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r o iitt C Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume: 48 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org Number: 4 May 2012 In this issue 1 Important dates 2 Canberra Bushwalking Club Committee 2 President’s Prattle 3 Walks Waffl e 3 Training Trifl es 3 Membership Matters 4 Review: Bushwalking after a broken leg 5 Canyoning in Bungonia 5 Notice of Motion 6 Mount Foxlow – more wire 6 PayPal payments canberrabus GENERAL MEETING 7 Activity program 8 pm Wednesday 16 May 2012 7 Equipment hire 7 Road closures Helicopters in the Mist – A trek to 11 Bulletin Board 12 Feeling literary? Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Presenter: Leanne Aust Important dates In October 2011 Club member Leanne Aust realised a dream to see the south side of the mighty Mt Everest. Her trip was spectacular, but not 16 MaMayy only in terms of magical mountain scenery. As they revelled in the rug- General memeetingetin ged beauty and majesty of this awesome landscape, little did the group 23 MaMayy know that leaving this magical mountain location would be more than a little thrilling! CommitteeCommittee memeeting 23 MMayay Main hall, SubmissionsSubmissions closec for Hughes Baptist Church, JuneJune it 11 JJuneune 32–34 Groom Street, Hughes Queen’sQ’Bi Birthdayhd Committee business

Canberra Bushwalking Club Committee

President: Phillip Starr [email protected] 0419 281 096 Treasurer: George Carter hree Club walks were run as part of the Canberra [email protected] Tand Region Heritage Festival program. On Sunday 6251 2130 15 April John Evans led a ramble in Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve for participants to see a border marker Walks Secretary: Rob Horsfi eld and hear something of the history of surveying the ACT [email protected] border about 100 years ago. The following Saturday John led a walk in Gudgenby valley to see Indigenous 6231 4535 rock art and the remains of European settlement. Then General Secretary: Stan Marks on Saturday 28 April, Jenny Horsfi eld led a ramble via the Heritage Trail to Orroral Homestead. Before [email protected] the return journey Jenny gave a most interesting talk 6254 9568(h) or 6274 7350(w) and they all enjoyed a cuppa and refreshments. In the process of contributing to the Canberra community Membership Secretary: Roger Edwards John and Jenny gave wonderful exposure to our Club. [email protected] Thanks to you both. 6288 7863 or 0406 378 217 As well as continuing to encourage multiple day walks Training and Safety Offi cer: John Evans we need at least two day walks each Saturday. [email protected] There is also a need for more Sunday walks. We have had up to 30 people looking to book on Saturday walks, 6288 7235 or 0417 436 877 which has required leaders to either turn people away Conservation Offi cer: Nathan Holt or enlist the help of another leader and split into two parties. Neither practice is satisfactory. We should not conservation@canberrabushwalkingclub. be turning people away and the logistics of planning a org walk for more than 16 is unfair on that leader. 0414 628 429 Please consider becoming a leader… it is not as hard as Web Manager: David Briese you may think and you will experience great personal [email protected] pleasure and satisfaction. Maybe you have led in the past or are currently leading and could lead just one 6286 3479 extra walk every quarter. Any contribution would be Editor: Alison Milton most helpful and welcomed by our Walks Secretary, Rob Horsfi eld. [email protected] 6254 0578(h) or 6289 2717(w) Linda Stone has been leading walks but is moving back to Queensland. Thanks for your contributions to our Assistant Walks Secretary: Keith Thomas Club Linda. We will miss you, please visit often. [email protected] A long time Club stalwart and popular walks leader, 6230 1081 or 0421 607 667 Jeff Bennetts, has a strong following on his walks, which regularly explore new areas. Unfortunately for Social Secretary: Lois Padgham us, Jeff will be dividing his time between Canberra and [email protected] Queensland and is unable to contribute to future walks programs except for an occasional short notice walk. 6231 3060 or 0402 962 638 Thanks for your contributions over many years Jeff Publisher: Tom George and we are glad that you will still be joining us in Club activities from time to time. [email protected] 6257 0613 I recently joined some fellow Club members on an abseiling training course in the Bungonia National All members of the Committee can be contacted Park. Like a lemming I followed others in my fi rst (and in one email to last) attempt at going down face fi rst. I was warned that it would hurt my guts… warning confirmed. [email protected] Backwards for me in the future and, I suspect, for CHECK IN: Ring Keith Thomas on 6230 1081 others in the party. WEB SITE: www.canberrabushwalkingclub. Phillip Starr org President

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Committee reports holes in the ground. I personally could A recent day trip on the Tidbinbilla do with a lesser number; they can be a Range west of Canberra in less than nuisance when one stops for morning ideal weather conditions provided tea or lunch. me with an opportunity to recon- In the meantime, good walking. sider certain walking guidelines: 1. Tailor your entry in the Walks

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r o C Program in it to attract the Walks Secretary appropriate party, by providing e wish Phil Gatenby a speedy an objective and factual walk Wrecovery from his recent description. In addition, tailor the accident—lower leg injury, walking in walk for those booked; the Croajingalong. The tally for this kind of injury in the Club is steadily increasing. 2. as well as planning the entire Please refer to John Evans’ ‘Training proposed route, have additional Trifles’ for the link concerning the exits planned; associated use of PLB and consequential chopper extraction. The event was well- 3. know the weather forecast for managed (post accident!) and written-up the area of the walk (I did for Canberra and was expecting it by Karen Cody to provide a record for helicopter medical evacuation training purposes. colder 1,000 m higher, but didn’t A was required on a recent Club know snow was forecast down to CBC’s contributions, at the time of trip. The experienced leader and 1,600 m!); party did a great job in getting the writing, to the ACT Heritage Festival’s 4. always carry the right gear for program, have been quite successful, casualty out as soon as possible. A report has been written and it makes extreme conditions. Extremities drawing good response from the public. get cold quickly – beanie for John’s trip centred on the Gudgenby excellent reading to reinforce for us all the issues involved. To access head and gloves for hands. A area, Jenny’s to the Orroral Homestead. waterproof shell is a must; Both were spoken of highly by partici- the report, go to the Club’s web pants, some of whom talked of joining site, click the Training and Safety 5. always have a route card with you the Club. button and follow the link. If you (a list of legs between bounds, do not have access to the web site with magnetic bearing, distance In the past month, Assistant Walks and wish to read it, contact me on and expected going) – it sure Secretary, Keith, reports a good level 0417 436 877. helps when the weather turns bad; of activity with only one trip cancelled. He noted that the number of overnight Your Committee takes its responsi- 6. sticks (especially across your pack-trips diminishes with the onset of bility of maintaining our Club safety line of travel) and rocks are cooler weather. But, I hope we can keep records seriously and we seek your dangerously slippery in the wet. a reasonable schedule of such going in help with the following: Don’t step on timber, step over; the winter months. There are many great • if you have a current First 7. a familiar place in ideal conditions venues and for those new to overnight Aid qualification, or are a looks and feels different in poor trips, they’re good opportunities for medical doctor or nurse, weather; trialing gear and gaining experience for please email training@ something more ambitious: less acces- canberrabushwalkingclub.org, 8. always be willing to consider sible local areas, the centre and far corners or ring me on 0417 436 877, and advice from party members; of Australia, including SW Tasmania and let me know; overseas. Trips like these are always on 9. never let the banter cease. the program, e.g. Green Gully, MacDon- • similarly, if you own and carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) John Evans nell Range and NZ in the April issue of it. Training and Safety Offi cer

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The Club has equipment for loan at cheap C rates; better to try-out gear and view what canberrabushwalkingclub.org, or others use before spending too much of ring me on 0417 436 877, and let one’s own hard-earned cash. me know. The overnight trips to Durras and This information will be held by Bundanoon in the next few months the Club committee and used in are becoming an annual institution. emergency situations. They have proven very popular; having The documents Guidelines for splendid walking venues and enjoyable Participants, Guidelines for Lead- PleasePlease ensure ththathatt you uupdatepddattean anyy accommodation in hostels/cabins. I’m ers and the Emergency Information changes to your email address told one needs to book early to secure a sheet have been recently updated. or inform the Membership place on these. They are available on the Club’s Secretary. web site via the Club Documents Several people have commented on New members: Graeme Ainsworth, the decrease in numbers of European button. If you have any comments on these updated documents, please Evelyn Chia, Walsa Fox, Yvonne Wasps sighted in the Namadgi over Wisbey, Christine Whitty the last few months. Speculation has email training@canberrabushwalk- it that it has been too wet for them, ingclub.org, or ring me on 0417 Roger Edwards g o r

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Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2012 – page 3 Review of General meeting talk

any members are breaking She was rescued by a helicopter, Central Australian landscape along Mbones these days and in fact, summoned by the party’s PLB and with some special images of wild- within days of this presentation, Meg’s mobile phone, and delivered life, including dingo pups, spinifex another walker bit the dust with a to hospital where she learned of the pigeons and Spencer’s Burrowing broken leg. So it was with some break. We saw an x-ray containing Frog. trepidation mixed with relief that we, many screws in one ankle that were the members of the audience who a testament to the seriousness of the Then Meg talked about a number of hadn’t suffered the same fate, settled mishap. other walks. down to hear how Meg managed her Gibraltar Range – Washpool recovery from a broken limb. Meg made the point that loss of muscle tone can be quite wide- National Park Meg opened by describing the spread, occurring not only in the This area in Northern NSW sounded conditions and terrain where she affected leg, but in other regions a wonderful area in which to walk. suffered the break. We learned a of the body from the waist down. It has a variety of landscapes includ- little about the break itself and She also made the point that using ing heathland, granite tors, swamps the difficulties of crutches. Meg crutches can damage hands. and rainforests. Day walkers are then went on to describe, with the well catered for and there is also a assistance of slides, the walks she Before the accident, Meg had been planning to lead a combined CBC/ 100 km 5-day walk. A good base is has done in the 13 months since the camping spot at Mulligans Flat. the accident. CMW 10 day walk in the MacDon- nell Ranges. The question was Tonalli Tableland In February 2011, Meg sustained would 6 months be long enough to the break in New Zealand as she recover and rebuild her strength for This 7-day trip took in wilderness was walking down some steep, this trip? bushland, which can be reached snow grass made slippery by mist. via Tonalli Pass from Yerraderie. After 5 months Meg was able to do It remains relatively untouched some test pack walks – because the construction of the one in the Budawangs Lake Burragorang dam cut off easy followed by a trip in access from Sydney. The tableland the Kananga Boyd area rewarded exploration with different including a descent fl ora in its different regions includ- down the rocky ridge on ing colourful waratahs, wonderful Mt Colong. With some campsites and interesting geological assistance the slope was formations such as the catacombs successfully negotiated on Bob Higgins Creek. and the MacDonnells trip looked doable. Japan At 6 months the Mac- After 9 months, Meg and others par- Donnells trip presented ticipated in a 2-week day walking some further challenges trip taking in the Kansai region of – it would be a 10-day Japan. The images showed intensely trip in the wilderness and coloured autumn leaves, temples Meg was to carry a 20 kg and very attractive countryside. pack. However all went At the end of the presentation, it well with the format of was clear that with a lot of grit, the trip allowing some determination and hard work, plus rest days when some some luck, walkers can be back of the more energetic walking 5 months after sustaining participants could do a broken leg. some challenging side trips. Meg showed some Lorraine Tomlins wonderful views of the

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Trip report

articipants on the Club’s fi rst exhilarating feeling to glide down track, the day was done. Our group Pcanyoning trip in over a year the side of a waterfall and to see it then proceeded to the iconic Paragon were treated to a spectacular experi- and hear it so close up. Cafe in Goulburn for a well-deserved ence. Bungonia Creek is a beautiful meal before heading home. place at any time – with lush green- As it was late summer/early autumn, ery, cascading waterfalls, interest- the swims across the pool were very Thanks to Monika for organising ing rock formations and inviting brrrrisk indeed, and Adam amazed such a terrifi c trip and to Dave for pools of water. On this occasion, the us with his stamina as he sat in one co-leading on the day. unusually wet summer had turned for an extended period belaying

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r o group members on one abseil that C the waterfalls into magnifi cent cas- Photos: Adam Lilley cades and the pools sparkled like dropped directly into the water. I am jewels in the sunlight as the water convinced he was once a polar bear thundered into them. in a past life! Our group of seven (Anne Gibbs- Our lunch was eaten beside one of Notice of Motion these pools, looking up at the dif- Jordan, Adam Lilley, Chris Roper, A trip is defined in the first Cynthia Burton, Ian Turland, ferent waterfalls gracefully fl owing over the cliffs and the lovely trees paragraph of the Standing Monika Binder and Dave Drohan) Resolutions as follows: - which included two recent ‘gradu- and vegetation around the area. I ates’ of the beginner’s abseiling was reminded again of how lucky I ‘A ‘trip’ in this document means course held in February – got off was to be there – canyoning gives any excursion for bushwalk- to an early start. Anne, however, us access to such remote and special ing, or allied outdoor activity, decided it wasn’t early enough and places in the wilderness that could that has been notified in the set her clock two hours back instead not be reached any other way. Club newsletter, or at a General of one hour back for daylight sav- We had one problematic rope snag Meeting’. ings, arriving at the rendezvous on the most challenging abseil of the point at 4.30 am. Well, something Since the Club now also noti- day—through part of a waterfall in fies trips via the Short notice had to happen to somebody, given nearly full fl ow—but luck was on that it was April Fool’s Day! email system it is proposed that a our side. Nic Bendelli, a well known motion be put to the June General Doing the canyon involved four fi gure to older Club members, and Meeting to amend the defi nition abseils past waterfalls, two of which another group of canyoners hap- to read: were around 40 metres each, fol- pened to come through at just that lowed by swims across the pools at time and saved Monika and Dave ‘A ‘trip’ in this document means the bottom. Our leader Monika, and some time and hassle retrieving any excursion for bushwalking, her co-leader Dave, made certain the rope. or allied outdoor activity, that that we were all safely geared up has been notifi ed in the Club After a pleasant fi nal trudge down newsletter, at a General meeting, and gave helpful tips on how to have the fast-fl owing creek, and a long a smooth and enjoyable descent or via the Short notice email and sweaty haul up the steep—but system’. down the ropes. It was a truly again lush and emerald-green—exit

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2012 – page 5 Trip report

ount Foxlow seems to be one The rest of the journey to the sum- Mof the walks run each year by mit was a thoroughly pleasant stroll the Club – looking at the old issues through open forest. We met up with of it on the CBC web site, a variant Phillip’s group at the top, just as they of the walk was fi rst run back in May were heading back down the moun- 2003. Despite being a ‘milk run’, it tain. We enjoyed a nice long lunch at remains a thoroughly enjoyable walk the top of the mountain, enjoying the and, on this occasion, an interesting view to the north through the trees. and valuable learning experience. The walk down the mountain and Twenty-four of us met at the usual back to the cars, parked on Woolcara Queanbeyan meeting spot, dividing Lane, was also nice and thankfully into six cars for the journey out to the mostly clear of old fences. In a Stan’s group walking down from the Yanununbeyan State Conservation fi rst for me, we crossed the path of summit Area. Given the size of the group, a wombat that was scurrying for Phillip split the group into two, with cover – I’ve never seen a wombat Stan leading the other group. outside the zoo. (our lunch spot) is apparently used to launch paragliders, one of the group With Phillip’s group motoring on Although an uneventful descent for noted they had not seen them in the ahead through the picturesque forest Stan’s group, Phillip mentioned it walks they’d done here. of the conservation area, Stan led the was a little different for his group— group of 11 of us through the forest they inadvertently strayed onto the Not today… the group watched and up the ridge line towards Mount wrong spur. There were a couple (and photographed) with rapt atten- Foxlow (1270 metres high). The of people in his group with maps tion, the launch and fl ight of three walk up to the summit was topped and compasses who assisted in the paragliders. The staff from the of by the loud calls of kookaburras. decision of the best route to take Australian Paragliding Centre hap- from there. pily answered the tonne of questions It was on the way to the summit we had, though I’m not sure they where school was in for me. The path The trip back into Canberra was time convinced any of us to take the leap!

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r o fences, meaning infrequent warnings The big one for me was the impor- Nathan Holt C of ‘more wire!’ Unfortunately, one tance of carrying the relevant map, a of these lengths of wire resulted in compass, and a fi rst aid kit… just in Stan falling and getting a nasty gash case… whether it’s the fi rst or tenth on his head. time on the route, even when not leading the walk. Although recep- PayPal payments Three of the group had fi rst aid kits tion can’t be relied upon, a charged and were able to patch Stan up. mobile phone can be very handy canberrabus Two of the group had 3G mobile when there’s reception in unexpected phones that had reception (Telstra places. And keeping current with the Members using the PayPal option and Optus), enabling us to update fi rst aid qualifi cations—I’ll be look- for Club payments should be Phillip on our progress. On the fl ip ing into the Club subsidy to refresh aware of the following: side, a straw-poll of the group found my fi rst aid qualifi cations. that only Stan had a map of the area. PayPal automatically registers The other big thing from the walk; payments as being to Canberra the Yanununbeyan State Bushwalking Club, however, Paraglider taking off from Pig Hill their system only recognises the Photo: Sue Bullivant Conservation Area is a hidden gem so close to fi rst 11 characters. Therefore your Canberra. The walks in statement may have a payment to the area, such as Mount ‘canberrabus’. Foxlow, are well worth Some members have mistaken walking more than once. this as an unauthorised payment PS: A demonstration of the and had the transaction cancelled. variety of things that can Each time this happens it costs the be seen on a bushwalk— Club $15. the following Saturday’s The Club is trying to change bushwalk was to the sum- this with PayPal, but in the mit of Pig Hill , just east of meantime, please be aware that the Brindabella National canberrabus may appear on your Park. Although the open bank statement.

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Activity program Activity program Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfi eld (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), Email: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley Place, Kambah, ACT 2903

Information for participants Distance and diffi culty Transport Distance: Costs are 40¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This (S) Short - under 12km/day amount may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on the condition of the roads and other factors. The fi gures given (M) Medium - 12-20km/day are for the car as a whole and then, at the discretion of the leader, (L) Long - over 20km/day an estimate or range per person. Park admission and camping Note: In calculating distance, 1 km is added for every 100 metres fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. climbed. Duty of care Terrain: Every person taking part in a CBC activity acknowledges that (E) Easy - fi re trail, tracks, beaches etc he/she does so voluntarily and that he/she may be exposed to (M) Medium - bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub risks that could lead to injury, illness or death, or to loss of, or (R) Rough - much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles damage to property. Each person is required to sign the Club’s (W) Wet - compulsory swims, many river crossings ‘Acknowledgement of Risks’ form. Visitors are welcome to join (X) Exploratory trips. However walkers are strongly encouraged to join the Club after a maximum of three trips. Booking Contact the leader early rather than late. Book by Thursday For further information see: 2.00 pm for the following weekend (both one-day and multi-day www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org walks) so the leader has time to arrange transport. Check with the leader about: Check-in after walks Before a trip leaders are to email or phone through the names X the need to carry water, tents/fl y, maps, etc of their party, and by 10 am the day after their trip report their X appropriate clothing, footwear safe return or trip cancellation, to the Check-in Offi cer, Keith X any precautions you might need to take for severe weather Thomas ([email protected], 6230 1081 changes. leave message if no answer). The Check-in Offi cer or the Walks Ask about anything you’re unsure of, especially if you are new to Secretary (6231 4535), not the Police or other bodies, should be the our Club. fi rst point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning.

Equipment hire Map scale is 1:25,000 unless otherwise stated Take advantage of the excellent gear that the Club has available for hire before lashing out on your own equip- ment. The Equipment Offi cer is Rob Horsfi eld, who can be contacted on 6231 4535(h) or to borrow the northside PLB, George Carter, 6251 2130 The equipment available and current rates per weekend/ week are set out below. Hirers are responsible for col- Road closures lecting and returning the equipment. The hiring charge (but not the deposit) is waived for members who are ‘fi rst The Cabramurra/Khancoban (KNP5) Road has time’ weekend walkers. been closed due to fl ood damage at Ogilvies Creek. A deposit of $20 is required and part or all of this will be Access by vehicle is not possible and the road is refunded, depending on the condition of the items upon closed until further notice. return and whether they are returned late. The ACT Government wishes to advise motorists and other road users that Mt Franklin Road in Item w.e./week Namadgi National Park, from Bulls Head picnic Olympus two person tent $15 / $40 area, is temporarily closed to allow for the upgrade Macpac Microlight one person tent $15 / $40 and repair of road culverts (which are used to divert 3 season bag, mat and liner $10 / $25 water under roadways). The works will improve the Assorted packs $5 / $15 road’s ability to manage heavy traffi c loads during Trangia and fuel bottle $5 / $15 a bushfi re emergency and is expected to take one Snow sleeping bag, mat and liner $15 / $40 month to complete. Personal locator beacon – nil (see website for conditions) GPS – nil (see website for conditions of use) Saturday 12 May: Gibraltar Rocks & Birrigai Check you have ALL the bits and pieces you need Time Trail – M/E when collecting and returning gear. Enjoy the opportunity to have a go at the new Tidbinbilla walking track to Gibralter Rocks, returning via the Birrigai Time Trail. A bit of a climb but a gentler gradient than the old fi re trail and rewards exist for the effort – there are expansive views from the huge granite rocks

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2012 – page 7 Activity program as well as from the path to and from the rocks. This fi re trail. Possibly an optional climb of one of the hills track winds enticingly over small creeks, around cool for a view, which would add a 150 metre ascent and gullies and through open grassland. If you are willing descent. The leader has not done this route before but to drive please advise when booking especially if you has walked nearby. Expect scrub & tussocky grass, some have an annual pass to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Map: rocky ground and maybe swampy ground. 19 kilometres Tidbinbilla, Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 if we fi nd the terrain fast, fewer if it’s slow and we skip 281 096(m), [email protected], Transport: ~ the hill climb. Map: Snowball Leader: Linda Groom: $9 per person, plus entry fees (if applicable). [email protected], 02 6281 4917 Transport:TBA 12–13 May: Coronet Peak – S/M–R An easy overnight trip, suitable to both beginners and those who would enjoy a pleasant overnight sojourn and the panoramic surrounds from the peak’s top. Base camp at Pond Creek. Maps: Corin Dam, Rendezvous Creek Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Transport: 112 km return, ~$45 per car. Sunday morning, 13 May: Mount Ainslie – S/E A walk to the summit of Mount Ainslie, a walk around the base and climbing to the summit on the north side. Descent on the sealed southern track. About 7 km and a 200 metre climb - home by lunchtime. Map: Mud map on the ACT TAMS website. Leader: Nathan Holt 0414 628 429; [email protected] Transport: Drive yourself Saturday 26 May: Orroral Hill – M/R/X but let me know if you need a lift. Beginning at the Orroral Tracking Station picnic area, we will follow the Granite Tors walking trail to the Lunar Laser tower and then head off in a south westerly direction to a saddle between Orroral Hill and a knoll to its north west. From the saddle we need to gain about 100 m to reach the Orroral summit. Half the walk is on a very steep track with the other half steeply off track. It involves a total climb of about 600 m and a distance of about 12 km. The going will be fairly slow and scrubby, with some scrambling. Map: Rendezvous Creek Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 2814 096(m) [email protected] Transport: $10, Limit: 8. Sunday 27 May: Orroral Valley up to Saturday 19 May: Harrisons Peak – M/M Legoland and return – M/M A walk through open forest near Captains Flat, initially on Park cars at the Orroral Valley carpark and walk up the a fi re trail to Harrisons Peak with views from Mt Coree fi re trail, about 400 m and continue onto the Honeysuckle to the Tinderries. We then walk largely off track along a Collimation Tower– well it used to be there. Walk along series of open ridges. Linear distance 12 km, about 500 m the ridge to Legoland. Explore the caves underneath and aggregate climbing during the day but with spectacular eat lunch dangling legs along the rocks looking at truly views. About 5¼ hours actual walking. Back via Purple spectacular views. After lunch walk on a kinda track to the Eatery. Map: Captains Flat. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 mass of rocks, some call Elephant’s Nest. From here we 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected]. descend the often slippery slope to the Orroral Valley fl oor. au Transport: ~$15 If lucky I’ll fi nd the track and we return along the shaded Sunday 20 May: Rendezvous Creek, valley track to the cars by about 4 pm. About 13 km and Boboyan Road – M/M–R climb about 400 m. Map: Corin Dam Leader: Janet Edstein 6288 1398, [email protected] Transport: $14 Nursery Swamp car park, top end Nursery Creek, Rendezvous Creek, down to Boboyan Road. Always a (25), 26–27 May: Durras weekend – Sat M/E, popular trip; requires a car shuttle. Map: Rendezvous Sun S/M Creek Leaders: Jenny & Rob Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) Leave Canberra Friday night, stay in comfortable Transport: ~130 km return, ~$52 per car. cabins at Depot Beach Caravan Park. Saturday will be Tuesday 22 May: Exploring the upper the spectacular Little Forest Plateau with views to the Shoalhaven – M/R/X Budawangs, Pigeon House and beyond. Lunch at Gadara Point or Ngaityung Falls. On Sunday, we do the Pretty A gently undulating walk with varied vegetation and a Beach–Pebbly Beach and return walk, with a mixture river which is pretty and has a pristine catchment, but of coastline and rainforest. Two superb walks, about is not spectacular. Two hours drive, to Krawarree Road 4½ hours Sat, 5 hours Sunday. Maps: Kioloa/Tianjara/ and then east on Currambene Road (note, not the same Milton Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), as Curranbene Creek Road) aiming to leave the cars at [email protected] Transport: ~$50, the swamp at approx 37 800E, 21 100S. A kilometre of Accommodation: about $50–$60 fi re trail, then down a gently-sloping grassy valley to the Shoalhaven, then 3 to 5 km down the Shoalhaven and back up another side valley, returning to the cars by g o r F

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Activity program Tuesday 29 May: Tuross Gorge below the Tuesday 5 June: Murrumbidgee River – M/M falls – M/R/slightly X From the old quarry on the Cotter Road descend to the A walk to the spectacular Tuross Falls and Gorge, mostly Murrumbidgee River and on to Casuarina Sands. Then off-track. Drive approx 2 ¼ hours to park at Tuross follow the river to Uriarra Crossing. If there is ample Cascades. Cross to the true right of the river and reach time will continue to Shepherds Lookout and return. the top of the falls via 2 km of light to moderate scrub & Short car shuffl e involved. In order to avoid the forests 2.5 km of fi retrail. Descend 150 metres to reach the river of blackberries it is likely that we will follow the ridges about 250 metres downstream of the foot of the falls for above the river for the 6 kilometres north of Casuarina. lunch. This descent is steep, sometimes loose underfoot Map Umburra and Cotter Dam Leader Roger Edwards and in places takes you within a metre or two of sheer 6288 7863 [email protected] (Please no cliffs, so needs previous scrambling experience. Cross the bookings between 22 April and 18 May as I will be away) river on boulders & scramble up 150 metres to exit the Transport ~$20 per car. Limit: 8 gorge. Then a couple of kms of scrub to the falls viewing platform. If time allows we will look for the rocky domes Saturday 9 June: Gibraltar Rocks & Birrigai shown on Google Earth at 727827E, 5988517S. Back to Time Trail – M/E the cars via about 3 km of foot track. The leader has done Enjoy the opportunity to have a go at the new Tidbinbilla all of this walk recently, except the possible side trip to walking track to Gibralter Rocks, returning via the the rocky domes. Map: Belowra Leader: Linda Groom Birrigai Time Trail. A bit of a climb but a gentler gradient [email protected] 02 6281 4917 Transport: TBA than the old fi re trail and rewards exist for the effort – there are expansive views from the huge granite rocks Tuesday 29 May: Walk and Talk: East Basin as well as from the path to and from the rocks. This and National Gallery – S/E track winds enticingly over small creeks, around cool Rendezvous on Menindee Drive, Grevillea Park (near gullies and through open grassland. If you are willing the Boathouse Restaurant) at 9.45 am for a walk, mainly to drive please advise when booking especially if you on bike paths, through the Jerrabomberra Wetlands to the have an annual pass to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Map: National Gallery, arriving there around 11.45 am for a picnic Tidbinbilla Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 281 lunch in the Sculpture Garden. Then journey to the Snowy 096(m), [email protected] Transport: ~ $9 per Mountain (fi guratively!) by attending Prof. Tim Bonyhady’s person, plus entry fees (if applicable). 12.45 pm talk on Eugene von Guérard’s North-east view from the northern top of Mount Kosciuszko 1863 in the 9–11 June: Budawangs – M/R Wog Wog – Burrumbeet Brook – Mt Tarn – Mt Haughton National Gallery’s Project Gallery. (The painting is of a – Mt Hoddle – Sallee Creek Wog Wog. Not much eleva- view towards Jagungal from Mount Townsend.) The talk tion change but some scrub. Maps: Endrick and Corang is free of charge and there is no need to register for it. After Leader: Keith Thomas 6230 1081(h) or kthomas@pcug. the talk, walk back across Kings Avenue Bridge to the cars. org.au Transport: ~$100 per car Limit: 8 Around two and a half hours actual walking. Transport: Drive yourself. Map: The Canberra and Queanbeyan Monday 11 June: Majura – Ainslie traverse – Walking and Cycling Map, follow link from http://www. L/E tams.act.gov.au/move/cycling/cycling_and_walking_map Starting from the end of the houses in Antill Street, Hackett, Leader: Jenny Horsfi eld 6231 4535(h) walking to the summit of Mount Majura, before heading Saturday 2 June: Wild Cattle Flat – S/E–M downhill to the valley between the two mountain. After Climb via a fi re trail east of Captains Flat to the trig sta- morning tea by the old Ainslie Dams, we’ll walk to the top tion atop the Bollard Ridge from which there are views of Mount Ainslie via the Old Tip Track for lunch. The return to the west. Then follow the ridge as it descends through to the cars will follow the track behind the houses in Ainslie open forest until you cross Ballinafad Creek. Lunch on a and Hackett. About 16 km long, all on track, with 600 metres hill above the creek, then cross Wild Cattle Flats and back in climbing. Map: Hall / Canberra, Leader: Nathan Holt to the cars through open forest. All on trail or easy off 0414 628 429 or [email protected] Transport: ~ Drive track. 8 km, 300 m aggregate climb, about 4 hours actual yourself but tell me when you book if you need a ride. walking. Return via the purple eatery. Map: Tinderry. Wednesday 13 June: Wednesday Walk – CBC – M Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. Coordinator: Janet Edstein ([email protected]) [email protected] Transport: ~$20 Saturday 16 June: Murrumbidgee River Sunday 3 June: Smokers Trail carpark to corridor – Casuarina Sands to Kambah Orroral Valley carpark cross-over – L/E Pool – M/M A chance to walk the whole scenic Orroral Valley. Either Starting from Casuarina Sands, a walk following the start from the Smokers Trail carpark and walk mainly Murrumbidgee River corridor to Kambah Pool. About downhill through alpine forest or start from the Orroral 14 km in all. Car shuffl e required. Map: Cotter Dam/ Valley carpark and walk uphill with about 400 m climb to Canberra/ Tuggeranong, Leader: Nathan Holt 0414 Smokers Gap. About 20 km and 400 m climb. We meet 628 429 or [email protected] Transport: ~ Drive at Sawpit Creek for lunch and exchange car keys. Drivers yourself but tell me when you book if you need a ride. need to be aware that there is a car swap before the walk so that all walkers eventually walk back to the car they started Saturday 16 June 2012: Gorilla Rock, with. Also I need another leader to help with this walk. Map: Booroomba Rocks – M/R Corin Dam, Rendezvous Creek Leader: Janet Edstein 6288 We walk along the AAT from Honeysuckle Creek Camp 1398, [email protected] Transport: $14 Ground before heading off into the bush to Gorilla Rock for morning tea and then through bush to Booroomba Rocks with a steep climb and rock scrambling along

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2012 – page 9 Activity program the way. We will enjoy lunch, with great views, at Saturday 7 July: The Peaks of Goorooyarroo Booroomba Rocks then return via walking track. Map: – S/E Corin Dam Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 This walk on the northern fringe of the city traverses, 281 096(m), [email protected], Transport: partly on and partly off track, a series of hills with $10 per person. spectacular views over the city and to the Brindabellas. Saturday 16 June: Black Mt and Aranda Be at the parking area on the northern side of Horse Park Drive about 1.5 km toward Gungahlin from the Federal Bushland – M/E Hwy junction (Gungahlin exit) at 8.30 for this walk – Meet at 9.30 am in the car park opposite 160 Dryandra and be home for lunch. About 4hrs walking. Map: n/a Street, O’Connor. This walk traverses the Bruce Ridge then Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. crosses into the Black Mt Reserve. Traverse the reserve, [email protected] Transport: drive yourself following the track part way up the mountain, then along but please book as usual; there may be someone from the lake to Yarramundi Peninsula for lunch. Home via the your area who needs a lift. cork plantation and the Aranda Bushland. All on track, about 5 hrs walking. Map: Canberra Leader: Stan Marks Sunday 8 July: Red Hill Nature Reserve – 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@infrastructure. M/E–M gov.au Transport: drive yourself but please book as usual; Starting from Deakin, walking to the summit of Red Hill, there may be someone from your area who needs a lift. taking in the great views along the ridgeline to Hindmarsh Drive. Follow the eastern and northern edges of the reserve back to the cars. About 10 km in all, fi nish by lunchtime. Map: Canberra. Leader: Nathan Holt 0414 628 429, [email protected] Transport: ~ Drive yourself but tell me when you book if you need a ride. 7–8 July: Mount Kelly–Mount Scabby – M/R Boboyan – Mount Kelly – Mount Scabby – Sams Creek. Expect a cold night. If weather or snow conditions are unsuitable, this walk will be relocated. Maps: Yaouk and Rendezvous Creek Leader: Keith Thomas 6230 1081(h) or [email protected] Transport: ~$70/car Limit: 8 Saturday 23 June: Faunce Hill – M/E Faunce Hill is on the eastern side of the Queanbeyan Wednesday Walk 11 July: Mt Palerang – M/M River gorge on the northern end of Googong Dam. The Palerang is a mountain near the Great Dividing Range walk is a mixture of on and off track, starting at the end south of the Kings Highway (the pointy one on the right of Wanna Wanna Rd (off Captains Flat Road) thence as you approach Braidwood). Access is via Captains Flat through open forest to the Hill and south to lunch on an Road, Briars Sharrow Road, Plains Road, Hoskinstown open ridge before wandering back to the cars. Plenty of Road, Forbes Creek Road and Mulloon fi re trail to the variety and good views including Gingera and Bimberi. ford over Mulloon Creek. On a clear day you can see About 5½ hours walking. A mixture of on and off track. Braidwood, the Budawangs and the Brindabellas. The Map: Hoskinstown Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), access ridges have moderate scrub, rock scrambles and 6274 7350(w), [email protected] a rock climb. There are also a few kilometres of fi re Transport: ~$10 trail walking. Distance: 11.3 km, Climb: 500 m Map: Bombay Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 281 Sunday 24 June: The Perpendicular Slot, 096(m), [email protected] Transport: ~ $10 Camel Rock, Churinga Head, Myall Ridge per person. We will meet at Queanbeyan Swimming (Ettrema) – S/M–R Pool, Campbell Street for an 8:30 am start. A fairly long drive (with early start) via Tarago and Nerriga. Thursday 12 July: Walk & Talk: Botanic There will be some scrub and Gardens and Black Mountain – S/E scrambling but the walk is Some exercise for both body and Brain. Rendezvous at only about 8 km long and has the Botanic Gardens car park at 9.20 am. We will walk only short climbs. The views through the gardens and then, by a devious combination along the clifftops overlook- of tracks, around and over Black Mountain, returning ing Ettrema Gorge are excel- to picnic on the Eucalypt lawns around 11.30 am. At lent and we will have time 12.30 pm we will hear how our Club emblem is surviv- for plenty of stops to enjoy ing by attending a free talk in the Gardens Theatrette them and several interesting on ‘Saving the Northern Corroboree Frog in the ACT’. rock features along the way. The speaker is ecologist Dr Murray Evans. Admission The top of Myall Ridge is perched in the middle of the to the talk is by gold coin donation; no need to book gorge. Maps: Nerriga and Touga. Leader: Jeff Bennetts for the talk. Transport: drive yourself, or catch Action 0418 662 870, [email protected] Transport: bus route 3 from Woden or Belconnen, alighting in ~320 km return, ~$128 per car, ~$32–$40 per person Daley Road, ANU. Map: Black Mountain Nature Limit: 12 Reserve Leader: Linda Groom 6281 4917 lbgroom@ gmail.com http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/ pdf_fi le/0016/13246/cnpmapblackmountain.pdf

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Bulletin board Saturday 14 July: Winter snowscape – Painting and/or photography – S/E Why not create or capture your own Winter Wonderland Snowscape, either with brush or camera. We’re planning a short trip to the Brindabella National Park, possibly Top Crossing or the Sawmill ruin. Hopefully we’ll fi nd snow on fl owering wattle or other Winter marvels to paint or photograph. Clothing suitable for snow should be worn e.g. boots, jumper, parka, long trousers, gloves and beanie - if it is cold. Map: Umburra Leaders: Alison Milton & Gösta Lyngå. Bookings to Alison 6254 0578(h), 6289 2717(w), [email protected] Transport: ~$24 per car, $6–$8 per person. Saturday 14 July: Mundoonen Nature Reserve – M/E–M This reserve is just south of the Hume Highway between Gunning and Yass. We will explore the reserve, which is undulating with a cover of open forest. A mixture of track and easy off track. About 4½ hours actual walking. Map: Gunning 1:50,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), [email protected] Transport: ~$15 (20), 21, 22 July – Southern Highlands bushwalking bonanza Drive down Friday night to the Bundanoon YHA, where we stay the weekend. Mt Carrialoo (to be led by Barry Keeley on Saturday) is brilliant and if you like spectacular views and a bit of a challenge, you will love it. On Sunday, we will walk the spectacular and beautiful Bargo Gorge, twice as deep and twice as wide as Boxvale, on track. The YHA is a renovated early 20th century home of delightful ambience. Shared meal on Saturday evening. About 5 hours walking each day. Maps: Bundanoon and Picton Leaders: Stan Marks and Barry Keeley. Bookings to Stan: 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan. [email protected] Transport: estimate per person ~$60, accommodation ~ $60 for the weekend. (20)21– 22 July: Beginners cross country ski weekend – S/E ing trail. From the end of the trail we walk off track to Two days of informal instruction and short ski tours in the Nursery Hill where we will have lunch. We will then Mount Selwyn/Three Mile Dam area, from accommoda- return, off track, roughly parallel to the walking track tion near Adaminaby. Suitable for complete beginners we came in on. We will turn back to meet the walking who are reasonably bushwalking-fi t, though people with track at about its half-way point. From there we follow several weekends cross-country skiing experience will the track back to our vehicles. This walk is almost half also benefi t. We have booked a cottage for six (1 Queen on track while the rest will be off track. If the going is bedroom and 2 x twin bedrooms) at Snowy Mountains too diffi cult or we are pressed for time we can return to Alpine Cabins, 8 km from Adaminaby. Accommodation the walking track earlier. Distance around 15 km with cost will be around $100 per person for the 2 nights; BYO climbs totalling about 450 m. Map: Rendezvous Creek, linen and food, including something to share for dinner. Leader: Phillip Starr 6161 3835(h), 0419 281 096(m), Full, non-refundable payment for the accommodation [email protected], Transport: ~ $11 please within a week of your signing up for the trip. Alternatively you can book your own accommodation in Saturday 28 July: Square Rock and Smokers Adaminaby, or snow camp. BYO skis, stocks and boots Trail – M/M (rent in Cooma). If there is insuffi cient snow, we will Square Rock is one of my favourite ACT walks. A track do walks in the area with grades up to M/M. Map (for through bush from the Square Rock car park marks the skiing) Cabramurra. Map if we end up bushwalking: beginning of this walk to a group of boulders that are a Tantangara.. Leaders: Linda Groom & Peter Conroy, great place for lunch. Fantastic views on a clear day. On [email protected] 02 6281 4917 Transport: the way back we peel off to join the Smokers Trail until ~$70 per person we come to Smokers Trail car park. Car shuffl e required. Saturday 28 July: Nursery Swamp & Nursery Map: Corin Dam, Leader: Nathan Holt 0414 628 429 Hill – M/R or [email protected] Transport: ~ $10 We will leave from the Nursery Swamp car park just off Orroral Road and follow the Nursery Swamp walk-

Canberra Bushwalking Club it May 2012 – page 11 Feeling literary? Membership fees 2011/12 Item Single Household Have you had a great experience on a ClubClu walk? Been Hard copy it $46 $73 movedd to write about it, either inn proseproosee or verse?vve Felt the Electronic it $27 $54 urge toto see youryour name in print?printt? OrOr eveneven justjujus taken some great photo shots that youyouu wouldwoould likelikike tot share.shhare The CClublub welcomes contributionscoonnttributit ono s fromfromm membersmemb so why not write about an interestinginteresstting experienceexxperrieennce on a walkw or just an enjoyableable walk. Alternatively,Alteernatitivevely, sendsesennd in a photophoto or two with a Wednesday walks short paraparagraphgraph aboutabboout it/them.itt//theemm. Medium walks (M/M, M/M–R, L/E–M) are conducted The closinglosing datedatee forforo eacheaach issueissssue of itt is the dadatete of the 4th every Wednesday. Walks are conducted in turn by Wednesdaynesday ofof everyeveeryr month.moonthh. HandwrittenHaH ndwritten and posted mate- leaders from the CBC, Brindabella Bushwalking rial is acceptable,accepttabablee, butbubut emailememaia l iss preferred.prer ferred. We alsoa welcome Club and National Parks Association (ACT). Details photographs,graphhs,s preferablypreefeferar bly ass separatelysepaarately scannedscanne items or about destination and meeting place are emailed to digitall images.imaaggeses. WeWe cancan scanscacan originalorigginal photographs.photogra Contact: those on the Wednesday Walkers email list. Contact Ph 6254254 0578,0505787 , [email protected] @c@ annbeberrrraabushwalkingc Janet Edstein [email protected] to get your Post: 200 OO’Sullivan’SSulullilivvan Street,Street, HIGGINS,HIGGINS, AACTCT 2261561 name on the email list. Janet coordinates the CBC’s Alison Milton,Milto Editor contribution to these walks.

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

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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

May 12

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