALK FULL

Graham CondenExpressions of interest to: [email protected] 647 951

Sun7 MartoSun14 Mar2021

Mixed Grades MLTW

Medium paceVarious km

Various climbs

Kosciuszko NPMt Kosciusko And The High Country: Our annual visit to the high country for various grade walks. Staying at a comfortable ski lodge in Jindabyne, where we have equal access to the Thredbo and Perisher Valleys. Preference given to members willing to contribute walks. Map: Kosciuszko Tourist plus various topos

Club cars

first listed 8 June 2020

WALK FULL

Graham CondenExpressions of interest must be directed to Helen Kershaw at [email protected] 130 486



Details


listed first)Sat20 MartoSat27 Mar2021

Commercial

Unhurried pace

various kmvarious climbs

TasmaniaSouth East Explorer Group 2: Varying day walks covering Freycinet (2 nights, 3 days) Maria Island (1 night, 2 days) and the Tasman Peninsula (3 nights, 3 days). Specially tailored for us as a non carry, day pack only. See brochure athttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1dtyaKwqjxXiVn-8SimcInlNJa4EpZB9V/view?usp=sharingAll transport is provided. There are only 10 position available per group and also considering covid-19 Policies apply. Map: South East Tasmania Peninsula As this is a commercial tour run by Tasmanian Hikes, the normal Bush Club insurance does not apply

Contact Bernie

Walk Full

Bernie Hunt0414 617 [email protected]

Sun9 May2021

Grade 3 Medium pace


Brisbane Water National ParkGreat North Walk Section 8: Wondabyne to Mooney Mooney: This section of the Great North Walk is from the Wondabyne Station to the Old Moony Mooney Bridge. There will be a car shuttle between Hawkesbury River Station and the Old Mooney Mooney Bridge (30 mins 26 km), and participants must come in a car with no more than the driver and 1 passenger. The walk will start at Wondabyne Station after a train ride from Hawkesbury River Station. Rough track, rocks and slippery sections, unfenced cliffs. Map: Great North Walk

Contact leader Bandula Gonsalkorale0418 485 [email protected]

Fri14 MaytoFri21 May2021

Grade 3Medium pacevarious km

various climbs

(new dates)

Great North Walk Sections 9-16Mooney Mooney to Newcastle: The Great North Walk is a 250 km walk from Sydney to Newcastle along bush tracks. The Sydney to Wondabyne walks were completed in 2019. Section 1 from Wondabyne is on 9 May 2021. Sections 2 to 8 will be continuous day walks from Saturday, 15 May to Friday, 21 May 2021 staying overnight en-route; glamping for 2 to 4 nights, possibly staying at a cabin site for 2 nights, in a pub/hotel for 2 nights and at a caravan park for 1 night. To start the walk, all walkers will assemble at Noonaweena glamping site by nightfall on Friday, 14 May for an early start on Saturday, 15 May. Car shuffles will be required for all sections and participants will need to come in a car with no more than 1 other participant. Daily walks range from 11 km to 20 km and the walk rating are 3 and 4. Rough track, steep, rough, rocky and slippery sections, fallen trees and unfenced cliffs. Joint walk with NPA. Map: Great North Walk

Please contact Bandula via email to get detailed information and to make bookings.


WALK FULL

Bandula [email protected] 485 231



Details


listed first)Sun23 May2021

Grade 3 Medium pace


NewcastleGreat North Walk Section 17: Warners Bay to Queens Wharf, Newcastle: This is the final section of the Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle. Joint walk with NPA Map: Newcastle

Train from Central to Boorangul and bus from there to Warners Bay. The exact time of the train and connecting bus will be added later.

Bandula Gonsalkorale0418 485 [email protected]

Tue 1 Jun2021

(approx. 2 weeks)

Medium pace220 - 240km

Max asc / desc 800m

IrelandSheep's Head Way / Kerry Way - TRIP FULL The walk starts in Bantry, Co. Cork on the south coast of Ireland with four days guided walking on the Sheep's Head Way. The walk transfers west to Killarney on the Ring of Kerry for eight / nine days self-guided walking on the Kerry Way. Accommodation / Evening Meal / Packed Lunch / Luggage Transfer / Bus Transfer will be included. This is an overseas commercial walk (run by Celtic Nature Tours), so the insurance arrangements of the Bush Club do not apply. Participants to arrange own air flights and travel insurance. Map: Cork and Kerry

Contact Leader

Relisted from 2020 date on 12 May 2020

WALK FULL

Tom [email protected] 402 536


-19 - bush club

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