THE CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB INC. NEWSLETTER it GPO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601 VOLUME 40 May 2004 NUMBER 5

MAY GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 19th and Rainforests From the Budawangs to the Never Never and Beyond Speaker: Steven Shaw

Lush green moss, ferns and trees; flooded rivers, waterfalls and rain. These are not contemporary Canberra experiences so come along to the May meeting for something a little different and see Steve Shaw's recent slides featuring the Budawangs and Tasmania. See the Trip Report in the March Edition of it for more information on the Budawangs walk. Robertson Room, St. John's Church Hall Constitution Avenue, Reid Make the most of the evening and join other members at 6.00pm for a convivial meal at the Vietnam Restaurant, 8-10 Hobart Place, Canberra City (opposite Canberra House Arcade, next to Aussie Home Loans) Try to be early to ensure there will be ample time to finish and still get to the meeting in good time walking – we climbed a couple of eg Rob Horsfield’s ‘Father PRESIDENT’S peaks with views in all directions Christmas visits the Schmidt PRATTLE on the Saturday and camped near a House’ and Michael Gorgolewski’s on her brother’s farm. ‘The Policeman and the Electric The walk of the month for me was Thanks Simon for accommodating Fence’, the moral of which was undoubtedly Lucinda Prickett’s us. Dinner was on a sandy bank in ‘look before you leak, especially at weekend on her family property the middle of the river, regaled by night’. [Ed: An article for it perhaps? near Numeralla. Some magnificent conversation and tall tales but true We can make space next month.]

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 1 Sunday saw us at the Tuross Falls, The temperatures approach zero Our Sincere Sympathy marvellous in the cool and mist. over the next few months, As we drove home along the particularly on overnight trips. As The club wishes to extend its Braidwood Road, the forest Walks Sec. allow me to encourage deepest sympathy to George assumed an enchanted mood in the the less hardy to continue such. If Carter and family following the fog. The high point was when you don’t have a suitable sleeping untimely death of their eldest son Lucinda stopped, seemingly in the bag or tent, the club can supply Mark on 14 April 2004 middle of nowhere, and I got out to these at a cheap hire rate. We can’t see what was wrong, only to let the prospect of the cold Incident Form disturb a wedge tailed eagle which discourage our members doing had landed beside the road. It rose overnight trips. The Confederation of NSW up, magnificent in full view of all, Our training courses progress well. Bushwalking Clubs last year spectacular as it flew away. Then James Ashburner has some fifteen engaged a Sydney barrister who the purple eatery at , members involved in the First Aid works in the area of duty of care to and home. and the Navigation Refresher had a advise them on what actions clubs The camaraderie of the weekend similar number on its first night need to take in the light of new highlighted the view that bush- and they’re all keen. NSW legislation dealing with these walking is best enjoyed in a club issues to cover themselves in case Phil Bubb’s talk on light-weight because of the range of activities of litigation. The legal advice is gear stimulated much discussion available, the fact that you don’t available and I will provide a copy around and about in the club. have to organise everything of it to anyone who wants to see it. Whilst we haven’t quite arrived at yourself and the strong social the stage of the Acme Junior The advice effectively endorses the element. But clubs do not run Woodchuck’s complete all-purpose processes and documentation that themselves, they need people. 50 gram kit stowed in the front this club has in place eg our notes We are only four months from the pocket, the attention to and testing for leaders and participants and our end of the club year. Not all the of light-weight fabric and materials Acknowledgment of Risks and current officers will stand for re- has much to recommend it. Obligations form. However, it also election. If you are interested in recommends that clubs have an contributing, please contact me. Rob Horsfield incident form which would need to I will be glad to hear from you as Walks Secretary be filled out by the leader where one of the President’s most someone was injured enough to be thankless tasks is trying to find Have you booked your first aid taken to hospital, whether admitted people willing to assist in the course yet? or to outpatients only, or who activities that enable the club to Contact James Ashburner on requires treatment by a doctor. run. 6254 1666 or training@ A form has been posted on the canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au A reminder to book your first aid club’s web site. It is also available course. If you have forgotten, ring from the President, Walks James Ashburner (6254 1666) or Xmas in July Secretary and Assistant Walks look up your last it. We need more Secretary. If an incident of this people with these qualifications on Come and see what your bush- type occurs on a walk you lead, our walks. walking friends look like out of you should advise the Assistant Walks Secretary when you check And remember our Christmas in uniform! We have booked the Rocksalt Restaurant at the Hawker in, fill out the form and submit it to July, coming to an eatery near you. him. See the ad elsewhere in this it. Shops for the Christmas in July dinner on Saturday, 10 July. We Stan Marks, President Stan Marks, President have ordered a three course meal which will cost you only $40 and Membership Walks Waffle there will be a few items from a folk singer as well. Bookings to Matters Lucinda Prickett (6295 2854 or This is certainly the right time of Prospective members: Hans Baer, the year to be bushwalking. [email protected]) or by mail enclosing cheque or mail Robert Edwards, Christine Recently we were on top of the O'Keefe. ridge between Middle and order to ‘Christmas in July’ at the Rendezvous Creeks in the club post office box address. New members: Julie Brown, Namadgi. It was wild, rugged and Cheques should be made out to the Geoff Murphy beautiful; the wind was freezing Canberra Bushwalking Club. Roger Edwards but it was great! Please be there at 6.45pm. Membership Secretary

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 2 Our trip: Those in the party were: Brief outline (detail given Walk Report Rupert Barnett, Kate Kennedy, subsequently): Glen Kramer, Jenny and Rob The start was on the main highway Horsfield. Big Plain Peak, at the Prosser Fire Trail, leaving it From Canberra the drive via shortly on another trail to Vick- 4 days, Easter 04 Cooma is ~250 km and takes ~ 3 ½ ery’s Hut, situated on Jounama Maps: Talbingo 8526-1-N and hours. Creek. Neither the second trail nor hut are marked on the map. From Yarrongobilly 8526-1-S, CMA Our objective was Big Plain Peak there we climbed a spur complex 1:25,000, 1978 editions: and the route exploratory. north of Ruby Creek, through Concerns before-hand were References: 1) “Bushwalks in reasonable scrub, to the Warogong whether there was sufficient the Kosciusko National Park”- Fire Trail. Our camp day 1 was reliable water as needed and Charles Warner, 1983. beside the trail near Cave Creek whether the terrain and scrub off- where we found good water. 2) “Best Walks in track would be reasonable. Both the KNP”- Harry Hill, 1996. were found satisfactory. Day 2 we proceeded along the trail 3) “Outlook”, 1987. to Big Creek (different to Big Plain Magazine article by Melbourne Creek), replenished our water then Bushwalking Club, pp61- 63 titled climbed a spur-line off-track to Big “The Bogong Peaks” by Mike Plain. This swamp area was Scowen; kindly supplied by comparatively dry but has good Warrick Blayden. water at its outlet into the top end of Big Plain Creek. Here we set up 4) “it”, CBC, a camp late morning and leaving February 2003, article pp 2- 3 our twisted knee casualty as “Jounama- a bushwalker’s peak”, minder, climbed Big Plain Peak in Rob Horsfield. the afternoon. Glen used sun and General: This report is presented mirror to signal our success to as a suggested trip guide into some camp from the top of the peak. great country. Next day, 3, we climbed a rocky The area is near Talbingo and outcrop on the ridge to the south of bounded by the Snowy Mountains our camp, returned, packed and Highway to the west and south, and retraced our outward route to a the Goobragandra power-lines road point on the Warogong Fire Trail to the east and north. It has not near where we first came on to it, been affected by bushfires and Rob contemplates the way ahead having picked up water on the way. includes some magnificent stands Retrospective remarks include: On the last day, 4, we again of alpine ash, manna gums and 1. The route proved varied and reversed our outward route to near the tops, belts of snow gums. interesting and the country wild, Vickery’s hut, then the cars where Some of the significant peaks are rugged and appealing. we had lunch before driving back Michelago, Jounama, Big Plains to Canberra. Peak, Lampe and Numbananga. 2. Navigation off-track required great care. The milk-shakes in the café at Charles Warner describes the 3. Progress off-track through scrub Cooma continue to be up to region as the smallest but most was usually quite reasonable. standard. wild and rugged of the Wilderness Areas in the KNP (reference 1, 4. After our current long dry spell Detail: map-spots, distance, time p37). Harry Hill provides details in this region, apparently reli- and going listed in sequence. for a number of day walks near able water was found in • Start on the Prosser Fire Trail, Talbingo and in particular, the Jounama Creek next to Vick- map ref. Yarrongobilly 258 562. ery’s hut, Cave and Big Creeks short route into Vickery’s hut. (2, • on the Warogong Fire Trail and Park cars in the hidden flat pp 21- 25). Mike Scowen’s article gravel area ~100m north of the (3) is about a trip taking in the on Big Plain at the swamp’s outlet down Big Plain Creek. fire trail and next to the main peaks mentioned above plus Rings road on the east. Creek and Petheys hut-ruin. It also 5. Good campsites on the section • provides an idea as to how difficult of the Warogong Fire Trail that Track junction after ~300m, some of the terrain might be, as we walked, were non-existent Grid Reference 261 560. Go left, does the article (4) by the writer. but there were places where one up and along the ridge via GR could “make-do”. 262 565. Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 3 • Descend to Jounama Creek, map • Ascent/descent of Big Plain pants. One would wonder why ref. Talbingo 269 569 then along Peak (~5 km return, ~4 hrs), they bothered. the track to Vickery’s hut at GR (from GR 302 652 follow a The April It was delivered to 271 571. poorly defined foot-pad along people in Belconnen on Monday, • The distance to this point is ~2 the northern edge of the swamp April 19. Since Collation was ½ km, time ~45 min, all on trail. to GR 311 653, into the tree-line changed to a Wednesdsay, It is Refer to Harry Hill’s book (2, pp and heath), (climb through always delivered each month to my 21-25) for more detail. thinning heath with tree cover to home on a Monday not Friday. If the saddle, GR 314 654), (from • Junction Jounama and Ruby there is a long weekend coming up the saddle follow the spur via Creeks, GR ~270 573 having most people have decided where GR 320 650 to the peak, skirting negotiated several blackberry they wish to walk long before the west of several difficult rock- patches. lead-in Monday. outcrops on the way). (The final • Spur complex, reasonable scrub stage of ascent involves careful In my experience, Post but slow going: (low knoll on rock-scrambling on the west vary rarely, if ever, can achieve narrow spur, GR 270 579), side. It is not difficult, nor is a next day delivery of bulk mail (significant knoll on main spur, rope necessary, but some might throughout Canberra. (This GR 274 588), (broad flat top, find it desirable).(Views from experience has been gained over 18 GR 275 595), (spot height 1224, the top are panoramic and in years of bulk mailouts through GR 281 595), (Warogong Fire most directions far-reaching). work). In fact, sometimes delivery Trail , GR 282 604). (Return to GR 302 652 via the has not been achieved Canberra- • The distance from Vickery’s hut outward route). wide four days later. to the fire trail is ~3 ½ km, time • A side trip to the south of the Therefore I would like to ~ 3 hrs. camp site at GR 302 652 is the suggest: • Proceed along the fire trail to rocky outcrop at GR 312 643. It • that additions to the walks Cave Creek, GR 278 268, is a good view point and takes program commence with third distance ~3 ½ km, time ~1 hr. about 2 hrs return. weekend after Collation. This Here there is good water with a • Movement along the Bogong possible but poor camp site gives people who have placed Range to Lampe or Numbananga additional trips on the program beside the track ~60m beyond would be plausible from Big the creek. the opportunity to have their Plain but the going looks as trips considered by prospective • Fire trail to Big Creek (different though it would be slow and participants. to Big Plain Creek) at GR 274 require more time than we had. • or that collation is held earlier in 639. Replenish water supply (for • The return trip to the cars 1/2 day). the week. If Tuesday is not reverses the outward route suitable perhaps Monday is • Off-track from the fire trail up taking similar times and requir- feasible. This alternative places through medium scrub to a ing careful navigation on the off- a great burden on the Editor. (minor knoll, GR 279 641), then track sections. Otherwise all the club is doing is reasonable scrub (major knoll, • Black Perry Mountain looked to burning people who are offering GR 288 643), (saddle and spot be an interesting alternate route to lead walks. height 1269, GR 290 640), back. Harry Hill (2) details a (significant knoll with view route off the southern end and Ann Gibbs-Jordan point at the eastern end over- meeting the Snowy Mountains [Ed: The proposed change to it looking Big Plain, GR 297 650), highway some 3 km north of our (descend to swamp outlet at GR collation night was raised in the start-point on the Prosser Fire April 2003 it with a request for 302 652 where there is good Trail. water and possible camp site on feedback. As there was negligible Rob Horsfield comment the committee felt that the tree-line. There are larger although there were some dis- grassy areas around the edge of advantages, they were outweighed the swamp but they are more Letter to the Editor by the benefits and collation night exposed and not so close to was changed in July 2003. water). (Note that the plausible The club is always crying out for The newsletter is available on the route via the saddle at GR 299 people to lead walks. I certainly club website before collation to all 647 is more difficult due to feel for the three people who put members with internet access. heavier scrub and fallen timber). weekend walks on the April Many leaders appreciate the • The distance from Cave Creek to program for the Anzac long opportunity to program walks at Big Plain is ~4 km, time ~3 ½ weekend. They had very little short notice with no commitment far hrs including morning tea. opportunity of attracting partici- into the future.]

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 4 which do not have significant last day. After a brief exercise in Walk Report natural or cultural values and have consensus decision making we been designated for camping". A ended up with a convivial Northern Budawangs number of the caves marked as afternoon coffee at the Grapevine No wonder the party was a big one; camping caves on the CMW (= The Old Garage) Café in anybody who has visited these Budawangs maps would thus Braidwood. sandstone cliffs feels the urge to qualify, but we might enquire of come back to the Budawangs time NPWS if some other conveniently and time again. We had planned to located camping caves would also use the Nerriga entrance but our qualify. (Thanks to the editor for local negotiator Alan Davey drawing attention to the NPWS established that landowners had rules).] closed off that track; fortunately, a Via a beautiful saddle we came up much better way into the Morton to Houghton where a break was National Park is from Alan’s own made at the track to Mt Tarn. My place, a few kilometres north of aim was to find a way up Houghton Wog Wog. You can recognise the through the valley with the small track from the sign on the gate “No tunnel. Some valiant attempts were On the conglomerate slope public access”, another expression made but short of foolhardiness or Having made the trip in two days a of what “land owners” think about proper rock-climbing gear this is couple of years ago made me public right-of-way and the use of not an access route. national parks. realise how much more enjoyable the walk is as a three day event. The Davey route goes for 10 km through pleasant forest, after which Gösta one can continue along the track Participants: Robert Bibo, Valeri and around Fosters Mountain or, as we Bob Calvert, Peter Conroy, Linda did, take a shortcut through the Groom, Judy Dann, Ann Gibbs-Jordan, valley to Sally Creek, enjoying the Peter Henderson, Meg McKone, Karel opportunity for some intense scrub Pelikan, Phil Quinton, Stephen Thearle, Gösta Lyngå (leader) bashing. There are small but choice camp sites at Sally Creek. A pleasant camp fire before a windy Descending Mt. Houghton Walk Report night and stunning sunrise views The track over Tarn is now over Hoddles Castle Hill, Mt upgraded with board walks over May Day walk Houghton and Quiltys Mountain. the boggy stretches and the main When Stan advertised a walk by Sunday morning the troupe track between Bibbenluke and the River, I pictured followed the track for a couple of Wog Wog had also been upgraded. an easy walk somewhere close to kilometres before branching off to Naturally we gave ourselves time Queanbeyan. I soon realised my climb to the base of the cliffs of the to take in the expansive views from error. peak just west of Hoddle. Through the Younga lookout, one of the finest spots in the Budawangs. On May Day, under an overcast the saddle towards Hoddle we sky threatening the long promised walked north along the cliff base in Again we passed by camping caves rain, 18 of us set off on the long what must be one of the narrowest and pitched our tents in the lower drive to a little known forest area in rain forests to behold. Round the part of the beautiful Burrumbeet the direction of Captains Flat. We nose of the mountain and towards Brook valley. Another camp fire turned off the Captains Flat road the south again we passed one of under a starry sky with a brilliance onto a narrow dirt road, which at my favourite caves in the Bu- you’ll never see from a city. Some one point ran through several farm dawangs, which is available to us tents were rather close and it turned properties. While the road was only in inclement weather but in out that certain participants did not public access the land to either side any situation to others. We really appreciate the soothing sound of was private, unfenced paddocks so ought to revisit these rules which collective snoring. People are it was not unusual to come across exclude responsible walkers from different! the occasion cow or sheep on the camping in caves, arguably less The climb up the conglomerate road. One sheep stood in the intrusive on the environment than slope, the photo opportunities of middle of the road watching our outside camping. The NPWS plan the Corang Arch and the morning approach as if daring us to come of management says that "camping tea on Corang Peak, all made for a any further. Finally realising we will not be permitted in caves and magnificent if short walk on the were not to be bluffed it turned and rock overhangs, except for those Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 5 raced back to warn the rest of the long enough to dry out to an empty meet the river again further round. flock, which included several shell. Perhaps it was suicide or it Easier said than done. Our forays young lambs. had already been injured. Further into the forest sometimes required along was the evidence of some some bush bashing through often Ironically, the only time we came creature’s lunch as in a drying heap quite prickly scrub, and I twice had near to hitting a cow was on the lay the internal organs of the to remove small thorns from my way home when we encountered a unfortunate victim. Something I fingers, but here the shrubbery next stray that had escaped from a didn’t need to see. to the river was at its thickest. fenced paddock. Following Stan’s lead we bashed The creek bed was dry apart from As we neared the forest we spotted through the bushes then down into small puddles amongst the rocks two eagles majestically, soaring the an unexpected deep ditch, and it continued to be easy going skies in search of prey. I hope following the river until we found a until we reached deeper pools of lamb wasn’t on their menu. It was break enabling us to climb to the water, which could not be easy to see where the national park ridge—no goat track this time. On traversed. At these junctures we began as cleared grazing lands reaching the top our hair, packs and had to scramble up (and down) quickly turned to heavily wooded backs were littered with debris like steep trails which I could only eucalypt forest. Fortunately it well-decorated Christmas trees. describe as mountain goat trails. eventually opened to a small As if to prove the point, as we were Once again the walking became clearing where we were able to preparing for yet another detour we easy as we made our way through park the cars. spotted a goat, startled at our light forest while the wind began to approach, scrambling up the cliff pick up and I felt a few drops of face, followed not so surely, by a rain against my face. I pondered young kid. It seems in the wild the on the similarity of bushwalkers to survival instinct is stronger than sheep. While the leaders wove a maternal instinct as the goat made meandering route, as a general rule, its way to the top of the cliff and each walker will follow in the disdainedly looked down at us footsteps of the person in front of while its kid attempted to follow. them mimicking the trail set by the Worried it would be left behind leaders. However, if they had and get lost we watched as it vainly looked up to where the leaders now tried to scale the cliff. Its tiny legs were they could take a shorter more could not manage the same heights direct route to reach them. as mum, evidenced when it tried to Our easy stroll came to an abrupt climb some rocks only to fall halt as we realised we had one backwards. Recovering quickly, it more goat trail to tackle; the worst eventually found an easier way up of all. As those of us at the back and we sighed with relief to see it listened to the groans and squeals join its mum before continuing on. of those out of sight below, we There was no sign of father billy could only imagine that bad as it goat gruff. Another single mum seemed where we were, it could trying to raise her kid? The President and friend only be getting worse. A few of us After one last scramble down the resorted to the inelegant method of We started with a two kilometre hillside we stopped for morning tea sliding down parts of it on our walk further along the road where where the creek joined the backsides. we spotted four more wedge-tailed . It still had long Our reward for managing this eagles; two quite close and low to way to go before it reached its descent however, was a sandy ground; the other two further away namesake town and unlike the wide beach which Barry remarked would in the distance. It was at this point flowing river the town’s residents make a wonderful picnic or that we headed off track into the are used to, here there was a large camping spot, and even better, for forest, making our way to a nearby deep pool but, like the creek, it was us, this was to be our lunch spot. creek bed. As advertised it was mostly dry. easy walking, particularly along the We speculated whether the small creek bed with it’s large flat slabs Terence Uren had suggested a ripples in the water were fish or of rock. We hadn’t gone far when small variation to Stan’s planned drops of rain as the wind was once I spied a tiny frog poised at the route so after a short break we again picking up. I watched apex of a rock, as if about to spring followed the river for some fascinated as the wind made off into the creek and I wondered distance before once again heading expanding and shrinking patterns how it had lain there in the sun up into the forest to cut across and across the surface of the water. It

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 6 reminded me of a kaleidoscope of a the windscreen was sprinkled with site and will be published in it next laser show—without the colour. rain which continued all the way month. Have a good read and know back to Canberra. What better that this is how it all happened. Perhaps it was the thought of the ending to a great walk. possible approaching rain but I had Note, however, that Margot is not yet even finished eating my Alison Milton particular about her copyright to lunch when Stan announced that the stories. we would be leaving in five Goorooyarroo Nature Gösta Lyngå minutes. What happened to his usual lunchtime snooze? Cruelly, Reserve as we again headed up the riverbed, just a hundred yards or so further Officially opened last month, this ON BEING THROWN on I looked up the bank to the right is Canberra's newest nature reserve. OUT OF A CAFÉ IN and saw that we could have had a Located between Mulligans Flat CAPTAINS FLAT gentle descent to the river instead. and the Federal Highway, AND OTHER MEDITATIONS Surprisingly, we were quite close declaration of the reserve makes it ON CANBERRA to the cars and after a short walk now possible to walk on public BUSHWALKING DAYS along the riverbed we headed up a land from Hall to the War gentle slope (relatively speaking Memorial with the Federal by Margot Cox after the goat tracks) into the forest Highway the only road crossing. Premeditation: Untangling history one last time. Some cruel person This is an area of 750 hectares protecting Yellow box, Red gum was heard to remark that we only Meditation 1: Of pythons and cafes had three more hills and gullies to and grassy woodland. This is a no tackle, but in reality it was only a dog area. [Ed: See walks already Meditation 2: Propitiating the half kilometre stroll through light programmed there on July 4 and Weather Gods August 7. A Wednesday Walk has forest, followed by a very gentle been there and the reports are all Meditation 3: Orienteering descent into a shallow gully and up favourable so far.] misadventures the other side to the cars, though if we had descended just a little Early Club History Meditation 4: Negotiating Nadgee, earlier it was much steeper. another strange warp of the bushwalker We reached the cars just about an Margot Cox is one of the founding hour after we stopped for lunch. A members of our club and she also Meditation 5: Strange are the ways short walk by most standards but knows how to tell a good story. of a bushwalker with some gruelling parts to justify She is in the process of writing Meditation 6: Fringe benefits and its shortness. After posing for a down her memories, “Meditations” other miscellanea group photo, we thanked Stan then she calls them: Three of them (Nos. headed home. Stan’s timing 3, 5 and 6) are already on our web "Premeditation" will be published couldn’t have been better. Before site, the others are promised and next month Check it and other we reached the Captains Flat road the titles follow here. The "meditations" at the club website, “Premeditation” is also on the web

Big Plain Peak - Easter 2004

Glen, Rob, and Jenny Big Plain Peak

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 7 ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfield (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), E-mail: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley St Kambah ACT 2902 Please see " INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS IN CBC ACTIVITIES" in the April It, or on the Club website home. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. Leader: Stan (14) 15-16 May - Durras Gourmet Weekend Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), work email: (M/E) [email protected] Transport:$15 Leave Canberra Friday night, two nights at my beach house at Depot Beach. Enjoy the rainforest 22-23 May: Southern Budawangs M / M-R and coastline of this spectacular area for two days. (part exploratory) Each day about 4hrs actual walking. Shared 'eve- Budawangs and Yadboro River. Saturday: Wog ryone bring something' meal Sat night. Map: Wog car park, via Ye Old Green Hut, the Cockpit Kioloa and Durras 1:25,000 Leader: Felicity wetlands and pine plantation, to the base of Wog Furnass 6288 0486 Transport: ~$30, Accommo- Wog Mtn. From there, we'll walk down its spec- dation: ~$20 tacular spur to the Yadboro River, for a riverside camp. The afternoon will be spent pottering Sunday 16 May Corang Peak and Arch L/M around upstream (the exploratory part). Sunday: A This is a 20+km track walk to Corang peak and bit of a potter downstream and return to the cars onto the Arch .There are great views of this area via the same route, with an optional pack- and from the top of Corang look over to the spec- free ascent of Wog Wog Mtn (also exploratory). tacular Budawangs to see the Castle and other Plan to have campfire but it may be wise to bring mountains. Map Corang 1:25000 Leader Janet fuel stoves - just in case. Map: Corang 1:25 000. Edstein 6288.1398 Transport $ TBA Leader: John Kelly. Contact: 6241 3814 (h), Wednesday 19 May- Monthly Meeting Transport: ~$25. Limit of 8. . Steven Shaw Wednesday 26 May- Committee Meeting Rivers and Rainforests and it closing From the Budawangs to the Never Never and 8:00PM at the home of Michael Sutton, Beyond 24 Lyndon Street, Kaleen. 8:00PM St Johns Church Hall, Reid. Saturday 29 May- Nattai Gorge- M/E Sunday 23 May- Booroomba Rocks- M/R From Lake Alexandra, Mittagong, walk along This walk (or a variation of) was first done by the Gibbergunyah Creek to the , thence up club in May 1962 and has been visited many times the spectacular gorge to lunch at the Boxvale since. A west to east traverse of Booroomba Creek junction. Back via Gibbergunyah Creek. All Rocks. Will not be going on the tourist track but on track, about 4 ½ hrs actual walking. Map: to be will be bushbashing along a series of knolls from provided Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), east of Honeysuckle Creek. Map Corin Dam & 6274 7350 (w), email: [email protected] Williamsdale 1:25,000. Leader Roger Edwards Transport: ~$25 6288 7863(h), 6271 1302 (w)Transport $10.00 Limit 8 Sunday 30 May- Molonglo Gorge- S/E Surprise yourself at the attractiveness of this 22 (23) May - Mt Foxlow (M/E-M) nearby gorge. Walk along trails beside the gorge, Enjoy a walk through open forest near Captains returning by a similar route, perfect for a winter Flat. We go initially on a fire trail to Harrison's afternoon. Be at the trackhead (down Kowen Rd Peak which has views from Canberra and Mt which comes off Sutton Road a short distance Coree round to the Tinderries. We then walk off from the Piallago Rd/Yass Rd/Sutton Rd junction track to Foxlow then back to the cars on track. The near Queanbeyan) at 1.45pm. About 3hrs actual off track section is very pleasant, easy and open. walking. Map: to be supplied. Leader: Stan Probably 5hrs actual walking. After the walk, Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), work email: those who wish may return home but I have [email protected] Transport: drive booked inexpensive accommodation at the Cap- yourself but ring me if you need a lift. tains Flat Pub and a table at the delightful purple eatery for those interested. There may be a short walk eg Rocky Pic on the Sunday before returning

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 8 Saturday 5 June- Navigation Refresher #3 short walks before lunch on the way home. Nights Using compass and map on a day-walk near West at Gerringong youth hostel. Shared 'everyone bring Kambah and Red Rock Gorge. Map: Tuggeranong something' meals both evenings. Map: to be 1:25,000 (supplied) Leaders: Jen & Rob Horsfield provided. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6231 4535(h) Transport: N/A 6274 7350 (w), email: [email protected] Transport: $40-$50 plus ~$20 accommodation Saturday 5 June- Tallaganda State Forest- per night. M/M This walk just east of Captains Flat starts on a fire 12- 14 June- Queens Birthday Weekend- trail up Mt Bollard, follows a long ridge through Boboyan car park- Gudgenby- the ridge- open forest, climbs gently again to Mt Jingera Burbidge- Namadgi- Big Creamy Flat- Mavis- (correct spelling, different mountain), drops down Rendezvous Creek- Boboyan car park- L/R to a little used road and back to the cars. One of A strenuous trip in some of the best of Namadgi. my recent finds. Map: Tinderry 1:25,000. Leader: Map: Yaouk, Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), work Leader: Stephen Thearle 6253 9351(h) Trans- email: [email protected] Transport: port:~$8:50. ~$15 12-14 June: Tantangra - M/M Sunday 6 June - Namadgi NP- 10th Annual Delightful ridge walking around Gulff Plain. Base Smokers Trail cross-over- M/E or L/E camp at Scofields Hut with a day walk across For 10 years, Janet and Terence have led this trip Nungar Plain to visit Gavells Hut on Sunday. that has half the party walking through the Orroral Climb nearby Mt Nungar on the Monday. This Valley to the start of the Smokers Trail and the area was unaffected by the January 2003 bushfires. other half doing the trip in reverse. The two halves Mostly off track. Map: Tantangra, Denison meet in the middle by a creek for a sociable lunch. 1:25,000 Leader: Lauraine Reynolds,6231 Come along and join them for what will probably 6591(h) Transport: $35 Limit of 8 be the last time they lead this walk. Choose either to walk downhill with Janet (18 kms+ 400m de- Wednesday 16 June- Monthly Meeting scent) or uphill with Terence (20km +400m 8:00PM St Johns Church Hall, Reid. climb). A car swap is required. Maps: Corin Dam, Rendezvous Creek 1:25000. Leaders: Janet Ed- Saturday 19 June – Big Badja- M/R stein and Terence Uren. Bookings to Terence 6282 From Pikes Saddle we follow the Badja fire trail 2403 (h). Transport: ~$8. South to Big Badja, then East along a ridge to have lunch with view over Mother Woila; in the after- Wednesday 9June: Wednesday Walk noon another ridge North to return via the Minuma The regular mid-week walk series continues, close Range fire trail Maps: Snowball and Badja 1:25 to Canberra with a destination to be decided. 000. Leader: Gösta Lyngå – 6288 7009. Contact the leader before 8pm Tuesday to find out [email protected] Transport $30 destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). Sunday 20 June- Enchanted Hill- M/E This walk follows the old Cooma railway south Wednesday 9 June- IT Collation from behind Hume for several km before going 8pm at the home of Ted Fleming east across country to climb this hill for lunch. 360 14 Bulwarra Cl, O'Malley degree views and a perspective of Canberra you have never seen. There is a walking track beside Sunday 13 June- Mt Orroral- M/MR the line, we will not be walking on the sleepers. Walk around the rocky knolls at the summit of Mr The walk ends at the Tuggeranong siding. About 4 Orroral with the bonus of less scrub than encoun- 1/2hrs actual walking. Map: Tuggeranong tered in previous years following the bushfires in 1:25,000 (or Gregory's). Leader: Stan Marks 2003. Climb of 700 metres. Map reference Rende- 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), work email: vous Creek 1:25,000 Leader Roger Edwards 6288 [email protected] Transport: drive 7863 (h) 6271 1302 (w). Transport $8.00 Limit 8 yourself but ring me if you need a lift.

12-14 June - Minnamurra Rain Forest and Wednesday 23 June- Committee Meeting Royal National Park (L/E) and it closing Leave Canberra mid morning Saturday, lunch at Robertson then to Minnamurra Rainforest for a Saturday 26 June- Yunnununbeyan N.P.- M/M walk (1½ hrs) to the Falls. Sunday, do Otford- This is an exploratory trip to this area east of the Gairies Beach (18km, 6 hrs actual walking on Tinderries: dry schlerophyll forest and wonderful track) along the coastline of the Royal National views. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000 Leader: Park and associated features. On Monday, two Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535(h) Transport:~$12.

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 9 Sunday 27 June- Middle Creek- M/E-M Wednesday 14 July- IT Collation Walk from the Yankee Hat car park across open country to where the creek enters a valley, then Saturday 17 July- Muldoonen Nature Reserve- through open forest, attractive and largely unaf- M/E-M fected by the fire for lunch by the creek. Return to This reserve is just south of the Hume Highway the cars along on a somewhat different route. between Gunning and Yass. The walk will explore Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000. Leader: Stan the reserve, which consists of undulating country Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), e-mail: with a cover of nice, open forest. A mixture of [email protected] Transport: ~$15 track and easy off track. About 4hrs actual walk- Sunday 4 July Goorooyarroo M/E-M ing. Map: Gunning 1:50,000. Leader: Stan Marks Goorooyarroo is the ACT's newest nature reserve. 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), work email: Sited on the mid to lower eastern slopes of the area [email protected] Transport: ~$12 between Mulligans Flat and the Federal Highway, Saturday 24 July- Namadgi N.P- M/R the reserve protects one of the region's largest and Route: Boboyan Pines - ÂRQULGJHHDVWRI0W most intact areas of Yellow Box Red Gum grassy Gudgenby – return via saddle at 734374 (east of woodland. This walk will explore parts of the Gudgenby saddle). Steep climbs, delightful bush woodland and take in some fine views from Joes (& scrub!), rock outcrops and excellent views. Hill and Gooroo Hill. Map: Hall 1:25,000 Map: Yaouk 1:25,000 Leader: Ian Smith 6282 Leader: Terence Uren 6282 2403 (h) Transport: 1226 (h) 6243 4248 (W) Note: please don’t ring ~$5. Limit of 8. until after 21 June. Transport: ~ $12 (2), 3,4 July - Bundanoon gourmet weekend- 24,25 July - Jervis Bay weekend (M/E) M/E On Saturday morning, drive to Fitzroy Falls and Two day walks from Meryla Pass using Bun- walk for 1 ¼ hrs on the west rim then to Cambe- danoon YHA as a base. Drive to Bundanoon warra Mountain for lunch. Then walk 2hrs at Friday night. On Saturday, do the Wombat Hill Jervis Bay with views of cliffs and the sea between walk and Rebecca Lookout (5 1/4 hrs walking, 3/4 Governor's Head and the Ruined Lighthouse. On on track) with views up the Bundanoon valley, Sunday, walk for 4 ½ hrs from Steamer's Bay to St over Lake Yeronga and to Cambewarra Mountain George's Head and Summerland Bay through and beyond. Sat evening, an 'everybody bring coastal forest and heath with many sea views, and something' meal. On Sunday, do the Walking Dog morning tea and lunch on beaches. We will hire track (5 hrs all on good track, the remnants of an cabins and on Saturday evening, enjoy a nice but 1896 road) which descends through rain forest to not too expensive meal somewhere. Book early. Yeronga Dam with spectacular views back to the Map: to be supplied Leader: Stan Marks cliffs. Map: Bundanoon 1:25,000 Leader: Stan 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), work email: Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email [email protected] Transport: ~$35, (work): [email protected] Transport: Accommodation: ~$15 ~$35, Accommodation :~$20 per night Saturday 7 August- Old Joe and the Jocelyn 3- 4 July- Navigation Refresher #4- M/M Trail- M/E This is an overnight trip in the Naas, Grassy Creek There is a new nature park between Mulligans Flat and Boboyan Hill area. It is a popular and fre- and the Federal Hwy so we can now walk from quently scheduled club round. Map: Yaouk Old Road to Mt Majura without leaving 1:25,000 Leaders: Jenny and Rob Horsfield parkland except to cross the Hwy. So we shall. 6231 4535(h) Transport: ~$10. Meet at the car park on the Majura side of Antill St just beyond the last house in Hackett at 9.15am. Saturday Evening 10 July This is the end point of the walk. We will then do Club dinner Xmas in July a car shuffle to Mulligans Flat, where we will start 6:45pm walking. Cross the Federal Highway by an under- Rocksalt Restaurant pass. The walk is very pleasant, a mixture of on at the Hawker Shops and easy off track, through grassland and open See ad in this it. woodland. Old Joe is the highest point on the walk, with interesting 360 degree views and Wednesday 14July: Wednesday Walk Jocelyn was one of the pioneers of the walk. Map: The regular mid-week walk series continues, close Hall 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), to Canberra with a destination to be decided. 6274 7350 (w), email: [email protected] Contact the leader before 8pm Tuesday to find out Transport: drive yourself but tell me when you destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan book if you need a ride. Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h).

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 10 (20) 21,22 August- Durras weekend (29) 30, 31 October - Ben-Boyd N.P- M/M Two days in this spectacular area staying in cabins Route: Saltwater Creek – Light to Light track to at Depot Beach. Details next IT. Leader: Stan Green Cape and return. An excellent possibility of Marks 6254 9568 seeing whales on their southward migration. Friday night departure from Canberra. Map: Kiah Saturday 28 August -Mt. Tennent- M/M & Narrabarba 1:25,000 Leader: Ian Smith & Route: Namamdgi Ranger Station – Mt. Tennent – Sandy Berry Contacts: 6282 1226 (h) 6243 4248 Bushfold Flat – Mt. Tennent – Namadgi Ranger (W) Transport: tba Station. Map: Williamsdale 1:25,000 Leader: Ian Smith Contacts: 6282 1226 (h) 6243 4248 (w) Sunday 12 December -Christmas Party Transport: tba Keep this date free! More details later. (3), 4, 5 September- Kanangra-Boyd N.P- M/R Route: Kanangra Walls – Brumby Ridge – Kow- IT CONTRIBUTIONS mung River – Roots Ridge – Kanangra Walls. The closing date for copy for each issue of It is Great views, great country, great river. Friday the date of the monthly Committee Meeting (ie night departure from Canberra. Map: Kanangra & the 4th Wednesday of the month. Yerranderie 1:25,000 Leader: Ian Smith Con- I would particularly welcome contributions for tacts: 6282 1226 (h) 6243 4248 (W) Transport: ~ Cooks Corner, Trip Reports, and more in the series $50 "Unforgettable Walks". Handwritten and posted material is welcome, Have you booked your first aid course yet? but I would prefer to get computer readable files (any Contact James Ashburner on 6254 1666 or format but plain text preferred) by email. [email protected] Photographs enliven the newsletter, so these (10)11-12 September: Budawangs M / R are most welcome, as either image files (most Byangee Mountain - Landslide Creek. Drive to common formats) or originals for me to scan. Yadboro Fri night for earlystart up to Castle Gap My contact details are: and a side trip to Byangee Walls. Camp on the Clyde then ascend Pigeon House Ck and Landslide Ph: 6278 3164 Ck to Wombat Ridge Fire Trail. Return via Long- E-mail: [email protected] fella Pass. Some steep climbs and rock scrambles, Post: 8D Century Courts with great views and Spring flowers, including 4 Beetaloo St Hawker ACT 2614 rock orchids in Landslide Ck. Maps: Corang & I also attend almost all it collations and monthly Milton 1:25 000. Leader: Meg McKone 6254 meetings and can accept information there. 5902 (h). Transport: ~$25. week in the Lakes District The Bulletin Board followed by 10 days or so on the Trekking in Sikkim Cornwall Coast Path from St ‘This page is provided for Ives, around Lands End to I have felt the call of the members to advertise (at no cost) Falmouth. Accommodation in Himalaya and will be returning goods for sale, private trips or the Lakes District will be at a to Sikkim in October to trek the other personal bushwalking- hostel and in Cornwall at a mix recently opened "New Route to related matters. The Club is not of B&Bs and hostels. Contact Kanchenjunga". As an autono- involved in, takes no responsi- Mark Hopkins on 6282 8481 or mous state of India, Sikkim is bility for, and does not endorse, [email protected] largely free of the turmoil such the activities or goods advertised as that happening in Nepal. This here. Hence, if people partici- Open Invitation- will be on a commercial trek pate in any activities advertised with most of our gear carried by here, they do so as private Walking in the Bu- yaks and zhos (cross between individuals, not as members of dawangs- yak and cow). We will be away the Club, and they will not be from Australia for about three covered by the Club’s insurance Phone and express an interest weeks and accommodation will arrangements’. and we’ll organize something be in tents, huts, and hotels in suitable. Alan Davey (02) Calcutta and Darjeeling. If you Walking in England 4845 9127(h) are interested in joining this trek, contact Allan Mikkelsen on 6278 Remember! Congenial companion(s) sought 3164 or [email protected] Saturday Evening 10 July for walks commencing London for full details. 6th September 2004. Planned is a Club dinner Xmas in July

Canberra Bushwalking Club IT May 2004 page 11 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE

Position Name Home Work E-mail PRESIDENT Stan Marks 6254 9568 6274 7350 [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Gary Trevean 6285 1135 6266 9737 [email protected] TREASURER/VICE PRES. Michael Sutton 6249 1224 - [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 - [email protected] EDITOR Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 - [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Roger Edwards 6288 7863 6271 1351 [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER James Ashburner 6254 1666 6252 7934 [email protected] CONSERVATION OFFICER John Thwaite 6254 3193 6207 6168 [email protected] PUBLISHER Cynthia Breheny 6247 6857 - ASSISTANT WALKS SECRETARY Keith Thomas 6230 1081 - [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Lucinda Prickett 6295 2854 6239 2220 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Ring ROGER EDWARDS on 6288 7863 (h) CHECK IN: Ring KEITH THOMAS on 6230 1081 (h) For Internet users, the Club Home Page is at: http://www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au

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