Newcastle Ramblers Bushwalking Club PO Box 719 Charlestown NSW 2290 www.newcastleramblers.org.au

President: Nick Vice-President: Barry Secretary: Dawn Treasurer: Kaye Activity Officer: Alan PLB Officers: Col

Committee Members: Jenni Alan 0408657912 Emergency Contact: President or other members of the committee. April – July 2021 Program (Updated 4 June 2021) TO SUBMIT AN ACTIVITY: Email details to WALKS OFFICER AT [email protected]

Covid19 – Important Warning

The risk of being infected with Covid19 remains a material risk at this time. All Activity participants must be voluntarily willing to accept Covid19 contagion risk. Therefore, You must consider this risk and make your own decision as to whether you participate in any club activities, including any travel to and from the event. In making your decision you need to take your own circumstances and the circumstances of others you may reasonably expect to come into contact with in the foreseeable future into account. If you are in any doubt about your willingness to accept this risk, or have any symptoms, do not attend. The club’s insurance does not cover Covid19 related issues

DW: Day Walk, TW: Twilight Walk, BF: Breakfast Walk, BP: Backpack BR: Bike Ride CC: Car Camp PA: Paddle

W/E = Weekend

Apr1-6 Thur- Newnes Hotel Cabins. Easter Tues Fabulous scenery with a variety of wilderness walks and industrial/railway relics in the Wolgan Valley. Wollemi & Gardens of Stone NPs. All four cabins fully booked with a waitlist. Limited campsites available.

2 Apr Fri Easter – Good Friday is 3 Apr Sat Easter 4 Apr Sun Easter 5 Apr Mon Easter 6 April Tues DW. Tanilba Bay to Lemon Tree Passage. We need to have a short car shuffle to Lemon Tree before beginning walk. Walk is a G3 and will be around 4hrs. Some walking over rocks at start of walk. Need to bring morning tea and some lunch.

10 April Sat PA. Try a Kayak. 11 Apr Sun DW Exploratory walk Finchleys area Yengo NP (G5,10km,300m/300m) Mostly off track exploratory walk. Allow all day. Page 1 of 10

12- 16 Mon- BP. Quick BP – Apr Fri (G4/+40km/300m) Leave Mon for five days of backpacking from Daveys Hut to Kidmans Hut for two nights and return. Day walks on the Burrungubugge and Dead Horse Creek towards Tin Hut and the Brassys. Walk out on Friday and return to Newcastle. Limited to 8 people. Maps: 1:50,000 Berridale and Khancobin. 15 Apr Thu East Stockrington loop walk (G4/8- 10km/40m) Exploring the eastern end of Stockrington NP as a potential loop walk for public use. Mostly follow fire trails with a bit of bush possible depending on how overgrown the tracks are. We may be finished by lunchtime but bring lunch anyway.

18 Apr Sun DW.Big L Cave and Stockyard Creek (G3/1 2km/169m) - David Morrison 49546164 Start from Finchley Trig, walk down a bush y spur to a creek and follow around to the c ave where the farmer used to sleep when working nearby. Continue on downstream a couple of kilometres to pick up a road to take us back to the start. ( map)

I would like to scout this out as a possible easy backpack location.._,_._,_

19 April Mon Regular meeting . Presentation “Covid Responsibilities” Barry/Dawn 24 Apr Sat DW. Box Head (ocean side) - (G5/7km/220m) - Walk from Wagstaffe to Box Head, steep climb down, then follow the rock platform around the ocean side to Little Tallow Beach then to Tallow Beach. Rock engravings, wonderful coastal scenery, possibly seals. Visit Lobster Beach if there is enough time. Bring afternoon tea for back at the cars. Map: Broken Bay

27 Apr- 2 Tues- BP. New England Wilderness walk. (G4 / May Sun 33km / 1000m descent ) Descending over 1000m from the edge of the New England tableland to the headwaters of the . On track & off track. Transport costs & park fees approx. $200 to $250 each. Limited numbers.

Page 2 of 10 https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/thi ngs-to-do/walking-tracks/new-england- wilderness-walk

1 May Sat PA.Corrie Island G2/20km/5hrs. From Winda Woppa, circumnavigate Corrie Is. Explore mouth, Pindimar & Kore Kore Creek. Map: Port Stephens 1 May Sat BR. Cross Keys Loop – G2/ 28 km, 80% tar, 20% gravel. Altitude gain in meters: 487 metres. 3 hours.An easy and enjoyable loop ride from Gresford. Carry water and snacks, lunch in café or pub or back at cars RIDE CANCELLED- NO INTEREST Maps relevant to the activity: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3 5054506 1-2 May Sat- CC. /Tops. G3 DWs both Sun Sat and Sun. Based from Gloucester River Caravan Park (bring your tent or camper) two nights exploring at leisure this area with a menu of short walks of G3 standard or just chill out by the River. Assemble on Friday night (2 night stay). Site cost $12 per adult per night. Hot showers on site at a small additional fee. Bookings are essential via Activity Leader. 3 May Mon Regular Meeting – Presentation “Victorian High Country” Philippa/John 5-7 May Wed- BP Mt Monundilla Wollemi NP. Fri (G5,30km,600m,600m) Explore area. Recce for next leg of Monundilla Range traverse. Limited numbers. 5 May Wed DW.G3/6km/50m/4hr. Easy Morning Walk to Pambalong NR and check out a section of RVRT and Stockrington Colliery ruins. 8 May Sat DW. Barraba Spur DW (G4/10k/100m/ 4 hrs) Climb to Barraba Spur to Trig for views over the Hunter Valley to South then continue toward Barraba Trig for views to North. Map: Quorrobolong 9132-2S. 9 May Sun DW -Canada Drop-Down. G5/5km/200m/4 hours Walk from the Ourimbah ridge down Canada Drop Down Creek for several km – engravings and axe grinding grooves along the way. Climb out of the creek up a steep spur and then walk back to the cars along the trail. Mainly off track. Map - Wyong 1:25000 Topo

16 May Sun DW. Heaton Gap grade 3/4 - 10 to 12 km. Page 3 of 10

18-19 Tues BP. Beginners one night B/P to Mogo May Wed Creek –G4 /20km/300m– Descend off track to camp site (2km) on and seek out the ‘Bird Man’ in the afternoon. Next morning explore down Mogo Creek and walk out via 4WD track. Limited numbers Map: 1:25,000 Kulnura Limit 10 17 May Mon Regular Meeting – Presentation “Two in Tassie” Jenni 21 May Fri DW – Tea Gardens to Winda Woppa G2/10km

Street, bush tracks, beach walking, cross Myall River over Singing Bridge. Spectacular views of Port Stephens and Myall River, coastal forest, mangroves, lagoons. BYO morning tea and lunch. 22 May Sat DW G4/6km/300m , Explore tracks and climb to Terreel trig from Wards Glen near Craven Village. Map: Warrnulla

23 May Sun DW. Gilly Gilly Gully-G5/9km/300m/6hrs. Off track loop walk from Finchley Camp Ground. Follow a spur down into . Walk along Sandy Creek to Gilly Gilly Gully, then follow gully for a couple of km and take a spur back up onto the ridge which runs back to Finchley Aboriginal Area. Maps: Mt. Yengo and Wollombi 1:25k. 29-30 Sat- BP. Long Wheeney Creek-G5/about May Sun 25km/600m/2days. Loop walk from Grey Gums Café on the Putty Rd. Walk along ridges and creeks around Long Wheeney and Gospers creeks – some parts exploratory.( Possibly a night walk along the trail into the Long Wheeney hut campsite on the Friday night- TBC depending on the group.) Map: Wirraba 1:25k. Limited numbers. 29 May Sat GNW. Berowra to Cowan G4/13km/5-6 hrs. 30 May Sun DW Yellow Rock Lookout (G3, 14km, 20m) Broken Back Range above Pokolbin. An easy walk along a fire trail to Yellow Rock. Magnificent views of the Broke Valley & Wollombi Brook. Bring something for afternoon tea back at the cars after walk. Broken Back 1:25000

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1 Jun Tues DW- Strickland SF - G3 /10km/100m/4hr A grand tour of Strickland State Forest and Arboretum - all on walking tracks taking in a range of vegetation. Maps: 1:25000 Gosford and Wyong 5 Jun Sat DW Pepper Mt (G4/4km/250m) From a Mill creek farm to climb mountain overlooking Stroud Road. Map: Stroud Road

6 Jun Sun DW. Yellow Billy’s Cave (G3/6km/250m/4hrs) Walk along Brokenback range on and off track, great views& explore. NB add 2hrs travel time. Map. Broken Back . Limit of 10 7 Jun Mon Regular Meeting Presentation “ Day Walking in the Snowy Mountains” – Bob Clifton 5-13 Jun Sat- BP. Budawangs. G4. A week’s walking Sun in Morton NP. Byangee Walls, Mt. Nibelung, Shrouded Gods Mtn, The Castle, Monolith Valley all on the agenda. Limitited numbers 12 Jun Sat DW Belford Nat. Pk + Branxton local history. G2/8 + 8km/100m/6hrs Morning bushwalk Belford NP. Pub lunch, followed by local history walk around Branxton, North Rothbury. Maps: Greta, Elderslie

14 Jun Mon Public Holiday 16 Jun Wed DW. Historic Alum Mountain Buladelah G3/ 6km/ 3hrs Check out the mining history on the Mountain, visit the bat cave, stunning views

19 Jun Sat DW. GNW. Cowan to Brooklyn G3/12km. 5hrs.

20 Jun Sun DW Mt Vincent Circuit, Sugarloaf SCA (G4- 5/550m/9km) Walk off track In Heaton State Forest down spur from Mt Vincent to valley below before ascending on old fire trail to Sugarloaf Range Rd return to carpark at Mt Vincent. 550m steep descent & ascent. 1.5 Km section G5. Need 4WD or AWD.

21 Jun Mon Regular Meeting Presentation – “Walking in the New England Wilderness” – Alan Scott

Page 5 of 10 22-24 Jun Tues BP - McDonald River G5 /20km/300m -Thur Details to be provided, however similar to but shorter than Nick’s walk last year 2020. 25-27 Jun Fri- BP. PANTONEYS CROWN Sun G6/16km/900m/2nts Day 1 -Baal Bone Gap to Baal Bone Point, Pantoneys summit nt1, Day 2 – Pantoneys to Crown Creek nt 2, Day 3 - Crown Creek Trail to Baal Bone Gap day 3 Spectacular pagoda country in Gardens of Stone NP. Steep climbs on and off Pantoneys and Baal Bone Point (rope assist). Some cliff lines. Limited numbers. Maps: Ben Bullen 26-27 Sat- NAV Shield 2021 Need to travel there on Sun Friday 25 June. Place: National Park. This is a rarely visited park which normally has no public access. It is about 20km north of Goulburn and south of Wombeyan Caves. We have arranged special access to the park for this event with NPWS and local landholders so you have a rare chance to see this hidden gem. You can organise your own team or I will group members into teams. Registrations are Not yet open, but I need to know as soon as possible if you want to come.

26 Jun Sat BR Fosterton Loop (G?/23km/210m) Cycle from Dungog easy riding a few small hills.

26 July Sat DW. Parramatta History Walk. G2. 3 July Sat DW. Mountaineer Trail .G4/8km/200m Barrington Tops NP Walk the mountaineer trail to a hut, bring MT & Lunch. Steep climb on a fire trail. 4 July Sun DW.(Brunch) Caves Beach to Murrays Beach. 5 July Mon Regular Meeting- Presentation -‘Just add water: Rambling In A Kayak’ .Scott Bevan

11 July Sun DW. Lemon Tree Jilliby SCA (G4/450m/12k) Beautiful ridge walk, dropping down to palm lined creek, exploring a new ridge, some offtrack, steep ascents, descents in state conservation area near Mandalong. Map: Dooralong

18 July Sun DW. Click Ck Circuit, Watagans (G5/400m/7k) Off track circuit in Watagans, exploring beautiful Watagan Ck, climb to spectacular lookout on ridge. Page 6 of 10 Mostly off track, difficult terrain, steep accents, descents. Map: Morisset

19 July Mon Regular Meeting- Presentation “Using a PLB – what happens when you press the button? “ Col McCluskey

25 July Sun DW. GNW Patonga to Staples Lookout. G3/17km/700m/ 6.5 hrs. This walk follows the main ridge through Brisbane Waters NP and includes a side trip to Mt. Wondabyne. Great views. There are a couple of stiff climbs along the way, but the track is good. This is one of the longer legs of the GNW and participants need to be fairly fit.

31 July Sat Lake Macquarie Rogaine – 6 or 12 hour options. Venue TBA, but will be local. 1 Aug Sun DW. Great West walk- Stage 2. G3/15km/Walking from Toongabbie – a new walk in Western , reserves & featuring remnant bushland and history. Change for Parramatta line. Maps: Great West Walk. 2 Aug Mon Regular Meeting 7 Aug Sat Lake Macquarie Rogaine 7 Aug Sat DW. Soldiers Point Circuit. G2/3. 11km Pretty track walk along foreshore reserves of the peninsula Map: Newcastle Street Directory

8 Aug Sun First Aid Course – this is a workshop held by a qualified 1st Aid Instructor, Kylie Ledger, who is also a bush walker & a member of the RFS. It is called a “workshop” & not a “course” because no certificate will be issued It will be restricted to 20 people. Proposed topics to cover will be: • First aid principles • Legalities and other related to first aid application • Basic Life Support including CPR & defib • Bleeding • Sprains & strains, broken bones • Snake and spider bite • Burns • Cardiac • Medical conditions including asthma, anaphylaxis, seizure, diabetes, stroke • Maintaining a casualty for an extended period

Page 7 of 10 • First aid equipment & improvising equipment for first aid

FUTURE ACTIVITIES AND EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

30 Aug-2 Mon- BP Widden Valley - G4/30km/250m –. Sept Thur Tues start and walk up or Blackwater Creek (7km) to a nice camping spot in this beautiful valley, for two nights. Daywalk on Wed and walk out on Thurs. Would suit beginners. Map: 1:25,000 Mount Pomany 7-10 Sept Tues CC. Wollomi NP, Ganguddy camping area, - Fri Dunns Swamp . G2- 4Scenic sandstone pagodas on the eroded western edge of the , spectacular spring wildflowers. Walk, swim, kayak, fish, bird watch, relax. Book camping on line or phone NPWS 1300 072 757. Lakeview sites, toilets, picnic tables, BBQs. BYO wood and drinking water. Map: Olinda.

10-12 Fri- CC. Darug Camp at Euroka Campground Sept Sun Glenbrook - Mid Mountain Garden Festival weekend Enjoy early morning walks 2-3 hours before visiting 10 gardens in the Mid Mountain Garden festival. Contact Anna Braithwaite 0408612674 after 6pm to secure your spot and obtain information about booking your camp site. Sorry tents only due to National Park rules. (Max 10 people). Bring water and firewood. Expect cafe lunches and a pleasurable relaxed weekend. 20-24 Fri- Katoomba Day Walks. Stay at YHA Sept Tues 23-25 CC. Boudii NP- Tallow Beach. Enjoy Sept Beachside camping and 3 day walks up to 6 hours in stunning Bouddi National Park. Camping requires a walk of 1.2 km from the car park. Carry water and camping gear including a small gas stove. No fires permitted. Enjoy fabulous views and spring flowers. Contact Anna Braithwaite immediately to secure your spot and get information about how to book your camp site. Phone 0408612674 after 6pm. Limit of 10 people.

Page 8 of 10 Late Sept- PA. PACKRAFTING - CANOE early Oct CREEK TO UPPER COLO RESERVE G5/50km/450m down/ 8nts. A leisurely week meandering through the Wollemi Wilderness along the Colo, through the longest gorge in NSW. Maps: Colo Heights, Mountain Lagoon Limited numbers

1-4 Oct Fri- Activity Needed Long W/E Mon 9-10 Oct Sat- BP. Barrington River Backpack. Sun G3/26km/50m Easy backpack suitable for beginners. Drive to Little Murray and walk along the old Barrington Trail to the road to Junction Pools. Deviate to a fire trail to camp next to the Barrington River. On Sunday, day walk around Edwards Swamp to Carey's Peak, and return via Aeroplane Hill. Pack up camp and return to the cars. Maps: Barrington Tops,

23 Oct Sat Rambler’s 60th Anniversary Birthday Party Details TBA Early Nov BP Snowy Back Pack and Walks - Route and dates to be advised

27 Nov- 5 Sat- BP- Jagungal Wilderness. G4/ about Dec Sun 12km/day. Some off track. Limited Numbers. Early Dec Packrafting exploratory trip lower – WILLIS (VIC. BORDER) to BUCHAN RIVER 100KM/G2/6NTS .South of Jindabyne along the to the Vic. Border at Willis. Paddle to McKillop’s Bridge then on to Buchan River junction. Fantastic part wilderness paddle. Carcampers/supporters welcome, meet ups along the way. A beautiful and interesting area to explore. Map: Suggan Buggan 1:100 000

Jan- Feb BP. New Zealand Trek. 2022 Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand North Island, 1600 klms Start Cape Reinga northern tip of the North Island in early January 2022. Estimated walk days, 65 days plus any weather delays.

1 -4 April Fri- CC Treachery Beach Lodge 2022 Mon Various walks. Limited numbers

Page 9 of 10 $950 per night to be divided between everyone. See attached for more info. https://www.treacherycamp.com.au/bea ch-lodge/

Notes to Program Grading: The grade of the activity is represented by four numbers: the terrain, the distance, the altitude gain and the duration. It appears for example as G3/12km/200m/4hrs. The type of terrain is represented by a grade number: Grade 1 (G1) – On roads or tracks, mostly flat. Grade 2 (G2) – Mostly on tracks, low gradient, relatively flat terrain. Grade 3 (G3) – Mostly on tracks, some hilly sections, rougher terrain. Grade 4 (G4) – Steeper, rougher terrain, may be off track. Grade 5 (G5) – Mostly off track, difficult terrain. Grade 6 (G6) – Strenuous off track walks. The distance is the number of kilometres to be covered. The altitude gain is the total of all the separate climbs in the activity. The duration is the actual time taken for the activity, not including travelling time. Grading is subjective and cannot take into account all possible factors, so if you are uncertain about the grade, the terrain, or the experience and fitness required, ask the leader for advice. Bookings: are required for all activities unless otherwise specified. Meeting place and time is decided at the meeting before each activity. People leading an activity for the club may decline any request to attend. Visitors are welcome on walks with the permission of the leader and are covered by the Club’s insurance. Obtain the leader’s permission before bringing any other person on an activity or if considering leaving an activity prematurely. People under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and are that person’s responsibility for the duration of the activity. All participants are required to sign an Assumption of Risk (waiver) form.

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