It June 2011.Indd

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r o iitt C Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume: 47 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Number: 5 June 2011 GENERAL MEETING 8 pm Wednesday 15 June 2011 In this issue Orange Hawkweed: Alpine invader 2 President’s prattle 2 Walks wafﬂ e Presenter: Jo Caldwell 2 Membership matters 2 50th events Jo’s presentation will include why it is such a successful weed, 3 Review: Bogong High current known sites in KNP, survey and GIS methods, the Orange Plains Hawkweed program and the volunteer program. 4 Tour de Budawangs Main hall, 6 Photo of the month 6 Four stages of the Heysen Hughes Baptist Church, Trail 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes 9 How to design a bushwalk 10 Standing resolutions results 10 Bulletin Board 11 Activity program 15 Discount offers for club members

Important dates 13 June TTriviarivia nnightight Queen’s Birthday Wednesday 7:00 pm 20 July 2011 15 June General meeting Main hall, Hughes Baptist Church, 199 JJuneune 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes WinterWintter ssolsticeolstice wwalk Tickets $10 222 JJuneunne CommitteeCommittee memmeetingetin Now available at General meetings or from Quentin Moran, Alison Milton, Gösta Lyngâ, Cynthia Breheny or 222 JJuneune pay by direct deposit and email your details to editor@ SubmissionsSuubmissions closclosee for July it canberrabushwalkingclub.org 200 JulyJuly Tables of 8 or we’ll find a table for you. TriviaTrivia nnightight Committee reports meetings. Some of these include area with little shelter from wind. President’s a range of convenient online pay- Overtrousers are also very useful in ment and renewal facilities. Also wet weather or in wet scrub. prattle included will be the ability to man- Also in cold weather, don’t forget to age changes to your personal details maintain an adequate water intake. such as email address. My thanks In addition to sweating, water is ur 50th anniversary Trivia to the committee members for also lost from the body in expired ONight is on Wednesday 20th getting this underway; particularly air. Cold winter air has very little of July at the Hughes Baptist Hall, David Briese for his commitment moisture in it and when it enters in place of the General Meeting. to this initiative and the web site the lungs it warms up and gains Please note that it starts at 7:00 pm, in general. moisture. This warm moisture laden not 8:00. We already have tables This is your Club, so please get air is then expired and the moisture booked, but would like to have more behind it. that is lost can only be replaced by people getting their tickets ASAP drinking water. So even though you as it is difﬁ cult for the organisers PS: We need you - please support may not sweat as much in winter as to prepare if too many leave it to our Trivia Night. in summer, the loss of moisture in the last minute. At only $10.00 expired air is greater.

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r o a ticket, get in early and support C

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o C trivia expert - just know a bit about A/g Walks Secretary bushwalking and a general smatter- ing of related information. The night is more about socialising, having Walks a good time with your bushwalk- 550th0th eventsevents ing friends and enjoy the prizes waffl e on offer. Yes the winners will have Anniversary dinner boasting rights, while the rest of us Friday night will just have to do with having a ur walks program for day walks great evening. Oin June and July is looking 11 November The mornings are defi nitely feeling quite healthy, although there are Tickets will be available a bit nippy; fortunately most of the few overnight walks in this period. shortly days have been great for walking. As colder weather approaches Keep this night free Once started it doesn’t take long remember to take clothing and to warm up and get into a nice and advise any ex- equipment suitable for this time members if you are still comfortable cadence. For personal of the year. Even though it may be reasons I have been restricted to tempting to leave some of your cold in contact. doing only short walks, and cycling and wet weather clothing behind in trips to work. However, I love the the interests of keeping the weight crisp mornings (especially if there or volume of your pack down, Winter Solstice is no wind) - looking at the dew on remember that the weather at the To celebrate the short- the grass, glistening spider webs location of the walk may be quite and misty hues always gives me different to the weather in Canberra. est day of the year and pleasure. And, you shouldn’t forget This is particularly so if the walk is the return of the sun. that walking this time of year means some distance from Canberra. But you are unlikely to get hot, making even close to Canberra there can be Sunday 19 June (see it easier to chat with friends. Make a signifi cant change in weather; air walks program for the most of what the Canberra temperature of dry air decreases by booking details) region offers and get out for a walk approximately 1°C for every 100 m in the bush. Make sure you book of altitude gained and wind speed early on the walks as a number of and direction may be quite different recent walks have been over sub- to that in Canberra because of local scribed. On simpler walks this may terrain effects. It is always prudent Membership not matter if there is someone who to carry some form of waterproof can co-lead on the walk. However, and windproof clothing for unex- matters some walks are restricted due to pected conditions. safety, care of the environment or Please ensure that you keep the rules applying in national parks. Clothing for this time of the year Membership Secretary informed should be selected to minimise the Just a reminder to club members, of any changes to your email risk of hypothermia and should address. you can check when your renewal is include a good quality parka and due by logging onto the “Members beanie or other warm hat, with per- New members: Jackie Bestek, Only” page of the website and haps the addition of gloves. Long Pete and Robyn Eland, Robert looking up your name. There are trousers and even overtrousers also Lynch a number of other improvements help to maintain body heat and are to the website underway that will particularly useful when walking Gary Trevean be announced at upcoming general Membership Secretary g o on the top of a ridge or in a fl at r F

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Review of general meeting talk

View north from Fainter south RReview:eview: BogongBogong were magnifi cent views to Mt Feathertop and the HHighigh PPlainslains Fainters. Lois led some 8 MayMay 20112011 of the party on a further trek on to Mt Fainter South, though by the ois Padgham gave a colourful end of that day she’d lost Ltalk at the May general meeting, something of her gung- when she shared her impressions ho spirit through eating a of the New Year’s trip which Jeff rather mouldy sandwich. Bennetts led to the Bogong High Plains. Mt Bogong, Victoria’s Day 4 –New Year’s Eve highest mountain, dominates the – was remembered as region, but there are plenty of other the ‘communal cake day’ points of interest for the summer after the group climbed walker, including the deep blue Mt Jim and ate lunch Bogong High Plains Tawonga Huts lakes formed by the Rocky Valley under the meagre shade of the few unburnt snow and Pretty Valley storage dams, The fi nal full day of the trip took the the beautiful Mt Feathertop, and of gums, enjoying the display of Alpine Daisies, Billy Buttons and party to Cope Saddle Hut, part of the course the wildfl owers, at their best Australian Alps Walking Track, and in mid-summer during their brief flowering native mint (though they also had to keep an eye on then a climb up Mt Bundara, where fl owering period. Sadly, this region they disturbed a mob of brumbies. was seriously damaged in the 2003 the millions of ants that seemed to have fl ourished this last season). The trip finished with a visit to fi res and the snowgums are only Wallaces Hut, an old cattlemen’s now beginning to slowly recover. That night the group enjoyed an impromptu concert and a cake made hut and one that has survived the The series of walks Jeff had planned from ‘bits and pieces’ of the kind of extremes of this alpine climate.

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r o revolved around a number of differ- C food bushwalkers carry, and cooked Jenny Horsfi eld ent trips linked by car travel from in the camp oven. It was enjoyed… their base at Raspberry Hill, at even the burnt bits. the south-west end of the Bogong Plains. The fi rst full day of their trip took the group on a gentle ascent of Wildfl owers on Mt Jim Mt Nelse (North and South), with some of the party then going on to visit Ropers Hut, a former cattle- man’s hut, which has been rebuilt after the original was destroyed in the 2003 fi res. While approaching the hut, Lois and her friends were intrigued to get a visit from a helicopter rescue squad, searching for an ‘older party’ whose PLB had been activated. (It turned out to be another CBC party, walking in the vicinity of the Big River, who had a casualty with a broken leg.) The next day saw the group climb Mt Jaithmathang (previously known as the Niggerheads), on the western edge of the Bogong High Plains. From the top at 1,843 metres, there

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2011 – page 3 Trip report TTourour ddee Day three had been a pleasant day, which BBudawangsudawangs started with a deluge of white chocolate Easter EEaster–ANZACaster–ANZAC eggs from Leader Two. We enjoyed the delights Walkers: Irene Davies and of the refl ections in the Keith Thomas (Leaders), Jean tannin-coloured pools Douglass, Ann Gibbs-Jordan, of Holland Creek as Kim Hello, Ron Simpson, Helen well as lush vegetation intertwined with Stevens and Lorraine Tomlins. the odd lawyer vine. It t was at the campsite on the side was great to be rock- Iof Tarn on day three that I found hopping again even I was in the illustrious company of though my knees the World Champion Rogainers in thought differently. the Mixed Super Veteran category. Everyone got their feet Jeanie Douglass and Ron Simpson wet except Leader One had been quietly walking along at who somehow never what for them was probably a slow slipped when others pace for three days. I don’t think did. We even stopped they minded as they were having a for splashes although lot of fun and laughs. not everyone leapt into the chilly water. At the At this same campsite I was stunned junction of Holland to see the thick gruel that Kim and Angel Creeks we Hello was cooking for his dinner. took the steep spur up Holland Creek On a base of mung beans, Kim had to Tarn. From this spur, placed layers of stale bread and off to Camping Rock to claim their we got excellent views of one of my tent site. An Englishman was found sprinkled dried banana on the top favourite mountains, the Donjon, before pouring water over it. With wandering around on the top of just before it disappeared in cloud Quiltys. He was looking for Hidden a stir every now and then, he made and mist. it swell into a large mass, which Valley. Slightly off route without I guess he hoped would keep him Our walking route started at the either a map or compass, he was going until morning and probably Nerriga entrance to the Budawangs shown the right direction – Mad half way through the next day. The from where we trundled along the Dogs and Englishmen. banana did smell nice but the aroma Redgrounds Track. Day one was A wind had sprung up and was from the heated damp stale bread a 16 km bash along the road but blowing around Camping Rock so was for me reminiscent of the crusts I was pleasantly surprised by the the tents were pitched in spots that and hot wheat mash that my Dad different types of eucalypt forests. were protected by vegetation. Helen used to feed our chooks. The party split near The Vines and did a bird count for Birds Australia. some went up to the Bora Ground The wind dropped at dusk and we on Quiltys while others wandered spent a pleasant evening around a The Budawangs group campfi re. With an 8 am start the next morning, we hoofed it down the road and branched off onto the Folly Point track. Over the years this track has been maintained by both CBC and CMW. It’s amazing how quickly the vegetation can grow back. Without pruning and maintenance by these clubs, I very much doubt that there would be a negotiable track. The Banksias were in full fl ower. Sprays of B. ericifolia, B. spinulosa and B. paludosa were capturing the attention of the honeyeaters. Our lunch stop on the slabs near Folly Point gave us a panoramic vista of Shrouded Gods, The Castle, Cole and Owen, Donjon, Holland Gorge, and Tarn while Wirritin Ridge sulked away on the horizon. When the dusky woodswallows

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Trip report We slipped off Tarn and onto the saddle leading towards Haughton. From there we walked under its cliff line past the big cave and on towards the Haughton/Hoddle saddle. We selected the route straight up from the saddle onto Hoddle only to be hit again with scrub but it was not as thick as it was on Tarn. Hoddle used to be a relatively scrub-clear mountain top but not these days. At any rate we didn’t stay on top long, preferring to drop down into a gully to the west through a worm-hole. That is the description Mr World Champion gave it. Because of his height he found it an awkward manoeuvre. Walking at the base of the towering and strikingly-coloured cliff line on the western side of Hoddle was pleasant, scenic and easy. Donjon, Holland Gorge and Tarn After an early lunch stop in the saddle between Hoddles Castle Hill and its nearby Pinnacle, we dropped down appeared and started playing in the The start of day four was a bash to Styles Creek and wandered along wind currents, Helen decided it was onto the top of Tarn through thick the track. On reaching what was time for another bird count. With wet scrub as it had been raining supposed to be our campsite, both assistance from Leader One’s GPS, overnight. Leader One displayed a leaders decided that we should walk she noted the correct longitude and superb prowess in scrub bashing, another three km to a better campsite latitude. honed again recently in Tasmania, beside the larger stream of Grassy by breaking a path for the rest of Creek. So another jolly night was The afternoon took in the steep us while Mr World Champion was descent into Holland Gorge. The spent laughing around a campfi re in invaluable when it came to foot an open eucalypt forest. track was clearly marked in the wedges to assist shorter-legged higher sections but the closer we got people scrambling up rock gullies. We were awoken next morning by to Holland Creek, the more diffi cult After a while not only did the track an extremely boisterous lyrebird it was to follow. In the end we gave and duckboards appear through the which was circling the campsite. up and just thrashed down to the mist but another group of walkers Jean and Ron caught sight of him campsite near the junction of Camp- who were heading in the opposite high in a tree. His performance ing Rock Creek and Holland Creek direction to us. went on and on and was a delight and arrived at dusk. For some, sore to listen to as I lay snuggled in my knees were the order of the night. sleeping bag. After a short walk The Castle with Wirritin Ridge faintly in the background along the track we dived off into a pleasant open forest with a grassy fl oor before hitting a superb belt of Casuarina nana on the side of Running Creek - A sting in the tail. Then up the hill to join the Alum Fire Trail, which took us back to the cars. What a wonderful Tour de Buda- wangs - through the banksias with their squawking birds; the tops thick with scrub; the sparkling creeks; the challenging cliff lines and the open forests. Thank you Leader One and Leader Two. We all agreed you scored nine and a half points… we couldn’t possibly give you a 10! And, thanks too to everyone else for all the laughs.

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Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2011 – page 5 Trip report

Sunrise, Lake Gairdner National Park: photo by Rupert Barnett

Rob chose to walk north to south Overall, the Heysen Trail is fairly FFourour sstagestages ooff tthehe as he thought the closer we came to well sign posted. Karen noted on HHeyseneysen TrailTrail Adelaide the easier it would be to her GPS any extra water that was provide ‘escape’ routes if the need available, such as farmers’ water 8 AprilApril ttoo 1 MMayay 22011011 arose. However, the real benefi t and tanks. At these places we would probably unthought of at that time, clamber up and while balancing on Or how 20 days walking 340 km, was that the sun was at our backs ricketty ladders, prise open the top climbing a total of 11,500 m and not in our eyes. and refi ll our drink bottles. Water carrying a pack weighing from availability decided the camps. 13–18 kgs can be enjoyable. This walk, with Rob’s usual efficiency, was organised into I chose to walk the fi rst 4 stages, ast year’s Heysen Exhibition 12 stages, each stage varying from Angorichina to Melrose, while it Lat the Australian Art Gallery 4 to 7 days long with walkers able wandered in the Flinders Ranges. prompted both Rob and Jenny Hors- to choose their stages. Food was It was like returning to my earlier fi eld and Karen Cody to wonder posted to the different caravan sites bushwalking days with the Adelaide why they hadn’t walked in areas at the towns along the way and Bushwalking Club. This totalled like those painted by Hans Heysen. at these places we usually had a 340 kms in 17 days +3 rest days with And so the plan and many hours of day’s rest—taken up with washing, overall climbs totalling 11 climbs of preparation to walk the Heysen Trail sorting out our next stage’s food and 500 m. Distances walked each day began.They used information from enjoying hotel meals. I think the varied between 12 and 23 kms. the two guide books available. Book hotels thought we were like locusts What made it more rigorous was all One: Heysen Trail Cape Jervis to because after a week of eating the rocky creek gullies we needed to Spalding and Book Two: Heysen dehydrated vegetables we readily clamber up and down, plus the hills. Trail Spalding to Parachilna. devoured all the available salads. The group was Rob and Jenny Horsfi eld, Karen Cody and I walk- The Heysen Trail group ing stages 1–4. Rupert Barnett walking stages 1–3, John and Helen Hall stage 1, Chris Roper and Cyn- thia Burton, stages 1–2 and Peter Conway and Linda Groom stages 3 and 4. By the end of the fi rst day I won- dered what I had gotten into as I lumbered around with about 16–18 kg, needing to carry water and with food for the 6 days. After walking almost 22 km we arrived at our fi rst camp at Aroona Hut. This was the place where Hans Heysen had made his base when

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Trip report painting in the Flinders. We had an almighty storm here and after watching the water tank overfi lling and fl ood waters creeping towards my little tent I quickly moved it inside the hut, as did two others. Gale force winds and torrential rain prevailed for some hours and I thought, “Oh no, not like the Alps trip again.” But it all cleared up thankfully b the morning and for the next 20 days we had clear fi ne days. It was a relief for me to reach Wilpena Pound after the 6 days. The Pound is such an exceptional landmark, like a huge shallow bowl edged by mountains. We spent our rest day climbing about 700 m (21 kms) to the summit of St Marys, the second highest mountain in South Australia. From the summit we could see our past and future walking routes. I could also see the oranges/reds of the Grass trees on Mt Arden: Photo by Rupert Barnett Edeowie Gorge rocks, which in my youth we had climbed using ropes to all learnt to distinguish the early we were all amazed at the hugeness haul up our packs. notes. While in Quorn some of us of golden orb spiders—there were zil- The next day we hoisted on a full attended the very gentle and touch- lions of them with their golden webs 4 days’ food plus extra water and ing Anzac Day service. Another stretching where we needed to walk. made our way across the Pound. I time we played a most hilarious Karen was brave, she merely waved found the heat oppressive. Then we game of ‘boule’ with paddy melons. them aside with her arm; others used began what I found to be a rather Rob and Jenny provided fl our and their trekking poles. mixed fruit to make lovely tasting challenging slippery, gravelly slope The third stage was what the guide down the outside of the Pound. I dampers/scones and with jam it was a real luxury. Most days we cooked book stated was as the most chal- was very relieved when that ended, lenging part of the Heysen Trail. We which took about 2 hours. using a small fi re. I only used We took two days to walk past the my little pocket Dutchmans Stern: Photo by Rupert Barnett magnificent Elders Ranges—all rocket stove red, orange and brown layers of three times. rocks with a great covering of green due to all the spring and Rob also summer rains. We had ventured explained the down some beautiful creek and different constel- small rocky gorges. The scenery is lations at night different from bushwalking in the as the dark skies ACT/NSW. It is more open with were perfect to the native pines predominant and see them. And the group were really amazed at the we all enjoyed hugeness of the River Red eucalypts watching the growing in the creek beds. moon get bigger until we reached Although many of the days were Quorn, then it long, there were some shorter days disappeared!! when we were able to reach the campsite just after lunch and we We didn’t see would have the afternoon to relax much wildlife and just enjoy the ambience of that except for kan- area. Very soon all the bushes would garoos. One time have rinsed clothing draped over however, Rob and them, although one person never Chris were circled seemed to wash! Culture was not by two or three left behind either. agitated emus—is part of being a We enjoyed Rob’s tunes with his leader defend- harmonica and Karen decided she ing your walkers would learn to pay the fl ute. So we from emus? and

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2011 – page 7 Trip report

Mistletoe (left) and Cranberry heath (right): Photos by Rupert Barnett

were to carry fi ve days’ food. On the The last stage was for me the tough- tough—heat, heavy load, plus extra third day of this section we were to est and yet Rob is correct—your water on three different days and descend three waterfalls, Rob car- body just ‘gets track hardened’, just very long distances with height ried a rope. However we ventured stops complaining and we just walk. was all a bit tough for me. But I did quite easily through this stage. The By now I was quite enjoying the it!! And I am so very pleased! So I waterfalls involved some delicate challenge. Karen was able to give urge day walkers to try to do some rock scrambling and we walked up us each days’ distance and climb. weekend walks and then graduate and over a rather steep, gravelly The last four days read 9.4 km with to these wonderful experiences of and dangerous track around the 3 m 440 m climb; 18.7 km with 1140 m the longer walks. It is a different waterfall. climb; 23.7 kms with a 640 m climb, world and one where the country’s and 17.4 km with a 1350 m climb. scenery and peace envelop you. You Many times we would walk up The next day we happily ambled are part of the scenery, part of this and down river gullies of varying down 6 kms and roughly 960 m to magnifi cent land – I loved it all. depths only to be confronted with the Melrose township. Except for yet another deep gully. One day Rob and Karen who will continue Finally thank you to two excel- in the third stage was particularly for another 6 weeks to reach Cape lent leaders – Rob who unfailingly rigorous. We had already walked Jervis, all walkers left at Melrose. checked everyone’s campsite and about 12 km, mostly in a river welfare each day and to Karen for her clambering over rocks averaging Over the four stages we climbed preparation in downloading the route 2 km per hour. We were also carry- fi ve signifi cant mountains; St Marys and her careful track negotiation.

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r o ing extra water. We tiredly walked Peak, 1170 m, the 2nd highest moun- C over in blazing sun some very tain in South Australia and Dutch- Janet Edstein weedy, prickly pasture and then ate mans Stern 840 m with day packs, lunch. We still had a fair way to go. Mt Arden 830 m, then Mt Brown, We continued walking through the 940 m and I made it!!! prickly shrubby paddocks and then Cudmore Hill, came The Hill, which nearly killed 670 m on the all of us. Wearily and slowly we same day walked up over it with ever more and finally numerous gullies to go up and down Mt Remarkable and then we were confronted with 961 m, all with another creek to clamber over and a full pack. yet more rocks. I was stuffed (and so were others, but they don’t admit It was marvel- to that!) Rob wisely decided after lous to camp looking at all of us that we would near the summit camp at the ﬁ rst suitable place after of Mt Remark- 4.30 pm, instead of continuing to the able knowing designated camp/hut for that night. I had almost So we ended that very rigorous completed the day walking nearly 22 km, which four stages! included two long rocky creek sys- And do we tems and climbing over 800 m with qualify for lots a tiny delightful campsite adequate of Peak Points for the four tents, having walked John?!! from 6.45 am to 4.30 pm. Even my Overall, I found dehyds tasted good that night. the walk pretty

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Designing a bushwalk crossings, snow etc. (and make the saddle at the top of the creek HHowow ttoo ddesignesign a sure you’re prepared for these). and followed it down until we were bbushwalkushwalk stopped by high cliffs on either side • Try to select attractive campsites of the valley. They resembled giant he information below, illus- and lunch break locations. red portals guarding a canyon deep Ttrated with appropriate maps • Using information gleaned from within, and so the name Portals and photographs, formed part the map and other sources, work Canyon was born. of the Club’s presentation at the out a rough timetable of the Heritage Festival last April. It has number of hours you are likely to To reach the mouth of Portals been suggested to me to offer it for be walking each day, taking into Creek, we had to cross over to the publication in it. Members may fi nd account the distance, the amount north side of the extremely steep it interesting to see what goes into of climbing, whether you will be and rocky Chewings Range. We the planning of a walk. More detail on track or pushing through scrub walked along the southern foot can be found in George Carter’s or wading rivers etc. of the Range for ten kms to the publication, Finding Your Way in east, where Ellery Creek cuts right the Bush, especially Chapter 6. • Allow time for socialising, unless through the Range, creating a pass. you’re hell-bent on breaking How to design a bushwalk records or want to cover a lot of Once on the northern side of the country in a short space of time. Range, we walked west past Fish What do I want from this walk? Hole, up a little gorge which we • Beautiful scenery? • Fit the diffi culty of the trip to the later called Eagle Gorge, and on to capacities of the likely participants the mouth of Portals Creek. Here we • Enjoyment of natural (or vice versa), i.e. try to ensure found an excellent campsite with a surroundings? that all participants can complete permanent spring of crystal clear • Physical fi tness? the walk in the allotted time. water fl owing though several deep rock pools. • A chance to break records? • Try to organise either a through walk or a circuit, rather than A short way upstream we were • Time to relax and enjoy the com- repeating the same route in confronted with a slot canyon con- panionship of the party? reverse on the return (though the taining deep wades and compulsory • Pursuit of special interests – fl ora, scenery often does look different swims through icy water and a fauna, geology, history, peak bag- in the opposite direction). climb up a chock stone. We needed ging, canyoning, swimming etc.? • Develop the skills to launch out to return better prepared with rope and suitable footwear. • Adventure and exploration? into a truly exploratory walk in a remote area of the country – you 2000, 2001 and later trips: Further How do I design a walk that will never know what you may fi nd. investigation has revealed one of be interesting and enjoyable? • Always carry suitable gear, cloth- the most interesting and spectacular • Identify one’s requirements. ing, food, First Aid and a Personal canyons in the West Macdonnells. There are narrow slot canyons • Consult references – maps, guide- Locator Beacon for your comfort and safety. with freezing cold compulsory books, the Internet, Google Earth, swims, challenging climbs on hard friends, club members. Discovering a canyon quartzite, lovely pools in bedrock • Consider the seasons – avoid and beautiful fl owers and trees in 1989: On a walk in the West Mac- the more open sections of the gorge. compulsory swims in winter and donnell Ranges (near Alice Springs) hot, dry ridges in summer. Con- from Redbank Gorge and Mt Sonder Finally, a wall of rock riven by the versely, summer is a good time for to Mt Giles and Serpentine Gorge, inaccessible top canyon below the river and canyon trips and cooler we climbed an unnamed peak in Portals themselves blocks further weather is the time to walk those the Chewings Range. From here progress up the creek. It is possible scenic ridges. Spring is often the we could see into the top of a valley to climb around these cliffs and look best time for fl owers. which seemed to fall away gently down on the Portals. between two ridges of the Range. • Include variety – of scenery We have also found routes to the top (views, vegetation types), of The map (only Hermannsburg of the Chewings Range, enabling tracks (fire trails, constructed 1:250 000 was then available) us to do a high level crossing, and tracks, footpads, off-track - rang- revealed a creek three kms long, its views up the full length of Portals ing from open country to dense mouth on the relatively inaccessible Creek from a spur to the east. scrub to creek walking), of ter- northern side of the Range. rain (fl at to steep, soft or rocky To my knowledge, our parties of underfoot, etc.) It was possible that this gorge might 1999, 2000 and 2001 were the fi rst contain an interesting canyon. I non-indigenous groups to explore • Identify locations where safe resolved to investigate it further. Portals Canyon. drinking water can be obtained, especially for camping. 1999: We reached the unnamed Designing a 3-4 day walk in the creek for the fi rst time. Climbing to southern blue mountains • Throw in a bit of excitement the top of the Chewings Range from (without getting into dangerous the southern side, we could see that What did I want from this walk? situations that you can’t handle) the creek was deeply incised below Apart from the usual ambience of – routes through cliff lines, river two cliff lines. We walked back to the beautiful Blue Mountains, I had

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2011 – page 9 Bulletin board two specifi c requirements in mind. One was to camp at the attractive SStandingtanding campsite and pool at Broken Point rresolutionsesolutions Bulletin Board on the Kowmung River. The second The Bulletin Board is for mem- was to explore the Inglis Selection rresultsesults bers to advertise (at no cost) Track and Kowmung Mountain goods for sale, private trips or above it, with its views of Mount t the May General Meeting, other personal bushwalking- Colong, Chiddy Obelisk and other Athree resolutions advertised related matters. The Club is not plateau features of the Southern in the May it were considered. involved in, takes no responsibil- Blue Mountains. The fi rst resolution, to authorise ity for, and does not endorse, the Committee to proceed with the the activities or goods advertised With the exception of the Inglis digitalising of the Club’s newslet- here. Hence, if people participate Selection Track, I was familiar ters back to 1961 at a cost of up to in any activities advertised here, with a large number of routes in $3,300, was approved as proposed they do so as private individuals, the area. The challenge was to put (moved by George Carter, seconded not as members of the Club, and together a route with great scenery by John Thwaites). will not be covered by the Club’s and plenty of variety that included insurance. Broken Point and the Inglis Selec- The second resolution, to replace tion Track. So instead of accessing the current text of Standing Resolu- Notices for the Bulletin board the Kowmung River from Kanangra tion 4.6 to change the circumstances should be emailed to the Tops to the north, I decided to come in which it is necessary for the Walks Secretary: walksec@ in from Batsh Camp and Mt Colong Committee to seek General Meet- canberrabushwalkingclub.org to the south. ing approval of expenditure, was also approved (moved George South America trip – This provided a walk with the fol- Carter, seconded Gary Trevean) as participants sought lowing features: amended on the fl oor of the meet- From November 2011 for Great views from many locations. ing. The text as amended reads: 1–2 months Patagonia, Inca Trail, Isla Navarino, Galapagos On- and off-track walking over a Any ‘material’ expenditure pro- and more. Interested people variety of terrain. posed by the Committee that is not please contact Lois Padgham provided for in the approved Budget 0402 962 638(m), 6231 3060(h), Beautiful campsites, including for a fi nancial year is to be referred [email protected] one with a permanent spring and a to the members for consideration swimming hole. and determination by resolution at Wednesday walk a General Meeting prior to a com- The regular mid-week walk Attractive fl ora in both spring and mitment being entered into. series continues, close to autumn. Canberra with a destination to Prima facie an item of expenditure Some interesting rock scrambling. be decided. Contact the leader shall be taken to be ‘material’ if: before 8pm Tuesday to fi nd out Different rock types: sandstone, a) it would cause a class of expend- destination and meeting place. limestone, quartzite, basalt. iture included in the budget to Leader: Janet Edstein janet. Climbing the highest peak in the be 10% greater than the amount [email protected] This walk southern Blue Mountains, the specifi ed for that class; or is every Wednesday and the basalt-capped Mt Colong. clubs, CBC, FBI and NPA take b) it was not included in the budget turns to host it. Details for each A circuit route with very little and is greater than 10% of Wednesday are now available repetition. budgeted net cash from operat- by email or interested members ing activities I have led this walk twice, fi rst, as could contact Janet Edstein a three day walk over an October unless there is a reasonable expecta- House sitting for bush- Long Weekend. The wildfl owers tion by the Committee that there will be equivalent ‘offsetting sav- walkers were wonderful, but we had a very Want to go away walking and long day on Day 3. The second time ing’s in other budgeted items of not worry about the garden? was as a four day walk at Easter. The expenditure or ‘cost recoveries’ Call Cate on 0407266942 and I extra day allowed us to camp on (e.g. through sales receipts). will gladly look after your place, the beautiful summit of Mt Colong, The third resolution, which deals experienced reliable and mature. taking advantage of the permanent with expenditure between 30 June spring there. of each year and the AGM, was ‘Gear for sale’ table passed as proposed in it (moved In place of our one-night auction, For the Heritage Festival, George as in previous years, we shall put Carter also did a pictorial presenta- George Carter, seconded Quentin Moran). It will be numbered 4.7 and out a table at General Meetings, tion of two of his favourite walks, for a while. Hopefully it will be of “Rivers and Rainforests” in the the previous resolution 4.7 will now be numbered 4.8. benefi t to those wanting to get rid Budawangs, and Mounts Morgan, of equipment and those wishing Murray and Bimberi from the Cave The amended Standing Resolutions to buy some. Please label gear Creek area. have been posted on the web site. for sale with adequate personal details and asking price.

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Activity program Activity program Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Keith Thomas (A/g Walks Secretary) Ph: 6230 1081(h), Email: [email protected], Post: 6 Ryrie Street, Campbell, ACT 2612

Information for participants Distance and diffi culty Transport Distance: Costs are 37¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This (S) Short - under 12km/day amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on the condition of the roads and other factors. The fi gures given (M) Medium - 12-20km/day are for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, (L) Long - over 20km/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 - fi retrail, 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. Book by Thursday For further information see: 2.00 pm for the following weekend (both one-day and multi-day www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport. Check with the leader about: Check-in after walks Before a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names X the need to carry water, tents/fl y, maps, etc of their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their X appropriate clothing, footwear safe return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Offi cer, Keith X any precautions you might need to take for severe weather Thomas ([email protected], 6230 1081 changes. leave message if no answer). The Check-in Offi cer or the Walks Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to Secretary (6231 4535), not the Police or other bodies, should be the our Club. fi rst point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning.

Equipment hire Membership fees 2010/11

Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has Item Single Household available for hire before lashing out on your own equip- Hard copy it $46 $73 ment. The Equipment Offi cer is Rob Horsfi eld, who can be contacted on 6231 4535(h) or to borrow the northside Electronic it $27 $54 PLB, George Carter, 6251 2130 Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise stated The equipment available and current rates per weekend/ week are set out below. Hirers are responsible for col- 11–13 June: Jervis Bay gourmet weekend – lecting and returning the equipment. The hiring charge M/E (but not the deposit) is waived for members who are ‘fi rst I have booked a large house at Vincentia for the weekend. time’ weekend walkers. Leave Canberra Saturday morning, a 2 hour walk south A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be along the coastline with spectacular views of cliffs and refunded, depending on the condition of the items upon the sea. On Sunday, walk to Steamers Beach, St Georges return and whether they are returned late. Head and Summerland Bay through coastal forest and heath with many sea views, and morning tea and lunch Item w.e./week on beaches. About 4½ hours actual walking. The house Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 is well equipped so probably shared meals in-house both Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 nights. Return home via Fitzroy Falls where we will walk 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 before lunch. Map: Sussex Inlet. Leader: Stan Marks Assorted packs $5 / $15 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@infrastructure. Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 gov.au Transport: ~$240 per car. Accommodation: Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 ~$90 per person for weekend Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions) 11–13 June: Little Forest Plateau (3 day GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use) Ù walks) – S/R, L/M and S/M–R

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r o Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need C Car camp on the coast where it’s warmer overnight (mean when collecting and returning gear. 50 June minimum 9.8°C at nearby Ulladulla). On Saturday, walk to various crevasses, pagodas and rock formations on Little Forest Plateau (S/R); on Sunday, a long walk across Mt Bushwalker and Gadara Point to Mt Talaterang and return (L/M); on track, obscure in places, with some

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2011 – page 11 Activity program rock scrambling through cliff lines and ~500m ascent Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), or 0419 281 096(m), over the day; on Monday, a shorter walk out to Granite [email protected] Transport: ~$40 per car Falls (S/M–R) before returning to Canberra via Nerriga. Ron Doughton’s book “Bushwalking in the Budawangs” Sunday 19 June: Uriarra Former Pine Forest has more information. Maps: Tianjara and Milton. Ù – M/M

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r o Leader: Brendan Kelly 6166 1589(h), bkelly1@grape- C About half on ﬁ re trails and half through burnt out pine vine.com.au and Linda Stone 0403 321 129 Transport: 50 forest with the possibility of fallen timber to negotiate. ~520 km ~$192 per car. Accommodation: Camping at Climb up Uriarra Hill, Mt Blundell and Genges Peak. Bendalong Point Tourist Park; cost ~$30 per person for Map: Cotter Dam. Leader: Roger Edwards 6288 2 nights on an unpowered site. There is a camp kitchen. 7863(h), [email protected] Transport: $30 Limit: 12. per car. 11–13 June: Yalwal – M/R Sunday 19 June: Winter Solstice – Brandy This area is on the eastern side of Morton National Park. Flat Hut – M/E

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r o It has lower relief and generally offers easier walking C In former years the Club held a Winter Solstice Feast on 50th than Ettrema. The walk will visit a number of interesting event this, the shortest day and longest night and to welcome looking crowns and cliffs near Yalwal. The proposed back the Sun. Traditionally many Club members came, route, subject to change, is: Danjera Dam – Clarke waiving the 16 walkers only rule. So please come Saddle – Reynolds Saddle – Bundundah Creek – Turrama prepared to join in a shared celebratory feast bringing Pass – Strike Creek – Fletchers Crown – Rhyolite Saddle savouries, making pancakes, prepare cheese fondues, – Danjera Creek – Morley Saddle – Clarke Saddle – or even a luscious pavlova to share – whatever yummy Danjera Dam. Map: Yalwal. Leaders: Keith Thomas foods you would like to contribute. We’ll meet at the and Rene Davies 6230 1081(h), [email protected] Kambah Shops by 9 am, sort out transport, then drive Transport: $150 per car. Limit: 8. 1/2 hour to Glendale Crossing. We walk on a gentle undulating track for about 7 km to a lovely grassy area Wednesday 15 June 2011, 8 pm at Brandy Flat with The Hut (and toilet) Here we can prepare and enjoy our feast and salute the sun. Return to MONTHLY MEETING the cars on the same track, but with lighter packs!! Please Orange Hawkweed: Alpine consider bringing a stove to help cook. Please book. invader Map: Michelago. Leader: Janet Edstein 6288 1398 Presenter: Jo Caldwell Transport: ~$40 per car Main hall: Hughes Baptist Church Tuesday 21 June: Sentry Box Rock from the 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes Ù North – L/R/ptX

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r o C In April we reached Sentry Box Mountain from the SE. Friday 17June: Evening Walk up Mt Taylor – 50 This time, a long and fast insert from Yankee Hat car park Ù S/E via Gudgenby saddle, Sams Creek ﬁ re trail and Maurice

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r o C Meet by 7:00 pm at the intersection of Badimara and Luton Fire Trail to the ACT border N of the objective. Hunt 50 Nemerang Street, Waramanga. We walk on a paved border markers up to(wards) Sentry Box Rock. This may be surface to and from the summit of Mt Taylor, a 230 m an ambitious event for the shortest day of the year. Around climb. Please bring a warm drink and I will supply a 28 km and 950 m climb. Map: Yaouk. Leader: John Evans, yummy cake to eat at the top while we enjoy the lights 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Transport: ~$12 per of Canberra. This is a chance to add more Peak Points person. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au for the 50–50 Peaks and still go on the weekend walks. Don’t forget your torch –-no need to book. Map: N/A Leader: Janet Edstein 6288 1398. Transport: make your COMMITTEE MEETING own way to the start. Wednesday 22 June 2011, 8 pm Saturday 18 June: Ainslie–Majura – S/E at the home of Gary Trevean Ù A relaxing walk for a winter afternoon. Meet at 1:30 pm 11 Shann Place, Chiﬂ ey

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r o C in the car park atop Mt Ainslie on the airport side. We 50 will walk to the top of Mt Majura and back in a loop. All on track. Finish by 5 pm. Map: N/A Leader: Stan Marks Submissions close for 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@infrastructure. July it gov.au Transport: drive yourself but tell me when you 22 June 2011 book if you need a ride.

Saturday 18 June: Gorilla Rock, Booroomba Saturday 25 June: Faunce Hill – M/E Ù Rocks (with possible excursion to Faunce Hill is on the eastern side of the Queanbeyan g o r Ù

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r o Deadmans Hill) – M–L/M–R C River gorge on the northern end of Googong Dam. The 50 We walk along the AAWT from Honeysuckle Creek 50 walk is a mixture of on and off track, starting at the Camp Ground before heading off into the bush to Gorilla end of Wanna Wanna Rd (off Captains Flat Rd) thence Rock and then to Booroomba Rocks with a steep climb through open forest to the Hill and south to lunch on an and perhaps some minor scrambling along the way. open ridge before wandering back to the cars. Plenty of On the return journey we may detour to the summit of variety and good views including Gingera and Bimberi. Deadmans Hill. Maps: Williamsdale and Corin Dam. About 5½ hours walking. Map: Hoskinstown. Leader:

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Activity program Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ Saturday 9 July: Granite tors of the infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$40 per car. Ù Tinderries – M/R

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r o Sunday arvo 26 June: Mt Taylor – S/E C A mostly-offtrack walk to two unnamed granite outcrops A combined CBC/Parkway Church short ramble. From 50 on the eastern side of the Tinderry Range, through Ù unburnt eucalpyt forest, which is a haven for lyrebirds. g o r

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o the Church car park, walk the edge of Sulwood Drive C Leaving the cars at the junction of Tinderry Road and 50 to gain the Mount Taylor Nature Reserve. Follow tracks north, then south to the top of Mt Taylor for views all the Round Flat Fire Trail, we follow the ﬁ re trail for round. Come down via the south and follow a track about 1.5 km, cut across country and then climb about back to the start. Around 7 km and 200 m climb. Map: 220 m to the granite outcrop at 066461 which has large Canberra. Leader: John Evans, [email protected], boulders and pleasant views. Then across the head of 6288 7235(h). Transport: Please drive yourself to meet Roberts Creek and a further climb to the outcrop at in the Parkway Church car park, cnr Sulwood Drive and 068466 which has massive boulders, even better views Tuggeranong Parkway, at 1:15pm. Further details at and a large ﬂ at granite platform for lunch. Expect slow http://jevans.pcug.org.au going, steep slopes with a lot of fallen timber, some scrub, and some unexposed scrambling on the tops. Leaving Sunday 26 June: Bungonia Gorge – M/M Canberra around 7:30 am. Map: Tinderry. Leader: Linda Bungonia is about 30km east of Goulburn. A walk Groom, [email protected], 6281 4917(h) Transport: through a spectacular limestone canyon to the junction ~$10 per person of Bungonia Ck and Shoalhaven R. Mostly on track, but there are some scrambles on the descent and the track is 9–10 July: Mt Imlay – S/M–R and Kangarutha Ù Track, Bournda NP –S–M/M

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r o over, and under large limestone boulders. There is a steep C Saturday morning: travel to Mt Imlay (30 km south of 500 m climb out. Map: Caoura. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 50 Eden). The Mt Imlay track climbs steeply, rising 600 m 6231 5899(h), [email protected] Transport: over 3 km. The last 500 m follows a rocky razor-backed ~$100 per car plus ~$2 per person Park entry. Limit: 12 ridge to the trig station. From the summit on a clear day you can see Mallacoota in East Gippsland to the Saturday 2 July: Mount Tennent and south, Narooma in the north, and to the southern table- Ù Bushfold Flats – M/M lands in the west. About 3 hours (return). http://www.

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r o C Meet at Namadgi Visitors Centre at 0830 for the steep environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkWalking. 50 climb up Mt Tennent. We will have a break at the top, aspx?id=N0023 Saturday afternoon: travel to Hobarts skirt around Bushfold Flats and return via the track down Beach, Bournda National Park. Car camp with BBQ Mt Tennent to the Visitors Centre. All on track but there and hot shower facilities. Sunday: walk the Kangarutha is a fair climb of 900 m. Map: Williamsdale. Leader: Track. This 9km stretch takes in rugged coastline with Edwina Yee 0418 651 421, [email protected]. many small sandy or pebbly beaches and spectacular au Transport: drive yourself or call me if you need a cliffs. Will require a car shuffl e. http://www.environment. lift. Please call to book so I have an idea of numbers. nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0082. Depending on time taken, there are a number of Saturday 2 July: Split Rock – L/M additional small walks from Hobarts Beach that may From the Orroral Valley we walk along Cotter Hut Rd and be included if desired. Maps: Mount Imlay, Bega AAWT to Cotter Gap. We then climb for 1 km through and Wolumla. Leader: Brendan Kelly 6166 1589(h), thick regrowth to the amazing Split Rock (in Cotter [email protected] Transport: ~530 km, $191 Rocks). 21 km mostly on tracks with a 650 m climb. per car, $48 per person Park Fees: $7 per vehicle per Maps: Corin Dam and Rendezvous Creek Leader: day, $10 per person to camp. Brendan Kelly 6166 1589(h), [email protected]. au Transport: ~$40 per car. Sunday 10 July: Morning Stroll – Watson– Majura Loop – S/E Sunday 3 July: Settlers Track – S/E Relaxing meander mostly along an equestrian trail of A short 9 km walk all on track exploring European set- either graded gravel or grass. This is a walk of contrasts tlement in Southern ACT. If you are interested in ACT’s with the fi rst part taking us around the lower slopes of settlement history, walk back in time to experience some Mt Majura, through natural bush with views across the huts, homesteads and sites of the 19th and 20th century. plains to northern Canberra. The second part passes Map: Yaouk and Shannons Flat. Leader: Linda Stone through grassland on the western side of the Federal 0403 321 129 Transport: ~$60 per car Limit: 12 Highway. The walk fi nishes with a long stroll under Tuesday 5 July: Clear Range from the multiple rows of tall trees, mostly eucalypts (including ‘bidgee – M/M–R/X Apple Box) with some pine and oaks. Total distance only I’ve never seen a walk up the east fl anks of the Clear 9 km, so home for lunch. Map: N/A Leader: Phillip Starr Range before. With permission and guidance from a 6161 3835(h), 0419 281 096(m), phillip_starr@hotmail. local land owner (and the use of her canoe!), cross the com Transport: Drive yourself but tell me when you Murrumbidgee River around 10 km south of Michelago book if you need a ride. and climb 550 m up onto the Clear Range. A short hunt Wednesday 13 July: Mount Coree from for border markers. Around 12 km and 550 m climb. Blundells Flat – L/E This will be the fi rst of many trips in this way, so let me Starting at Blundells Flat and walking the fi re trails to know your interest. Map: Colinton. Leader: John Evans Mount Coree summit for lunch and (weather permitting) [email protected], 6288 7235(h). Transport: ~$7 per great views. Return by a different route on fi re trails. person, including use of paddle. Limit: 10, with 6 already Walking distance is 17 km as per my GPS, with 700 m booked. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au of climbing. Fire trails are steep in parts on way up

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2011 – page 13 Activity program Mount Coree. Meet at the car park opposite McDonalds The track winds around Wallaga Lake and continues to at Cooleman Court for a 8:30 am departure for Murunna Point, Camel Rock, Haywards Beach, Keatings Blundells Flat. Maps: Cotter Dam and ACT 1:100,000. Headland, Long Swamp and Moorehead Beach. Maps: Leader: Tim Wright 6281 2275(h), 0409 847 534(m) Wandella, Central Tilba and Bermagui. Leader: Barry [email protected] Transport: ~$24 per car. For Keeley 6241 3447(h), [email protected] CBC members this walk would contribute to the 50–50 Transport: ~$170 per car. Accommodation: ~$30 per challenge. person per night. Saturday 16 July: Nursery Swamp and (22) 23–24 July: Mount Colong, Southern Ù Nursery Hill – M/X Ù Blue Mountains – M/M–R

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o o C C We will leave from the Nursery Swamp car park just Drive to Batsh Camp Friday night. On and off track via 50 off Orroral Road and follow the Nursery Swamp walk- 50 Mount Meier and the Mount Armour Fire Trail, then ing trail. From the end of the trail we walk off track to ascend approx. 400 m up Mount Colong via an eastern Nursery Hill where will have lunch. We will then return, spur which I think I climbed over 50 years ago (I hope off track, roughly parallel to the walking track we came in it’s still there). Lovely grassy campsite in the summit on. We will turn back to meet the walking track at about forest close to a permanent spring, with a legal ﬁ re to its half-way point. From there we follow the track back to keep warm. Steep descent down basalt scree to Colong our vehicles. This walk is almost half on track while the Causeway, then return to cars via Kooragang Mountain. rest will be off track and new for this leader, hence the X A shortish walk to suit the shorter days, with time to in the grading. If the going is too difﬁ cult we can return explore the large summit of Mount Colong on Sunday to the walking track earlier. Distance around 15 km with morning. Maps: Bindook and Yerranderie. Leader: Meg climbs totalling about 450 m. Map: Rendezvous Creek. McKone 6254 5902(h), [email protected] Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 281 096(m), Transport: ~$170 per car. Limit: 8. [email protected] Transport: ~$40 per car. Sunday 24 July: Morning Stroll – Cooleman Sunday 17 July: Map and compass navigation Ù Ridge – S/E

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r o exercise – S/M C This circuit takes us from the northern most end of the If your leader becomes incapacitated, or you become 50 Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve along a well defi ned separated from the party, would you be able to fi nd your equestrian trail for much of the walk, with views from way out of the bush? Regular bushwalkers should have the northwest around to the south across grassy pastoral at least basic skills in map and compass, even if they leases to the multiple mountain ranges. From the top of are not leading walks. I will be conducting a training Mt Arawang there are spectacular views in all directions. exercise for prospective leaders and regular walkers who The last part of the walk is along the ridge top and around wish to learn how to navigate. Participants must bring the backs of houses, overlooking the suburb of Chapman their own map and compass. I strongly recommend that and across to Black Mountain. The total distance is only they also purchase and read Finding Your Way In The 8.5 km but with some steep sections, which will slow us Bush, obtainable from the Club (see website), before the down…..home for lunch. Map: N/A Leader: Phillip Starr activity. Map: TBA. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h) 6161 3835(h), 0419 281 096(m), phillip_starr@hotmail. Transport: TBA Limit: 6 com Transport: Drive yourself but tell me when you book if you need a ride. Tuesday 19 July: Brayshaw Territory – L/E–M Visit many of the sites of European settlement in the Naas Creek valley. Around 27 km and 250 m climb, COMMITTEE MEETING mostly on fi re trails. Map: Yaouk. Leader: John Evans Wednesday 27 July 2011 6288 7235(h), [email protected]. Transport: ~$20 per person. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Saturday 30 July: Camels Hump and Johns Wednesday 20 July 2011, 7 pm Ù Peak – M/M–R

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MONTHLY MEETING r o C We will walk up a steep ﬁ re trail to Camels Hump. Trivia Night 50 From there we will traverse south along the ridge line Do you have your ticket? to Johns Peak for lunch. We will pick our way down a steep scrubby regrowth-affected spur to rejoin the ﬁ re Main hall: Hughes Baptist Church trail that takes us back to the cars. If the weather is clear, 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes we will have 360 degree views. Distance around 12 km. A climb of around 620 m to Camels Hump and another 140 m to Johns Peak. Map: Tidbinbilla. Leader: Phillip (22) 23–24 July: Gulaga (Mt Dromedary)/ Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 281 096(m), phillip_starr@ Ù Bermagui Coast Walk – M/E hotmail.com Transport: ~$32 per car, plus entry fees

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C Drive to Tilba Waterfront Cottages Friday evening (if applicable). 50 where we stay for the weekend. On Saturday we climb Dromedary. It is about a 6 hour walk, all on Saturday 6 August: Wild Cattle Creek – M/M track and about 14 km return. The climb is moderately This walk is south of Captains Flat in the Tallaganda hard because 750 m elevation needs to be ascended National Park. It is a wander, mostly off track, along over 5.5 km. Sunday’s walk is a scenic ramble about ridges through light, open forest and along the wide open 10km which offers vistas of mountain (Gulaga), lake valley of Wild Cattle Creek. About 4 hours actual walk- (Wallaga) and island (Montague), headland and beach. ing. Return via the purple eatery. Map: Tinderry. Leader:

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Bulletin board The YHA is a renovated early 20th century home of Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@ delightful ambience. Shared meal on Saturday evening. infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$20 per person About 5 hours walking each day. Maps: Bundanoon 6-14 August: Victorian Alps; Snow Shoes – and Picton. Leaders: Stan Marks and Barry Keeley. L/M-R Bookings to Stan: 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. Drive to Harrietville. Climb Bungalow Spur on the [email protected] Note that I will be away track and camp 3-4 nights near Federation Hut. Explore during July. Email bookings will be dealt with on my Mt Feathertop area, including steep snow if feasible. return. Transport: ~$60 per person, Accommodation: Return to Harrietville and drive to the carpark near ~$60 per person for the weekend. Mt Bogong. Climb Bogong and probably camp near a hut. Lots of fantastic scenery if conditions are good. Advance notice Tents, snow shoes essential. Map: Bogong Alpine Area, 1:50,000. Leader: John I’Ons 6231 6326, ajions@ 12 and 24 hour walks iimetro.com.au Transport: ~$370 per car. You might like to take on a personal challenge to extend your walking limits. Once we get a few more daylight Wednesday August 10: Bonnum Pic – L/M–R hours (maybe October, November) we could have a go at: Ù Bonnum Pic is a point that juts out spectacularly from

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C long time walkabout – 12–hr walk – L/E–M 50 in the Nattai National Park. It is surrounded by magnifi - The aim of this trip is to just walk for 12 hours. A circuit cent cliffs that tower over the valleys below. The walk from the Yankee Hat car park via Gudgenby saddle to join will include scrambling up and down sandstone slabs; Sams Creek Fire Trail. Down the beautiful Naas Creek lowering yourself about three metres on a hand-line valley to Lutons Crutching Shed, a short walk down the down a rock face and walking along tracks. The plateau Grassy Creek Fire Trail, then return via the Old Boboyan supports a variety of fl owering shrubs and plants. Late Road. View many sites of historical interest. All on fi re in August 2010, the area was a picture of spring fl owers trail and footpad. Guaranteed breaks each hour and a so we are hoping some of them will be on show for this very manageable 3 km/hr average speed. Around 30 km trip. Walk: about 16.4 km. Climb: undulating 400 m. and 600 m climb. Map: Yaouk. Leader: John Evans Water: none you have carry enough for the day. Meeting 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Emerging details at place: Watson Arts Centre carpark, 1 Aspinall Street, http://jevans.pcug.org.au Watson ACT. Time: 6:30 am. Map: Hilltop. Leaders: Ann Gibbs-Jordan 6254 5373, [email protected] long long time walkabout – 24–hr walk – L/E–M and Steve Reynolds, [email protected] Ù The aim of this trip is to just walk for 24 hours. Starting

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r o Transport: ~$155 per car C from Corin Dam, climb via Stockyard Spur to Pryors 50 Hut. Follow the Mt Franklin Fire Trail (with a side trip Saturday 13 August: A Ridge with a view to Mt Gingera) to Cotter Hut. Walk out via the AAWT to –M/E–M the Orroral Valley, then via Smokers Trail and the Square Walk from the Spring Creek car park along a series of Rock Walking Track to the Smokers Gap car park. All ridges through open forest to an unnamed grassy peak on ﬁ re trail and footpad. A couple of longish breaks with for lunch with spectacular views from Lake George to a hot drink, as well as short breaks. Around 55 km and the Tinderries. Similar return. Part on and part off track, 2200m climb. Maps: Corin Dam and Rendezvous Creek. about 5½ hours actual walking. Map: Captains Flat. Leader: John Evans, 6288 7235(h), [email protected] Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. Emerging details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au [email protected] Transport: ~$40 per car, ~$15 per person Saturday 20 August: Black Mountain and Ù Aranda Bushland – M/E

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C Meet at 9:30 in the car park opposite 160 Dryandra St, 50 O’Connor. This walk traverses the Bruce Ridge then crosses into the Black Mt Reserve. Traverse the reserve, following the track part way up the mountain, then along the lake to Yarramundi Peninsula for lunch. Home via the cork plantation and Aranda Bushland. All on track, about 5 hours walking. Map: N/A Leader: Stan Marks DDiscountiscount ooffersffers fforor cclublub mmembersembers 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@infrastructure. gov.au Transport: drive yourself but please book as Outdoor & adventure stores in Canberra who usual; there may be someone from your area who needs give a discount (usually 10%) on most of their a lift. stock to CBC members are: Adventure Trekking (26) 27–28 August: Southern Highlands Lonsdale Street, Canberra City Ù Bushwalking Bonanza

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r o C Drive down Friday night to the Bundanoon YHA, where Oatley Court, Belconnen 50 we stay the weekend. Mt Carrialoo (led by Barry Keeley on Saturday) is brilliant and if you like spectacular views Phillip Camping World, and a bit of a challenge, you will love it. On Sunday, we 18–24 Townsend Street, Phillip will walk the spectacular and beautiful Bargo Gorge, Tuggeranong Camping World twice as deep and twice as wide as Boxvale, on track. Homeworld Centre, Tuggeranong

Canberra Bushwalking Club it June 2011 – page 15 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE* Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Peter Jones 0410 564 002 – [email protected] TREASURER George Carter 6251 2130 – [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Madeleine Baldwin 6288 6695 6272 4339 [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsﬁ eld 6231 4535 – [email protected] EDITOR Alison Milton 6254 0578 – [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Gary Trevean 6285 1135 – [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER Brendan Kelly 6166 1589 0423 332 542 [email protected] PUBLISHER Tom George 6257 0613 – [email protected] ASSISTANT WALKS SEC Keith Thomas 6230 1081 0421 607 667 [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Brigitte Tabuteau 0448 261 170 – [email protected] WEBMASTER David Briese 6286 3479 [email protected]

*All members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Gary TREVEAN, [email protected] 6285 1135 (h) CHECK IN: Ring Keith Thomas on 6230 1081 WEBSITE: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org

If undeliverable return to PRINT POSTAGE GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 POST PAID PP 248831/0047 AUSTRALIA Print Post Approved PP248831/00047 it

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

Jun 11

Have your contact details changed recently? Have you notiﬁ ed the Membership Secretary? Email: [email protected]