Crossing Volume 35 below Mt Thomas Jones, Issue 1 Blue Mts NP Summer 2010 Photo: Trevor Henderson, , Newcastle Bushwalking Club Victoria

Contributions of interesting, especially typical and spectacular bushwalking photos are sought. you don’t want the same photographers all the time, do you?

Camp at Four Ways, Upper Geehi River, Photo: Roger Caffin Kocsiusko NP Walk Safely—Walk with a Club

T h e Bushwalker From the The Official Publication of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 editor’s desk. . . ISSN 0313 2684 ne of the articles in this issue is a continuation of the Adventure Activities Standards (AAS) saga. My thanks to Leonie Bell for the article. I have added to the article an extract from the Minutes of Editor: Roger Caffin O [email protected] the Confederation covering this. Further contributions on the subject will Graphic Design & Assembly: be happily accepted. Barry Hanlon However, you will have to suffer another addition to this article, this time from me. Don flack jackets, because I have spoken a little bit of my mind Confederation Officers: on this. In my opinion, the entire AAS thing is mindless bureaucracy being President: Dodie Green driven by vested interests with zero knowledge of Club Bushwalking. Administration Officer: Furthermore, I do not accept that the Standards have any relevance or [email protected] applicability to Confederation Clubs. I would argue that we should simply inform the AAS people that we do not accept that they have any legal Website: www.bushwalking.org.au applicability to clubs of volunteers. We should not lie down and be driven Address all correspondence to: over. PO Box 119, Newtown, NSW 2042 I do agree that the AAS may be needed to bring commercial adventure/quick-thrill organisations under control, and to improve the The Confederation of Bushwalking way parties of school children and church groups are taken into the bush, Clubs NSW Inc represents but those are situation of for-profit where there is a legal duty of care. approximately 66 Clubs with a total The organisers of those situations are presenting themselves as being membership of about 8,700 competent to lead ‘customers’. Europe, New Zealand and even America bushwalkers. have professional Guides Associations to handle these things, but in none of those countries do the ‘authorities’ make any attempt to even imagine Formed in 1932, the Confederation that they could or should have anything to do with volunteer clubs or provides a united voice on behalf of all individuals. bushwalkers on conservation, access and other issues. There is more, but you will have to read the article.

People interested in joining a bush- Articles for Publication walking club may write to the Clubs and members are encouraged to submit relevant articles, with a very strong Confederation Administration preference for those with good pictures. Both the author and the author’s club will [email protected] feature in the Byline - this is a good way to advertise YOUR club. We will also accept for a list of Clubs, but a far more articles from outside bodies where the articles seem relevant to members. useful on-line list is available at the Articles may be edited for length and content to help fit into our page limit. Pictures Confederation website should be sent at maximum available resolution: at least 300 dpi, preferably in their www.bushwalking.org.au, original unedited form. JPG, PDF or TIFF formats are preferred. The text should be broken up into areas. There’s lots of sent as a plain text file (*.txt), NOT as a Word file (*.doc). I repeat, please send other good stuff there too, including the pictures separate from the text file; do NOT send them embedded in a Word doc the bushwalking FAQ. file. Pictures taken from a Word doc file are simply not good enough and won’t be published. And, of course, the Editor is always interested in receiving bushwalking books and maps for review. All enquiries should be sent to [email protected]. Please note that opinions expressed by authors may not represent the official opinions of the Confederation or any Club. The Editor’s opinions are his own. Roger Caffin Editor

Su b scri b e to T h e B u sh wal k er Index Keep u p w i t h al l t h e n ew s an d devel o pm en t s Don’t you wish you were here? 2 h appen i n g i n t h e NSW bu sh w al k i n g scen e fo r From the Editor’s Desk 3 o n l y $10 per y ear. Th i s i s t o co ver po st i n g an d h an dl i n g: t h e m agaz i n e i t sel f i s free. Exploring more of the Wolgan Capertee Divide 4 Two Weeks in the Corbières - SW France 7 Sen d y o u r n am e an d address an d ch equ e o r m o n ey o rder t o t h e Con fed erati on of B u sh - Martindale Creek 9 wal k i n g Cl u b s NSW In c, PO Bo x 119, New - Mt Bartle Frere and Hinchinbrook Island 11 t o w n NSW 2042. Th e n ew ph o n e n u m ber i s 9565 4005. M ak e t h e ch equ e o r m o n ey o rder Adventure Activity Standards 13 pay abl e t o t h e Con fed erati on of B u sh wal k - Extract From Federation Minutes 15 i n g Cl u b s NSW In c as w el l : pl ease do n o t ab- Editorial Comment 15 brevi at e t h e n am e! Pl ease i n di cat e w h i ch i ssu e y o u w an t y o u r su b- scri pt i o n t o st art w i t h . W e do n ’ t w an t t o du pl i - Errata: The article in the last issue on Mt Kinabalu had the wrong author. cat e co pi es y o u al ready h ave. Both the article and the photos come from Steve Deards. Our apologies about this.

Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 The Bushwalker | 3 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club Exploring more of the Wolgan Capertee Divide

Michael Keats, The Bush Club

edge of Portion 58 of the Parish of walking south at 0950 through surveyed Goollooinboin. It also outcrops on Crown portions 55, 56, 57 and 58 along the road, Creek. passing the junction with the Meadows Of significant interest to bushwalkers Trail near portion 57. and shown on the same map is an old From about this point we could see the bridle track that commences west of stunning cliffs of the Blue Rock and the Crown Creek on the north west slopes of unique flora dominated by Xanthorrheas. Pantoneys Crown, crosses Crown Creek At 1015 we stood in the shade at the base Grass trees by the ton eastwards through portion 52, heads of the Blue Rock – a shear wall of south up an extended northern spur from limestone rising almost 100 m (Carne's oseph Edmund Carne, Assistant Gov- Mount Stewart for about 4.5 km before it 300 feet) from the valley floor. We ernment Geologist, in his ‘Geology enters and then passes through the stopped here in the shade for morning Jand Mineral Resources of the West- Hughes Defile emerging on the talus slope tea. ern Coalfield, 1908’ makes reference to in the Wolgan Valley. While having morning tea we observed the ‘Blue Rocks’. On page 245 of this Direct access to this area is now the very different vegetation that clothes weighty tome he writes, effectively closed to the public by the face of the Blue Rock. The largest privately held land, so the question was species are Figs (Ficus sp) and Kurrajongs ‘Blue Rocks consists of a massive outcrop how to gain access and take a party of (Brachychiton populneus). We also noted of greyish – blue limestone, with a vertical walkers to visit the Blue Rocks and that the presence of Xanthorrhea sp, face about 300 feet in height, which has experience walking the historic bridle which delineate the limestone outcrop been caused by the undermining and trail. Using my network of contacts boundary. A range of smaller plants was solvent action of the water of Crown suitable arrangements were made. It also observed but there was no time to Swamp Creek along a joint plane. The should be noted each of these iconic carry out an audit. Suffice to say the water disappears at this point, and is not destinations can be reached by walking in vegetation on the limestone is in stark seen above ground for about 3 miles, from McLeans Pass to the west, but a 3- contrast to the surrounding area. where it trickles over bars of travertine.’ day walk would be needed and carrying Morning tea break over we ascended a sufficient water would be an issue. The long ramp to the east that leads all the The reference continues with an area is a bit dry. way to the top of the Blue Rock. assessment of the economics of exploiting The Crown Creek road drive down Unfolding views were special in every the deposit (fortunately not viable even in through the properties traversed typical direction. Never to be forgotten views of 1908) and a detailed chemical analysis. glorious scenery of the NSW Central West. the Tayan Pic (to the far north) and The Geological map of Portion of the It was so dramatic that I stopped Pantoneys Crown (immediately west) Capertee and Wolgan Valleys, JE Carne frequently to capture images so good they were enjoyed. On the top of the cliff the 1901 shows the extent of this small could not be passed by – unique ancient Xanthorrheas were interspersed with deposit, which is located on the eastern gums, glowing sandstone cliffs, serried viciously spined Spinifex sp These two rolling wooded hills, dry creeks and species delineate the massive limestone waving native grasses, and, in the blue area. distance a profiled skyline definitive of the Capertee Valley. I was captivated. eaving the top of the Blue Rock we At 0940 we parked at the NP&WS Lfollowed a saddle and then crossed a locked gate. It is quite anomalous in that series of ridges following the contours on for the remainder of the road private ‘in- what appeared to be a well-frequented holdings’ alternate with land under the animal track. From observed droppings control of the NP&WS. After briefing and we think it is probably a wild goat track. checking water supplies we starting The numerous vegetation changes were

Orchid Dipodium punctatum

The top of Blue Rock

4 | The Bushwalker Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club

false gullies thinking we were entering into the northern end of Hughes Defile. These gullies were dry beyond the imagination and as the day continued to warm up the rock sections reflected the rising heat. Our water consumption rose. At 1140 we picked up the unmistakable line of the old bridle track. Looking upwards, the exposed rocky profile of Mount Stewart was very conspicuous while the ground under our feet was now devoid of even soil cover. It was harsh, dry and barren. Anxious to reach the shade and hopefully cooler conditions within the defile we pushed on losing and then finding what could be remnants of the old trail. Given that over 100 years has elapsed since it was in active use, we did rather well. The rate of climb in the defile is continuous and nearly 400 m of elevation are gained over 2.5 km. There are many sections of bare rock and very deep, dry and slippery groundcover of old leaves Heading up around Mt Stewart and bark. It is not until you actually enter the throat of the defile that the rate of The limestone face of Blue Rock frequent and distinct. We passed through climb eases and the vegetation changes stands of White Box, Iron Bark and once more. Under normal circumstances Cypress interspersed with the ever present the defile would be a beautiful place with the general specifications seemed to be Xanthorrheas and Spinifex. At times we epiphytic encrusted rocks and carpets of right. observed complete hillsides covered in Blechnum sp ferns. On the day it was At 1310 we arrived at the crest (and nothing but Xanthorrheas. desiccated and most species showed signs watershed) within Hughes Defile. It is Progressing along this track the views of extreme water stress. remarkable for being dominated by a over the Capertee Valley are magnificent. bout half way along Hughes Defile we large, centrally positioned, almost circular As we rounded the northern extension of Afound what we believe to be the sandstone boss (pagoda) about 30 m high a spur of Mount Stewart, the recently deceased remains of a Greater and about the same diameter, with an Xanthorrheas disappeared, the Glider(1) (Petaurides volans). Much of the even more remarkable continuous cave understorey became scrappy, and at times animals fur was still intact and it was right around the circumference. The cave unpleasant. We walked up a couple of photographed. The shape of the head and has been used for camping, and going by

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east. Here in an overhang was a small cairn marking a unique pass up through a canyon like slot onto the pagodas above. It is a short climb to the top where the views are rewarding. Turning the head south provided a good view over part of the Wolgan Valley and the phallic, bare rock protuberance of Cape Horn; turning the head north was a view of the pagoda-edged alignment of Hughes Defile and the spread of the Capertee Valley. Took photos but the haze made for poor definition of the images. Returned to the cave and retrieved our packs before starting out on the return journey. At least in the heat of the day we were headed down hill. s we descended passed now familiar Afeatures and at 1520 intersected first with a fence and then with the Meadows Fire Trail. From here we continued walking west into an ever-hotter sun and down the trail (a 4WD track). We saw many inter-bedded layers of limestone in the roadside cuttings and a return of the Xanthorrheas. We also noted some serious new fencing and gates installed by the It was hot, and dry NP&WS designed to discourage unauthorised traffic. After allowing found newspaper evidence was visited on The cave provided welcome shade and numerous drink stops we arrived back at t the ANZAC weekend in 2001.(2) From the a good place for lunch. A quick walk the vehicles at 1600. website archives of Sydney University around the cave revealed that the descent Bushwalkers we know it was also visited down into the Wolgan Valley is much on the June weekend in 2006 when steeper than the ascent from the Capertee 1 NP&WS ID from photographs 2 A copy of the Australian Newspaper had been left conditions were freezing cold and wet. Valley side. After lunch left our packs under a rock [The Editor passed through here in 2000.] walked across the saddle extension to the The pagoda in Hughes Defile

6 | The Bushwalker Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club

Rodney Hills, Batemans Bay Bushwalkers

Walking group on the Roc de Quercourt, Pic de St. Barthelemy in the background, Photo: Rodney Hills

n the 13th and 14th centuries a group touching the garrigue on the hillsides, and peak of La Quille as we walked parallel to of religious ‘heretics’ in Southern visiting both the 12th century Chateau the mountain to the base of the climb – IEurope were pursued by the Roman Aguillar and the adjacent village of the longest the group had so far Catholic Church in the only Crusade Tuchan. attempted. We took the long route up against fellow Christians. The final acts of After a day at the coast, sampling the through damp forest at an easy pace, and this saga played out in a remote area to fish at the one-time artists’ retreat of were rewarded when we emerged above the northwest of Perpignan, close to the Coullioure, the group experienced its first the mist to unexpectedly clear views to Pyrenees and the Spanish Border. The steep climb, from Padern to the Canigou and the Pyrenees, as well as the rough wild terrain made it so hard to spectacular Chateau Queribus which sits Pech de Bugarach – the magic mountain stamp out the heretics that the bloody on an impregnable rock above the village of the Corbières. All were poking through story became almost mythical. As a result, of Cucugnan. The next day we headed the grey swirling sea in the valleys. We the area is now named the ‘Cathar Region’ north to the green secluded village of scurried down in case the clouds after the persecuted group. Termes, and a circular walk, beginning thickened. At the end of the walk most of The dramatic scenery was also the beside a river, over a limestone cliff line, the group visited the nearby 12th century reason why my wife and I decided in then through forests along part of the Peyrepetuse Castle, where hang-gliders 2006 to buy a little house in the remote GR36 before descending to Termes’ were launching themselves from the village of Padern in the Corbières on the famous Chateau. Day 5 we drove further mountain ridge next to the Castle. Cathar Trail. This led to our inviting a afield across a scenic valley to the ext morning the skies were blue as group of bushwalkers from the Batemans Fenouillèdes, for a walk through the Nwe drove for nearly two hours to the Bay Club to join us in 2009. Two walkers Gorge de St Jaume, then up into historic village of Montaillou and the came in Spring and ten in Autumn – all agricultural land and natural forest. demanding but beautiful wooded climb to mixing a two week stay with other Now a week was over and the walks the clear pastures of the Roc de activities in Europe. We accommodated became more challenging. So I was quite Quercourt. This was a day of cow bells them in the Gite d’Etape in the local Marie pleased that mists from the and gentians in Spring and crocuses in or Town Hall, only five minutes from our Mediterranean had rolled in to hide the Autumn. The climb out of Montaillou house. Part of the experience of living in such a village included Pyrenees in Spring from the Col de Belagues Photo: Rodney Hills barbeques in the village post office and carrying water supplies from the river when the antiquated village water supply failed for two days. Everyone agreed that the walking experience was stunning. Following a pattern of two days walking and one off, the first week was relatively easy, saving energy and building fitness for the more challenging walks in the second week. So, day 1 was a four hour gentle climb on the mountain behind the village. Few believed how high they had climbed when they came out on the escarpment way above Padern. Day 2 was a longer six hour walk through the vineyards,

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mains of an ancient quarry and talc mine, with forests of red-berried mountain ash and beech, we saw only occasional glimpses of the forested mountains around and below us. We never really saw the Chateau of Montsegur – the site of the most famous Cathar massacre in 1244. The cloud stayed low all day.

he group departed the next day, by Tcar, train and plane. None of the walkers was under 60 and our oldest was 78. But almost all of the walkers completed all the walks. They were so much fitter when they left, you could see it in their swaggering walk. Ted calculated he had reduced his girth by 4 belt notches over the fortnight! The mutual support among the group was fantastic and was a key reason they were so successful. Only on one day did some of the group choose an easier walk, Cowbells above the village of Montaillou Photo: Molly Cox although one was available each day from the same starting point. begins at 1000 m, so our more elderly The final day: it started clear and sun- My wife and I had such a good time walkers were careful not to over stress ny like most others. But as we approached with our new friends that we decided we themselves on the climb. The reward of the start, at the famous Chateau of would do it again perhaps for as long as the climb in any season is perhaps one of Montsegur, two hours drive away in the we could, by opening the experience to the the grandest vistas in Southwest Ariège valley, the clouds suddenly rolled members of other walking clubs. If you France, encompassing snowy peaks of the in. This was the only walk for which I re- are interested contact Rodney or Gillian Andorran Pyrenees and the main ridge of ally wanted to find an alternative route to on 02 4478 6104 or at the Pyrenees stretching away to both East the high ridge. On the reconnaissance, the [email protected]. and West. To the North it seems as so-called route had been difficult to follow though the view could stretch to Paris. and I had found the steep climb up We would love to see you in this Our only company on the Autumn through the Birch forest beautiful, but I remarkable part of France. We are mountain walk was a French air force considered it intimidating for a group of running the holiday on a ‘not-for-profit’ t plane flying level with us, dropping ‘older’ walkers. So on the day I suggested basis. paratroopers into the valley to the North. an alternative that I fter another rest day, taken by some hoped would be eas- Chateau de Montsegur in cloud Photo: Rodney Hills Ain medieval Carcassonne and others ier. What a mistake! in Narbonne, or sampling the sparkling We found ourselves wines of Limoux, we experienced real rain with yet another for the first time. With a delayed start, we disappearing path, changed plan and decided on a low level climbing steeply walk round the base of the Pech de through the slippery Bugarach, a rugged nearby mountain leafy slopes among which some believe has spiritual or Silver Birches to magical properties. This rambling walk emerge in cloud that though meadows and forest, then over the required us to navi- shoulder of the mountain, was a great gate by compass. success. It included a deserted but very Although the route evocative farm village ‘Campeau’ close to is fascinating, pass- the Col des Pechines. ing through the re-

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8 | The Bushwalker Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club

Trevor Henderson, Newcastle Bushwalking Club

On the plateau above

fter last year’s walk to climb Mt out considerably within a few hundred one of these would be our exit route on Monundilla we could not wait to meters. This country seems to be Sunday. From where we entered the Areturn to the central section of recovering very slowly from the bushfires creek it appeared that going up the Wollemi National Park to continue our of recent years. Navigation along the stream would be relatively easy, and as I exploration of this magnificent area. ridges was quite easy and the various mentioned the contours suggested that Martindale Creek is one of the major turning points readily identified. there may be section of the valley with a streams in the park. It rises to the east of After about three and a half hours we slightly wider, flat floor. We had only Mt Monundilla and flows in a north were at the edge of the gorge. On the gone about two hundred metres upstream easterly direction for over forty kilometres opposite side there was an impressive cliff after lunch when we struck the first of a through the National Park and then face but on our side the relatively gentle series of major obstructions: rock jams. beyond to enter the Hunter River down- gully to our left provide easy access down Boulders the size of caravans filled the stream of Denman in the Hunter Valley. through the cliffs. Within about thirty valley floor, necessitating a diversion high A major stream that rises in wilderness minutes we were on a sand bank in the up the side to pass. After each of these we and is not touched by the hand man for so creek bed enjoying lunch. The creek was were rewarded by a short section of sand much of its length commands the flowing well. or gravel creek bed before being attention of any bushwalker. Saturday afternoon’s activity was to presented with our next challenge. After studying the map and Google walk upstream and check a couple of Nowhere did we find anything like a flat Earth we decided to visit the central major tributaries on the eastern side as flood plain. section of the gorge. From our previous visit we knew there was some very step Camp on Martindale Creek country, but the contours also suggested negotiable routes and a section of the valley appeared slightly wider and with a flat floor. Access to this section of Wollemi NP is not so easy. There are over fifty kilo- metres of forest tracks to reach the starting point and it was almost eleven o’clock on Friday night when we arrived at a small clearing beside the road and camped, well placed for an early start next morning. Our camp site was up high and had good views to the east and west. On this clear winter night visibility would have been up to fifty kilometres or more. Row after row of dark ranges separated us from the horizon in every direction but not a single light was visible. Saturday morning was clear and cool and we were away by 8 am. We left the car a few kilometres further along the road and set off in north westerly direc- tion along our chosen ridge. Close to the road the vegetation was thick but, just as the aerial photos had shown, it opened

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espite the physical exertion Drequired to progress we all quickly came to appreciate what a magnificent pristine wilderness we were privileged to travel through. There are not that many places where you can walk for kilometre after kilometre along a river and not sees a single trace of human presence; no camp fires, no silver foil, and no fertilizer bags and no assorted bits of plastic. As the afternoon progressed I began to think that finding a campsite may be problem but as luck would have it there was flat bank with just enough room for four tents at the junction with our chosen exit creek. Saturday evening was one of those classic wilderness bushwalkers camps, a small smoky fire and time to enjoy cooking a meal and the companionship of like-minded adventurers. Breaking camp on Sunday morning we paid scrupulous attention to cleaning up our Relaxing around the campfire camp site and fire place to leave no trace of our presence. In places like The route out proved straightforward, views into Martindale Creek and Mt this I am reminded of a saying often used we started up the side creek and at each Monundilla to the south. We had lunch by John Day, an old bushwalking mate waterfall or obstacle we climbed further on a peak and then left our packs for a and early NBC member: “never let it be up to the right and after about two hours one kilometre excursion down a spur on said and only say it in shame that there we were within 500 metres of a saddle on the southern side to check the creek on was beauty there until he came”. our exit ridge. At this point the vegetation that side for future access. We walked conspired down the spur to point where there was against us and only air in front of us and the cliff on the we had to opposite side of the creek was probably change course less than four hundred metres away. and cut back fter our side trip we headed of back onto a spur to Ato the cars, within two hours we find a more reached the Hunter Trail and were the comfortable cars by 3.30 pm, an early finish for a route up. On top change. Looking back on the trip it is we were weekend I will remember for the rewarded with magnificent untouched wilderness. Let’s t magnificent hope it remains this way forever.

A nice easy flat valley. . .

10 | The Bushwalker Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club Mt Bartle Frere and boulder field. One of our party had Hinchinbrook turned back by this stage, so four of us continued up to the emergency Island shelter and helipad. It was getting very warm and the clouds were Steve Deards, breaking up revealing the patch- Sutherland Bushwalking Club work quilt of the fields below. Lots of sun orchids were flowering beside e flew to Cairns very early in the the track. Higher up, past the morning and picked up our hire helipad, the second and larger Wcar from the airport. Next stop boulder field is reached. Rock was Gordonvale on the way south to pick hopping and good balance are our stove fuel, fruit and other bits and required as the boulders are very Boulder field on Mt Bartle Frere pieces we happened to spy whilst in the large and angular. New steps have supermarket there. We also had lunch been bolted onto some of the boulders to steep climb but well worth it as the views opposite the huge sugar refinery which make passage easier. A small flat open are spectacular. We then continued to was gushing smoke, steam and sickly area was passed which had room for a Nina Bay to camp. No rat-proof boxes sweet aromas. small tent. The track once again entered here, just hooks to hang your gear from. We arrived at the Josephine Falls the forest for the final steep pinch to the We had our first taste of Hinchinbrook carpark and packed for the two day trip to top. At the summit, a large rock was mozzies – they got much worse further visit Mt Bartle Frere, at 1622 m the scrambled up to get good views of the south. The weather was cloudless with a highest peak in Queensland. Before surrounding hills and coastal plain. nice cooling breeze. setting out for Big Rock camp we quickly We were very lucky with the weather ur second day on the island entailed visited the Falls and paid our camping fee so far – this area gets over 8 m of rain a Oa short walk of only 2.5 km to Little of $5 per night to the hungry machine year. After a quick lunch we retraced our Ramsay Bay. The route was coastal to beside the track. The walk up to the camp steps back to Big Rock camp. During the begin with. At Boulder Bay, we watched followed a graded track through night, it started to rain lightly, so I had to some turtles just off the rocks while we rainforest, crossing a couple of creeks on get out of bed and dash around to bring ate morning tea. The track then entered the way. There was enough space for our gear in to keep it dry. We decided to pack the forest and emerged at the northern three tents with a good supply of water up early and have breakfast under the end of Little Ramsay Bay. There was a just below camp. picnic shed back at the carpark. The wet nice camp here a little further along the We set off next morning at 8 am under weather had brought out the leeches and beach with plenty of rat-proof boxes. We overcast skies. As we progressed the track Horst had got one on his lower eyelid. all had a swim in the sea – it was quite became rougher and the gradient After removing the leech the wound bled warm but refreshing. Golden Orchids increased until we reached the first for quite a long time. I think we all got grew behind the beach and at Banksia them on our legs. Bay. The mozzies were quite bad as the After returning the car we caught lagoon is very close to the camp. During the coach to Cardwell where we dinner, we had a beautiful moonrise. A spent the night. I can recommend mouse chewed a hole in the top of John’s the local pub for a good meal of pack as he had forgotten about a muesli Coral Trout. Next morning we were bar wrapper he had left there. transferred to the wharf for the trip We packed our gear for the two day over to Hinchinbrook Island. From trip up Warrawilla Creek for the ‘assault’ the ferry you can get a good on Mt Bowen. We left at 7.30 am in clear appreciation of just how skies. Once in the creek, the going was mountainous the island is. We quite easy as the rocks are relatively small traveled up a channel through the and the terrain is gradual. After a couple mangroves to be dropped off at a of hundred metres, the creek appears to landing just behind the beach at run dry, but water again appears a little Ramsay Bay. further on. As we continued, the creek t the southern end, we entered steepened and the boulders increased in Athe forest and climbed to a size resulting in slower progress. It was saddle below Nina Peak. We quite hot and open walking in the creek. decided to do the climb then rather After about 3 hours, one of the party Mt Bowen than backtrack next day. It is quite a reluctantly returned to camp. We decided and BIMBIPARK Individual walkers Do the whole walk from 1 central point Small walking groups or just drop in. 5 day walking package Includes: 5 nights accommodation, Large walking groups 5 shuttles, Linen, Self catered, Self 1 to 7 day walks guided, Standard cabin, off peak. Guided and self guided Cost twin share: walks $395.00 p/p ($780.00 total) Cost triple share: In house shuttle service $290.00 p/p ($870.00 total) Self or fully catered www.bimbipark.com.au - ph (03) 5237 9246

Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 The Bushwalker | 11 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club to get water at the major creek junction as Diamantina Creek. The we weren’t sure if there was any further afternoon was spent up – it had been quite dry on the island relaxing or walking around during the preceding months. The creek the rocky headlands. The steepened again and we entered ocean water was the rainforest. Careful searching revealed clearest we had seen. At cairns judiciously placed along the route, the back of the beach there and these were followed almost to the was a huge mound 2.5 m saddle where we camped. We were high constructed by a disappointed to find a tent erected in the Orange Footed Scrubfowl. best spot at the saddle. Camp sites here Such a big mound for such are at a premium. So much for the permit a small bird! system employed by the QNP service. We The following morning, managed to find enough space for our we climbed back up to the two tents. It had taken 8 hours from camp main track and proceeded to saddle. to Mulligan Falls. This was ext morning we left in fog for the another idyllic place to Nsummit. After ascending to the top of spend a few hours the first steep climb through Casuarina swimming and relaxing. forest, the track passed through heath and On the way we passed was indistinct in places. The fog slowly quite a few goannas. Mid lifted so that when we arrived at the afternoon, we left the falls summit cairn, about 1.5 hours later, good and began our walk down views were obtained between the gaps in to George Point for our the cloud. We spent an hour looking final night on the island. around before descending back to the Other walkers had the tents. We packed up and returned to same idea, and by the time camp via Warrawilla Creek. This trip is for we reached the camp it fit and experienced walkers only. was full. Seven walkers Our route the next day was from Little who carried a tent each Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay. Low tide meant had beaten us there. We an easy crossing of the lagoon. After backtracked up the beach crossing two small beaches the track and found a sheltered entered the forest and turned inland so camp with no crowd. We Banksia plagiocarpa (blue banksia) that North Zoe Creek could be crossed could see the huge upstream. There were crocodile warning wharf which juts signs here. After 5 hours walking the wide out into the ocean beach of Zoe Bay was reached. We found at Lucinda. There a great camp site with a picnic table and were good shells rat-proof box behind the beach north of along the beach. the lagoon. The mozzies that night were bad, but again we had a great moonrise e were picked over the ocean. We opened a coconut Wup at 8 am by found on the beach. boat and dropped at On the next day we left Zoe Bay and Lucinda shortly shortly after were swimming in the after to end our beautiful pool below Zoe Falls. The track sojourn. It had been climbed up beside the falls and eventually a great trip with reached the highest point on the route. unbelievable Further on we turned left off the main weather. track and headed down to Sunken Reef We couldn’t have Bay to camp for the night. There were no hoped for more. t crowds, no water but plenty of mozzies. Water had been collected previously from Crossing Mulligan Creek

12 | The Bushwalker Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club

By Leonie Bell Select the buttons: ‘This exact phrase’, According to the Victorian AAS, the ‘Units of Competency’ and ‘NSW’. Scouts and Guides endorse them. It must [Edited to condense two contributions into one - Ed.] Click on ‘Search’. You will then have a be difficult to get enthusiastic youth dozen or so pages of the requirements for leaders now. How can they recruit n the autumn issue of The Bushwalker, this subject. Try doing this for all 16 volunteer leaders prepared to do a the article ‘The Looming Nightmare’ subjects they suggest are essential to lead Certificate III or IV in Outdoor Recreation Iconcerning the possible implementa- a bushwalk on tracked or easy untracked (1-2 years full-time TAFE), which is what tion of the Adventure Activity Standards paths and you will give yourself a fright. acceptance of these Standards implies? (AAS) sounded a timely warning to clubs The subjects are listed in the following -wide. On the whole, the pro- table There are 12 more subjects listed in posed standards are sensible, if somewhat the AAS for more advanced off-track Implications for Clubs bureaucratic in style. Bushwalking clubs walking. How does all of this translate into in NSW have been aware of the need for Skills required for leading tracked or meaningful practices for our bushwalking risk assessment strategies for some years easy un-tracked bushwalks clubs? In asking this we note that in Draft and Confederation has assisted them by 2 of the AAS, the Confederation won a preparing a framework document - many Subject Code major concession, in that leaders of years ago. amateur clubs can self-assess the abilities Of course we all want our leaders to be Respond to emergency situations SRXEMR001A of their leaders. [See below for more knowledgeable and experienced, however Provide first aid SRXFAD001A details - Ed.] This should not mean that the ‘skills expected of a leader’ as defined Facilitate a group SRXGRO001A clubs can become complacent. Clubs in the Victorian AAS are quite another Deal with conflict SRXGRO002A should note the following extract from matter. I note that the author of ‘Looming Apply sport and recreational law SRXINU002A Appendix C of the NSW draft document Nightmare’ thought that the appropriate Follow defined occupational health and on bushwalking: skills were not obviously defined and that safety procedures SRXOHS001B it is not possible to define them. In fact, to Undertake risk analysis of activities SRXRIK001A ‘Individuals who do not possess formal anyone familiar with Vocational Operate communication systems and qualifications but have sufficient skills, Education Training (VET), they are very equipment PUAOPE002A experience and knowledge to conduct precise. In both the NSW AAS Appendices Navigate in difficult and trackless areas SRONAV002A adventure activities in accordance the NSW A and B and also in the Victorian Plan for minimal environmental impact SROOPS002B AAS must provide documented evidence Bushwalking AAS (page 15), sections Apply weather information SROOPS003B and/or demonstrated evidence that they are 2.1.2, 2.1.3 and 2.1.4 clearly define the Use and maintain a temporary competent to perform all the skills and ‘benchmark’ referred to in section 2.1.1 as overnight site SROOPS006B duties listed below for the relevant role. the required standard. It lists skills which Plan outdoor recreation activities SROODR002A Documentation may include log books, leaders must be qualified in prior to Guide outdoor recreation activities SROODR005A diaries, trip reports, photos or videos. The taking people into the bush. Demonstrate bushwalking skills in organisation or leaders of the adventure This list has a name and a code for difficult and trackless areas SROBWG002A activity must carefully consider the each skill. This enables you to consult the Guide bushwalks in tracked or easy appropriateness and methods of peer National Training Information Service untracked areas SROBWG008A assessment. It is recommended that leaders (TIS) website for a definition of each skill and organisations seek the services of a (see details below on how to access this third party assessor to review and/or information). This is a standard modus Comments observe the candidate. The skills defined in operandi for a vocational teacher, but I I actually oppose this aspect of the the SRO 03 Outdoor Recreation Industry suspect it will scare the wits out of any standards for commercial operators as Training package or National Outdoor potential leaders. It is written in well as for amateur clubs. Small operators Leader Registration Scheme (NORLS) must ‘education-speak’ and is quite intimidating in remote rural areas without access to also be reviewed against the candidate’s to the uninitiated. TAFE courses, or a large population base evidence.’ [But see commentary at the end - Ed.] to provide a pool of job applicants, will find it virtually impossible to meet this It will require some serious thinking from section of the standards. Clients naturally club committees on how to assess leaders’ The NTIS requirements will prefer ‘accredited’ tour operators, so abilities and the documentation they The skill sets are written by Industry Skills will gravitate towards the larger city- provide. This could be through surveys Councils who advise the Australian based tour companies rather than the completed by prospective leaders. National Training Authority (ANTA) on local tourist operators, who have intimate Another method would be to have course content that is appropriate for knowledge of the local landscape and a ‘Assessors’ appointed by the club their given industry. These qualifications lifetime of bush skills to apply to it. accompanying the leader on trips and and skills are reviewed every 5 years. For those of us who are experienced ticking off checklists of accomplishments. Anyone can access them if they know bushwalkers, it is obvious that we would Alternatively a buddy system could be where to look on the NTIS website. prefer an experienced local bushwalking implemented for new leaders who could The main worry is that although the guide to a relatively inexperienced, be progressively assessed as competent to AAS say that a formal Statement of certificate-holding leader. The general lead different types or walks under Attainment (i.e. a TAFE certificate or public will be none the wiser and will be different conditions. A sub-committee equivalent) is not required, in practice the the worse off for it. could be appointed to assess the only way for a commercial operator to These requirements are symptomatic documentation submitted. Whichever ascertain a leader’s qualification will be to of a world that is infected with the method is chosen, clubs will need to require a certificate from a TAFE or American disease of suing people remember that they are declaring their Registered Training Organisation (RTO). whenever they have a problem, instead of leaders have all the skills and abilities that On an amateur basis, club leaders are not taking responsibility for their own lives. are listed on the antis web site. According going to study at TAFE in order to lead a Unfortunately we can’t ignore it and hope to AAS Appendix C this assessment is not bushwalk. it will go away. It is a regrettable part of transferable to other clubs or To find out more go to: modern life that is here to stay. As an organisations, but is purely internal. www.ntis.gov.au, click on the blue box individual we are powerless to stop the The down side is that leaders, both labeled ‘Search Courses and juggernaut. That is why it is essential for existing and prospective, may decide that Qualifications’. In the ‘Search for’ box, Confederation and Bushwalking Australia it is all just too much hassle. The good type in either the full name of the subject to have a voice in the establishment of news in all of this is that at this point in or preferably the code e.g. Respond to these standards and to take a stand time the AAS are intended as being emergency situations or SRXEMR001A. against applying them to amateur clubs. optional. We can only hope that some

Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 The Bushwalker | 13 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club well-intentioned people don’t derail this nevertheless obvious that many club If we cast our minds back, how many and insist it become mandatory. members join an organisation because bushwalkers (as opposed to unskilled Many clubs currently have a simple list they are not capable of navigation or do members of the public wandering into the of leaders and the type of trips they can not wish to learn map and compass skills. bush as if it were suburbia) have been lead. Others may have no formal Others are new to bushwalking and lack seriously injured or killed going out into assessment of any kind other than the knowledge to make them an the bush? I suspect that Confederation enquiring if the prospective leader has led ‘Independent Participant’. Some members insurance records would show that it similar walks in the past. If they want to wish to extend themselves beyond their wasn’t all that many. Are we all worrying follow the new standards, it will require current skill level by participating in too much? some serious thinking from club higher grade activities and many clubs The AAS have some useful information committees on how to assess leaders’ accept children either as members or as that clubs should consider when planning abilities and the documentation they parent-supervised participants. This could activities, but ultimately it is simply too provide. lead to some clubs banning ‘Dependent complex (and many would say Confederation will be reworking their Participants’ on some activities because it unnecessary) to put into practice Risk Assessment guidelines. As part of this is all too difficult. everything described in this they will need to consider making a series The good news in all of this is that at comprehensive document. We should take of standard leader assessment documents this point in time the AAS are intended as on board the good things, but not allow and procedures to assist clubs who wish being optional. The Introduction to the ourselves to be swept into the erroneous to pursue the AAS. However at the end of Standard states: mindset that we have to make everything the day no club will be able to completely ‘NSW AAS are applicable to formal in life totally safe in order to enjoy fulfil the full AAS guidelines, which after groups either commercial or non- ourselves. all are aimed mostly at commercial commercial providers where a person/s acts Someone recently referred to the operators. in a leader, guide or instructor capacity to current generation as the ‘marshmallow’ provide an organised adventure activities. generation, cosseted and wrapped up, This document is intended to provide a protected from the real world, with no A Possible Ray of Light benchmark for planning and provision of responsibility for themselves and their Confederation has managed to insert a adventure activities and to ensure all own safety. Learning to be a confident category of ‘Independent Participants’ into inherent legal obligations are met. For this bushwalker is the antidote, teaching us the document, describing them as ‘A reason it is important to ensure that each personal responsibility, problem solving person who possesses the skills and leader or organisation interprets the AAS skills and independence of mind, not to knowledge to participate in an activity for the specific group and conditions at the mention achieving health through without dependence on a leader. A person time of the activity.’ physical fitness, the social stimulus of who acknowledges the inherent risk and In other words, the Standard sets the walking with a group and the mental assumes responsibility for their own safety example for which clubs should aspire, benefits of contact with the beauty of the and welfare’. This describes many club but is not legally binding. We can only natural world. At the end of the day, we members and Confederation’s view is that hope that some well-intentioned people need to just get out there in the bush, the AAS don’t apply to such people. While don’t derail this and insist it become enjoy our hobby and not be obsessive this is a substantial concession, it is mandatory at some point in the future. about risk. t

14 | The Bushwalker Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club

Extract from Confederation Minutes we view Organisational Accreditation where Clubs through a formal Club pro- Adventure Activity The Sub Committee sought & cess recognize Leaders and their skills, achieved representation on the Bush- and we view Peer Recognition as an in- Standards walking, Abseiling, Canoe & kayaking formal process in which a senior leader and Rock Climbing AAS Project Techni- or group of leaders is responsible for Dodie Green, cal Working Groups. Through active rep- oversight of Leaders and their activities. President, Confederation resentation, some good progress has We suspect that there will be clubs that been made. Leadership Pathways has operate on a hybrid model. The AAS Project has been in full swing been the expanded with the addition of There has been a surprisingly concil- since May this year. To address the AAS Organisational Accreditation and Peer iatory and open attitude to addressing project, the Confed’s Management Com- Recognition. These pathways or avenues Club concerns with the AAS. There mittee created an AAS Sub Committee. will provide two means by which Clubs seems to be a willingness from the Proj- This sub committee sought comments will be able to recognize Leaders for ect Manager to avoid the experience in from clubs and compiled approximately groups leading dependent participants. other states and we hope this will be the 20 pages of comments on the Draft 1 We have been invited to supply text for case. We will continue to push hard for documents. these particular pathways. Very briefly the interests of clubs.

Editorial Comment 2.2 Utilise available resources efficiently here which has any concrete meaning 2.3 Develop a plan which balances group which a layman could understand. It is (Polemic not discussed with the and individual safety with contextual entirely bureaucratic gibberish with Confederation Committee) Roger Caffin issues absolutely NULL content. How do you 2.4 Outline the involvement of other assess someone for any of this in a he first thing that comes to mind is individuals in the plan manner useful to bushwalking? You could Tthe legal question of whether my 2.5 Implement organisational emergency spend the next 10 years arguing about the bushwalking is an ‘Adventure Activity’. My procedures and policies correctly as meaning of these ‘requirements’ and still answer is a very emphatic NO. If some part of the plan of action not get any agreement. Which leads me to idiot wants to go on a paid bungee- 2.6 Apply occupational health and safety the conclusion that all the above could jumping course down Claustral Canyon requirements and safe working ever do is to create income for the without ever having done anything like practices in the plan of action, lawyers, and some nice cushy jobs for that before, then I am quite happy to have including selection of personal some desk-bound bureaucrats. that labeled an Adventure. But when I go protective clothing and equipment to More to the point, the above has zero bushwalking I do NOT want an suit the emergency situation relevance to bushwalking clubs because Adventure. I want a nice enjoyable 3. Control the emergency we are ALL volunteers. There are NO wander in the bush. Accordingly, it is my 3.1 Implement the plan of action using clients, there are NO staff, and there are contention that this entire shemozzle has techniques appropriate to the NO management authorities. Each of us absolutely nothing to do with me, and situation and available resources and on a Club walk is a free independent nothing to do with any Club either. We abilities individual, responsible to ourself for should simply tell the AAS to get lost. 3.2 Operate equipment safely and, where ourself. No-one gives orders, no-one is in As for the AAS requirements, I have to necessary, improvise equipment and command. totally disagree with the author about techniques You will note that the NTIS their comprehensibility, no matter what 3.3 Identify and implement strategies for requirements recommend the use of a ***-speak they are written in. I have group control and remove clients and Registered Training Organisation or TAFE extracted some of the requirements for other individuals from danger course and the ‘services of a third party the first listed ‘skill’ from the NTIS web 3.4 Monitor constantly the condition of assessor’. Yeah, right. Show me anyone site for your amusement and edification, all clients, staff and others assisting in any of those organisations with one here. Please do not die laughing. 3.5 Acquire and document the tenth of the skills of some of the more information required to assist experienced leaders in our Clubs. What emergency services, where relevant this means is a lowering our current Element Performance criteria 3.6 Notify, where required, emergency standards of Club training. 1. Evaluate the emergency services 1.1 Identify and action emergency 3.7 Alter the plan of action to I guess we could paraphrase the reports and signals correctly and accommodate changes in the requirements thus: recognise and assess emergency and situation variables potential emergency situations 3.8 Demonstrate casualty evacuation Evaluate the emergency: He’s sprained his 1.2 Seek advice from relevant people, if methods where relevant to the ankle - but that isn't an emergency. appropriate, when evaluating the context emergency 3.9 Implement organisational procedures Develop a plan of action: We'll take a 1.3 Identify situations where initial and policies and legal requirements break for a cup of tea. response actions are not safe or are in the event of a major injury or likely to be ineffective and outline death Control the emergency: I’m not sure how methods for reporting according to 4. Debrief the emergency you ‘control’ any emergency, but we’ll procedures 4.1 Notify management authorities take it gently for the next hour. 1.4 Assess the possible development of 4.2 Obtain the information appropriate to the emergency situation and evaluate be given to facility or land Debrief the emergency: OK, we’re at the further potential hazards to clients management authorities cars, shall we meet at McDonalds for and staff 4.3 Debrief clients and others directly coffee? 1.5 Assess injuries and treat involved and make arrangements for appropriately further counseling, if required But do we need the NTIS to tell us how to 1.6 Examine the situation variables 4.4 Advise clients and others directly do this? I think not. 1.7 Prioritise needs, including those for involved to refer media enquires to a I do thank Leonie Bell for the article: assistance, promptly and accurately nominated spokesperson the matter needs a lot of discussion, 2. Develop a plan of action and I welcome any further 2.1 Identify and evaluate options for I am serious: this is what is on the NTIS contributions as well. action web site. I defy you to find a single item Roger Caffin, Editor

Volume 35, Issue 1, Summer 2010 The Bushwalker | 15