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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

NEWSLETTER

it Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc. GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume 54 Number 4 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org May 2018

GENERAL MEETING 7.30pm Wednesday 16 May 2018 Weston Uniting Church 16 Parkinson Street, Weston

Snow camping skills and emergency alpine shelters Guest speaker: Rowan Peck

Never camped in the snow? It's great fun - you just need a few simple extra skills in setting up your campsite. Come along to this talk and learn and share, just in time to put it all into practice over winter. We will also look at various forms of emergency alpine shelter: what to do if you get caught out in weather, without a tent; what equipment you should carry so you can build one - equipment that you might not have with you in other situations.

Rowan has spent winters in the snow since he was eight years old, and in the past ten years or so out in the back country from time to time, or mountaineering. He has been a Club member since 2016 and a ski patroller at Perisher since 1984.

When Rowan puts walks on in winter, you can almost be sure they will be to somewhere cold!

Contents

President’s message Dam news Trip Report: Gavells Hut/Gang Gang Mt Canyoning Walking the AAWT A Look at a Book – Geoff Mosley Conservation in the CBC Budawangs Track Maintenance Cradle Mountain Skyline Traverse Membership Fence removal in Gudgenby Valley CBC Committee members Ants and Safety Rock Cairns and Stick Houses Contributions to the newsletter The Kowmung – a poem Planning and Leading a Walk Activity Program Bulletin Board

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Club News, Conservation and Canyoning

While conservation is not our main activity, we have been active in this area lately. At our recent general meeting, the Club voted to support the Save the Blue Mountains Wild Rivers organisation, which is fighting to raise awareness of the potential impact of raising Warragamba Dam on walking tracks and the native environment. Originally proposed as a $200 donation, members agreed to amend that amount to $1000. Members are also active in fence clearing and weed identification. There are plenty of opportunities for those inclined. After a significant commitment from Julie Anne Clegg, the Club is looking for a new Treasurer to help from September this year. If you have an interest in the Club's financial affairs and in contributing to committee meetings, please contact me. I have an expression of interest from our friend, the real Nigerian Prince, but I would like to open this to all members. Meanwhile, our Activity Program is in full swing as the weather cools. I look forward to walking with you soon.

Michael de Raadt President

Come Canyoning

Canyoning is making a comeback. The Committee has approved plans to re-invigorate the Club’s canyoning program in the 2018/2019 summer.

This will start with leader refresher training in spring. Several CBC members with an impressive range of canyoning experience will help each other brush up their skills. The Club will then offer half-day training sessions, open to all members, in late spring and early summer, at locations close to Canberra. The training will include self-rescue techniques.

Linda Groom Walks Secretary

Rowan Peck in Claustral Canyon Photo: Supplied

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A Long and Proud History of Conservation Work in the CBC

Welcome to the May edition of it. Once again I have received some very generous and lively contributions to help make this newsletter a great monthly read for Club members.

Our two trip reports transport us from the dizzying heights of Cradle Mountain to the beautiful forest around Gang Gang Mountain in northern KNP. Thank you to Allan Donnelly and Terrylea Reynolds. We also have some very useful advice from Stan Marks about resources we can use for planning and leading walks; and we have a short browse through sections of Club member Geoff Mosley’s memoir “Repaying my Debt” which he has kindly donated to the Club.

A central focus of this edition of the newsletter is conservation – we look at the selfless volunteers who have once again undertaken the strenuous work of track maintenance in the Budawangs; we have some background information about the activity proposed for June in the Gudgenby valley to remove remnant fences; and there is also a spotlight on the controversial question of rock cairns and stick houses scattered through our bushland. The controversial Warragamba Dam extension also has an update. We are blessed with a very active Conservation Officer for our Club, Cynthia Breheny, to keep us informed and aware.

The CBC has a tradition of involvement in conservation work. There is a section in Geoff Mosley’s memoir, Repaying my Debt (for reference see page 14 in this newsletter), which describes the CBC as having a long association with conservation efforts: “In spite of the occasional good humoured jibe, such as, ‘are we a bushwalking club or a conservation society?’ in practice, the two activities have always existed in natural harmony. CBC’s conservation activities have in fact ranged over its entire walking territory. The Club’s first major effort was in the southern ACT where it played a distinct role with the ACT National Parks Association (NPA) in working for a conservation reserve..…It’s approach paid off and by 1991 Namadgi National Park covered 106,000 hectares…..Conservation is of course essential for bushwalking to have a future – one of the best examples ever of a symbiotic relationship.” (The full text of this section can be found in pages 112 – 113 of the book)

Enjoy your reading. Any comments or feedback are always welcome. Have you ever thought of writing a Letter to the Editor if you have an issue?

Meredith Hatherly Editor

Welcome New Members

The Club would like to welcome the following new members who joined the Club during April 2018: Alexander Bush, Dan Sells, James Volk, Paul Stok, Peter Hogan, Shilpa Lanka, Jenny Bourke and Elizabeth King.

Roger Edwards Membership Secretary

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Know Your Ants

Recently a walker suffered a severe reaction to a (probable) Jack Jumper ant bite. Fortunately, the walker was OK and has made a good recovery. This recovery is a credit to her and to her fellow walkers who provided good support in what could have been a very dangerous situation.

Ant bite is common in the Australian bush and fortunately, is usually just a matter of short-lasting discomfort. Sometimes however, ant bite is more serious and is a cause of pain. For those walkers who react badly to ant- bite, it can even be life-threatening.

It is ironic that such tiny creatures can present such risk to us mighty humans. And yet it is so with ants, spiders, ticks and other tiny bush residents. Though the weather is (slowly) cooling down, ants will continue to be a risk until the winter is fully set in, and they certainly will be out again in numbers come the spring of 2018. My safety approach with ants is the same as with other bush risks – that is, that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For the purposes of this article, I will discuss observation, identification and recognition in order to prevent, or at least to reduce, the incidence of serious ant bite.

Walkers should acquaint themselves with the common bush ants in the ACT and be able to distinguish between the main types. It is good to be able to ‘get one’s eye in’ so to speak, and to recognise Meat ants, Jack Jumpers and Bull ants.

In the ACT, the common Meat ant (or Gravel ant) is responsible for many ant bites. Meat ants are ubiquitous and found throughout Canberra gardens and Canberra Nature Parks. They are 10mm in length, and on close inspection have a dark-bluish body and red head. Meat ants do not sting, but cause irritating bites and secrete a defensive fluid from the end of their abdomen. They form large gravelly nests and will quickly swarm over the unwary. Many a distracted birdwatcher has had cause to enact the comical ‘meat ant dance’ when otherwise focussed on a treecreeper. This ‘dance’ consists of an ungainly leaping, while madly striking oneself and swiping Meat ant nest near Bungendore ants off flailing limbs. Usually the greatest injury is to the Photo: Steve Shattuck, Wikipedia.org victim’s dignity.

Equally common Jack Jumpers are more dangerous, and not a source of comedy. Unlike Meat ants, Jack Jumpers do have a venomous sting to which some of the human population has developed an allergy and potentially an anaphylactic response.

Jack Jumpers are approximately 12mm in length, and have a distinctive matt-black colouration with yellow-orange legs. When agitated, they jump about erratically in a manner deserving of their common name. Jack Jumper They are common throughout ACT bush, particularly in the granitic high Photo: Mark Newton, ala.org.au country of Namadgi. They often, but not always, decorate their gravelly nests with small fragments of charcoal. Walkers should actively watch for them and avoid them. A walking party will often cross a nest and stir up the inhabitants, so it is good manners to warn the walkers behind you, that they are about to cross some cross Jack Jumpers.

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Know Your Ants

Bull ants are also common, though less so than Meat ants or Jack Jumpers. They too live throughout Canberra bushland. Bull ants are often a bright brown in colour. They are large (up to 30 mm) and so are easier to see. They are very aggressive, confrontational and will approach human beings to deliver a powerful venom- loaded sting. Unlike other problem bush ants, Bull ants do not often appear in large numbers and communal nests. However, a sting from one is painful in the extreme, and may result in a dangerous anaphylactic reaction.

I advise walkers to be vigilant as to what ants are under their feet, and to be on the active look-out for ants when sitting down on logs, or on the ground. Learn to recognise the main types of common bush ants, avoid them and inform your companions when you see the dangerous ones.

David Dedenczuk Training and Safety Officer

KOWMUNG RIVER

Just a story of the glory Just a hinting of the glinting Ever changing in its ranging Of the windings of a river Of the lovely Kowmung River; Through the canyons tangled boulders Where the walls are set with jasper – In clear shallows gleaming pebbles Speeds the river on its journey - Bars and bars all sparkling bright; Lie like jewels ‘neath its flow; None may hinder, none say nay, Never ending in the blending Cascades falling, dark pools calling, And the story of its glory Of the grey and pink of granite To the smooth, white walls forever; Wraps our city life with wonder Touched to orange hues of sunset Such a wistful, daydream river, As we dream of it, and, dreaming, In a strange prismatic light. Where great casuarinas grow. Watch the rainbow colours play.

Annie MacDonald “Sydney Sun” November 6, 1938

NEWSLETTER SURVEY By now you will have received an email asking you to complete a short survey about the future role of the newsletter in our Club. So far almost a third of the Club members have responded. This is a wonderful result. Thank you to all who have contributed and I urge others to do so. Closing date is May 20. In the June issue we should be able to report fully on the results of the survey and give you some idea of the direction the future it will be going.

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Walking the Australian Alps Walking Track, November/December 2017 A review of a talk given at the CBC meeting in April. Guest Speaker: Mac Kirby

Mac’s video of nine walkers who hiked the Australian Alps Walking Track over six weeks during November and December last year was both well timed and inspirational.

The AAWT came into existence as a result of lobbying by bushwalking clubs. It commenced in 1968 in Victoria and was incrementally extended to its present 683 kilometres of marked trails that traverse the alpine peaks and plateaus of Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. A 1990’s Memorandum of Understanding provided for cooperation by the three participating states and territory governments to manage the track.

The meeting’s focus on the Australian Alps Walking Track seemed well timed: it followed a discussion led by Cynthia Breheny, the Club’s Conservation Officer, about the proposed raising of the Warragamba Dam wall. This proposal is a grim reminder of the tenuous nature of government commitments to conserve the areas enjoyed by bushwalkers. The larger than usual number of people at the meeting voted overwhelmingly to donate funds to the current campaign that aims to prevent the New South Wales government from extending the Warragamba Dam catchment area. The planned flooding would restrict access to popular bushwalking areas and destroy flora and fauna.

The video we viewed at the Club meeting was not presented as a documentary of the natural environment, or a comprehensive account of the journey, or even the logistics of the expedition. Rather, it inspired us as a video journal of a team achievement. While nine walkers participated in one or more sections, three completed the entire length, starting at Walhalla in Victoria and ending at Tharwa in the ACT.

The team of walkers had a wide circle of partners and friends, who helped plan, maintained commitments at home and provided needed assistance, including food drops. A November start was determined as the best time to ensure availability of water supply along the route as well as access to the remote locations needed for food drops. There was an element of experimentation too, the Start of the walk conditions being amenable to trialling Chris’ ‘Trekker's Friend’, a detachable wheeled frame that can take a full pack load. Tested in Week 1, it was remodelled and returned to the track in Week 3. So watch this space!

Backed by the rhythms of traditional Irish instrumental music, the video was organised chronologically through sections of the track. It provided an enjoyable and typically Australian self-deprecating and humorous romp through the journey.

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Walking the Australian Alps Walking Track, November/December 2017 The images provided insight into the length and difficulty of the expedition, challenges introduced by the weather and terrain, the preparation and equipment needed and the strong relationships that developed amongst the walkers. Mac acknowledged all participants, contributors and his musical sources.

Testimony to the inspirational quality of Mac’s video journal was the lively Q&A that followed. If forced to choose only one form of technology to navigate this walk, Mac’s choice would be the Australian Alps Walking Track (1998) guide book for its maps, information on water sources and much more.

Mac chose to walk from south to north due to a preference for travelling homewards and ensuring that they put behind the difficult Barry Mountains and water scarcity early in the trek. Perhaps the ‘Trekker's Friend’ fuelled interest in pack weights. Cynthia loaded a mere 14kg. The next lowest was 4kg heavier at 18kg., though mention was also made of 22kg. Thankfully for us, Mac prioritised recording equipment, noting retrospectively that he could have lightened his pack with less food and water, the latter being available along the Track. Another testimonial for this trip was the joy of the walkers who completed the full walk. Although they were three very different people, their motivation to undertake this trek brought them together. It was clear that their knowledge of and respect for each other grew as each challenge was surmounted, fostered by patient and thoughtful leadership. The camp at Four Mile Hut

Mac would not be alone in reflecting, at the end of an all absorbing and rewarding achievement, that he would do it again. With the wisdom of hindsight he would travel faster and lighter next time!

Thanks Mac!

Review by Elizabeth Moore Photographs by Mac Kirby

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HELICOPTER ASSISTED TRACK MAINTENANCE IN THE BUDAWANGS 4-6 April 2018 Cynthia Burton, Barry Keeley Peter May Quentin Moran Lois Padgham Chris Roper

Early on the Wednesday after Easter this year, 6 CBC members experienced in track maintenance were joined by 6 members of the Shoalhaven Bushwalkers and 5 NPWS rangers and field staff at Sassafras, located at the northern access to the Budawangs in Morton National Park. Following a project and safety briefing by supervising ranger, Rob Perry, various robust manual cutting tools were issued to all volunteers.

Walking club members were responsible for carrying their own camping gear, all-weather clothing, water & food for the 4 days. This included two freeze dried evening meals provided by NPWS.

Following discussions with the volunteers’ coordinators, Cynthia Burton and Karen Davis (Shoalhaven Bushwalkers), a safety briefing was given by the pilot of an NPWS six seater helicopter which had landed in a field near the Sassafras vehicular track where Club members’ vehicles were parked. This was close to the Nowra-Braidwood Road. Groups of 4 volunteers plus full backpacks and tools including rangers’ chainsaws were helicoptered into an area of overgrown walking tracks near

The volunteers with helicopter Bibbenluke. Photo: Supplied

After admiring spectacular views to Pigeon House and Mt Talaterang in clear, very warm conditions, each group started the serious clearing work to re-establish overgrown sections of walking tracks leading in a generally northerly direction past Mt Tarn, across Styles Creek and beyond the Vines.

Each night they camped near clear streams of potable water. On the final day they walked and cleared the greatest distance of all in order to reach the 4WD NPWS vehicles which had been parked to take walkers back to their vehicles at Sassafras.

This was the fifth successful combined track maintenance operation by NPWS and the two clubs since 2014 and is part of an ongoing arrangement at times when track maintenance funds are available to NPWS.

Chris clearing along the track Cynthia Breheny Photo: Lois Padgham Conservation Officer

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Fence Removal in Gudgenby Valley - NPA/CBC Work Party 28/6/18

This event is listed in the current Activity Program for 28 June. The following article gives some background into the history of the Gudgenby area and the reasons for the removal of remaining fences. (ed)

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From the early 19th century the Gudgenby Valley was grazed by cattle. In the 1970s it was resumed for pine plantations and the Gudgenby Nature Reserve. After Namadgi National Park was gazetted over the area in 1984, the pine plantations increasingly became an uneasy fit within the Park. They also proved to be uneconomical. In 1998 Environment ACT initiated a program to return the area to native vegetation with the assistance of a volunteer organisation - the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group (GBRG). The 2003 bush fires destroyed the pine forests closer to Canberra which accelerated Forests ACT's removal of the useable trees in Gudgenby. During the first decade of this century the removal of the pines was completed and the regeneration of the area to dry sclerophyll forest and grassy woodland was undertaken by GBRG with some help from CBC. This work continues today. The purpose of the work party in June is to continue the removal of remnant barbed wire stock fencing that was used during the farming era.

Martin Chalk NPA coordinator

Fence in the Gudgenby valley Photo: Meredith Hatherly

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Rock Cairns and Stick Houses

Bushwalkers like to be in wilderness areas and are glad to see the occasional cairn, so long as it is indicating the right way to go at critical points. However, rock stacks are becoming problematic. We go to the wilderness to remove ourselves from the manmade, not to see mementoes from other people’s lives. A stack of rocks is an unnecessary marker of humanity similar to graffiti. The cairn craze is invading wilderness areas everywhere. Moving rocks increases erosion by exposing the soil underneath, allowing it to wash away and thin the soil cover for native plants. Every time a rock is disturbed, a plant and/or animal loses its home.

Pointless cairns degrade an already beautiful landscape so fight the urge to stack rocks and leave the earth’s natural beauty alone.

Vanoise National Park, France Cynthia Breheny Photo supplied Conservation Officer

You may have read Tim the Yowie Man’s article in a recent Canberra Times about cairns and stick houses scattered around our nature reserves. The following is what adjunct professor Ken McQueen, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, said about a giant rock cairn illegally erected on Gossan Hill in Belconnen: “The total number of rocks in the cairn is around 13,000…if just a third of these rocks were originally home to critters, this would represent 4330 critters homes lost.” The article also describes stick houses made from fallen timber. John Evans is quoted as saying “these stick houses are popping up all over our nature reserves…perhaps they are the next stage of bushland public art, taking over from the ubiquitous rock piles.” The article raises a dilemma – are these structures to be tolerated to allow kids to have fun in the bush, or are they environmental vandalism? The article concluded that the answer lies in the size, scale and location of the building work. Some locations are environmentally sensitive where rare flora and fauna depend on the fallen timber. Temporary small scale kid’s cubbies are generally acceptable to allow kids to enjoy being out in the bush, but large significant construction works are not acceptable.

Meredith Hatherly Summary and quotes taken from Tim the Yowie Man’s section of The Canberra Times Saturday 14 April 2018

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Planning and Leading a Walk

The April IT was a good read, from Janet Duncan’s encounter with ants, which I had heard about before, to Matthew Higgins’ ‘Slow Walking’, which brought back memories of walks with Allan Mikkelsen where he would say, ‘Now, let us stop and we will spend a minute just listening to the bush’.

Of particular interest was Robin Cayzer’s piece on leading a Wednesday walk, though what he described was applicable to leading all walks. Any new leader or anyone thinking of leading would do well to read it. It was dated, however, not in the usual sense of the term but in terms of its modernity and I refer specifically to his sections 1 and 2 on maps and research.

I was fascinated to see the list of websites that ought to be consulted but there were two very old time sources of information which were left out. The first is simply talking to leaders who have led in the area of interest. Don’t just look up John Evans’ website; talk to him!!!

The second is guidebooks. Many of my best walks have come from guidebooks, especially in the Southern Highlands and on the South Coast, where our Club does not often go. You find walks you won’t get off web sites and you get them in an organised manner with a consistent level of detail you won’t get off a private web site. You will also find excellent maps. I use the 1:25,000 topographic maps almost exclusively when walking but guidebooks, for example the books by Robert Schloss, often have maps with some very useful detail.

My final point relates to the question of the slide from planning to leading. It is easy to think that the maps you have used in planning will do for leading. Probably not. On the track, the 1: 25,000 topographical map is king. There are some areas e.g. in western NSW where you can’t get them and you are forced to use the 1: 50,000 as I found when I started exploring the Weddin Mountains last year. But the 1:50,000 is too small a scale. You can’t see the detail you need.

My greatest concern is the tendency, in this digital age, to rely on what can be printed off the net. I know at least one very good leader who leads off one or two A4 sheets taken from the internet but he always carries the 1:25,000 in his pack in case he gets into trouble, or if he needs to use his GPS. Not many maps apart from the topographical maps have the coordinates that enable you to use a GPS.

I also recall a case where a new leader did a walk just using A4 sheets from the internet. Had everything gone OK, all would have been well but he took a wrong turn and went off the maps he had. Had he had the topo map, he would quickly have located himself, using a GPS if need be, but he didn’t have it. The trip ended safely but it was the long way around.

Happy planning and walking!

Stan Marks

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Gavells Hut and Gang Gang Mountain

“After an early start and a long drive our walk commences at the locked gate on Boundary Trail just off the Snowy Mountains Highway. Along Boundary Trail and Gavells Hut Trail to Gavells Hut then the rest of the day off track through unknown vegetation which may be very scrubby for the last few kilometres. Brilliant vistas if the weather permits. At various stages of the walk we may have views to Mt Nungar then across the plain to the ACT mountains, Mt Tantangara, Tabletop, Jagungal, Lake Eucumbene and Adaminaby. Total climb of 800 m. Distance 20+km. For fit and reasonably quick walkers only."

So went the description for the walk led by Phillip Starr on 5 April and he wasn't kidding! Six of us (Phillip, Ming, Meredith, Stephen, John and Terrylea) arrived bright- eyed and bushy-tailed at Calwell Shopping Centre car park at 6am and after a 2 hour drive (and a quick coffee and pastry purchase at Adaminaby Bakery) we headed off for the day. We were greeted by the local NPWS Ranger who had planned to do some burn-offs in the park that day but was thwarted by the wind. Luckily for us it meant that our walk could continue as planned. Like most exploratory walks you never quite know what to expect. We had expected possibly dense scrub but were pleasantly surprised for the first couple of 'crowlometres' Open forest walking by relatively open eucalyptus forest with not too much Photo: Meredith Hatherly fallen timber. The first two spot heights though didn't deliver as we'd hoped - with views completely obstructed by trees. Not to be deterred our leader decided to throw in some bonus excitement by nearly standing on a (seriously big) eastern brown snake who'd thought he'd get a decent kip in before morning tea. Not sure who got the bigger shock - our fearless leader Phillip or the snake which showed its displeasure by rearing up giving Phillip a close-up and personal view of its eyes and mouth before slithering off quickly in an indeterminate direction. The next few steps by us all were pretty cautious it's fair to say. The snake was last heard of telling its friends about 'the bushwalker who got away'. Morning tea at Gavells Hut was well-earned after our leader set a cracking pace knowing that we had a fair distance to go and unknown terrain ahead. We discovered that this was a well-maintained hut complete with paintings and carvings of horses together with a good- looking fireplace which looked like it'd be a real treat on a cold, snowy day. A timber floor and even a table earned this KHA hut our 'bushwalker' rating of a 4 star hotel. Then it was onwards and upwards and upwards (did I say upwards?) to the Snowy Mountains Authority (SMA1149) Trig at SH1606 for a decent gander of the surrounds - a fabulous view of the Nungar Ridge and that old favourite, Gudgenby, in the distance as well some snippets of Tantangara. But this wasn't before a quick navigation lesson and some map-reading skills with all 6 of us gathering around the map, our GPSr Navigation lesson Photo: Meredith Hatherly and the Backcountry app on our smartphones and then confirming our position by the sun and our watches. Gotta love technology! Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2018 page 12

Gavells Hut and Gang Gang Mountain

Lunch was at the top of Gang Gang Mountain - falsely named considering the only bird there was a flame robin with ambition. Incredible sweeping views of Lake Eucumbene was the reward as we sat in the shade with a gentle breeze cooling us off after the podium- worthy ascent we'd made to the summit. Then it was homeward bound in a westerly direction and after a false lulling of relatively open forest we hit some more fallen timber requiring us to dodge a bit of scrub and constantly weave in and out of the mountain and snow gums, some of which had been scarred by fire. Lots of lyrebird mounds were to be seen but no calls to be heard. We were lucky enough though to spot a beautiful lyrebird nest approximately 2 metres off the ground in the hollow of a eucalypt when our leader stopped to check his bearings. Nature has a wonderful way of making the most of whatever is at hand. We made it back to the cars at a respectable 3pm, changed into more comfortable shoes and 'city' attire before we headed off back to Canberra with a quick pit stop at Maccas in Cooma for coffees for Phillip and lyrebird nest the drivers. Photo Terrylea Another wonderful day in the Australian bush courtesy of Phillip Starr and the Canberra Bushwalking Club.

Text and photos: Terrylea Reynolds

Approaching Gavells Hut Photo: Meredith Hatherly

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Repaying my Debt – a Memoir by Geoff Mosley

Geoff Mosley is a well-known and highly acclaimed conservationist. He has devoted his life to conservation work, including 13 years from 1973 as Director of the Australian Conservation Foundation. Among his many credits, Geoff is also a founding member of the CBC and a life member. His book, Repaying my Debt, A Conservationist’s Tale, is a memoir of his life, describing the formative influences which shaped him and directed his interests in conservation work. Amongst the wealth of information, anecdotes and achievements in this book is a section on the formation of the CBC. As a record of the early days of the Club told by an original member, it is worth a browse. The following is a selection of extracts from that part of the book describing the beginnings of the CBC. “On 29th November 1961, walkers attended a preliminary meeting held in the flat of Margot Cox. The notice for this gathering set the scene. ‘Canberra...has grown from a small town into a sizeable city…it is now large enough to support a separate independent walking club.’ The subscription was fixed at five shillings and the first monthly meeting was arranged for 17th January 1962… The interim committee quickly drew up a walking programme for February - April 1962 and the inaugural walk was listed for 3-4 February 1962 as – Upper Cotter – Bimberi (grade: easy/medium). It attracted 5 walkers.” The Club was first formed under the name of the old Club – Canberra Walking and Touring Club (CWTC) out of respect for those members of the old club now involved in the new one. The name was changed in February 1965 to Canberra Bushwalking Club.

The book is filled with anecdotes about the antics and adventures of Geoff and other early Club members, including the discovery and ascent of the then unclimbed Mother Woila. It also outlines the early involvement of the CBC with conservation activities and the Club’s influence in the planning and management of Namadgi and Kosciuzsko. There is one amusing section describing the origins of the Club’s newsletter: in 1965 the first one was produced. It was called IT until a new name could be decided…”For some the choice was ‘a matter of great social significance and concern ‘(IT April 1966). ”Corrobboree,” “Yabba,” “Bushstew” and sundry other names fell by the wayside and in May, after a vote in which “Yowie” came second, it was decided to stick with IT for the time being….” (Page 112) If you would like to read this book, it is available for borrowing from the Club. Contact the Club secretary Jenny Stewart.

Text: Meredith Hatherly

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Cradle Mountain Sky Line Traverse

This walk was listed in the Bulletin Board of the CBC newsletter in November 2015, calling for expressions of interest. None were received, so the author set out in February 2016 to do it as a private trip. (Ed)

It started, as so many trips do, with a chance encounter.

As I stood looking at the Cradle Mountain skyline from the Dove Lake car park another walker approached. What caught my attention was that he was wearing a climbing harness and had a climbing rope attached to the outside of his pack. I couldn’t resist a chat. He and his partner had left too late in the day to complete the full traverse but as we stood there he ran his finger over the distant skyline. From the left, up over Littlehorn, up and past Weindorfers Tower and along the broken ridge to Cradle Mountain. A great trip for sure, he said.

A plan was hatched. If you love climbing, mountains have a pulling power that is irresistible.

And so it was that one year later I was following the track around the side of Dove Lake at 5.30am with my two companions Jack and Phoebe. Our packs had a mix of ropes, harnesses and assorted tapes and chocks. The first rays of the morning light pushed back the sparkling stars. The weather gods would smile on us all day.

The Austrian brothers Franz and Julius Malcher were visiting their friend Gustav Weindorfer and completed the traverse in March 1914. There is a classic photo of one of them on one of the rock spires on Little Horn.

The traverse starts with an easy ascent of Little Horn that gives tremendous views over Dove Lake. The descent that follows takes a couple of short abseils or can be down climbed if you are confident. The rock is very solid and abrasive so holds and grip are good. We made good time in the cool of the morning to the saddle between Little Horn and Weindorfers Tower. We had a snack and then looked up at the imposing, sun drenched face of Weindorfers Tower. Climbing this would be the highlight of the day.

The climb started easily enough following a steep scrubby pad up the southern side of the Tower. Eventually it moved around the rocky and exposed northern side. From here we roped up for the technically easy but beautifully exposed ridge. Dove Lake lay way below us and the view was crystal in every direction. Further up the Belaying the Tower Ridge ridge flattened out and I found a suitable belay point to bring up Jack and Phoebe.

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Cradle Mountain Sky Line Traverse

From here we could trace our route over Little Horn which looks harder from a distance than it really is. The last part of the Tower requires crossing a steep, narrow gully with a large drop on both sides.

I set up a belay on a small stance and tied my pack to the end of the rope. I belayed Jack and Phoebe safely across and then Jack made safe on his side of the gully and prepared to bring me across. Belayed by Jack I untied my belay and reached for my pack which slipped out of my fingers and before I could grab it, hurtled straight down the gully.

Seeing your pack shoot down the mountainside is not a pleasant sight. However, it was still tied to the other end of the 30 metre rope and it pulled up on the belay 15 metres below us. All we had to do was pull it back up. Murphy’s law prevailed. Every time we pulled it swung under a lip in the rock face and Phoebe on Weindorfers Tower would not budge no matter how much we swung and jiggled the rope. There was nothing to do but for me to abseil down the other half of the rope, lift the pack over the rock lip and climb back up to the top of the gully. The true summit of Weindorfers Tower was only a few meters from here so in a short time lunch was out and the stove on for tea. The views from the summit were outstanding. There was not a cloud in any direction and not the slightest breeze blew. It was so quiet and clear that we could hear and see walkers on the summit of Cradle Mountain. It looked deceptively close to us over the rest of the ridgeline. It was now 12.30pm and it would take us another five hours to reach the Cradle Mountain track.

The descent off the Tower involves a 25 metre abseil into a large gully. From the gully there is a tricky, exposed rock climb up the other side. The face of the rock is relatively flat and there is no opportunity for protection but with me taking the rope up first the others followed on belay without difficulty. From here on though was the most tedious and tiring part of the traverse. The ridge is a mass of gigantic boulders all jumbled together that you have to negotiate. It is as though a giant mountain troll has placed the house and car sized boulders in such a fashion that you have to climb up and then down over and over again. No more abseils were needed but a hand over hand rope was required in several spots with exposure. We Allan on Weindorfers Tower were also getting a bit tired.

We finally reached the last technical part of the day, a ten metre traverse along an exposed ledge. The technical part is that at the half way point the rock face bulges out at chest height and tends to push you off balance.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2018 page 16

Cradle Mountain Sky Line Traverse

Hand holds above the bulge were good though and we soon had the ropes back in the packs and were back to the relentless up and down of the traverse.

Not too soon the ridge line cuts across the tourist path up to the Summit of Cradle Mountain. We looked up at the summit of Cradle Mountain but it was now 5.30pm and we had had enough for the day so we headed down to Kitchen Hut for a short rest and drink. The track was awash with walkers with such perfect weather. We pushed on and unlocked the car back at Dove Lake at 7.30pm.

Our legs were a bit wobbly as we looked back across the lake. The last rays of sunlight lit up the whole skyline and it was great to follow the line and know it more intimately. There was beer waiting for us back at the hut and I had made the effort of having dinner ready to just heat up so we made a beeline for our hut. That night we all slept the deep sleep of the truly stuffed.

The next morning Jack and Phoebe headed off on the Overland Track and I stopped by Dove Lake for another look at what we had traversed. I will be back for sure for another traverse but with the knowledge gained will just climb Weindorfers Tower. It is not the full traverse but it is the jewel in the crown and worthy of a trip on its own.

Allan Donnelly Photos supplied

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2018 page 17

Who is on the CBC Committee 2017-18?

President: Michael de Raadt Editor: Meredith Hatherly [email protected] [email protected] 0410 233 090 Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas Treasurer: Julie Anne Clegg [email protected] [email protected] +64 27 535 6176 0402 118 359 Social Secretary: Terrylea Reynolds Walks Secretary: Linda Groom [email protected] [email protected] 0408 715 218. 6281 4917 Publisher: David Williams General Secretary: Jenny Stewart [email protected] [email protected] ————————————————————— Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards [email protected] All members of the Committee can be contacted 6288 7863 in one email to: [email protected] Training and Safety Officer: David Dedenczuk [email protected] Check in: [email protected] 0417 222 154 Web site: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Conservation Officer: Cynthia Breheny [email protected]

Web Manager: Andrew Meers [email protected]

Contributions to the it  The it depends on your contributions. Please keep them coming – anything which you think may interest CBC members. If in doubt, email me and we can discuss.

 If possible, try to limit your articles to a maximum of two to three pages of text or about 1000 -1500 words.

 When you send a photo, and it is not yours, make sure you have permission to use it. Include the name of the photographer.

 Your article may be edited if the editor considers that is appropriate.

 The closing date for each issue of it is the fourth Wednesday of every month. Send contributions to [email protected]

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2018 page 18

ACTIVITY PROGRAM

Information for Participants Distance and difficulty Distance: Transport (S) Short – under 12 km/day Costs are 39¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This (M) Medium – 12–20 km/day amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on (L) Long – over 20 km/day the condition of the roads and other factors. The figures given are Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, an climbed. estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. Terrain: Duty of care (E) Easy – fire trail, tracks, beaches etc. Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that he/she (M) Medium – bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or damage to (R) Rough – much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles property. Each person acknowledges risk when they book on line (W) Wet – compulsory swims, many river crossings for walks, and sign the Club’s ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form at (X) Exploratory the start of a walk. Visitors are welcome to join trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the Club after a maximum of three trips. Booking Please book online using the 'Request a booking' button on the page For further information see: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org for each walk. Many walks have a booking deadline, and all leaders appreciate Check-in after walks receiving bookings several days ahead of the walk, rather than just a Before a trip, leaders should use the 'Submit Trip List' function day or two ahead. within 'Manage Bookings' to inform the Club's check-in officer of the If the type of walk is new for you, check with the leader about: names of their party. After the walk, leaders should use the 'Check- * the need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc. In' function, also within 'Manage Bookings', by 10 am the day after * appropriate clothing, footwear their trip to report their safe return or any incidents, and also email * any precautions you might need to take for severe weather a scanned copy of the Acknowledgment of Risks form to the Check-

in Officer, David Dedenczuk [email protected] In the event of a late return, worried relatives should contact the Equipment hire Check-in Officer, 0417 222 154,or the Walks Secretary, 6281 4917 or Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for 0474 507 259 in the first instance, not the Police or other bodies hire before lashing out on your own equipment. The Equipment Officer is Rob Horsfield, who can be contacted on 6231 4535(h). To Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise stated borrow the PLB, contact David Dedenczuk, Training and Safety Officer: [email protected]

The equipment available and current rates per weekend/week are Wednesday walks set out below. Hirers are responsible for collecting and returning Two walks one Medium/Easy and one Medium/Hard, are conducted the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for most Wednesdays. Walks are conducted in turn by leaders from the members who are ‘first time’ weekend walkers. Canberra Bushwalking Club (CBC), Brindabella Bushwalking Club (BBC – Peter [email protected] and Kathy A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be refunded, [email protected]) and National Parks Association ACT (NPA depending on the condition of the items upon return and whether - Mike S, 0412 179 907). Destination and meeting place details are they are returned late. emailed a few days before each walk. (BBC and NPA leaders as listed in the activity program).

Item w.e./week Control your receipt of Wednesday Walk emails via your Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 membership profile. Contact John, co-ordinator of Wednesday Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 Walks, via [email protected] for Snow tent $15 / $40 general enquiries. If you are not a member of CBC, BBC or NPA you 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 must contact the leader before the walk to discuss the level of Assorted packs $5 / $15 difficulty and must be accompanied on the walk by a sponsoring Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 member. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any Snow shoes/poles $10 / $25 walker. Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions) GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use)

Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need when collecting and returning gear.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2018 page 19

Activity Program

Sat 12 - Wed 16 May: Deua River and ridges, 5-day exploratory - M/R/X Day 1: Leaving Canberra after 8.30am. From a branch of the Curranbene Creek Road, walk 8km across gently undulating country to a pleasant campsite near the junction of Wambagugga Creek and the Shoalhaven. Day 2: East across the Minuma Range, down a spur, sometimes narrow with rocky viewpoints, to camp beside the Deua River. 10km, up 200m, down 750m. Day 3 : carrying day packs, may have to swim the Deua River, SE to the Bendethera Razorback and back; optional steep, loose climb on to part of the razorback. 10 km, 600 metres up and down. Day 4. Back towards the Shoalhaven, exploring a side creek of the Deua en route - camp either in the headwaters of the side creek or on the Shoalhaven. Day 5: walk out. Map shows likely camp site for nights 2 and 3. Remote, rugged, varied, rarely-walked country, for walkers experienced in rough grade multi-day trips. → The longer days may involve 8 to 9 hours actual walking. Maps: Snowball, Bendethera Transport: $120 per car, last few kilometres best done with AWD/4WD Limit: 8 Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

Sat 12 May: Exploring the ridge from Shanahans Mtn down to Mt Clear car park - S/R/X On a recent trip part way down this ridge the going was good. The aim is to look at the whole ridge. → ~6km ↗ ~50m ↘ ~300m Map: Colinton Transport: 130km return $52 per vehicle Leaders: Rob Horsfield, Jenny Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Sat 12 - Sun 13 May: Pockets Hut, Leura Gap - L/M/Part X Day 1: Drive via Cooma, Adaminaby, Tantangara Dam to the locked gate on Pockets Saddle Road at Gurrangorambla Creek. Walk the 1.5km to the Murrays Gap fire trail turnoff and drop overnight gear. Walk a 7km loop along the Goodradigbee Aqueduct Track – I wonder what we’ll see. Return to pick up our gear and walk a further 3.5km along the Australian Alps Walking Track to Pockets Hut. Day 2: Leave overnight gear at Pockets Hut. Walk with day packs north to Rolling Ground Ridge, then south-east roughly following the ridge before turning east to Leura Gap hoping to find Leura Hut (ruin) on the way. We then retrace our steps to Pockets Hut. All on old track shown on maps (if track not overgrown). Most of the track seems to show on Google Earth. After picking up our overnight gear we will walk the 5km back to our vehicles and return home through Cooma. → Day One 12km (7km with day pack), Day Two 23km (18km with day pack) ↗ Day One 350m, Day Two 750m ↘ Day One 350m, Day Two 750m Maps: Rules Point, Rendezvous Creek and Peppercorn Transport: Approx. $40 pp. Limit: 8 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Thu 10 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Sun 13 May: Pabral Road to Mount Coree - L/R Walking on the ACT border straight line off Pabral Road. Hiking up to Pabral Road from Blundells Flat, then SW through the top of Musk Creek towards Mount Coree. This is very rough country with strong regrowth and will involve some scrambling near Mount Coree. Return via roads → Up to 13km ↗ 600m climb. Maps: Cotter Dam 1:25,000 Transport: 45km, $18 per car. Leader: David Dedenczuk. Book by: Thu 10 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Sun 13 May: Yankee Hat Loop - M/M From the Yankee Hat carpark we will visit Hospital Creek Hut, Frank and Jack's Hut and then the Yankee Hat rock art site. → 12km ↗ 550 ↘ 500 Map: Yaouk Transport: approx $34 per vehicle Limit: 12 Leader: Lisa Quilter. Book by: Thu 10 May, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

Tue 15 May: Mt Herlt, Namadgi National Park - L/R/Part X Mount Herlt is a 1600 metre high point (and Percy) at grid reference: 739479. It is difficult to reach because of the thick regrowth resulting from the 2003 bushfires. On this walk, we’ll start on the Boboyan Road and follow the vehicle track adjacent to Rendezvous Creek for 5km. We’ll then head off-track for most of the day and visit Mt Herlt and some other big granite outcrops in the vicinity, if the scrub allows. → 18 kilometres ↗ 800 ↘ 800 Map: Rendezvous Creek Transport: 107km return Limit: 8 Leader: Ian Wright Book by: Fri 11 May, 10:00pm. See online...

Tue 15 - Mon 28 May: Janet’s Final Fourth Flinders Ranges Foray M/M - L/R This trip is now full and there is already a wait list. Thank you for your interest. Enjoy walking and driving in the beautiful Flinders Ranges and Heysen Trail within the Mt Remarkable and the Wilpena National Parks in SA. Tuesday 15th May arrive at Melrose for 6 nights. Day walks include Dutchmans Stern, Alligator Gorge, Hidden Gorge, and Mt Remarkable. On the rest day, explore Melrose or drive to the Pt Augusta Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. Monday 21st May drive north to Rawnsley Park campground for 7 nights. Day walks include climbing steep and rough Rawnsley Bluff for stunning views of the Wilpena Pound, sightseeing and walking in Aroona Valley, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, Blinman Pools, Wilpena Pound lookouts, along Blacks Gap to Wilpena Pound. Plus a rest day, which you will need after climbing a steep rocky track 700m to St Mary Peak! On Monday 28th, return to Canberra, full of the colours of the Flinders Ranges - its gorges, valleys and hills. . A joint CBC/BBC activity. Maps: HEMA map, NRMA has a reasonable Flinders Map Transport: Roughly 3500km from Canberra to Melrose /Wilpena Pound and return, plus another ~ 900km travelling to the walks = approx. $600 each person. Allow two days for travelling to the Flinders and return. Most roads are sealed. Accommodation: Cabins, your van or tent at two campgrounds: Melrose at the foot of Mt Remarkable and Rawnsley Bluff 17km south of Wilpena Pound. Melrose cabins 2-3 people sharing approx. $250 per person; powered sites $27 per person per night; tents $12 pp pn. Rawnsley Park cabins approx. $500 per person shared; powered sites RP $38 per person per night for 2; tents $14 pp pn. Self-catering, with several group meals. Accommodation needs to be booked asap. Update: a few places left for people in basic cabins with use of amenities block (clean) or who have their own van or tent. Ensuite cabins are booked out. Leader: Janet Duncan. Booking required. See online...

Wed 16 May: Pre-Meeting Dinner at Canberra Irish Club - S/E Prior to the CBC monthly meeting come to the Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson St, Weston ACT at 6pm for a pre meeting dinner. NO NEED TO BOOK. If you are not a member of the Irish Club you will need to sign in using the one sheet for CBC members. If it is not at the front desk in will be at the dinner table in the dining room at the rear of the club → 1 hour 15 mins Map: Drive Transport: drive yourself Leader: Quentin Moran. No need to book. See online...

Wed. 16 May: CBC Monthly Meeting 7.30pm Weston Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson St, Weston Guest Speaker: Rowan Peck: Snow camping skills and emergency alpine shelters

Wed 16 May: Wed 16 May: Wednesday walks, Easy-Medium and Medium-Hard, BBC sponsored Wednesday Walks are a series of walks organised collaboratively with the Brindabella Bushwalking Club and National Parks Association (ACT). Further details are distributed by email a few days before each walk. The emails are sent to Club members who have selected the Wednesday Walk emails option in their Profile. Whether or not you are a member of CBC, before your first Wednesday walk, you must contact the walk leader. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any walker. Map: To be advised by email. Transport: Drive yourself to the meeting point, then shared. No need to book. Leaders: Kathy Handel (E/M); Peter Wellman (M/H). See online...

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Activity Program

Fri 18 May: Toddlers Toddle – bushland near Valour Park, Watson - S/M A circuit of around 600 metres designed for families with kids aged from 1 to 5. We will be walking off-track in open woodland, balancing on logs, weaving through a maze of small acacias and exploring some low rocks, in the Mount Majura Nature Reserve. We will also have to climb over a fence. No need to book. Meet in the Valour Park car park, a gravel car park on the Federal Highway, Watson (Google Maps address = Valour Park, 881 Federal Highway, Watson). Note that there is no right turn into the carpark for anyone coming from the south. Please be ready to start walking at 10am. Bring a snack. Non-members welcome; if this is your third ‘Toddle’ with the Canberra Bushwalking Club, it is time to join please. → About 600 metres in 1.5 hours ↗ Less than 5 metres ↘ Less than 5 metres Map: Google Maps Transport: Drive yourself Leader: Jacqui Rosier. No need to book. See online...

Sat 19 May: The Highs and Lows of Booroomba Rocks (again) - M/R The previous trip was oversubscribed, so let’s go again. The Booroomba Rocks cliff top is a great vantage point, with views over Blue Gum Creek to Blue Gum Hill and further into Canberra. But what lies above and below? We’ll follow the footpad north-east to SH1353 above the northern buttress, then return to the central cliff and enjoy the easy scramble south-west up over granite slabs through SH1372 to SH1396. A great spot for morning tea. We’ll then descend and take another easy pad (with a scramble or two) beneath the southern buttress of Booroomba Rocks. Grand views up the monstrous cliff faces where rock climbers ascend. Returning the way we came, we’ll then descend the Middle Rocks area. This is below the cliff top view point and, although there is a little exposure below, the footpad is indeed wide and easy. It’s quite a thrill to get down under the northern buttress with its massive cliffs. We return the same way, huffing and puffing slowly up across Booroomba’s Middle Rocks. Scene-ed out, we’ll walk back down to the Booroomba Rocks car park on the walking track. Around 9km and 600m climb. → 9km ↗ 600 ↘ 600 Map: Corin Dam Transport: ~$8 per person Limit: 12 Leader: John Evans. Book by: Thu 17 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Tue 22 May: Nursery slabs - M/R/Part X A circuit to explore the series of granite slabs and semi-cliffs to the south west of lower Nursery Creek. We will also see a less-visited part of Nursery Swamp and enjoy some rock-hopping down Nursery Creek. The circuit will started from the point where Nursery Creek crosses the Boboyan Road. It's a good time to do this walk, after the recent dry months. → 5km, in 5 to 6 hours actual walking ↗ 450 metres ↘ 450 metres Map: Rendezvous Creek Transport: $28 per car Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

Wed 23 May: Wednesday walks, Easy-Medium and Medium Hard Wednesday Walks are a series of walks organised collaboratively with the Brindabella Bushwalking Club and National Parks Association (ACT). Further details are distributed by email a few days before each walk. The emails are sent to Club members who have selected the Wednesday Walk emails option in their Profile. Whether or not you are a member of CBC, before your first Wednesday walk, you must contact the walk leader. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any walker. Map: To be advised by email. Transport: Drive yourself to the meeting point, then shared. No need to book. Leaders: Linda Groom (E/M); Mike Smith (M/H). See online...

Thu 24 May: Nattai Gorge/Boxvale Tramway - M/M/Part X Traverse the spectacular and beautiful Nattai Gorge near Mittagong and return along the historic tramway alignment. All on track but a steep downhill section, stepping stones across river and a steep climb out of the gorge. → 10km ↗ 350 ↘ 350 Map:Mittagong Transport: $132 per car ($33 - $44 pp.) Limit: 12 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Tue 22 May, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

Fri 25 May: Geocaching in Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve - M/M Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve is an area of open woodland between the new suburbs of Gungahlin and the NSW border where with little effort you can feel remote from the cares of a big city. Ascend the hills, and there are fine views over Gungahlin and into New South Wales. It is also the location of numerous geocaches which we will seek out. All walkers are welcome, you do not need to be a registered geocacher. If you wish to know more, go to geocaching.com website. Registration there is free. We will start at 8am in an effort to avoid the worst of Gungahlin peak hour traffic. Bring morning tea and lunch; we will plan to finish at about 2pm. Maps: We will use the geocaching.com map to locate the geocaches. Otherwise, the Hall 1:25,000 map covers the area. Transport: Meeting place will be the Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve carpark on Horse Park Drive about 500m west of the Federal Highway. Participants will make their own way to the starting point. Limit: 10 Leader: Derek Synnott. Book by: Tue 22 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 26 - Sun 27 May: Max and Bert's Hut - M/R Day 1 - Boboyan Road - Dry Creek - Booth Range - hut. Around 400m climb, descend ~400m. Distance ~ 8km Day 2 - return same way → 8km per day Maps: Michelago, Colinton Transport: ~$40 per car Leaders: Rob Horsfield, Jenny Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

(Fri 25) Sat 26 - Mon 28 May: Exploring the Gardens of Stone - M/R/X (Long weekend). Three nights camping near the cars at Newnes Campground, with day walks to the famed Donkey Mountain, and to Tiger Snake Point and Petries Gully. Dramatic views from the sandstone tops, intriguing caves and slots on Donkey Mountain. Option to spend a day doing self-guided track walks from the campground if you need a break from the rock scrambling. → Max 10km and 6 to 7 hours actual walking on Saturday and Sunday; 4 to 5 hours on Monday. ↗ Main climb about 300 vertical metres each day, with other smaller ups and downs Map: Tba Transport: $280 per car. A 4.5 hour drive from Canberra. Final section of the road is 2WD (fine weather) or 4WD (wet weather). Accommodation: The NPWS-run campground is free and cannot be pre-booked; 80 sites available. Non-flushing toilets, bbqs, BYO water. Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

Sat 26 May: The Long Weekend Rocks! (Part 1) - M/R Castle Hill & Gibraltar Peak The ‘rockstravaganza’ begins with some interesting rock formations at the beautiful Castle Hill. From the Lanyon Shops, we will drive to the Lambrigg lookout along Tidbinbilla Road. We slither under a fence on to private property (permission has been granted) to start the 3.2km walk with a 310m climb (the lungs will be working hard!) With a bit of luck, the land owner may meet us along the way to share some of the history of his property if he is home. No trails, but assuming the sheep have kept the grass down, it will be easy to find our way to the top. After a 3 hour journey over the countryside, we will drive to Dalsetta Carpark at Tidbinbilla (drivers will require passes in to the park.) From here, we ascend to Gibraltar Peak via Eliza’s Saddle. A mixture of fire trails and footpads with some rock scrambling and beautiful views. We will descend via a different fire trail for a quicker return to the cars. The Gibraltar Peak walk is around 7.5km with a 400m climb. Allow 3-4 hours for this section. Map: Tuggeranong 8727-3S & Tidbinbilla 8627- 2S Transport: Depart from Lanyon shops (Near McDonalds @ Sidney Nolan Drive, Condor) at 8am. Cost: Approximately $17 per car Limit: 15 Leader: Lauren Ogden. Book by: Wed 23 May, 7:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

Sun 27 May: Red Hill Reveille - S/E A morning walk round Red Hill Nature Reserve starting at 8am which will have you feeling rejuvenated and back in time for lunch. This delightful woodland reserve is home to significant stands of the endangered Yellow Box Red Gum as well as the vulnerable Perunga Grasshopper and pink-tailed worm lizard. It is also an important breeding location for the Gang Gang cockatoo. Spectacular views right across to Yarralumla, Lake Burley Griffin, Woden and beyond. Predominantly on firetrail/footpad (a short bit of open grassland and a fence to negotiate) so easy walking but the ground is rocky and loose in places so a pole may be useful if you prefer. We visit Davidson's Trig and skirt the Federal Golf Course on our walk of approximately 12kms and 3.5 hours. There's also a few steps to the Tardis to get your glutes into shape! → 13kms and 3.5 hours ↗ 485 ↘ 485 Map: Canberra Transport: We'll all meet at Garran shops and then walk from there. Limit: 10 Leader: Terrylea Reynolds. Book by: Fri 25 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Sun 27 May: The Long Weekend Rocks! (Part 2) - M/R Orroral Ridge of Stone starting at Honeysuckle Camp ground, this walk commences with a 4km ascent up Orroral Ridge Road which will take about an hour. This fire trail is quite steep in parts, but takes us to one of the ACT’s greatest playgrounds! Once we get to the top, the walking is fairly flat and easy along a well- defined footpad. We will head to a rocky outcrop known as The Belfry, before backtracking to explore Legoland. Return to cars via Orroral Ridge Road. Approximately 13kms/6 hours (which is mostly ‘play’ time.) This is a day of climbing up, over, under and through some awesome rock formations. *Note: If we have enough drivers who have vehicles with good clearance to drive up Orroral Ridge Road, we can skip the fire trail section and add on some more exploration of The Sentinel rocks instead. I promised my poor little Mazda 2 that I wouldn’t make him go up this road again! Total distance: Approximately 12-14kms/full day. Map: Namadgi – ACT South activities map Transport: Depart from Lanyon shops (Near McDonalds at Sidney Nolan Drive, Condor) at 9am. Cost: Approximately $21-$25 per vehicle Limit: 15 Leader: Lauren Ogden. Book by: Thu 24 May, 6:00pm. See online...

Mon 28 May: Reconciliation Day visiting both Indigenous and Pastoral Sites - L/M/Part X Leaving from Yankee Hat car park we will follow the walking track, crossing Bogong Creek, to the Yankee Hat art site. From here we will follow fire trails to the causeway over Bogong Creek, visit Frank and Jacks Hut then down to join Old Boboyan Road which we will follow south to Hospital Creek Hut. We will then return north via the Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Track to Foresters Hut and the cars → 16 km ↗ 450 ↘ 450 Map: Yaouk and Rendezvous Creek Transport: $52 per car ($13 - $17 pp.) Limit: 12 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Fri 25 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Mon 28 May: The Long Weekend Rocks! (Part 3) - S/M Mt Ainslie quarry & labyrinth. Enjoy a sleep in before commencing the walk from the BBQs at the base of Mt Ainslie at 10am. Follow a fire trail around the Quarry Track Loop East, and then a footpad to the quarry. Until 1994, the rock wall was used by climbers. After some poking around, we will continue on the footpad to the top of Mt Ainslie. The footpad is very steep and slippery in places. Around 2.5km from the BBQs to the top with a 200m climb. We will then head to the Northern side of Mt Ainslie, following the road down for a short while before hitting a fire trail for approximately 1.5kms. This will take us down to an interesting work of art known as The Labyrinth. Around 110m climb back up to the top of Mount Ainslie. We will follow the bitumen path back to the cars. Total distance: around 8km. Allow 3 hours. Map: Canberra 8727-3N Transport: Meet at Mt Ainslie BBQ area on Treloar Cres at 10am. Cost: $0 Limit: 15 Leader: Lauren Ogden. Booking required. See online...

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Activity Program

Tue 29 May: The Ridge Northwest of Orroral Hill, Namadgi National Park - L/R Starting from the Orroral Valley carpark, we’ll follow the walking track to the old Lunar Laser Observatory site, then head off-track for most of the day, in steep, scrubby, and rocky terrain. The route links up several attractive granite outcrops and slabs on the ridge to the northwest of Orroral Hill. There are a couple of steep rock scrambles and narrow squeezes between boulders. (We shall not visit the Orroral Hill summit on this trip.) → 14km ↗ 940 ↘ 940 Map: Rendezvous Creek Transport: 97km return Limit: 8 Leader: Ian Wright. Book by: Fri 25 May, 10:00pm. See online...

Wed 30 May: Toddlers' Toddle - Stirling Park, Yarralumla - S/M A walk of about 500 metres designed for families with kids 1 to 5 years old, to introduce them to bushwalking. Follow a track, walk off-track through woodland, balance on logs, conquer some small boulders. There is also a huggable tree. No need to book, just turn up at the dirt car park opposite no.1 Fitzgerald Street, Yarralumla, ready for a 10am start. Bring a snack. Finish by 11.30am. → 500 metres in 1.5 hours ↗ 15 metres ↘ 15 metres Map: Google Maps Transport: Drive yourself Leader: Linda Groom. No need to book. See online...

Wed 30 May: The Wednesday Walkers Grand Ascent of Mt Gingera - M/E This is an advance notification and full details will be circulated by email to Wednesday Walkers. We will walk on an undulating generally contour hugging track downhill from the Mt Ginini car park and locked gate to Pryors Hut, our base camp for our Grand Assault of Mt Gingera. Many regard Mt Gingera as one of Australia's truly magnificent destinations and by staying on management tracks it is accessible to Wednesday walkers with only the last 1.2km on an open but steep foot track with many steps to assist us. Our aim will be to take our time going up and to enjoy the vegetation and the views. Difficulty is at the upper end of Easy-Medium, and walking distance is 15km. Map: Corin Dam Transport: Meeting point will be Weston opposite the Tennis Courts and McDonalds. Time and weather to be advised by email. Limit: N/A Leader: Robin Cayzer. No need to book. See online...

Wed 30 May: Wednesday walks Medium Hard, NPA sponsored Wednesday Walks are a series of walks organised collaboratively with the Brindabella Bushwalking Club and National Parks Association (ACT). Further details are distributed by email a few days before each walk. The emails are sent to Club members who have selected the Wednesday Walk emails option in their Profile. Whether or not you are a member of CBC, before your first Wednesday walk, you must contact the walk leader. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any walker. Map: To be advised by email. Transport: Drive yourself to the meeting point, then shared. No Need to book. Leader: Mike Smith See online...

Sat 2 Jun: Molonglo Ridge - L/M Many have driven Woolcara Lane to walk in the Yanununbeyan Reserve, but not so many would have walked on the Woolcara property. A unique opportunity to walk the rolling hills of the Molonglo Ridge, from Mt Molonglo to Yarrow Pic. Around 18km and 400m climb. Open farmland walking. Woolcara Walk They do say the path is narrow As was the way to old Yarrow Pic not peak as Scots know Farmer’s fence down to Googong Strewn with thistle some of saffron Fly blown walker searches while Away slithers the serpent vile At hilltop gates mates would wait Though the last was never late One more rest and some for smoko Not far on to Molonglo Question being ‘is there a trig’? Follow the trail of the wild pig Day still warming cloud not forming Till tomorrow with rain storming And open up will the heavens To thank Woolcara from team Evans Dick Roe 29/11/14 → 18 ↗ 400 Map: Hoskinstown Transport: ~$10 per person Limit: 12 Leader: John Evans. Book by: Thu 31 May, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

Sun 3 Jun: Corin Dam to Mt Gingera - L/M We'll walk up Stockyard Spur, follow the trail to Mt Franklin Rd then the footpad up to Mt Gingera, returning the same way. This walk is all on tracks but the climb up Stockyard Spur is long and steep. This replaces the walk that was planned for 22 April. → 20km ↗ 1200m Map: Corin Dam Transport: Approx $28 per car. Limit: 12 Leader: Lisa Quilter. Book by: Thu 31 May, 6:00pm. See online...

Sun 3 Jun: Goulburn wetlands, Rocky Hill Memorial, Riversdale, Waterworks - M/E A rare chance to see Victorian steam machinery in action. The Goulburn Waterworks Museum’s 130-year-old steam pump is the only one of its kind remaining in situ in the southern hemisphere. Five times a year it is brought to life by knowledgeable volunteers. Start at Goulburn Railway Station, with a stroll along the Mulwaree River pathway to the spectacular new Goulburn Wetlands. From there we climb up to the Rocky Hill Memorial for morning tea with a panoramic view of the city. After descent, we cross Sydney Road, and make our way past the Gaol to the National Trust’s Riversdale house and gardens, built as a coaching inn around 1840. We then cross the Wollondilly and follow it upstream past the Police Academy to the Marsden Weir, location of the Waterworks Museum. After seeing the engines in operation we’ll lunch at the riverside picnic spot. For those who wish, the café serves yummy sandwiches, soups etc. Return via Fitzroy Street and the Victoria Park Rose Garden. Approx 13km. → 13km Map: A PDF will be supplied Transport: $60 per car. Limit: 18 Leader: Tom Gosling. Book by: Tue 1 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Tue 5 Jun: Bungongo State Forest - L/R/Part X Bungongo State Forest is located between Wee Jasper and Jugiong. For most of the day we will be walking in hilly country, with an attractive cover of mature native forests and woodlands; two kilometres of the walk is in pine plantations. The walk is both on and off-track, in the catchment of Jeremiah Creek. → 19 ↗ 580 ↘ 580 Maps: Adjungbilly, Wee Jasper Transport: 414 kilometres return. 2h 25m drive each way and 6am start from Canberra. Limit: 8 Leader: Ian Wright. Book by:Fri 1 Jun, 11:00am. See online...

Wed 6 Jun: Wednesday walks, Easy-Medium and Medium-Hard, BBC sponsored Wednesday Walks are a series of walks organised collaboratively with the Brindabella Bushwalking Club and National Parks Association (ACT). Further details are distributed by email a few days before each walk. The emails are sent to Club members who have selected the Wednesday Walk emails option in their Profile.. Map: To be advised by email. Transport: Drive yourself to the meeting point, then shared. No need to book Leaders: Kathy Handel (E/M); Peter Wellman (M/H). See online...

Thu 7 Jun: Mt Coree - M/E Mt Coree (1421m) is the highest peak in the Brindabella National Park, but the eastern face of the mountain is in Namadgi National Park. We will drive via Brindabella Road and turn onto Two Sticks Road at Piccadilly Circus. The walk will commence at Mt Coree saddle. Enjoy good views at various stages of the walk with outstanding 360 degree views from the summit. We return the same way. → 16km ↗ 300 ↘ 300 Map: Cotter Dam Transport: $44 per car ($10 - $15 pp.) Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Tue 5 Jun, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 9 - Sun 10 Jun: Mt Gudgenby - a short long weekend - M/R Depart Canberra noon Saturday; camp on Bogong Creek. Early ascent Sunday then return home. → half day Sat; short day Sunday ↗ ascent ~700m ↘ descent ~700m Map: Yaouk Transport: ~108 km, $44 per car Leaders: Rob Horsfield, Jenny Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

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Activity Program

Sun 10 Jun: Mount Taylor Views - S/E A refreshing morning walk, starting at Torrens Shops, then proceeding along the fire trail along the western side of Mount Taylor (wonderful views to the Tidbinbilla Range), ascending via a well-marked track to the summit (morning tea and more views over Woden and Tuggeranong Valleys), then down the eastern side and back to Torrens Shops. All on fire trail or track; a walking pole might be useful for the rougher sections. → 2.5- 3 hours ↗ 200 Map: Mt Taylor Nature Reserve Transport: Drive yourself. Meet at Torrens Shops at 8:30am Leader: Jenny Stewart. No need to book. See online...

Mon 11 Jun: Orroral Valley to Cotter Gap - M/E Meet at Kambah Village shops for an 8:00AM departure for Orroral Valley Tracking Station car park. Follow Cotter Hut Road and AAWT to Cotter Gap with an optional side trip to the split rock. If the optional side trip is included there will be some rough terrain over a steep climb and the walk would then be in category of long. ↗ Approximately 400 metres with possible 200 metres extra for side trip ↘ Approximately 400 metres with possible 200 metres extra for side trip Maps: Corin Dam and Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 and ACT 1:100,000 Transport: $40.00 per car or $10.00 per passenger Leader: Tim Wright. Book by: Fri 8 Jun, 5:00pm. See online...

Wed 13 Jun: Wednesday walk: Easy-Medium Wednesday Walks are a series of walks organised collaboratively with the Brindabella Bushwalking Club and National Parks Association (ACT). Further details are distributed by email a few days before each walk. The emails are sent to Club members who have selected the Wednesday Walk emails option in their Profile. Whether or not you are a member of CBC, before your first Wednesday walk, you must contact the walk leader. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any walker. Map: To be advised by email. Transport: Drive yourself to the meeting point, then shared. No need to book. Leader: Janet Duncan See online...

Wed 13 Jun: M/H Wednesday Walk - Devils Peak - M/R/X Walk along fire trails and through forest to knoll to SE of Devils Peak and to Devils Peak itself. Return through forest and fire trails. Maps: Cotter Dam 1:25,000 Transport: Tba Leader: Tim Wright. No need to book. See online...

Tue 19 Jun: Tinderry Nature Reserve, Western Slopes - L/R/Part X The walk starts near the West Keewong Fire Trail on the Burra Road. For most of the day we will be off-track, on the western side of The Reserve, following steep spurs and gullies in the catchment of Burra Creek. Much of the area is open forests or woodlands and although there are no prominent features, it is an attractive place to walk in the cooler months. Loose rock and scree likely on some of the steeper spurs. → 18km ↗ 600 ↘ 600 Maps: Williamsdale, Michelago, Tinderry, Captains Flat Transport: 112 kilometres return Limit: 8 Leader: Ian Wright. Book by: Fri 15 Jun, 11:00pm. See online...

Wed 20 Jun: Wednesday walks: Easy-Medium and Medium-Hard, BBC sponsored Wednesday Walks are a series of walks organised collaboratively with the Brindabella Bushwalking Club and National Parks Association (ACT). Further details are distributed by email a few days before each walk. The emails are sent to Club members who have selected the Wednesday Walk emails option in their Profile. Whether or not you are a member of CBC, before your first Wednesday walk, you must contact the walk leader. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any walker. Map: To be advised by email. Transport: Drive yourself to the meeting point, then shared. No need to book. Leaders: Kathy Handel (easy-medium); Peter Wellman (Medium-hard). See online...

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Activity Program

Wed. 16 May: CBC Monthly Meeting 7.30pm Weston Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson St, Weston Guest speaker: Luke Ward from The Wilderness Society.

Sat 23 Jun: Stockyard Creek Waterfall Revisited - M/R/Part X There are two reasons for a revisit: Anita found a rare plant and needs to revisit and re-locate it; and the fearless leader was looking for the wrong waterfall. → Distance - ~ 6km ↗ Ascent ~650m ↘ ~650m Map: Corin Dam Transport: 90km return, $36 per vehicle Leaders: Rob Horsfield, Jenny Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Sun 24 Jun: Gibraltar Rocks, Woods Reserve & Devils Gap Circuit - M/E Starting at Dalsetta we go past the Xanthorrhoea loop to Gibraltar Rocks via the original fire trail stopping for morning tea and amazing views along the way. After visiting Gibraltar Rocks, we pick up the fire trail again down to Woods Reserve where we stop for a well-earned lunch. After lunch we cross to the new Devils Circuit track and then loop back on fire trail to Gibraltar Rocks before returning to Dalsetta via the new Eliza Saddle track where we walk through delightful shady forest to the sounds of many birds. Please note - there are a couple of very steep gravelly sections on the fire trails and a pole is recommended. This is a joint CBC/BBC activity. → 18kms ↗ 780 cumulative ↘ 780 Map: Tidbinbilla Transport: We will all meet at Kambah Village Shops, Marconi Crescent, Kambah at 8.50am and car pool from there. $8 per person (based on 4 per car) plus Tidbinbilla Park Entry Fee if required. Limit: 10 Leader: Terrylea Reynolds. Book by: Sun 20 May, 2:00pm. See online...

Wed 27 Jun: Wednesday walks, Easy-Medium and Medium-Hard, NPA sponsored Wednesday Walks are a series of walks organised collaboratively with the Brindabella Bushwalking Club and National Parks Association (ACT). Further details are distributed by email a few days before each walk. The emails are sent to Club members who have selected the Wednesday Walk emails option in their Profile. Whether or not you are a member of CBC, before your first Wednesday walk, you must contact the walk leader. Please note that leaders retain the right to not accept any walker. Map: To be advised by email. Transport: Drive yourself to the meeting point, then shared. No need to book. Leader: John Danaro (easy-medium) and Mike Smith (medium-hard). See online...

Thu 28 Jun: Fence removal Gudgenby Valley (joint activity with NPA) - -/R NOTE: Some walking uphill may be required possibly with tools and equipment. Fence removal work can be demanding and hazardous and a reasonable level of fitness is required. REMINDER: the club does not have personal accident insurance. Please bring leather gloves, wire cutters and eye protection if you have these items. Activity dependent on good weather. Leader: Martin Chalk (NPA). CBC Co-ordinator: Quentin Moran [email protected] or 6288 9840 (h). All CBC enquiries and bookings to Quentin → 6 hours Map: Rendezvous Creek Transport: $32 per car. Limit: 6 (club members only) Leader: Quentin Moran. Book by: Mon 18 Jun, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

Sat 30 Jun - Sat 21 Jul: Pyrenees Haute Route - L/M Nineteen days of walking on the famed Pyrenees High Route on the border of France and Spain, from Lescun to Bagneres-de-Luchon. Stunning alpine scenery. Walking on signposted trails from refuge to refuge, carrying light camping gear as a back-up. Mostly buying meals in the refuges, though occasionally we may have to carry 1 or 2 days of food. Maximum altitude: 2983 m. Expressions of interest welcome prior to 14th February via 'Send Booking Request'; please describe your experience in multi-day walks. → 19 days of walking, including 4 days for rest or climbing nearby peaks ↗ Up to 1500 m per day ↘ Up to 1500 m per day Map: tba Transport: Arrange your own transport to Pau, France, and after the walk from Bagneres de Luchon onwards. Limit: Limit applies Leader: Karen Cody. Bookings: closed on 14 Feb . See online...

Wed 5 - Sat 29 Sep: 17 Days Walking Trip in Slovenia and Croatia in Sept 2018 - L/M We are aware that walkers of the Canberra and Brindabella Bushwalking Clubs are a fit bunch and like to plan ahead so Terrylea R and Janet D are planning an overseas walking trip in Slovenia and Croatia next year 2018 for your consideration. We intend staying at the towns of Ribcev Laz, Kransky Gora and then Bled in Slovenia and from these towns do approximately 14 day walks using public transport, where necessary. Walkers can do more walks if weather permits but we've also allowed for 3 rest days. From here we plan to travel to the Plitivice Lakes National Park, Croatia for 3 days of walks, staying in cabins. Interested members should be fit (ie Medium-Hard Wednesday walks fitness level), know basic first aid and willing to possibly lead some of the walks. Further details will be posted out in 2018 including dates and early costings. Please note that numbers will be limited and, if necessary, a wait list will be established. Please use 'Request a booking' to express interest, and add any comments e.g. 'Very interested but depends on ...' in the Comments box. Map: Kranjska Gora 1:30000 and Nationalpark Triglav.Kranjska Gora.Planica.Blec 1:35000 Transport: General costs will include your airfare to Slovenia, transport to Croatia, National Park entrance fees, all meals and public transport to and from the day walks. Participants will need to arrange their airfares and other transport to Slovenia. Participants may also need to arrange their own transport to the Slovenia accommodation. Accommodation: Accommodation will be in hotels in nearby villages with the aim of being within walking distance, easy public transport to the beginning of each walk. Limit: Numbers will be limited. Leaders: Terrylea Reynolds, Janet Duncan. Bookings: closed on 28 Feb See online...

(Thu 6) Sat 8 - Fri 21 Sep: Granite Belt National Parks, NSW and Qld - M/M/Part X Car camping with day and optional overnight walks in Sundown, Girraween, and Boonoo Boonoo NPs. I plan to do two 3 day walks, one in Sundown and one in Girraween. Beautiful rivers, big waterfalls, huge granite tors, spring flowers. See article in December 2017 IT for more detail about the country. The three day walk in Sundown NP will be partly exploratory for the leader and may entail some wading in the river. Map: See leader Transport: Drive to Tenterfield, northern NSW and beyond. Accommodation: Base camping in National Parks (tents or small vans), some of which will need to be pre-booked. Leader: Meg McKone. Book by: Sun 1 Jul, 2:00pm. See online...

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Activity Program

(Sun 16) Tue 18 - Sat 29 Sep: Bibbulmun Track - Walpole to Albany - M/M Walking the south east sections of the Bibbulmun track with rest days in small towns in between. Includes giant karri forest, the beautiful Frankland river, clifftop ocean views with a chance of whale sightings, beach walking, spring flowers and waterbirds, some safe swimming options in calm clear water. Can be combined with Stirling Ranges etc walk 2nd to 12 October; detailed itinerary for both the Bibbulmun and Stirling trips is attached. Paper maps = Bibbulmun Track, Map 7 Walpole, and Bibbulmun Track: Map 8 Denmark/Albany, 1:50,000, published by WA Dept Parks & Wildlife. → 126km + 85km Map: Overview map Transport: Airfare to Perth $400 to $700 return if you book early. Bus fare to Perth to Walpole $72. Bus fare Albany to Perth $82, or flight Albany to Perth $250 (no-change fare). Plus costs of local taxis to save road bashing at the start and end of some sections. Accommodation: Overnight accommodation in Perth, Walpole, Denmark and Albany. Costs to be confirmed. Limit: 7 Leaders: Peter Conroy, Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

(Fri 28) Sat 29 Sep - Tue 2 Oct: Tonalli Range-Lacys Tableland Exploration - M/R Drive to Yerranderie Friday afternoon or evening for a four day exploration of a remote plateau in the Blue Mountains. Ascend the plateau via Tonalli Pass and base camp for three nights at an upper tributary of Lacys Creek. Two single day walks: southwest to Tonalli Peak for views over Lake Burragorang and beyond; west and north to view Vengeance Peninsula, Shoobridge Mountain and Back Bimlow Walls. Return to Yerranderie via Tonalli Pass. Dramatic cliff views and prolific spring flowers. → 6-8 hours walking per day. ↗ Approx 500 metres up (and down) Tonalli Pass, moderate ups and downs along the tops. Maps: Yerranderie, Burragorang. Transport: ~520km, $203 per car, $51-$68pp. Limit: 8 Leader: Meg McKone. Book by: Tue 25 Sep, 2:00pm. See online...

(Sun 30) Tue 2 - Fri 12 Oct: Stirling Ranges, Ullala Creek and Fitzgerald River National Park - M/R/X The classic ridgeline walk of the Stirling Ranges. Spectacular and challenging walking several hundred metres above the surrounding plains. Wildflowers. Water at the high camp sites is unreliable - we will need to carry 1 night's water and/or put in one water cache. For walkers experienced in multi-day walks at CBC grade 'rough'. Can be combined with the much easier Bibbulmun Track walk 18th to 29th September. Also a 2 day walk along Ullala Creek in the Mt Frankland National Park, and coastal day walks in the Fitzgerald River National park. Detailed itinerary for both the Bibbulmun Track walk and the Stirling Ranges etc walks attached. Map: Tba Transport: Air fares to Perth $500 to $700 return if you book early. Bus fare to Albany $162 return, or fly approx $500 return (no-change fare). Share of AWD rental 12 days ex-Albany approx $330 per person if 3 in car. Accommodation: Overnight in Perth (x 2), overnight in Albany (x 3); caravan park camping in other locations x 5 nights - costs to be confirmed Limit: 6 Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

(Fri 12) Sat 13 - Sun 14 Oct: Murrumbidgee Jugiong to Gundagai - L/- Paddling the Murrumbidgee from Jugiong to Gundagai. We will travel to Jugiong on Friday evening and camp there. Early AM we will complete a car shuffle to the end point then paddle about 41km on Saturday (8 hours), followed by a shorter 25km on Sunday. Some grade 1 rapids. About 65km paddling (from Wee Jasper direction, 35km + 30km) Maps: Gundagai, Coolac1:100,000 Transport: ~$70/ per person ($140/car). Limit: 16 Leader: Rowan Peck. Booking required. See online...

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Activity Program

Sat 20 - Sun 21 Oct: Bushwalking NSW Annual Camp Meet bushwalkers from other NSW and ACT Clubs at this annual event organised by our peak body, Bushwalking NSW. The varied program will include optional day walks and training sessions e.g. on Minimal Impact Bushwalking. Camp overnight at the NPWS Bungonia Campground. → Varies - half day walks, full day walks, or camp-based training sessions. Map: Bungonia Transport: $106 per car Accommodation: Book your own camp site directly with NPWS: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and- accommodation/campgrounds/bungonia-campground Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

Mon 3 - Sat 8 Dec: Thredbo Village and KNP - A variety of walks S,M,L (E&M) - -/M From Silver Brumby Ski Lodge as our base we'll do a series of half and full day medium walks commencing on the Monday after lunch. Proposed walks include Dead Horse Gap, Cascade Hut and Kosciuszko, Merritts Nature Track and more. All walks are flexible - if the weather is terrible we may stay in the lodge and play cards or you can go to the AIS and swim. Map: Chimney's Ridge and Perisher Valley Transport: To be arranged once final numbers are confirmed. Cost is $156 per car (plus park entry if applicable). Accommodation: Silver Brumby Ski Lodge. Cost per night approx $40 per person. Includes a continental breakfast. Everyone gets their own room with ensuite. All linen is provided (a one-off surcharge of $22pp for the linen). BYO lunches and we can bbq on the deck at night for dinner. The lodge has the best view of the mountains in all of Thredbo. http://www.silverbrumby.com.au/Home.aspx Limit: 10 Leader: Terrylea Reynolds. Book by: Fri 7 Sep, 2:00pm. See online...

(Fri 11) Sat 12 - Sun 13 Jan: Opera House & Little Austria - L/R/Part X Travel to Jindabyne Friday evening to camp at Island Bend overnight. On Saturday, depart Charlotte Pass to Club Lake, over to Lake Albina, then down Lady Northcote canyon to Opera House Hut where we spend the night. On Sunday, ascend the ridge to Carruthers Peak, through the Little Austria area and alongside The Sentinel (rough, 900m climb), then via Blue Lake back to the cars. About 16-18km and 1500m of climbing. Note: I originally planned to go up the ridge of The Sentinel itself, but after recently studying the terrain from nearby peaks have decided that the terrain risks are too subject to conditions and other factors. → 16 to 18km ↗ 1500 ↘ 1500 Map: Perisher Valley Transport: About $150 per car plus KNP entry fees if applicable. Accommodation: Tents Island Bend Friday night; tents at Hut Saturday night Limit: 8 Leader: Rowan Peck. Booking required. See online...

Blue Lake Photo: Meredith Hatherly Canberra Bushwalking Club it April 2018 page 31

BulletinBulletin Board Board

The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if people participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and will not be covered by the Club’s insurance. Notices for the Bulletin Board should be emailed to the Walks Secretary [email protected]

World Environment Day Dinner 2018 Are you interested in coming along to the Conservation Council annual World Environment Day dinner on Saturday 2 June 2018 at National Arboretum Canberra? Hear guest speaker, Stuart Barry - author of The Rich Greenie - Financial strategies for living well while saving the planet and enjoy a night with colleagues from the Canberra Bushwalking Club at this important annual fund-raising event. Warm yourselves during the Canberra winter, as Janet Jeffs of Ginger Catering cooks up a treat using local, seasonal produce. Both vegan and vegetarian options are available. A three course meal plus champagne and canapes to start, and your ticket will include wine. Don’t miss out on unique regional food and wines, live music, inspiring speakers and a range of fun activities including a silent and live auction. Mingle with the best like-minded community of people passionate about the Canberra region’s air, water, flora, wildlife and land. Tickets start at $99 for early birds who take active transport to the event and include a three course meal plus champagne and canapes to start with bottles of wine at your table.

More information can also found on www.conservationcouncil.org.au under the Events Tab.

June 18 -23 (approx.) Mt Giluwe PNG Walk up Mt Giluwe 4300m, the second highest mountain in PNG and the highest volcano in Australasia. This is an off track high altitude 4 day difficult walk in an equatorial alpine environment. I first summited in 1983 and would like to try again. Possible extension to include the higher but easier Mt Wilhelm 4500m and other PNG walk options. David Poland 0407 011 737

Invitation to 2018 NSW and ACT Ski-Orienteering Championship, Perisher Valley, Nordic Shelter, 12th August 2018, Starting 9.30am This event forms part of XC Ski week (www.perisherxcountry.org ) with the start in front of the beautiful Nordic Shelter at Perisher. Everyone who loves or dreams of trying skiing or orienteering, will be able to take an opportunity to combine both skills and to take part. It is the only Ski-O event in Australia and among the only few in the Southern Hemisphere. There will be three types of events: Ski-Orienteering (Individual), Short (about 2.5km), Middle (about 5km) and Long (about 7.5km); Snogaine (teams of 2-3); and Family Treasure Hunt (adults with kids). Entry fees apply. Please register through Eventor starting April 2018; non-orienteers are welcome to register at Eventor too or to send registration to [email protected]. Inquiries to David Poland [email protected]

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Bulletin Board

Trekking in the Indian Himalaya: Ladakh-Zanskar traverse and mountains, forests and meadows of Garhwal I am planning an extended trekking trip in the Indian Himalaya in August-September, using a local trekking agency. The trip will comprise two stages; participants can undertake both or either of these stages. The first stage is a three-week trek across a large swathe of Ladakh and Zanskar, crossing several high passes and encompassing some of Ladakh/Zanskar's most spectacular scenery. It finishes at the Leh-Manali Road, and we will then have a number of rest days in the hill stations of Manali and Shimla and in the attractive Sangla Valley in Kinnaur district. The second stage is a 14-day trek in the Garhwal region of Uttarkhand state, linking two walking routes - the very scenic Rupin Pass and Har Ki Dun treks - and ending with a crossing of Bali Pass, down to the holy Hindu site of Yamunotri. The first stage is demanding and requires a high level of fitness; the second stage is an easier trek, though the two days spent crossing Rupin Pass and Bali Pass will be more demanding. If you think you might be interested in either or both parts of this trip, I have prepared a detailed information sheet that I can forward. Ian Turland, email [email protected]; tel 0452-110-212.

Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney 24-26 August Oxfam Trailwalker is an endurance challenge held to raise money for Oxfam. They are held in various cities at various times of the year. The next Sydney Trailwalker is to be held 24-26 August and the route is from the Hawkesbury River to Manly. You can walk 50km in 24 hours or a 100km in 48 hours. Find out more at https://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/sydney/ If you are interested you have an opportunity to join an existing Walk Team taking part in the above Sydney Trailwalker. We have two participants at present and require another two. If you are not able to walk the distance you can join the Support Team to help the walkers. We only have one support person currently and we need another three. Your duties will be to assist in the transport of clothes, food and other equipment plus providing food, water, first aid and motivation of team members at each checkpoint. If you are interested in either joining the walk team or the support team or just getting further information please contact Aman Singh - email [email protected]

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