CANBERRA

BUSHWALKING CLUB NEWSLETTER it Bushwalking Club Inc. GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume 53 Number 5 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org June 2017

GENERAL MEETING 7.30 pm Wednesday 21 June 2017

Walking in the Simpson Desert - to the rhythm of camels

Guest Speaker: Rosemary Purdie

Rosemary has visited the Simpson Desert for 2-4 weeks each year over the last three years, on camel-supported small group treks, collecting plants for the Australian National Herbarium. What is the desert like? What’s the day-to-day routine when you’re travelling with up to 20 camels and as many people? What is there to see (apart from sand) and do (apart from walk)? Come along and find out! Hughes Baptist Church Hall 32-34 Groom Street, Hughes

In this issue President’s Report Commentary - the new website Explore Tarlo NP Membership Review of May CBC meeting Trip report – Lady Northcote Ck Training and Safety report Thank you to volunteers Activity program Walks secretary‘s report Volunteer wanted Bulletin Board Editor CBC Committee members

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Committee Reports

Committee Reports From the President

The new Club website is being implemented. We are in this position because of the hard work and patience of Linda Groom who has been managing the project for over two years.

Linda has been assisted by many members who have tested various aspects of the system and I will name these people at the Annual General Meeting.

Roger Edwards our Membership Secretary, Andrew Meers our Web Manager and John Evans our Walk Secretary have also been investing many hours making sure that our Club infrastructure will work during the change-over. And while the new system was taking shape, David Briese made sure that our long-standing website worked well.

Linda conducted a very well attended training day in late May using the computer room at the National Library. Walk leaders, members and some of the Committee learnt how to make the most of the new system. But don’t worry if you were unable to take up the training opportunity. There are training resources on the new website.

In the future leaders will submit and manage walks in a different way and members will request walk bookings on line. The activity program will always be up to date and members will find it easier to identify activities and get out walking.

Lorraine Tomlins President

From the Membership Secretary

During the period 23 April to 18 May the Club welcomed 8 new members – Elizabeth Moore, Bruce Lipton, Ingrid Burt, Kevin Burt, Richard Hurley, Jenni Schofield, Pete Hegarty and Jared Hardy.

Half of these new members were motivated to join after viewing the Club website and booking on a walk.

The walk leaders who played a part in the recruitment of the new members were Phillip Starr, John Evans, Stan Marks, Tim Wright and Michael de Raadt.

Our current Club membership remains at 360. Even though we gained 8 new members,

there were 8 other people whose membership lapsed in this period. Membership fees 2016/2017 $33 per person Roger Edwards Membership Secretary

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Committee Reports

Training and Safety Report

Leader communications

When proposing walks for the Activity Program, leaders should always describe the walks accurately. They should describe the length of the walk, the height to be gained, the intended pace and importantly, the terrain to be traversed. Sometimes the walk will involve walking on a 4WD track or a foot track. At other times, the proposed route will be through untracked terrain – which may involve picking one’s way through light scrub, or even pushing through heavy scrub.

A leader should describe the planned conditions, and intending party members should objectively assess their own ability to cope with distance, pace, long hill climbs, or scrub. Often a leader will need to ask an intending walker about what walks she or he has done in the recent past in order to make an assessment as to whether the walker will be comfortable with the requirements of the walk.

It is good to challenge oneself a little, and to go on a walk which might be at the upper end of one’s ability. However, it is important to stretch oneself conservatively and incrementally. New walkers should experiment with medium length rough walks before graduating to long length rough walks, and they should discuss their progress with the leaders of prospective walks.

When on a walk, party members should communicate any discomfort to the leader. Perhaps the pace is too fast, or the walker would like an occasional rest. The author has a bad habit of not stopping for morning tea, and welcomes reminders from party members that such breaks are beneficial and allow a party to have some necessary food and drink. The author forgets, as other leaders forget. Leaders should also communicate with party members throughout the day – checking on levels of comfort and morale.

David Dedenczuk Training and Safety Officer

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Committee Reports

From the Walks Secretary

Congratulations to Lisa Quilter who led her first CBC walk last month. Twelve walkers enjoyed the day.

Walk leaders generally provide detail in walk descriptions so that you can self-assess whether a trip is suitable for your current abilities. Read them carefully and discuss your particular circumstances when you make your booking.

Understand the grading system, which you’ll find at the top of the Activity Program and on the web site. For example, a M/E grade walk might not be ‘Easy’ overall. The E means the terrain is easy. But the distance is 12-20 gradable km. And what’s a gradable km? It’s the distance to be walked plus 1km for every 100m of climb. So a ‘Medium’ walk could be a 12km walk with an 800m climb and that might not seem ‘Easy’!

For many years I have admired the work of Col McAlister and the Friends of Glenburn. They work tirelessly to conserve the Glenburn-Burbong historic precinct, located down Charcoal Kiln Road which turns off the Kings Highway around 10km east of Queanbeyan. There are three signed trails, great for a walk or mountain bike ride - Glenburn Heritage Trail, 10km return (3 hours walking, 1.5 hours cycling); Burbong Heritage Trail, 10km return (3 hours walking, 1.5 hours cycling); and Precinct Loop Trail, 12km loop (approximately 4 hours walking, 2 hours cycling).

The area contains early European structures, ruins, Glenburn Homestead slab hut plantings, graves, farm machinery and other sites dating back to the very first days of European Photo: John Evans settlement in the Canberra - Queanbeyan region. Well worth a look.

With the arrival of colder days, a brisk bushwalk is just the ticket. Do look through the Activity Program, contact the leader to book on a walk, and enjoy some fresh air.

Enjoy your walking and happy feet.

John Evans Walks Secretary

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Committee Reports

From The Editor Many thanks to those Club members who contributed some great articles to this month’s newsletter – Ian Wright for a description of an interesting and little known National Park; Ian Hickson for his trip report to a much loved area of Kosciusko; and Phillip Starr for a very positive perspective on the new website, which is soon to affect all of us in the way we book walks. It is always interesting to read about the adventures, experiences and views of others in the Club. If you have been on an interesting walk, or involved in any other activity related to bushwalking, think about sharing it through the newsletter. If you are unsure about how to write it or its relevance, then contact me to discuss – I am very happy to assist. Some photos to accompany your contribution always adds extra interest to an article.

Meredith Hatherly Editor

A Walk Leader’s Perspective on the New Website

It has been a long time since our members endorsed the committee’s recommendations to form a committee to develop new software for our Club. I found the idea exciting and I was especially interested in the prospect of online bookings for Club activities. The professional approach and the attention to detail is a credit to Linda Groom and her committee. This project has involved a huge commitment from those involved, especially from Linda Groom for whom it has been almost a full time endeavour. It was with pleasure and great anticipation that I accepted the recent invitation to attend a training session in the new CBC software. The new website is appealing, informative and easy to navigate. There are also many new features including being able to book and manage your bookings online. You will be able to search activities (e.g. by leader) and also view a record of activities in which you have participated. I am looking forward to discovering all the new features. From a leader’s perspective I find the new software every bit as exciting as I had hoped. Perhaps more so. The online booking system provides so much more information on prospective participants: for example all contact details, including an interactive map if pick up is required. Details of members’ previous walks help to assess the suitability of the current walk. I especially appreciate the improved methods of confirming bookings and communicating with the Walks Secretary and Check-in Officer. So the wait has been worthwhile. Thanks to Linda and her helpers the new software and website will strongly enhance the operations of our Club. Phillip Starr

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REVIEW OF MAY 2017 CLUB MEETING. The Alpine Weeds Project Guest speakers from Greening and NPWS

Since 2014 nearly fifty members of the Canberra Bushwalking Club have contributed over 300 volunteer days to a project with the NSW NPWS and Greening Australia to help survey and treat invasive weeds in the alpine and sub-alpine areas of Kosciuszko. Focus weeds have included sweet vernal grass, milfoil and, more recently, mouse-ear hawkweed. At the CBC monthly General Meeting on 17 May Ben Hanrahan from Greening Australia and Andrew Miller from the NSW NPWS gave the meeting a briefing on the project’s achievements to date and they also gave us an outline of future opportunities for CBC members to assist Beautiful scenery –CBC volunteers in a search line at them with their work. Hedley Tarn Photo Meredith Hatherly Both speakers were most appreciative of the work done by the CBC volunteers and the meeting attendees were shownPhoto Meredith a number Hatherly of graphs representing the progress achieved to date. Among these graphs, the one showing the preliminary 2016-2017 results for hawkweed eradication appeared to be particularly impressive. There has been an outbreak of the very aggressive orange hawkweed from the edge of the (KNP) in recent years and it is most gratifying to learn that the further spread of this weed is being effectively controlled through a system of containment and detection. However a small infestation of mouse-ear hawkweed is also present on the Main Range of the KNP and this too is being subject to these control measures. Our speakers stressed the importance of maintaining their respective organisation’s weed eradication capabilities with the continued assistance of their many volunteers, including those Is it a hawkweed? CBC volunteers 2015 Photo Meredith Hatherly from CBC. Andrew from NSW NPWS was pleased to advise that they now have new accommodation for their volunteers. However, he also noted that continuity of funding remains uncertain, despite the pressing need for more survey work to ensure there are no more weed infestations.

Review by Mark Peirce

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Thank You CBC Alpine Weed Project Volunteers

A thank you morning tea for CBC Alpine Weed Project volunteers and Greening Australia coordinator Haydn Burgess, hosted by CBC Conservation Officer Cynthia Burton at her home. April 2017

Photo Lois Padgham

Still Seeking a Volunteer for Club Meetings

The committee continues to seek a volunteer who would be willing to take on the role of technical assistant at general meetings.

Their responsibilities would be the projector, PA system and laptop, plus associated stands and leads. Training and support will be provided to help you get started. Sharing the role with someone else could also be an option. This is a straightforward monthly commitment which will contribute to the smooth running of the Club meetings. Any help will be very greatly appreciated.

The task each Wednesday meeting would be to set up the equipment ready for use, pack it up after the meeting and store it at home.

If you think you can help, please contact Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535 or [email protected]

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE

President: Lorraine Tomlins Editor: Meredith Hatherly [email protected] [email protected] 6248 0456 or 0434 078 496 6154 1513 or 0413 396 258

Treasurer: Julie Anne Clegg Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas [email protected] [email protected] 0402 118 359 +64 27 535 6176

Walks Secretary: John Evans Social Secretary: Jenny Horsfield [email protected] [email protected] 6294 8232 or 0417 436 877 6231 4535

General Secretary: Cynthia Coppock Publisher: David Williams [email protected] [email protected] 0408 266 501 or 6270 9010(w) Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards ————————————————————— [email protected] 6288 7863 All members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to Training and Safety Officer: David Dedenczuk [email protected] [email protected] 0417 222 154 Check in: [email protected]

Conservation Officer: Cynthia Burton Web site: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org [email protected] 0488 071 203 Web Manager: Andrew Meers [email protected]

Contributions for the newsletter

Your contributions are welcome in this newsletter. Send anything that you think might be relevant and of interest to Club members, perhaps a great walk you have been on, an interesting photo, ideas or articles that have caught your attention, perhaps a letter to the Editor if there is something you would like to say. If you send a photo, and it is not your own, you must have the owner’s permission to use it. The name of the photographer will be included unless they request otherwise. Please note that any article you send in may be edited to fit, or to correct spelling or other errors, or to better suit the requirements of the Club. The closing date for each issue of it is the fourth Wednesday of every month. Send contributions to [email protected]

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A GREAT PLACE TO WALK

Tarlo River National Park: South-Eastern Section

The Tarlo River National Park is located about 30 kilometres north-east of Goulburn and with an area of 80 square kilometres of rugged spur and gully country, including the 40 kilometre long Tarlo River gorge, it is an interesting area for overnight and day walks.

Access to most of the park, including the Tarlo River area, requires permission to cross private land. However there is public access to the south-eastern section from the Towrang Road. This section of the park contains two extensive outcrops of weathered conglomerate that can be visited as separate day trips, and there are a number of interesting smaller individual outcrops. Below the cliffs

The top of the outcrops offer good views of the park and can be safely accessed via scrambles up gullies and chutes. To fully appreciate the rocks, a circumnavigation of the base of the cliffs is recommended. Our party spent over two hours exploring the largest outcrop.

The walk into the rocks is through attractive woodlands with little scrub — there is a maze of small spurs and gullies to choose from.

Distance from Canberra: 250 km return

Middle conglomerate outcrop

Topographic Map: Chatsbury. The topographic map does not indicate the outcrops, but they are obvious on Google Earth.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has two documents containing useful sketch maps:

Tarlo River National Park, Fire Management Strategy Tarlo River National Park, Plan of Management

Article and photos by Ian Wright

Attractive open woodland and gullies

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A Great Place to Walk – Tarlo River National Park

Weathered rock shapes – we called this one More weathered conglomerate Snapper Rock

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TRIP REPORT

Lady Northcote Creek. 25 and 26 February 2017

Walkers: Ian Hickson and Trevor Lewis We left Charlotte Pass at 8:00am in fog with a light easterly blowing and followed the grey brick road over to the Main Range. At the Main Range we came out of the fog and had a clear view westward down into the Geehi Valley, 1,500m below us and further west over many ridge lines. We paused here for morning tea and then turned south following the Main Range Track to the outlet of Albina Lake which is the upper limit of Lady Northcote Creek. We then started the descent. The creek was rather full, certainly not in flood but with enough water in it that we spent most of our time walking in the vegetation beside the creek rather than being able to rock hop down the centre of the creek. The creek was very attractive with granite boulders and the deeper pools had a slight greenish tinge to them. There was also an expansive view down the creek into the depths of the . The upper section of the creek is flanked by alpine vegetation and this was generally easy going but as we descended we started to encounter some very thick regrowth with native Starting down Lady Northcote Creek raspberry vines that slowed us. We eventually came to the falls which had some beautifully scalloped holes in the creek bed above them. We decided to pass the falls on the true right and it was in the thick vegetation beside the falls that we also first encountered tangles of blackberry vine. The falls were very attractive especially with the good volume of water going over them. At 7:00pm we arrived at the aqueduct inlet structure. The bypass gate had been opened and there was construction equipment and materials near the structure. Trevor reasoned that as the bypass was open there wouldn’t be any water available near the Opera House hut from the aqueduct so we decided to camp on the vehicle track near the inlet structure. There was a strong cold wind blowing down the valley so we sheltered behind a rock and huddled around our stoves to cook dinner. Over dinner we discussed previous trips in this area, with Trevor remembering his first trip up Lady Northcote at age 19. He was a bit hazy on the detail of this trip. I had a well-deserved Top Falls tot of rum and we were in our tents and out of the cold wind by dusk. Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2017 page 11

Trip Report

We were away at 7:30 the next morning and stopped at the Opera House hut. A camper trailer occupied most of the flat behind the hut and the hut was full of cooking equipment and food. The steel cover over the access to the aqueduct that would normally be opened by people staying at the hut to get water had been chained shut. We had a quick look at the tunnel near Crags Creek and then started up this creek. Once again we were forced into the regrowth beside the creek which had blackberry vines in its lower levels and a lot of native raspberry vine for much of the ascent. Eventually we came out of the creek line and onto a boulder field which occupied most of the gully and which was much easier walking. Then from the boulder field we climbed onto an open scree slope that led to the saddle near Watsons Crags. There were excellent views down to Canyon Falls and the Geehi valley from the boulder field. From the saddle it was a quick walk on open grassland back to the Main Range Crags Creek track and then back along the grey brick road to the car arriving at Charlotte Pass at 5:00pm. The last programmed Club walk down Lady Northcote Creek was in 1997. Much has changed since the 2003 fires and the regrowth has obliterated many of the old walking tracks and routes in this area and the regrowth and steep grades generally makes progress slow. Despite these difficulties it is an interesting and spectacular area to walk in and I am keen to return there.

Article and photos by Ian Hickson

Trevor and view west

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ACTIVITY PROGRAM for JUNE it 2017 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 Costs are 38¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This Distance: amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on (S) Short – under 12 km/day the condition of the roads and other factors. The figures given are (M) Medium – 12–20 km/day for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an (L) Long – over 20 km/day estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping fees are Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres additional costs which leaders should list separately. climbed. Duty of care Terrain: Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that (E) Easy – fire trail, tracks, beaches etc (M) Medium – bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or damage to (R) Rough – much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles 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 trips. (X) Exploratory However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the Club after a maximum of three trips.

Booking For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Contact the leader early rather than late so the leader has time to arrange transport. See walk description for booking deadline. Check-in after walks Check with the leader about: Before a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names of  the need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc. their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their safe  appropriate clothing, footwear return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Officer, David Dedenczuk ([email protected] 0417 222 154 leave  any precautions you might need to take for severe weather message if no answer). In the event that you are late returning, changes. Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to worried relatives should contact the Check-in Officer or the Walks our Club. Secretary (6294 8232 or 0417 436 877) in the first instance, not the Police or other bodies.

Equipment hire Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise stated Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equipment. The Equipment Officer is Rob Horsfield, who can be contacted on 6231 4535(h) or to Wednesday walks borrow the Northside PLB, Lorraine Tomlins, 62480456 or Two walks one Medium/Easy and one Medium/Hard, are 434078496. conducted most Wednesdays. Walks are conducted in turn by leaders from the Canberra Bushwalking Club (CBC), The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are Brindabella Bushwalking Club (BBC – Peter set out below. Hirers are responsible for collecting and returning [email protected] and Kathy [email protected]) the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for and National Parks Association ACT (NPA - Mike S, 0412 179 members who are ‘first time’ weekend walkers. 907). Destination and meeting place details are emailed a A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, few days before each walk. (BBC and NPA leaders as listed in depending on the condition of the items upon return and whether the activity program). they are returned late. Control your receipt of Wednesday Walk emails via your membership profile. Contact John, co-ordinator of Item w.e./week Wednesday Walks, via Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 [email protected] for general Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 Snow tent $15 / $40 enquiries. If you are not a member of CBC, BBC or NPA you 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 must contact the leader before the walk to discuss the level Assorted packs $5 / $15 of difficulty and must be accompanied on the walk by a Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 sponsoring member. Please note that leaders retain the right Snow shoes/poles $10 / $25 to not accept any walker. Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40

Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions) GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use)

Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting and returning gear.

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Activity Program June it 2017

Saturday 17 June: Nursery Swamp and Rendezvous Creek – M/E-M (Rescheduled from 20 May). Walk some old favourite tracks and routes. Visit Nursery Swamp walking all on track. Nursery Swamp is one of the outstanding fens of its type on the Australian mainland. A ‘fen’ is a wetland where sedge plants grow closely together leaving no areas of open water. Return to Nursery Creek and walk the route across and down to Rendezvous Creek. 1km down the creek are cascades. A geocache at each destination. Around 15km and 600m climb. Map: Rendezvous Creek. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] . Transport: ∼$10 per person.

Sunday 18 June: Cooleman Ridge - S/E This circuit takes us from the northern-most end of the Cooleman Ridge along a well- defined equestrian trail for much of the walk, with views from the northwest around to the south across grassy pastoral leases to the multiple mountain ranges. From the top of Mt Arawang there are spectacular views in all directions. The last part of the walk is along the ridge top and around the backs of houses, overlooking the suburb of Chapman and across to Black Mountain. The total distance is only 11km but with some steep sections. Total ascent 350m. Home for lunch. Map: http://www.environment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/390589/cnpmapcooleman.pdf Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 281 096 [email protected] Book: by 2pm Friday 16 June.

Wednesday 21 June: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman (E-M leader Robyn Gallagher, M-H leader Peter Dalton).

Wednesday 21 June: Club General Meeting: Walking in the Simpson Desert with camels. 7.30pm Hughes Baptist Church Hall 32-34 Groom Street, Hughes

Saturday 24 June: Serenity Rocks - M/M Park the cars near the junction of the Palerang and Jinglemoney fire trails. After about 20 minutes on the fire trail, head off along a clear footpad to Serenity Rocks for lunch with spectacular views before returning to the cars. A pleasant and relatively easy walk, about 10km, 200m climb, about 4 hrs walking. Map: Bombay. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 [email protected]. Transport: $20.

Saturday 24 June: Tidbinbilla Skyline, northern section – M-L/R Walk up the Camel Back Fire Trail from the Mountain Creek car park in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Walk the crest of the Tidbinbilla Range following the Skyline route up through Johns Peak, SH1491 to Tidbinbilla Peak. I hear the route has been cleared, so it should be quick walking. Exit via the SE spur, slow and scrubby. Around 13km and 700m climb. If time, energy and inclination allow, a side trip to The Pimple, adding 5km and 200m climb. Map: Tidbinbilla. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] . Transport: ∼$5 per person.

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Activity Program June it 2017

Saturday-Sunday 24-25 June: Beginner snowshoe, Kosciuszko NP – S-M/M Based in Jindabyne for 2 nights from Friday evening. We will select walks based on snow conditions and group capability near Perisher, Thredbo, and Guthega. A chance to learn to drive some of CBC’s new snowshoes. After our first day, enjoy a winter BBQ by Lake Jindabyne on Saturday evening while we plan tomorrow’s adventure. Maps: Perisher Valley, Geehi Dam, Chimneys Ridge. Leader: Rowan Peck, [email protected] Transport: ~$170 per car plus Park entry fees if applicable. Bring a bottle of wine for accommodation in Jindabyne. Bookings: By email, before 5 pm Tuesday 20 June. CBC snowshoes are booked for this trip, or hire locally. Limit: 10 (nearly full).

Wednesday 28 June: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by CBC John Danaro [email protected] (E–M leader John Danaro) and NPA Mike Smith (M-H leader Barrie Ridgway).

Saturday 1 July: Hardy Range geocaching – M/M-R Drive to the bottom of Hardy Hill. Walk up an old fire trail to the top for geocache GCWE2M Hardy ha ha. Next, walk the crest of the Hardy Range generally to the SW, first following an old vehicle track alignment which finally peters out, then off-track. We’ll find geocache GC15Z1V Rocky Road. A southerly arc down to Cotter Hill and its stony cairn, then steeply down to Pipeline Road. Walk back up Pipeline Road to the start. Around 12km (4km of which is off-track) and 500m climb. Maps: and Tidbinbilla. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] . Transport: ∼$10 per person.

Sunday 2 July: , Uriarra Crossing to Coppins Crossing – M/R Walk upstream from Uriarra Crossing to Coppins Crossing through lichen-encrusted gorges and whispering Casuarinas. 10 km walk, climb 200 m. River crossings required and slippery rocks to be negotiated. Some light scrub. Car shuffle required. Maps: Canberra, Cotter, Umburra. Leader: David Dedenczuk 0417 222 154 or [email protected] . Contact leader before COB Thursday 29 June. Meet at Cooleman Court car park at 8:00 am. Transport: 20 km, $7 per car.

Wednesday 5 July: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman (E-M leader Peter Ford, M-H leader Peter Dalton).

Saturday 8 July: Mulligans Flat - S/E We will meet at the Mulligans Flat car park, Amy Ackman St, Forde and spend a few hours ambling around the park. This is my favourite Nature Park and I’ve been there probably 200 times over the years. Come and enjoy it with me. Home for lunch. Map: Hall: Book direct with leader by email. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

Saturday 8 July: Tidbinbilla Tromp – L/E Walk up the Devils Gap Fire Trail to the crest of the SE rim of the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. An optional short ascent of The Pyramid. Follow fire trails through the old Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest area (now part of TNR) to Mushroom Rock. Back up to Gibraltar Peak, then down to the ring road. Around 14km and 800m climb. 6 geocaches. Map: Tidbinbilla. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] Transport: ∼$5 per person.

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Activity Program June it 2017

Saturday-Sunday 8-9 July: Snowshoeing, Pryors Hut – M/E Day 1: A morning walk up Stockyard Spur Track to Pryors Hut. We will don the CBC’s new snowshoes and explore the Mt Gingera and Brumby Flats area during the afternoon. Approx 10 km, 600 climb. Camping by Pryors Hut (fire place/pit toilet). Day 2: A leisurely departure and return down Stockyard Spur track. Approx 8 km 200 m climb. Map: . Leader: Sean Sunley 0433 073 959, [email protected] Transport: ~ $40 per car. Book: Preferably by email before 1800 Thu. Limit: 8.

Wednesday 12 : July: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by CBC John Danaro [email protected] (E–M leader Robin Cayzer; M-H leader Jenny Horsfield).

Saturday 15 July: Wild Cattle Creek - M/M This walk is south of Captains Flat in the Tallaganda National Park. It is a wander, mostly off track, along ridges through light, open forest and along the wide, open valley of Wild Cattle Creek and other watercourses. About 10km and 4 hrs actual walking. Map: Tinderry. Leader: Stan Marks, 6254 9568, [email protected] Transport: ~$20.

Saturday 15 July: Mt Coree – L/E All on fire trails from Blundells Flat. Up Curries Rd, along Two Sticks Rd, past the Coree Camp Ground on Pabral Rd and up the Coree Summit Rd. Excellent views on a clear day. Return clockwise around Pabral Rd. 2 geocaches. Around 19km, 800m climb and 6 hours. Map: Cotter Dam. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] . Transport: ~$8 per person.

Wednesday 19 July: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman (E-M leader Robyn Gallagher, M-H leader Barrie Ridgway).

Wednesday 19 July: CBC General Meeting: 7.30pm Hughes Baptist Church Hall 32-34 Groom Street, Hughes

Friday 21 July: Burley Griffin Ramble Part 1 - L/E Day 1 of a four day circuit of and some nearby ridges and hills. Sign up for the full walk or just come for a day or two. From Yarralumla we'll head to Weston Park and on to the National Arboretum before finishing at Black Mountain. Map: Canberra. Leader: Terence Uren [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

Friday evening-Sunday 21-23 July: Whites River Hut snowshoe, Kosciuszko NP – S–M/M After camping at Island Bend on Friday night, we start early Saturday from Munyang following the fire trails up Schlinks Pass to Horse Camp Hut and on to Whites River Hut for an overnight stay. Share or build your skills snow camping, and in emergency alpine shelters. Return via the opposite side of the valley to Munyang on Sunday. About 20km and 450m climbing and descent on alpine fire trails. Map: Geehi Dam. Leader: Rowan Peck 0412 041957. Bookings: [email protected] by 8pm Wednesday 19th July. Transport: about $160 per car from Canberra, plus park entry fees if applicable. Limit: 8.

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Activity Program June it 2017

Saturday 22 July: Pinnacle to Black Mt - S/E Meet 8.30am at the car park at the end of Frith St behind the Black Mt CSIRO and near the electricity substation. We will then car shuffle to Dungowan St, Hawker where we will start the walk at about 8.45. We will walk through the Pinnacle Reserve and then walk to Mt Painter, with good views to the Brindabellas, then lunch near the Aranda Bushland. Back to the cars via Black Mt Reserve by 2pm. Map: Canberra. Leader: Jenny Stewart 62864059 [email protected]. Co-leader Stan Marks. Transport: drive yourself but please book as I may need to ask you to give someone a ride.

Saturday 22 July: Burley Griffin Ramble Part 2 - L/E Day 2 of a four day circuit of Lake Burley Griffin and some nearby ridges and hills. Sign up for the full walk or just come for a day or two. From Black Mountain we'll head through ANU and then follow the lake shoreline to Acton, Kings Park, , Grevillea Park, Molonglo Reach, Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Bowen Park, Reconciliation Place and Lennox Gardens. Map: Canberra. Leader: Terence Uren [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

Sunday 23 July: Burley Griffin Ramble Part 3 - L/E Day 3 of a four day ramble circuit of Lake Burley Griffin and some nearby ridges and hills. Sign up for the full walk or just come for a day or two. We leave the lake today and head along Stirling Ridge on the way to Red Hill Nature Reserve, Mt Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Isaacs Ridge and Farrer Ridge. Maps: Canberra, Tuggeranong. Leader: Terence Uren [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

Monday 24 July: Burley Griffin Ramble Part 4 - L/E The final day of our four day circuit of Lake Burley Griffin and some nearby ridges and hills will take us back to where we began via Mt Taylor, Oakey Hill, Curtin Horse Paddocks and the Old Canberra Brickworks. Maps: Canberra, Tuggeranong. Leader: Terence Uren [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

Wednesday 26 July: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by CBC John Danaro [email protected] (E–M leader Peter Ford) and NPA Mike Smith (M-H leader Philip Gatenby).

Wednesday 26 July - Tuesday 8 August: Ridges and gorges of Razorback, West MacDonnells M/R/partly X You will need to be in Alice Springs on Tues 25 July and not leave until Wed 9 August. Two walks, mainly off-track, in the West Macs. Week 1: Six days exploring the narrow ridges and gorges on the western side of Mt Razorback from base camps by delightful pools in Crawford Creek, and returning to Redbank Gorge. I don’t know what we will find, but it looks spectacular! Off-track walking with steep climbs and scrambles, possibly wet. Week 2: Eight days along the seldom-visited north side of the Chewings Range between Ellery Creek and Hugh Gorge, including Peak Alone (unnamed, 1179 metres), sections of the main ridgeline and small gorges, with explorations at the northern end of Hugh Gorge. Also on the CMW program. Maps: West MacDonnell NP Maps 1 and 2. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902 [email protected] Transport: $ lots. Return flights to Alice Springs plus bus transport to start and end of walks ~$250. This trip is now full.

Saturday 29 July: London Bridge and - S/E Starting at the London Bridge car park, we will walk to London Bridge itself, a natural arch, and on to Washpen Crossing at the southern end of Googong Dam. From there, to the London homestead and back to the cars. A flat walk. Map: Hoskinstown. Leader: Stan Marks, 6254 9568, [email protected] Transport: $10 per person.

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Activity Program June it 2017

Saturday 29 July: Callaghan Hill – M/M, ptX A loop on management trails and off-track in the northern part of the Rob Roy Nature Reserve east of Conder. The walk begins with a 300m climb over 3km, passing through Big Monks with views to Mt Tennent, Booroomba Rocks and the Tidbinbilla Range. The track dips then climbs again for views over the solar farm beside the Highway. Around 12km and 700m climb. Map: Tidbinbilla. Leader: John Evans 0417 436 877 [email protected] . Transport: ∼$5 per person.

Saturday 29 July - Sunday 3 September: Central Australia - M/M Three weeks in the red centre visiting the Western Macdonnells (including sections of the Larapinta Track), Watarrka, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and more, camping beside the cars and doing day walks. We will also spend a week driving there and another week coming back seeing interesting places along the way. Leaders: Linda Stone and Jeff Bennetts [email protected] There are eight coming so far; a few more could come as long as another vehicle (4WD or AWD) is made available. Please make, by email, an expression of interest without delay if you would like to join us.

Wednesday 2 August: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman (E-M leader Leigh Hermann, M-H leader Prue Deacon).

Saturday 12 August: Centennial Trail, Mulligans Flat to Hall - M/E Park the cars next to the public toilets in the park off Gladstone St, Hall. We will car shuffle to Mulligans Flat from where we will walk back to Hall along the Centenary Trail. The walk is about 14km and has many good views. Map: Hall. Leader: Stan Marks, 6254 9568, [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

Wednesday 16 August: CBC General Meeting: 7.30pm Hughes Baptist Church Hall 32-34 Groom Street, Hughes

Sunday 20 August: Spit Bridge to Manly – S/E This is a lovely coastal walk taking in some of Sydney Harbour’s best sights, sounds, and smells. 10km on a mix of beach, track, and pathway. The perfect way to round out a weekend if you happen to be in Sydney, for say, a major Rugby game the night before (Australia vs NZ). Aiming to be finished in time for a lunchtime ride on the ferry back to the city. Details: see http://short-walks.com.au/new-south- wales/sydney/spit-bridge-to-manly-walk/. Leader: Rowan Peck ph 0412 041957 [email protected] Transport: Make your own way to Sydney, or contact the leader for other options. Public Transport to and from Sydney city. Book: preferably by email by Tuesday 15th August. Limit: None.

Saturday 26 August: Snow shoe walk around Perisher valley - M/E Meet at Perisher NPWS station for a 9:30am start. Follow marked trails around and perhaps venture into back country around Perisher with at least one stop at a coffee shop for refreshment. Route will be varied depending on the party and may take us past Mount Perisher or to Porcupine Rocks. Suitable for fairly fit beginners. Snow shoes can be hired from the Club or in Jindabyne. It is recommended that participants go up the previous day and camp at Jindabyne or in the Park as the leader will. If coming up for the day a 5:30am departure from Canberra may be necessary. Maps: Perisher and snow shoe walking maps available from NPWS station. Leader: Tim Wright 6281 2275, 0409 847 534 [email protected] Book: by 9pm Thursday 24 August. Transport: $38 per person plus Park entry. Limit: 12.

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Activity Program June it 2017

Saturday 26 August: Wild Cattle Flat - S/E-M Climb via fire trail east of Captains Flat to the trig station atop the Bollard Ridge from which there are views to the west. Then follow the ridge as it descends through open forest until you cross Ballinafad Creek. Lunch on a hill above the creek, then cross Wild Cattle Flat and back to the cars through open forest. All on track or easy off track. 8km, 300m total climb, about 4 ½ hrs actual walking. Map: Tinderry. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, [email protected] Transport: ~$20.

Tuesday evening 29 August: Navigation refresher #1 An evening with map and compass This is at the home of Jenny and Rob Horsfield 62314535(h). [email protected].

Tuesday 5 September: Navigation refresher #2 An evening dead-reckoning exercise – S/E This revisits the techniques of navigation for conditions of minimal visibility using a ramble out from Jenny and Rob’s home. 6231 4535(h). [email protected].

Saturday 9 September: Navigation refresher #3 Position fixing – M/M This is a day-ramble in the hills and on the river at the back of Kambah consolidating position finding techniques. ~200 m climb and 15 km distance. Map: Tuggeranong. Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h), [email protected].

Saturday-Sunday 16-17 September: Navigation refresher #4 Sentry Box Mountain – M/R Off track in the Namadgi. Day 1: Naas car park, Waterhole Hut– Sheep Station Creek–Lutons Hut. ~200climb and 10 km distance. Day 2: Lutons–Sentry Box and return as a side trip, Naas Valley to the car park. ~600climb and 12 km distance. Map: Yaouk. Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h). [email protected]. Transport: ~$48 per car.

Tuesday evening 19 September: Navigation refresher #5 Introduction to GPS An evening at the home of Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h), [email protected].

Saturday 23 September: Navigation refresher #6 Use of GPS to navigate – S/E Revisiting #2 using Waypoints and Routes. Map: Tuggeranong. Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h), [email protected].

Thursday evening 28 September: Navigation refresher #7 GPS and PC software An evening demonstration of PC software and digital maps to plan and analyse trips recorded on a GPSr. 0417 436 877. [email protected] to book.

Sunday 15 – Saturday 28 October: Sundown, Girraween, Bald Rock, Richmond Ranges NPs - M/M Weeks 3 and 4 of October. Approx two weeks of car camping with day and overnight walking in a selection of these and possibly other NPs in Southern Queensland and Northern NSW. There are two 2-3 day walks in Sundown NP and day walks of different lengths in them all. Spectacular spring flowers in some, rainforest in Richmond Range. Also on the CMW program. Maps: See leader. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 5902; [email protected]. Transport: $$$.

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Activity Program June it 2017

Saturday-Sunday 21–22 October: S24C#7 – Hospital Creek Hut – S/E Day 1: Starting at Yankee Hat Picnic Area we will visit Yankee Hat Rock Art, cross Bogong Creek, then a short cross country section through open forest to Old Boboyan Road. Camping by Hospital Creek Hut (Water Tank/Fire Place). Day 2: A morning return by Old Boboyan Road, Gudgenby Reforestation Area and ACT Forest Hut. Ideal bush break for busy people. Suitable as an overnight pack trip for beginners. Map: Yaouk. Leader: Sean Sunley 0433 073959 [email protected]. Transport: ≈ $50 per car. Book: Preferably by e-mail before 1800 Thu. Limit: 16.

Wednesday 25 October: Long Flat and Burnt Hill, – M/E From the car park next to the Mt Clear Campground we walk through the foothills of the Clear Range along the Long Flat Fire Trail, initially to the South South-West for 1.7km, and then turning to the South-East near the junction with Burnt Hill Fire Trail. We continue along the Long Flat Fire Trail for another 7km to Long Flat where the trail swings, in a meandering way, roughly towards the South-West soon meeting the Carey Fire Trail which runs along the ACT's southern border with NSW. We turn right at the border, following the undulating path of the Carey Fire Trail westward for 4.8km until we reach Burnt Hill. From there we turn right again, this time into the Burnt Hill Fire Trail for 3.6km, mostly along Grassy Creek, back to the cars. Around 17km and 410m climb. Maps: Bredbo, Colinton and Shannons Flat. Leader: Mark Peirce 0405 357 654 [email protected] Transport: Driving distance 108km return. Pay $13 to drivers.

Wednesday-Friday 1-3 November: Mt Jagungal from Round Mountain - L/M Mid week walk to Mt Jagungal from Round Mountain. A spring amble to 2061m the highest point in Kosciuszko north of the main range, views from Namadgi to Mt Bogong in Victoria. Camping near the source of the . The walk is on fire trail and footpad. Around 30km and 500m climb. Requires 4 season tents and cold weather sleeping bags. Map: Jagungal. Leader: Peter Conroy 62814917 [email protected] Transport: Cars to Round Mt carpark. Limit: 10.

Wednesday 1 November – Sunday 31 December: Walking Track with Mac Kirby – L/R,ptX I plan to walk the Australian Alps Walking Track in the spring / early summer of 2017. I expect to take about a fortnight for each of the three sections: Walhalla to Hotham, Hotham to Thredbo, Thredbo to Tharwa. I plan to take a couple of days break between sections (i.e. in Hotham and in Thredbo). I will welcome companions for the whole walk or for parts of it. Exact dates and other details to be worked out to suit the party. Please communicate any expression of interest. Maps: tba. Leader: Mac Kirby 0422 585 519, [email protected]

Saturday 11 November: Stockyard Spur, Pryors Hut and Mt Gingera - L/M The walk will start from Corin Dam. We will then climb steeply up Stockyard Spur to Pryors Hut where we'll have a very well-earned morning tea. From there we climb to Mount Gingera for lunch and magnificent views. Expect snow gums and alpine meadows and a chance to reacquaint yourself with your quads and hammies as this walk is about 20 km and a total climb of 1150 m. A good level of fitness is definitely required. Map: Corin Dam. Leader: Terrylea Reynolds 0408715218 [email protected] Transport: $10 per person. Book: by 2pm, Wednesday 8 November.

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Activity Program June it 2017

Saturday-Sunday 2-3 December: – M/E This is a good introductory trip for day walkers who would like to try out overnight camping. It also provides an opportunity to climb Bimberi Peak (1913 metres), the highest peak in the ACT. We'll depart Canberra at 1:00pm on Saturday and drive via Adaminaby to the locked gate at the northern end of Pockets Saddle Road. With overnight packs we'll walk to Oldfields Hut where we'll camp overnight (3.5 km). The next morning, with day packs only, we'll take the trail to Murrays Gap (4.5 km and 200 metres climb). We'll ascend Bimberi Peak from Murrays Gap following a footpad to the summit (3 km and 390 metre climb). Following morning tea with fabulous 360 degree views we'll return along the same route back to Oldfields Hut for lunch and then back to the car. Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Rules Point or Rooftop's Kosciuszko Northern Activities. Leader: Gerald Dodgson 0438119803 [email protected] Transport: Approximately 350 km, $140 per car, $35-45 per person. Book: by 2pm, Thursday 30 November. Limit: 16.

Bulletin Board

The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if people participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance. Notices for the Bulletin Board should be emailed to the Walks Secretary [email protected] Hone your navigation – go rogaining! Rogaining is bushwalking that emphasises navigation and strategy. You can be as competitive or as relaxed as you like. The 2017 ACT rogaining calendar is now out at http://www.act.rogaine.asn.au For further information, contact Jonathan Miller on 6161 5131

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