MAGAZINE OF THE CONFEDERATION OF BUSHWALKING CLUBS NSW INC. ISSN 0313 2684 AUGUST 2001 WINTER EDITION VOLUME 27 NO 1 www.bushwalking.org.au [email protected] B ACK FROM THE BRINK - T HE GROSE WILDERNESS by Andy Macqueen* “The dreary appearance, abrupt- THE CONFEDERATION OF ness, intricate and dangerous route we or out amongst the mazes of experienced at this place, induced me to ridges too unpleasant, too difficult, or B USHWALKING CLUBS’ ROLE call it the Devil’s Wilderness.” too scary to contemplate. So wrote after clam- Development has been kept out of John Macris Conservation Officer bering down to the of the most of the Grose area for two centu- Grose and Wilderness Brook in ries, thanks to its ruggedness and to The year was 1996. While various 1804. He was on an epic journey to various moves to preserve it. As early outdoor recreation groups were aligning as 1875 a with one another and launching their large part was colourful campaigns based on a presumed reserved inherited right of access to every bridle or partly in fire trail on public land, Confederation was recognition taking a somewhat different direction. that it was a The central and oldest section of “national Blue Mountains National Park centred spectacle”, on the , had remarkably thereby retained a high level of remoteness and defining what natural integrity, in spite of its proxim- could be ity to the tourist mecca of the upper described as mountains’ towns. ’s It was conceivable to us that the first national commercial or mass tourism ‘footprint’ park. This did would gradually enlarge beyond the not however present nodes like Katoomba, prevent leases View of Grose Wilderness from Perry’s Lookdown - photo Richard Merry Wentworth Falls or Blackheath. Maybe being taken only incrementally, but the signs were , and his troubles were up at , and it was one already there, with adhoc establishment only just beginning. At every turn he of these that became the focus of the of vehicle based tours to the formerly was confronted by canyons, strange campaign in 1931-32 - a campaign little visited Mount Hay area and a rock formations, thick vegetation or which probably did more than anything noticeable growth in commercial amazing insects. else to give momentum to the national canyoning operations. Blue Mountains Caley and his convict assistants did park campaigns of Myles Dunphy and National Park had been without an not appreciate the natural values and his bushwalking followers. adopted plan of management for over opportunities for solitude afforded by In 1959, when Dunphy’s Blue 20 years and past draft attempts gave the Grose Wilderness. When they Mountains National Park dream started mixed messages about limiting the camped in the sassafras in Dismal to be realised, parts of the Grose spread of high impact activities. Dingle, near Claustral Canyon, his men formed the lions share of the new For these reasons, and also simply in found it so oppressive that on the return reserve. recognition of the wild values that were journey they refused to stop there even Not that there haven’t been real still abundant in the Grose, we utilised for a rest. “We’d prefer the worst cell threats to the area’s integrity. Schemes the public nomination provisions of the we’ve ever seen in a prison,” they said. for dams, mines, power stations, roads NSW Wilderness Act (1987) to set in Such places were no prison to the and logging have all surfaced at various motion a wilderness assessment of the Aborigines. They had travelled through times. In the 1920s a mining company area. and lived in the Grose area for thou- proposed to transform the valley “from Under this Act, once a public sands of years. There is evidence of a riot of scrubland to a hive of indus- nomination of an area for wilderness significant occupation quite close to try”. In the 1850s the has been accepted and verified as Blue Gum. But the early whites were offered the favoured route for the credible (eg you couldn’t just nominate repelled, and many are still repelled. western railway. And as recently as Centennial Park or the Lane Cove Even in the tracked areas, many people 1999, Earth Sanctuaries proposed to Valley) it must be assessed within two find the prospect of a walk deep into the fence off part of the valley for a wildlife C ONTINUED ON PAGE 5 CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club THE BUSHWALKER C OMMITTEE MEMBERS Contributions, letters to the editor, original cartoons and sugges- President - Wilf Hilder Conservation Officer John Macris tions are welcome. They should be Bushwalkers Ph 9587-8912 (02) 9877-0915(H) National Parks Associa- sent to the address below. Except for tion [email protected] short notes or letters, all contributions Vice President - Jim Callaway (02) Tracks and Access officer - Alex should be accompanied with text file 9520-7081 (H) (02) 9219-4379 (W) on three and a half inch floppy disk in The Sydney Bush Walkers Tucker (02) 9451-4028 National Parks Association [email protected] IBM format or E-Mail. Treasurer & acting Secretary - Prudence Tucker (02)9451-4028 email Magazine Editor & Communications Distribution is through affiliated clubs, [email protected] National Parks Officer Colin Wood, Tel (02)4625-0916 H major retail outlets, council information Association 0438013500 National Parks Association centres and national park offices. [email protected] Address all correspondence to The Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Editor, The Bushwalker Bushwalkers officer - Keith Maxwell (02) 9622-0049 Training officer - Peter Mullins NSW PO Box 2090 GPO Sydney 1043. Pager phone 13 22 22 pager no 6277321 [email protected] E-mail [email protected] Mount Druitt Bushwalking Club The Confederation of Bushwalking Insurance Office and membership [email protected] Clubs NSW Inc represents approxi- secretary - Anne Plowman (02)9747-1346 mately 67clubs with a total member- [email protected] ship around 10,000 bushwalkers. Minutes Secretaey Judy Hellyer Formed in 1932, the Confederation ...... (02)[email protected] provides a united voice on conserva- tion and other issues, runs training courses for members, and provides for 2 2 the public a free wilderness search and rescue service. People interested I N THIS ISSUE in joining a bushwalking club are invited to write to the Secretary Bushwalkers NSW at the above Back From The Brink - The Grose Wilderness ...... 1 address for information on clubs in their area. The Bushwalker The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs’ role ...... 1 Or web site www.bushwalking.org.au Advertising .Ring Judy Hellyer 9604- NavShield 2001 – Biggest and Best Ever ...... 3 1101 or [email protected] Prices for advertising Important News For Abseilers ...... 4 Back cover $450 - full page inside back cover $400 - full page inside Letter to Editor NavShield2001 ...... 4 $350 - half page $175 - quarter page $90 business card size $50 insert $250 +insertion cost approx $90 all prices plus Bushwalkers History Museum & Collection ...... 5 GST Deadlines for magazine An Anniversary to Inspire – Blue Gum 1931 to 2001 ...... 6 Summer edition, 2nd week in October- Autumn 2nd week in January The Jagungal Wilderness ...... 9 - Winter, 2nd week in April - Spring, 2nd week in July Photographic Competition ...... 9

How Big is Your Walking Party? ...... 10

Along The Track - Volunteer Work In National Parks...... 11 T HEB USHWALKER is the magazine of the Confed- Stop Press: New Canyon Discoveries ...... 12 eration of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc. It's published quarterly. Bushwalkers Bushdance ...... 13 The aim of the magazine is to provide articles and information of Great Grose Gorse Walk ...... 14 interest to the members of clubs affiliated with the Confederation and Bushwalkers generally. Any opinions expressed by individual authors do not always represent the official views of the Confederation. Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... N AVS HIELD 2001 – BIGGEST AND BEST EVER Keith Maxwell - President Bushwalkers This years Wilderness Squad finding a checkpoint then choosing the Bushwalkers does not always crack ‘the site’. The real route to the next one. The late Saturday Wilderness site planning starts when the course co- afternoon trickle of lesser experienced Rescue ordinator gets out his map or tries to teams arriving before dark soon turns NavShield unobstrusively purchase an uncom- into a flood as the 7-30pm (one day over 7th / monly requested map such as event) deadline and the prospect of 8th of July “Arkstone”. Abercrombie National Park heavy penalties looms. All available will be had the least scrub of any NavShield but BWR members pitch in to keep up with remembered with (steep) relief of up to 500 metres. ‘logging in’ and checking team Control for many Open, clear ridges made fast travel Cards prior to entering results into the reasons. There possible and for experienced navigators NavShield laptop database. A similar was nearly a cast of thousands who there was minimal compass work as the controlled panic is repeated as the 2- nearly had to battle snow just to get to network of ridges was so obvious. Steep 00pm Sunday deadline for the two day Abercrombie National Park. The sided meandering with she oaks event approaches. weather at the exposed event headquar- added a pleasant touch reminiscent of The first NavShield in 1989 at ters was overcast to sleeting all weekend the Cox’s or Kowmung Rivers. How- Nerriga was barely bigger than a with sun only finally appearing as we ever checkpoints were still set so as to bushwalking club reunion. Its current were packing up on Sunday afternoon. require careful navigation to the correct size is the result of steady growth mostly The team results of this largest group of ridgetop or creek junction. from word of mouth and the enthusiasm Checkpoints of the BWR Secretary, John Tonitto and are set in a others of the BWR organising team. It seems hard to believe how proud BWR

random pattern .. over around 100 was when Nav 93 on Newnes Plateau had over 250 participants! By providing square kilome- 3

tres – about a a quality bush navigation event BWR Bushwalker The third to half a now regularly has teams from Ambu- map. All lance, NP&WS, SES, VRA, Rural Fire checkpoints have Service, Armed Services and Police a two colour Rescue Squads. The (NSW) State rogaine style flag Rescue Board recognises the value of the with a unique training the BWR NavShield offers and pattern paper sponsors group shields for these services. punch for In the early days of the NavShield on punching your Saturday afternoon all the BWR person- Winners of the 2001 NavShield - Newcastle Bushwalking Club team “Control nel around the event headquarters would Card” as proof pitch in butter bread, cut onions and toss competitors ever were still processed of visiting that checkpoint. Checkpoints salads in preparation for feeding the quickly and accurately for the official are allocated a points value that takes hungry hordes. Socialising and interac- presentations at the usual times. into account the difficulty of locating it. tion between the Emergency Services The aim of the NavShield is to run an Participants began filling the large was always an unstated aim. However Emergency Services bush navigation paddock, which was the event headquar- the NavShield some time ago became too training event that showcases the skills ters, adjacent to the National Park late large for self catering so now one part of and abilities of Bushwalkers Wilderness Friday afternoon for the 8-45am Satur- the event headquarters is set aside for the Rescue Squad (BWR) as well as day morning start. Nav 2001 was easily caterer and their facilities. bushwalkers from Confederation Clubs. the biggest ever with more than 100 Similarly in the early days the radio Within a limited time teams from extra participants over Nav 2000. network of ‘radio checkpoints’ was Emergency Services must plot the Fortunately by Saturday the 50mm of staffed solely by the BWR Committee location (via Grid References) of the Friday morning snow had melted but and bushwalkers. Another VRA (Volun- checkpoints and decide on a viable route was still present in Oberon and Black teer Rescue Association of NSW Inc.) that maximises the points they can Springs to give them a white Christmas squad of radio amateurs, WICEN, now achieve without incurring penalties for feel. 535 eager competitors were still make the NavShield a major training returning late. A network of ‘radio well rugged up as they congregated for exercise to set up a radio network in a checkpoints’ monitors team movements the event briefing and pandemonium of new area each year and co-ordinate with for overall safety. the massed start as 149 teams fought to BWR and other Emergency Services. The site and hence terrain is always collect their Control Cards. Thus even after the frantic massed different each year with the location only All levels of navigators benefit from start of Saturday morning the NavShield being announced in the final week before the NavShield. There is always a headquarters is busy all day. A large the event. Secrecy is still difficult to deliberate mix of easy to difficult paddock / cleared area is essential. control though as the potential land checkpoints temptingly placed so that Many previous NavShield sites would managers BWR must contact either are teams can still gain plenty of practice no longer be suitable! It hard to believe past participants or their friends are! even in the one day event. Beginner that I used to easily find time to person- While the grape vine works overtime it navigators gain confidence from actually C ONTINUED ON PAGE 4 ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club C ONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 I MPORTANT NEWS FOR ABSEILERS ally pre-sign the Attendance / Result Margaret Covi, Watagan Wanderers This year has been a worrying time Certificates for participants. permission, & our club carried out a The major Presentation Ceremony for abseilers. We had news that stringent requirements were to be put in place successful day. around 3pm on Sunday afternoon is At the June Confederation meeting a Karmamaking Gurungit difficult for us to abseil in generally a great relief to me. In a good resolution was passed saying “This year the very last of the two day teams LumbiniNational TrekkingParks, & which would often in fact prevent us. We received copies of Confederation prefers the above simple have returned to headquarters before the approval system for the management of Awards presentation. The worst year was the 47 page document of requirements outlining skills needed, fees (for com- abseiling at sites of high usage in Sydney when BWR had to wait until after 5pm for South Metropolitan Region. This the last team. The awards still went ahead mercial groups) & consent documents for JudySouth Hellyer Sydney National Park, which we requires a single page Application Form but the site was almost empty when this C/-NSW Confederation of only, proof of Public Liability Insur- (now) well remembered team returned. believed to be the forerunner for other Bushwalkersparks. The future seemed grim. Our ance, the Activity Leader’s Name & No names but the guilty know who they anticipated number of persons in- are and have not been late again. There POclub Box felt the2090 need to write to National GPOParks Sydneyto ask on 1043 our club’s behalf what volved”. We hope that our abseiling are always a wide range of Awards so I try future in this & other National Parks is to keep this ceremony moving along. Phonewe could (private) to do to 9604 fulfil 1101 these require- ments. assured. Of course we must always keep Each year we now have representative of safety & training our abseilers in safe & the NSW Premier plus representatives correct techniques to the forefront. & from the State Rescue Board and various continue to develop skills & follow best Emergency Services to give out the practice to prevent accidents & follow principal awards. The last and still our sport safely. Training, as many clubs ...... pleasing award is the Attendance Cups. If already carry out, will remain essential. you can attend five or ten NavShields (either one day or two day event; mini- 4 mum time is not4 required) then I will, on behalf of BWR, make a special presenta- L ETTER TO EDITOR tion. A quick check of this years group photo, on the NavShield website, will N AVS HIELD2001 show just how many participants keep coming back. Hi John, Just thought I’d drop a The results of Nav 2001 and all other short note. Thanks for putting the event

The Bushwalker NavShields can be found at the NavShield on, we had a great time. Sorry we had to website: leave early but it took us till 4.00pm http://www.eng.uts.edu.au/~glennh/ Abseiling Training - photo Colin Wood Monday to get home. Armidale had navshield/ snow and the road was closed till Despite the obviously high workload Email:The [email protected] reply I received surprised me. I 10.00am Monday. We worked out we the members of BWR still enjoy planning was told that a simple document re- travelled over 2400kms in 5 days. Boy and running their annual NavShield. Toquesting Karma permission Gurung; & accompanied by a were we tired when we got back. Again They look forward to showing off their certificate of currency of our insurance thanks for a top time and see you next organisation as well as practising valuable Namaste!would be sufficient. NPWS expects that year. Please e-mail me with any info on organisation skills / liaising with other Thankyouclubs do measure for your up queryto the withstandards regard of next years event in the future as I’m sure training in the 47 page document, & it is we’ll be back. Also pass on our thanks Emergency Services and seeing some of to our website, and congratulations on the regular participants. The Saturday not currently requiring any formal to everyone who assisted in organising findingaccreditation us on of the this, internet! the fees The outlined editor do the event. Cya. night camp fire is a great way to unwind – will put a link to your website (free of for us one event down and only one to go! not apply to any but commercial groups, Chris Tranent and Wayne Whitrod. charge) immediately for others to visit There can be no better way to polish up & the long & complicated consent form Redland State Emergency Service, your navigation and map reading skills andin that make book contact. also is only I would for commercial also like to Queensland. than participation in Nav 2002! presentgroups. Iyou was with told anthat advertising NPWS’s main Nav 89 Nerriga opportunityaim was to keep in our out Bushwalker unregulated & The Tranents Nav 90Yalwal magazine,uninsured groups, which isbut circulated organised groups [email protected] Nav 91 Kangaroo Valley throughoutsuch as clubs the & scoutsNSW region.would be given Nav 92 Hilltop permission by a simple process. As many of our club are keen G REAT Nav 93 Newnes Plateau The Bushwalker is a quarterly Nav 94 Kanangra Boyd abseilers, & in the off-season for canyons publicationwe like to keep with up aour distribution skills by practis- of G ROSE Nav 95 Colo Heights 5000 in the NSW metropolitan and Nav 96 Blue Labyrinth ing at different venues, I applied to rural region, placed in leading Nav 97 Mojo Creek South Sydney National Park for permis- G ORSE Nav 98 Sassafras campingsion to hold stores, an abseiling council day officesat Alfords and Nav 99 Wingello otherPoint, onsignificant a date after locations the new regulations for the W ALK. Nav 2000 Dunn’s Swamp Bushwalkinghad come into force populace. at the beginning It of Nav 2001 Abercrombie NP containsJuly. I received articles the simplecontributed form, filled by it S EE PAGE 14 Nav 2002 ????? – Confederationout & returned it withexecutives, the insurance will you be there? includingcertificate, &NCC received members the required (National Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... C ONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 C ONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 along with Andrew Cox, the previous Back From the Brink Confederation’s Role sanctuary with associated tourist devel- Conservation Officer who did much of years by the NPWS and an identified opments. the ground work prior to my compila- wilderness area determined. It is then a None of these things got off the tion of the nomination in 1995 and 96. ground. Except the fire trails. After the decision of the NSW Government 1957 bushfires it was judged that the best through the Environment Minister to means of preventing future such disasters proceed to declaration of part or all of B USHWALKERS was to bulldoze a road along every ridge. the NPWS identified area. Those areas Today most of these roads are redundant declared are then legally required to be H ISTORY and – consistent with Confederation’s managed to retain or restore their remote vision – some of them have been closed and natural attributes, just as we desire M USEUM & and are revegetating. Others, although for the Grose. they are in the wilderness, are to con- A run down of the nomination is C OLLECTION tinue as management roads, though covered in some detail in the February public traffic will not be allowed – 1996 edition of this magazine. To except for bicycles. summarise, we made a detailed appraisal A suggestion has been put forward to A glaring anomaly is the Mount Hay of the extent of areas with high natural open a bushwalkers History Museum, Road, which is to remain as a non- integrity, and the outlying human Hall of Fame, Drop in Centre and wilderness finger penetrating deep into disturbances which would define a Information Centre in Blackheath. the wilderness, in spite of a strong case wilderness boundary. Clear boundaries A submission has been put in for put by Confederation and the conserva- included the , space in the old school House at tion lobby in general that the road should Blackheath. This building was going to be terminated at Fortress Ridge or The powerlines, water storages and the urban be demolished for space for a car park. Pinnacles. Many fear that the tranquil margins of north Springwood. Addi- It already has the support of the locals. spot out near Mount Hay will one day be tional boundaries followed visitor .. an Echo Point. infrastructure in the park that was well The Centre would be open several

Of course, bushwalkers and campers established and catered for high visita- days per week including weekends and 5 have their own impact on natural areas. tion at selected sites in the upper Grose would ideally be run by a curator and Bushwalker The For this reason Acacia Flat, with its high and Govetts gorges, for example the volunteers. Various groups have been visitation, toilets and signposts, has not major lookouts, their access roads and approached for support. Access to all been included in the Grose Wilderness – the Acacia Flat formal camping grounds. the log book records either origianl or along with the Govett Gorge and the The nomination of certain areas copied and CDROM from Mitchell and popular tracks there. Fittingly, the patch adjoining the park, made the exercise various sources. Copies could then be of ground all the fuss was about in 1931- more than just a management campaign. publicly available at the museum or on 32, the original Blue Gum Forest Re- Areas like the Canyon Colliery site, the line. Other things people have we could serve, is included in the wilderness. (The Lake Woodford catchment and the put in there are examples of gear, wilderness boundary runs alongside the headwaters of many tributary streams sleeping bags , photos, magazines etc. Perrys and Lockleys tracks: people susceptible to further urban expansion, This suggestion has been put forwaed walking from Pierces pass or Victoria were all important as potential additions by Wyn Jones. Falls are now in wilderness, and need to to the NPWS estate. Identification as The Confederation of Bushwalking limit their party to eight people, unless wilderness has certainly proved to Clubs is being approached for support they obtain approval for a greater for this most admirable project. number.) strengthen the case for the progressive Any interested party could contact In Back from the Brink I wrote “If the inclusion of such areas in the adjacent Grose Wilderness comes into being, the reserve, both in the Blue Mountains and Wyn Jones. wild values of the area will be enshrined elsewhere.Although only a nomination Wyn Jones is a former member of in legislation. Generations to come will boundary is required under the wilder- the Sydney University Bushwalkers and be able to explore its hidden recesses, or ness process, our submission included the Upper Blue Mountains Bushwalking sit and contemplate it in solitude, comments on some management issues, Club and a very experienced bushwalker without further threat from new roads or notes on vegetation by local conserva- and canyoneer. Now a freelance poet tourist developments. They will be able tionist Frank Winternitz and a land use and musician, he worked for 25 years to contemplate the activities of people history by Andy Macqueen. with the National Parks and Wildlife like George Caley, and countless Confederation’s activity continued Service of NSW. During that time he Aborigines before them – and wonder through to the period of public exhibi- conducted research into the effects of that the place has survived intact.” tion of the Grose Wilderness in 1998, logging on forest wildlife, and many It has a few warts, but the Grose with letters to the Government, partici- surveys for wildlife in the Blue Moun- Wilderness has now come into being, pation in the debate that secured the tains. He is the senior name giver and and the area will indeed survive intact. return of the former Canyon Colliery taxonomist of the Wollemi Pine. During *Andy was president when Confed- site to the national park in the face of a 1992 Wyn organised and lead the eration nominated the Grose Wilder- proposed commercial development, and Greater Blue Mountains Heritage Walk. ness. He is also author of Back from the supporting public submissions in favour He lives in Blackheath. Brink: Blue Gum Forest and the Grose Contact Wilderness. Copies of the book are still of a large declared area of wilderness. Wyn Jones, PO BOX 60, Blackheath. available in some shops, or direct from Those named already in this article the author at 8 Angel Street Wentworth deserve special mention as major con- NSW 2785 Falls 2782 or [email protected] tributors to the nomination and publicis- Phone: 0247 877 511 e mail: ing of the Grose’s wilderness values, [email protected] ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club A N ANNIVERSARY TO INSPIRE – BLUE GUM 1931 TO 2001

T IME TO HAVE A CAMPFIRE Forest and The Story. Although there are Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. A By Wyn Jones Blue Gum forests of the same species in dream, Myles Dunphy’s dream, real-

many other places, no other location has ized, and a vision that inspires poetry, It is Easter 1931, and we are in Blue the same cultural significance as that music and art. Gum Forest. We are here to enjoy our growing in the Grose Valley below You and I, as Bushwalkers owe a solitude, the grandeur of this place and Govetts Leap at Blackheath. Those in great deal to that now almost past the companionship of like-minded souls. the Wyong forests, the Wollondilly and generation, and we owe a lot to the land As bushwalkers we have an expectation the Blue Labyrinth have been logged in that they saved. It is no sorry business it that this place will never undergo recent decades, as were those in the is the fountain of joy, and hope for us and changes due to civilization, that our Couridjah Corridor earlier in the cen- future generations. And to make sure the children will see it as we do now. We tury. Even a few trees close to The trust they gave us is handed on, is meet a man on horseback with an passed to the newer generations, axe who tell us he owns the we must be and act as the forest. After further talk we are guardians of the land. After all fearful for the future of the the Traditional Owners were trees and our security in the guardians for thousands of wilderness is shattered. years, yet this same land It is Easter 2001, 70 contains a variety of ecosys- years after this fateful yet tems so valuable that it fortunate meeting. I visit

...... qualified for World Heritage Blue Gum and show to my Status. friends how Blue Gum may As Guardians we need have been before white man to: 6 came. I imagine 6 I am meet- Know our land, its trees, ing Clarrie Hungerford who forests, wildlife and cli- the Bushwalkers bought the mates. land from to save it from the As bushwalkers we threatening axe. I still know probably know more about some Hungerfords from the geography of the Bilpin, the same family. I

The Bushwalker Greater Blue Mountains share with Andy Macqueen than any human coopera- the same concerns that we tive ever did. We have the are not doing enough for this advantage of modern Special Place and we are science that has classified there to plan Celebration for over 2000 species of plants Bushwalkers in the Original in the area, and 13% of the Blue Gum Forest, It is to be gumtree species of Aus- a Campfire where we share tralia. our stories, our ideals and We must look after the ideas for the future care of Blue Gum those old and this the Cradle of Conserva- stately green mansions in tion. Blue Gum Forest were felled though it’s the valley. Our forebears looked after The Blue Gum is a tree of many hard to tell now. But no where is there a them by stopping any logging or other places. To some people it is Sydney Blue stand such as this, displayed so elegantly agricultural pursuits. More recently we Gum, others may speak of the Mountain over a river flat alluvium, tall and serene ceased to camp and light campfires in the Blue Gum, while yet other folk refer to within the deepest steepest gorge of the area, a hard break with tradition. Now different species such as Eurabbie, Blue Mountains. you see the regrowth that probably Flooded Gum, Mountain Gum, Grey or For this is where conservation really makes the Forest look like it was at the Red Gum as Blue Gums. Clearly all, started in Australia. At a chance meeting time of settlement (for a comparison, have at some stage of their annual cycle, in that Forest in 1931, the consciousness visit areas up or downstream of Blue a bluish coloured smooth barked trunk. of the Bushwalking fraternity was Gum Forest). But to the Bushwalkers there is only one changed forever. The awakening of those But do more than a few of us know true Blue Gum and that is the straight, few walkers to the threats that develop- the full Blue Gum story? I doubt it. And majestic trees of the species ment could pose for wilderness, inspired how many times have we recalled it to deanei, the only one of its kind at Blue generations of conservationists, many the young people? You have to tell it Gum Forest in the Blue Mountains. bushwalkers themselves. The conserva- again and again so that the value of those Tourists and suburbanites alike may tion activism of the remainder of the 20th events long ago sinks into the psyche. We think of the Blue Mountains as the Three Century stemmed largely from that small have been bombarded with the events of Sisters which are really seven giant band of people who where involved with war and the importance of ANZAC Day pagodas tumbling off the cliff edge; but the saving of Blue Gum Forest and the – how important is the land to us? How to bushwalkers and residents of creation of what has become the Greater Blackheath the real icon of the Moun- C ONTINUED ON PAGE 7 tains is The Blue Gum, the Tree, The Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... with their club. They may come by any C ONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 years. Most people who go there don’t route and camp in Acacia flat or other unbearable would freedom be without really know the story, yet they have the sites as designated by the NPWS. The the vast green spaces we have conserved. same feelings for the beauty of the place weekend is the finish of the Gumtree How important are those conservation that attracted the party of bushwalkers Songline Walk and symbolic coals of the battles? there in Easter 1931. Campfire will be carried back to Secondly we need to celebrate this If only we could tell these new Blackheath for possible inclusion in land and honor those associated with it visitors that story, in person. Bushwalkers Museum and History wilderness traditions. I invite you to make a start and join Centre. There may be a community This is a process of reconciliation to other walkers at a Campfire at Old Blue welcome to the walkers at 2 PM in the land for all of us. Bushwalkers are Gum Forest on 22nd September. A Blackheath on the Sunday, you will be well placed to be at the forefront of this special ceramic tile will be given to all advised at the Forest. process with their knowledge and walkers who come as a memento of the The National Parks and Wildlife traditions. They would do well to work 1931 occa- Service want to gain the support of the sion and the Bushwalking Clubs for the regular care World of Blue Gum Forest. This would be Heritage greatly assisted if Clubs would take an Listing. This active role in on site care especially tile will be telling the story to visitors and campers placed in the at Acacia Flat on a regular basis. Please campfire to support this effort. finish it glazing. We will have the usual cuppa, .. yarns and 7

singing and Bushwalker The special entertainers. I would like all clubs to The Blue Gum Forest in the 90’s - photo Richard Merry bring their with traditional owners in this process of stories and histories to share. Few of us guardianship and celebration. Already know much about “the other mobs” and people think of certain places as special it would enrich our life to find out. Your sites. I remember when I was in the stories are part of our shared history and Sydney University Bushwalkers, one of it needs to be passed on, and used as part the older members referred to Kanangra of our Waking the Land. Blue Gum, The Walls as the “Mecca” of the Blue Cradle needs careful, permanent nurtur- Mountains. I think a lot of us regard ing. Blue Gum Forest in the same way, a PS: Walkers coming to Blue Gum special perhaps sacred place. Since those Forest on the weekend of the 22nd early days of my bushwalking, I have September are asked to register on the come into much greater knowledge www.songlinewalk.com website, and about Kanangra and Blue Gum and other places. I know the trees and animals intimately, the moods and the fears. Indeed for me these places are more than any mecca could be. Thirdly as a guardian with knowl- edge bushwalkers share and pass on this knowledge. This is true celebration. Yes we like to walk in our company quite exclusive and safe within our clubs and social circles. But all the Bushwalking groups share a single unity – the love of the natural places. The Celebration Camp- fire at Blue Gum Forest on 22nd Septem- ber is just the start of renewing this sharing process and cooperation for guardianship. That The Blue Gum needs more walkers to actively care for it has become increasingly evident in recent ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club

Kakadu Kimberley Red Centre ...... 8 8 There is no one else

Willis’s Walkabouts is the only Northern Territory The Bushwalker tour operator who offers trips that take you far beyond the vehicle tracks into a wilderness where no vehicle will ever go. No one else offers such a selection: 35 different bushwalking holidays in the NT, 20 in the Kimberley and Pilbara. Why go overseas? In northern Australia you have • No worries about the collapsing Aussie dollar. • Spectacular scenery & predictable weather. • Clear tropical pools, perfect for swimming, pure enough to drink. • Aboriginal rock art. • True wilderness where you can walk for days or weeks without seeing a soul.

If you’d like a different Willis’s Walkabouts is proud kind of nature-based holiday, to be the major sponsor for the NSW Confederation of check out our website or ask Bushwalking Clubs for our brochure and find out Photographic Competition. why our clients come back Check out our website or ask for our brochure and again and again, see what you could win! year after year.

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Willis’s Walkabouts 12 Carrington St, Millner NT 0810 Email [email protected] www.bushwalkingholidays.com.au Phone (08) 8985 2134 Fax (08) 8985 2355 Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... T HE JAGUNGAL WILDERNESS Ray Armstrong The Jagungal Wilderness is one of lies , a mountain that is the most picturesque areas in The northern side of the main range is much slightly higher than Mt Jagungal. We Kosciusko National Park. It is the area more spectacular than the other sides decided to climb it as we had plenty of stretching from Mt Jagungal south to with a steep wall down to the Geehi time and the climb looked very easy. At Guthega Power Station and offers great River. It was here that we saw the last the top of Gungartan a strong wind blew views towards the Main Range. The best person until Guthega Power Station as from the north, this wind was so strong way to appreciate the true beauty of the we left the track and headed into the that you could lean right in to it. After is to get off the beaten beckoning wilderness. The soaring descending Gungartan we donned the track and explore The Jagungal Wilder- temperature and the lack of shade made packs and headed down a gully that ness. this day difficult. Once we reached our would take us to Schlink Hilton Hut. We chose to begin our walk at Round destination for the day, Mawson’s Hut, After almost stepping on several small Mountain which is near Mt Selwyn ski we set up camp and luxuriated. tiger snakes that were basking in the fields. From here we headed towards Mawson’s hut is an old tin hut but is summer sun we decided to put our Derschkos Hut where we spent the first one of the most interesting of all huts. gaiters on. From there we zig-zagged night. Derschkos Hut was once used by Inside is a small library where one can down the gully hoping not to come Park Rangers and is one of the most read some of the many books written on across a big tiger snake. After negotiating pristine huts in the region. The potbelly the area. From the hut a distant Mt this snake-infested gully we arrived at stove would be a welcome sight to many Jagungal can be seen through the few Schlink Hilton Hut where we had a cross-country skiers but not to us, after trees. quick stop and headed on to White’s walking in 30+ degree heat. We decided That night a pleasant change came, River Hut for the last night of our walk. to spend the night outside, preferring the and this led to much nicer walking Once in our tents we heard a distant mice free environment of our tents. conditions for the next day which rumbling, so it was out of the tents for a The next day we climbed Mt required us crossing the Kerries range. guy rope test. The storm battered us with Jagungal where we got a great view The sometimes 360degree views from wind, hail, lightning and lots of rain. .. towards the main range and further south the range is a must for all bushwalkers The next day was an easy stroll down

in to the Jagungal Wilderness. The visiting the area. At the end of the range a fire trail to Guthega Power Station. 9 The Bushwalker The C ONDITIONS OF HOW TO ENTER

1. Information on ‘how to enter’ and prizes, form part of the conditions of entry. 2. Entry will be accepted as a photo, print, floppy disk, or on CD in PC format, no slides. 3. Entry is open to all residents of Australia except the prize givers and their employees and immediate families and the executive committee of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Incorporated herein referred to as ‘Confederation’, and their immediate families. 4. The competition commences on the 15th of May 2001, and closes on the 15th of May 2002. 5. Winners will be notified by mail and all prize winners will be published in the spring 2002 issue of the The Bushwalker. 6. Enter as many times as you wish by mailing in the completed entry form together with name and address clearly written on the entry. Separate entry form for each photo (photo copies are OK) 7. The judge’s decision in relation to any aspect of the competition is final and binding on each person and no correspondence will be entered into. 8. All entries become property of the Confederation and may be used in future publications unless otherwise stated by the entrant. 9. The Confederation shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever H AVE YOU ENTERED suffered including but not limited to direct or consequential loss, or personal injury suffered or sustained during the course of prize winning trips or in THE PHOTO connection with any of the prizes. 10. Confederation reserves the right to publish photos of the winners. C OMPETITION? GET 11. Any change in value of the prizes occurring between the publishing date and date of the prize is claimed is not the responsibility of the YOUR ENTRY IN SOON confederation. 12. Signing the back of the photo or disk confirms the photo belongs to 1 ST PRIZE TRIP & has been taken by the entrant. 13. Photo must be of the Australian bush, prefeberly with people. WORTH $3000 14. WHILE ENTRY IS FREE, DONATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED AND WILL BE GIVEN TO THE A USTRALIAN CONSERVATION COUNCIL.

E NTRY FORM NAME......

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PHONE NO ...... Post to - Photographic Competition - Bushwalkers NSW GPO Box 2090 Sydney 1043 ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club H OW BIG IS YOUR WALKING PARTY? Andy Macqueen* After many years of drafts, more 3. As has been the case for years, drafts and public exhibitions, last adventure activities such as climbing and camping in the Blue Gum Forest area is canyoning will be developed in consulta- April saw the official adoption of only allowed at Acacia Flat. For a trial plans of management for several tion with user groups. period, Acacia Flat will be declared a I am sure the matter of party sizes national parks, including Blue Moun- fuel-stove-only area, and the assistance tains, Kanangra-Boyd and Wollemi. will cause some anxst amongst some of Confederation and other groups will walkers and clubs. The issue is not new, Current NPWS management and be sought in implementing the trial. Environment Minister Debus are to be however. Confederation agreed to (This has arisen from the advice of the similar limits when attempting to congratulated that an approved frame- Friends of Blue Gum Forest, which work for management of the parks has negotiate ‘blanket consent’ some years includes Confederation members.) ago, and supported the party limits when finally been put in place. 4. The use of volunteers to undertake The plans set down objectives, the above plans were in draft stage. Some walking track maintenance will be clubs have already embraced such limits. policies and actions for conservation of encouraged. (Come on clubs, let’s lend a natural and cultural heritage, and for Most walkers agree that in order to have hand!) a peaceful, low-impact and safe experi- management of park use. They incorpo- 5. A public forum is proposed on the rate management measures for the ence, size limitations are needed, though management of remote bushwalking, to there are many views as to what exactly Kanangra-Boyd, Wollemi and Grose develop guidelines for management of Wilderness Areas. is appropriate for different places and unconstructed walking tracks. Strategies situations. for the regulation of remote area Matters of particular relevance to Whether or not you agree with the bushwalking will be considered. limits, the important point is that they ...... bushwalkers include the following: 6. Apart from the following excep- now have legal force. If you think you tions, cycling is not permitted in wilder- 1. Unless otherwise approved, have a case for exceeding the limit in a ness: given situation, don’t despair: try getting

10 bushwalking party sizes are limited to 8 10 · public vehicle access roads extend- approval. It is understood that the in wilderness and twenty in other ing into wilderness national park areas. Regional Manager has delegated his · management trails within the Grose powers in this regard to the individual Wilderness 2. Canyon party sizes are limited to 8 rangers. They may be more understand- · management trails on the Boyd ing than you think. if abseiling is involved or if the canyon Plateau north and east of the Kanangra is in wilderness, otherwise a limit of 12 * Andy represents the bushwalking Walls road movement on the Blue Mountains

The Bushwalker applies. 7. A strategy for the management of Region NPWS Advisory Committee. Happ y Wand ering with YHA Check out YHA online at: www.yha.com.au Explore these National Parks with your group Royal National Park- Start at Cronulla and catch the ferry across New England National Park- the bay to Bundeena. Wander Explore this World Heritage along the 27km coastal track. National Park and get some Discover waterholes & waterfalls great views of the coast from and great lookouts. Be adventurous Point Lookout, the highest and spend a night at Garie Beach point (1562m). Stay at YHA or head back to Armidale YHA, call Cronulla Beach YHA, (02) 6772 6470 call (02) 9527 7772. Call the Group Sales Officer at YHA NSW to find out about all the other great YHA’s. Phone: (02) 9261 1111 or email: [email protected] Walk Safely - Walk With a Club...... A LONG THE TRACK - VOLUNTEER WORK IN NATIONAL PARKS Alex Tucker - Tracks & Access officer The following your main meals and a fuel stove for information is the If our clubs do not at least match the cooking NPWS provides morning and result of letters work done in National Parks by clubs afternoon teas and all hand tools sent to the five involved with horse riding or recrea- At least one party member should Regional Manag- tional 4 WD vehicles we risk being have a Senior First Aid Certificate and ers in the NPWS sidelined when we comment on Plans of preferably the Remote Area First Aid Central Directo- Management and similar documents. Certificate rate .It comple- Weather etc permitting there will be ments the details of PROJECT 1 August 25 /26 a campfire on Saturday volunteer work already being Marramarra NP. Sydney Ranger Ken Blade wants this to be an done by some of our member. Clubs. Working Weekend at Gentleman’s enjoyable social activity as well as a which appeared in the May issue Halt Initial Limit 6 members per club. productive one The first project is being planned as but up to 20 in total A joint activity of Contact Alex Tucker 9451 4028 a joint venture of the three clubs who NPA, Scripture Union Bushwalkers email [email protected].,au expressed interest some months ago. If and The Outdoor Club NPWS will it proves succcessful it may be repeated provide water transport from Brooklyn PROJECT 2 ILLAWARRA - so I ask clubs to advise me if it evokes a Bring your tent Pit toilets on site. NATTAI - favourable response. Confederation and This is the place where Governor The NPWS is keen to have your I will not be directly involved in the Philip and his gentlemen camped on involvement in a project of interest to other four projects or for future projects their exploration of the Hawkesbury in your organisation in the Illawarra Nattai unless as facilitators if so requested, 1788. NPWS is planning a range of Area. Two track projects currently work from assisting the driver of a calf underway include walking track con-

Interested leaders should contact the .. named person for each project. If you dozer to clear lantana and expose a struction and maintenance within the historic road way to track maintenance also advise Confederation, we will State Recreation 11 publish your activities in the and delicate bush regeneration. Partici- Area and Thirlmere Lakes National Bushwalker The Bushwalker pants will need to wear long sleeve Park. Other projects such as weed Confederation encourages all clubs shirts, long trousers, hat and walking or management and bush regeneration are to become involved in volunteer work gym boots during working hours It is also ongoing throughout the year. as well as recognising the great work advisable to bring gardening gloves I suggest you make contact with C ONTINUED ON PAGE 12 done by their members as individuals sunscreen and inspect repellant Bring

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H OUSE, RTA AND FITNESS FIRST C OME IN P HONE 4627-8288 & SEE OUR FAX 4627-8277 NEW LARGER STORE ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Adrian Johnstone, A/Manager for S TOP PRESS: NEW CANYON Illawarra Nattai Area, to discuss poten- tial volunteer projects and work suitable D ISCOVERIES for your organization. Adrian can be Andy Macqueen contacted on 02 42684089. A whole lot of new canyons have shifted the terrain. I thank you for your interest in opened up in the Blue Mountains. And Hence, the coverage of each new map our NPWS programs in Sydney South they are catching people unawares. has shifted 105 metres west and 190 Region, and look forward to your Switched-on bushwalkers will be metres south. This means that if you continued support and assistance within aware that all the maps are being re- were to walk southward from the area Sydney South Region placed by a new series, using a grid covered by a new map, to the area Mike Patrick Regional Manager based on GDA instead of the old AGD. covered by the adjoining old map, you Sydney South This means that on the new maps, the would find an overlap of 190 metres in grids (and the latitude and longitude the coverage of the two maps. No PROJECT 3 ROYAL NATONAL lines) have been shifted 105 metres to problem there. But what if you were to PARK the west and 190 metres to the south. walk from a new map to the adjoining A “one off “ tree planting event in Now, because the edges of each map map on its north side? Oh dear, a 190- Garie Valley funded by COASTCARE are actually defined by particular metre gap! aims to reinstate the indigenous bushland latitude and longitude lines, in making Similarly, you would find a gap of and especially the native rainforest in the new maps the cartographers haven’t 105 metres if you went eastwards from a areas adjacent to the Garie Car Park shifted the grids on the maps - they’ve new map to an old one. currently grassed with exotic turf and So, if your walk involves more than fenced off. This is Stage 4 in the second contractors one map, make sure they are of the same NPWS Coordinator is Ranger ...... year of the Project , the “Final Planting vintage - or at least check whether you “ of the balance of 3000 tube stock Michaela Jones of the Oberon office, . have an overlap or a gap. If you have a This is considered to be a ”media Phone (02) 63 36 1972 gap, beware! Just like the navigators of old were fearful of sailing off the edge of 12 opportunity “ Contact Andrew Horton 12 Senior Technical Officer – Ecological PROJECT 5 BLUE MOUNTAINS their maps, walkers should approach the Restoration phone 9542 0658 or NATIONAL PARK new phenomena with utmost caution. Katrina Grey phone 9542 0618 Activities are being planned for a Who knows what could be hidden there? weekend in August/ September and A canyon perhaps, or a cliff, or even a PROJECT 4 KANANGRA possibly another in September /October cake shop... BOYD NATIONAL PARK NPWS Project officer is Saskia Adapted from an article by Andy Hayes at the Blackheath office

The Bushwalker Stage one of a strategy for control of Macqueen in the newsletter of weeds in the Valley is the phone 4787 8877 Fax 4787 8514 Springwood Bushwalking Club removal of woody weeds from the e mail [email protected] catchment. Bushwalkers might be To repeat , if your club wishes to be H AVE YOU ENTERED expected to tackle the more remote involved in any of projects ,contact the areas Other participants in the strategy named person. OUR PHOTO Alex Tucker Tracks & Access include land caregroups, C OMPETITION YET? Reserve Trust , State Forests, Sydney Officer Catchment Authority. Upper Macquarie Phone 9451 4028 7.00 to 9.00 pm SEE PAGE 9 County Council and bush regeneration Fax 9453 1628 email [email protected]

1st Start of Heritage 21st -Annual 18th- Confederation 22nd finish of walk Baerami & Bushwalkers September general metting heritage Walk Blue Denman & 8th at Bushdance Ashfield RSL Gum Forest Mittagong Petersham Town hall 16th- Confederation 20/21st- Advanced 27/28th- St. John October general metting S & R Training First Aid Training Ashfield RSL 31st Oct & 1-2nd 20th- Confederation St John Ambulance november general metting Remote Area first Ashfield RSL aid course 1-2nd & 8th- St 18th -Confederation John Ambulance December general metting Remote Area first Ashfield RSL aid course Walk Safely - Walk With a Club......

C OME TO THE BUSHWALKERS BUSH DANCE & CELEBRATE T HE FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA. P ETERSHAM TOWN HALL 7.30 21ST SEPTEMBER $13 single $25 family come and make up a table with your club, lots of prizes.

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COME INSIDE NEPAL TO EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE AND MEET THE PEOPLE, SMELL THE DAPHNE FLOWERS AND TASTE THE MO-MOS, SEE THE HIMALAYAN GRIFFONS SOARING AND WALK THE TRAILS WITH THE MELBOURNE SHERPAS. ..

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ON 03 9781 1280 OR MSHERPA@ LABYRINTH. NET. AU FOR MORE INFORMATION. Bushwalker The O M TREK HTTP://TRAVEL. TO/ KATHMANDU

S UBSCRIBE TO THE BUSHWALKER Keep up with all the news and developments happen- ing within the NSW bushwalking scene for only $6 per year. (This covers posting and handling charges only, the maga- zine is free) Name...... Address...... Postcode...... Do you belong to a bushwalking club? yes/no If yes name of Club...... If NO would you like a copy of our clubs list free. Please tick. Payment can be made by cheque, money order made out to Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs PO Box 2090 GPO Sydney 1043

R ECEIVE THE BUSHWALKER’ S LAST 20 ISSUES( UPGRADEABLE EACH YEAR) PLUS THIS ISSUE ON CD WITH A BONUS OF THE FIRST ANNUAL PUBLISHED IN 1937 ALSO THE LATEST CLUBS LIST THE BUSHWALKERS CODE AND N ATURAL AREAS POLICY A LL FOR $25 INC P&H Adobe Acrobat 5 Reader included. Send request to Bushwalkers NSW PO Box 2090 Sydney 1043. Payment can be made by cheque or money order to The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club Great Grose Gorse Walk : August 15 – September 2 2001 Wed 15 Aug: Govetts Leap Lookout, Blackheath Sat 18 Aug : Water Nymph’s Dell , , Wentworth Falls: A LL WELCOME! Sun 19 Aug: Katoomba Creek area: H ELP PROTECT THE Sat 18 Aug : Water Nymph’s Dell , Blue Mountain Creek, Wentworth Falls: Sun 19 Aug: Centenary Reserve, Blackheath W ORLD HERITAGE Tues 21 Aug: Braeside Gorse Blitz, Blackheath AND GROSE Sat 25 Aug: Popes Glen, Blackheath Sun 25 Feb: Minnehaha Falls area (Katoomba Creek) W ILDERNESS AREAS Mon 27 Aug: Upper Braeside catchment, Blackheath BY WORKING IN Tues 28 Aug: North Katoomba Community Gardens CATCHMENT AND Thurs 30 Aug: Hat Hill Creek and Blackheath area Tues 28 Aug: Braeside Gorse Blitz, Blackheath: REMOTE AREAS! Sat 1 Sept: : Braeside Gorse Blitz, Blackheath C ONTACT: RANGER CATH IRELAND AND LEAVE YOUR DETAILS FOR OUR TWICE YEARLY MAILING LIST 4787 3112 (VOICEMAIL); 4787 8877; FAX 4787 8514 OR POST TO PO BOX 43, BLACKHEATH NSW 2785 ...... P LEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, WITHOUT THEM WE COULDN’ T PRODUCE THIS MAGAZINE. 14 14 C OMPARE OUR PRICES T REK THE HIMALAYAS OF NEPAL We Trade H UGE CAMPING RANGE Soft Treks N EW, USED & FACTORY SECONDS & Sell ALL MAJOR BRANDS Adventure Treks all Tents B UDGET CAMPING Cultural Treks 9677-2828 FAX 887-2850 7 DAYS The Bushwalker Tailored Treks C NR GREAT WESTERN HWY & C OLYTON RD MINCHINBURY PHONE: (02)9997 7442) 2770(OPP MC D ONALDS) email: [email protected] P H 1800 810 490

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15 The Bushwalker The ...... Walk Safely - Walk With a Club ...... 16 16 The Bushwalker