Volume 31 Issue 1 Summer 2006 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club The Bushwalker ‘Where Am I’ Competition

Picture 17 Picture 19

Picture Picture 20

Each Issue has four photos taken You can also see these pictures on the & Travel has donated one $100 voucher somewhere in NSW in places where Confederation web site, along with per issue. bushwalkers go. These will NOT be descriptions and winners. Any financial member of an affiliated obscure places. Bushwalking Club can enter. We may You have to identify the place and Entry requirements check with your Club membership roughly where the photographer was secretary, so make sure you are Just saying something like ‘Blue Gum standing for any ONE of the pictures. financial, so you must include the name Forest’ would not be enough. However, (You do not have to identify all four.) of your club with your entry. something like ‘Blue Gum Forest from Send your answers (up to four per The Editor’s decision is final. After all, he the start of the descent down DuFaurs issue) to the: took the photos. This does mean that Buttress’ would qualify. In short, provide [email protected] some areas of NSW may not appear in enough information that someone else as quickly as possible. the competition for a while. My could navigate to that spot and take a Usually, only one prize per person will apologies to Clubs in those areas. close approximation to the photo. Of be awarded from each issue of The course, if you want to give a map name Bushwalker. You can score in Results from last issue and grid reference, that would be fine successive issues. Photo 13: Castle Crag from Ruined Castle, too. identified by Dave Noble (Ranger) Deadline for entries Photo 14: Schlink Hilton Hut, identified by Keith Maxwel(BWSR) The Editor may start allocating prizes as The prizes? Photo 15: Narrowneck from part way down and when qualifying entries arrive. The Three companies well-known to us all Devils Hollow, competition remains open if there are no have donated cash vouchers redeemable identified by Ian Partridge Photo 16: end of Cattle Dog, above the Carlons correct entries for a photo. If several in their stores. The Paddy Pallin group Gully, really correct entries for a photo arrive has donated two $50 vouchers per issue, identified by James Bevan together, one will be picked out of a hat. Mountain Equipment has donated one Photo 6: remains open So get your entries in as fast as possible! $100 voucher and their allied store Trek So you can still lodge an entry for photo 6.

2 | The Bushwalker Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club

T h e Bushwalker From the editor’s desk. . . The Official Publication of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 elcome to the fifth issue of the new colour version of The ISSN 0313 2684 Bushwalker, the magazine of the Confederation of WBushwalking Clubs NSW. We are now into our second year Editor: Roger Caffin of colour. [email protected] We still need someone to help us with the advertising and Graphic Design: Barry Hanlon marketing, both for this magazine and the nascent ‘Bush Pages’ on the Confederation Officers: web site. This magazine is expensive to produce and the colour President: Margaret Covi advertisements help cover the costs. The web site also costs the [email protected] Confederation money, and we have decided to have a commercial area Administration Officer: under the heading ‘Bush Pages’ which can carry relevant paid [email protected] advertisements. But we need an experienced marketing person to drive Website: www.bushwalking.org.au both of these areas. No pay, but plenty of glory! Enquiries please to [email protected]. Address all correspondence to: We can’t produce this magazine without something to print. Clubs PO Box 2090, GPO, Sydney 2001 and members are encouraged to submit relevant articles, with a strong preference for those with good pictures. We will also accept articles The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs from outside bodies where the articles seem relevant to members. NSW Inc represents approximately 65 Clubs Articles may be edited for length and content to help fit into our page with a total membership of about 10,000 bushwalkers. limit. Pictures should be sent at maximum resolution: (minumum acceptable 300 dpi, JPG or TIFF preferred). Really long articles may Formed in 1932, the Confederation provides a united voice on behalf of all not fit however - sorry about that. And, of course, the Editor is always bushwalkers on conservation, access and interested in receiving bushwalking books and maps for review. other issues. Enquiries should be sent to [email protected] . It runs training courses for members, helps to provide a free wilderness search and Please note that opinions expressed by authors do not always rescue organisation, and helps runs bush represent the official opinions of the Confederation or any of the Clubs. navigation competitions. The Editor’s opinions don’t represent anyone at all. People interested in joining a bushwalking Roger Caffin club may write to the Confederation Administration (below) for a list of Clubs, Editor but a more up-to-date version can be found on the Confederation website at www.bushwalking.org.au, broken up into Apologies areas. There’s lots of other good stuff there This is getting to be a regular feature. I omitted the author details from the trip report too. from Armidale. The article was by David Lawrence, the president of the Armidale Correspondence may be sent to the editor Bushwalkers, and the photos were by Colin Wood. R.C. or to the Confederation Administration Officer. Address details are given above.

Index Photo Competition ...... 2 From the Editor’s Desk ...... 3 Subscribe to The Bushwalker Keep up with all the news and developments Coorangooba Creek - trip report ...... 4 happening in the NSW bushwalking scene for only $10 per year. This is to cover posting and Phytopthera disease hits Wollemi Pine ...... 6 handling: the magazine itself is free. Gear for Sale ...... 6 Send your name and address and cheque or money order to Confederation of Bushwalking The history of the old Green Gully homestead ...... 7 Clubs NSW, PO Box 2090, GPO Sydney 2001. Make the cheque or money order payable to Vera Falls - the name ...... 8 the Confederation as well. Big Yango, Queen’s Birthday, 1954 ...... 9 Please indicate which issue you want your sub- scription to start with. We don’t want to dupli- Corang Circuit, Budawangs ...... 10 cate copies you already have. A Walk in the Victorian Alps ...... 13 You do have to be a member of one of our clubs to enter the ‘Where Am I’ Competition.

Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 The Bushwalker | 3 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club Coorongooba Lisa McCarthy, October 2005

he weather forecast for this was steady, as particular weekend sounded was our water Tvery promising – clear skies consumption. and temperate spring conditions, No doubt some which had some of us very tempted to of the late ‘leave the tents at home…’ However, arrivals from no one was so bold as to tempt fate. the evening Saturday dawned bright and clear, before were there were a number of car campers feeling these set up at Dunns Swamp for the conditions weekend/school holidays, but by no more so…. means was it packed out. After What was breakfast, we headed east, up the supposed to Waratahs in bloom track - something or other about an have been an ‘easy ridge walk’ took us area that was not under a tree with easy ridge walk… At the end of the most part of the day. After some easy suspect limbs. track the group dispersed, searching scrambling down a few rocks we Our camp was amongst enormous for a hut that was noted on the map. found ourselves on the banks of the Blue Gums, these beautiful trees with This remained a bit of a mystery, but Coorongooba Creek. The vegetation their smooth trunks completely during this search there were a change was instantly noticeable, and surrounded us. There were number of number of native orchids spotted, the invigorating water of the creek waratahs flowering close by, with which received as least as much was more than welcome. native orchids, violets, silky purple attention as any hut would have. oug Floyd, who has walked flags and pea flowers scattered This was new territory for all of Dextensively in this region, had around. There was a profusion of this party, so maps were regularly mentioned that there was a very boronia, fringed myrtle, hakeas, referred to along with some new GPS roomy overhang, or camping cave not wattles, coachwood throughout this area. The bird life was captivating, and kept us attentive the entire weekend. With no shortage of wood, we had a good economical ‘cooking fire’ and built the fire up a little later, as the temperature dropped. Our Sunday morning was enjoyed leisurely and a group decision was made to explore the Coorongooba Creek, as opposed to any kind of ridge walk, due to the anticipated high temperature (for this time of year). So we set off downstream, and what a beautiful little creek it is! Quite easy terrain to begin with, although a bit further along we experienced a bit of vine, but not any of the nasty lawyer vine. There had obviously been a bit of rain: the creek ran clear and clean, with some quite deep pools. long a short bit further we came Aacross what had to be ‘Doug’s Cliffs above Coorongooba Creek Cave’ as we called it. It was a toys. All members took an active far from where we had descended. beautiful spot, a huge overhang that interest in navigating the route down Without knowing exactly where, a was unobtrusive but would provide toward Coorongooba Creek. While no couple of the party set off without adequate shelter from the elements. water was observed along this track, packs on a quick scout for this Theo decided to have a dip and there had been good rainfall location. On return after an spotted a good size yabbie in a deep previously and the spring flowers unsuccessful search a very large pool, basking in the sunlight. Then were in profusion. The day had grassy area was selected. With room there were a number of fungi and warmed considerably, and our pace to spread out, it was easy to find an orchid photographic opportunities, so

4 | The Bushwalker Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club we ended up having early morning Yellow Robin, tea there. New Holland Just after this, we came to a Honeyeater, Black junction, so we opted to explore a Chinned tributary of the creek for a while, with Honeyeater, the option of exploring the other arm Eastern Whipbird, on return. The creek continued to Gang-gang and open up somewhat, then close in King Parrots. again a few times. We consumed our And around the lunch at a very ‘bouldery’ part of the 9 o’clock mark, creek, with numerous rock orchids the possums made and ferns, mosses covering the rocks. their presence It was a very pleasant spot. known. A small e returned to the junction, party had gone Wwhere Lee decided to return to ‘frog spotting’ in camp (and hopefully start the fire!) the creek, and we This part of the creek was somewhat had heard one lower in volume, but still very scenic. from a distance, We followed its route for some time none were seen. before making a decision – we could During the early continue on and do a ‘loop’ around hours of the the cliff line to our left (all scrub/ morning, I was Nesting in the rain forest terrain unknown); we could find our awoken by very way up and over this cliff line to our strange UN-possum-like noises, and camp which was just over the other next day Phil observed some Koala Note: side; or we could retrace our steps scratchings on some trees. This region is on the edge of the along a known track, and return to Disappointingly, none were seen, NPWS Wollemi Wilderness Area, and explore another day. There was no although I got up several times in the as a matter of policy The Bushwalker opposition about returning: the day night trying to capture sight of them. does not publish access information was unseasonably warm, and no one Our last day was an uneventful to such areas. Editor. regretted the decision to remain in walk out, which the creek for the day. was far easier than At the junction we had formerly most of us noticed a possible cave on our left; we anticipated. found a navigable path up to it, and Although it was there was another comfortable quite warm, we camping cave with outstanding views. were in no hurry This was duly noted also on our maps and took our time. for future reference. Once at the cars, Our return to camp was without most of the party incident, and Lee was applauded for stopped off at having the fire ready for us weary Dunn’s Swamp for walkers to make tea upon. As it a swim (sorry, turned out, he had been extremely should change that lucky. When sitting near the fire an to a very quick enormous limb had fallen from one of dip!) before these beautiful BIG trees and landed meeting Roslyn right next to him. I hope he bought and Phil at himself some lottery tickets when he Rylstone for a got home! counter lunch. Although the cave was extremely his was our comfortable, I don’t think anyone Tdeparture regretted camping where we did – the point: after wildlife really was fantastic. Our keen consuming more birdwatchers had found for us than elegant numerous nests: some still being built sufficiency, we set whilst others essentially ‘flew the off for home, coop’ as we watched. We discovered another great walk a Satin Bower Bird’s bower, with all with a great group. his collected blue treasures. Among Thanks to Theo for the birds observed were Boobook getting us out there Owl, Grey Mountain Fantail, Eastern & back!

Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 The Bushwalker | 5 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club Phytopthera hits Gear For Private Sale Andy If you have more gear than you MacQueen need but don’t want to throw it Wollemi Pine out, advertise it here. No charge for club members. ith great fanfare, October 2005 minimise the number of official researchers Descriptions should be short but visiting the pines, and to disinfect boots and saw the release of the first complete. No guarantees are generation of Wollemi Pines equipment. And of course, unauthorised visits W were banned under the Threatened Species offered by The Bushwalker for any propagated from the trees in the wild. Conservation Act. of the gear: that’s between the They sold for thousands of dollars each. The Department considers it likely that the buyer and seller. Unless you are an unusually wealthy disease was introduced by an unauthorised bushwalker (with a very big backyard!) visitor. It is known from surveillance of the area Tatonka Bushwalker pack $100 you probably dipped out—but you will and from second-hand reports—not to mention a 2-compartment internal frame pack, about get further chances when much cheaper notorious article in Wild Magazine—that there has been a number of unauthorised parties. Most 70-80 litre, waterproof Cordura body, used second and third generation specimens of the people involved probably took inadequate a few times, in very good condition. Suit are released in future years. precautions against importing the disease. fairly big trips. A few days later the Department of Environment and Fairydown sleeping bag $200 Conservation revealed that the Suit winter trips down to -20 C, good plant pathogen Phytopthera condition, high loft, centre 3/4 zip, hood, cinnamomi had recently been medium length. found in one of the trees in the wild. It is understood that a second Synthetic sleeping bag $50 tree nearby is also showing Zip right around, opens into quilt. Suit car symptoms. Tests on cultivated trees camping or novice walker for warm have indicated that the pine is conditions. susceptible to the disease, though the effects are not necessarily fatal. Scarpa Lady Trek boot $150 DEC Deputy Director General and Size 37, tread as new, stitching perfect, Parks head, Dr Tony Fleming, said worn on ~12 day walks - leather slightly “Phytophthora is a soil-borne sandstone scuffed. fungal-like disease that causes root rot in many native and introduced Phytopthera infection Magellan 2000 XL GPS $60 plant species,” When rumours started to appear about (W) 9350 5857 (H) 9523 7161 There are three separate stands of the wild bushwalkers visiting the pines, the Confederation Perfect condition, hardly used. Datums trees. Hopefully the disease is confined to one of Bushwalking Clubs took a stand on the issue. suitable for series 2 & 3 topo. maps, stand. However, as it can take years for the In The Bushwalker of November 1997, includes user manual. symptoms to become apparent, this cannot be Conservation Officer John Macris stated guaranteed. The Department has embarked on a “Legalities aside, the Confederation of Black Wolf Grand Teton program of detailed testing of the soil and trees. Bushwalking Clubs believes that responsible 65 L Travelpack $160 Strategies for combating and isolating the disease people should clearly avoid attempting to Bought for hostel tour of Europe in 2000. will be implemented. discover the location or visit the pine. With the Proceeds to Confederation in memory of The big question is how the disease came to best will in the world to take precautions against Prudence Tucker, former Confederation be at the site. The answer may never be known. causing damage, you cannot be sure that the Admin Officer. It has possibly been dormant in the soil for many friend you take with you or tell about it - or his years, and only recently triggered by the right friends or their friends - have similar good Salomon Gore-tex boots $150 conditions—perhaps the drought. Or it may have intentions.” 0409 701 749 been introduced only in the last few years. The Any bushwalker who happens to hear of the Dark blue, size UK 7, US 8 1/2 - too small spores can be transported by humans or animals, supposed location of the Pine should keep it to for me. Julianne Sandison, PO Box 880, or carried in a watercourse. [In fact, it is proving himself, and not attempt to visit it. Any other Bowral. N.S.W. 2576 quite widespread at a low level around all of course of action would be contrary to the – Ed.] conservation objects of the Confederation of The risk of human visitors importing Bushwalking Clubs. The Bushwalker reserves Phytopthera was recognised—and publicised— Though it is to be hoped that a bushwalker the right to edit or refuse any soon after the pines were first discovered. Since was not the culprit, that possibility has to be advertisements. Commercial then scrupulous measures have been taken to recognised. The truth will never be known. This advertisements are not accepted. surely underlines the importance Send ads with contact details to of the ‘leave the pines alone’ [email protected] policy: hopefully two of the three stands of trees have been untouched by the disease, and will remain so. Much as we might enjoy the challenge and adventure of wilderness bushwalking, we must never lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of wilderness areas and National Parks is to conserve biodiversity.

Andy Macqueen is a Springwood Bushwalking Club member and Chair of the Blue Mountains Region Wollemi Pines NPWS Advisory Committee

6 | The Bushwalker Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club Green Gully Wilf Hildur, Nov-2005

arlons farm, also known as Green Gully or Packsaddlers, Chas been a popular bushwalker, honeymoon and holiday destination from the early 1930s until the 1960s. The guesthouse was a tiny Green Gully (photo by Editor) cottage of unique construction – pise (rammed earth) covered with Thanks to Jim Barrett and Jack for the fireplace. He would feed a weatherboard, now reduced to ruins. Tolhurst for this information. long straight dead sapling through a It was built by the Tolhursts of window opposite the fireplace, and Megalong Valley who still have a every now and then he would pull on similar building on their farm. In Editor’s Note a block and tackle arrangement to 1908 Bernard Carlon purchased the A old bushwalker friend of mine tells feed a bit more of the log into the Tyrol (later called Green Gully) how he and his mates used to walk fire. No chopping! property from the Tolhursts, for his out from Katoomba railway station to The property has since been son Norbert who was 24 years of age. Carlons Head on Friday night, come acquired by the NPWS, and it seems The Carlons thus acquired this unique down the chains, and arrive late in that they have done some homestead and in later years the the evening at Green Gully. They preservation work on it. Well, the hospitality of Alice and Norbert would spend the night on the roof now seems watertight, anyhow. Carlon became legendary amongst verandah. He said that at one stage And the ‘new’ house there has been bushwalkers. Bert had an automated arrangement removed. WILLIS’SWALKABOUTS Jawoyn Land Kakadu, Nitmiluk, Arnhem Land with Jawoyn Guides

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Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 The Bushwalker | 7 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club Vera Falls, Valley of the Waters By Brian Fox s a keen bushwalker the heat Lodore, Flat Rock, Britannia and Red of the summer days confines Rock Falls. There is quite a gap Amy walking to the cool of the before the next and what is the last mountain valleys, creeks and waterfall on Valley of the Waters waterfalls. The Valley of the Waters is Creek is reached, that is, Vera Falls. just one area which ranks high on my Vera Falls has track access both to list. It can be accessed from the the top and the base of these falls and western end of Fletcher Street, has the longest fall of water of all the Wentworth Falls. The well worn track waterfalls on this creek system. next to the Conservation Hut leads to Queen Victoria Lookout and Empress But how did the name Vera Falls Falls Lookout. From here the track come about and who is goes via steel ladders and a track junction to the left to another set of it named after? son, Frederick Dalgety 22nd April stairs. This old, well preserved The Wentworth Falls Trustees in May 1867, but unfortunately Jane died wooden staircase is called Mrs 1897 appointed a sub committee to shortly afterwards. He later married Murrays Staircase (not the original name the waterfalls in the Valley of Alice Ffrench (yes, the spelling is staircase). It is here that we reach the the Waters. One of those persons correct) by whom he had a daughter base of the first main waterfall on the selected was Frederick Moore. Vera Gascoigne born in 1888. Vera Valley of the Waters Creek, Empress Frederick Henry Moore (1839-1934) went on to marry R B Murray of the Falls. Walking downstream on a well was born in Perth, Western Australia Royal Engineers and died 17th used track, we find Empress Falls and was sent to England in 1854 to November 1972. quickly followed by Sylvia, Edith, complete his schooling before joining red was a Fellow of the Royal his uncles firm, FGeographical Society, a Fellow of Dalgety & Co. the Royal Society, a member of the When he was Union Club of Sydney, the Union A walking holiday in the about 25 years old Jockey Club of Sydney and the Dalgety & Co sent Melbourne Club. He was a director of Sorrento & Tuscany Fred to New both the Imperial Insurance Co. and regions of Italy! Zealand to be the Union Bank of Australia, Sydney. head clerk at their Quite obviously Fred was a very A unique, fulfilling way to experience Dunedin office. In influential man and the choice of the delights of ‘il Belpaese’ a short time he naming Vera Falls after his 9 year old - the Beautiful Country! was managing the daughter was readily accepted when company branch the sub committee presented their at Invercargill. report back to the main body of Later he went to trustees in January 1898. A truly different holiday experience. Combine casual rambles Launceston, Of course those wishing to visit through the countryside and villages of these romantic regions, Tasmania to be Vera Falls must remember that all the with the opportunity to meet the locals, enjoy the great local food the manager steps and downward slopes to reach and just relax in the village piazza, returning each evening to your there. Finally at the falls have to be retraced, but the comfortable family-run hotel. (Sept. 2006 - 26 days) the age of 39, he reward is well worth the effort. Other great holiday Antarctica, 15 days, 22nd Jan 2006 opened a branch destinations planned Turkey, 29 days, 15th May 2006 in Sydney, for for our escorted References: Africa, 17 days, 9th June 2006 which he was group tours in 2006 initially resident Personal Correspondence from Richard Moore include: Vietnam, 17 days, 24th July 2006 partner, later (descendant of Frederick Moore) 23rd January 2005. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL PAULA TODAY. General Manager. “The Moore’s of Derry and Oakover”, 2003 by Fred married Richard K Moore. twice. His first “Wentworth Trust Minutes Book”. marriage was on “NSW Register Births Deaths and Marriages”, 10th June 1865 to Registration No. 7099/1972

TC 0905643 1300 884 442 Jane Williams. www.firstchoicetravel.com.au ABN 48 087 588 181 Lic No: 2TA4945 “Sydney Morning Herald”, Death notices, 18th She bore him a November 1972, p132, col 6. KOTARA GLENDALE LAKE HAVEN TUGGERAH ERINA PORT MACQUARIE

8 | The Bushwalker Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club slept in fair comfort. After a very social breakfast next morning we Big Yango crossed the following gully and made Queen’s Birthday, 1954 our way along a long ridge leading to Mount Yengo, which was slowly as recalled by Darby Munro in 1975 entertaining. Periodically, walkers growing larger on the eastern skyline. would disappear up to their knees in At close quarters it was beginning to This belated walks report will give a few the yielding sands. There was barely look dry and brown. old timers a nostalgic reminder of the any flowing water in the sand-choked uite suddenly we left the scrub days before the Club was ten years old channel. We had in mind the junction and give present Club members a Qand entered a small grazing chance to judge whether bushwalking of Waring Creek as a suitable stopping property through which a small has changed much in 20 years. place for lunch, but this turned out to stream flowed. A rest gave us an be too far in spite of strenuous efforts opportunity to find a whole pond full nne and I left Merewether, on to achieve it. We stopped short and of baby tortoises, which frustrated all foot, for the 12:50 am train to had a long drawn out lunch on the efforts by the photographers to catch ASingleton from Broadmeadow sunny bank of the and hurried on them in action. Keith took one, young station. It was such a cold clear night at about 2 pm. in years but mature in odour, home to that we were confident that the Waring Creek was anything but ‘just Marie. [Not today! – Ed] We had weather would be good for the around the corner’ and the long lunch in the shade of a rock outcrop, weekend. The train was crowded but shadows from the surrounding hills still some distance from the mountain, we found a seat in a Ladies’ Only had filled the riverbed before we which we reached at 2 pm. In spite of compartment and slept for the two arrived. It was agreed to go on for a the impossible task we faced next day, and a half hour journey. at least half of the party At Singleton we found the decided to climb to the top. Waiting Room floor We made our way up the completely covered by the steep sides to the flat top. bodies of bushwalkers - At least two trig points are apparently with the blessing needed to give a full view of the Station Master. The from its flat top. We had fire was burning very brightly, good views of but so was the usual 500 watt Warrawolong, Coriaday and globe in the ceiling, and the other peaks to the west. constant coming and going of When we started off the locals made sleep hard, again, we began to notice even at 3:30 am. Accordingly, the deficiencies of the map. Anne and I left for the cold A long ridge walk in and windy, but quiet, growing darkness brought conditions of the park us to the brink of a valley, opposite and slept until MacDonald River (photo by Editor) which at first sight seemed daylight. to be the one visited in muster showed a total mile before leaving the river and 1947. However, we decided that it Aattendance of thirteen, including striking off east to Mount Yengo. After led back to Howes Valley and followed some beginners. With the sun came reaching the top of the ridge we found another on our right hand side where the problem of providing transport - that several gullies lay between the there was a cleared area in which we George, the leader, hadn’t been able to mountain and us. (Note: we were camped for the last night (we hoped). settle anything finally with the local using the only map available, the OLD It had been a long day and by now the truck owners. We found the Howes four miles to one inch Singleton sheet, new members were looking a bit Valley carrier skulking around the which is not much better than a school stunned. To bed with the prospect of corner, unable to take more than two atlas. The owners of these maps don’t more than 20 miles to walk before 4 and unwilling to take any at all. practise precision navigation!) We pm. Consequently, George drove a hard crossed one of these gullies and e rose at 6 am after another bargain with another truck owner who promptly arrived at the brink of a Wfrosty night and, after a quick agreed to the price of “ten bob” (one second. Mount Yengo was by now in breakfast, followed the valley, which dollar) a nob for the 35-mile trip. plain view and a great discussion ran around the mountain to the south, After losing the entire party down the ensued as to whether we should stay soon becoming a cliffy gorge. street, we left at breakneck speed for on the ridge top or go down and up Discouraged, we climbed out to have a the Macdonald River. The driver again. While the argument continued, look. We had wasted energy, moved dropped us and without drawing I offered to ‘find out’ if it was crossable in the wrong direction and wasted breath, raced back to Singleton. and descended to find a good campsite valuable time. The walk down the Macdonald and water on the opposite side. Now we started a compass course - River, which kept us busy all morning, The night was cold enough to east -, traversing an endless series of was slow and difficult but quite freeze up water bags (-2 C) but we Continued on page 12

Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 The Bushwalker | 9 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club Corang Circuit, Budawangs Paul Ellis, May 2005

ne Saturday in May I joined now we now continued straight on, great views of Pigeonhouse up with the Shoalhaven heading uphill to a large Mountain to the south east. The OBushwalkers for two days conglomerate outcrop. The track track now ascends steeply to the top walking in the Budawangs. It was makes its way through this outcrop, of Corang Peak, passing a right hand 9:20 am when we finally arrived at descends the other side and then track for those not wishing to climb the car park at the ascends gradually onto Corang the peak. The track to the top of trackhead. It was decided to have an Plateau. We had climbed onto the Corang Peak has been extensively early morning tea here before moving plateau without realising it. The repaired with timber to reduce off down the track 20 minutes later. narrow track occasionally gave us erosion. This would be the steepest We passed the rock slab with the glimpses of views on either side - ascent of the entire weekend and we bronze plaque commemorating the north towards the Goodsell Basin and were glad to get it out of the way. 1998 addition of Corang Peak to the south towards Wog Wog Mountain t the top we emerged to find National Park at the trackhead and and the pine forests around it. Atwo young bushwalkers descended to Wog Wog Creek, enjoying lunch with 360 degree crossing this narrow stream using views of the mountains and valleys small rocks as stepping stones. Then it of the Budawangs in this area. We was the ascent along a narrow and could see as far as Currockbilly overgrown track onto the ridge above Mountain, Mount Budawang, before the track opened up after Admiration Point, Pigeonhouse, passing through an old fence line. Corang Arch, Burrumbeet Brook, This is an old vehicle track that has Goodsell Basin, Broula Brook, now become no more than a narrow Canowie Brook Valley, Quiltys foot track. We found ourselves Mountain, Hoddles Castle Hill, walking through eucalypt forest with Mount Haughton, Mount Tarn, some species of snowgum and later, Bibbenluke Mountain, Mount Cole, stringybark. Our walking group had Donjon Mountain, Mount Owen and split up, some of us putting on some The Castle. The two young pace to warm up in the chilly air, bushwalkers must have been miffed some content to take their time and as the serenity of their lunch break set an easy pace. was interrupted by the appearance of We soon arrived at a series of rock 9 chattering Shoalhaven outcrops known as Tinderry Rocks Bushwalkers. We had a short rest and we stopped at the first of these break to admire the views before we Cascades on the Corang River near for another short morning tea break, again shouldered packs for the the junction with Canowie Brook taking the chance to climb up and descent on the other side. take in some views south across the Most of the track here is rock I found myself in the lead as we farmlands and pine forests. About 100 platform, though the scrub on the dirt made our way across the plateau, metres further on we noticed a small track does crowd in on you as you now heading north eastward on track heading uphill to our left fight your way eastwards. Corang rocky ground as the track took us leading to another outcrop. We Peak now appeared in the distance. towards Corang Arch and the dropped packs and went to explore, Some of our group were getting quite descent down the conglomerate finding an easy climb up onto the top hungry and called for an early lunch. slope. Corang Arch is found on the at the rear of the outcrops we found A spot was found with a sizeable rock western side of the northernmost tip ourselves on a large flat area with platform on the cliff edge with views of Corang Plateau, not far from the even better views, including the south which included some interesting descent on the conglomerate slope. It distant Corang Peak to the south east. rock platforms. No sooner had we is easily found if walking close to the It is thought that this is the proper dropped our packs than the sun cliff edge. Access is through a small Tinderry Lookout despite the sketch appeared from behind the clouds to cave (forming another smaller arch) map stating it was at our earlier stop. warm us up as we enjoyed our lunch in the rock platform at the cliff edge. After descending and completely break. An easy scramble through the cave circumnavigating the large outcrop we rom here the track ascended and down to the arch itself reveals a returned to our packs and continued Fbriefly to the northern side of short easy climb onto the top of the on. Very shortly we arrived at a small Korra Hill where duckboards allowed arch or a short descent to a cave in track intersection marked by the letter us to cross the boggy ground. At the the cliff between the arch and the ‘T’ on the trunk of a large tree. The eastern end of Korra Hill is an open plateau for excellent views through track to our left was the one we would flat area which is used as an the hole to the valley below. We sat be returning on tomorrow, but for emergency campsite. The area has or stood on the arch while other

10 | The Bushwalker Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club members of our group took cave and further around. The lines of and heading back to the campsites photographs from above. Colin these shafts were too perfect to be on Canowie Brook where we stopped surprised everyone by gaining access caused by nature. We now selected for a short break. The sky was again to the arch from the harder northern our sleeping spots, most of us dirty overcast but occasionally the sun end. We now moved on to the descent about carrying tents this far (though a would break through. It looked like down the conglomerate slope. The necessity just the same) and helped in the clouds would clear and we would route is not marked, but common collecting firewood. Some of us took experience a sunny day for viewing sense shows the way. During the the short walk down to the creek to the cascades. descent to our right we had a great collect much needed water. The creek e now followed a defined view of Pigeonhouse, framed through was hardly flowing, but there were a Wtrack across Canowie Plain. a gap between two large rock couple of spots where small cascades The track becomes quite swampy as monoliths. We also had a great view allowed clean water collection. it nears the large pool and cascade of Profile Rock Hill below us. From We spent the next couple of hours where water can be collected for the this point the track becomes quite preparing our sleeping areas, cooking remainder of the walk. A little steep and some care needs to be up dinner and collecting more further on we pass an excellent taken. At the bottom of the campsite big enough for scramble a track on the right about three tents and here descends steeply to the we need to find the correct campsites on the Canowie track as there are quite a Flood plain. Here, a faint few. The main track from track to the left is seen. We here has deteriorated quite would be taking this track considerably and we have to tomorrow, but for now we force ourselves through thick continued straight ahead. We scrub that is often head high crossed the very swampy or taller. The track ascends Canowie Brook Plain on old gradually to a rocky ridge rotting duckboards before and around the other side it ascending the small ridge ascends further and we can next to Profile Rock Hill, hear the sound of waterfalls. taking note of the face-like We dropped packs on an features on the southernmost open rocky area that had point of Profile Rock Hill views down Broula Brook. Corang Peak across Corang Plateau to Corang Arch, which has given it its name. We backtracked to a small s we reached the top of the ridge firewood. This was interrupted by side track that descended to a large Awe came to one of my favourite Colin’s sighting of a bright red sunset rock rib, from the top of which we all views in the Budawangs: up and in the west. We all made our way gathered for one of the best views on across the Burrumbeet Brook Valley, along the base of the cliffline to get a the Corang River. The rib drops flanked on both sides by large rocky better look. Unfortunately trees precipitously to the river far below, ridges. We followed the track around blocked the best views, but some but the views include three the south western end of the valley climbed up the rocks to the top of the impressive waterfalls just below the before heading between the two escarpment for a better look. It wasn’t junction of the Corang River with ridges. We stopped at a track the perfect red sunset and it didn’t last Canowie Brook. Colin again amazed intersection. Below us was an open too long and we were soon back at the us with his temerity by scrambling to campsite, while the track above led to main cave organising our meals and the narrowest edge of the rib for some camping caves under the starting the campfire. It was well and better views. cliffline along the southern end. We truly dark by the time we had finished eturning to our packs we ignored these sites, continuing on up our meals. Although the cave was well Rcontinued uphill for a short the narrow valley. After some sheltered from the wind, one soon felt distance before finding the cairned deliberation over which track actually the chill when venturing outside. By route down to Broula Brook. We led to the camping cave we finally 7.30 pm most of us had started to get crossed the brook and ascended the found our selected spot, not too far into our sleeping bags. The clear night next small ridge. On top was another from where the track ascends out of sky was now shrouded in heavy cloud rocky platform where it was decided the valley and onto the Bibbenluke and I hoped tomorrow wouldn’t bring we would stop for morning tea. With Ridge. In an area noted for its virtual rain. the sun shining down on us we maze of walking tracks, we dropped I awoke at around 6.45 am next relaxed with views of the Corang our packs under a large overhang at morning. For breakfast I cooked up River and the Goodsell Creek area. the bottom of the western ridge. some bacon, eggs & mushrooms on The track from here descended to a The large cave had ample firewood, my Trangia stove. One thing I do like small campsite next to a dry creek. was sheltered from the wind, but had about two day walks is the chance to We crossed the creek and ascended a a very dusty floor. It was obvious that carry such luxuries in my rucksack. As small rocky slope. It was here 3 years some form of mining had been done there were no tents to dismantle, ago on a previous walk that we had here as horizontal shafts have been packing up was quite speedy and by needed to take a compass bearing to dug into the cliff line, both next to the 8.15 am we were back on the track take a negotiable route to the Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 The Bushwalker | 11 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club cascades on the Corang River. Brett was the corrugated remains of an old timber for 3 km descending and was even commenting that after this water race that was used in the 1880’s ascending only at 4 creeks, the major ridge, there would be no track. for gold sluicing. Of course Colin one being Goodsell Creek before the However, to our immediate surprise played Mountain Goat, amazing us track arrives at the intersection with upon reaching the top, we found with his agility as he climbed up the the tree marked with the letter ‘T’ we ourselves on a well defined walking steep rocky incline to locate the water had passed yesterday. track. Surely this track hadn’t been race. He signalled to us confirming he We had a quick break at the ‘T’ here 3 years ago, if so, how could we had found it. junction before heading the last 3km have missed it? Incredulously we Returning to the rucksacks we had back to the cars at Wog Wog followed the track through trackhead. This was the scrub and it wasn’t too basically the most boring long before we arrived at part of the weekend as we the large campsite near the were now walking back lower cascades. It was only along a section we had 11.00 am, too early for walked in on yesterday. Sue lunch, so we dropped our and Peter took this chance rucksacks, grabbed our to stretch their legs and put cameras and went to a bit of speed on while explore. Next to the everyone else kept up a nice campsite the river forms a steady pace. large pool that would t was a most enjoyable 2 provide an excellent Iday walk in one of my swimming hole in summer. favourite walking locations. e followed a small Is it any wonder I return to Wtrack along the river the Budawangs time after bank to the first of the time, year after year. Many cascades. Here the Corang Our group on top of Corang Arch of our group enjoyed the River drops in a series of steady pace and the fact spectacular cascades, creating cool our lunch break. The clouds were there were many stops to take in rock pools. There are about 4 series of starting to gather at 1.55 pm as we points of interest. There was cascades, all very photogenic before headed out back to the cars. From the certainly plenty to see and there was the river makes its final drop via a campsite the track (one of many) much more we didn’t, but there’s spectacular cascade. Access to all ascends onto the ridge heading out always next time. cascades is via a negotiable route along the Goodsell Creek area. It either along the rocks on the river, or quickly levelled out. The track is well Photographs - Courtesy of the narrow rocky river bank. Above us defined and passes through open Colin Taylor

Continued from page 9 mechanically continued our tedious refreshments, we were driven to deep gullies. Mount Yengo seemed march, knowing that we had no hope Cessnock bus depot. A further bus rounder and closer than ever but at 12 of getting back. Hours later, when our took us to Maitland where there was a pm we struck a fairly promising ridge spirits were at their lowest, the 2-hour wait for the 6 am train to above a small valley in which a small headlights of a truck came in sight Newcastle. road could be seen. The sight of these behind us and when the driver Out of trips like this, the 'sickie' must hopeful signs encouraged us to have stopped, he told us that was owe its invention but as far as I know, lunch after which we thrashed along still 14 miles away. It was 8 pm so the we all resignedly had our showers and the ridge to the spot where we knew news was received with little joy. The went off to work. It must be admitted the Yengo Track must be. There were car owner took our packs, the two girls that we never saw the beginners loud cheers when we finally stumbled and one with badly blistered heels, again. onto it. Now it was only a matter of leaving 10 desperate and blasphemous time before we finished - but how characters to continue. More hours of much time? walking followed until we reached Bushwalking Yarns After a pause we set out, hopelessly, civilization in the form of a confusion for Laguna and the 4 pm bus. After of branching tracks - and thus another In September 2005 the Newcastle Bushwalking three hours of road bashing at high crisis. Club celebrated its 60th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion the Club produced speed, we were all cursing the road we uddenly, relief arrived in the form this book of walks reports taken from our had previously longed to reach. To Sof a bouncing bus from Wollombi, magazine over the last half century. This report make matters worse, it began to fade manned by the driver and our walkers gives modern walker an insight into to a grassy, unfrequented track, and well supplied with food, good bushwalking half a century ago. Copies of the book are available by sending $15 to; wavering in its direction and news and optimism. We bounced back The Secretary apparently not interested in arriving at to Wollombi where the Pub was Newcastle Bushwalking Club Wollombi. Darkness came and we reopened in our honour, and after PO Box 554, Charlestown NSW 2290

12 | The Bushwalker Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club

Photo: A Walk in the Victorian Alps “The Razor And Mike Sawatske & Graeme Mee, Watagan Wanderers, December, 2005 The Viking”

his Watagan Wanderers walk crossed Mt Clear. Often we had views saw. Even though there’s a lot of hills they was planned as a repeat of a across to Mt MacDonald. Steeply we went are not particularly tall as they are at a down a ridge to a grassy cleared area with high altitude already, so it wasn’t a section of the Australian T an old dam, and picked up a fire trail to specially hard walk. Sometimes the ridge Alpine Walking Track from Mt our camp at Chesters Yards, a grassed area is only a metre or two wide, but the sides McDonald to the Viking in Victoria, where a creek crosses the track. Old wire slope off so it doesn’t feel precarious - accessed via the town of Mansfield, on some trees showed it had once been more a feeling of being on top of the which the club had walked in cattle yards. world. Lunch was at the top of Mt Buggery Day 3 was a long, hard walk to the at the end of the Saw. On we went, down Nov/Dec 2001. Once in the Vallejo Gantner Hut at Macalisters Springs. to the Horrible Gap and up Mt mountains it is a ridgeline walk at This sapped the energy of most and caused Speculation, overlooking the Terrible elevations between 1400m and the leader to plan some ‘energy saving’ Hollow. We went down to campsites in a 1750m with splendiferous views of alternatives to our original plan, which saddle where a track leads down to water wilderness mountains, valleys and proved irrational and were rightfully at Camp Creek. ignored. The weather was improving and Our two night camp on Mt Speculation but most especially the Terrible allowed us to cross the mountains of King heralded the return of some tropical Hollow. It is obvious that the Billy Nos 2 and 1, which were bypassed in weather changes with a 3 am light and gentrified explorers did not get to 2001 due to low cloud. Here we had our thunder show for free. Here was a planned name much in the area. Descriptive first views of the Cross Cut Saw. Hells spare day, with various options. Some names such as Mts Buggery, Window, a rocky split in the hill with views walked as far as the Razor & back, some through the split, was passed on the way conquered Mt Koonika (the easiest option Speculation, Despair, Viking, but a very nice walk through a Razor, King Billy, Nobs, carpet of wildflowers) and one Howqua, Wonnangatta and discovering the pleasures of a then Horrible Gap and day in camp, apparently never Terrible Hollow, leaving the having experienced a lazy day in her life before this. Hope this imagination to run riot was a wake up call? The drizzle speculating the reasons for returned on this day spoiling these names. the photographic opportunities uring our longish car the area offers. Dshuttle on the first day the owever the highlight of rain began, which was a pest. Cross Cut Saw and Mt Speculation The fickle alpine weather which Hthe walk for some was one plans for and one warns people about down, & then the track contoured around their walk on this day to the Viking & the possibility of – actually turned nasty on Big Hill before ascending Mt Howitt. return. As we had crossed the Crosscut us – how dare it? T’aint cricket! So with During the day, we had a succession of Saw we had excellent views of The Razor brave heart and optimism our hardy group magnificent views from first the King Billys and The Viking, both very impressive of sightseers climbed the 400m elevation and later Mts Magdala and Howitt. landmarks, so the group was keen to set on a rough fire trail into the clouds for a There was heightened anticipation as off for the day walk to The Viking. We first night’s camp with almost continuous we set out on day 4 for the ‘jewel in the were told it could be a up to a twelve hour rain. Surprisingly, to me anyway, there crown’ - the Crosscut Saw, under a day so we headed off soon after seven in was only one person who was at all cloudless sky with a light blue haze on the the morning and walked quickly down the disheartened by this change in our distant mountains. The views afforded on northern track on Mount Speculation past expectations and acquisition of wet gear. this section of the walk are amazing for many beautiful snow gums. At the bottom We all set off into day 2 with cold winds those of us hooked on ‘eagle views’ and we met an old four wheel drive track that and occasional light showers but fleeting this is rated as one of the best walks in was overgrown with pea flowers. The air glimpses of the views which might have Australia by many good judges. Me? I’m was very still and quite warm and the grey been and a realisation that the alpine just biased and love the area. sky to the west was an indication that a flowers were treating us to a beautiful change was on the way. display. We climbed High Cone, he Cross Cut Saw is a series of 13 The track branched off across Catherine contoured around Square Top and then Tpeaks which look like the teeth of a Saddle and the scrub was quite thick.

Volume 31, Issue 1, Summer 2006 The Bushwalker | 13 Walk Safely—Walk with a Club There were also many fallen trees which way through the gap, then headed up to Speculation. The start of this track was impeded walking as we headed for the top the rocky ridge top. The wind had turned very steep and very tiring, especially after of Mount Despair. The track then headed cold and it began to spit so we quickly took a long day involving a number of steep out towards The Razor. As we approached photos of the Razor and other prominent climbs. However eventually we all we gained some excellent views of both features before seeking shelter under a returned to camp on Mt Speculation after The Razor and the western side of The rocky overhang for a twelve o’clock lunch. a very rewarding day. Viking. The track became quite difficult to After lunch we headed back down the All good things come to an end and we follow as we made our way around The chimney and found our water bottles left Mt Speculation with the spectacular Razor because it passed around and over a mists dancing in the valleys below under a number of rocky sections which involved blue sky. The mountain ridge was left via some climbing as well as a long the Queen Spur track off Mt Buggery and conglomerate scree slope. There were a onto a closed road that is reverting to number of Walking Track bush. This travels through beautiful forests markers in this area and although we lost of tall straight eucalypts, hopefully saved the track at one stage we soon found our from the axeman forever, to the Howqua way back. Below the rocky areas ferns River. The Howqua featured in a TV series grew in sheltered sections where the water “A River Somewhere” and deservedly so. dripped over the rocks. Then we reached a Many pretty sights are seen on the traverse cleared area covered in beautiful flowers of this river to our cars at 8 Mile Flat. and daisies. As we left the Razor and headed across the Viking Saddle the ur final camp at Bindaree Hut on the weather changed and the wind suddenly Richies Hut OHowqua heralded my 61st birthday started to blow. Walking became difficult almost full of sweet fresh water. Then it which was gratefully spent walking and because of many fallen trees, however we was back over the saddle through the then celebrating in grand style at soon reached The Viking. We found some fallen trees to The Razor. Once again we Wangaratta. water dripping off the rocks and as we had had difficulty finding the track across the been consuming lots of water along the conglomerate scree slope but after keeping I hoped the introduction of this area to way we left empty bottles under the drips to the high ground we regained the track. a wider base of members will result in to collect fresh water while we climbed We had a short break on the Razor before more club activities there. The Victorians The Viking. the long climb to the top of Mount Despair, certainly get out there in numbers. I thank then down through the scrub and across my companions for their efforts and he track led up through a steep Catherine Saddle, getting quite wet. We camaraderie, their safe walking practices Tchimney where rocks have lodged in a soon regained the four wheel drive track and their obvious enjoyment of the area – gully and we gradually manoeuvred our and eventually found the track up Mount a leader’s dream. australian walking holidays

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Hiking in the Chilime Valley on the border of Nepal and Tibet. Photo: Robin Boustead