MAGAZINE OF THE CONFEDERATION OF BUSHWALKING CLUBS NSW INC. ISSN 0313 2684 VOLUME 29 NO 4 WINTER EDITION www.bushwalking.org.au email [email protected] ANZAC DAY AT SPLENDOUR ROCK W ILLOWS OUT OF OUR 2004 In 1947, with memories fresh of W ATERWAYS by Jeffrey Cottrell bushwalkingby Margaret friends Covi lost - President in World War Confederation of Bushwalkers NSW For the last 4 years we been busy • People currently involved in 2, the then Federation of Bushwalkers eradicating willows from along the environmental studies or bush regeneration made plans for a bushwalkers’ war Colo in the studies. memorial. A plaque was set up & dedi- Wollemi • People involved in landcare organi- cated at a gathering of 80 to 90 National sations in the catchments in which we will bushwalkers at Splendour Rock on Anzac Park. We be doing the work. Day, 1948. On Anzac Day 2004, 56 years are now Friends of the Colo are looking for on, bushwalkers were still gathering there working people interested in joining a program to to remember the war dead. Among clubs outside the eradicate certain willow species from New represented were Nepean, Springwood, park along South Wales water ways.This program has NPA, the Outdoor Club, Bushwalkers the developed as an off shoot of a program to to remove the remove willows from along the Colo River Wilderness Rescue & the Watagan willows on Private in the . The Wanderers. We were very pleased to have 16 and Crown Land so the park will not be program will initially focus on with us at the 11 a.m. ceremony, one re-infested & to help landowners eradi- running from the west side of the Snowy bushwalker from the 80 or 90 who cate the problem from their property. We Mountains. The program will support gathered at the first service in 1948. Keith hope to have this completed by the end of substantial Black Willow eradication programs already carried out in the area by contractors. It will focus on paddling and walking in inaccessible areas & areas already treated & will aim to poison and map willows that have re-grown or been missed by those programs. We are running two activities to gauge interest from volunteers. If you are interested in attending either of these y activities you can contact Jeff Carol & Bradm poisoning Wiollow on The Colo river Cottrell on 0418210347 or at [email protected] Jan Wouters Keith Jones and Margaret Covi - 2004. As a result some members of our The activities will be:· provide an Anzac Day splendour Rock d group are looking for new challenges. opportunity to train those involved in Most of us will still work within the poisoning and mapping techniques & the Jones, then a member of Newcastle Wollemi removing other significant pest approvals required before you can treat Technical College Bushwalkers, is still an species but we want to ensure the equip- willows along a river. active walker & now a member of the ment purchased for our program from At these activities we will gauge Environment Trust funding & by interest in activities for spring 2004 and Watagan Wanderers & Newcastle National Parks continues to be used. We thereafter, to determine what funding we Ramblers, & walked out to Splendour also would like to continue to get the could apply for to start up an eradication Rock with the Watagan Wanderers variety of tasks that makes the volunteer program. We will be using tools and other contingent. f fun. We are very conscious or the fact equipment purchased by Friends of the Many arrived on Saturday, the day that weeds like the willow require a total Colo Inc. and the National Parks & before, & set up camp at Mt Dingo in

catchment approach and you also need to Wildlife Service for their “Willows out of readiness for the dawn service, others keep track of the work being done in Wollemi” program. camped at nearby Mobbs Swamp to walk adjoining catchments. We know our During the 1960s and 70s a numbera out for the later service. A nice campfire group does not have the resources to number of varieties of willows were added atmosphere & warmth on a chilly tackle some of the larger catchments introduced into for various evening under a clear display of stars, & around NSW and so we are looking for reasons. A number of these willow made a focal point for people to get ways to attract new members. We see species, like many introduced species, have three possible sources of new volunteers: together & talk. Thanks are extended to become an environmental problem. NPWS at Blackheath for their permission • People currently involved in Willows reproduce from seed or outdoor activities like members of your to hold the gathering in a part in our wil vegetatively from pieces broken off by wind organisation, bushwalking clubs & canoe wilderness area & for their help in or water. Low water flows during clubs. Continued on page 5 Continued on page 9 ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... THE BUSHWALKER ...... C OMMITTEE MEMBERS Contributions, letters to the editor, original President - Margaret Covi 4961 6453 Tracks and Access Officer - Wilf Hilder cartoons and suggestions are welcome. [email protected] 9587 8912 They should be sent to the address below. Watagan Wanderers [email protected] Except for short notes or letters, all Vice President - Jim Callaway The Bushwalkers contributions should be accompanied with (02) 9520 7081 Magazine Editor & Communications text file on three and a half inch floppy disk The Sydney Bush Walkers Officer Colin Wood, in IBM format or E-Mail. Secretary - Brian Morgan Tel (02) 6775 9214 (h) 0438 013 500 Advertising rates are available on request [email protected] [email protected] at [email protected] Yarrawood Bushwalkers Tamworth Bushwalking Club Distribution is through affiliated clubs, Treasurer Diana Peters Training Officer - Ian Svenson major retail outlets, council information [email protected] [email protected] centres and national park offices. Fairfield Bushwalkers 02 4324 2486. Address all correspondence to The Editor, Administration Officer - Merrilyn Sach National Parks Association. The Bushwalker Confederation of 9290 2060 [email protected] Insurance Officer - Margaret Covi Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad 4961 6453 PO Box 2090 GPO Sydney 2001 (BWRS) President - Keith Maxwell [email protected] E-mail [email protected] (02) 9622 0049 Watagan Wanderers The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs Pager phone 13 22 22 pager no 6277321 Committee Members NSW Inc represents approximately 65 clubs [email protected] committee1@bushwalking,org.au with a total membership around 10,000 Mount Druitt Bushwalking Club Robyne Hobson bushwalkers. Formed in 1932, the Advertising Sutherland Bushwalkers Confederation provides a united voice on [email protected] committee2@bushwalking,org,au conservation and other issues, runs Conservation Officer - Michael Maack Peter Hart Scripture Union Bushwalkers training courses for members, and provides 15

2 Ph (02) 4757 1083 (h) [email protected] for the public a free wilderness search and The Bushwalker The [email protected] Anne Plowman Catholic Bushwalkers rescue service. People interested in Springwood Bushwalkers joining a bushwalking club are invited to write to the Secretary Bushwalkers NSW at the above address for information on clubs in their area. N HIS SSUE Or web site www.bushwalking.org.au The Bushwalker The I T I Prices for advertising Back cover $515.00 - Willows out of our Waterways...... 1 Full page inside back cover $460.00 - Full page inside $400.00 - ANZAC Day at Splendour Rock 2004 ...... 1 Half page $200.00 - Quarter page $105.00 A Journey Back in Time in China...... 3 Business card size $60.00 The Redgum Bushland Committee...... 4 insert $290.00 +insertioncost approx $175.00. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary...... 4 All Prices exclude GST Deadlines for magazine Five Walks Around The Summer edition, 2nd week in October- Autumn 2nd week in January - Winter, 2nd ...... 5 week in April - Spring, 2nd week in July NAV 2004 - The Bull**** Stops...... 6 Sale of Low Cost Topographical Maps...... 6 An Opportunity to Have a Piece of History...... 6 Remote Area Firefighting Skills Improved by T HEB USHWALKER is the magazine of the Confederation Navigation Event...... 7 of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc. It's ANZAC DAY 1999...... 8 published quarterly. The aim of the magazine is to provide articles and Anzac Day ( a poem)...... 9 information of interest to the members of clubs affiliated with the A Great Walk on The Central Coast Girrakool...... 12 Confederation and Bushwalkers generally. Any opinions expressed by Letter to editor...... 14 individual authors do not always represent the official views of the Confederation...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... J OIN US ON AN A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME IN CHINA by Margaret Kirk A DVENTURE HOLIDAY The bus from destination, Xiyan, on the Xi River. Our knowledge of the five flavours, sweet, Guilin local guide was there to meet us; our hotel sour, bitter, salty bitter & fiery or hot, & P ORT MACQUARIE HINTERLAND 15 DAY EVEREST PANORAMA turned left was across the road. how one flavour could be an antidote for P RIVATE **** COTTAGES of the main After checking in at the hotel we the other. ON 160 ACRES Special Offer! highway boarded mini-bus, & off to lunch at a very Now there are steps cut in the rock & W HERE ELSE CAN YOU… All Inclusive! north, & new restaurant on the riverbank. Lunch the ascent from the valley requires only a pulled up for a over; another short bus ride took us to the stiff climb. At intervals in the few level • Relax in a private s/c cottage with spacious balcony and No Hidden Costs! spectacular views ‘comfort stop’ at landing stage where our riverboat waited. spots, are placed statues of the venerable the usual huddle These riverboats are battery powered to doctors, Sun Si Miao, Zhong Zhangjing, • Spoil yourself with a breakfast hamper and candelit dinner • 12 Day Lodge Trek of general store cum avoid pollution to the pristine river Li Shi Zhen a& others. Their fame lives • Wander for hours along private walking trails through tall blue • 4 Nights Kathmandu workshops. The morning air was chill, the environment. Cruising down the river was down the centuries. gums and rainforest gullies • International Flight wind sharp. It was New Year’s Day & we delightful – if rather chilly. The area has About 700 feet to the top, & the view • 2 Internal Flights were on our way to the town Xiyuan, about some of the most spectacular mountain was breathtaking, if a little misty. Most of • Observe over 80 species of birds, • Park Entrance Fee scenery anywhere in China, with peaks the way steps were cut into the living rock, native animals & the illusive • All Meals platypus rising almost vertical from the water, lush sometimes one had to squeeze between • Local Staff & huge boulders, or duck under an overhang. • Cool off in our private vegetation, clean clear water, mirror-like swimming hole & natural spa Australian Group pools and white water rapids. There was a Another steep pinch wound seemingly without end skywards between vertical • Explore the unspoilt wilderness Leader mist, which added to the charm& mystery 223 Toms Creek Road, of the Werrikimbe National Park • 1/2 Day Site Seeing Kathmandu of the scene. cliffs. We had started in warm jackets and Ellenborough, NSW jumpers, & gradually shed layer after layer • Appreciate the natural beauty of • Overnight Bankok After about 40 minutes we pulled in to 2446 as we climbed. We finished on a knife- an ecotourism retreat L YN TAYLOR’ S ADVENTURE a tiny wharf on a bend in the river, with a Website: huge cliff on the opposite side. We were 3

14 “A bushwalker’swww.tomscreekretreat.com.au Paradise” T RAVEL invited to take oiled tea with the local The Bushwalker The 223 Toms Creek Road,Ph/Fax: Ellenborough, (02) 6587 4313 NSW 2446 EX SYDNEY 2ND OCTOBER $3850 minority villages. On the wharf boat L IMITED AVAILABILITY building, entirely by hand, was in www.tomscreekretreat.com.au progress. One large boat was being re- Email: LYNTAYLOR51@AOL. COM [email protected]/Fax: (02) 6587 4313 paired, and the fragrance of the timber Email: [email protected] 9997-7442 filled the air. We climbed up to the vil-

The Bushwalker The lage & entered the home of the local; Toms Creek Retreat is perched high on a ridge with views for Dong Nationality people. Delicious oiled miles, up to the Comboyne Plateau in one direction, down the tea was served. This is tea laced with Hastings Valley in the other, and over the ranges of the fragrant oil, & containing what seemed Werrikimbe National Park. to be roasted rice grains. Next came sticky rice steamed in bamboo – also L ETTER TO EDITOR delicious. Comment on Poem in last issue (Pommie Tenderfoot) The end of Bai Yao Valley climb - photo M Kirk Warmed round the open hearth an ANCESTORS refreshed, we boarded our boat for about Hume, Sturt, Warburton, Flinders, Bass 2 hours drive northwest of Guilin in 30 minutes more down river to a nature Explored our bush and shore.. China’s Guangxi Province. Our party of 8 reserve, and again tied up to a wharf, They spoke in funny accents, but are AUSSIES consisted of an American Professor of Eng amid even more spectacular scenery. evermore. Lit, another American who taught Here the mountain looked like English, a New Zealander couple, both super-enormous boulders of rock, & we Dark deeds and foul were also done teachers, a Japanese teacher, a Chinese could see what appeared to be pathways Boat building at The Xi River By folk in days of yore, teacher of English and one of her students cut into the steep sides, going up & up. We edge promentary with 360 degree views But they of course were done by POMS – a 14-year-old boy, & myself, a student of can’t be going up there? Oh yes we are! We of the surrounding mountains, in the Upon an alien shore. Chinese at Guilin University. We were off were entering the famous “Bai Yao” failing afternoon light. Then it was a race for an adventure over the New Year valley, or “Hundred Medicines”. It was against the fading day to get back down to Peter H. Edwards (not a Pom) holiday. here that the ancient’s medicine came to the landing stage to where a boat was Footnote - The person described in the poem in issue The bus resumed the journey over a search for & gather rare medicinal herbs. waiting to take us up river. 293 redeemed himself and was a credit to expedition. remarkably good new road, gradually A book by Li Shi Zhen, Ben Cao Gang In the near darkness we traveled to climbing up & up, while the scenery Mu, is to this day the definitive book on where our bus waited. By the time we changed from fields to forests. Here & there Chinese medicine, after 500 years. Indeed, reached Xiyuan we were all famished & we dropped & picked up passengers. We these wise men must have been a hardy weary – it had been a long day, but what an were near the lower slopes of Mt Mao’er, breed. Just to climb up the valley, over adventure! We felt we had gone hundreds the highest peak in the area. As recently as boulders & through rushing streams, would of years back in time and returned to the 1999 the crash remains of the famous be testing enough. But they used the herbs present in the space of a few hours. This “Flying Tigers” was found in dense jungle for self-experimentation, trying as many can really happen in China, & it’s part of on the slopes Mt Mao’er Shan. as 20 different potentially poisonous the fascination of going off the beaten track Eventually we started the decent to our plants. They were guided by their to re-live China’s ancient history...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... T HE REDGUM BUSHLAND COMMITTEE W IRRIMBIRRA SANCTUARY

C AMPAIGN FOR BEROWRA manager and parks and state government A portion of the old Bargo officers was read out indicating that V ALLEY NATIONAL PARK environment, known as “Bargo council‘s general manager is not prepared AT A SPECIALLY CONVENED BEROWRA to allocate funds to the park without some Brush” in bushranger times, has been VALLEY PARK TRUST MEETING LAST TUESDAY control. preserved at Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, EVENING REPRESENTATIVES FROM SYDNEY’S The representative from the Friends KEY CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS & of Berowra Valley while not supporting a COMMUNITY GROUPS STRONGLY REJECTED national park for Berowra Valley expressed HORNSBY COUNCIL’S JOINT MANAGEMENT concern for the long term preservation of PARK PROPOSAL & DECLARED THEIR SUPPORT the unique fauna and flora in the park. FOR A BEROWRA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK. Four people representing dog walkers A push by Hornsby Council for a joint could not understand why conservation- management agreement with the National ists were so opposed to dog access to the Parks Service which would mean the park when the park is subject to other more abolition of the Park Trust and increased threatening pollution. control by council over the management Two representatives from council of the Park was stated to be unacceptable sponsored bush regeneration groups were by most representatives. concerned that funds for Geoff contract and volunteer Dowsett bush regeneration would from the not be available without Red Gum council involvement and Bushland a joint management Committee agreement in place. a 90-ha flora and fauna reserve and said that 13 4 A representative research sanctuary, managed by the

the pro- Bushwalker The from the Hornsby David G Stead Memorial Wildlife posed Conservation Society removal of Research Foundation of Australia on assured the bush the Park behalf of the National Trust. regenerators that there Trust and Wirrimbirra is located at 3105 would be adequate the setting Remembrance Drive, 3 km north of support under a national park up of a special advisory committee to re- The Bushwalker The management arrangement. Bargo (about half-way between place it is a means to inceasing council The major concern of the conservation- Bargo and Tahmoor), and consists of influence and control.The special advisory ists was the current status of the Park as a committee which is likely to consist of open forest, with heath and swamp C UT THIS OUT, PUT IT ON THE Regional park and the politically Hornsby Council appointed representa- areas, with a major creek system motivated pressure from Hornsby tives of sports clubs,dog walkers and other running through the reserve. There Council for sports field construction in the would be high impact users of the park F RIDGE & DREAM park and dog walking access on all tracks are excellent bushwalking trails, a could have considerable influence on the and trails. native plant nursery and a wildlife drafting of a new park plan of management The response to a question “ Can we enclosure. The sanctuary is open S UPERB WALKING IN FRANCE in 5 years time incorporating more high seriously trust this Council to co-manage impact uses of the park as a regional park. seven days a week and has budget- 2 bedroom renovated houses available in such an ecologically precious resource” A representative from the National priced cabin accommodation for was met with a resounding no confidence the AUDE valley near Carcassonne in SW Parks Association of NSW stated that those who need a break before vote. “there will be no adverse impact on the France. Excellent valley walks through At the meetings conclusion the moving on, or who just want to Park if it becomes a National Park overwhelming majority of the community experience Wirrimbirra at night. It is vineyards, and the Canal du Midi. administered by the National Parks and representatives were of the opinion that in also becoming a popular venue for Wildlife Service”.He indicated that the Moderate 3-4 hour circle walks in the order to protect the Park the process for park would continue to be professionally family events, workshops and the reservation of the Berowra Valley foothills of the Montagnes Noire, up to managed and Council can be involved in weddings. Wirrimbirra hosts a Regional Park as a National Park must the Park but involvement should not 1000 metres. Other walks available 30 commence immediately and that Hornsby number of festivals throughout the equate to control. It all comes down to a Council and the National Parks Service year, such as Reptile Day in August minutes away by car. Base yourself in the question of good faith. I believe the recognise that the community will accept and Brush with the Bush in October, appropriate classification for the Berowra house and after a morning walk enjoy wine nothing less. Valley Regional Park is as a National Park” and other special days - Bug & Bird tasting at over 100 + vineyards and touring he said. Day, Mammal Day and Frog Day, GEOFF DOWSETT the castles of the Minervois. Aust$600 per A representative from the Nature where wildlife experts come along to JOHN LANGSTON Conservation Council of NSW also week per couple or Aust$700 per week for 2 PO BOX 582 PENNANT HILLS 1715 give shows during a day filled with indicated support for a national park along PH 9484 0321 activities. There are also special couples... check out the website for full with representatives from the Hornsby attractions for children in most Conservation Society,The Red Gum email [email protected] details and photos school holidays, and you can check Bushland Committee,The Association of OR PHONE + 61 2 9969 7442 and The United Residents these on Wirrimbirra’s website Group of Berowra. www.wirrimbirrasanctuary or phone Email: [email protected] An extract from the unofficial minutes Wirrimbirra on (02) 4684 1112. of a meeting with council‘s general www.users.bigpond.com/scapper/france...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... grow as you get closer to the point where you cross over From Page 1 FIVE WALKS AROUND THE GEORGES RIVER NATURE RESERVE A GREAT WALK ON THE by Peter Cheatam a small suspension bridge. Below is a large pool where the seed production periods from These C ENTRAL COAST Wollongong or a one-hour drive from G IRRAKOOL the creek finally slows its chaotic decent to the valley September to November and in the months walks after and during periods of drought leave Sydney. (Aboriginal - “place of waters”) floor. range the sand and gravel beds and banks of The river is a haven, full of native flora • 6.5 km approx. round trip (loop) There is plenty of room here to stretch out and have from easy to a break before you begin your climb up the east face of rivers exposed and ideal places for the and fauna; the river is a natural • Medium difficulty medium/ the gully. A quick dip may even be in order! germination of willow seeds. One of the playground. The river system is abundant • Aboriginal engravings hard with • Rambling Creek with suspension bridge and pools The climb starts out and heads up the trial towards most aggressive species is the Black with wilderness and wildlife. Over 200 some interest- National Park is a major park north home. In this first section you climb up quite quickly, as Willow and its hybrids. It sets thousands species of birds inhabit the river as well as ing naviga- of the you go remember to turn of seeds that are spread by wind over tens native animals including wallaby, koala, tional exercises encompassing over 12000 around and look at the of kilometres. In the early 1990 the platypus, possums, snakes, lizards, and for walkers who want to challenge hectares. The Girrakool vistas that open up behind. problem came to a head when surveys in geckos. It also has a number of aboriginal the Snowy Mountains and Bega River the Georges River region. If your club is entry is located near the Soon you will be high on the sites. areas discovered an explosion in the baffled as to where to walk this season freeway on the old Pacific gully sides and the views Just a few of the hidden secrets that the back to the south west are number of seeded trees (i.e. willows that come and experience the Campbelltown highway and has several George’s River Nature Reserve has to quite amazing particularly were not planted). A survey between 1995 wilderness and experience the river walks throughout. One offer bushwalkers The bushland particular walk that is a late in the afternoon with a and 1997 estimated that from an original system. surrounding the George’s River recommended is a 2 to 3 setting sun. Take the time to planting of a couple of hundred Black What does the Georges River Nature flourishes with life, having native orchids, hour loop down the west climb to the top of some of Willows in Tumut, prior to 1980, the reserve have to offer Bushwalking Clubs? population in the Tumut, Goobaragandra, ferns and lilies. Decorating the landscape side to cross over Piles the rock outcrops on the The George’s has over two thousand Goodradigbee, Upper Murrumbidgee, eucalypt and ghost gums tower overhead. Creek and back up the east sides of the track to gain bet- hectares of wonder and beauty just 20 ter vantage. Snowy and Bega Rivers had grown to over side. minutes drive from Campbelltown city The trial runs along the 1.9 million trees and seedlings. The worst The trail winds down centre, or a fourty-minute drive from through the sandstone top edge of the east side of infestation was along the Bega River, where escarpment and follows what has become a sheer side there was an estimated 1.8 million 5 12 the gully sides where the of the gully below with seedlings and trees. They were in 3 groups, each assigned a creek has scoured through Piles Creek suspension bridge views down into the gully section of river to map and treat for Bushwalker The the levels of stone over hundreds of years. The trail and across to where you willows. They were then to paddle out to continues through large stands of gums carpeted under- descended earlier. Several lookouts are on this side with the park boundary at Upper Colo. Dur- neath with ferns. views back across the park. ing the course of the week the river rose At the bottom of the gully the sounds of the creek Shortly you return to a large pool towards the head by over a meter, making the canoeing of the track and cross several stepping stones to return experience a memorable one but making The Bushwalker The to the carpark and picnic area where there is plenty of treating willows difficult as they stood in Bushwalkers Basin Georges River Nature Reserve room to spread out and relax. the rising water. The focus also changed Several other Local Walks and Areas of Interest to safety rather than just poisoning trees. The sandstone cliff-faces are used for • Little Box Head - After this trip Penrith Whitewater abseiling training. The Georges River can • Putty Beach to Little Beach - Bouddi National Stadium, through Jack Hodge, became be liloed in sections. There are a number Park involved, providing rafts and guides for of caves, intriguing walkers with the • Kincumba Mountain Reserve Canoeing down the Colo in search of Willow. subsequent trips. FoC have since held 5 hidden mystery that goes with the natural • Bulgandry - Aboriginal engraving site Bouddi Na- extended trips on the river, treating about beauty just outside our city. BushwalkingAd2.pdf tional Park In NSW and Victoria millions of 5000 willows and monitoring results. As WALK ONE a result of this work along the Colo the • Staples Lookout - Brisbane Water National Park dollars has been allocated to eradicate the Venue: Mercedes Road , Ingleburn to group received a “Weed Busters Award of Take the time to thoroughly explore the Central Black Willow which is a particularly Georges River via Minto Bush Camp, aggressive and invasive species. And one Excellence” in 2003. to go in Coast’s great bushwalking spots. You can stay at the Myrtle Creek and Florence Avenue of our objectives is to train people to spend The focus of the group in the Colo area Avoca Beach Heritage Villas for a few nights to ensure For this walk leave one car at Mercedes recreation time in wilderness areas to has turned to treating willows on that you have plenty of time to explore. The property Road , Ingleburn and one at Minto Bush here to be has a natural bush setting and atmosphere so that you report any willow’s found so they can be private and Crown land outside the park Camp for the return journey, other option can continue your nature experience. All units are fully poisoned before they become a problem and also working on other pest species self contained with a full kitchen and are ideal for groups again. mapped during previous work inside the is to walk through to the Georges River reduced to and families. In 1998 a bushwalker walking along park. Members of the group who are for a swim and then return to Minto Bush the Colo River in the Wollemi Wilderness interested in remote area activities are Camp to retrieve your car. Before parking Area reported a grove willows, 2 to 3 years looking for other projects that can your car at the Bush Camp get permission 1/4 page old, which were 40 kilometres inside the benefit from their experience in willow from the manager. Or leave a car at the wilderness area. It was found that these poisoning, whitewater and wilderness end of Florence Road . (Lock your car in trees had grown from seed blown up the activities. They are looking for other this area). from full Colo river from areas downstream. In 1999 people who enjoy remote area activities v Map: Campbelltown 1:25,000 & National Parks ran an initial trip from the and people who have an interest in their UBD street directory Wollemi Creek junction to Upper Colo to local rivers to join them on programs along v Time 2 hours ’ wild rivers. A4. determine the size of the problem. In 2000 v Grade: Easy · they ran the first WOW trip (Willow Out Equipment needed for this walk of Wollemi). On this trip 18 volunteers Jeffrey Cottrell Lunch, water, map & compass, wet and 10 NPWS staff were dropped into the email: [email protected] weather gear, head torch. Again it is an Colo River by helicopter, with canoes and Ph 02 9686 6972 area that needs good navigational skills to food and equipment for 5 days on the river. Mobile 0418 210 347 Continued on page 11 ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Walk Safely - Walk With a Club......

Road ...... Continued from page 5 M OUNTAIN DEW COTTAGE NAV 2004 - THE BULL**** STOPS achieve this walk. (Bring your binoculars v Map: Campbelltown 1:25,000 & by Keith Maxwell President Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Within 10 minutes walk from Moun- for bird watching) UBD street directory tain Dew is Govetts Leap Lookout and It’s autumn and winter is not far away So what has stopped you from attending NavShield until v Time: 4 hours the starting point for well known bushwalks - Blue Gum Forest, Pulpit so NavShield 2004 is near. now? Surely not an Entry Form. Entry Forms will soon WALK TWO v Grade:Meduim Venue: Minto Heights , Hanson Road The start to this walk is on the bend of Rock, Evans Lookout and the Grand Can- Another great chance to practice bush be posted to your club. Alternatively you could apply for yon. navigation in a great setting with great an Entry Form by emailing the BWRS Secretary – to Freres Crossing via Peter Meadows the road. Look out for the steel gate on the An alternative route to Govetts Leap company. [email protected] Creek, Boronia Road , Freres Road and right hand side of the road can be taken via Popes Glenn. This walk- NavShield was developed by So come and be a part of NavShield 2004. I always follow the track on the left hand side of the Equipment needed for this walk: ing track is located within two minutes of Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad enjoy NavShield. I usually have enjoyable weekends road down to the river for a swim. Lunch, water, map & compass, wet Mountain Dew Cottage. The walk takes approximately 40 minutes to complete (BWRS) 16 years ago as a bush navigation training event setting and retrieving checkpoints. I also enjoy the friendly v Map: Campbelltown 1:25,000 & weather gear, head torch. It is an area that and follows a creek all the way to the spec- for the Emergency Services. It has proven to be a popular atmosphere of NavShield and the chance to meet many of UBD street directory needs good navigational skills. There are a tacular Horse Shoe Falls. Near the end of formula and typically attracts 500 participants many of the participants – but be warned. v Time:2 hours number of abseil sites at both locations. the walk the views of Pulpit Rock and the whom have attended 5 to 10 NavShields! NavShield is rec- You may be a good navigator, a great bush navigator, v Grade:Easy Bring your binoculars, swimming costume are truly breathtaking! See ognised by the NSW State Rescue Board. the last of the great explorers or God’s gift to bush Equipment needed for this walk and lilo. Leave a car at Mercedes ad page 7 rd So where is NavShield held? A different area each year! navigation. At 8.45am 3 July 2004 the bull**** will stop Lunch, water, map & compass, wet Road . Lock your car. Another It’s part of the fun. Have you got any friends in NP&WS when NavShield 2004 starts. It will be time to stop talking, weather gear, head torch for this exciting who might drop a hint? Site details are not released until start walking, find checkpoints and enjoy NavShield 2004. the week before Nav 2004. Here are some clues. Not east of Sydney and accessible for weekend course setting. Have you been watching which direction our Course Setter drives S ALE OF LOW COST out of Sydney? Think about any large paddocks that you T OPOGRAPHICAL MAPS know of. The base site for NavShield will be a large enough for 500 people to camp by their cars/trucks. So when is NavShield held? NavShield is always held The BWRS is glad to announce the resumption of the sale of mountain views 11 6 on the first weekend of July each year - so this year NavShield low cost topographical maps to all bushwalking and outdoor native wildlife Hunter Valley wilderness Bushwalker The will be held on 3rd/4th July. activity clubs (conditions apply). Prices $1.00 to $3.00 each, minimum order $30.00. The pricing is set to encourage groups world heritage eco-retreat cabins. national parks Just 3 hours from Sydney to bulk-buy multiple copies of their required maps. These are the normal 1:25000 topographic maps of NSW (a few 1:50000 rainforest walks CALLICOMA Hill maps are also available); see the list on the web site http:// peace and quiet www.calli.com.au (02) 6571 1208 bwrs.org.au/mapsale/maps.html. [email protected] The Bushwalker The Visit http://bwrs.org.au/mapsale for prices, conditions of walk. Again it is an area that needs good solution is to be dropped sale and connection to the list of available maps. If you have navigational skills. (Bring your binoculars off in the morning and picked up late in any questions about the sale, contact Doug Floyd S UBSCRIBE TO for bird watching). Leave a car at Freres [email protected]. the afternoon. Crossing for the trip home. (Lock your HE USHWALKER All proceeds raised are for BWRS to purchase equipment WALK FIVE T B necessary in its role as a volunteer remote area search and res- car). Venue: Freres Crossing to Simmo’s cue group http://bwrs.org.au/. Beach via the Bushwalkers Basin, Minto Keep up with all the news and Australian Army Rescue team gets a checkpoint at NavShield 2003 WALK THREE Bush Camp, Myrtle Creek, Georges River, developments happening Venue: Old Coach Road to Long Point and finishing at Simmo’s Beach, A N OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A PIECE OF within the NSW bushwalking Each year NavShield may or may not have a full moon Bushwalkers Basin , Georges River . From Macquarie Fields scene for only $7 per year. (This for night travel; may or may not have rain/snow. You H ISTORY the Basin follow the track back up to the don’t think bush rescue occurs just on sunny days, do you? v Map: Campbelltown 1:25,000 & The “Bushwalker magazine has been car. There are a number of deep sandy covers posting and handling So what is the navigation like? The aim of NavShield is UBD street directory published since 1937. beaches for swimming and liloing. (There charges only, the magazine is to find as many checkpoints as possible in either the one v Time: A full day is needed for this If you would like a copy of every magazine/ is also an abseil site at this location) trip. free) day or two day, overnight, event. Each checkpoint has a Name...... unique paper punch to verify that you found the newsletter/annual published since thatdate v Map: Campbelltown 1:25,000 & v Grade:Medium / hard Address...... checkpoint. Checkpoints are randomly spread out over the on 2 CD ROM’s as PDF image. UBD street directory Equipment needed for this walk area of about half a “topo” map - 10km by 10km. There Send $35 inc P&H to The Confederation of v Time: Thirty minutes Lunch, water, map & compass, wet ...... are easy to find checkpoints close to the base site but they Bushwalking Clubs NSW PO v Grade:Easy weather gear, head torch. It is an area that Postcode...... have a low points value compared to the checkpoints that Box 2090 GPO Sydney 2001. Equipment needed for this walk needs good navigational skills. There are a Do you belong to a Water, lunch, Campbelltown 1:25,000 are a long way from base. Unlike a lot of other navigation Read stories by legends of bushwalking . number of abseil sites at both locations. bushwalking club? yes/no If events the country used by NavShield is proper bushwalking Dot English (Butler)as well as many sketches map & compass, lunch, water, wet weather Bring your binoculars, swimming costume yes name of country, not disused farm country. by Dot. Dorothy Lawry, Marie Byles, Myles gear, head torch Bring your binoculars for and lilo. You need to leave a car at Simmo’s Club...... So the real challenge is to decide a route through the and Milo Dunphy, Horace Salmon, Gordon bird watching, swimming costume. (Lock Beach for the return journey. Lock your If NO would you like a copy bush to find the best mixture of checkpoints in the time your car). Smith, Else Mitchell, Beryl Thompson. Paddy car. Another solution is to be dropped off of our clubs list free. allowed. Night travel is allowed but you must carry Pallin, Ted Sloane & many more. Also many in the morning and picked up late in the Please tick. Payment can adequate bushwalking gear. Don’t be late as there are of the modern authors of bushwalking stories WALK FOUR afternoon. and BBQ facilities at Simmo’s severe penalties for being overdue. Will the points penalty and historical articles. This piece of history Venue Hanson’s Road, Minto Heights Beach. Make sure you lock your cars and be made by cheque, money exceed the points value of this ‘last’ checkpoint? that has taken many 100’s of hours to prepare to Mercedes Road, Ingleburn via don’t forget to leave a car at Mercedes Road order made out to can be yours. Buy one for your club’s library. Post event food is available so you can mingle while the Peter Meadows Creek, Minto Bush Camp, for the return trip. Confederation of Bushwalking results are collated. A computer database program means Price for Bushwalking Clubs $30 Georges River & Myrtle Creek, Mercedes Clubs PO Box 2090 GPO awards can be presented about an hour after NavShield ends. Sydney 2001 ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... R EMOTE AREA FIREFIGHTING SKILLS W INTERINTER ININ THE BBLUE MMOUNTAINS I MPROVED BY NAVIGATION EVENT “MOUNTAIN DEW” COTTAGE BLACKHEATH By Dan Meijer Coal and Candle RFB Warringah- District. • 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom cedar cottage • Close to Govetts Leap and National Parks Coal & Candle rural Fire Brigade (Warringah- Pittwater) took • Totally private – part in one of the most demanding navigation events in • Sleeps up to 7 Australia, the 2003 NavShield Wilderness Rescue Navigation people comfortably th Shield, on the weekend of 5-6 July. • Gorgeous Moun- The event is similar to orienteering and draws competing tain garden on 1/3 acre teams from various emergency and defense groups. As Coal & property Candle is training its members in remote area firefighting skills. • Slow combustion NavShield was used as a good practice run between fire seasons. fireplace and gas heating RFS teams from various districts, including Baulkham Hills, • Fully equipped – Kitchen, TV, VCR, CD Player, Lithgow, Blue Mountains, and also took part. Washing Machine,Dryer, Microwave, Electric Blankets Teams were issued with topographical maps and a list of • Linen and Firewood included 6-figure-grid reference, representing small checkpoints to be found in the bush. Great for nature lovers - bushwalkers - The course covered about 100km2, with the checkpoints given cafe - restaurant art various points value according to accessibility. Teams had to gallery lovers! correctly plot the points on their maps, and then plan a route to Ideal for family take them to the most checkpoints within the event’s time limits and friend get – either 11 or 30 hours. togethers Large NavShield was held in The Gardens of Stone National Park outdoor near Lithgow, with terrain ranging from, gentle and open to sheer entertaining area cliffs and dense scrub. The teams camped the night before the and BBQ Special 7 10 event, where temperatures reached about –4. Not the usual mid week rates conditions for firefighters! We took the opportunity to catch up Available NOW for Holiday Letting Bushwalker The with the NavShield C ALL JENNI ON 0414 692 152 “regulars” from other www.bushwalking.org.au/mountdew brigades and services. email [email protected] The event started after breakfast on The Bushwalker The Saturday. We headed of into the bush full of optimism about both our navigation skills and fitness. Two members were Briefing prior to NavShield 2003 veterans of several previous NavShields, and for some, this was their first go. The teams quickly learnt that skills such as measuring distance and aiming-off are easily learnt in training but can be difficult to apply accurately, and that watercourses marked on a 1975 map might not be easy to find on the ground. The use of 20m contours, not the usual 10m ones, threw several teams out when plotting routes involving climbs. All the teams criss-crossed the course, occasionally crossing paths – all very friendly but giving nothing away about checkpoint locations! After counting paces for two or three 350m legs, nothing beats finally finding the soccer-ball sized white and orange checkpoint markers in the scrub. The evening saw the one-day arriving back early to relax, or running down a fire trail to get home at the last possible moment after squeezing in a late checkpoint. Springwood Bushwalkers won, and the Berowra RFB topped the RFS teams in the one day event, While Newcastle Bushwalkers narrowly beat Kangaroo Valley RFB to win the two day event. Coal and Candle ran in the middle of the pack, with no clear superiority of any emergency service this year. All teams found the event a very worth while exercise for improving navigation, bushcraft and other remote firefighting skills, as well as for excellent team-building...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Walk Safely - Walk With a Club......

B USHWALKERS CELEBRATE ANZAC DAY AT SPLENDOURContinued from page 1ROCK ANZAC DAY 1999 Recessional), the last post, the ode, and a In drizzle, we followed the slow ascent providing a convoy to drive out as far as Medlow Gap for those less able to walk the minute’s silence followed by the national of the leech infested, stinging nettle choked full distance. We were pleased that Ben, the NPWS ranger leading the convoy, was T RIBUTE TO JACK CUMMINGS anthem. The youngest member of the party Carlons Creek to arrive back at our vehi- able to spend the weekend with us & take ceremonies, wearing with pride his grandfa- By Peter Cleary placed a sprig of wattle on the plaque. ther’s war service medals from the campaigns in France in World War 1. We also Like many people who spend their weekends tramping around the Blue cles by 4pm where Jack’s wife, Alma, was Throughout the service the musical thank our Convenor, Confederation member, Jan Wouters, who organised this year’s Mountains, I have made the odd tentative foray into the “Wild Dogs” region, and have waiting with tea and biscuits for everyone; accompaniment was provided by an event. visited Splendour Rock only once in 15 years. very welcome, as by this time the mist and ancient tape player brought along by Jack At 5.30 a.m. was our Reveille, a wake up call, the sound of a tin billy being beaten. I had heard rumours of a Dawn Service on Anzac Day, but nobody I spoke to had rain were starting to settle in for the for the occasion. As the final bars of the Cold though it was, we were all soon up & warmly dressed, & heading out towards attended, or knew for certain if such a ceremony actually took place. With this in “Last Post” were echoing across the evening. Splendour Rock. Light was starting to show in a pink line above the mind, at 8am April 24th 1999 I trudged valley, almost on cue, the sun started to eastern horizon as we commenced the dawn service. About 30 were uphill from the old parking area at rise over the Burragorang painting the sky present. For some years now Nepean Bushwalking Club has been Packsaddlers (Carlons farm) with Ray Orr, a vivid red-orange. conducting the service. Their member Jack Cummings, who had a bushwalking friend from Katoomba. As a fifty something bloke who has attended most Anzac ceremonies at Splendour Rock since 1948, The scene that greeted us was a attended numerous dawn services around conducted the service for many years on behalf of Confederation, & NZAC AY the country, this one I found to be the most after his unfortunate death in 2000, the club has continued to A D moving. I wasn’t alone with moist eyes and conduct the annual service, for which we would like to thank them byTom Hayllar 1999 a lumpy throat as we all moved back to . They had produced a lovely colour booklet this year with the Peter Cleary & Bill Sandy at plaque to Jack cummings our campsite for the welcome first cuppa order of service & to commemorate the occasion. We began with an Standing on Splendour Rock, of the day. introduction to remind us of why we were assembled & to remind encircled by the Wild Dog Mountains, bushwalkers dream. A roaring fire circled Breakfast over, tents stowed, rucksacks us that “their legacy to us is their spirit, unity, purpose & the never we are shot at by the wind by strategically placed logs on which to sit, on we all moved off together, Ray and I ending yearning to follow the Bell Bird’s call”. “God of our fathers and flecked with rain and sun. and a group of the most welcoming people

deciding to stay with our newfound 9 8 Now Anzac Day runs down I’ve yet to meet in the bush; complete with known of old” was then sung, followed by a minute’s silence & the friends, all members of the Nepean Bushwalker The proffered cups of tea. Our tents pitched, our Ceremony at Splendour Rock 1993 - in photo - Bruce & Joan Morrison Stan Ode & the National Anthem. As we concluded we waited for through all the trees Bushwalking Club from the Penrith meals cooking, we then met a character who Cottier (president 1948) Robyn Arthur (president) - trumpeter Louise De Bezeville sunrise & over the mountains saw the sun come up in a beautiful to the bend in the Cox. district. became very dear to me over the next golden ball just as it rose at Gallipoli 89 years earlier, as our soldiers And there are birds The return route saw us cross over the couple of years, Jack Cummings. landed to begin their campaign. in all the space of the air plateau tops of mounts Dingo, This was to be a “one-off ” trip for me, I learnt Jack had been the convenor of Now in daylight we returned to camp & most ate breakfast, downed tents, packed and in place Merrimerrigal, and Warrigal. We then but with newly forged friendships espe- of bugles the Dawn Service at the bushwalkers’ up & began their walk out. However after a while more began arriving. By 11 a.m. we The Bushwalker The dropped down on the northern cliff face memorial plaque on Splendour Rock since cially Jacks I fronted again the following had another group of about 30 gathered at Splendour Rock. This included a large sounding of mount Warrigal to a pass named by the 60’s but had attended nearly all the year. This year sadly ended tragically as group of Scouts & their leaders from Springwood, Penrith, Glenfield & surrounding the “last Dunphy as “Wombat parade” through services held since the plaque was dedicated Jack died in a mishap in the following areas. This was to be the ceremony conducted by myself as President of the post” Blackhorse Gap; along Blackhorse Ridge; in 1948. October. A tragedy compounded for Alma Confederation of Bushwalkers of NSW. By now we had a beautiful morning as we there are and then the long steep knee-trembling Jack didn’t carry a tent but strung a fly thought back to those who had given their lives so that we could continue to enjoy these currawong descent of Blackhorse Spur, followed by a by the loss of the family home of 40 yrs in calls –wild between the same two trees each year. He the 2000/2001 bushfires. (A full-page beauties, even though they would not live to see them again. cooked on an old style “choofer”; preferred welcome lunch break at Breakfast Creek. and winsome flowers of sound obituary was published in the Bushwalker We began by remembering why we were there, that is to honour the memory of that rise and bloom and fall. an old pullover to a modern fleece, on top those Bushwalkers who died for their belief in our way of life, because by their Magazine in early 2001). Out over far Kanangra of which he wore a threadbare red nylon sacrifice that we are free to stand there today. We continued by remembering how the Now as a member of the Nepean Light swells and flashes spray jacket, showing disdain for plaque was put in place. The names of bushwalkers known to have died in World War amongst smoky clouds newfangled Gortex. He entertained us Bushwalking Club I attend Anzac Day at 2, with their club & service, were read out, also remembering that there may be others and closer where sunlight during the course of the evening with bush Splendour Rock as a matter of course. we do not know from that war, & any conflicts before or since. Then the ode was bursts on one great spur ahead poetry he had written himself, along with Strangely, in the few years since that recited by all present, finishing with “Lest we forget” & a minute’s silence followed - we image the spirit moving tales of his early walking days as a lad with memorable Dawn Service, a lone Lyrebird real silence out there in the Wild Dog Mountains in which we could contemplate our on the brightness – the likes of Paddy Pallin. Jack was also one sings on cue for the Last Post. We like to war heroes’ sacrifices. Reflections on Anzac Day followed, in which I mentioned that of the founding members of the BWRS. We the curving, shaping spirit think it’s either that same Lyrebird or old there was a time was when Anzac Day seemed to be on the verge of becoming that transforms all turned in early to a beautiful starry night, Jack’s spirit. irrelevant, but instead has taken on a new life. People still have come here today to its myriad punctuated by the howling of dingos far Bill Sanday, a bushwalker from Glenn show that Anzac Day has taken on a new meaning of national pride arising from trembling forms below in the valley of the Cox. Nepean Bushwalkers on Splendour Rock sacrifices made in wars & the struggle to build our country. We are thankful to those of to blue green At 5.30am Jack moved gently from tent our bushwalking comrades who laid down their lives for all of us & we should always to tent making sure we were all awake. With loveliness. remember them in gratitude. They were people like us who loved the bush, this area & beanies, gloves, fleece-tops & head torches, Other walkers stood others like it, & only wished to go out & enjoy it. However they answered the call to we silently made our way to the rocky on Splendour Rock and saw – defend freedom, & many never saw again their beloved bush. We treasure our outcrop, about a dozen in total. before the bugles ordered them to war. freedom, which few countries can rival - our freedom among many things to go Jack welcomed everybody formally, Now we stand where they stood bushwalking in our wonderful country. A scout leader also reminded us of our debt to handing out song sheets as we jockeyed for and where they often must the fallen, & our hope for warfare to cease. The singing of the National Anthem have longed to go, position on the narrow outcrop. At 6am, as concluded our ceremony. the Wild Dogs ringed around us Jack was about to begin the service, the Next year will be the milestone of the ninetieth anniversary of the Gallipoli and the Cox’s down below. silence was broken by the plaintive call of a lone Lyrebird far below us somewhere landing & it will fall on a Monday holiday, with the weekend preceding it to give us down in the valley. plenty of time to walk out to Splendour Rock. We are therefore looking forward to a The service was simple; a hymn (the similar commemoration of Anzac Day at Splendour Rock next year, & hoping that View from Spendour rock photo Peter many more clubs will be able to join us.