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r o Bushwalking C it Club newsletter Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume: 52 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Number: 11 2016 year in review December 2016 016 saw the continuation of great walks In reciprocation, in October, members of In this issue 2and great talks, a new walks challenge, the Hobart Walking Club visited Canberra Step up and Step out: an incentive program and were treated to many local walks to 2 Canberra Bushwalking that encouraged walking with at least give them an experience of the walks 20 different walk leaders, plus an informal enjoyed by the CBC. Floriade, was of Club Committee personal challenge of the Percies: an course included. 2 President’s prattle incentive program to visit many of the 2 Stan Marks – CBC’s new vantage points in the ACT. Some are not Sean Sunley gave us the challenge of as easy as you might think, as a ‘bag’ putting together an overnight camping life member requires you to touch the highest point of trip for under $50 and challenged walkers 2 Membership matters to do better. the feature. 3 Training Trifles This year also highlighted an exchange This year also saw some great enthusiasm 3 Review: CBC trip to from a walker of (hopefully) the next ‘program’ with the Hobart Walking Club. March 2016 In March, CBC members travelled to generation. Isaac de Raadt not only went Tasmania to walk with their hosts, The on many trips, but wrote some reports on 6 Walks Waffle Hobart Walking Club. A review of this camping equipment and gave a brief talk 7 Wednesday walks event is included in this issue. at one of the general meetings. We always like to encourage these young bushwalkers 7 Activity program as they are the future of bushwalking. 15 Bulletin Board Camping equipment for under $50 (total) Review of camp stoves 16 Feeling literary?

Important dates Alcohol stove 25 December Christmas Day 26 December Boxing Day No tents cheap enough so I chose the ubiquitous blue tarp. 1 January 2017 Size 3x2.4 m. Five pegs and guy rope. Actual weight 1084 g. New Year’s Day Cost $15. 18 January 2017 Annual BBQ 15 February 2017 General meeting 1 February 2017 Committee meeting 25 January 2017 Submissions close for February it Home made metho stove and wind shield. Small metho bottle and aluminium pot. Actual weight - 329 g. Cost $7. Total cost Solid fuel stove $49. See May newsletter for full details. See March newsletter for full review Committee reports

Canberra Bushwalking Club Committee President’s President: Lorraine Tomlins prattle [email protected] 6248 0456 or 0434 078 496 ell it’s that time of year again. As well as being a Treasurer: Julie Anne Clegg Wtime to catch up with people and enjoy celebra- [email protected] tory food and drink, it is also a time to enjoy the bush or a nature park in the company of family, friends, and 0402 118 359 fellow walkers. So, take the time to enjoy what we have Walks Secretary:John Evans and relax, away from any build-up of anxiety or stress. We are very lucky in Canberra to be well served with [email protected] so many great places in the outdoors. 6294 8232 or 0417 436 877 Happy festive season and remember instead of a general General Secretary: Cynthia Coppock meeting in January we have a BBQ on Black Mountain [email protected] Peninsula (see the Activity Program for details). See you in 2017 or out walking before then. 0408 266 501 or 6270 9010(w)

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r o Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards C President [email protected] 6288 7863 Training and Safety Officer: David Dedenczuk [email protected] Stan Marks – CBC’s 0417 222 154 Conservation Officer: Cynthia Burton new life member [email protected] The November CBC General meeting passed the following motion: “That Stan Marks be elected an 0488 071 203 Honorary Life Member.” Web Manager: Andrew Meers He joins our other Honorary Life Members - [email protected] Geoff Mosley, Harry Black – dec, Robert Story xx – dec, Sybil Story – dec, Fred George – dec, Len Medaris – dec, Alan Vidler, Vance Brown, Editor: Alison Milton Doug Wright, George Carter and Meg McKone. [email protected]

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r o 6254 0578(h) or 6289 2717(w) President C Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas [email protected] +64 27 535 6176 Membership matters Social Secretary: Jenny Horsfield [email protected] Please keep your email address up to date via your 6231 4535 membership page on the website. Contact the Mem- bership Secretary if you need help. Publisher: David Williams New members: Garry Bluff, Suzanne Bluff, Rachel [email protected] Boston, Sim Cheesman, Karen Connors, Maxwell All members of the Committee can be contacted Clayton, Joanne Johnston in one email to Roger Edwards

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r o [email protected] Membership Secretary C Check in: [email protected] Web site: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org

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Committee reports Training Review: CBC trip to Tasmania Trifles March 2016 Presenters: Cynthia Burton, Peter May and Philip Gatenby

f you walk with the CBC and/or Ianother Canberra bushwalking group, you will be safer than walk- ing independently. Nonetheless, many folks do choose to walk in informal groups and even by them- selves. With the right precautions, they can do so in relative safety. If folks do walk independently, I recommend that they take note of the NSW Government’s excellent initiative - Think Before You Trek. The initiative involves the NSW Police Force and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Think before you TREK promotes the benefits of planning ahead for your bushwalking trip by using an easy to remember acronym: T - Take adequate supplies of food, water, navigation and first aid equipment. R - Register your planned route and tell friends and family when you Sunset on Flinders Isle expect to return. t the November CBC meeting, Cynthia told us about the trip to E - Emergency beacon (PLB’s). ACynthia, Peter and Philip gave Flinders Island, which was led by (In NSW these are available free us a presentation on two major CBC Peter Conroy. This beautiful island of charge from NSW Police Force trips to Tasmania in March 2016. is located off the north-east tip of and NPWS.) The first was to Flinders Island by Tasmania. The island is about 62 x K - Keep to your planned route and seven members and then the major 37 km and features magnificent follow the map and walking trails. visit to Hobart by 18 members, granite peaks rising from sea level. which included numerous walks in • PLBs are available on loan from southern Tasmania. Access is mainly via Sharp airlines, the NPWS Blue Mountains which lands near Whitemark, the Heritage Centre at Blackheath, largest town. The group roamed and after hours at the Katoomba or Springwood Police Stations. • Kosciuszko National Park also hires out PLBs to bushwalkers for a small fee - contact the Tumut, Khancoban and Jindabyne NPWS offices for more information. NSW National Parks and NSW Police are trialing an online trip intention form as part of the Think Before You TREK initiative. Visit the NSW National Parks web page to find more information about the online trip intention form.

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o C Training and Safety Officer Mt Killiecrankie

Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2016 – page 3 Review of general meeting talk

On top Strezlecki peak

over a good part of the island in the course of a week and car camped for free. One excellent camping area was at Trousers Point, west of Mt Strzelecki and another was at Patriarch Sanctuary where some wallabies got into Cynthia’s food! Cynthia highly recommends CBC members visit the island. Cynthia told us about three walks. Mt Killiecrankie in the north,which featured a beach walk and large granite slabs that were a challenge to climb but afforded panoramic views despite the wind. Another was a steep scenic walk to Mt Str- zelecki, the island’s highest peak Fungi near Nevada Peak located in the south-west. A third walk was to the dramatic Pillinger’s Peak near the centre of the island. Arthurs, and just visible, Federa- boulder fields of wonderful dolerite tion Peak to the west. Vegetation slabs (aged basalt), numerous tarns, Various CBC members attended en route included pink flowers Pencil Pine forests and great views. 11 walks based out of Hobart put wrapped around trees, a red fungus on by the Hobart Walking Club that ‘glowed’, colourful berries Peter told us about a four-day walk (HWC). Only four outings were and Leatherwood bushes in full led by John Street to Mt Geryon, presented at the CBC meeting due flower (the bees’ source for one of which is located in the Labyrinth on to time constraints. Tasmania’s famous honeys). They the northern end of Lake St Clair. There is a north and south Geryon Cynthia told us about a walk to also visited the wonderfully named Wet Pants peak. and another peak between the two Nevada Peak led by Rupert Man- called the Gunsights. The aim of the ners on the first day of the Tasma- A number of CBC members trav- walk was to climb Geryon North. nian visit. The peak is located 80 km elled to Mt Field National Park south-west of Hobart and required for a long weekend where the The group took a boat to get to the navigating a maze of forest roads group stayed in a hut owned by start of the walk. The first camp to get there. It was a beautiful but the HWC. Three, one day walks site was at the Pool of Memories, tough walk through a lush forest were conducted; all led by Storm for two nights, while the third night with lots of mud. Higher up there Foulkes. Cynthia told us about one was spent at Lake Elisia. Towards were numerous tarns and from of those walks, which was a 15 km evening on the first night slack lin- the top great views of the Western circuit, all on track, but featured ers were visible moving between the

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Review of general meeting talk

Geryons The walk included challenging rock climbs with lots of dolerite, tight crevasses and ledges to get up the north peak. From the top, there were views of and Lake St Clair, to the south-west, Barn Bluff and Mt Ossa to the north. They also climbed another peak called Walled Mountain on day three. Again more fungi was found en route. Philip Gatenby gave his account of the Hazards Traverse walk in Frey- cinet National Park on the east coast of Tasmania. The 8 hour, 9 km walk was led by David Chung. It was not the full traverse as that would take about two days. They started at Sleepy Bay and went south then south-west along Hut on Tarn Mt Field the Hazards, over Mt Parsons, Mt Baudin, Mt Dove (the high point) and Mt Amos. The first part of the track was marked by cairns, which soon ran out. Thereafter old blazes painted on granite boulders were seen occasionally. A hand line was used in a few places and there were some tight squeezes! From many parts of the traverse, and particularly from the top of Mt Dove, there were magnificent views in all directions, including of Wineglass Bay, the to the south and to the west. The descent from Mt Amos was quite tricky due to wet weather. Quentin Moran Dolerite slabs Mt Field

Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2016 – page 5 Review of general meeting talk

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Wine Glass Bay from Mt Dove- Hazards walk Walks Waffle

was recently on a walk and re- I ceived an excellent trip briefing from the leader. I won’t cause em- barrassment by naming the leader; perhaps we walk leaders who don’t give a detailed trip briefing should be the ones embarrassed. Apart from its primary purpose of indicating your trip intentions and expectations to the party, a good trip briefing allows for questions and can begin to build the party cohesiveness. Congratulations to Rowan Peck who has led his first walks and paddles, and to Derek Synott for leading his first paddle. I wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year season. Enjoy your walking and happy feet. John Evans Walks Secretary

Climbing Hazards

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

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

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

Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2016 – page 7 Activity program Saturday 17 December: Billy Range / Brandy Sunday 25 December: Christmas Day lunch Flat Hut – M/R,X at Black Mountain Peninsula From the Glendale Depot car park, ascend the steep We hope you will be able to join us again this year at ridgeline to the Billy Range via SH1288 for views across the far end of Black Mountain Peninsular at any time Gudgenby Creek, Booth Range, and Clear Range to the after midday on Christmas Day. Barbecues and toilet east and Nursery Hill to the west. Follow the ridgeline facilities are available close to where we will set up a south to Brandy Flat Hut, then return via fire trail to the table not far from where you can park. Bring your lunch, cars. About 9 km off track exploratory, and 6 km fire trail nibbles to share, a chair and a canoe if you have one and for the return with total ascent of 650 m off track and feel like launching it, to enjoy the peace of the lake. For 125 m on fire trail. Map: Michelago Leader: Rowan further information, please contact either of the leaders. Peck 0412 041 957, [email protected] Transport: Leaders: Doug Wright 6281 4148, Margaret Roseby ~$10 per person Bookings: Preferably by email, before 0428 142 733. 5 pm Thursday 15 December. Limit: 8. Tuesday–Friday 27–30 December: In Paddy Sunday 18 December: Evening meal and Pallin’s footsteps to Mt Jagungal – L/R carols at Legoland – S/E This walk is based on an account of Paddy Pallin’s Meet by 4 pm at Kambah Shops opposite the petrol sta- favourite walk to Mt Jagungal via the eastern ridge, tion. Then we drive up to Honeysuckle Campsite for a published in ‘Wild’ magazine 25 years ago. Paddy did short 40 min walk past some huge triangular rocks, then the walk in three days but, being mere mortals, we onto another array of enormous rocks known to CBC as will allow an extra day! It is a 50 km circuit walk from ‘Legoland’. After exploring a little of the caves below and Round Mountain trackhead via Round Mountain Hut, squirming through narrow chutes and over rocks, we eat the , Doubtful Gap, Cesjacks Hut, Jagungal our evening meal overlooking the Orroral Valley. After Gap, Mt Jagungal, O’Keefes Hut and the Farm Ridge the meal we sing Christmas carols, which echo down the Fire Trail. Map: Khancoban 1:50,000 Leader: Derek valley. It’s fun and a nice way to celebrate Christmas, Synnott, 0481 123 800, [email protected] Book: By especially for those who may not have families close 20 December. Transport: 500 km. by. Leader: Janet Edstein [email protected] Transport: $14. No need to book, although you can Wednesday–Thursday 28–29 December: email me if you wish. Guthega Trig, Mt Tate – S–M/M Starting from Guthega, this alpine circuit involves a Monday evening, 19 December: Goorooyarroo steady ascent to Guthega Trig, crosses to the Rolling Nature Park and Sammys Hill – S/E Ground, descends to Windy Creek to camp, then climbs Meet at 6:30 pm on the northern side of Horse Park Mt Tate, Mann Bluff and Gills Knobs on the way back. Drive about 1.5 km toward Gungahlin from the Federal Around 16 km with 400 m ascents each day; plenty of Hwy junction (Gungahlin exit). This walk is mostly on time to enjoy the views and take photographs. Stoves fire trails and tracks through pleasant grassland and to required. Map: Geehi Dam or Rooftop’s KNP Jindabyne- a hill with views. Map: http://www.environment.act. Khancoban. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 0418 662 870, gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/390580/cnpmap- [email protected] Transport: 400 km return, goorooyaroo.pdf Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 281 096, ~$152 per car, $38–$50 per person,plus park entry. [email protected] Transport: drive yourself, Limit: 12. Book: By 2 pm 26 December. No need to book. Thursday 29 December: Kids’ expedition Wednesday 21 December: Wednesday Walks down the Gudgenby River – S/M/W No Wednesday Walk. Meet in Tharwa at the car park just over the bridge next to the public toilets at 10.30 am. Designed for families Thursday evening, 22 December: Uriarra with active kids aged 4 to 8 years, this expedition will Loop – S/E float down the Gudgenby River on lilos (i.e. rubberised Meet at 6:30 pm. Turn left off Uriarra Road, 1 km before single air beds) and boogie boards, for about 2 km, within Uriarra Crossing and drive down to Uriarra East Reserve. the Gigerline Nature Reserve. The Gudgenby River This 3.5 km walk with sandy river banks and views is is usually about 10 cm deep with some pools about ½ mostly flat and easy except for the short steep rocky metre deep and flows gently through sandbanks. We’ll section along the before the track leaves start upstream of the Smiths Road Crossing and end at the river. Optional swim at walk’s end. If you wish to the junction of the Gudgenby and Murrumbidgee Rivers. spend some more time at the reserve then please bring We will car-pool to return drivers back to the start (about your picnic dinner and enjoy a meal with good company 3 km by road). Parents must accompany their kids by in very pleasant surroundings. I will supply fuel for the floating with them, or by wading and walking. From wood-fired BBQs for those who wish to use them. Map: there it’s a 5 minute drive. Bring lunch. Should finish http://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/ by 2 pm. Please contact me beforehand so I can provide parks-and-reserves/find-a-park/murrumbidgee-river- you with more information on gear and safety and can corridor/swamp-creek/Swamp-Creek,-Uriarra-and- let you know if I have to cancel due to unusually high Shepherds-Lookout-Map Leader: Phillip Starr 0419 or low water levels. Lilos can be bought online at http:// 281 096, [email protected] Transport: Drive www.raysoutdoors.com.au/Product/Wild-Country-Air- yourself, No need to book. Bed-Single/277037 Map: Williamsdale Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259, [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself.

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Activity program Friday 30 December–Thursday 5 January: Monday evening 2 January: Southside stroll Gunuma Lodge at Smiggins – H, M and E to de Salis Cemetery – S/E walks Meet at the car park just over the Tharwa bridge on the Join our group staying at Gunuma Ski Lodge at Smiggins left at 6.30 pm. The de Salis cemetery at Tharwa is a for a week, celebrate New Year’s Eve in the mountains unique, dry-stone wall enclosed burial site for the area’s and do a variety of activities – walks, fishing, coffee at pioneers of the late nineteenth century. The placement of Charlottes Pass or simply enjoy being in the mountains. plots reflects the social and cultural order of the time. The Walks may include to Rainbow Lake, Porcupine Rocks, site is approached through a lovely avenue of poplars. around Guthega, Smiggins, Mt Twynam and to Blue A short 3 km round trip, flat. Bring a picnic tea to enjoy Lake and others. Self-cater for breakfasts and lunches. afterwards. Leader: John Evans, 0417 436 877, john@ People are organised into catering groups of four so you johnevans.id.au Map: Williamsdale Transport: Drive only need to cook for one evening meal, depending on yourself. No need to book. numbers. Previously this has worked out extremely well and is fun. The kitchen is well equipped with storage Tuesday 3 January: The complete space for your food. Check it out at www.gunumalodge. Booroomba Rocks – cliffs, top and butt – com.au Transport: tba and pooled where possible S/M Leader: Janet Edstein [email protected] Limit: From the Booroomba Rocks car park, walk the 16. Accommodation: $30 per night; $210 per person Booroomba Rocks Walking Trail to the cliff top. Then for 7 nights. Two in a room or pay for the whole room. off-track to SH1396 through a band of scrub and onto This trip is now full, please consider Doug’s trip, based lovely runs of granite slabs. Take in the views and ‘feel at Charlottes Pass. the serenity’. Finally, we’ll go down under Booroomba’s Southern Butt(ress) to gaze up the towering cliffs. Saturday 31 December 2016 – Sunday Around 6 km and 350 m climb. Leader: John Evans, 1 January 2017: Kids’ Ettrema adventure 0417 436 877, [email protected] Map: – M/R Transport: ~$10. Please book by Sunday 1 January. Designed for families with energetic kids 8 years or older, this walk descends Bull Frog Creek to Ettrema Saturday–Sunday 7–8 January: Corang Arch Creek, known for its clear water and cascades. We’ll and Lagoon – L/M camp in rainforest next to a small waterfall with a choice Mostly on good to rough track and some scrub, via Mt of swimming pools. On Sunday we will exit via a steep Corang and Corang Arch, with good views in fine weather side creek, which includes some fun water-filled potholes. and a superb swimming lagoon at the campsite. Around Parents need recent experience at the equivalent of CBC 22 km and 300 m climb. Maps: Corang and Endrick. ‘rough’ grade level, and in multi-day hiking. Kids need Transport: $86 per car Leader: Jenny Horsfield 6231 to be confident in scrambling and in jumping from rock 4535, [email protected] to rock. Everyone, in case they fall in, should be able to Sunday 8 January 2017: Monga Eucryphia – swim 25 metres. Day 1: 6 km in 5 hours, descending M/R/part X 280 m. Day 2: 5 km in 5 hours, ascending 340 m and A circuit in Monga National Park to see the Eucryphia descending 60 m, with about 1 km of scrub. All off forest (open-understory rainforest with small creeks) in track except for 1 km. Map: Nerriga Leader: Linda an area about 5 km south of Penance Grove. We will also Groom [email protected] 6281 4917, 0474 507 259. visit Milo Trig and walk along a pleasant closed section Transport: Drive yourself. of the River Forest Road. Around 8 km, of which 4.5 km Saturday–Monday 31 December–2 January: is on fire trail. The off-track sections include some very Shoalhaven River – M/M steep loose slopes, and sections of scrub containing From Badgerys Lookout, descend 600 m to the beautiful prickly vines, large logs and waist-high ferns where it can Shoalhaven River, then walk downstream ~ 6 kms to take 40 strenuous minutes to cover 400 m. A good shady Canoe Flat vicinity where we will camp for two nights walk for a hot day. 1 hour 35 min drive from Queanbeyan, before returning the same way. On Sunday, explore Billy best driven in AWD/4WDS. Map: Araluen Leader: Bulloos Canyon or just laze around and enjoy the river. Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259, lbgroom@ Bring goodies for New Year’s Eve. Approx. 8 kms each gmail.com Transport: $96 per car. Limit: 12. way. Wear footwear suitable for river crossings and Monday 9 January: Kambah Pool – evening waterproof your pack in case the river is up. Also on the swim and meal CMW program. Map: Caoura. Leader: Meg McKone Join us for a swim in the Murrumbidgee from 5.30 p.m. 6254 5902, [email protected] Transport: onwards. Please bring bathers, a towel, and food for an $104 per car, ~$26 per person. evening meal. No need to book, just turn up. Park at the Sunday–Tuesday 1–3 January: Walking in Kambah pool car park. When you reach the river bear the Snowy Mountains left to find other CBC members. Leaders: Doug Wright Are you interested in staying in a self-catering ski lodge 6281 4148 and Janet Edstein [email protected] at Charlottes Pass to enjoy relaxed walking and the Wednesday 11 January: Wednesday Walks wild flowers? A limited number of beds are available. Coordinated by CBC John Danaro danaro@bigpond. Leader: Doug Wright 6281 4148, dougwri@grapevine. net.au com.au Accommodation: $61 single, $87 double per night. Book: As soon as possible to secure a place and Thursday evening, 12 January: Frost Hollow, for further information. Cork Plantation and Arboretum – S/E Meet at 6.00 pm (note earlier start to allow time for a slightly longer walk) in the car park accessed via the

Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2016 – page 9 Activity program road beside 61 MacKellar Circuit, Cook. We will walk lower and cling to gullies, if not, go higher and use the on track to the Arboretum via the Cork Plantation and the stone wall as part of the ascent. Boots, lower leg covering, Aranda Frost Hollow. Returning to the cars on different and eye protection (the bushes throw out gritty bits that tracks. No need to book. Map: Canberra. Leader: Diana are annoying in the eyes) needed, all on footpads (not Kirby 0421 851 212, [email protected] paths). Map: UBD 40 F12. Leader: Margaret Roseby Transport: drive yourself. 0428 142 733. Saturday 14 January: Spring Creek Gorge Monday–Thursday 16–19 January: Alpine Adventure – S/R weed survey – Kosciuszko National Park Designed for families with active kids aged 6 years – M/M or over, this is a fun hike that descends Spring Creek Conduct survey of mouse ear hawkweed infestations in through a series of rocky sections and cascades, with KNP under direction of Greening (GA) and some scrubby patches, reaching the NSW Parks. NSWP/GA will provide hut-based accom- via a small gorge. Option to swim through the gorge, modation, transport and some meals. Map: Location about 10 metres, or scramble high around it. Lunch by the TBA. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton 0488 071 203, river. Return the same way. Water quality about the same [email protected] Book: By as the Murrumbidgee. Total 4 km, 50 metres descent and 30 December. Trip full; wait list only. ascent. A 35 minute drive from Queanbeyan via Woolcara Lane. Leave Queanbeyan 9:00 am, should be back by Tuesday 17 January: Musgrave and 3 pm (tbc). Please book by 5 pm Friday 13 January. Currowan Creeks – M/R/X/W Map: Captains Flat Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917, A circuit to explore the rainforests of two creeks north 0474 507 259, [email protected] Transport: $40 per of the Kings Highway near Clyde Mountain. From a car car if shared. park a hundred metres above Government Bend, we will descend 250 vertical metres to Musgrave Creek. Then Saturday 14 January: Queanbeyan River upstream through Musgrave Creek’s rainforest for ½ km, Gorge Kayak / Walk – M/M/W probably with some wading, and across to Currowan Paddle 3 km from Tin Hut Inlet in the south of Googong Creek via tributaries and a ridge (up 250 m down 200 m). Dam up to the rapids in Queanbeyan River, then explore Currowan Creek has a much larger catchment than up river approximately 2.5 km on foot. Return for a swim Musgrave. Then 1.5 km down Currowan and exit with and some rapids running before paddling back. Possible a 280 m climb by whatever combination of creek, ridge side trip to London Bridge if time and group permit. or fire trail suits our timing. Total 8–10 km. Mainly off- Life jackets required. Please book by 5 pm Thursday track, rock-hopping, moderate scrub with some thick sec- 12 January. Map: Captains Flat. Leader: Rowan Peck tions. A 1 hour 15 mins drive from Queanbeyan. Maps: 0412 041 947 [email protected] Transport: Monga and Currowan. Leader: Linda Groom 6281 $20 per car. 4917, 0474 507 259, [email protected]. Transport: $80 per car. Limit: 8. Saturday 14 January: Grassy Creek and Waterholes Trails – M/E Wednesday 18 January: Wednesday Walks Starting from the Boboyan Road at the southern end of Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman. the ACT, this 15 km circuit follows the NSW border NW then Grassy Creek valley back to the cars. We visit Waterholes Hut and Westermans Homestead along the Wednesday 18 January 2017, 6 pm way. All on track or fire trail, above 1200 m altitude so MONTHLY ‘MEETING’ cooler than Canberra. Maps: Shannons Flat and Yaouk, or BYO Barbecue Rooftop’s Namadgi – ACT South. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 0418 662 870 [email protected] book by 2 pm If barbecues are disabled Thursday. Transport: 160 km return, ~$60 per car, because of fire danger, bring $15–$20 per person. Limit: 12. a picnic tea and still enjoy Saturday–Sunday 14–15 January: 9 Mile the company of friends. Diggings – Tabletop Mtn – M/M Black Mountain Peninsula Day 1: Kiandra – 9 Mile Diggings – Broken Dam Hut. (Follow the CBC signs on Day 2: Tabletop Mtn and 4 Mile Hut as side trip – return. Garryowen Drive) About 40 km and 600 m climb. Maps: Cabramurra, Denison Leaders: Jen and Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 [email protected] Transport: TBA. Monday evening 16 January: North Majura Thursday evening, 19 January: Black Mt Hat Ridgeline –S/M Band – S/E Meet at nature park gate at 6.30 pm on high edge of Antill Meet at 6.30 pm in the car park at end of Frith Street near Street just south of its intersection with Aspinall Street. the electricity substation. We will walk to the top of Black If coming from Hackett direction DO NOT cut across Mountain and on the way down take the track around the Antill, but use the roundabout to turn your vehicle south- mountain for 360-degree views of Canberra. No need to facing to access dirt carpark up on top of embankment. A book. Map: Canberra. Leader: Diana Kirby 0421 851 wander through what had been relatively recently, horse 212, [email protected] . Transport: paddocks to the northern ridgeline of Mt Majura (not drive yourself. going to the summit). What exactly we do will depend on the temperature of the evening, if very hot we will stay

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Activity program Friday–Tuesday (20) 21–24 January: themselves. There will be shared meals on Saturday and Canyoning in the Wollemi and Blue Sunday nights but not on Monday night. Maps: Perisher Mountains – M/M Valley, Chimneys Ridge, Geehi Dam, Kalkite Mountain Day 1: River Caves and Deep Pass canyons, WNP Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, [email protected] (M/M/W 8 km and 300 m ascent track). A series of Transport: ~$50–$60 incl. park entry. Accommodation: short, enjoyable strolls and scrambles through mostly single room $90, double/twin $80 per person. dry canyons, with a great rock cleft to explore along Sunday 22 January: with aboriginal paintings. No abseils, although you will adventure – S/R get your feet (or more) wet in a few spots if you slip. A Designed for families with active kids aged 6 years or few climbs use fixed safety ropes. Day 2: Wollangambe over, this circuit starts at Woods Reserve and heads up Two Canyon, Wollangambe River, BMNP, (M/M/W , initially on a foot pad and then through 10 km and 500 m ascent) A great introductory canyon, granite sections and sometimes thick scrub to a small which is traversed by li-lo, walking in shallow water swimming hole fed by a cascade. After a swim we’ll and scrambling over boulders. We will stop to walk up continue up the creek to the base of Gibraltar Falls, for side creeks to visit the lower reaches of Serendipity, lunch and further opportunities to get wet, climb up past Whungee–Wheengee and Waterfall of Moss Canyons. the falls on a steep foot pad, then return via the new ACT No abseils, although one short descent will be done Parks track on the west side of Gibraltar Creek. Total with a safety rope. Each person needs to be confident 3 km in around 5 hours, 120 m ascent and descent. If you in water over their heads. Day 3: Grand Canyon, Upper have not done a CBC ‘rough’ grade walk before, please Grose Valley, BMNP (M/M/W 7 km and 350 m) We describe your experience when booking. A 25 minute will avoid the abseil by walking in and returning via the drive from Tuggeranong. Map: Tidbinbilla Leader: exit. A number of compulsory swims are required, one Linda Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259, lbgroom@ up to 30 m. Day 4: Birrabang Canyon, Upper Grose gmail.com Transport: $20 per car if shared. Limit: 16. Valley, BMNP, (M/M/W) 8 km and 350 m ascent. A great introductory canyon with no abseils or swims required. Monday evening, 23 January: Mt Painter – With scrambling you need only get wet to the top of your S/E legs. A nice canyon and a spectacular gorge. Gear: A Meet at 6.30 pm in the car park accessed via the road helmet, slip resistant shoes, wetsuit and a cotton covered beside 61 MacKellar Circuit, Cook. We will walk on track li-lo are required. Maps: Rock Hill, Wollangambe, Mount up Mt Painter for great views from the top. Returning Wilson, Katoomba Leaders: Karen Cody and Bob via the horse paddocks and Wybalena Ridge, mostly on Salijevic, [email protected] Transport: ~$100 per tracks. No need to book. Map: Canberra. Leader: Diana person with 3 per car. Accommodation: Free camping Kirby 0421 851 212, [email protected] available on 7 acres of private property, with hot show- Transport: drive yourself. ers and toilets available. Feel free to ‘wag’ one of the walks to visit nearby tourist attractions. There will be a Wednesday 25 January: Wednesday Walks self-catered BBQ on Saturday night. Limit: 16. Book: by Coordinated by CBC John Danaro [email protected]. the 7 January. Further info on each canyon is available au and NPA Mike Smith. at: https://sites.google.com/site/feralkaza/home under ‘Upcoming Trips – Blue Mountains’. Submissions close for Saturday 21 January: Dawn sortie, Orroral February it Tor – S/M 25 January 2017 Taking inspiration from an idea of Terence Uren this walk starts and finishes early to avoid the heat. From Orroral campground we follow a pleasant track above the (Wed 25) Thursday–Sunday 26–29 January: river out to Orroral Valley and then head up a wooded, Kowmung River – M/R/W scrubby spur to a fine rock outlook, then back along an Drive to Kanangra on Wednesday for a 4 day walk over old track near the river. About 7 km, 150 m climb. Map: the Australia Day long weekend. From Kanangra Walls, Rendezvous Creek Leaders: Jen and Rob Horsfield 6231 traverse Bullhead Ridge and descend Cambage Spire 4535, robhorsfield @bigpond.com (some exposed rock-scrambling here) to the Kowmung Saturday–Monday 21–23, optional Tuesday River (~11 kms and ~800 m descent). It’s ~10 kms down 24 January: Snowy Mountains weekend – the river, with some rock-hopping, and numerous river crossings and deep wades or swims, so waterproof your (various grades) pack and wear suitable footwear – sandshoes or shoes Drive down Saturday morning to the Southern Alps with a good grip. Boots are not suitable. Return up Ski Club Lodge at Charlottes Pass where we stay. The Roots Ridge to Kanangra Walls (~10 kms and ~800 m Saturday afternoon walks will both be to Mt Stillwell, one ascent). This is one of the most beautiful stretches of the direct from the lodge about 3 hours, led by Ross Andrews Kowmung River, with lovely pools and grassy campsites and the other from the locked gate, about 2 hours led by below the bluffs. Also on the CMW program. Maps: me. There will be two walks on Sunday, Watsons Crags, Kanangra, Yerranderie. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 about 20 km and 6 hours, 60% on track, led by Chris 5902, [email protected] Transport: $190 Roper and Rennix Gap, 4 hours all on track, led by me. per car, ~$47 each. On Monday, we will drive to Thredbo then go via the chair lift to the start of the Kosciuszko walking track but will head west along the track to Dead Horse Gap, again about 4 hours. There is the option of staying on an extra day but the participants will need to organise those walks

Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2016 – page 11 Activity program Thursday–Sunday 26–29 January: Boulevard as per sign, then left into Amy Ackman Street, Tantawangalo Creek – M/R/W/part X which will take you to the Mulligans Flat car park. Nice A four-day descent of this remote and pristine creek in open bushland. There are loads of walks in this area. We the SE Forests National Park, starting with rainforest won’t duplicate the last one. No need to book. Map: Hall. patches on its tributary Devils Creek and ending with Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, [email protected] broad sandy beaches and large pools below Postmans Transport: drive yourself. Camp. En route, sandy pools, old growth eucalypt Saturday–Sunday 4–5 February: Talbingo forest, tree ferns, some rocky sections including granite cascades, and some sections of thick scrub. Wading the Paddle and Walk – S/M A joint CBC/NPA outing. Paddle from ‘Sue City’ sandy pools, mostly ankle to knee-deep, is unavoidable, (O’Hares Rest Area) 4 km to the campsite on Talbingo but compulsory swims are unlikely. On average only Reservoir. Options for the afternoon and next morning 7 km and 100 m descent each day – this will allow time include paddling, swimming or walking up some of for unexpected difficulties or optional swims. Because the many nearby hills for views over the reservoir. A this is entirely off-track and partly exploratory, walkers beautiful location suitable for beginners. BYO canoe need prior experience in CBC ‘rough’ grade multi-day or kayak. Map: Yarrangobilly 1:100 000 or Ravine and walks, or equivalent. A two-hour car shuffle. Maps: Yarrangobilly Leader: Mike Bremers 0428 923 408, Cathcart, Glen Allen, Candelo, Bemboka Leader: Linda [email protected] Transport: ~$170 per car. Groom 6281 4917, 0474 507 259, [email protected] Limit: 8. Transport: $160 per car. Limit: 8. Saturday 28 January: Saturday–Sunday 4–5 February: Blue from Casuarina Sands – S/E–M Waterholes, Cave Creek and the Meet at 2:00 pm. Drive down Cotter Road, turn right – S/E at the Casuarina Sands sign (just before the bridge over This is a good introductory trip for day walkers who would the Murrumbidgee River) then turn immediately left and like to try overnight camping. We’ll depart Canberra late proceed past the amenities block to the farthest bays in morning on Saturday and drive via Adaminaby and Long the car park. We wander upstream along the river, under Plain Road to the Blue Waterholes camping area. On the the bridge and beyond, to a nice swimming hole. Distance drive in we’ll make a short stop to check out Coolamine walked and swimming time will depend on the heat. We Homestead. Following a general exploration of the area will be back in Canberra by 5–6 pm. Map: around Blue Waterholes we’ll follow Cave Creek down Leader: Jeff Bennetts 0418 662 870 jcmbenn@ozemail. to its junction with the Goodradigbee River where we’ll com.au Transport: No need to book. set up camp for the night. This is a delightful area to camp. If we encounter hot weather, there will be the Sunday 29 January: Murrumbidgee River, a opportunity to cool down by going for dips in Cave Creek pool on the ACT/NSW Border – S/M and the Goodradigbee River. On Sunday, we’ll return About 600 m north of Uriarra Crossing on the Fairlight to Blue Waterholes camping area along the same route. Road. We park cars at a locked gate on a track to the right, Maps: Peppercorn, Rules Point or Rooftop’s Kosciuszko which follows the northern bank of the Murrumbidgee Northern Activities. Leader: Gerald Dodgson 0438 119 River. About 500 m along this track we climb over a spur 803(m), [email protected] Transport: ~360 km, and re-join the river. We then go down stream to a large $140 per car, $35–$45 per person. Bookings: Book by pool on the ACT side of our border with NSW. We will email before 2:00 pm Thursday 2 February. have lunch here and have time to do some swimming. It is a good spot for bird watching. Map: Umburra. Leader: Sunday 5 February: Queanbeyan River loop Mike Morriss 6282 3382, [email protected] ride – hard difficulty pushbike ride Transport: cost determined on the day. Meet at London Bridge car park at 8:00 am. Covering 19.7 km. The starting point for the mountain biking trail is Monday evening, 30 January: at the London Bridge car park and explores the hinterland – S/E around the Queanbeyan River. The loop ranges between Meet at 6.30 pm, parking at the lake end of Townsend moderate and difficult terrain and has some steep grades Place, John Knight Memorial Park. This is a pleasant, along with two crosses over the river. Up to 300 m of easy walk around the lake. All on track. No need to climbs and descents could be involved. Participants book. Map: Canberra. Leader: Diana Kirby 0421 851 should have a mountain bike or good hybrid and be 212, [email protected] Transport: drive comfortable with riding on rough terrain. Bring plenty yourself. of water and sunscreen. Map: Hoskinstown. Leader: David Dedenczuk 0417 222 154, ddedentz@bigpond. Wednesday 1 February: Wednesday Walks net.au Transport: $15 per person. Book by Thursday Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman. 2nd February. Monday evening, 6 February: Cooleman COMMITTEE MEETING Ridge – S/E Wednesday 1 February 2017, 8 pm Meet at the car park at 6.30 pm on Namatjira Drive just at the home of Cynthia Burton on the Kambah side of Fisher near the speed limit sign. Great views along the ridge. No need to book. Map: Thursday evening, 2 February: Mulligans Canberra. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, smarks@ Flat – S/E live.com.au Transport: drive yourself. Meet at 6.30 pm in the main Mulligans Flat car park. Go down Horse Park Drive, turn into Francis Forde

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Activity program Monday–Thursday 6–9 February: Depot Oldfields Hut, pick up camping gear, and return to the Beach 4–day camp cars for the long drive back to Canberra. Around 23 km Easy grade with swimming, surfing and snorkelling. An and 950 m climb for the full trip over 2 days. Maps: opportunity to enjoy 4 days camp at the Depot Beach Rendezvous Creek and Rules Point. Leaders: Doug campground. Activities include walking around to Wright and Mike Morriss. Bookings: Doug Wright Pt Upright along a spectacular wave cut platform, walk- 6281 4148, [email protected] Transport: ing along the beach to Pebbly Beach, short walks in the ~$40 per person. rainforest, a day spent at North Head, as well as gazing Monday–Thursday 13–16 February: Alpine at the stars and doing nothing. Campers need to bring own tent, chair and food etc as there aren’t shops nearby. weed survey – Kosciuszko National Park Transport: ~$60 each person includes travel to North (KNP) – M/M Beach Leader: Janet Edstein [email protected] Conduct survey of mouse ear hawkweed infestations in Acommodation: $38 for 3 nights per person, or van on KNP under direction of Greening Australia (GA) and powered sites $102 for 3 nights. Showers $1. National NSW Parks. NSWP/GA will provide hut-based accom- Park Pass $8 per car per night. For information on Depot modation, transport and some meals. Map: Location Beach www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 4478 6582. Please TBA. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton 0488 071 203, book asap so I can arrange tent sites and joint car travel. [email protected] Book: By Joint activity with BBC. 30 January. Trip full; wait list only. Wednesday 8 February: Wednesday Walks Monday evening, 13 February: Burley Griffin Coordinated by CBC John Danaro danaro@bigpond. – S/E net.au Meet at 6.30 pm in the car park on the right of the road outside the Governor General’s residence on Dunrossil Thursday evening, 9 February: Gungahlin Drive for a wander along the lake to Weston Park and Hill Nature Park – S/E back. No need to book. Map: Canberra. Leader: Stan Meet at 6.30 pm in the car park for this Nature Park. It Marks 6254 9568, [email protected] Transport: is accessed off the Barton Highway, 1.5 km east of the drive yourself. Gundaroo Drive roundabout, difficult to access directly from the east. There are interesting and different views. Wednesday 15 February: Wednesday Walks No need to book. Map: Hall. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 Coordinated by BBC Kathy Handel and Peter Wellman. 9568, [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. Wednesday 15 February 2017 2016, 8 pm Friday 10 February: Toddlers Toddle – MONTHLY MEETING Gudgenby River – S/M Walking in the USA and Canada Meet at the car park just across the bridge in Tharwa, Presenter: Linda Groom next to the public toilets, at 9.45 am. Walk down a steep bank and along the Gudgenby River, which at this point The hall: Hughes Baptist Church could be described as the ACT’s longest sand pit. Shallow 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes running water. In the Gigerline Nature Reserve. Everyone will need to take their shoes off for a knee-deep wade. Thursday evening, 16 February: Ainslie/ Total about 300 metres return, descent/ascent about Majura Reserve – S/E 5 metres. No need to book. Should be back in Tharwa by Be at the entrance to the park beside 39 Mackenzie Street, noon. Map: Williamsdale Leaders: Linda Groom 6281 Hackett, just north of the Grayson Street intersection at 4917, 0474 507 259, [email protected] and Meredith 6.30 pm for a walk in the saddle between Mt Ainslie and Hatherly. Transport: Drive yourself. Mt Majura. No need to book. Map: Canberra. Leader: Friday–Sunday 10–12 February: Cesjacks Stan Marks 6254 9568, [email protected] Transport: Hut and Mt Jagungal – M/R drive yourself. Friday 1:00 pm departure for northern KNP via Cooma, Monday evening, 20 February: The Pinnacle leaving cars at the KNP gate and walk in to Cesjacks – S/E Hut camp (~2.5 km). On Saturday, high alpine off track Meet at 6.30 pm at the end of Dungowan Street, Hawker walking to climb Mt Jagungal, 15 km return to Cesjacks for a walk with views of the Brindabellas. No need to Hut and about 900 m total ascent. Return to cars Sunday book. Map: Canberra. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, for the drive home. Maps: Jagungal Leader: Rowan [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. Peck 0412 041 947 [email protected] Transport: ~ $280 per car, 4WD required. Limit: 8. Wednesday 22 February: Wednesday Walks Coordinated by CBC John Danaro [email protected]. Saturday–Sunday 11–12 February: Oldfields au and NPA Mike Smith. Hut – Murrays Gap – Bimberi Peak – M/M or L/M Thursday evening, 23 February: North After an early start and morning tea at Adaminaby, we Lyneham Eucalyptus Reserve – S/E then go to the locked gate at the end of Pockets Saddle Meet at 6.30 pm at the end of Narambi Place, North Road. There is a 5 km walk with packs to camp around Lyneham for a walk through this reserve. No need to Oldfields Hut. There will be optional short walks before book. Map: Canberra. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, a gourmet meal on Saturday evening. We will start early [email protected] Transport: drive yourself. to climb Bimberi Peak. Some of us may do part of this walk, perhaps as far as Murrays Gap. We then return to

Canberra Bushwalking Club it December 2016 – page 13 Activity program Friday–Sunday 24–26 February: Snowy Monday–Thursday 13–16 March: Alpine Mountains pack walk from Guthega – M/M weed survey – Kosciuszko National Park A joint BBC/NPA/CBC trip, 3 days, 2 nights. This is a (KNP) – M/M lovely walk along the Main Range with time to explore Conduct survey of mouse ear hawkweed infestations in with only day packs. From Guthega we walk north up KNP under direction of Greening Australia (GA) and the ridge to Consett Stephen Pass where we camp on the NSW Parks. NSWP/GA will provide hut-based accom- first night with time in the afternoon to explore the Tate modation, transport and some meals. Map: Location West Ridge. The second day we walk south-west along TBA. Coordinator: Cynthia Burton 0488 071 203, the Main Range to Mt Anderson where we spend the [email protected] Book: By night with time in the afternoon to explore Mt Anderson. 28 February. Trip full; wait list only. On the third day we will possibly go up Mt Anton or Little Twynam before returning to Guthega via the lower Tuesday 14 March: Blue Gum Hill Cliffs – L/R slopes of Little Twynam and Illawong Lodge. Leaders: Above Blue Gum creek are some nice granite slabs Terrylea Reynolds and Barrie Ridgway (0437 023 140, with two geocaches hidden among the rocks. Possibly [email protected]). Transport: 446 km, $55 scrubby along the tops. Distance about 16 kms, ascent per person. Maps: Perisher and Geehi Dam Book: By about 600 m. Map: Corin Dam. Leader: Roger Edwards 17 February. Limit: 8. 6288 7863, [email protected] Transport: ~$20 per car. Limit: 8. (Fri 24) Saturday–Sunday 25–26 February: Lady Northcote Creek – Kosciuszko Thursday–Sunday 16–19 March: KNP National Park – M/E&R/X 2100+m Hills – L/ M–R Lady Northcote Creek lies on the western side of the Leave Canberra Thursday evening, stay in Jindabyne main range and drains into the Geehi River. We will start overnight. On Friday depart from Charlotte Pass and from Charlottes Pass and walk over to near Albina Lake top as many 2100 m+ peaks as the group can manage, and then down the creek. We will camp at or near the and weather allows. Camp at Wilkinsons Creek 1st hut on Strzelecki Creek. Sunday morning is a 1,000 m night, and at Cootapatamba Hut 2nd night. Traverse climb back up to Watsons Crags and then back to the Ramshead Range and Etheridge ranges before returning cars. Map: Perisher Valley. Transport: $185 plus park to cars Sunday pm for drive home. Route will vary based entry per car. Leader: Ian Hickson 6251 6858, hickson@ on weather and group. Map: Perisher Valley. Leader: homemail.com.au Limit: 8. Rowan Peck 0412 041 947, [email protected] Transport: $250 per car + park entry fees. (Jindabyne Monday evening, 27 February: Gossan Hill – house accom no charge.) Limit: 8. Book by 5 pm Tuesday S/E 14 March. Meet 6.30 pm, park in the car park behind the old Aranda shops, cnr Jalanga Cres and Bandjalong Crescent, Sunday 19 March: Yankee Hat North – M/R Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8: 00 am. Joint NPA/ Aranda. We will cross over Belconnen Way to explore BBC/CBC activity. Starting at the Yankee Hat car park, Gossan Hill and back to the cars. No need to book. Map: we will skirt the southern flanks of the mountain before Canberra. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568, smarks@live. following a tributary of Bogong Creek towards the saddle com.au Transport: drive yourself. between the north and south peaks. The walk will be very Saturday–Monday 11–13 March: Bemboka scrubby. Walk 10 km, and 500 m climb (15 gradable km) Walls – South East Forest NP – M&L/ Leader: David Dedenczuk, 0417 222 154, ddedentz@ E&R/X bigpond.net.au Map: Rendezvous Creek Transport: The walk will start from north of the Bemboka Pie Shop 140 km, $56 per car. Book by Thursday 16 March. and then go east over Bemboka Peak and on to Bemboka Monday–Friday 20–25 March: Kangaroo Walls where there should be extensive views over the Island Wilderness Trail – M/E–M Bemboka Valley. From here we will turn north and cross Five days, four nights, walking this new wilderness Desert Creek and then go over a ridge into Double Creek. trail in Flinders Chase NP through spectacular coastal We will then climb Warrigal Mt and descend back into scenery. The campsites take up to 12 people. More info Double Creek before returning to the cars via Pigeon Box available from website kangarooislandwildernesstrail. Mt and Indian Head Mt. Map: Yankees Gap. Transport: sa.gov.au and Australian Geographic Sep–Oct 2016. $150 per car. Leader: Ian Hickson 6251 6858, hickson@ We can also spend additional time on Kangaroo Island homemail.com.au Limit: 8. and on the mainland of SA. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 Sunday 12 March: Nil Desperandum – M/E 5902, [email protected] Transport: $$$ From the Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre, we will walk to the to SA and Kangaroo Island, + $161 for the walk. Limit: restored settler’s pise cottage on the edge of the forested 12. Please contact leader soon if you are interested so slopes of the Tidbinbilla Range. This will be on a track bookings can be made. through a burnt-out pine plantation. We will then take a track which loops around the head of Hurdle Creek. Tuesday 28 March: Ridge North of This is through healthy native forest. We will return to Currockbilly Mtn, Budawang National the cottage, going off track for a short distance. We can Park – S/R/X expect to be back to the Visitors Centre in time for a cof- The walk will start from the Currockbilly car park and we fee, or some may wish to visit other parts of the Nature will then climb onto the main ridge about 1½ km north Reserve. Map: Tidbinbilla. Leader: Mike Morriss, 6282 of Currockbilly where there will be expansive views of 3382, [email protected] Transport: ~$8. the Budawangs and the coast. After reaching the top of the ridge we will walk north along the crest. This section

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Bulletin board may be quite scrubby and rocky. In the afternoon, we will of Mt Razorback from base camps by delightful pools in turn west and descend down to the fire trail and thence Crawford Creek. I don’t know what we will find, but it back to the cars. Map: Brooman Transport: $90 per car. looks spectacular! Off-track walking with steep climbs and Leader: Ian Hickson 6251 6858, hickson@homemail. scrambles. Week 2: Another off-track walk, possibly along com.au Limit: 8. the Chewings Range between Ellery CK and the block west of Hugh Gorge, including Peak Alone (unnamed, Saturday 8 April: Tuggeranong Homestead 1179 metres). Also on the CMW program. Maps: West and Enchanted Hill – M/M MacDonnell NP Maps 1 and 2 Leader: Meg McKone We will park cars near the entrance to Tuggeranong 6254 5902, [email protected] Transport: Homestead, off Johnson Drive and follow Tuggeranong $ lots – return flights to Alice Springs, bus transport to start Creek upstream to the Monaro Highway. We then go off and end of walks ~$200. This trip is now full. track through open woodland, and follow the now closed railway for about 1 km to where we take a steep ridge to July – early September: Central Australia – M/M the top of Enchanted Hill. The long climb (310 m from the Three weeks in the red centre including the Western start) is rewarded by marvellous 360° views. The return Macdonnells, Watarrka (Kings Canyon), Uluru and will be via part of the Tuggeranong Hill Nature Reserve more. Spend a week driving there and another week and will include an Aboriginal site. Map: Tuggeranong coming back with interesting places along the way, or Leader: Mike Morriss 6282 3382 mike.morriss123@ fly to Alice Springs and hire a vehicle. Camping beside gmail.com Transport: $5 per person. the cars with day walks. Leaders: Linda Stone and Jeff Bennetts 0418 662 870, [email protected]. 7 June – 7 July 2017: Carr Boyds, Drysdale au Additional expressions of interest before a planning River and Keep River – M/R/X/W meeting in March. Limit: 12. Three trips near Kununurra, WA. The Carr Boyds with rugged gorges, small canyons and high plateaus. Drysdale Advance notice: Australian Alps Walking River National Park, noted for Indigenous art, wildlife, Track with Mac Kirby rocky side creeks and Solea Falls, accessed by float plane. I plan to walk the Australian Alps Walking Track in the Keep River National Park, with its unusual rock forma- spring / early summer of 2017. I expect to take about tions. Longest pack-carry is 10 nights. Suit people with a fortnight for each of the three sections: Walhalla to previous experience of multi-day trips at CBC ‘rough’ Hotham, Hotham to Thredbo, Thredbo to Tharwa. I plan grade. Maps: tba. Leader: Linda Groom lbgroom@ to take a couple of days break between sections (i.e. in gmail.com 6281 4917. Transport: In addition to fares Hotham and in Thredbo). I will welcome companions for to Kununurra – $1200 to $1700 per person. Limit: 8. the whole walk or for parts of it. Exact dates and other Fully booked; waiting list commenced. details to be worked out to suit the party. Expressions of interest to [email protected], or 0422585519. June–July 2017 – Uganda: Gorillas, Nile River and Mountains of the Moon. Gorillas walk M–ML/R, Rwenzoris M – L/R Looking at arranging a CBC member’s only trip to Bulletin Board Uganda from June to July 2017. Due to the difficulties The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no of travelling between National Parks the trip will be done cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal with a local tour operator (http://www.kazingatours. bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved com/Uganda). The tour is for 26 days and includes in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the Gorillas, Kidepo National Park, Queen Elizabeth the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if peo- National Park (Murchison Falls), Semuliki National Park ple participate in any activities advertised here, they (Chimpanzee tracking) plus plenty of opportunity for bird do so as private individuals, not as members of the watching. Costs depends on the number of participants Club, and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance. but for a group of 2–3 people it is: 26 day tour $US4585 + $US600 (Gorilla tracking). There are optional guided Notices for the Bulletin board should be emailed day walks also, which vary between $45–$USD100. The to the Walks Secretary: walksec@canberrabush- more travellers, the less for each person, excluding the walkingclub.org Gorilla tracking fee. Costs are based on medium budget Feb 2017: New Zealand – tramping accommodation. The walks in the Rwenzori Mountains Expressions of interest are sought for loop walk are separate from the above tour and are to be booked Young Valley, Gillespie Pass, Wilkin Valley. Then via the Rwenzori Trekking Services Company. Options Routeburn track for multiday camping at scenic include treks to Weismanns Peak (6 days, $USD850) or Lake Wilson via Valley of the Trolls, day trips climb- a 4 day trail walk. Further information, including full trip ing Mt Erebus, pt1647 and pt1807 (scrambling), itineraries, costs, security and travel insurance require- return via Routeburn track. Distance: Medium. ments will be provided to those interested. Contact: Trip Grade: Medium–Hard. Leader: Trevor Carr [email protected] Limit: 6. [email protected] 0421 788 554. This trip is listed on the Coast and Mountain Walkers club Wednesday 26 July – Tuesday 8 August program. 2017: Ridges and gorges of Razorback, West MacDonnells – M/R/partly X Gear for sale?– place an ad! You will need to be in Alice Springs on Tues 25 July If you have any old equipment youno longer want, and not leave until Wed 9 August. Two walks (approx why not place an ad here to either sell or give it 7 days each) over two weeks in the West Macs. Week 1: away. Please include personal contact details and Explore the narrow ridges and gorges on the western side asking price.

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

If undeliverable return to POSTAGE GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 PAID it AUSTRALIA

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

December 2016

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