Wednesday Walks 10 CBC Xmas Party 16 Feeling Literary?

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r o Bushwalking C it Club newsletter Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume: 52 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Number: 10 GENERAL MEETING November 2016 8 pm Wednesday 16 November 2016 In this issue 2 Canberra Bushwalking Walking in Tasmania Club Committee Presenter: Cynthia Burton 2 President’s prattle In March 2016, 20 CBC members took part in a visit to Tasmania hosted 2 Meg McKone – CBC’s by the Hobart Walking Club. Over a period of around 9 days, the HWC new life member introduced us to some of their favourite day and overnight walks around 2 Membership matters Hobart and beyond. A highly enjoyable week-long CBC trip to Flinders 3 Walks Waffle Island also was run shortly before this event. Come and experience a pho- 3 Training Trifles tographic journey through the highlights of our travels around some of the 3 Introducing the rich and varied scenery of the Apple Isle. McDoualls The hall, 5 Review: Tramping in New Zealand Hughes Baptist Church, 6 Notice of Motion 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes Proposal for Honorary Life Membership: Stan Also some leaders of walks in the current and next Marks month will be on hand with maps to answer your 7 Activity program questions and show you walk routes etc 7 Wednesday walks 10 CBC Xmas Party 16 Feeling literary?

Important dates 16 November General meeting 23 November Committee meeting 23 November Submissions close for December it Committee reports

Canberra Bushwalking Club Committee President’s President: Lorraine Tomlins prattle [email protected] 6248 0456 or 0434 078 496 he Club’s Facebook site continues to be interest- Treasurer: Julie Anne Clegg Ting and useful, sometimes in unexpected ways. A [email protected] posting about Ian Wright’s walk to Bangadilly National 0402 118 359 Park on 18 October mentioned that the group had seen a koala, with a photo to prove it. The posting resulted Walks Secretary: John Evans in a comment from the Southern Highlands Koala Con- [email protected] servation Project that they would ‘love the location’ for their records. Ian provided the co-ordinates. 6294 8232 or 0417 436 877 I’m also, happy to report that recent Toddlers Toddles General Secretary: Cynthia Coppock have been very popular and the last one to Kowen [email protected] Creek had almost 40 attendees. Linda Groom was 0408 266 501 or 6270 9010(w) assisted by two co-leaders and, of course, the toddlers had their guardians in tow. I am advised that as well Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards as introducing budding walkers to the bush, we might [email protected] be nurturing a new contingent of bush carers as there was much weed whacking involved as well as creek 6288 7863 exploration. Linda Groom the CBC Family Activities Training and Safety Officer: David Dedenczuk Coordinator has posted CBC family activities on the ACT Government’s Nature Play website. [email protected]

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0417 222 154 o C President Conservation Officer: Cynthia Burton [email protected] 0488 071 203 Web Manager: Andrew Meers Meg McKone – CBC’s [email protected] new life member xx The October CBC General meeting passed the following motion: “That Meg McKone be elected Editor: Alison Milton an Honorary Life Member.” [email protected] She joins our other Honorary Life Members - Geoff 6254 0578(h) or 6289 2717(w) Mosley, Harry Black – dec, Dr Robert Story – dec, Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas Sybil Story – dec, Fred George – dec, Len Medaris – dec, Alan Vidler, Vance Brown, Doug Wright and [email protected] George Carter +64 27 535 6176

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o C Social Secretary: Jenny Horsfield President [email protected] 6231 4535 Publisher: David Williams Membership [email protected] matters All members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to Please keep your email address up to date via your [email protected] membership page on the website. Contact the Mem- bership Secretary if you need help. Check in: [email protected] New members: Rachel Boston, Sim Cheesman, Web site: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Maxwell Clayton, Joanne Johnston Roger Edwards Membership Secretary

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Committee reports lighter, as an alternative, or in addition to matches. It is a good idea Introducing Walks to carry fire starters, or some small strips of rubber to assist in starting a campfire, particularly in cold or the damp conditions. Gum leaves, twigs Waffle and bracken are also very good for McDoualls starting campfires. Good campfire pecial thanks to all our walk building and maintenance is critical. Sleaders who facilitated trips for It is important to build the campfire the very successful Hobart Walking away from tents and vegetation to ou’ve most probably heard Club visit last month. Apart from which it might catch and spread fire. Yof the Munroes in Scotland one day of high winds and showers A small ring of stones is good for (peaks over 3,000 ft or 914 m) and which forced the relocation of walks surrounding the fire. Most of the the Abels in Tasmania (peaks over scheduled that day, the weather igneous rocks that we find in this 1,100 m). Now, thanks to Michael treated us kindly. And thank you region are suitable for this purpose Giacometti of the Central Austral- to club members who joined in the as they do not explode when hot. ian Bushwalkers, we have the Mc- events to meet with our visitors. Hot sandstone, however, does Doualls of the Northern Territory, explode, and should be avoided. Walk leaders were Lachlan Bailey, named after John McDouall Stuart, Most importantly, one should the first non-Indigenous person to Cynthia Breheny, Isobel Crawford, ensure that a fire is supervised and John Danaro, Christine Francis, enter Central Australia (in 1860) then totally extinguished at the and climb some of the high peaks Philip Gatenby, Linda Groom, conclusion of its use. A thorough Matthew Higgins, Rob Horsfield, including Brinkley Bluff, now on dousing with water is the only way the Larapinta Trail. After finding Quentin Moran, Terrylea Reynolds, to ensure that a fire is extinguished. Phillip Starr, Jenny Stewart, Lor- the number of peaks over 1,100 m raine Tomlins, David Williams, Ian Walkers should make fires only with a distinct elevation change on Wright, and John Evans. Cynthia periodically, only in the cooler sea- all sides of at least 150 metres was Burton organised two fabulous sons, and not in summer. Campfires a measly 44, Michael decided on a social events. should never be made in hot and height criterion of 1,000 m which windy conditions. In Namadgi, yielded a further 62 distinct peaks; Snakes are stirring, so wear your walkers and picnickers are encour- 106 in all. gaiters. aged to use fuel stoves instead Determining the number of Enjoy your walking and happy feet. of lighting a fire. Leave bush McDoualls was far from easy. wood for habitat and to renew soil. Many of the peaks in the Centre

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r Campfires should never be made o C are prominences on long ridges and Walks Secretary in areas or in periods where they most of the topographic maps that are forbidden. For instance, in the cover them are small scale maps Cotter Catchment area of Namadgi with big contour intervals. Many NP, no fires are permitted. Only peaks are unnamed on the maps, and Training fuel stoves can be used. Fires not all have spot heights. Most of the are only permitted in officially 1:50,000 maps with 10 or 20 metre constructed fireplaces located in contours, and 1:100,000 maps with Trifles campgrounds and picnic areas. As 20 metre contours, are in the general we approach summer, and the risk vicinity of Alice Springs. The peaks of wildfire increases exponentially, further away are shown only on Fire – good servant, bad master it is important to remember that 1:250,000 topographic maps with Where permitted, campfires can Total Fire Bans prohibit all fires 50 metre contours. In addition, the be a very enjoyable part of an including fuel stoves. Fire danger spot height given for a peak can overnight bushwalking experience. signs indicate what fire restrictions vary from scale to scale. So Michael Old-timers in the bush, would com- are in place. Tragically, bush- has included a list of McDoubtfuls, monly light a campfire on which walkers have been responsible for 32 peaks that exceed 1,000 metres to boil a billy, and around which starting some wildfires, and thereby but where it is not presently possible to sit and spin competing yarns in destroying the very places that they to accurately ascertain that the the evening. Very occasionally, love. Please carry matches, but height differential between them a camp-fire might serve a life- familiarise yourself with current and surrounding high points is at preserving purpose, in providing and local fire regulations before least 150 m. He has also added warmth to a lost and/or cold walker. lighting a campfire. another 50 peaks that are interesting Historically, smoke from campfires but don’t quite meet the criteria for

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r David Dedenchuk o has assisted search parties to locate C a McDouall or a McDoubtful. Training and Safety Officer lost walkers. Accordingly, it is You can find the background infor- good to always carry some matches, mation and a spreadsheet of all these preferably of the waterproof variety peaks on the website of the Central and matches should be kept in a Australian Bushwalkers. On the waterproof container. Walkers spreadsheet, peaks are named in a might choose to carry a cigarette counter-clockwise circle out from

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2016 – page 3 Trip report Alice Springs, making it easier to group together more than one peak for a climbing trip. The spreadsheet includes the elevation, prominence, range/region, lati- tude and longitude, land tenure, map/s, grid references (if available) and notes for each peak. The location of each peak is also shown on a Google Map. Before rushing off on a peak-bagging expedition to the Centre, some preparation is necessary. Though visibility in the Centre is usually good and it’s fairly easy to see where you’re going, the terrain is often steep, rocky, loose and rough underfoot, with rock bands to negoti- ate to gain a summit. Then there’s the little matter of

Mt Giles, 1389 metres and the third highest peak in the NT, lies near the western end of the Chewings Range. Here it seen as the pointy peak on the horizon, photographed from the Red Wall on the north side of Ormiston Pound. It is relatively easy to access from Ormiston Gorge.

finding water and organising transport to put you within striking distance. Only a few McDoualls are on the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell National Park (surprisingly, Mount Zeil is the highest peak west of the Great Dividing Mt Sonder Lookout is not one of them, as the highest Range. It is part of a huge block which contains several point on the Mt Sonder block lies across a not-deep- other McDoualls. When I first saw it close up, I thought that enough saddle to the north – note “This peak is difficult if it was in a more inhabited part of Australia, it would have and dangerous to climb from the Mt Sonder Lookout several names. on the Larapinta Trail stage 12”, MG. When walking off-track in the National Park, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the NT Parks and Wildlife (usually a straightforward and simple process). Most other land is owned or managed by an Abo- riginal Land Trust (refer to the Central Land Council), or by a pastoral leaseholder from whom it is necessary to gain permission to enter their land. Note that climbing some peaks is strictly forbidden, including Mt Olga and all of the peaks and domes of Kata Tjuta. Michael has provided bushwalkers with a fantastic resource. And in seeking out your McDouall, you will doubtless come across all kinds of hidden gems.

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Peak Alone, or spot height 1185, has no official name. It lies hidden away on the north side of the Chewings Range, an isolated outlier and a worthy McDouall,

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Review of general meeting talk Review: Tramping in New Zealand t our October monthly meeting peaks. This small area is home snow and ice climbs for 2000 m ACBC Club Member Rowan to the giant NZ Kauri tree: a to the summit. Peck gave a lively presentation close relative to our own Bunya, on tramping in the north island of Wollemi, and Hoop trees. 5. Tongariro Northern Circuit. A New Zealand from home base in DOC Great Walk with palatial Auckland. Rowan began by not- 4. ‘The Mountain’ or Mt Ruapehu. huts, truly different volcanic ing that tramping tracks in New A seriously big volcano, rugged scenery, and with signs warning of Zealand are generally good, well and amazing terrain, with a round volcanic flying rocks. This track marked, generally well maintained, the mountain track including six gives access to Mt Ngauruhoe, there are many huts, though mud, DOC huts taking 7 to 8 days, or or if you are a Lord of the Rings volcanic sand, and feral animals can be a minus. Rowan then led us to a number of web based maps and sources of information including a Department of Conservation (DOC) map showing tracks and huts, this DOC web page is clickable and shows booking status and costs for these tracks and huts. Rowan then took us on a quick tour of his favourite NZ tramps, with marked up maps, including: 1. Mt Pirongia. Steep terrain with forest views and cloud forest at the top, well appointed campsite at the top of range. 2. Kaimai and Te Aroha. With gorge, forest, and big views out to the coast. 3. Coromandel and The Pinnacles. With luxurious huts, amazing terrain, canyoning on skyhooks and rock climbing the vertical Tongariro Crossing

Waitakere Ranges

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2016 – page 5 Review of general meeting talk 7. Tangihua Forest Park. North of Auckland, Kauri forest, thick bush. Views out to the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea on opposite sides of the island 8. Hunua Ranges. on the southern edge of Auckland suburbs, day walks in forest, steep. 9. Taranaki Volcano. A magic mountain, has a Round the Mountain tramp of 4 or 5 days with DOC huts, or snow and ice climbs of 2000 m to the summit. A lone high peak with rough and unpredictable weather, and a long climber casualty list. My clearest memory of this volcano was watching Taranaki Volcano the snowy peak turn gold at dawn, from fan then Mt Doom. This volcano boasts an ascent a hill in the Kahurangi National Park on on a down escalator and a descent on scree that may the south island 230 km to the SW.

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require a parachute. C Peter Conroy 6. Waitakere Ranges. North of Auckland, coastal day walks with mud, black sand and off track, thick bush. A short movie showing a party in some Supplejack scrub was truly sobering.

Notice of Motion Proposal for Honorary Life Membership: Stan Marks Motion: “That Stan Marks be elected Honorary Life For those unable or disinclined to carry overnight Member.” packs, Stan has organised many weekend trips where people may camp or stay in accommodation and do We wish to propose that Honorary Life Membership be day walks. His 2 or 3 day trips to Bundanoon, Durras, awarded to Stan Marks in recognition of his outstand- Endrick River, Jervis Bay, Snowy Mountains and ing service to the Club. Since joining the Club in March northern Kosciusko have attracted a keen following. 1995 Stan has made an exceptional contribution to the Club’s Walks Programme. He has put over 800 walks He has been responsible for introducing many new on the program in that time, quite a number of which walkers to the Club and has been an active mentor. have involved multiple walking days. In terms of days Leading day walks is often much more challenging spent leading walks he exceeds the nearest contender and demanding than leading multi-day walks as in this category by almost 30 percent. participants have such a diverse range of skills and experience, with many being highly inexperienced. Since 2003, when detailed walks records began, Stan However, day walks are an important point of entry has led over 8,000 person days of walking (i.e. days to the Club. As work patterns and the demographics spent leading walks multiplied by the number of people of the Club have changed over the past twenty years on each walk) which is approximately 3.5 times that of the demand for day walks has increased significantly the next leader in the Club in this category. and Stan has helped the Club to meet that demand. His popularity as a Walks Leader is amply demon- Stan has served professionally and diligently on the strated by the fact that the average number of people Committee in a number of portfolios for 12 years, on his walks since 2003 is 12. including four years as President (2003-2005; His contribution to the Club’s Walks Program in terms 2007-2009); two years as Correspondence Secretary of days spent leading walks and the total number of (1997-1999); four years as Assistant Walks Secretary people on his walks now significantly exceeds that of (1999-2003); Training and Safety Officer (2010-2011); any other leader in the Club’s history. and General Secretary (2011-2012). Stan has thoroughly researched and developed many Given his outstanding contribution to the Club, new walks for the Club’s Programme inter alia in the particularly the Walks Program, and his many years Captains Flat area, Bundanoon, Namadgi and the coast. of service on the Committee, we strongly support his nomination for Honorary Life Membership. He has been a keen proponent of the popular after-work walks during daylight saving, acquainting members Nominated by Cynthia Breheny with the delights of local reserves such as Mt Ainslie, Seconded by Barry Keeley Mt Majura, Cooleman Ridge, Goorooyarroo, Red Hill, O’Connor and Bruce Ridges, and Mulligans Flat.

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Activity program Activity program Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with John Evans (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6294 8232 or 0417 436 877, Email: [email protected], Post: Villa 68, 200 Woodcock Drive, Gordon

Information for participants Distance and difficulty Transport Distance: Costs are 38¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This (S) Short – under 12 km/day amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on the condition of the roads and other factors. The figures given (M) Medium – 12–20 km/day are for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, (L) Long – over 20 km/day an estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. climbed. Duty of care Terrain: Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that (E) Easy – fire trail, tracks, beaches etc he/she does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to (M) Medium – bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or (R) Rough – much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles damage to property. Each person is required to sign the Club’s (W) Wet – compulsory swims, many river crossings ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to join (X) Exploratory trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the Club after a maximum of three trips. Booking Contact the leader early rather than late so the leader has time to For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org arrange transport. See walk description for booking deadline. Check with the leader about: Check-in after walks Before a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names of XXthe need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their safe XXappropriate clothing, footwear X return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Officer, David Dedenczuk Xany precautions you might need to take for severe weather ([email protected] 0417 222 154 leave changes. message if no answer). The Check-in Officer or the Walks Secretary Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to (6294 8232 or 0417 436 877), not the Police or other bodies, should our Club. be the first point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning.

Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise Equipment hire stated Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equip- Due to space, walks scheduled more ment. The Equipment Officer is Rob Horsfield, who can than three months in advance may appear be contacted on 6231 4535(h) or to borrow the northside only on the Club’s web site. PLB, Lorraine Tomlins, 6248 0456 or 0434 078 496. 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 Wednesday walks (but not the deposit) is waived for members who are ‘first Two walks one Medium/Easy and one Medium/ time’ weekend walkers. Hard, are conducted most Wednesdays. Walks are A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be conducted in turn by leaders from the Canberra refunded, depending on the condition of the items upon Bushwalking Club (CBC), Brindabella Bushwalking return and whether they are returned late. Club (BBC – Peter [email protected] and Kathy [email protected]) and National Parks Item w.e./week Association ACT (NPA - Mike S, 0412 179 907). Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 Destination and meeting place details are emailed a Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 few days before each walk. (BBC and NPA leaders Snow tent $15 / $40 as listed in the activity program). 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 Assorted packs $5 / $15 Control your receipt of Wednesday Walk emails Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 via your membership profile. Contact John, co- Snow shoes/poles $10 / $25 ordinator of Wednesday Walks, via wednesday. Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 [email protected] for general Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions) enquiries. If you are not a member of CBC, BBC GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use) or NPA you must contact the leader before the Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need walk to discuss the level of difficulty and must when collecting and returning gear. be accompanied on the walk by a sponsoring member. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any walker.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2016 – page 7 Activity program Saturday 12 November: Pryors Hut from Corin johnevans.id.au Transport: Drive yourself. Please book Dam – L/M by Monday 14. From Corin Dam we climb the new track to Stockyard Wednesday 16 November: Wednesday Walks Spur and then continue along the ridge joining the Mount Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman. Franklin Road beneath Little Ginini Mountain. We then follow the road south to Pryors Hut for lunch. Return via the same route. Approx 15 km and 880 m climb. Wednesday 16 November 2016, 8 pm Special requirements: Walking poles might be helpful MONTHLY MEETING for the steep descents along Stockyard Spur. Map: Walking in Tasmania Corin Dam Leader: Terrylea Reynolds 0408 715 218, Presenter: Cynthia Burton [email protected] Transport: $11 per person. Limit: 8. The hall: Hughes Baptist Church 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes Saturday–Monday 12–14 November: Mt Namadgi and the NW Spur – M/R Thursday 17 November: Bullen Range – S/E This old codger is nearly beyond a day trip to Mt Namadgi, Meet at 6.30 pm at Cotter; to get there drive down so let’s take our time on this year’s birthday walk. Three Cotter Road, cross both the Murrumbidgee and Cotter days to and on the top, with a foray along the NW spur to River bridges then meet at the car park on the left. On the granite bulb overlooking Little Creamy Flats for two the walk we will cross the ford at Paddys River (bring remote geocaches. Around 35 km and 1000 m climb over footwear that can get wet, and dry shoes for the drive 3 days. Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk Leader: John home) then ascend Bullen Range fire trail. Good views. Evans 0417 436 877, [email protected] Transport: Bring hat, sunscreen and water bottle. Expect to finish ~$12. Limit: 8. before dark but bring a torch just in case. Map: Cotter Sunday 13 November: Ginini Falls – M/R Dam – not required Leader: Jeff Bennetts 0418 662 870, [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. Starting at Mt Franklin car park we go down a scrubby No need to book. spur towards Stockyard Creek. Then it’s along the scrubby Ginini Creek to the base of the falls. Return Saturday–Sunday 19–20 November: Currockbilly via same route. Around 15 km and 900 m climb. Meet – M/M at Cooleman Court at 7:00 am. This walk is being run Leaving the Bungendore Gunna Doo Bakery at 8 am in conjunction with the BBC and the NPA ACT. Map: we will drive via Mongarlowe to the track head on the Corin Dam Leader: David Dedenczuk 0417 222 154, Western side of Currockbilly. We will follow the route up [email protected] Transport: $40 per car. Book Currockbilly and set up camp just to the northern side of by Friday 11 November. the trig station in a relatively clear area. We will explore Monday evening, 14 November: Red Hill – S/E the plateau for water, views, photo opportunities and a Meet at 6.30 pm at the car park near the cafe at the end route for a future traverse of Wirritin Ridge. Don’t let of Red Hill Drive, Red Hill (Map: bit.ly/RedHillCafe). the short distance fool you. The climb up is steep and We will walk along the ridge to Hindmarsh Drive rocky and descending is slow and tedious especially and back again. Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring with a camp pack. The plateau has very thick scrub with a bottle of water. No need to book. Map: Canberra broken ground underfoot. Return via the same route. Leader: Michael de Raadt [email protected] Camp stove only area. Total distance approx. 12 kms. Transport: drive yourself. Up and down approx. 580 m. Map: Brooman Leader: Allan Donnelly 0413 309 546 bungendorepodiatry@ Tuesday 15 November: Forests of Snowy Flat gmail.com Transport: $88 per car. Limit: 8. Creek, Namadgi National Park – L/R/X Saturday–Sunday 19–20 November 2016: Sub From Corin Dam we follow the Stockyard Spur walking track for 4.5 kms then spend most of the day off-track 24 hour camping #7 (S24C#7) – Rendezvous in the steep catchment of Snowy Flats Creek, before Creek – M/E rejoining the walking track. We will visit some attrac- For something different we are not camping by a hut; car tive tall forests of Alpine Ash and a prominent granite shuffle required. Day 1: An afternoon turn along Orroral outcrop. The off-track section will be slow going, with Heritage Walk from Orroral Picnic Area visiting Orroral some steep and rocky scrambles and sections of thick Homestead and Woolshed. Camping by Rendezvous scrub. Minimum distance: 15 km with 1050 metres Creek (no facilities). Approx 13 km 300 m climb. Day of ascent. Map: Corin Dam Leader: Ian Wright 6286 2: A morning return along Rendezvous Creek Fire Trail. 1473, [email protected] Transport: 102 km Approx 13 km 100 m climb. Ideal bush break for busy return. Limit: 8. people. Suitable as an overnight pack trip for beginners. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leader: Sean Sunley 0433 Tuesday night 15 November: ‘By the light of the 07359 [email protected] Transport: ~$60 per silvery perigee-syzygy …’ – S/E car. Book: Preferably by email before 1800 Thursday. Tonight is a super full moon when the moon is closest Limit: 8. to the earth and appears 14% bigger and 30% brighter. It rises at 8.30 pm. Let’s gather for a stroll up Red Hill Sunday 20 November: Shepherds Lookout, to check it out. Around 5 km and 50 m climb on tracks Murrumbidgee River – M/E and footpads. Bring a torch. Back by bed time. Map: From Shepherds Lookout in Belconnen follow the trail Canberra Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877, john@ down to the Molonglo River, cross the river, follow the Uriarra Loop Walk, and then climb back up to Shepherds Lookout for a final view of the Murrumbidgee River g o r F

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Activity program towards the ACT/NSW border. About 10 km and a total Thursday 24 November: Broom Clearing: Cotter climb of 300 m. We will be home in time for lunch. Hut –S/E Map: Umburra Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 2814 096 Annual activity with ACT Parks and Conservation to [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself monitor and remove broom (invasive weed) in Cotter but let me know if you need a lift. Booking: Please book Hut area. by email before 2 pm Friday 18 November. Bring garden- ing gloves and small tools (e.g. loppers, saws, seca- teurs). Map: Rendezvous Creek Coordinator: Cynthia Burton 0488 071 203, conservation@canberrabushwalkingclub.org Transport: ~$44 per car. Booking: Please book by 2 pm Wednesday 23 November. Please note date for this activity has changed from that published in October it (26 November). Thursday evening, 24 November: Old Joe – S/E Monday evening, 21 November: Kama Nature Meet at 6.30 pm where the Centenary Trail crosses Reserve – S/E Horse Park Drive, just west of the National Hwy exit Meet at 6:30 pm. Kama Nature Reserve is located off (Map: bit.ly/CentenaryCrossing). We will loop around William Hovell Drive opposite the suburb of Hawker; the mountain, following the border to the top with great about 2.5 km from Coppins Crossing turnoff if travelling views, then return more directly. An 8.5 km walk with towards Belconnen and about 2.5 km from Belconnen 200 m climb. Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring a bottle Way if travelling towards Glenloch Interchange. You can of water. No need to book. Map: Hall Leader: Michael park on either side of the road. My white Land Cruiser de Raadt [email protected] Transport: drive YEP 03Y will be parked at the entrance to the car park yourself. on the Eastern side. We will walk through an underpass (Thurs 24) Fri–Tues 25–29 (Wed 30) November: then to the Molonglo River. Map: http://www.environ- AAWT highlights – Mt McDonald to Mt ment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/906377/ Kama-Nature-Reserve-Self12.pdf Leader: Phillip Starr Speculation – L/M 0419 281 096, [email protected] Transport: This walk will traverse the Australian Alpine Walking drive yourself, No need to book. Track over some of the best walking country in Victoria. The walk includes a visit to Macalister Springs and hope- Tuesday 22 November: Gavells Hut and Gang fully a high camp on Mt Speculation. The exit from the Gang Mountain – L/M–R/X AAWT will be over Mt Koonika and down to King Hut. After an early start and a long drive our walk commences Map: SV 1:50 000 Buller–Howitt Alpine Area 2nd edn at the locked gate on Boundary Trail just off the Snowy Leader: Lorraine Tomlins 0434 078 496, lorraine.tom- Mountains Highway. Along Boundary Trail and Gavells [email protected] Transport: TBA – costs will include Hut Trail to Gavells Hut then the rest of the day off return transport to Mansfield and then walker transport track through unknown vegetation, which may be very to start and finish. Limit: 4. If you are interested let me scrubby for the last few kilometres. Brilliant vistas if know ASAP. the weather permits. At various stages of the walk we Friday 25 November: Toddlers’ Toddle Gibraltar may have views to Mt Nungar then across the plain to the ACT mountains, Mt Tantangara, Tabletop, Jagungal, Creek – S/E Lake Eucumbene and Adaminaby. Total climb of 800 m. From the Distance: 20 km. Map: Denison, Leader: Phillip Starr Woods 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: Reserve To be calculated on the day. Booking: Please book by car park we email before 2 pm Monday 21 November. Limit: 12. will follow a new track Wednesday 23 November: Wednesday Walks made by Coordinated by CBC John Danaro [email protected]. ACT Parks au and NPA Mike Smith. for a couple of hundred COMMITTEE MEETING metres to the creek, where there are places for water- Wednesday 23 November 2016, 8 pm play in semi-shade. Meet at the junction of Point Hut at the home of Cynthia Coppock Road and Tidbinbilla Road at 9.45 am; from there it is a 15 minute drive all on sealed road. Should finish by 12 pm. Non-members welcome, no need to book. Map: Submissions close for Tidbinbilla Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 December it 259 [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself. 23 November 2016

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2016 – page 9 Activity program Saturday–Sunday 26–27 November: Sentry Box Saturday–Sunday 3–4 December: Bimberi Peak – Mountain – M/R M/E–M This is a re-run of Navigation refresher #4, by request. This is a good introductory trip for day walkers who Non-navigators are also welcome, just for the trip. would like to try out overnight camping. It also provides Around 25 km, mostly off-track and a 600 m climb – lat- an opportunity to climb Bimberi Peak (1913 m), the high- ter as side trip with day packs. Map: Yaouk Leaders: Jen est peak in the ACT. We’ll depart Canberra at 1:00 pm on and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535, robhorsfield@bigpond. Saturday and drive via Adaminaby to the locked gate at com Transport: $48 per vehicle , $12 or $ 16 per head. the northern end of Pockets Saddle Road. With overnight packs we’ll walk to Oldfields Hut where we’ll camp over- Monday evening, 28 November: Urambi Hills – night (3.5 km). The next morning, with day packs only, S/E we’ll take the trail to Murrays Gap (4.5 km and 200 m Meet at 6:30 pm at Learmonth Drive (turn from Athlon climb). We will ascend Bimberi Peak from Murrays Gap Drive into Learmonth Drive, pulling over to the left, following an indistinct footpad to the summit (3.0 km and about 50 metres from the traffic lights). We will enjoy 390 m climb). Following morning tea with fabulous 360 a pleasant stroll with views. Map: http://www.environ- degree views we’ll return along the same route back to ment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/390600/ Oldfields Hut for lunch and then back to the cars. Maps: cnpmapurambihill.pdf Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 Rendezvous Creek, Rules Point or Rooftops Kosciuszko 096 [email protected] Transport: Drive Northern Activities Leader: Gerald Dodgson 0438 119 yourself, No need to book. 803(m), [email protected] Transport: ~350 km, Tuesday 29 November: Big Oaky Creek, Monga $140 per car, $35–$55 per person. Please book by email NP – L/R/X/W before 2:00 pm Thursday 1 December. A circuit with rainforest and probably cascades. Starting Saturday–Sunday 3–4 December: Coastal from Macquarie Road we will descend very steeply to camping and kayaking – M/M (10 km and Big Oaky Creek, via 3 km on the mostly overgrown 300m height gain). Oaky Creek fire trail and then 1.5 km off track. We will Saturday: Drive to Murramarang NP and set up camp at then rock-hop upstream as far as time permits – ½ to the Pebbly Beach campground. That afternoon, there will 3 km – and exit with a 600 m climb probably via a ridge be a medium walk to the top of nearby Durras Mountain. but possibly partly by a rain-forested tributary. The last I will conduct a shell survey at Clear Point on the return 3 km will be up the Boundary Fire Trail, which has tree- leg. Sunday: Break camp early to meet with tour company filtered views of the Araluen Valley. Total 850 m descent Region X for a half day sea kayak tour of the Guerilla & ascent, 11 to 14 km. Graded ‘W’ just in case, but I Bay area, cost approximately $95, but participants will am hoping to keep our feet dry. Approx 1 hour 50 min qualify for a discount. Suitable for beginner kayakers. drive from Queanbeyan; the last 45 mins best done in Map: Kioloa Leader: David Dedenczuk. 0417 222 154 AWD/4WDs. Map: Araluen Leader: Linda Groom 6281 [email protected] Transport: $150 per car. 4917, 0474 507 259, [email protected] Transport: Limit: 12. Book with leader by Friday 18 November. $100 per car. Limit: 8. Wednesday 30 November: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by NPA Mike Smith. CBC Xmas Party

Thursday evening, 1 December: Oak Hill – S/E Saturday, 6.00–9:00 pm 3 December 2016 Meet at 6.30 pm at the car park on Mulligans Flat Road 200m north-east of the roundabout for Henry Williams at the home of Gavin Ford St (Map: bit.ly/OakHillCarPark). We will walk directly 7 Scottsdale Street, Lyons up the hill and return via the Centenary Trail. Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring a bottle of water. No need to The Club will provide: BBQs book, just turn up. Map: Hall Leader: Michael de Raadt You provide: meat, salads, drinks, plates, utensils, [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. fold-up chairs, etc Thursday 1 December: Afternoon kayaking on Lake Burley Griffin Monday evening, 5 December: Mt Majura – S/E Up to two hours paddling, 5–7 km, starting at 4:30 pm. Meet at 6.30 pm at the entrance to the park beside The starting point will depend on the weather forecast 39 Mackenzie St, Hackett (Map: bit.ly/MtMajura), for a and will be decided the day before. BYO kayak or canoe walk up Mt Majura. Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring a and lifejacket. Sit-upons are not appropriate. Wear sun bottle of water. No need to book. Maps: Canberra, Hall protection and wind protection if the conditions are cool. Leader: Michael de Raadt [email protected] Suitable for beginner paddlers and families with older Transport: drive yourself. kids who can swim well. Be aware that the lake can be quite choppy when the summer easterly wind kicks in. Tuesday 6 December: Coronet Peak geocaches – Map: Google Maps Leader: Derek Synnott, 0481 123 L/R,ptX 800, [email protected] Booking: Please book by There is a geocache, GC1M554 The Princess of email at least two days before the paddle. Transport: Namadgi, under the west side of the granite cap. So Drive yourself to the starting point. not the usual final approach to Coronet Peak. Another two caches are in the area (GC1KD5K Junior split rock on the way in and GC1Q2W0 The Middle of Frickin’ Nowhere 500 m south of the peak), so this will be a

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Activity program at night. Around 35 km (25 km on Cotter Hut Road and track along the eastern side of the Ainslie reserve toward AAWT) and 1300 m climb with boulder scrambling. Mt Majura then loops back. Map: http://www.environ- Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam Leader: John ment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/390597/ Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: cnpmapmtainslie.pdf Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 ~$12 per person. 096), [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself, No need to book. Wednesday 7 December: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman. Thursday 15 December: Afternoon kayaking on Lake Burley Griffin Thursday evening, 8 December: Mulligans Flat Up to two hours paddling, 5–7 km, starting at 4:30 pm. West – S/E The starting point will depend on the weather forecast Meet at 6.30 pm at the Mulligans Flat car park on Amy and will be decided the day before. BYO kayak or canoe Ackman Street, Forde, opposite the entrance to Cleggett and lifejacket. Sit-upons are not appropriate. Wear sun Street (Map: bit.ly/MulligansFlat). A pleasant bush trail. protection and wind protection if the conditions are cool. Wear a hat and sunscreen and bring a bottle of water. Suitable for beginner paddlers and families with older No need to book. Map: Hall Leader: Michael de Raadt kids who can swim well. Be aware that the lake can be [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. quite choppy when the summer easterly wind kicks in. Saturday 10 December: Nursery Swamp and Map: Google Maps Leader: Derek Synnott, 0481 123 Nursery Hill – L/M–R 800, [email protected] Booking: Please book by After a long steep climb we will walk to the end of the email at least two days before the paddle. Transport: Nursery Swamp Walking Track. Then further down the Drive yourself to the starting point. side of the swamp until we turn to follow along the side Saturday 17 December: Billy Range / Brandy Flat of the creek that runs down from the west. After crossing Hut – M/R,X the creek we head south-west climbing gently to a saddle, From the Glendale Depot car park, ascend the steep where we will turn south-east onto a spur which rises ridgeline to the Billy Range via SH1288 for views across up to Nursery Hill. Some reasonably open going to the Gudgenby Creek, Booth Range, and Clear Range to the saddle. From around the 1400 m contour on the spur we East and Nursery Hill to the West. Follow the ridgeline will walk through some fine granite tors. After lunch at south to Brandy Flat Hut, then return via fire trail to the the top we will head off Nursery Hill to the north and cars. About 9 km off track exploratory, and 6 km fire trail descended directly down to where we earlier turned up for the return with total ascent of 650 m off track and the side creek. Lovely open going at the top but a little 125 m on fire trail. Map: Michelago Leader: Rowan scrubby towards the bottom. From there we retrace our Peck 0412 041 957, [email protected] Transport: steps to re-join the Nursery Swamp Walking Track and ~$10 per person Bookings: Preferably by email, before follow it back to our vehicles. Total distance is 16 km 5 pm Thursday 15 December. Limit: 8. and total climb is 550 metres. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096, phillipstarr1945@ Sunday 18 December: Evening meal and carols at gmail.com Transport: $10 per person. Limit: 12. Legoland – S/E Booking: Please book by email before 2 pm Thursday Please meet by 4 pm at Kambah Shops opposite the petrol 8 December.. station to pool cars then we drive up to Honeysuckle Campsite. From there it’s a short 40 min walk past Monday evening, 12 December: Farrer Ridge and some huge triangular rocks, then onto another array of Wanniassa Hills – S/E enormous rocks known to CBC as ‘Legoland’. After We will stroll along Farrer Ridge then on to Wanniassa exploring a little of the caves below and squirming Hills. Return via a different route. Meet at 6:30 pm on through narrow chutes and over rocks, we eat our evening Sulwood Drive, Wanniassa, between Sainsbury Street meal overlooking the Orroral Valley. After the meal we and Gaunson Crescent. Map: Tuggeranong Leader: sing Christmas carols, which echo down the valley. It’s Phillip Starr 0419 281 096 [email protected] fun and a nice way to celebrate Christmas, especially for Transport: drive yourself. No need to book. those who may not have families close by Leader: Janet Monday–Thursday 12–15 December: Alpine weed Edstein [email protected] Transport: $14. No survey – Kosciuszko National Park – M/M need to book, although you can email me if you wish. Conduct survey of mouse ear hawkweed infestations in Monday evening, 19 December: Goorooyarroo KNP under direction of Greening Australia (GA) and Nature Park and Sammys Hill – S/E NSW Parks. NSWP/GA will provide hut-based accom- This walk is mostly on fire trails and tracks through modation, transport and some meals. Map: Location pleasant grassland and to a hill with views. Meet at TBA. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton conservation@ 6:30 pm on the northern side of Horse Park Drive about canberrabushwalkingclub.org or 0488 071 203. Book: 1.5 km toward Gungahlin from the Federal Hwy junc- By 30 November. Trip full; wait list only. tion (Gungahlin exit) Map: http://www.environment. Wednesday 14 December: Wednesday Walks act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/390580/cnpmap- Coordinated by CBC Janet Edstein janet.edstein@gmail. goorooyaroo.pdf Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096, com [email protected] Transport: drive yourself, No need to book. Thursday evening, 15 December: Campbell Park – S/E Wednesday 21 December: Wednesday Walks Be at the northern end of the airport side of the Campbell No Wednesday Walk. Park offices car park at 6.30 pm. The walk follows the

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2016 – page 11 Activity program Thursday evening, 22 December: Mt Stromlo and Walks may include to Rainbow Lake, Porcupine Rocks, Brown Trig – S/E around Guthega, Smiggins, Mt Twynam and to Blue Lake Meet at 6.30 pm. Turn off Cotter Road onto Mount and others. Self-cater for breakfasts and lunches. People Stromlo Road and then park opposite the water treatment are organised into catering groups of 4 so you only need plant, a couple of hundred metres before the boom gates. to cook for one evening meal, depending on numbers. Map: Canberra and Cotter Dam Leader: Phillip Starr Previously this has worked out extremely well and is fun. 0419 281 096 [email protected] Transport: The kitchen is well equipped with storage space for your Drive yourself, No need to book. food. Check it out www.gunumalodge.com.au Please email me asap to book, and later I will email out info Sunday 25 December: Christmas Day lunch at about the lodge and a walks itinerary. Accommodation Black Mountain Peninsular cost is $30 per night; $210 per person for 7 nights. 2 in We hope you will be able to join us again this year at the a room or pay for the whole room. Full payment to me far end of Black Mountain Peninsular at any time after by 28 November. National Park Pass $17 per car per midday on Christmas Day. Barbecues and toilet facilities day = $119 or buy a year’s pass $ 190. Transport: tba are available close to where we will set up a table not far and pooled where possible Leader: Janet Edstein janet. from where you can park. Bring your lunch, nibbles to [email protected] Limit: 16. This trip is now full share, a chair and a canoe if you have one and feel like -please consider Doug’s trip, based at Charlottes Pass. launching it, to enjoy the peace of the lake. For further information, please contact either of the Leaders: Doug Saturday 31 December 2016 – Sunday 1 January Wright 6281 4148 or Margaret Roseby 0428 142 733. 2017: Kids’ Ettrema adventure – M/R Designed for families with energetic kids 8 years or Tuesday–Friday 27–30 December: In Paddy older, this walk descends Bull Frog Creek to Ettrema Pallin’s footsteps to Mt Jagungal – L/R Creek, known for its clear water and cascades. We’ll This walk is based on an account of Paddy Pallin’s camp in rainforest next to a small waterfall with a choice favourite walk, to Mt Jagungal via the eastern ridge, of swimming pools. On Sunday we will exit via a steep published in ‘Wild’ magazine 25 years ago. Paddy did side creek which includes some fun water-filled potholes. the walk in three days but, being mere mortals, we will Parents need recent experience at the equivalent of CBC allow an extra day! It is a 50 km circuit walk from Round ‘rough’ grade level, and in multi-day hiking. Kids need Mountain trackhead via Round Mountain Hut, the Tumut to be confident in scrambling and in jumping from rock River, Doubtful Gap, Cesjacks Hut, Jagungal Gap, Mt to rock. Everyone, in case they fall in, should be able Jagungal, O’Keefes Hut and the Farm Ridge Fire Trail. to swim 25 metres. Day 1: 6 km in 5 hours, descending Map: Khancoban 1:50,000 Leader: Derek Synnott, 0481 280 metres. Day 2: 5 km in 5 hours, ascending 340 metres 123 800, [email protected] Booking: Please book and descending 60 metres, with about 1 km of scrub. All by 20 December. Transport: 500 km. off track except for 1 km. Map: Nerriga Leader: Linda Thursday 29 December: Kids’ expedition down Groom [email protected] 6281 4917, 0474 507 259. Transport: Drive yourself. the Gudgenby River – S/M/W Designed for families with active kids aged 4 to 8, this Sunday–Tuesday 1–3 January: Walking in the expedition will float down the Gudgenby River on lilos Snowy Mountains (i.e. rubberised single air beds) and boogie boards, for Are you interested in staying in a self-catering ski lodge about 2 km, within the Gigerline Nature Reserve. The at Charlottes Pass to enjoy relaxed walking and the wild Gudgenby River is usually about 10 cm deep with some flowers? A limited number of beds are available with pools about ½ metre deep and flows gently through lodge costs $61 single, $87 double per night. Contact: sandbanks. We’ll start upstream of the Smiths Road Doug Wright 6281 4148, [email protected]. Crossing and end at the junction of the Gudgenby and au as soon as possible to secure a place and for further Murrumbidgee. We will car-pool to return drivers back information. to the start (about 3 km by road). Parents must accom- pany their kids by floating with them, or by wading Saturday– Sunday 7–8 January: Corang Arch and walking. Meet in Tharwa at the car park just over and Lagoon – L/M the bridge, next to the public toilets, at 10.30 am. From Mostly on good to rough track and some scrub, via there it’s a 5 minute drive. Bring lunch. Should finish Mt Corang and Corang Arch, with good views in fine by 2 pm. Please contact me beforehand so I can provide weather, and a superb swimming lagoon at the camp- you with more information on gear and safety, and can site. Around 22 km and 300m climb. Maps: Corang let you know if I have to cancel due to unusually high and Endrick. Transport: $86 per car Leader: Jenny or low water levels. Lilos can be bought online at http:// Horsfield, [email protected] 6231 4535. www.raysoutdoors.com.au/Product/Wild-Country-Air- Sunday 8 January 2017: Monga Eucryphia – Bed-Single/277037 Map: Williamsdale Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259, [email protected] M/R/part X Transport: Drive yourself. A circuit in Monga National Park to see the Eucryphia forest (open-understory rainforest with small creeks) in Friday 30 December – Thursday 5 January: an area about 5 km south of Penance Grove. We will also Gunuma Lodge at Smiggins– H, M and E visit Milo Trig and walk along a pleasant closed section walks of the River Forest Road. Around 8 km, of which 4.5 km Join our group staying at Gunuma Ski Lodge at Smiggins is on fire trail. The off-track sections include some very for a week, celebrate New Year’s Eve in the mountains steep, loose slopes, and sections of scrub containing and do a variety of activities – walks, fishing, coffee at prickly vines, large logs and waist-high ferns where Charlottes Pass or simply enjoy being in the mountains. it can take 40 strenuous minutes to cover 400 metres.

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Activity program A good shady walk for a hot day. 1 hour 35 min drive NSW Parks. NSWP/GA will provide hut-based accom- from Queanbeyan, best driven in AWD/4WDS. Map: modation, transport and some meals. Map: Location Araluen Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259, TBA. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton 0488 071 203, [email protected] Transport: $96 per car. Limit: 12. [email protected] Book: By 30 December. Trip full; wait list only. Wednesday 18 January: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman.

Wednesday 18 January 2017, 6 pm MONTHLY ‘MEETING’ BYO Barbecue If barbecues are disabled because of fire danger, bring a picnic tea and still enjoy the company of friends. Black Mountain Peninsula (Follow the CBC signs on Garryowen Drive) Wednesday 11 January: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by CBC John Danaro danaro@bigpond. net.au Saturday 14 January: Spring Creek Gorge Friday–Tuesday (20) 21–24 January: Canyoning Adventure – S/R in the Wollemi & Blue Mountains – M/M Designed for families with active kids aged 6 years Day 1: River Caves and Deep Pass Canyons, WNP or over, this is a fun hike that descends Spring Creek (M/M/W 8 km & 300 m ascent track). A series of short, through a series of rocky sections and cascades, with enjoyable strolls and scrambles through mostly dry some scrubby patches, reaching the Queanbeyan River canyons, with a great rock cleft to explore along with via a small gorge. Option to swim through the gorge, aboriginal paintings. No abseils, although you will get about 10 metres, or scramble high around it. Lunch by the your feet (or more) wet in a few spots if you slip. A few river. Return the same way. Water quality about the same climbs use fixed safety ropes. Day 2: Wollangambe as the Murrumbidgee. Total 4 km, 50 metres descent and Two Canyon, Wollangambe River, BMNP, (M/M/W ascent. A 35 minute drive from Queanbeyan via Woolcara 10 km and 500 m ascent) A great introductory canyon, Lane. Leave Queanbeyan 9:00 am, should be back by which is traversed by li-lo, walking in shallow water 3 pm (tbc). Please book by 5 pm Saturday 14 January. and scrambling over boulders. We will stop to walk up Map: Captains Flat Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, side creeks to visit the lower reaches of Serendipity, 0474 507 259, [email protected] Transport: $40 per Whungee–Wheengee and Waterfall of Moss Canyons. car if shared. No abseils, although one short descent will be done with a safety rope. Each person needs to be confident in water over their heads. Day 3: Grand Canyon, Upper Grose Valley, BMNP (M/M/W 7 km & 350 m) We will avoid the abseil by walking in and returning via the exit. A number of compulsory swims are required, one up to 30 m. Day 4: Birrabang Canyon, Upper Grose Valley, BMNP, (M/M/W) 8 km & 350m ascent. A great introductory canyon with no abseils or swims required. With scrambling you need only get wet to the top of your legs. A nice canyon and a spectacular gorge. Gear: A helmet, slip resistant shoes, wetsuit and a cotton cov- ered li-lo are required. Maps: Rock Hill, Wollangambe, Mount Wilson, Katoomba Leaders: Karen Cody and Bob Salijevic [email protected]. Transport: ~$100 per Saturday–Sunday 14–15 January: 9 Mile person with 3 per car. Accommodation: Free camping Diggings – Tabletop Mtn – M/M available on 7 acres of private property, with hot show- Day 1: Kiandra – 9 Mile Diggings – Broken Dam Hut. ers and toilets available. Feel free to ‘wag’ one of the Day 2: Tabletop Mtn and 4 Mile Hut as side trip – return. walks to visit nearby tourist attractions. There will be a About 40 km and 600 m climb. Maps: Cabramurra, self-catered BBQ on Saturday night. Limit: 16. Book: by Denison Leaders: Jen and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 the 7 January. Further info on each canyon is available [email protected] Transport: TBA. at: https://sites.google.com/site/feralkaza/home under Monday–Thursday 16–19 January: Alpine weed ‘Upcoming Trips – Blue Mountains’. survey – Kosciuszko National Park – M/M Conduct survey of mouse ear hawkweed infestations in KNP under direction of Greening Australia (GA) and

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2016 – page 13 Activity program Saturday 21 January: Dawn sortie, Orroral Tor – but compulsory swims are unlikely. On average only S/M 7 km and 100 m descent each day – this will allow time Taking inspiration from an idea of Terence Uren, this for unexpected difficulties or optional swims. Because walk starts and finishes early to avoid the heat. From this is entirely off-track and partly exploratory, walkers Orroral campground we follow a pleasant track above the need prior experience in CBC ‘rough’ grade multi-day river out to Orroral Valley and then head up a wooded, walks, or equivalent. A two-hour car shuffle. Maps: scrubby spur to a fine rock outlook, then back along an Cathcart, Glen Allen, Candelo, Bemboka Leader: Linda old track near the river. About 7 km, 150 m climb. Map: Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259, [email protected] Rendezvous Creek Leaders: Jen and Rob Horsfield 6231 Transport: $160 per car. Limit: 8. 4535, robhorsfield @bigpond.com Saturday–Monday 21–23, optional Tuesday 24 January: Snowy Mountains weekend – (various grades) Drive down Saturday morning to the Southern Alps Ski Club Lodge at Charlottes Pass where we stay. The Saturday afternoon walks will both be to Mt Stillwell, one direct from the lodge about 3 hours, led by Ross Andrews and the other from the locked gate, about 2 hours led by me. There will be two walks on Sunday, Watsons Crags, about 20 km and 6 hours, 60% on track, led by Chris Roper and Rennix Gap, 4 hours all on track, led by me. On Monday, we will drive to Thredbo then go via the chair lift to the start of the Kosciuszko walking track but Wednesday 1 February: Wednesday Walks will head west along the track to Dead Horse Gap, again Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman. about 4hrs. There is the option of staying on an extra day Monday–Thursday 6–9 February: Depot Beach but the participants will need to organise those walks 4-day camp themselves. There will be shared meals on Saturday and Easy grade with swimming, surfing and snorkelling. Sunday nights but not on Monday night. Maps: Perisher An opportunity to enjoy 4 days’ camp at the Depot Valley, Chimneys Ridge, Geehi Dam, Kalkite Mountain Beach Campground. Activities include walking around Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, [email protected] to Pt Upright along a spectacular wave cut platform, Transport: ~$50–$60 incl. park entry. Accommodation: walking along the beach to Pebbly Beach, short walks single room – $90 for the weekend, double/twin – $80 per in the rainforest, a day spent at North Head, as well as person for the weekend. gazing at the stars and doing nothing. Campers need Sunday 22 January: Gibraltar Falls adventure – to bring own tent or van (powered sites $34 per night, S/R unpowered $12.50 per person. Accommodation needed Designed for families with active kids aged 6 years or for 3 nights. Bring food as there aren’t shops nearby, chair over, this circuit starts at Woods Reserve and heads up etc. Showers $1. National Park Pass $8 per car per night. Gibraltar Creek, initially on a foot pad and then through For information on Depot Beach www.nationalparks. granite sections and sometimes thick scrub to a small nsw.gov.au 4478 6582. Please book asap so I can arrange swimming hole fed by a cascade. After a swim we’ll tent sites and joint car travel. Joint activity with BBC. continue up the creek to the base of Gibraltar Falls, for Transport: ~$60 each person includes travel to North lunch and further opportunities to get wet, climb up past Beach Leader: Janet Edstein [email protected] the falls on a steep foot pad, then return via the new ACT Parks track on the west side of Gibraltar Creek. Total 3 km in around 5 hours, 120 m ascent and descent. If you have not done a CBC ‘rough’ grade walk before, please describe your experience when booking. A 25 minute drive from Tuggeranong. Map: Tidbinbilla Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259, lbgroom@ gmail.com Transport: $20 per car if shared. Limit: 16. Wednesday 25 January: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by CBC John Danaro [email protected]. au and NPA Mike Smith. Thursday–Sunday 26–29 January: Tantawangalo Creek – M/R/W/part X A four-day descent of this remote and pristine creek in Wednesday 8 February: Wednesday Walks the SE Forests National Park, starting with rainforest Coordinated by CBC John Danaro danaro@bigpond. patches on its tributary Devils Creek and ending with net.au broad sandy beaches and large pools below Postmans Camp. En route, sandy pools, old growth eucalypt Friday 10 February: Toddlers Toddle – Gudgenby forest, tree ferns, some rocky sections including granite River – S/M cascades, and some sections of thick scrub. Wading the Walk down a steep bank and along the Gudgenby River, sandy pools, mostly ankle to knee-deep, is unavoidable, which at this point could be described as the ACT’s

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Activity program longest sand pit. Shallow running water. In the Gigerline Sep–Oct 2016. We can also spend additional time on Nature Reserve. Everyone will need to take their shoes Kangaroo Island and on the mainland of SA. Please con- for a knee-deep wade. Total about 300 metres return, tact leader soon if you are interested so bookings can be descent/ascent about 5 metres. No need to book. Meet made. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902, frankmckone@ at the car park just across the bridge in Tharwa, next to optusnet.com.au Transport: $$$ to SA and Kangaroo the public toilets, at 9.45 am. Should be back in Tharwa Island, + $161 for the walk. Limit: 12. by noon. Map: Williamsdale Leaders: Linda Groom [email protected] 6281 4917, 0474 507 259 and 7 June – 7 July 2017: Carr Boyds, Drysdale River Meredith Hatherly. Transport: Drive yourself. and Keep River – M/R/X/W Three trips near Kununurra, WA. The Carr Boyds with Monday–Thursday 13–16 February: Alpine weed rugged gorges, small canyons and high plateaus. Drysdale survey – Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) – River National Park, noted for Indigenous art, wildlife, M/M rocky side creeks and Solea Falls, accessed by float plane. Conduct survey of mouse ear hawkweed infestations in Keep River National Park, with its unusual rock forma- KNP under direction of Greening Australia (GA) and tions. Longest pack-carry is 10 nights. Suit people with NSW Parks. NSWP/GA will provide hut-based accom- previous experience of multi-day trips at CBC ‘rough’ modation, transport and some meals. Map: Location grade. Maps: tba Leader: Linda Groom lbgroom@ TBA. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton 0488 071 203, gmail.com 6281 4917. Transport, in addition to fares to [email protected] Book: By Kununurra – $1200 to $1700 per person. Limit: 8. Fully 30 January. Trip full; wait list only. booked; waiting list commenced. Wednesday 15 February: Wednesday Walks June–July 2017 – Uganda: Gorillas, Nile River Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman. and Mountains of the Moon. Gorillas walk M– ML/R, Rwenzoris M – L/R Wednesday 15 February 2017 2016, 8 pm Looking at arranging a CBC member’s only trip to MONTHLY MEETING Uganda from June to July 2017. Due to the difficulties Olympics, Tsylos and Rockwall Trail of travelling between National Parks the trip will be done Presenter: Linda Groom with a local tour operator (http://www.kazingatours. com/Uganda). The tour is for 26 days and includes The hall: Hughes Baptist Church the Gorillas, Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes National Park (Murchison Falls), Semuliki National Park (Chimpanzee tracking) plus plenty of opportunity for bird watching. Costs depends on the number of participants Wednesday 22 February: Wednesday Walks but for a group of 2–3 people it is: 26 day tour $US4585 Coordinated by CBC John Danaro [email protected]. + $US600 (Gorilla tracking). There are optional guided au and NPA Mike Smith. day walks also which vary between $45–$USD100. The more travellers, the less for each person, excluding the Monday–Thursday 13–16 March: Alpine weed Gorilla tracking fee. Costs are based on Medium budget survey – Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) – accommodation. The maximum number of persons is 6. M/M The walks in the Rwenzori Mountains are separate from Conduct survey of mouse ear hawkweed infestations in the above tour and are to be booked via the Rwenzori KNP under direction of Greening Australia (GA) and Trekking Services Company. Options include treks to NSW Parks. NSWP/GA will provide hut-based accom- Weismanns Peak (6 days, $USD850) or a 4 day trail modation, transport and some meals. Map: Location walk. Further information, including full trip itineraries, TBA. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton 0488 071 203, costs, security and travel insurance requirements will be [email protected] Book: By provided to those interested. Contact: markbuganda@ 28 February. Trip full; wait list only. gmail.com Sunday 19 March: Yankee Hat North – M/R Wednesday 26 July – Tuesday 8 August 2017: Joint NPA/BBC/CBC activity. Starting at the Yankee Ridges and gorges of Razorback, West Hat car park, we will skirt the southern flanks of the MacDonnells – M/R/partly X mountain before following a tributary of Bogong Creek You will need to be in Alice Springs on Tues 25 July and towards the saddle between the north and south peaks. not leave AS until Wed 9 August. Two walks (approx The walk will be very scrubby. Walk 10 km, and 500 m seven days each) over two weeks in the West Macs. climb (15 gradable km) Leader: David Dedenczuk, 0417 Week 1: Explore the narrow ridges and gorges on the 222 154, [email protected] Map: Rendezvous western side of Mt Razorback from base camps by Creek Please contact leader to advise wish to participate delightful pools in Crawford Creek. I don’t know what by Thursday 16 March. Meet at Kambah Village shops we will find, but it looks spectacular! Off-track walking at 8: 00 am. Transport: 140 km, $56 per car. with steep climbs and scrambles. Week 2: Another off- track walk, possibly along the Chewings Range between March 2017: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail – Ellery CK and the block west of Hugh Gorge, including M/E–M Peak Alone (unnamed, 1179 metres). Also on the CMW Five days, four nights, walking this new wilderness program. Maps: West MacDonnell NP Maps 1 and trail in Flinders Chase NP for $161 per person, through 2 Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902, frankmckone@ spectacular coastal scenery. The campsites take up to optusnet.com.au Transport: $ lots – return flights to 12 people. More info available from website kangaroois- Alice Springs, bus transport to start and end of walks landwildernesstrail.sa.gov.au and Australian Geographic ~$200. This trip is now full.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it November 2016 – page 15 Feeling literary? Membership fees 2016/17 Item Single Have you had a great experience on a Club walk? Been Hard copy it $59 moved to write about it, either in prose or verse? Felt the Electronic it $33 urge to see your name in print? Or even just taken some great photo shots that you would like to share. The Club welcomes contributions from members so why not write about an interesting experience on a walk or just an enjoyable walk. Alternatively, send in a photo or two with a short paragraph about it/them. The closing date for each issue of it is the date of the 4th Wednesday of every month. Handwritten and posted mate- rial is acceptable, but email is preferred. We also welcome photographs, preferably as separately scanned items or digital images. We can scan original photographs. Contact: Ph 6254 0578, [email protected] Post: 20 O’Sullivan Street, HIGGINS, ACT 2615 Alison Milton, Editor

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

November 2016

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