THE NEWSLETTER OF CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB itit Volume 42, Number 6 July 2006 Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc PO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601

JULY GENERAL MEETING 8pm Wednesday 19

The Kokoda Track – a pilgrimage Presenter: Phil Quinton

During April of this year Phil travelled with three friends to Papua New Guinea and walked with a trekking company along the Kokoda Track. See photos and hear of his experiences on this increasingly popular route for Australians. Main meeting room, St. John’s Church Hall Constitution Avenue, Reid

Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 page 1 within a general municipal services most interesting and was surprised President’sPresident’s portfolio and there is no longer a at the well-preserved appearance of Minister for the Environment. the paintings. The topic drew a good PrattlePrattle (President’s Report March-May crowd to our monthly meeting and 2006). the detective story of how the reported origins of the paintings and The Lower Cotter Draft Strategic Committee Matters the likely identity of the artist were Plan of Management has been he Committee agreed at its June validated was a tale worth hearing. released for public comment. The meeting to place all Committee At least one group has been formed T Conservation Council, scientists Minutes dating from September to take up Linda’s invitation to visit and others have been actively 2005, on the Club’s protected the National Library to examine the lobbying to stop the replanting of website to provide easy access for actual paintings. pines in this water catchment. members. With the rise in petrol costs one The Conservation Council is organ- George Carter has been busy expects an appropriate increase in ising a Climate Change campaign updating the booklet he authored transport charges on club trips. meeting to be held on 26 July at entitled, Finding Your Way in the Some leaders have already started 7pm. They are asking member Bush. This booklet provides to do this, hopefully with the groups and supporters to identify excellent guidance to bushwalkers agreement of their participants.I individuals within their networks on how to navigate in the bush. A understand that a motion will be put who would be interested in sub group of the Committee has at a club meeting, recommending becoming directly involved in this been providing George with an increase from 33.3 to 36 cents campaign over the next year. For comments on the revised drafts. The per kilometre per car. Leaders are further information people who Club intends to re-print the updated requested to be careful and rigorous want to become involved at the version this year with the assistance with their distance and costs individual level can contact Adrian of a grant from the ACT calculations. Some recent estimates Whitehead on 6247 7808 or adrian government. for trips haven’t been right. @ecoaction.net.au A majority of members voted in In recent weeks I have noticed favour of re-registering the Club’s Rene Davies several Flame Robins in the Corroboree frog trademark at the President paddocks. It has been said that they June meeting. The trademark will come down from the high country be re-registered for a period of ten WalksWalks when it gets too cold. This last June years for a total cost of $300. has been Canberra’s coldest for 20 WaffleWaffle years, so I was surprised that they Following comments by a Club didn’t keep moving. When I look member the Committee agreed to at the legs of those birds I wonder refine the wording on the erence Uren’s article on light- if they ever suffer from frostbite; disclaimers in the Membership Tweight food and energy needs so thin and seemingly not insulated? Application and Membership has been a point of conversation Renewal forms. These changes among a number of people over In the meantime, good walking! have now been incorporated into recent weeks, and it complements Rob Horsfield those forms appearing in IT and on his previous information on gear Walks Secretary the Club website. very well. Remember though, that In June the Club purchased a laptop the quantities prescibed have a computer for use particularly for statistical base and one needs to MembershipMembership slide presentations at Club meetings evaluate them personally. mattersmatters and also for the preparation of IT. It’s sad and too late to find out that one might need extra, part-way into Environmental Matters ew members: Robert Cussel, Jenny Bounds, President of the a trip. On the Bibbulmun Track Terence ate well using his NIan Chalmers, Heather Conservation Council of the South Dornoch, Willi Ryan, Louise and East Region and Canberra, has prescribed food schedule and he didn’t look too thin at the end of Michael Thake, Susan Neild, expressed disappointment with Bernadette Wheller, Lois Selby aspects of the ACT Government’s the trip either. recent Ministerial re-shuffle, where I found the talk on “natural history Allan Mikkelsen the environment has been absorbed water colours from the First Fleet” Membership Secretary

Page 2 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 Photos: Leanne Aust

TheThe GreatGreat NorthNorth WalkWalk 2929 MayMay -- 88 JuneJune

Participatnts: Jenny Horsfield (leader), Leanne Aust, Janet Edstein, Terence Uren, Judy Dann, David Pembury, Judith Webster, Mark Hopkins, Margaret Roseby

ate Grenville called the KHawkesbury ‘The Secret River’ in her wonderful novel about early settlement in Sydney. There are still many ‘secret places’ in the country between Sydney and Newcastle, as we discovered recently on the Great North Walk, which winds for 250km between Top: Judy and Terence looking out over Lake Macquarie. Above: Road bash these two cities. along the Congewai valley Nine members of CBC recently undertook this 12-day walk and can vouch for its excellence. The signage is clear, the track is well maintained, and the route has been imaginatively designed to take the walker through largely unspoilt terrain for much of its length. In fact we were amazed to find such pristine, beautiful forest so close to the metropolitan areas and motorway. The heavily dissected sandstone country around the Hawkesbury was always considered too rough for either farming or settlement so by default it ended up as a national park. over Judith and Jenny heading north along the coast on the last day Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 page 3 Further up the coast, settlers pushed west, clearing land for grazing, orchards and dairies in the Hunter Valley. Having discovered cedar, the ‘red gold’, they cut down down the stands of giant trees and hauled them on bullock drays down to the Hawkesbury where they were shipped to Sydney. Part of the walk follows one such track, the Bumble Hill dray track, contouring round a steep, rocky hillside for over 4 km. However very little of the walk is through cleared land. We did the walk in late May/early June, which provided ideal walking conditions though short daylight hours. At this time of year the banksia are in flower on the sandstone Janet, Jenny and David enjoying a sun shower plateaux, and in many of the gullies the beautiful tall Gymea lilies are just coming into bloom. One problem to be considered when planning this walk is the scarcity of water points. During the current drought The walk officially begins at Macquarie Place near many of the creeks have dried up. CALM (Dept of Sydney Cove and goes up through Lane Cove Conservation and Land Management) has provided water National Park. We began the walk at Hornsby railway tanks at certain points on the route but they are widely station. The first two days takes you through the separated and not always at points where one might want Galston Gorge, up onto the plateau above Berowra to camp. Most of our camps were dry camps, to which we Waters and then over to Jerusalem Bay, a quiet inlet carried water for half a day or more. on the Hawkesbury. From there the route climbs back up onto the sandstone The small village of Yarramalong, half-way along the route, plateau and you head down to Brooklyn railway is an ideal place to pick up new provisions at the general station, where you take the train across the river to store, or post them there. We stayed at a convenient and Wondabyne station. An alternative route includes a comfortable B&B, which also accepted food parcels by ferry ride to Patonga, at the mouth of the Hawkesbury, post. From Yarramalong, there is an 11km road bash to and a climb up onto the plateau from there. the next track head. We paid a local man to give us a lift, and would advise others to do this. It gives you an extra West of Wyong the route climbs up into the Watagan three hours on a 39km stretch where water is uncertain, Mountains, and then follows the steep wooded tops and where the walking can be steep and strenuous. The of the Myall Range, due east towards the northern lift to the track head allowed us to collect water en route end of Lake Macquarie. Both of these mountain and break this section into two days with just one dry camp. ranges provide wonderful walking. Parts are State Forest, but there are still areas of old-growth forest The third last day of the walk brings you back to civilisation that offer a real sense of grandeur and remoteness at Heaton Gap, where the main road heads north to among huge spotted gums and in steep rainforest Cessnock and the Hunter Valley. Then, as you approach gullies ringing with lyre bird and bell bird calls. Newcastle, comes the roar of the motorway and a landscape

Early morning Warners Bay

Page 4 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 infested with lantana and other weeds, plus the usual abandoned cars and litter. But soon the walk veers off into forest, and a delightful and peaceful camp on a grassy ridge among casuarinas and grass trees. At night we could see the lights of Lake Macquarie on one side of the ridge, and to the west, the scatterered lights of Cessnock and the Hunter Valley. The last two days contain some road bashes, but there are compensations in the early- morning walk around the northern end of Lake Macquarie, with views over water as fine as the Mediterranean. Our final camp was at Glenrock Lagoon and then, a walk along the coast to Janet, David and Terence climbing out of the Yarramalong valley Newcastle on a day of sunlight and distant storm clouds (signs of the heavy rain which Sydney had during our walking friends, this is an excellent trip which will leave walk). For those who like the ‘ups and downs’ of you with many fine memories. extended walks and have the company of congenial Jenny Horsfield

together? This has to be the easiest, of thing on a first bushwalk. I mean, HowHow dodo youyou likelike fastest and cheapest way of getting nice girls don’t, do they? our washing done. youryour undies?undies? The frugalist: I actually quite The qualified lumper: Well, I enjoying washing my own socks agree in principle but I think we and I only have a few other things Long distance bushwalking can get should at least separate whites and to do. If it’s OK with everyone, I pretty up close and personal at times coloureds and I don’t think we won’t send anything to the laundry and, after a few days on the track should allow dirty handkerchiefs, – I’ll just do my little bit of washing with a companionable group, it’s not because of the germs they carry, and by hand. unusual to feel that you know all that I’m not sure what we should do there is to know about your fellow In a case study of consensus about undies and … travellers. When you reach this decision-making gone mad, we then level of intimacy, it can come as a spent most of a morning working up great shock if the group an elaborate laundry plan that subsequently fractures over a respected everyone’s preferences, seemingly insignificant aspect of the kept the number of loads to the least trip, as happened on the club’s possible and minimised the time we recent Great North Walk. had to sit around dressed in rain gear and sleeping bag liners waiting for A series of dry camps had restricted our clothes to dry. opportunities for washing of clothes and bodies. By the end of the first This turned out to be pretty pointless week, we were all pretty rancid and really for, when we arrived at agreed that we should take Yarramalong, our no-nonsense The splitter: In my opinion, we advantage of a laundry service laundress simply handed us a large should do a load of socks, a load of available at Yarramalong, the half plastic bag with the instruction “Just underwear, a load of thermals, a way point of the trip. Unfortunately, put everything you want washed in load of shirts and so on. that was about all we could agree here.” on and, in a display of disunity not The outsourcer: I just want to hand A victory for the lumpers? Not seen on a club trip since the over a bag of my dirty washing and quite, for when the bag was Kowmung campfire fiasco of 1966, get back a bag of my clean washing. returned, full of our clean clothes, the group proceeded to divide into I don’t want to know what happens every pair of underpants was a number of apparently in between. It’s just too horrible to missing. These turned up a bit later, irreconcilable factions. The bear thinking about. all rolling around happily together argument went something like this: The observer of proprieties: I don’t in a separate bag. The lumper: I don’t see what all the want my frillies mixed up with his Spooky isn’t it? fuss is about. Why don’t we just boxers. We only met a few days throw everything in the machine ago and I don’t normally do that sort Terence Uren

Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 page 5 AA FirstFirst FleetFleet whodunnit: June General Meeting

uspense silenced even the most Stalkative bushwalker when Linda Groom told the detective story about how she found the truth behind 56 unsigned and undated watercolours from the First Fleet. The National Library of , where Linda – a CBC member since the 1970s, is Curator of Pictures – purchased these beautiful pictures of birds and plants after Linda had proved that the Midshipman George Raper had done the paintings when his ship Sirius was being repaired at Mosman Bay in June to November 1789. In her illustrated talk at the June Club meeting, Linda followed in Raper’s footsteps 216 years later and found the same plants and birds in the same location at the same season. Linda presented many arguments to prove the authenticity: watermarks on Variegated fairy-wren, one of George Raper’s exquisite watercolours the paper, connections with the Ducie family where the paintings were convinced us that this was the case The members accepted the found and the style and material of and not the other way around. conclusions, were impressed by the the paintings in comparison with detective work and are now looking other Raper paintings. A further argument for authenticity forward to seeing those beautiful was that Raper himself copied originals in our National Library. An interesting aside was the fact that Thank you Linda! what in fact were his own studies Captain John Hunter copied a Gösta Lyngå number of Raper’s paintings; Linda and then signed the end result.

Letter to the Editor t has come to my notice recently do in fact lead trips of widely I might lead really hard walks.) that, yet again, some members of differing levels of difficulty, and also I I would like to encourage walkers the club are taking it upon themselves put on walks that are specifically who are interested in doing some to advise others not to go on the walks aimed at beginning overnight different trips in new areas with of those who lead reputedly “hard” walkers in terms of the level of different leaders, to discuss the walks, on the grounds that the trips difficulty and the extra help being walk and their own experience and will be beyond their capabilities. offered. To cite my own fitness level with the leader, in Since these self-appointed advisers experience, I have had participants order to gain a genuinely realistic have usually not been on any trips led on my trips who have been advised assessment of whether the trip is by the leaders so named, and have against coming, but in fact have likely to be within their capabilities, no first-hand knowledge of the walks coped very well and enjoyed the rather than rely on inaccurate in question, their advice is walk. (Members of the other hearsay opinions. questionable, to say the least. bushwalking club I belong to would Most of our leaders of “hard” walks fall about laughing at the notion that Meg McKone Page 6 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 Photos: Doug Mackenzie JervisJervis BayBay JauntJaunt 2424 -- 2525 JuneJune

Participants: Stan Marks (leader); Carol Anderson, Sharyn Czanki; Judy Dann; David Eager; Brigette Fischer; Gad Fischer; John Gieroszynski; Michael Gorgolewski; Eva van Gorsel; Karen Jackson; Sue Jellis; John Lang; Doug Mackenzie; Pamela Mathie; Manuel Pfeiffer; George Polubinski; Juliette Ruffell; Rosanne Walker; Michael Weston; Amanda Williams; Ru Xian

ith military precision, a onto the Illawarra Highway, made and I’d forgotten how impressive Wconvoy of cars that had its way through Mittagong, and they are – and there’s not just the gathered together at the Marulan BP drew to a halt in the parking area at one waterfall – even when the roadhouse set off along the Hume Fitzroy Falls. Under Stan’s creeks are quite low. command, we formed the Highway, led by Stan Marks’ After a leisurely lunch at the Falls customary circle and tried to venerable burgundy Toyota Seca. It café, we drove down the escarp- remember each other’s names, then was 9.30 on a very cool and breezy ment to the beautiful – although set off (some via a comfort stop) at Saturday morning, and it had taken very “touristy”, Kangaroo Valley, a very comfortable pace to admire some persuasion to prise people then on through Nowra to our the spectacular scenery. away from the coffee, cakes, and destination, Huskisson, on Jervis warmth. It had been many years since my Bay. There we checked in to our After a while, the convoy turned off first and only visit to Fitzroy Falls, over Fitzroy Falls: the past 240 milion years eeing the lines of cliffs, metres or more as part of a long, low Ssoaring over deep V-shaped arch that was close, and almost valleys below, impressed on me parallel, to the then east coast. yet again the power of nature. The arch began, as it grew higher, The layers of hard sandstone that to split lengthwise along a series of forms the cliffs, and the shale, rift valleys that formed along its siltstone and softer sandstone in crest. The eastern side of the arch the valleys below, were originally began to move away as the rifts deposited in coastal river deltas merged and the rift-valley floor and a shallow sea about 240 subsided beneath the sea, leaving a million years ago. line of coastal cliffs to the west. Just before a strip of continental Rivers, creeks and waterfalls have crust (now mostly submerged, but eroded those cliffs back to where protruding as we see them now, and have cut and part of New Zealand) began to through the thick layers of rock split away from eastern Australia, down almost to sea level, in just 85 about 90 million years ago, these million years – a mere “tick” of the rocks were pushed up about 1,000 geological clock.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 page 7 comfortable cabins in the caravan park. We then drove south and east around the Bay, into Booderee National Park, and to a car park near Governor Head, the southern headland at the entrance to the Bay. From there we enjoyed an easy walk to the headland and marvellous views across Jervis Bay, across the entrance to the Bay, and north to Point Perpendicular. We then walked south along the cliff-fringed coastline, admiring some more superb coastal views, including two quite spectacular sea caves. Saturday night’s very sociable and enjoyable dinner was at the Stone Grill in Vincentia. This restaurant specialises in providing diners with a very hot slab of very dark “volcanic woodland. The finale to our weekend rock” (actually it’s dolerite – was a visit to the Cambewarra intrusive, not volcanic) on which to Mountain Café, where most of the cook their choice of steak or seafood group gathered to enjoy a cup of at the table (a clever way of reducing coffee or hot chocolate and the kitchen labour. Some of the group magnificent views out over the quite understandably preferred to Shoalhaven River, Nowra, Jervis have their food cooked for them!) Bay, and the coastal strip all the way to the south-eastern Budawangs. Sunday was cool, but clear, sunny, and not too windy – ideal for Thanks, Stan, for another enjoyable, bushwalking. We packed up, then memorable, and non-strenuous drove again to Booderee National weekend! Park, but this time headed farther Doug Mackenzie south, towards St Georges Head, at the southern end of the park.

What happened during our leisurely ½ teaspoon cumin, ground lunch was for most, if not all of us, Cook’s ½ teaspoon coriander seed, ground the highlight of the weekend: a large ½ teaspoon ginger pod of humpback whales swimming ½ teaspoon salt past, only 100m or so offshore. Corner ½ teaspoon tarragon (optional) 1 onion, chopped, or 1 tablespoon There must have been quite a few of onion flakes them: I lost count of the number of Members’ contributions to this 1 clove garlic, minced, or 1/8 spouts and dark, humped backs we section each month are most teaspoon garlic granules saw, but they kept coming past, as far welcome. 2 teaspoons tamari sou sauce as we could tell, the whole time we Seafood Curry Sauce 2 cups water were at the beach. Alas, no-one had 1 6½ ounce can shrimp, tuna, or a camera capable of taking a This turns out thick like chowder other seafood or ½ cup worthwhile photograph. and , served with chapattis and wild freeze-dried seafood greens, it makes a delicious meal. Reluctantly, we left the beach, and Easy and quick to make, even in Mix all ingredients except seafood. started walking north and back to the your tent on a snowy eve. It’s good (If using fresh onion, saute it first.) cars. The track took us past a couple served over noodles and grains, too. Simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Add of large lagoons, teeming with frogs seafood and let sit 1 minute. ¼ cup tomato powder and other wildlife, and through more (Serves 2) rolling hills (yes, hills – and some of 5 teaspoons curry powder Keith Thomas and Rene Davies us, at least, appreciated the exercise!), 1 tablespoon parsley flakes covered in very diverse open

Page 8 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 CBCCBC TopTop TenTen

A series bringing you every month thier selection of day and weekend walks worth doing over the next year. Members are invited to submit articles and walks under this heading for our it. View from Terni Head: left-right Bull Island Peak, Axehead Mountain, Vengeance Weekend walk # 2 Peninsula on the right. The Axeheads and Vengeance Peninsula: L/R side. You may prefer to bring a rope for a (long) weekend, returning via to pass packs. At the top are Lacys Tableland and Tonalli Pass. ven after many trips to the phenomenal views of nearly It’s a six kilometre walk along the Axeheads and Vengeance everything you’ve just seen from E road from Yerranderie to Byrnes Peninsula in the southern Blue the Axeheads plus the long Gap. If you don’t fancy the long Mountains, this walk still has the clifflines of the Blue Breaks and as drive into Yerranderie, reasonably power to raise my spirits like no far north as the Katoomba skyline. fit walkers can do upper Green other. A very steep scramble down the Wattle Creek, Vengeance Peninsula From Byrnes Gap, climb to Gander eastern side of Vengeance will take and the Axeheads from Kanangra Head at the southern end of you to Green Wattle Creek (now Walls in four days (tigers in two). Axehead Mountain for views which with long dry sections due to the Any of the cooler months are sweep from Warragamba Dam (dry drought), whose loveliest campsite suitable, but in October the superb at present) and Burragorang Walls is at GR 466 288, where a show of spring flowers adds an in the east, south past Yerranderie semicircle of cliffs cradles a terrace extra dimension. Peak and Mt Colong, to Cambage sheltered by enormous blue gums Maps: Yerranderie and Spire, Kanangra Walls and (Eucalyptus deanii). From here, Burragorang 1:25 000; Sydney Uni Cloudmaker in the west. The your options are plentiful, Rover Crew’s Gundungura Axeheads is a long ridge topped especially if you have several days 1:33333. with narrow sandstone turrets, some to spare – down Green Wattle of which you climb and others you Creek, over Broken Rock Range, or, Meg McKone sidle via a rough track on the western side. You’re sure to make a mistake or two, get bluffed and Best ten walks - Day Walk #3, Mt Lincoln have to retreat, but the views from t Lincoln is not an official marked on the map but less obvious the top are breathtaking, especially Mname; Murray Dow used to on the ground. One follows the the sight of the great chunky blocks call it “Blue Gum Hill” because it fence around, down across a creek- of Vengeance Peninsula which is a prominent feature near the head line then roughly east and north to makes a T junction with the north- of Blue Gum Creek. Time and Mt Lincoln through scrub that is south orientation of the Axeheads. distance usually results in most pleasant to be in but not difficult to groups having lunch on this top and move through. After scrambling down the eastern admiring the far-reaching views. side of Axehead Mountain to Green After lunch the usual route is a The walk has been a long-term Wattle Gap, sidle the steep northern descent into Blue Gum Creek favourite for many people and I slopes of Bull Island and climb onto making good use of some of its remember getting the details of the the first of Vengeance Peninsula’s tributaries then a climb onto a broad route from Allan Mikkelsen years three daunting peaks. The climax wooded hill via the almost non- ago. existent bits and pieces of a small is the ascent of the middle peak, brumby kraal. The way continues across a narrow bridge of rock The start point is the Smokers Trail west to cut the outward route on the followed by an exposed, near- car park (not to be confused with Smokers Trail and thence back to vertical arête four to five metres that of Smokers Gap) and the route the car park. high. Fortunately the handholds are heads south for approximately a good – it’s broken bones if you fall kilometre on the Trail, then diverges Allow a day for the trip, but with a to the south and certain death over left to pick up the remains of the fit small party one would finish early. the soaring cliffs on the northern dog-proof fence which is clearly Rupert Barnett

Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 page 9 Photos: Barry Keeley Bibbenluke but not beyond 10-11 JuneJune

Participants: John Kelly (leader), James Ashburner, Tom Gosling, Kim Hello, Barry Keeley, Lois Padgham, Robert Edwards, Ralph Young, Mary Hoffmann ot having ventured into the NBudawangs for a couple of years, I was delighted when John rang on Tuesday 6 June to say a couple of people had dropped out, so he could fit me in for the three-day trip he was planning for the long The trip home: the ubiquitous glimpse of Pigeon House and John helps Lois across the fast-flowing river near Wog Wog weekend. Those who dropped out had no doubt to the Mt Owen/Mt Cole area, the 2-person tent kindly offered by heard the forecast, which was for rain returning on Monday. Everything the author. went to plan until just after we had periods – but some of us, nine, in fact, The author, however, had not packed put up our tents at Bibbenluke on were not to be deterred by such trifles enough tent pegs, so the fly touched Saturday afternoon, when the rain and turned up at 7.30am at Bung- the inner wall at the rear of the tent commenced. endore pie shop ready to give it a go. and over 12 hours enough water came In fact, we got no rain at all on the It was fairly light to start with, inside to make it more than a little Saturday walk. Lunch at Corang enabling Bob to get a fire started damp. using a firelighter and some dry Arch was leisurely and enjoyable, Some tent occupants spent a dry and shavings. Dinner was eaten standing with plenty of time to walk over the comfortable night, but others had around the fire, with warm tucker top of the arch and poke around water coming through the floor and restoring our spirits, helped by some surrounding overhangs before unfortunately Bob’s “waterproof” swigs from a plastic container of heading down the conglomerate tent turned out to be only waterproof Grand Marnier that Kim generously slopes down to Burranbeet Brook. in the base – the water came through circulated. John’s plan for the weekend was to the top but would not go out through camp at Bibbenluke Saturday night The rain did not stop, however, and the bottom. By 6am Bob was up and and take day packs on an excursion one by one the diners retired for the packed and headed back for the cars evening. During dinner it was noticed shortly after. that Kim had not pitched a tent. In By 8am the rain petered out and the what had clearly been a spirit of great rest of Sunday – the return journey optimism, he had packed only a fly, to Wog Wog – was rain-free. On the which was strung up near the dinner way out we met a couple of groups area and, well, the ground underneath who had stayed in caves overnight. was no longer dry. No doubt about it, they looked Another topic over dinner was Bob’s relaxed and comfortable. single-skin tent, recently purchased The river below Wog Wog car park from Jurkewicz, and “guaranteed was running a banker and wading waterproof” despite its weight of only across was a bit of a challenge, but it 1.03kg. was soon into warm dry clothes and What a night! To cut a long story off to Braidwood where over the short, the rain started pelting down delicious wood-fired pizzas we in a solid wall just after 8pm and decided it had been an excellent really didn’t let up until about 8am. weekend, even though we didn’t get Kim was soon flooded out watered to see Owen or Cole. On the way: Corang Arch out of his fly and sought refuge in Tom Gosling Page 10 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 ACTIVITYACTIVITYACTIVITY PROGRAMPROGRAMPROGRAM

Arrange for your Club-related activities to be included in the program with Rob Horsfield (Walks Secretary) Ph: 6231 4535 (h), E-mail: [email protected], Post: 11 Studley St Kambah ACT 2902

DISTANCE AND DIFFFICULTY BOOKINGS S/E = Short/Easy; under 12km/day, on fire trails, tracks, beaches etc Ring the leader early rather than late. M/M = Medium/Medium, 12-20km/day on bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub Please ring by Thursday 2.00pm for the following weekend (both one-day L/R = Long/Rough, over 20km/day, much scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles and two-day walks) so the leader has L/W = over 20km/day, compulsory swims, some river crossings time to arrange transport. X = exploratory 16 is the maximum, unless a smaller number is advertised in the program. TRANSPORT Check with the leader about: · need to carry water, tents/fly, maps, etc Costs are 33.3¢/km/car, divided equally among all participants. This amount · appropriate clothing, footwear may be varied at the discretion of the leader, depending on: the condition of · any precautions you might need to the roads, the number of passengers per car and other factors. The figures take for severe weather changes. given for individual trips are estimates only, based on four people per car and Ask about anything you’re unsure of, other factors – costs may rise if cars are only partly filled. Park admission and especially if you’re new to our Club. camping fees are additional costs which leaders should list separately. CHECK-IN AFTER WALKS Every person taking part in a CBC activity does so as a volunteer and The Check-in Officer, Keith Thomas accepts responsibility for any personal injury or loss incurred and is required (6230 1081), or the President, not the to sign the Club “Acknowledgment of Risks and Obligations” form. Visitors Police or other bodies, should be the first are welcome to join trips. However eligible walkers are expected to join the point of contact for worried relatives if you are late in returning from a trip. Leaders Club after a maximum of three trips. must report the safe return OR cancella- For further information see www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au tion of their trip to the Check-in Officer.

Saturday 15 July: Coal Creek - Bundanoon Wednesday 19 July, 8pm – S/M MONTHLY MEETING Coal Creek, from the old Erith coal mine and falls, is a spectacular short walk with an interesting mix of rainfor- The Kokoda Track: a pilgrimage ests and sandstone cliffs. Map: Bundanoon 1:25000 Presenter: Phil Quinton Leader: Chris Leslie 62516123(h), 62465713(w), chris. St John’s Church Hall, Reid [email protected] Transport: about $20 (see advertisment front page)

Sunday 16 July: Black Mt to Pinnacle Saturday 22 July: Grassy Creek/Old Boboyan Meet at 8.30am at the end of Dungowan St, Hawker, the Road – M/E-M end point of the walk. We will then car shuffle to the Wander through the grasslands and forests of the southern electricity sub station at the end of Frith St, between the ACT. See some of the old homesteads in the area. 4hrs CSIRO and Black Mt to begin. Initially we will follow actual walking, area has not been burnt. Map: Yaouk the track part way up the mountain on its eastern site, 1:25,000. Leader: Tom Gosling 6290 2874 (h), 6213 thence through the Aranda Bushland to the Pinnacle and 7106 (w), [email protected] Transport: ~$20 the cars. About 3 hrs actual walking, mostly in various nature parks and reserves, finish before lunch. Map: n/a Sunday 23 July: North end Mt Clear Range – Leader: Stan Marks (h) 6254 9568 (w) 6274 7350 S/M [email protected] Transport: drive yourself but This short walk is a return trip from the Angle Crossing tell me when you book if you need a ride Road to a high point on the northern end of the Mt Clear Range. Map: ACT 1:100,000 Leader: Rob Horsfield 15-16 July: Beginners Overnight Camp – 6231 4535(h) Transport:~$6 Nursery Swamp – S/M Orroral Valley - Nursery Swamp. A short easy walk on a track in Namadgi National Park for those who want to try COMMITTEE MEETING overnight camping. Leaving Canberra at midday on Sat- Wednesday 26 July, 8pm urday and returning at midday on Sunday. Map: Rendez- at the home of Rene Davies and Keith Thomas vous Creek 1:25000 Leaders: Rene Davies 6230 1081(h) 6 Ryrie Street, Campbell or [email protected] Transport: ~$10

Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 page 11 Saturday 29 July: O’Connor Ridge to Dairy (4)5-6 August: Barren Grounds Reserve Farmer’s Hill – M/E Weekend – L/E Meet at 9.30 in the the car park opposite 160 Dryandra Leave Canberra Friday evening. On Sat we will do a 20km St, O’Connor. We will follow the O’Connor and Bruce walk through heath country to the edge of the escapement Ridges, then via Black Mt reserve and the lake shore to and enjoy several spectacular views of the coast and Dairy Farmer’s Hill for lunch. The return will be via the nearby ranges. Sun will be a shorter walk (10km) to Himalayan Cedars, the cork plantation and the Aranda Macquarie Pass National Park, before returning home on Bushland. Map:TBA Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), the Sun afternoon. The Reserve is famous for its bird life 6274 7350 (w) or [email protected] Transport: and wildflowers. Have booked 3 cabins at The Ben drive yourself but tell me when you book if you need a Ricketts Environmental Preserve (http://www. lift. benricketts.org.au) for 2 nights. Map: Kangaroo Valley Leader: Barry Keeley 6262 5395 (h), 6252 7469 (w), Saturday 29 July: Namadgi NP - Billy Billy [email protected] Transport: ~$40 Rating: Sat Rocks – M/R L/E, Sun S/E Accommodation: $15-20 per night. Another bushbashing and rockhopping extraganza. A walk Wednesday Walk – 9 August from Smokers Gap car park up some steep spurs to some The regular mid-week walk series continues, close to spectacular rock formations on the ridge overlooking Canberra with a destination to be decided. Contact the Tidbiinbilla. The Billy Billy rocks are the most majestic leader before 8pm Tuesday to find out destination and of all. We’ll attempt to reach the summit but the route can meeting place. Leader: Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h) be tricky. Will return to the cars via Billy Billy Creek whick will require a car shuffle. There may be snow so IT COLLATION bring a hot pot of soup or tea. Map: Corin Dam 1:25,000 Wednesday 9 August, 8pm Leader: John Kelly 6241 3814(h) Transport ~$10, Limit the home of Allison Milton 8 max 20 O’Sullivan Street, Higgins

Sunday 30 July: Pierces Trig & Camel Hump Saturday 12 August: Bundanoon - – M/E&M Johnstones Creek from Teudts Lookout A relatively easy walk in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. – M/R All on track except the short climb up to the top of the This is an exploratory walk through the Johnstone Creek Camels Hump. Map:Tidbinbilla 1:25,000. Leader: Roger canyon. Map: Wingello, Bundanoon 1:25000 Leader: Edwards 6288 7863 h 6250 6911 w Transport:~$7.00 Chris Leslie Contact: Ph 62516123(h), 62465713(w), [email protected] Transport: about $20 Saturday 5 August: Brindabella NP – S-M/R Saturday 12 August: Big Badja M/R Let us have another look at how the bush in Brindabella From Pikes Saddle we first follow the Minuma Range NP has recovered after the bushfires - and flowering wat- fire trail, then walk up along that beautiful ridge to have tles might be pleasing our eyes. Beyond Dingo Dell Flats lunch with view over Mother Woila; in the afternoon we we follow the Baldy Range fire trail, descend to Moun- go west to Big Badja Hill for afternoon tea and return tain Creek for lunch and, depending on conditions, either along the Badja fire trail. Maps: Snowball and Badja 1:25 climb Grevillea Ridge or follow Mountain Creek to Top 000. Leader: Gösta Lyngå – 6288 7009, gosta@webone. Crossing; back along Doctors Flat Road.Map: Umburra com.au Transport: ~$30. 1:25 000. Leader: Gösta Lyngå – 6288 7009. [email protected] Transport:~ $8 Sunday 13 August: Nursery Swamp and beyond – S/M Sunday 6 August: Castle Hill ramble – S/M On track from Orroral Valley to Nursery Swamp, then off This walk is an after-lunch ramble with afternoon tea near track up the hill behind it (1373m) for views to the high the trig point. The view is good: 360 deg. panorama. Map: rocky summits of Mts Mavis and Herlt. Map: Rendezvous ACT 1:100,000 Leader: Rob Horsfield 6231 4535(h) Ck 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899h 6240 Transport:~$5. 9704w 0418 662 870m. Transport:~$12. 12-13 August: Picture Canyon – M/R 5-6 August: Kiandra - Four Mile Hut snow This trip to the rarely visited area in the north-west corner camp – E/M. of the Budawangs sketch map will traverse the Bainbrig Winter turns the usually drab hills south of Kiandra into Creek and Bulee Brook catchments, including an sweeps of sparkling white, broken by silhouettes of rugged exploration of Picture Canyon. Maps: CMW Budawang burnt snowgums. We’ll head for 4 Mile Hut on snow shoes, Sketch Map; Nerriga and Endrick 1:25000 Leaders: Rene set up camp, and explore towards the old Nine Mile Davies and Keith Thomas 6230 1081(h) or diggings. If the snow cover is inadequate we’ll head [email protected] Transport: ~$28 Limit: 8 instead for the Main Range - details and bookings after 26th July please. Map:TBA Leader: Rupert Barnett 6242 MONTHLY MEETING 5241, [email protected]:TBA Wednesday 16 August

Page 12 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 Saturday 19 August: Booth Hill and Brandy 26-27 August: Namadgi NP, Sentry Box – M/R Flat Hut M-L/R (X for me) Saturday: A scenic walk along the Naas Valley from the Ever since seeing the list of ACT High Peaks published Naas Car Park to Sheep Station Creek, to set-up camp. in the Nov04 it, I’ve been striving to ‘bag’ them all! Let’s After lunch by the picturesque shearing shed, a bush-bash reach the top of Booth Hill, the 17th highest ‘named peak’ and long climb to Sentry Box Hill and return. Sunday: A in the ACT. At 1585m, it sits east of the Boboyan Road. walk along and through/over Grassy Creek, via Lone Pine The walk starts from a car park off the road and a foot Homestead (ruins), Pheasant Hill, and eventual return to track leads to the Brandy Flat Fire Trail, which we will Naas Car Park, by mid-afternoon. Some off-track walking follow for a while. A tough climb through rough scrub but shouldn’t be too challenging. Plan to have campfire follows. After reaching our objective, we’ll descend, but it may be wise to bring fuel stoves - just in case. paralleling the Gudgenby Creek, to Brandy Flat Hut for a Map:Yaouk 1:25,000. Leader:John Kelly 6241 3814(h) well-deserved break. A slog back along the fire trail to Transport:~$16 the cars. Around 13km and 700m climb. Limit of 8. Map: Michelago 1:25 000. Leader: John Evans – (h) 6288 Sunday 3 September: Guthega - Gungartin 7235. [email protected] Transport:~ $10. Further on snowshoes – E/M details at http://www.pcug.org.au/~jevans. Explore some classic snow country in the Main Range 12-20 August: Mts Feathertop and Bogong - without the need for skiing skills - we’ll head up the snowshoe trips - M-L/M-R Munyang valley with snowshoes, with the aim of achieving big views both ways along of Range from Gungartin. The aim will be to spend a few days climbing Mt Maps: 1:50k Kosciusko. Leader: Rupert Barnett ph 6242 Feathertop from Harrietville and then drive over to Mt 5241, [email protected]. Transport: $30, plus Beauty to tackle Mt Bogong. Plans will need to be flexible Park entrance; limit 8. to allow for weather and snow conditions but expect to carry tents and stoves and to spend two or three nights out on each trip in alpine country. Glorious scenery. Map: (1) 2-3 September: Royal National Park – M/E Bogong Alpine Area 1:50 000. Leader: John I’Ons 6231 This is a walk over 2 days that traverses the length of 6326 (h) or email [email protected] Transport to Royal National Park and covers about 27 km. We head be negotiated. off Fri evening and stay overnight at the Wollongong YHA. On Saturday we drive to Otford, where we leave COMMITTEE MEETING our cars before catching the train to Cronulla to board the Wednesday 23 August Cronulla-Bundenna ferry. From Bundeena we walk to Garie’s Beach and stay overnight at Garie’s Beach YHA. Saturday 26 August- Namadgi N.P.- M/R Have booked entire YHA for the evening. Sunday Route: From Rendezvous Creek car park we’ll ascend we walk out to Otford to our cars, and then head the ridge above its true left bank, climb through the home to Canberra. Maps: Port Hacking and Otford. boulders to .1342 and beyond to a point somewhere along Leader: Barry Keeley 6252 7469 (w) email: the ridgeline from whence we’ll descend to return along Rendezvous Creek. [email protected] Transport: $40-$50. Maps: Rendezvous Creek 1:25,000 Leader: Ian Smith Accommodation: Fri – $25 , Sat $15. Limit of 12. Contacts: 6282 1226 (h) Transport: c$10.00 Saturday 9 September: Ridge with a view Sunday 27 August- Cotter Gap - Cotter Rocks near Captain’s Flat – M/E-M - Rock Flats - L/M Walk from the Spring Creek car park along a series of From Orroral along the Walking Track ridges through open forest to an unnamed grassy peak for to Cotter Gap, off track south to Cotter Rocks and Rock lunch with spectacular views from Lake George to the Flats, then north-east across upper Rendezvous Ck and Tinderries then loop back to the cars. Mostly easy off through a saddle to rejoin the track and return. Granite track, about 4 ¾ hrs actual walking. Map: Captains Flat rock formations and good views. Map: ACT 1:100,000 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 or Rendezvous Ck and Corin Dam 1:25,000. Leader: (w), [email protected] Transport: ~$15 Jeff Bennetts 6231 5899(h) 6240 9704(w) 0418 662 870(m). Transport: ~$15. Limit 12. Saturday 16 September - Moonlight Hollow- 26-27 August. Perisher area. Snow Shoes. M/ M/E M This walk runs on good tracks through lush forest and a An overnight trip on snow shoes into the back-country up few ferny creeks mostly unaffected by the fires, from Bulls from Blue Cow, camping out on the snow. We will travel Head on Mt Franklin Road to Bendora Arboretum (lunch) up by snow tube and leave cars at Bullocks Flat. Maps: then looping back via other tracks to the start. Some good Kosciuszko 1:50000. Leader: Steve Galliford, 62865744 views. About 5 ¼ hrs actual walking. Map: Tidbinbilla (H), email: [email protected] Bookings after 9 July. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), email Transport: $35 plus snow tube fare. (work): [email protected] Transport: ~$15

Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 page 13 9-16 September: Washpool/Gibralter NP - 9-11 December. Mts Kelly and Burbidge, Northern NSW. M/M-R Namadgi NP. M/M Spend 5 days in a superb part of Northern NSW with con- Got a spare Monday? From a base near Rotten Swamp trasting giant granite tors and heritage rainforests. The (it’s neither actually) climb a couple of Namadgi’s classic route will be flexible but will include some off-track/creek peaks, including ‘king’ Kelly. We’ll get there along a walking. Leader: Chris Leslie Contact: Ph 62516123(h), tributary of Middle Creek, and return along part of the 62465713(w), [email protected] Map: Tenterfield Yankee Hat ridge. Map: 1:25k Rendezvous Creek. 1:100000 Transport: tba Leader: Rupert Barnett ph 6242 5241, [email protected]. Transport: $8; limit 6. 29 September - 18 October: Great Eastern Centenary Track: Illawarra and Two Rivers sections (20 days incl. Tpt & ~280 km)-M/R This walk starts at The Royal National Park, follows the to the Shoalhaven, The Two Rivers Bulletin Board Track to Yadboro, Monolith Valley, Corang plateau and The Bulletin Board is for members to advertise (at no finishes at Wog Wog. Members are invited to join part A cost) goods for sale, private trips or other personal (RNP to Shoalh.), part B (Shoalh. to Wog Wog) or both. bushwalking-related matters. The Club is not involved Expressions of interest are requested in the near future in, takes no responsibility for, and does not endorse, but no later than the middle of August. Leader: Rob the activities or goods advertised here. Hence, if people Horsfield 6231 4535(h). participate in any activities advertised here, they do so as private individuals, not as members of the Club, and 30 Sept - 2 October - Budawang Weekend will not be covered by the Club’s insurance. I have booked basic accommodation near Nerriga on the OPEN INVITATION edge of the park for the long weekend, driving down Sat- Walking in the Budawangs – Phone and express urday morning. There is room for six under shelter and an interest and we’ll organise something suitable. room for others to camp. There are basic cooking facili- Alan Davey (02) 4845 9127(h) ties, toilets and you can wash in a creek or have a shower.We will do three day walks each led by Jeff WEDNESDAY WALK Bennetts, who knows the area, possibly Fosters, Quilty’s The regular mid-week walk series continues, close and Round Mt. The flowers should be good on the heaths. to Canberra with a destination to be decided. If another Budawangs expert books, we may offer other Contact the leader before 8pm Tuesday to find out options. Walks will be a mix of on and off track (some destination and meeting place. Leader: Allan scrub). Bookings to Stan please. If you want to discuss Mikkelsen 6278 3164(h). This walk is every the walks, contact Jeff. Map: Endrick 1:25,000 or CMW Wednesday and the clubs, CBC, FBI and NPA take Budawangs Leaders: Stan Marks and Jeff Bennetts. Stan turns to host it. Details for each Wednesday are (h) 6254 9568 (w) 6274 7350 [email protected] now available by email and interested members and Jeff (h) 6231 5899 (w) 6240 9704 email: jcmbenn@ should contact Allan Mikkelsen. ozemail.com.au mailto:[email protected]> Transport: ~$30, accommodation: depends on numbers ‘GEAR FOR SALE’ TABLE In place of our one-night auction, as in previous ~$20 years, we shall put out a table at General Meetings, for a while. Hopefully it will be of benefit to those (20) 21- 22 October - Durras weekend 2 (M/E) wanting to get rid of equipment and those wishing Leave Canberra Friday night, stay in comfortable cabins to buy some. Please label gear for sale with at Depot Beach Caravan Park. On Saturday, Ross will adequate personal details and asking price. lead a walk along the coast south of the Murramarang CHINA TIP OCTOBER 2007 resort, from Wasp Head to North Head. Starting at high tide, it’s along beaches, Richmond Beach headland, the I have intentions of touring China with a travel Olympic Pool, through the Garden of Unearthly Gums, company in October 2007. Nothing has been via Oaky Beach and a climb up to North Head. Bring booked as yet but places to visit include: Shanghai, tick protection. If you like the coast, do this one. On Beijing, Xian, Yangtze River (as must before the Sunday, we’ll do the iconic Pigeon House with its gorges are totally flooded), Guilin, Kunming, Lijiang, spectacular views. Eat at the cabins each night. About Tiger Leaping Gorge. This particular trip is for 22 5hrs walking on Saturday, 3½ hrs on Sunday. Bookings days and is priced at approx $7000. There would to Stan please. Maps: Durras/Milton 1:25,000. Leaders: be some minor additional costs such as for visas. Ross Andrews (w) 6289 1261/(m) 0405 103 424, email: Most of the transport is by plane, rail, bus and of [email protected] and Stan Marks 6254 9568 course boat and these costs are included in this (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: [email protected] package. For those interested in planning well Transport: ~$45-50, Accommodation: ~$40 ahead let me know if you too are interested in this trip. Rene Lays 6241 7862.

Page 14 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 CANBERRACANBERRA BUSHWALKINGBUSHWALKING CLUBCLUB MEMBERSHIPMEMBERSHIP RENEWALRENEWAL

Please take a look at your address label on the back of this issue. Does it say Renew Soon, Renew Now or Last it? If the answer is YES, please pay promptly to remain a financial member of the Club. If the Membership Secretary does not receive your renewal by the first day of the month after it is due, there may be a delay in getting your copy of it. Current rates are: Single $33, Family $50. There is a $10 discount for both categories for members who choose to have their copies of It sent electronically, i.e. Single $23, Family $40. Please tick the following box if you would like your It sent electronically and not by mail. ❏ Your payment options are (please tick applicable box):

❏ Enclosed is a cheque / money order. fill in this form, cut it out and post it with the appropriate amount ($33 single, $50 family) to: The Membership Secretary, Canberra Bushwalking Club, PO Box 160, Canberra ACT 2601. ❏ Attached is cash (if paying in person at a club meeting). ❏ I have made a direct payment (You will still need to complete and return this form and return it to the Membership Secretary - same address as cheque or email details to [email protected]) Direct payments cab be made to Westpac BSB 032-719 Account Number 176-134. Please enclose receipt number if available. You may need to check with your financial institution whether you can make a payment online or at your nearest branch. In renewing my membership I acknowledge that in participating in Club activities i will do so voluntarily and that I may be exposed to risks that could lead to injury, illness or death or to loss of or damage to my property.

Name/s: ......

Address:......

Postcode: ...... Home Phone: ...... Work Phone: ......

E-Mail: ...... I am willing to lead: Day walks YES ❏ NO ❏ ‘’ Weekend walks YES ❏ NO ❏

Renew early. Renewals received after the monthly Committee meeting may not be processed until the next month.

For Sale ITIT CONTRIBUTIONSCONTRIBUTIONS

Articles and letters are welcome from all Club members about Leather walks you’ve enjoyed or issues you’d like to raise. The closing Bushwalking date for copy for each issue of it is the date of the monthly Boots: committee meeting, i.e. the 4th Wednesday of every month. Scarpa Lady Handwritten and posted material is OK, but email is preferable. I also welcome photographs, preferably as separately scanned Trek items or digital images. I can scan original photographs. Contact: Size Euro 41 Ph 6290 2874, [email protected] Excellent condition Post: 3/21 Jessup Place, Phillip, ACT 2606 $100 Leanne Aust, 6282 6079 Tom Gosling, Editor

Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006 page 15 CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB COMMITTEE* Position Name Home Work E-mail

PRESIDENT Rene Davies 6230 1081 62064253 [email protected] VICE PRES/TREASURER Michael Sutton 6262 3394 - [email protected] GENERAL SECRETARY Cynthia Breheny 62476857 - [email protected] WALKS SECRETARY Rob Horsfield 6231 4535 - [email protected] EDITOR Tom Gosling 62902874 6213 7106 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Allan Mikkelsen 6278 3164 - [email protected] TRAINING & SAFETY OFFICER Ian Smith 6282 1226 6243 4248 training @canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au CONSERVATION OFFICER John Thwaite 62543193 0418626703 [email protected] PUBLISHER George Polubinski 0408628691 - [email protected] ASSISTANT WALKS SEC Keith Thomas 62301081 0421607667 [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY Jenny Horsfield 6231 4535 - [email protected]

*All 11 members of the Committee can be contacted in one email to [email protected] MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Allan MIKKELSEN, [email protected] 6278 3164 (h) CHECK IN: Ring KEITH THOMAS on 6230 1081(h), 0421607667 WEBSITE: www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org.au

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

CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

JULY 06

Page 16 – Canberra Bushwalking Club it July 2006