THE BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. NEWSLETTER it GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 VOLUME 40 August 2004 NUMBER 8

AUGUST GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 18th Kakadu, and getting there Speaker: Rupert Barnett Rupert will present slides selected from 3 week's walking in Kakadu recently - red cliffs at dawn, thylacine drawings millenia old, trees and waterfalls. As well, there are views from some wonderful 'icon' places along the way - Wilpena Pound, Roper River, Katherine Gorge, Uluru and the Olgas. Robertson Room, St. John's Church Hall Constitution Avenue, Reid Make the most of the evening and join other members at 6.00pm for a convivial meal at the Vietnam Restaurant, 8-10 Hobart Place, Canberra City (opposite Canberra House Arcade, next to Aussie Home Loans) Try to be early to ensure there will be ample time to finish and still get to the meeting in good time would love to pick you up but I’m (includes kayaking but excludes PRESIDENT’S only here to buy a paper’. white water activities), Boating, Rafting, Swimming, Cycling, Rock PRATTLE And if you didn’t turn up at our Scurrying and use of hand held Christmas in July dinner and didn’t ropes as part of a Bushwalk, This club has been around for over see the young lady sitting on my Orienteering, Leader Training and forty years and has developed a left, you may never know the other related instructions where no considerable folklore. Lets add identity of the person in the story. fee is charged other than to recoup this one. Our program has been full enough expenses (Errors and Omissions), A young lady new to Canberra was this year but has been limited to a Voluntary Work for Charities and to do her first walk. She was living degree by the restrictions of our non profit organisations. near the O’Connor shops and for public liability insurance policy. Not covered are Abseiling or an ease had arranged to be picked up The good news is that the policy Abseil involved in any approved in front of the Post Office there. has been renewed for 2004/05 with activity, Rock Climbing, Mountain- The time came and a car pulled up fewer restrictions than last year as eering, Snow Skiing, Water Skiing, in front of her. She stepped per our agent’s summary: Caving and Animal Riding. forward, opened the passenger door Covered include Bushwalking, and asked the driver ‘Are you here So we can again do kayaking and Track Construction, Canyoning to pick me up?’ canyoning that have been off the (other than where an Abseil is program for a couple of years and He looked at her for a second, involved), Liloing, Alpine Walking we can walk in the snow but lets bemused, before replying ‘Honey, I (summer & winter), Canoeing not make the news on this.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 1 I am often asked what our insurance does. The public Walks Waffle Letter to the Editor liability policy applies where someone who has suffered injury Pedometers are instruments of I was concerned to see that our or loss on a club activity sues for interest over recent months. I’m Club President had apparently costs and/or damages. The told that they are a Public Service sought comments from NPWS on insurance company will provide initiative. If you can tally 10,000 Peter Henderson's letter to the legal representation for the club steps each day on the gadget you’ll editor without reference to and meet any award by the courts live forever. Some of the machines Committee or members. An against the club, its committee and are quite intelligent: counting individual's point of view does not walks leaders after payment of a calories, recording only the time constitute the considered opinion $2,000 excess. that you are in motion and speed, of the Club nor of its members, nor as well as the distance. One needs is it necessarily important enough We have again taken out personal to place them precisely on the ball to warrant comment. One person's accident insurance for participants joint of the hip and calibrate the opinion is not more than that, part on our walks. step over a number of trials to of a debate or attempt to stimulate The next Annual General Meeting establish reliable results. The main discussion, and possibly wrong in will be on 15 September. Please source of error is the change in gait fact and interpretation. Only attend if you can. over varying ground, including properly endorsed documents, that ascents and descents. In these build on the experience, talent and And her many friends in the club cases, though, a result would still views of members to make real will be pleased to know that Karen be useful: what’s 50% when if you contributions to important issues, Moore has given birth to a son and had been switched off you should be offered for comment. To both are well. wouldn’t know whether it was 100 do otherwise devalues the Club. Stan Marks or a 1000 ? So we’ve seen a few President out on trips lately and some results Robert Bibo have been quite impressive. First Aid Training Inevitably some have been lost. If That was the meeting you find a very expensive Silva that was model on the side of Sentry Box The motion notified in the July it: it’s Barry’s. ‘That the meeting authorise the Bob Hodgson’s slides of South expenditure of a further $700 from I’ve decided that those Wild West Tasmania shown last general the training vote for first aid magazines are no good for me meeting: the only thing to beat courses’ was passed at the General anymore: they advertise too many them was being there instead. Meeting on 21 July. Details of good things to buy and I’m trying future training will be announced to keep the over-all gear weight His trip to South West Cape was in when we are advised of the result down. Recently I’ve suffered from the 1980s and, unbelievably, he of our application for funding from the threat of becoming an had fine weather for almost the the ACT Government. electronic bushwalker: GPS, whole time. Bob captured the EPIRB, CDMA phone, LCD tempestuous nature of the sea, Notice of Meeting headlight; I could add a Silva rocky coastline and the magic of pedometer, perhaps a small radio the Western Arthurs. His final sequence was a trip into French- The Annual General Meeting of the and even some light walkie-talkies. man’s Cap, again, in good weather. Canberra Bushwalking Club will That would give me a spare battery Bob’s commentary was well spiced be held at 8:PM on Wednesday 15 collection more varied than my with events. I wasn’t sure why they September 2004 in the Robertson food menu. were wandering round that island Room, St. John's Church Hall, Bushwalking highlights for me in the raw.. Constitution Avenue, Reid. over the last few weeks have been There were many at the meeting Business will include the Annual an enjoyable wander down and reminiscences were thick and Report from the President, the Rendezvous Creek and Bob fast on who had done what in Financial Statements, and election Hodgson’s slides at the monthly yesteryear. And I would anticipate of the committee for 2004-05. meeting showing a slice of South West Tasmania that I’ve not been new trips down there in the next Any other items for consideration to yet. few seasons too. should be forwarded to the General Many thanks Bob. It was a most Secretary for inclusion on the Rob Horsfield interesting and enjoyable show. agenda. Walks Secretary Rob Horsfield

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 2 In 1960 I was in parties that would seem to exacerbate damage SOME THOUGHTS accessed the central Budawangs in other spots. from Wog Wog, where once again ON THE Some areas, e.g. in the northern there was no scrub to speak of (on BUDAWANGS end of the park, that have become one trip we walked around in a more difficult to visit due to circle in the mist between Corang closure of access roads, have I first walked in the Budawangs in Peak and Korra Hill). We viewed shown signs of recovery. I 1959 and in the intervening 45 the Aboriginal axe grinding remember a beautiful sheltered years have seen many changes. grooves not far off the track below cave in Monolith Valley half Although I don’t have specialised Korra Hill. We made our way to hidden by tree ferns which were scientific knowledge of the area, the end of Mt Owen and, returning almost killed by people pushing in my observations over that period via its eastern side, looked down in and out of the entrance. Banning may have some relevance in awe at the fantastic rock formations camping in Monolith Valley has considering management issues for in Monolith Valley. Our first trip allowed those tree ferns to an area that is unique in its scenery, through this remarkable maze saw regenerate. important for the preservation of us leaping gaps across Seven Gods prehistory, rare species and Pinnacles, wondering at the NSW NPWS, aided in part by our landforms, and beloved by rainforest gullies and floundering and other bushwalking clubs, has bushwalkers who were largely around in the heathy scrub on the been tackling the problem of track responsible for its national park valley floor. It took us half a day erosion with boardwalks and other status. to push our way through and I measures. On my first trip, George Elliott was returned home with every inch of The growth of banksia and hakea putting the finishing touches to the my legs scratched. scrub on the plateau country such first edition of his CMW Bu- Up to the mid Sixties I noticed as around Corang Peak and on Mt dawangs map. We walked in from little or no evidence of bushwalk- Tarn has made walking off track either Newhaven Gap or the Vines, ers’ fairly infrequent visits to the virtually impossible. The axe following old logging tracks, and Budawangs, except perhaps a track grinding grooves, which I searched visiting an old sawmill on the way. across Burrumbeet Swamp. for and found many times, have From Styles Creek south I don’t However, by the mid to late disappeared beneath a dense layer remember any tracks, though the Seventies, the area had a definite of scrub. Perhaps those “con- going was easy over the tops (Mt “lived in” feel. Monolith Valley trolled” burns weren’t such a bad Tarn) and slopes where the heath was criss-crossed by tracks (I was idea after all. I was glad to find on reached no higher than mid calf. It surprised to walk through in half an Gosta’s walk last Anzac weekend was a different story beneath the hour), other tracks were well that we could still enjoy walking cliffline of Mt Haughton, where a established and the caves were across open country near Styles dense growth of rainforest species obviously being used for camping. Ck. slowed our progress. I remember In the Eighties I was horrified to On the basis of my four and a half feeling glad to be alive as we see that National Parks had been descended Mt Tarn and almost decades of walking in the firebombing the heathlands, and Budawangs, briefly and incom- galloped across the open plateau erosion of the tracks, especially on past the end of Bibbenluke pletely outlined above, here are my the steep slopes beyond Kaliana somewhat tentative thoughts and Mountain with tantalising views of Ridge, was becoming a problem. the great cliffline of Mts Cole and recommendations: What changes have been most Owen ahead of us. • Put more resources into the obvious in the past ten years? rehabilitation of tracks and the We camped in the saddle on the There is obviously a very high prevention of erosion. The west side of Mt Cole that night in a human usage of the area. The Budawangs soil seems to be Budawangs gale, hoping no trees route up the Castle has been devastatingly prone to erosion would fall on us, and didn’t defaced with graffiti and broken once the surface vegetation is discover the caves till the next vegetation. Heavily used camping killed off. morning when we also found a areas are spreading in number and scrambling route up Cole. We area (take a look at Burrumbeet • Reconsider the recommenda- were delighted to find such large Brook and the area beneath the tion to restrict camping in caves. overhangs obviously suited to north eastern end of Bibbenluke It would seem mainly to transfer camping but our search for Mountain), with vegetation worn possible problems to other areas. Aboriginal remains was fruitless, down to the dirt and defaced by It seems to me that more damage even though there were people in large piles of rubbish-strewn ashes is done outside caves than in the party who had some expertise and constructions in rock and them. I would very much like to in recognising indigenous artefacts. wood. Stopping camping in caves see archaeological digs being

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 3 done in the camping caves as it adverse impact on the environ- is hard to imagine that they ment and other visitors. The Ruins of Boboyan would not reveal a long history Homestead • Provide the resources of Aboriginal occupation. necessary to allow rangers to However, the floor of these patrol the park and educate A popular walking area for the club caves has already been disturbed visitors, especially during takes in the Naas valley and the old by decades of use by walkers. periods of heavy usage such as Boboyan road. Many people have The only cave paintings I’ve long weekends. Apart from wondered about the origins of the ever seen in the Budawangs are track reconstructions and site marked as “ruins” on the map some stick figures in a small searches, I don’t recollect ever (ref: Yaouk 785311, AGD ‘66). cave on the side of Mt Talata- having been aware of a ranger in The following account may prove rang – not a location that would the Budawangs. If the Bu- of interest. see much modern human traffic. dawangs are to survive as a As for the Budawangia gnidioi- In 1839 the Scottish pioneer viable conservation and recrea- des, there are many other Charles McKeahnie moved from tion area, there will need to be overhangs totally unsuited to to manage John people on the ground protecting camping where it probably Gray’s run “Boboyan” where he this unique national park. flourishes; this would need to be superintended a small mixed herd investigated if no exhaustive of cattle. (The area was found to be Meg McKone map of its distribution exists. too wet for sheep.) Charles subsequently purchased the • Continue the ban on camping BROOM CLEARING property. At this lonely outpost his in Monolith Valley. This ex- XII @ COTTER HUT wife Elizabeth McKeahnie cared traordinary small, fragile area is for her young child and gave birth truly the heart of the Budawangs. to two more infants. At one time, Saturday 20 November 2004 • Make the northern access all the men having taken cattle to easier by reopening the road to Year 12 and there still no end in sales at Queanbeyan, Elizabeth and Newhaven Gap. There are other sight to the club’s long-term her children were alone on the examples of access roads passing project aimed at removal of this property. Warned by two local through declared wilderness invasive species from the Upper Aborigines of an imminent attack areas, such as the road to Kan- Cotter area. by some hostile natives, Elizabeth took her babe in arms and the two angra Walls. It is arguable Each year club members go to the young children and set out for the whether it is preferable to protect area around the Cotter Hut and nearest station, “Yaouk”, a distance the northern end while concen- locate and clear any new broom of some 8 or 9 miles across trating use at the Wog Wog and plants that can be found. The seeds trackless and rugged country. That Yadboro ends, or to spread of this species can stay in the soil she arrived safely is some people’s visits more evenly for well over 20 years and each testimony to the hardiness of these through the park. plant can produce thousands of pioneer women and children. • While taking account of seeds. In 1845 the McKeahnies moved ecological issues, reconsider the Our contribution has involved further north to Gudgenby and sold cessation of fire hazard reduc- searching the area to locate Boboyan to William Brayshaw , tion. It is only a matter of time infestations, removal by digging who established a dairy on the site. before a fire of major propor- and detailed mapping. tions roars through the southern Notes from the Canberra and You will have the opportunity to Budawangs. District Historical Society of 1968 travel to the Upper Cotter by provide the following details about • Provide composting toilets in vehicle and spend the day in a the Brayshaw era: heavily used camping areas. remote part of Namadgi. No special “Today at “Boboyan”, little Exposed faeces and toilet paper skills needed- if you have ever dug evidence remains of the consider- are unhealthy and unpleasant to up weeds then you know what to able establishment which must encounter. do! have been required in the hey day • If it is necessary to control the Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000. of the dairy produce period. Pigs number of visitors, do so by Leader: John Thwaite 6254 had to be raised, fattened and restricting the size of parties to 3193(h) [email protected] killed, cut up, salted and packed about eight people. Large Transport: $10.00. and casks stored; milking was a groups of young scouts etc. are major undertaking, butter had to be hard to control and have an John Thwaite made in large quantities, packed Conservation Officer and stored. Pens, yards and sheds

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 4 and blacksmith’s shops were in over the loss of their own farming they stop to inspect this lonely site, constant use. Now…only the grand heritage. Daphne Curtis writes and muse upon its history. chimney of the homestead building about the Boboyan ruins, “ The remains…” stone chimney still stands guard Jenny Horsfield today, this lovely old building was The map below allows you to (Map courtesy of “ACT Youth Trek ’88) built around 1840 on a small grassy identify the remaining sites at the hill protected from the cold homestead.(The 1901 building was Membership southerly winds by the tree covered demolished in 1971.) The two hills.” Matters graves located up a shallow gully to the west of the homestead are Prospective members: James not McKeahnie graves but those of Easton, Michael Schihoff, Ruth another mother and child, killed in Holtzapffel, Julianna Madden, a dray accident at a nearby creek Benedicte Ponsot, John Evans, Stone outlines and postholes are Peter Boreham, Lyn Boreham, still visible at the coolroom site and Siobhan Carrigan. fruit trees are still evident in the New members: Deanne Fenson, orchard and vegetable garden. The Phillip Stone, Dawn Casey, most popular fruits among the early Nathalie Jitnah, Rohan Baxter, settlers were quince, cherry and Bernhard von Dobschutz, Robin plum. The remnants of a fork and Scihoff. brush style fence can be seen nearby. Roger Edwards Daphne Curtis, who raised her Membership Secretary family at “Mt Clear” before the land was resumed to form Namadgi Cave Camping National Park, wrote a book, “Memories Before Namadgi” More correspondence on this which contains many poignant subject is now available on the club tales of the lives of the local web site. This includes a follow-up settlers in this district. It reminds us from Peter Henderson. Further that, much as we love our national Her words sum up very well the comment for the site is welcomed park, it was acquired at some cost, impressions of most walkers as by the editor. and that many families still grieve The Bulletin Board ‘This page is provided for members to advertise (at Creek. Leader: Rupert Barnett, 6242 5241, no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal [email protected]. Transport: at least $10, bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not depending on where we go, and entrance fees. involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not 9-10 October: Snow Camp, with snowshoe access - endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. S/M Hence, if people participate in any activities adver- tised here, they do so as private individuals, not as The aim is to experience the satisfactions of camping members of the Club, and they will not be covered by on snow, without the need for skiing skills. The the Club’s insurance arrangements’. location will depend on conditions, hopefully Mt Morgan accessed from Yaouk, or near Kiandra. Snow Trips Leader: Rupert Barnett, 6242 5241, email: [email protected] Saturday 28th August. Snow photography, on snow shoes. Annapurna Circuit A day taking photographs in snow, hopefully on a 8 Nov - 2 Dec 2004 approx snowshoe walk up to Orrong Hill in Namadgi on a brilliant day after a big dump. If necessary though Walk this marvellous Circuit with just a few others, we'll go to Mt. Selwyn. Snow shoes are easy to use supported by a local trekking company. Coordinator: and strap onto normal boots; hire is around $20. Book Rupert Barnett, 6242 5241, email: early August, maximum 8, and we'll have a follow-up [email protected]. night to share the results. Map: 1:25,000 Rendezvous

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 5 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION Committee Members’ Roles Here is a brief outline of all the positions up for election at the September AGM. If you would like further information about individual positions, please give the current office bearer (see back cover of this issue) a call. It’s important to have an enthusiastic and hardworking Committee to meet the needs of Club members. New Committee members bring fresh ideas and approaches, while former Committee members bring experience and knowledge of Club history. President Social Secretary Main duties are to oversee all Club activities, chair the Compiles the social program. Books the meeting room, obtains Committee and General Meetings, represent the Club and help guest speakers and arranges furniture, equipment and suppers other Committee members where needed. at monthly meetings. Do not be daunted: you will receive many Walks Secretary ideas and much support from other Committee members. Responsible for organising a balanced program of walks. This General Secretary includes encouraging members to plan and lead walks and Takes minutes of Committee Meetings and records the formal bush-related activities covered by our insurance activities; and business of the Monthly Meetings. Collects mail from the seeking out new leaders. The success of the Club is highly Club’s post office box and ensures that correspondence is dependent on the Walks Secretary, who should be an handed to the relevant Committee member for prompt experienced leader with as detailed a knowledge as possible consideration at Committee meetings. Drafts replies as of our bushwalking areas. required by the Committee and maintains files of all corre- Membership Secretary spondence. Answers membership inquiries, handles receipts and process Conservation Officer membership applications and renewals and maintains Coordinates the Club’s conservation activities and represents membership records. Good communication skills are needed. the Club on the Conservation Council of the South-East You will have to use the Club’s answering machine to make Region and Canberra. Advises the Club on conservation the job easier. Busiest time of the year is October to January, issues, campaigns and projects. May represent the Club at when many renewals are received. other conservation meetings such as those of the Confedera- Treasurer tion of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc. Manages the Club’s finances. Maintains the account books, Assistant Walks Secretary advises the Committee and Club members on financial Helps the Walks Secretary by providing for leaders all the matters, pays accounts, banks money, provides receipts and documentation that is needed to lead and attend walks, such drafts the budget for the following year. as the Notes for Leaders, Booking Sheet, Acknowledgement of Editor Risks and Obligations Form, Emergency Information Sheet. Encourages contributions for the monthly newsletter It, keys in Acts as the Check-in Officer. The AWS, or someone in the copy (or persuades contributors to submit it in electronic form), same household, should be available to receive check-in determines the layout and generally prepares It for publication. phone calls, mostly on Sunday evenings. Sometimes has to You will need two or three evenings at the end of each month ring forgetful leaders to check that the party has returned and, and access to a computer. The Club will supply you with a if not, alert the Search and Rescue Officer. Maintains statistics laser printer. on trips; asks leaders about potential new leaders. Obtains Training & Safety Officer from leaders completed Acknowledgement of Risks and Develop and implement a training and safety programme Obligations Forms and keeps them. consistent with the Club’s bushwalking objectives and Publisher responsibilities. While not a requirement, there are benefits in Collects It from the printer. Arranges It collation evenings in the Training and Safety Officer also being responsible for the members’ homes for the preparation of It for posting. Obtains Search and Rescue function. stationery needed for It Collations and directs helpers at collations. Posts the newsletter on the day after collation. The non-Committee positions, which are also filled at the Annual General Meeting, are: Honorary Auditor Conservation Associate (3 positions) Audits the Club’s financial statements. Strongly desirable to The Club’s membership of the Conservation Council of the have the appropriate auditing and accounting qualifications South-East Region and Canberra entitles it to representation and experience. by three delegates on the main committee. Be prepared to participate in monthly council meetings. The non-Committee positions, which are filled by the Committee (express an interest), are: NSW Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs (4 positions) Public Officer The Club, as a member of the Confederation, is entitled to This position is usually filled by the General Secretary and is nominate four CBC members to represent it as Confederation responsible for lodging required forms with the ACT Registrar members. of Incorporated Associations

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 6 INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS IN CBC ACTIVITIES

GRADING OF WALKS - Distance/Difficulty BOOKINGS: Distance: Ring the leader early rather than late. Please ring by Thursday 2.00pm for the following weekend (both one day (S) Short - under 12km/day. and two day walks) so the leader has time to arrange (M) Medium - 12-20km/day. transport. (L) Long - over 20km/day. 16 is the maximum, unless a smaller number is advertised in NOTE: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every the program. 100 metres climbed. Difficulty: Please be specific if the leader asks about your (E) Easy - fire trail, tracks, beaches etc. experience in the activity. Check with the leader about: • the need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc (M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub. • appropriate clothing, suitable foot-wear, etc; and (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles. • any precautions you might need to take for severe (W) Wet - compulsory swims, some river crossings. weather changes, etc. Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you’re new to our Club.. NOTE: Every person taking part in a CBC activity does so as a volunteer in all respects and accepts responsibility for any personal injury or loss incurred and is required to sign the Club "Acknowledgment of Risks and Obligations" form. Visitors may join Club trips. However, eligible walkers are expected to and will be strongly encouraged to join the Club after a maximum of THREE trips. Prospective participants should check with the leader that they are capable of completing the proposed trip based on their previous experience, fitness and personal capabilities. Participants should also ask the leader what the trip entails and what food, equipment or special skills are required. Conversely, leaders should also ensure these points are checked and may reject an applicant they consider unsuitable for the trip. TRANSPORT: Costs are presently 30¢/km/car, divided equally among ALL participants. This amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on: the condition of the roads; the number of passengers per car; and other factors. The figures given for individual trips are estimates only, based on four people per car and other factors - costs may rise if cars are only partly filled. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. SEARCH & RESCUE ORGANISATION See separate information provided to all members / leaders and on the Club web site. CHECK-IN / CONTACT OFFICER The Check-in /Contact Officer for the Club is Keith Thomas Ph: 6230 1081 (h). He, or failing Keith, the President (not the Police or other bodies) should be the first point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning from a trip. Leaders must also report the safe return OR cancellation of their trip to the Check-in Officer.

EQUIPMENT HIRE Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equipment. The Equipment Officer is Rob Horsfield, who can be contacted on 6231 4535 (h). The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are set out below. Hirers are responsible for collecting and returning the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for members who are 'first time' weekend walkers. A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, depending on the condition of the items upon return (eg. damaged or dirty) and whether they are returned late. Item w.e./week Item w.e./week Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 Assorted packs $5 / $15 Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 Long bed compass no charge - just a $5 deposit Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 EPIRB No charge Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting gear.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 7 ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfield (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), E-mail: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley St Kambah ACT 2902 Please see " INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS IN CBC ACTIVITIES" in this It, or on the Club website

Saturday 14 August Naas Valley Crossover Saturday 21 August- Brindabella NP - L/E/W "Grevillea Ridge" - M/MR. A track walk through the picturesque Naas Valley This part of the Brindabellas near a big bend in aimed at those who appreciate the opportunity to Mountain Creek has extensive open volcanic rock stride out over a longish distance [~26km]. One outcrops that provide great vantage points for half of the party will start at Caloola Farm and views. We approach from near Dingo Dell. Map: head uphill to meet for lunch with the other half of Umburra 1:25,000 Leader: Chris Leslie the party heading downhill from the Mt Clear 62516123(h) 62465713(w) [email protected] campground. Difference in elevation between Transport: about $10 Caloola and Mt Clear is ~400m but the walk Sunday 22 August- Orroral Valley- M/MR includes a further ~300m of 'undulations'. Multi- The peak at the northern end of Orroral Valley ple compulsory crossings of the Naas River. may now be worth a visit again after the bush fires Maps: Colinton, Michelago 1:25 000 Leaders: have cleared out some of the scrub. Maps: Ren- Janet Edstein/Terence Uren. Bookings to Janet dezvous Creek, Corin Dam 1:25,000. Leader: 6288 1398 (h) Transport: ~$12. Note: Limit of 8 Roger Edwards 6288 7863 (h) 6271 1302(w). in each direction. Car swap required. Transport: $10.00. Sunday 15 August- Mt Waratah, Hidden Creek (20) 21,22 August- Durras weekend- M/E and the Nattai River- M/M Leave Canberra Friday night and stay in cabins at This walk near Berrima begins on a trail which the Durras Caravan Park near the beach. The runs about a km along the Mt Waratah ridge with Saturday walk is an ascent of Durras Mountain spectacular views before dropping via a long through the rainforest from the SW - not the usual abandoned road to Hidden Creek which in due Pebbly Beach-Pretty Beach route - and views to course enters the Nattai. The walk is about half on take your breath away as you descend facing the and half off track, with the section along Hidden sea. The Sunday walk will be south along the Creek in a beautiful, deep valley but a bit rough in coastline from Murramarang and back through the places. Lunch at the junction with the Nattai bush. 4 1/2-5hrs walking on Saturday, 3-4hrs on River. 4hrs actual walking. Map: Mittagong Sunday. Maps: Kioloa and Durras 1:25,000. 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 6274 7350 (w), email: [email protected] (w), email: [email protected] Transport: Transport: ~$25 ~$30, Accommodation: ~$40-50 (13)-14-15 August– Northern Budawangs M/R On the Friday night we drive to Wog Wog for Wednesday 25 August- Committee Meeting camp and early start Saturday along the track from and it closing Alan Davey’s house; we’ll climb Fosters Mountain 8PM at the home of Rob Horsfield for some views and continue to camp at Styles 11 Studley Street, Kambah Creek. Sunday morning we’ll do a side trip up onto Quilty’s mountain with its aboriginal bora Saturday 28 August- Mount Palerang – M/M-R ground before returning along tracks. Map: En- Almost 360 degree view from the top of Palerang drick 1:25 000. Leader: Gösta Lyngå – 6288 in the Tallaganda NP. ~11 km with a total climb of 7009. [email protected] Transport: ~$25 ca 480 m; mixture of track, pad and scrub; 4WDs/ high clearance vehicles needed to get to the start at Wednesday 18 August - Monthly Meeting Mulloon Creek. Map: Bombay. Leader Bob Rupert Barnett - Kakadu, and getting there Vickery e-mail [email protected], 8:00PM St Johns Church Hall, Reid. 6251 4528 (h); Transport ~$12. Limit 12. Remember!! Christmas Party - Sunday 12 December

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 8 but there is some scunge below the rock and we do Saturday 28 August -Mt. Tennent- M/M have to go up a (straightforward) pass through the Route: Namadgi Ranger Station – Mt. Tennent – cliffs, which bring the walk into M/M grade. Bushfold Flat – Mt. Tennent – Namadgi Ranger There are good views from the top. Map: Kain Station. Map: Williamsdale 1:25,000 Leader: Ian 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899h, 6240 Smith Contacts: 6282 1226 (h) 6243 4248 (W) 9704w, 0418 662870m (use m if h n/a). Transport Transport:~$6 cost: about $20. Limit of 12. Sunday 29 August- Bushfold Flats (M/E-M) Wednesday 8 September- Wednesday Walk Walk from the Booroomba Rocks car park via the The regular mid-week walk series continues, close Alpine Walking Track along the creek to the Mt to Canberra with a destination to be decided. Tennant fire trail. Follow this until the Bushfold Contact the leader before 8pm Tuesday for details. Flats track swings off to the west, then traverse the Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). full length of the flats before following the Alpine Track down the creek back to the cars. While the Wednesday 8 September - IT Collation fires went through much of this area, much of it is 8PM at the home of Bob Vickery in good condition, especially Bushfold Flats, 36 Jaeger Cct, Bruce which is a delightful area of open forest and grassland. 4 ½ hrs actual walking, mostly on Saturday 11 September - Quart Pot M-L/M track. Map: Williamsdale 1:25,000. Leader: The goal of this exploratory walk in Deua National Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: Park is to find and follow part of what remains of a [email protected] Transport: ~$8 19th century bridle trail that linked Araluen and 28- 29 August : Morton N.P. M /R Nelligen. Will we be successful or will we spend The Castle and Byangee Walls. Car camp at the the day searching in vain? Either way, the area is Yadboro Camp Grounds. Saturday we'll explore rugged, spectacular and worth a visit. Map: Byangee Walls area. We'll climb to the base of the Araluen 1:25 000 Leader: Terence Uren 6282 Castle. Then on to Castle Gap and Byangee 2403 (h) Transport: ~$18 Note: Limit of 8. Mountain via a scramble up a steep gully. If there (10)11-12 September: Budawangs M / R is time we'll walk out to Pickering Point and some Byangee Mountain - Landslide Creek. Drive to great views. Sunday: we will climb The Castle via Yadboro Fri night for early start up to Castle Gap Kaliana Ridge, the Tunnel and some interesting and a side trip to Byangee Walls. Camp on the rock scrambles towards the top. Map: Corang Clyde then ascend Pigeon House Ck and Landslide 1:25,000. Leader: John Kelly - 6241 3814(h). Ck to Wombat Ridge Fire Trail. Return via Long- Transport: ~$30. Limit of 8 fella Pass. Some steep climbs and rock scrambles, Saturday 4 September- Muldoonen Nature with great views and Spring flowers, including Reserve- M/E-M rock orchids in Landslide Ck. Maps: Corang & This reserve is just south of the Hume Highway Milton 1:25 000. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 between Gunning and Yass. The walk will explore 5902 (h). Transport: ~$25. the reserve, which consists of undulating country (10) 11- 12 September Captain Starlight and with a cover of nice, open forest. A mixture of Macquarie Rivulet w'kend (Sat M/E, Sun S/M)) track and easy off track. About 4hrs actual walk- Drive to Bundanoon Youth Hostel on Friday night ing. Map: Gunning 1:50,000. Leader: Stan Marks for two contrasting walks over the weekend. On 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: Sat, do the Starlight Trail, which incorporates the [email protected] Transport: ~$12 walk to Rocky Waterholes lookout. Easy terrain, (3) 4, 5 September- Kanangra-Boyd N.P- M/R mostly fire trail with some steepish bits. Splendid Route: Kanangra Walls – Brumby Ridge – Kow- escarpment views, spectacular cliff lines and a mung River – Roots Ridge – Kanangra Walls. lovely green spot by the Nattai River for lunch. Great views, great country, great river. Friday Enjoy the spring flowers. 5hrs actual walking. On night departure from Canberra. Map: Kanangra & Sunday, follow a pretty creek at the base of the Yerranderie 1:25,000 Leader: Ian Smith Con- Macquarie Pass, much of it on track, 4hrs actual tacts: 6282 1226 (h) 6243 4248 (W) Transport: ~ walking, then drop in to the Pig and Whistle for $50 coffee before home. A combined everyone bring something meal on Sat night in the hostel. Map: Sunday 5 September- - Hill Top & Robertson 1:25,000. Leaders: Diana M/M Terry 0414 608 876 or [email protected] and Picnic At Hanging Rock Hanging Rock is a set of Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), or conglomerate cliffs, a few km NE of the Big Hole, [email protected] . Bookings to Stan. which we will visit on the return journey. The Transport: ~$30 walk is mostly through open forest and on track,

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 9 Wednesday 15 September Saturday 25 Sept– Micalong Swamp M/E Annual General Meeting The Hume and Hovell track goes partly along the 8:00PM St Johns Church Hall, Reid. largest montane swamp in mainland . An easy walk these days following the route where in Saturday 18 September- Gudgenby- L/R 1824 Claude Bossawa pushed a wheelbarrow over This is a tough walk with a climb of over 750m roadless country to measure the distance all the and about 16kms walking. However your rewards way to Bass Strait. Map: Bobbys Plains 1:25 000. are the superb 360 degrees views, from Tinderries Leader: Gösta Lyngå – 6288 7009. to Jagungal and the achievement. We begin at the [email protected] Transport $25 Boboyan/Yankee Hat carpark, walk through the (24)25-26 September- pine forest and steadily upwards along a track to (M/E)- GR 732385 (AGS ’66) which is near 3 native This is a walk over 2 days that traverses the length cherry trees. Here a short morning tea rest, then of Royal National Park and covers about 27 km. the steep scramble climb to the top. Near the very The plan is to head off Fri evening and stay over- top it’s rock and sometimes this is covered with night at the Wollongong YHA. On Saturday drive ice. This makes for very interesting walking! to Cronulla and catch ferry to Bundeena. Walk to Lunch at the top. We return the same way. Map: Garie’s Beach and stay overnight at Garie’s Beach Yaouk 1:25,000. Leader Janet Edstein YHA. Have booked entire YHA for the evening. 6288.1398 Transport $ 14 Sunday, we walk to Otford and catch a train back Sunday 19 September- Tallaganda National to our starting point in Cronulla, and then head Park- S/E-M home to Canberra. Maps: Port Hacking and From the Forbes Creek track head just east of Otford. Leader: Barry Keeley 6251 5629 (h), Hoskinstown, we will follow the Bald Hill and 6252 7469 (w) email: [email protected] Jinglemoney firetrails to Mulloon Creek, then go Transport: $40-$50. Accommodation: Fri – $25 , roughly along the creek on and off track before Sat $15. Limit of 10. swinging west along the Mulloon firetrail back to Saturday 2 October- Grassy Creek/Old the cars. About 7km on track and 2-3km off track. Boboyan Road (M/E-M) The forest in this area is starting to have the fla- Enjoy a wander through the grasslands and forests vour of the coast and is very attractive. Map: of the southern ACT. See some of the old home- Bombay 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 steads in the area. 4hrs actual walking, area has 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: not been burnt. Map: Yaouk 1:25,000. Leader: [email protected] Transport: ~$12 Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: 18-19 September- Deua NP - Breakfast Creek [email protected] Transport: ~$20 and Woila Lookouts - M/MR. Sunday 3 October- Wild Cattle Flats (S/E-M) From Pikes Saddle we follow the Minima fire trail Climb gently on a fire trail east of to before diverting across to a tall waterfall on the the trig station atop the Bollard Ridge from which beautiful tree-fern-lined Breakfast Creek. From you can look due west to the Tidbinbilla Range. there we make our way to camp somewhere on a Then follow the ridge as it descends through open plateau overlooking the incredibly steep amphi- forest until you cross Ballinafad Creek. Lunch on theater to the north of Mother Woila, also looking a hill above the creek, then cross wild cattle flats for good vantage points. Map: Snowball/Badja and back to the cars through open forest. All on 1:25000 Leader: Chris Leslie 62516123(h) trail or easy off track, good if you want to try off 62465713(w) [email protected] Transport: track for the first time. One of my recent finds in ~$25 . About 4 hrs actual 18-22 September : Snowy River, Black Jack walking. Return via the purple eatery. Map: and Byadbo Mtns - M / M, W Tinderry 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: Down the Snowy River from its cascades near [email protected] Transport: ~$16 Byadbo Creek, up Black Jack Creek to camp high on the flank of Black Jack Mtn to return down the head 2- 4 October -Long weekend- Pretty Beach of Byadbo Ck. That's about 50km, and a side trip to camping Byadbo Mountain will add another 10km. The Snowy Something different. As the Monga forest Sunday might have to be waded. Maps: 1:100,000 Numbla or was such a success, it is suggested that a weekend 1:25,000 Tombong. Leader: Rupert Barnett, 6242 of bushwalking/ photographing/ painting & 5241, email: [email protected] Transport: sketching be held at Pretty Beach on the October ~$50 long weekend. We will leave Canberra Saturday morning and tent at Pretty Beach. Details for

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 10 arranging camping will be in the next IT. Leader: Trail. Despite the unhappy names, this is beautiful Rene Lays 6241 7862 walking country with pleasant, mainly open ridges, a lovely river and a superb campsite. 850 metres 2-4 October- Commemorating the opening of descent /ascent. Drive to Kanangra Fri night. Namadgi- M/M Maps: Kanangra & Yerranderie 1: 25,000. Re-enacting the famous Mt Kelly Trip Leaders: Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902 (h). Trans- David Large, Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h) Details port: ~$40 + NP fees. Limit of 8. TBA 23-24 October- Southern Budawangs - Upper Saturday 9 October - Left Hand Creek L/M Belowra Creek - M/R The upper reaches of Left Hand Creek bisect a Bimberamala tributary zealots will like this place - delightful hidden valley, perched high on the plenty of ferns, palms, vines and falling waters. I western flank of Namadgi's Clear Range. Getting hope to revisit a mysterious dark waterfall, maybe there includes a steepish climb through variable even to see what exists above it. Don't know where scrub but the return is a bit easier - mostly down- we'll camp though! Map: Brooman 1:25,000 hill and on track. Map: Colinton 1:25 000 Leader: Chris Leslie 62516123(h) 62465713(w) Leader: Terence Uren 6282 2403 (h) Transport: [email protected] Transport:~$25 ~$12 Note: Limit of 8. (29) 30- 31 October - Ben-Boyd N.P- M/M Wednesday 13 October - IT Collation Route: Saltwater Creek – Light to Light track to 8PM at the home of Michael Gorgolewski Green Cape and return. An excellent possibility of 4 Galan Place, Giralang seeing whales on their southward migration. Friday night departure from Canberra. Map: Kiah (15) 16-17 October: Kanangra Boyd N.P. M- & Narrabarba 1:25,000 Leader: Ian Smith & L / M-R Sandy Berry Contacts: 6282 1226 (h) 6243 4248 Kowmung River. Uni Rover Trail - Mount Savage (W) Transport: tba - Sombre Dome - Kowmung R -Hatchers Hollow - Despond Ridge - Mount Misery - Uni Rover Membership Renewal

Please have a look at your label. Does it say Renew Soon, Renew Now or Last IT. If the answer is yes please pay promptly to remain a financial member of the club. If the Membership Secretary does not receive your renewal by the 1st day of the month after it is due; there may be a delay in getting your copy of IT. Current rates are Single $33.00 Family $50.00. Your options are (please tick applicable box) I have made a direct payment to Westpac BSB 032-719 Account Number 176-134. (Please enclose receipt number if available. You may need to check with your financial institution whether you can make a payment online or at your nearest branch.). For direct payment you will still need to complete and return this form and return it to Membership Secretary, Canberra Bushwalking Club, PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 or email details to [email protected] Enclosed is a cheque / money order.

Attached is cash (if paying in person at a club meeting).

Name Address

Home phone Number Work Phone E-Mail I am willing to lead Day Walks Yes No Weekend Walks Yes No In renewing your membership you should be aware that though the Canberra Bushwalking Club office bearers and activity leaders take all reasonable care, when joining in any activity you do so as a volunteer in all respects and, as such, accept responsibility for any personal injury or loss incurred.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT August 2004 page 11 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE

Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Gary Trevean 6285 1135 6266 9737 [email protected] TREASURER/VICE PRES. Michael Sutton 6262 3394 - [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 - [email protected] EDITOR Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 - [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6271 1351 [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER James Ashburner 6254 1666 6252 7934 [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER John Thwaite 6254 3193 [email protected] PUBLISHER Cynthia Breheny 6247 6857 - ASSISTANT WALKS SECRETARY Keith Thomas 6230 1081 - [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Lucinda Prickett 6295 2854 6239 2220 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Ring ROGER EDWARDS on 6288 7863 (h) CHECK IN: Ring KEITH THOMAS on 6230 1081 (h) For Internet users, the Club Home Page is at: http://www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au

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If undeliverable return to GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 SURFACE POSTAGE PAID Print Post Approved AUSTRALIA PP248831/00047 it MAIL

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