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CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB

NEWSLETTER it

Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc. GPO Box 160 Canberra ACT 2601 Volume 54 Number 7 www.canberrabushwalkingclub.org August 2018

GENERAL MEETING 7.30pm Wednesday 15 August 2018 Weston Uniting Church 16 Parkinson Street, Weston

Mishaps, Mysteries and Marvels in the West MacDonnells Guest Speaker: Meg McKone

What do you do when water availability is not as expected and gear fails in a remote location?

An illustrated talk by Meg McKone about her 2017 trip to Mount Razorback and the Chewings Range west of Hugh Gorge, with some comparison photos of the same areas in different conditions.

Walking around the north side of Razorback Photo: Meg McKone

Contents

Safe driving in the bush Editorial CBC Committee members New members Matthew Higgins -high country history Contributions to the newsletter Feral horses protest march The Hume and Hovell Track Activity Program Hammered by hooves High Range – low expectations Bulletin Board

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 1 Safe Driving in the Bush

It is important to drive carefully in the bush, to ensure safe arrival at the track-head, and a safe return home. Four-wheel drive vehicles or all-wheel drive vehicles are very good and very safe. However two wheel drive vehicles can also be safely driven, even on dirt roads, to many track-heads. Here are some tips regarding safe bush driving:

1. Have your car serviced regularly. It is vital for brakes and seat belts to be in good condition. Tyres should be properly inflated and have plenty of tread. 2. Watch out for frost and ice on the road – a particular risk in the remainder of this winter and the coming spring. Take care on shady stretches of road where the sun might not have melted the frost from the previous night. ‘Black ice’ can be very difficult to see and is particularly treacherous. 3. Before setting off, make sure that any frost is removed from windscreens, and that you have unencumbered vision. Draping a towel on the windscreen can prevent the development of frost overnight. There are commercial sprays that can melt frost on windscreens. 4. Watch out for wallabies and kangaroos. These marsupials will often jump unexpectedly into the path of a vehicle. Don’t swerve off the road in an effort to avoid them, as one can come to serious grief in so doing. 5. Be very vigilant on narrow bush roads, especially as oncoming vehicles can appear suddenly from the opposite direction, requiring you to move further to the left of the road. 6. Watch out for hazardous terrain such as large rocks on the road, or large pools of water, on which a vehicle might aquaplane. 7. Drive under the speed limit, and according to the conditions. Don’t drive too close to the car in front of you – they might have to stop suddenly for a kangaroo for example. You should drive at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front during ideal conditions and further behind at higher speeds. 8. When departing the track-head at the end of the walking day, make sure that everyone can start their vehicles before driving off. 9. Take a defensive driving class. 10. Make sure your vehicle is registered and insured.

Happy and safe motoring to bush destinations in 2018-19.

David Dedenczuk Training and Safety Officer

Photo: David Hatherly

Welcome to new members The Club would like to welcome the following new members who joined the Club during July 2018: Helen Anderson, Hugh Saddler and William James. Roger Edwards Membership Secretary

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 2 Concerned about feral horses? Here’s something you can do!

At its June meeting, the CBC Committee supported a proposal from me for a protest walk from to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko. The proposal was prompted by the recent passing by the NSW Parliament of the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018. The walk will take about 35 days, including rest days, from late October to early December 2018 and will follow a mixture of major and secondary roads via Mittagong, Goulburn, Canberra, Cooma and Jindabyne. In addition to getting the Act repealed, the aims of the walk are to:  Support a range of methods to control feral horses in NSW national parks, including ground-based lethal culling, under ranger supervision and according to RSPCA guidelines;  Implement the NPWS Draft Wild Horse Management Plan of 2016;  Protect the habitat of the native Broad-Toothed Rat, Corroboree Frog and other native species affected by trampling and grazing;  Increase resources for NPWS to control feral animals in NSW national parks. The walk is supported by the National Parks Associations of the ACT and NSW and by Bushwalking NSW. It might attract a handful of people, or it might attract hundreds. Walkers and helpers will be responsible for all their own costs, though we hope to provide at least some free meals along the way. Interested in helping? We need these kinds of helpers:  End-to-end walkers.  Section walkers – from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks.  Support vehicle drivers and other non-walking helpers – from a day or two upwards. Retirees with campervans, here is your chance to do a road trip for a Good Cause!  Desk-based researchers and writers.  Programmer to set up a supporter registration web form and supporter database.  Bushwalking photographers, with the patience to get close-ups of feral horses eating, drinking, trampling etc in KNP. By the time you read this article, a new web site http://savekosci.org should be running, with a supporter registration form. Please use that to register, and to make a donation of an amount of your choice. Prior expressions of interest in helping would also be wonderful!

Linda Groom [email protected] Walks Secretary

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 3 HAMMERED BY HOOVES

Most members of CBC are well aware of the increasing level of feral horse damage from the source of the MostMurray members River in of the CBC south are wellto the aware tributaries of the of in thecreasing Murrumbidgee level of feral River horse in the damage, Tantangara from Valley the ofsource of the MurrayKosciuszk Rivero National in the south Park (KNP).to the tributariesACT bushwalkers of the used Murrumbidgee to do a lot of River walking in the in the Tantangara Tantangara Valley Region of in the Kosciuszko1980s and National 1990s, but Park. rarely ACT walk bushwalkers or camp there used these to do days a lot because of walking of both in thethe number Tantangara and damageRegion beingin the 1980sdone and by feral1990s, horses but andrarely horse walk riders. or camp On athere single these day visit days last because year, the of authorsboth the counted number 170 of feral feral horses horses on and thethe damage Long Plain being and done Seventeen by them, Flat and areas. by horse riders. On a single day visit last year, the authors counted 170 feral horses on the Long Plain and Seventeen Flat areas. Di has made several long pack-walking visits to Cowombat Flat, KNP from the mid 1980s and again in 2012, 2013 and 2018. In 2013 the National Parks Association ‘MagnificentDi made Nine’ several walked long inpack the- walkingarea for ninevisits days, to witnessing and recording the feral horse damage. Some of usCowombat returned inFlat, February KNP from this yearthe midto undertake 1980s and a Five Year Review of the southern area. again in 2012, 2013 and 2018. In 2013 the National Parks Association ‘Magnificent Nine’ Over the four day period we were shocked to observe the spreadwalked and in increase the area in for the nine level days, of damage witnessing from and feral horses. We did see one deer on the Pilot FT, but otherwiserecordin the gdamage the feral was horse from damage. feral horses. Some of us

returned in February this year to undertake a In December 2015, NPWS, under pressure from the horse advocacies had, the National Cultural Heritage Five Year Review of the southern area. Values Assessment and Conflicting Values Report on Kosciuszko feral horses prepared http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/protectsnowies/knpOver the four-assessment day period-conflicting we were-values shocked- to 2804.pdf . That report concludes ‘that the cultural heritage observevalues identified the spread should and be increase addressed, in the and level that of this implies retaining a wild horse population in an appropriatedamage location from or ferallocations horses. within We the did KNP see as on onee deer of the attributes of the identified cultural heritage values. But equally,on the Pilot the impact FT, but of otherwise an expanding the wilddamage horse was population on both natural and cultural heritage values acrossfrom a widening feral horses. landscape must be addressed to ensure that these values are not put at risk.’ Headwaters Murray River In December 2015, due to pressure from horse advocatesIn June 2018, the Kosciuszko NPWS prepared National the Park National and all Culturalof its users Heritage and supporters Values Assessment were hit by theand passage Conflicting of the Values ReportKoscciuszko on Kosciuszko Wild Horse feral Heritage horses Act: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/protectsnowies/knp 2018. The position for the future is bleak and destructive. Dr Graeme - assessmentWorboys in-conflicting a recent article-values in -Pearls2804.pdf and .Irritations states that the Legislation is the single greatest political and ideological undermining of the conservation and protection status of in its 75 Thatyear report history. concludes ‘that the cultural heritage values identified should be addressed, and that this implies retaining a wild horse population in an appropriate location or locations within the KNP as one of theApart attributes from the of absurditythe identified of recognising cultural heritage the heritage values. value But of aequally, feral animal, the impa onect aim of ofan this expanding article is wildto horse populationdemonstrate on boththat thenatural price and of protecting cultural heritage the ‘heritage’ values horses across is fara widening far too high. landscape must be addressed to ensure that these values are not put at risk.’ The overwhelming increase in feral horse impacts in the Cowombat Flat, Murray River headwaters In June 2018 Kosciuszko National Park and all of its demonstrate that: users and supporters were hit by the passage of the Kosciuszko- Wildthere Horse are noHeritage frogs, excepting Act 2018. in Thethe exclusion plots; position for- thethe future grassland is bleak valley and floor des isolate so eaten. Dr out that the horses are pulling the grass up by tufts; Graeme Worboys- because in a grass recent is to article scarce in the Pearls horses and are now eating through the wire into the exclusion plots; Irritations- statesthere that are the no macropodsLegislation present,is ‘the single though we did see birds; greatest political- the numberand ideological of horse underminingwallows has increased, of the and the old wallows are up much larger and knee deep; conservation- hoovesand protection have further status cut of the Kosciuszko banks and broaden the rivulet from the source of the Murray River; National Park- excepting in its 75 yearfor the history. scattered’ Black Sallees and Snow Gums the flats and creek-lines are a hakea Apart from themonoculture. absurdity o f recognising the heritage value of a feral animal, one aim of this article is to demonstrate that the price of protecting the ‘heritage’ horses is far too high. Dried out creek bed, Seventeen Flat

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 4

HAMMERED BY HOOVES In the Cowombat Flat, Murray River headwaters we observed that: Most members of CBC are well aware of the increasing level there of feral are horse no frogs, damage except from inthe the source exclusion of the plots; Murray River in the south to the tributaries of the Murrumbidgee the grassland River in thevalley Tantangara floor is so Valley eaten of out that the Kosciuszko National Park (KNP). ACT bushwalkers used tohorses do a lot are of walkingpulling thein the grass Tantangara up by tufts; Region in the 1980s and 1990s, but rarely walk or camp there these days becausebecause of grass both isthe so number scarce theand horsesdamage are being now done by feral horses and horse riders. On a single day visiteating last year, through the authors the wire counted into the 170 exclusion feral horses plots; on the Long Plain and Seventeen Flat areas.  there are no macropods present, though we did see birds; Di has made several long pack-walking visits to Cowombat Flat, the KNPnumber from of the horse mid 1980swallows and has again increased, in 2012, and 2013 and 2018. In 2013 the National Parks Association ‘Magnificentthe old wallows Nine’ walked are much in the larger area and for nineknee days, deep; witnessing and recording the feral horse damage. Some of ushooves returned have in furtherFebruary cut this the year banks to undertake and a Five Year Review of the southern area. broadened the rivulet from the source of the Murray River; Over the four day period we were shocked to observe the spread except and for increase the scattered in the level Black of Sallees damage and from Snow feral horses. We did see one deer on the Pilot FT, but otherwiseGums the the flatsdamage and was creek from-lines feral are horses. a hakea

Wallows have spread and deepened to knee height - Feb 2018 monoculture. In December 2015, NPWS, under pressure from the horse advocacies had, the National Cultural Heritage Values Assessment and Conflicting Values Report on Kosciuszko feral horses prepared Of the Tantangara area, the Friends of Currango (FoC) sum up the damage succinctly. They commenced http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/protectsnowies/knp-assessment-conflicting-values- visiting Currango Creek and its valley, attracted by the trout fishing, in the early 1970s. 2804.pdf . That report concludes ‘that the cultural heritage values identified should be addressed, and that ‘…this the implies entire wretainingetlands asurrounding wild horse population Gurrangorambla in an appropriate Creek ... appear location to or have locations been within destroyed. the KNP In asmany one of placesthe attributes the principal of the bed identified of the creek cultural is nowheritage abandoned. values. But On equally, the west the side impact of what of an usedexpanding to be wildthe swamphorse is anpopulation eroded watercourse on both natural many and metres cultural wide, heritage with novalues vegetati acrosson a whatsoever.widening landscape Whereas must the be stream addressed and to adjoiningensure that wetlands these valueswere permanent are not put atfeatures risk.’ of the landscape as recently as approximately ten years ago, these features have now completely disappeared.’ In June 2018 Kosciuszko National Park and all of its users and supporters were hit by the passage of the

Koscciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018. The position for the future is bleak and destructive. Dr Graeme TheWorboys mobs of in feral a recent horses article in thein Pearls Tantangara and Irritations area states that the Legislation is the single greatest political andand in ideologicalparticular, undermining Seventeen Flat of the are conservation many and and protection status of Kosciuszko National Park in its 75 large.year history.There is not a wet area or creek left untouched. For those walking the Australian AlpAparts Walking from theTrack absurdity through of these recognising regions, the their heritage value of a feral animal, one aim of this article is to healthdemo andnstrate safety that are the issues. price of We protecting have been the ‘heritage’ horses is far far too high. told by interstate walkers on the AAWT that NamadgiThe overwhelming National Park increase was thein feral highlight horse ofimpacts in the Cowombat Flat, Murray River headwaters theirdemonstrate walk. It is that: our duty to support and praise the Namadgi land managers and the ACT - there are no frogs, excepting in the exclusion plots; Government- forthe keepinggrassland Namadgi valley floor feral is sohorse eaten out that the horses are pulling the grass up by tufts; free. - because grass is to scarce the horses are now eating through the wire into the exclusion plots; Compounding- there this visualare no damagemacropods to thepresent, though we did see birds; - the number of horse wallows has increased, and the old wallows are up much larger and knee environment and the loss of native animals and deep; The internationally reknown AAWT- water access for campers at Bill Jones plants is the- lackhooves of any have effective further cutaction the banksto and broaden the rivulet from the sourceHut of the Murray River; control the- cause,excepting primarily for the feral scattered horses, Black but Sallees and Snow Gums the flats and creek-lines are a hakea increasingly alsomonoculture. deer in some areas. Remediation of damage seems far from consideration.

The current NSW Government’s plan to manage feral horse numbers is restricted to giving them to people to rehome, or moving them to ‘less-sensitive’ areas where one presumes they are expected to remain and stop breeding. Both the ACT and Victoria have to hope these areas aren’t on their borders.

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 5

HAMMERED BY HOOVES Even though KNP feral horse population is still youthful with most born since 2003, rehomers accepted onlyMost 583 members or about of 18% CBC ofare the well 3183 aware horses of the removed increasing from level KNP of feralbetween horse 2002/3 damage and from 2015/16 the source despite of the intensiveMurray publicityRiver in the and south liaison to the with tributaries National of Parks the Murrumbidgee and Wildlife Service River in (N thePWS) Tantangara staff. As Valley numbers of continue to Kosciuszkoincrease, the National rehoming Park (KNsolutionP). ACT is obviouslybushwalkers insufficient used to do. a lot of walking in the Tantangara Region in the 1980s and 1990s, but rarely walk or camp there these days becauseThe situation of both thein the number Eastern and Alps damage region being of the done by feral horses and horse riders. On a single day visit lastAlpine year, Nationalthe authors Park counted in Victoria 170 feral is similar horses to on KNP the Long Plain and Seventeen Flat areas. except that their draft feral horse strategy released recently for the Alpine National Park, Di has made several long pack-walking visits to Cowombat Flat,recognised KNP from thethe damagemid 1980s and and provided again in 2012,a plan to 2013 and 2018. In 2013 the National Parks Association ‘Magnificentsubstantially Nine’ walked reduce in the the horse area forpopulation nine days, over witnessing and recording the feral horse damage. Some of usthe returned next three in February years. this year to undertake a Five Year Review of the southern area. In NSW the situation is made worse as Over the four day period we were shocked to observe the spreadknowledgeable and increase staff in the are level laid of off damage from NPWSfrom . feral horses. We did see one deer on the Pilot FT, but otherwiseFewer the people damage have was tofrom mu feralltitask horses. across fields in which they have no detailed expertise nor time In December 2015, NPWS, under pressure from the horse advocaciesto do justice had, the to theNational necessary Cultural tasks. Heritage Feral horse Values Assessment and Conflicting Values Report on Kosciuszkomanagement feral horses policyprepared appears as little more than http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/protectsnowies/knpan ongoing-assessmen local employmentt-conflicting program-values- at an 2804.pdf . That report concludes ‘that the cultural heritage valuesextreme identified expense should to the be taxpayeraddressed, and and the that this implies retaining aTin wild Mine horse Creek population in an appropriateenvir locationonment. or locations within the KNP as one of the attributes of the identified cultural heritage values. But equally, the impact of an expanding wild horse Underpopulation current on NSW both governmentnatural and cultural policy, heritageKNP could values be reduced across a towidening a dustbowl landscape within must 50 years.be addressed to ensure that these values are not put at risk.’ Di Thompson and Annette Smith PhotosIn Ju suppliedne 2018 Kosciuszko National Park and all of its users and supporters were hit by the passage of the Koscciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018. The position for the future is bleak and destructive. Dr Graeme Worboys in a recent article in Pearls and Irritations states that the Legislation is the single greatest political and ideological undermining of the conservation and protection status of Kosciuszko National Park in its 75 year history. This month in the newsletter… YouApart will fromnotice the in absurdity this edition of recognising that there theis a heritagefocus on value feral of horses a feral in animal, Kosciuszko one aim NP of – thispublic article outrage is to continuesdemonstrate about that the the NSW price Government’s of protecting therecent ‘heritage’ Kosciuszko horses Wild is far Horse far too Heritage high. Act.

TheThe urgency overwhelming to do something increase in is feral brought horse home impacts to inus the in theCowombat alarming Flat, review Murray by RiverDi Thompson headwaters and Annette Smithdemonstrate of the impact that: of feral horses in KNP. Linda Groom is organising a long protest walk from the NSW Parliament House to Mt Kosciuszko later this year and in her article she is requesting all the support you can give. - there are no frogs, excepting in the exclusion plots; We need heroes- the grasslandand activists valley like floor Linda, is so Di eaten and Annetteout that theto continue horses are th pullingis never the end grassing upfight by totufts; protect what remains- because of our precious grass is to natural scarce theworld. horses Matthew are now Higgins eating ,through as so often the wire before, into continuesthe exclusion to showplots; us how precious- there it is: hisare talkno macropods to the July present, CBC meeting though about we did the see history birds; of human activity in the high - the number of horse wallows has increased, and the old wallows are up much larger and knee country has been nicely summarised by Tim and Gabrielle Wright. deep; Many thanks- hoovesto the cohaventributors further cutthis the month banks – andthose broaden already the mentioned rivulet from above, the source as well of theas Paul Murray Ellis River; and Jonathan -Miller. excepting Paul and for theJonathan’s scattered trip Black reports, Sallees while and Snow about Gums totally the different flats and areascreek -andlines terrain are a hakea, are personal accountmonoculture.s of fascinating walks which can inspire us all to get out there and grab our adventures while we can. Meredith Hatherly Editor

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 6

A History of the High Country

At our July 2018 monthly meeting, we were lucky enough to have Matthew Higgins to talk to us about the early history of human activity in Namadgi and the Kosciuszko National Park. Matthew is a historian and explorer and has spent a lot of time in the nearby mountains. He has written several books, one called Bold Horizon and another Seeing through Snow, and was able to show us many photographs detailing historic developments in the .

One of the images was of Wragge’s old weather station on top of . This station in 1897 was just a tent – not one of the modern ones, but something without doubt much less reliable. Later a hut was built to accommodate the weather station. Records of temperatures, winds etc. were kept for comparison with lower altitudes. In those old days, to get supplies, one of the weather station staff had first to ski to the Thredbo River and then ride a horse to Jindabyne – you wouldn’t want to do this in a blizzard – and then make the return journey.

Wragge’s weather station in winter, 1898 Matthew spoke about some of the other huts and Photo: Donald McRae buildings of the high country as well. There was the old Mount Franklin chalet built in 1938. The internal dividing walls were just hessian, obviously not allowing much privacy. The toilets of the Mount Franklin chalet were just across the border in and thereby outside the Cotter catchment. Such was not the case with the RMC chalet. Its toilet was within the catchment, meaning any sewage would have to be transported outside the catchment for disposal. This made the RMC chalet unusable and it was demolished in 1969.

Skiing, when it started at Kiandra was very much a home-made affair. The first skiers had to make their own skis probably out of the local timber – Kiandra must have been the first place and time skis made from Alpine ash were used anywhere. On Mount Franklin the ski lift was driven by an old Austin A40 which is still there today. Some people might think it is an eyesore on the landscape and should be removed. It is however part of the mountain heritage so should perhaps be preserved in some way.

Matthew was able to show us slides of some of the early homesteads including Frank and Jacks hut and the old Orroral valley homestead. The latter had the kitchen in a separate building because of the danger of fire. There was an image of a ramshackle Teddys Hut dated around 1987, which seemed to be barely standing and propped up by two lengths of timber. It has now been restored and is more like its former glory. Teddys Hut in 1987 Photo: Matthew Higgins

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 7 The high country was, in times gone by, a place of cattle and sheep farming and from the 1830s graziers took their cattle to the high country. Up until the early 20th century, liver fluke and dingoes took a high toll of sheep, but thereafter animal husbandry improved.

Wild horses abounded too and people tested their horse riding prowess by chasing them, through a practice known as ‘brumby running’. These wild horses were considered a pest and were often shot by farmers or they were caught and tamed so they could be ridden.

One sad occurrence in the high country was the 2003 fires which caused such devastation. Many historical structures were lost, amongst them the Mount Franklin chalet. Even worse, the doors from the oven of the Mount Franklin chalet had come from the Prime Minister’s lodge and were a heritage item. Although these doors survived the fire they were subsequently stolen, taking part of our heritage away. Happily an interpretive shelter on the old Mount Franklin chalet has been built and a number of the old huts have been rebuilt.

We wish to thank Matthew for a fascinating look at Mt Franklin Chalet in the 1990s our mountain heritage. Photo: Matthew Higgins

Tim and Gabrielle Wright

Brumby runners at Snowy Flat 1930s Photo: Barbara Wentworth

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 8 The Hume and Hovell Track

I had been wanting to walk the Hume & Hovell Track from end to end for over 30 years, ever since I first received brochures for the brand new walking track, which follows a similar route to the one that explorers and William Hovell took on their expedition to explore where the western rivers flowed in 1824-25. The Hume and Hovell Track covers only part of this route, approximately 440km from Yass to the city of on the NSW Victoria border.

My friends and I had discussed doing the walk but nothing eventuated for various reasons. After several years of joining the Shoalhaven Bushwalkers at their annual Laurel Hill week near Tumbarumba where short sections of the track were walked as easy day hikes, I finally decided it was time to cross another walk off my bucket list. I had originally planned to walk solo, starting in April 2018, and to rely on friends to meet me at certain points on the track to provide the necessary food drops. I would be turning 60 in April and I decided it would be a great way to celebrate this milestone by taking part in something memorable. Ready to board the boat for the ride across Lake Burrinjuck Then several bushwalking friends started to show interest in joining me. First on board was Ian ‘Squizzy’ Taylor, a one-time workmate in the Canberra club industry who was also celebrating his 60th birthday. Then several fellow Canberra Bushwalking Club friends showed interest in the walk and jumped on board. They were Sean & Julie Sunley, Jacqui Rosier and Gerald Dodgson. Finally, Shoalhaven member Jennifer Himmelreich and one time member Julie Davison joined up. Some would be walking only one week sections while others were attempting the full track. Julie would be flying down from Queensland to join the walk. Monday April 16th saw myself, Squizz and Julie in Yass, walking the short 6km distance from the walk’s official starting point at Cooma Cottage to our motel rooms. The next three days would find us walking mostly long distances on bitumen and gravel roads as we made our way south via Captain Campsite to Burrinjuck Dam for the boat ride across the lake, then walking through the village of Wee Jasper. After this we had some decent bush tracks that included a steep ascent and descent to James Fitzpatrick Trackhead where we were to meet up with Jacqui and Gerald. The walk from James Fitzpatrick to would turn Brittle Gum forest near Wee Jasper out to be the hardest section of the entire walk It involved a series of steep climbs on tracks, starting with the climb to Mount Wee Jasper, where the negotiation of fallen trees was a regular event, then steep slippery descents above creek gorges, notably Millers, Pompey Pillar and Micalong Creeks. Although track maintenance along this section was very good, the wooden footbridges were in poor condition, making for some very interesting crossings. Early views were brilliant and consisted mainly of the and fast running cascades and waterfalls. Blisters played their part and not one member of the party on this section got through unaffected. Bad blisters forced Julie to withdraw from the walk at Tumut. I was only able to continue by treating my blistered heel with an old bushman’s cure of orange peel - (yes, it does work)

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 9 The Hume and Hovell Track The camping areas were excellent and most had access to drinking water, sheltered picnic tables, fireplaces and drop toilets. The longest day was from Barrois Campsite on Micalong Creek to Thomas Boyd Trackhead. This 25km plus day included a very steep descent from just below the summit of Mt Nimbo but also included several uphill sections towards the end of the day that really tested our enthusiasm and stamina. The last section into Tumut saw us crossing suspension and swing bridges over the Goobarragandra River, walking through open farmland, negotiating a steep bushfire burnt ridge and finishing with more farmland that included several large hills. Gerald, Jacqui & Squizz crossing Chinamans Creek near Micalong Swamp By now we were really looking forward to that rest day in Tumut where I had arranged the first food drop. Gerald and Jacqui returned home as planned and they were replaced by Sean and Julie Sunley who had organised a car shuffle for their section from Tumut to Tumbarumba. The walk from Tumut to Tumbarumba was certainly the most scenic and enjoyable of the entire track: we first followed the western shoreline of Blowering Reservoir with lots of cool refreshing dips in the water not far from each campsite. The views were sensational, even allowing for the pine forests that dominate this area. We then ascended steeply to the high country, passing by the splendid Buddong Falls and camping in the forest behind Buddong Hut - possibly our favourite campsite of the entire walk, though Horse Creek camp came a close second.

Blowering reservoir At this stage we were in brumby territory and we came across quite a few on the track as we made our way first to Paddys River Dam and then on to Junction Campsite before arriving at Henry Angel Trackhead. This finished another section and earned us another day off at Tumbarumba to await our next food drop. Jennifer joined us here for the final section of the Track. This section is the biggest, has the longest days in distance and the most walking on forest roads and bitumen. By the finish we were really over road walking. Again we found some excellent camping areas to pitch our tents, even those that required basic forest camping such as Horse Creek near Munderoo. We were getting used to walking through pine forests and many of them had recently been harvested, leaving a post-apocalyptic look to the landscape, though this was tempered by seeing many new views of mountain ranges once hidden by acres of pines. We had a wet day descending to Lankeys Creek then spent two days on Tin Mines Fire Trail as we made our way to Norths Lookout on Mt Jergyle and some views of the southern alpine areas. Looking towards the Brindabellas now we can see them after the pines are gone Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 10 The Hume and Hovell Track We had some nice camping areas at Tin Mines Camp and Samuel Bollard campsite. The final three days found us back on a foot track, but then we followed a horrible fence line before negotiating open farmland as we descended to Hume Reservoir and followed part of the old drovers’ stock reserve. A nice policeman gave Jennifer, who was struggling with a bad ankle, a free ride to our lunch spot. This just happened to be Budginigi Hill, one of the highlights of the final section. We just had to climb to the top and bag the trig while also taking in the 360 degree views. On our final day we were back in civilisation, following roads and footpaths through the outer areas around Albury before locating a track that took us to the top of East Hill for more views, then a walk through town to reach the fabled Hovell Tree on the banks of the Murray River. The end of our journey. We certainly picked the right time to walk. We had all but one day and a half hour of rain during the entire walk. The majority of our time was spent walking under a clear blue sky. The temperatures were also pretty mild for this time of year with the cooler temperatures arriving after dark. There were severe storms and snow as we left Albury for the drive home, the day after we finished the walk. The wildlife was abundant and we saw plenty - kangaroos, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos (which seemed to greet us almost every Paul on top of Budginigi Hill with Hume Reservoir morning), Wedge Tailed Eagles, Gang Gang Cockatoos, Lyrebirds, in background even a White Bellied Sea Eagle on Blowering and a range of finches and scrub birds. We startled plenty of Wonga Pigeons. We had an encounter with a Shingleback, saw trout in the creeks, yet we saw not one single snake, even on the warmer days. It took us 24 days to complete the 440km walk and that included two rest days. The days ranged in length from 6km to 27km. I was pleasantly surprised by finding new tracks where I was expecting fire trail or bitumen and there are new bridges on the section south of Tumbarumba, one near Mannus Lake, the other on Lankeys Creek. After finishing this walk I was asked “What next?” and I really couldn’t answer that one though I would certainly consider re-doing this walk in 5-6 years’ time, especially if more roads are replaced with tracks, which is certainly a possibility. It is well worth the effort and very rewarding, but also very tiring.

Paul Ellis Photos supplied End of the journey - at the Hovell tree in Albury

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 11 High Range, Low Expectations

The things we obsessives do to complete a list. As an inveterate peak bagger, I had taken on the challenge of visiting all the Percies, which vary considerably in their ease of access. The 2003 fires have triggered the vigorous growth of thick and sometimes scratchy understorey through most of Namadgi, affecting many of the higher peaks. In my Percy-pursuit, there were several hills which had bad reputations for their scrub. But one seemed to be reviled more than any other: the High Range. David Dedenczuk had bravely led a stalwart group there in 2016, intending to press on further to Greens Peak. They had reached the summit of High Range but had been turned back by soul-destroyingly thick regrowth, and lattices of fallen Alpine Ash. These valiant souls seemed mentally, as well as physically, scarred by the experience. One normally stoic member of the party announced that the High Range was a ‘oncer’, never to be revisited. I am not drawn to scrub, but over the past few years I have had to become more tolerant of its abrasive and face-slapping tendencies. Fair to say that, for this reason, I had left the High Range to among the last few on my Percy list. But it had to be done. I understand that a great philosopher, possibly Nietzsche, enjoined us to learn to love the things we have to do. I decided, therefore, to be as positive as I could about the impending ordeal to be meted out by High Range’s mean-spirited vegetation.

Alpine Ash and granite I started by offering High Range as a CBC Tuesday walk. But how to advertise it? How could I maintain some shred of credibility in advertising a trip to an unclimbable peak with very limited views through horrendous scrub, and still provide some lure of joy to a prospective walker? I thought of taking a lead from Shackleton’s famed advertisement: Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Or maybe I could strike a Churchillian tone: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. What about: only masochists need apply? In the end, I included in the advertisement a few warning shots across the bow about scrub. I don’t think I plagiarised David Dedenczuk’s ‘rare opportunity to visit’. Oh, but I did hold out the prospect of visiting a Percy. Surely that would snare someone? Maybe the advertisement was too transparent in revealing the leader’s lack of conviction in the product he was selling. Maybe the High Range’s surly reputation had dissuaded prospective walkers. Or maybe the leader’s ‘brand’ was not well enough established…or perhaps, to the contrary, was too well known for the wrong reasons. Whatever the cause, only one brave soul signed up for the walk. Anyway, I had a companion, and the trip was on. One brave soul…

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 12 High Range, Low Expectations The day came and the weather gods smiled benignly on us; we had in prospect a fine, mild April day. What could possibly go wrong? Notwithstanding a schadenfreude-laced pre-walk email from a CBC doyen predicting a flogging from the High Range, the sunny skies buoyed my optimism that the High Range would not be as foul as previous visitors had found. I had decided to learn from others’ misfortunes, and to not repeat David Dedenczuk’s approach from the south, but rather to start from the east. I had recently heard of the cairned route to Billy Billy Rocks and had decided that track should provide fast access for the first kilometre or so before it diverged north-west. We would then continue on to Bogong Cave, which I remembered as having open surrounds. From there, it was less than two kilometres along a flattish ridge to our destination. The Billy Billy Rocks track was indeed a fast way to start our walk, along an attractive, rocky route. Then it was into the scrub. It was slow progress and a bit of a fight across a shallow saddle to regain the ridgeline. Relatively open walking then led kindly to Bogong Cave. After the mandatory climb of the boulder pile for obscured views, it was a slow descent off the knoll to the ridgeline. This was where I expected the going Callitris and cairn on the Billy Billy Rocks track to get tougher, but travel was encouragingly fast. And so it continued for a kilometre or so, until we were slowed by fallen spars. But this, too, was short-lived, and the ridge returned to a mix of open alpine ash patches, rocky knolls and only the occasional band of resistant bush. We were now within 500 metres of the highest knoll on High Range, near where David Dedenczuk’s party had encountered some of its worst scrub. But our luck persisted as we crossed an open gully and moved onto the final climb to the summit. The knoll was better defended, but even here the scrub was negotiable, and we found ourselves spat out at the base of the summit boulders. We had reached our goal in about 3.5 hours, an hour or two shorter than my worst-case estimate. While I had set out that day with very low expectations, I had actually enjoyed the walk. Much of that was probably the relief that we were not suffering like previous visitors. While the summit views were hardly remarkable, the route itself had been enjoyable and interesting for much of its length. Our experience on the High Range is probably illustrative of the variable and sometimes unpredictable distribution of post- fire Namadgi scrub.

View from the highest knoll of High Range While my early bushwalking experience in Victoria and Tasmania had always highlighted the wisdom of keeping to ridges, I have been impressed by the innovation and resourcefulness of Club leaders post-2003 in testing routes along different features to find easier going. The wealth of knowledge within the Club about Namadgi, some of it hard-won from painful experience, has been invaluable in my own quest to climb the ACT’s Percies.

Text and photos: Jonathan Miller Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 13 The CBC Committee 2017-18

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

Web Manager: Andrew Meers [email protected]

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

 There is no requirement that a trip report should be about the hardest walks - no matter what the grading of the walk the experience as reported by participants is always of interest.

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

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

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

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

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 14

ACTIVITY PROGRAM

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

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

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

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

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

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 15 Activity Program

(Fri 10) Sat 11 Aug: Snow shoe walk around Smiggins and Perisher - M/E Snow shoe walk starting at Smiggin Holes 9:00am or soon after and venturing to Perisher and its environs. Leader will be going up previous day and camping overnight to ensure a timely start. It is recommended that participants do the same. This trip would be suitable for reasonably fit beginners. Snow shoes and poles can be hired from Club or outlets in Jindabyne and Cooma. → Up to 20 km ↗ Around 300 metres but perhaps more depending on the party ↘ Around 300 metres but perhaps more depending on the party Map: Perisher 1:25000 Transport: $155.00 per car or $39.00 per person plus any Park entry fees (now $29.00 per day unless you have an annual pass). Accommodation: If going up previous day can camp for free at Island Bend or can book campsite at Kosciusko Retreat just past Park pay station or at caravan parks in Jindabyne. Limit: 16 Leader: Tim Wright. Booking required See online...

Sat 11 Aug: Mt Domain - M/M Mt Domain rises to just over 1500m at the southern end of the Tidbinbilla Range, behind the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. It is visible from many parts of Canberra. We approach via the Fishing Gap Fire Trail, then a cleared footpad route which climbs 300 vertical metres from Fishing Gap to the ridge extending from SH1402. A relatively flat footpad takes us NW to the final prominence, followed by the final climb of 100 vertical metres to the top. Grand views on a good day, west to the wild Cotter River valley and east to TNR. May be a bit of snow around. Approximately 13km return and 700m climb. → 13km ↗ 700 ↘ 700 Map: Tidbinbilla Transport: ~$5 per person Limit: 8 Leader: John Evans. Book by: Thu 9 Aug, 2:00pm. See online...

Sun 12 Aug: Centenary Trail - Forde to Hall - L/M This is a walk along the Centenary Trail from the outskirts of Forde to Hall. The walk is all on track with views across Canberra. I'm doing this as a prep walk for another walk I have planned, so will be wanting to do this reasonably quickly but happy to have company. The climb up to One Tree Hill will be optional (although it is a nice lunch spot). → 17km ↗ 350 ↘ 400 Map: Hall Transport: There will be a short car shuffle and the cost is likely to be $2-3 each Limit: 16 Leader: Lisa Quilter. Booking required. See online...

Tue 14 Aug: Navigation Refresher #1 - S/- An evening with map and compass at the home of Jen and Rob Horsfield. Map: N/A Transport: make your own way Leader: Rob Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Tue 14 Aug: Joadja Crown Reserve - L/R/Part X The walk is on crown land directly east of the Joadja Nature Reserve, 20 km northwest of Mittagong. The first 5km is on the Joadja Ridge Firetrail, then most of the day is off track in sandstone country with big cliffs, ravines and attractive forests. The walking is slow and scrubby along the creeklines, but more open going on the tops. There are steep rock scrambles required to exit most of the creeks. Fire-trails: 7.5 km, off track: 8.5 km → 16km ↗ 700 ↘ 700 Maps: Barralier, Hanworth, Hilltop, Mittagong Transport: 418 kilometres return (2 hours 13 minutes each way) Limit: 8 Leader: Ian Wright. Book by: Sat 11 Aug, 11:00pm. See online...

Wed 15 Aug: Wednesday walk E/M, M/E Wednesday walk BBC sponsored E/M Leader David Wardle Map: nil Transport: nil Leader: Kathy Handel -. No need to book. See online...

Wed 15 Aug: Wednesday walk, M/H, BBC - M/R Wednesday walk BBC sponsored M/H Leader David Dalton Map: Nil Transport: nil Leader: Peter Wellman. No need to book. See online...

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 16 Activity Program

Wed 15 Aug: Pre-Meeting dinner at the Canberra Irish Club - S/E/W Join other CBC members at 6pm for a very tasty meal prior to the CBC monthly meeting at 7:30pm two doors up the road. Map: UBD Canberra Transport: Own transport Leader: Mark Peirce. No need to book. See online...

Wed 15 Aug: CBC Monthly Meeting 7.30pm Weston Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson St, Weston Guest Speaker: Meg McKone: Mishaps, Mysteries and Marvels in the West MacDonnells

Thu 16 Aug: Canberra d’lights - S/M Meet at 6.30pm in the car park at the end of Red Hill Drive. We’ll walk the crest through Davidson Hill to overlook Hindmarsh Drive and back, enjoying d’lights of the Woden Valley and Central Canberra. Should take 2 hours at most. Dress warm; bring a torch. Drive yourself – watch the roos. No need to book. → 2 hours ↗ 150 ↘ 150 Map: Canberra Transport: Drive yourself - watch the roos Leader: John Evans. No need to book. See online...

Sat 18 Aug: Mulligans Flat - S/E Meet at 2pm in the main Mulligans Flat car park in the suburb of Forde. This nature park is my favourite with nice open bush and wonderful lighting effects in the late afternoon. → 2hrs ↗ 20 ↘ 20 Maps: Canberra 1:25,000 Transport: Drive yourself but please book as someone near you may need a lift. Go down Horse Park Drive, turn into Francis Forde Boulevard, then left into Amy Ackman St which will take you to the car park. Limit: 16 Leader: Stan Marks. Book by: Thu 16 Aug, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 18 Aug: Tennent Ridge and Bushfold Flats - L/M An easy-paced ascent to the Tennent ridge T-intersection, continuing along the AAWT down to Bushfold Flats. At this northern end of the Flats there is the opportunity to visit 1884, 1902 and 1957 European hut sites. We then walk N along the diminishing footpad, through a little light scrub to geocache GC7KE9R Bushfold Boundary and the foundations of the 1910 Dunns Hut. We return the same way. Around 15km and 700m climb. → 15km ↗ 700 ↘ 700 Map: Williamsdale Transport: ~$3 per person Limit: 12 Leader: John Evans. Book by: Thu 16 Aug, 2:00pm. See online...

Tue 21 Aug: Navigation Refresher #2 - S/M An evening outdoor exercise with map and compass: the skills of dead reckoning for walking at night or in blizzard or thick scrub Map: N/A Transport: make your own way Leader: Rob Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Wed 22 Aug: Toddlers Toddle - Farrer Ridge - S/M A walk designed for kids of pre-school age, in the Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve. The route climbs gently on track and then meanders off-track through woodland. The bushwalking skills we will practice on this trip include balancing on logs and rocks, going down and up earth banks, and finding a way through about 5 metres of gentle scrub. With luck, a few early spring flowers. At about 600 metres in length, a little longer than most toddles. The Google Maps address of the meeting point is 81 Hawkesbury Crescent, Farrer, where a nature strip leads to the nature reserve. Please be ready to start walking at 10 am. → 600 metres, 1.5 hours ↗ Around 8 metres ↘ Around 8 metres Map: Google Maps Transport: Drive yourself Leader: Linda Groom. No need to book. See online...

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 17 Activity Program

Sat 25 Aug: Lowden Forest Park - S/E Leaving Canberra mid-morning, we will drive to the Lowden Forest Park, in the Tallaganda State Forest east of Hoskinstown where we will do a couple of short walks and have lunch. The site was a camp for timber getters around 1900 to 1920 and there is some interesting equipment from that era there. We will drive home via Rocky Pic, an outlook on the Dividing Range providing great views and easily accessible from the road. → Total a bit under 4km Map: Bendoura Transport: $15 Limit: 16 Leader: Stan Marks. Book by: Thu 23 Aug, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 25 - Sun 26 Aug: Cotter Rocks - Pond Creek - M/M A moderate-paced walk from the Orroral Valley Car Park, ascending to Cotter Gap, then descending to Pond Creek to stay overnight at a pleasant, grassy campsite. Return the next day. We will climb from Cotter Gap to the spectacular granite tors of Cotter Rocks on either day, depending on conditions. Park limit of 8. Also on the program of the Coast and Mountain Walkers of NSW. → Approx 24 km over the two days. ↗ Approx 800 metres ↘ Approx 800 metres Maps: Corin Dam, Rendezvous Creek Transport: $50 per vehicle, ~$13 -17 pp. Limit: Park limit of 8 participants Leader: Meg McKone. Book by: Wed 22 Aug, 2:00pm. See online...

Sun 26 Aug: Navigation Refresher #3 - S/E A day trip in the hills and on the river near Kambah with map and compass; route following and position fixes. Map: Tuggeranong Transport: make your own way to start at 11 Studley St Kambah Leader: Rob Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Fri 31 Aug: Toddlers Toddle - Mount Majura Reserve - S/M A walk designed for kids 18 months to 5 years old each accompanied by a parent or grandparent. We will follow a track at the foot of Mt Majura until we reach smooth old fallen trees to climb on. Meet at 10am at the informal car park at the gate marked, 'Clancy's Track' in Antill Street Watson. (Marked on the attached map. Google Maps address = Clancy's Walking Track, Antill Street; or see Canberra Street Directory, page 40). To reach the car park drive up a rise, on a gravel road parallel to Antill Street, for approx 100 metres. → 1.5 hours, a few hundred metres ↗ Less than 10 metres ↘ Less than 10 metres Maps: Canberra 1:25,000 or Google Maps Transport: Drive yourself. No need to book. See online...

Sat 1 Sep: Sherwood Forest - S/E We will walk from the Blue Range Hut, where Italian aliens were held during the war, to the site of the old Sherwood Homestead. The owners planted the area around the house with daffodils. The house is no longer standing but the daffodils give an exhibition every spring. We will have lunch there. → approx 2 1/2 hrs Map: Cotter Dam Transport: Cars will meet at the Cotter at 10.30 from where we will drive to the start point. Detailed arrangements to be advised. Transport cost to be advised but probably $10 to $15 depending on where you live etc Limit: 16 Leader: Stan Marks. Book by: Thu 30 Aug, 2:00pm. See online...

Sat 1 - Sun 2 Sep: Navigation Refresher #4 - M/R A weekend off-track with map and compass in the southern Namadgi. Sentry Box Mtn is a Sunday morning side-trip. Non-navigators welcome to join us just for the trip. Map: Yaouk Transport: 125 km $50 per vehicle Leader: Rob Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Tue 4 Sep: Navigation Refresher #5 An evening introducing the GPS at the home of Jen and Rob Horsfield. Attendance at previous Navigation events not a prerequisite Map: N/A Transport: Make your own way Leader: Rob Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 18 Activity Program

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

Wed 5 Sep: Wednesday walk E/M, BBC sponsored - M/E Leader John Ellis Map: Nil Transport: Nil Leader: Kathy Handel - No need to book. See online...

Wed 5 Sep: Wednesday walk, M/H, BBC - M/R Leader Prue Deacon Map: nil Transport: nil Leader: Peter Wellman. No need to book. See online...

Thu 6 Sep: Mt Wee Jasper - L/M The trail starts at the west side of the picnic area at Fitzpatrick Trackhead. It is part of the 440km long Hume & Hovell Walking Track. An interesting walk with changes in vegetation and a (possibly dry) waterfall along the way but limited views from the summit. → 16km ↗ 800 ↘ 800 Map: Couragago Transport: $32 per car ($8 - $11pp) Limit: 12 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Wed 5 Sep, 10:00am. See online...

Sat 8 Sep: Navigation Refresher #6 - S/E A morning trip using the GPS around the back of Kambah. Map: Tuggeranong Transport: make your own way Leader: Rob Horsfield. Booking required. See online...

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

Sat 8 - Sun 9 Sep: The Headwaters of . - M/R/X We will walk up Mt Budawang and then descend down a steep ridge into the Bimberamala River which we will follow downstream for a couple of kms. On Sunday we will climb up to the and then head cross country back to the car. Map: Braidwood and Brooman Transport: $90/car. Limit: 6 Leader: Ian Hickson. Booking required. See online...

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 19 Activity Program

Sun 9 Sep: Goulburn wetlands, Rocky Hill Memorial, Riversdale, Waterworks - M/E A rare chance to see Victorian steam machinery in action. The Goulburn Waterworks Museum’s 130-year-old steam pump is the only one of its kind remaining in situ in the southern hemisphere. Five times a year it is brought to life by knowledgeable volunteers. Start at Goulburn Railway Station, with a stroll along the pathway to the spectacular new Goulburn Wetlands. From there we climb up to the Rocky Hill Memorial for morning tea with a panoramic view of the city. After descent, we cross Sydney Road, and make our way past the Gaol to the National Trust’s Riversdale house and gardens, built as a coaching inn around 1840. We then cross the Wollondilly and follow it upstream past the Police Academy to the Marsden Weir, location of the Waterworks Museum. After seeing the engines in operation we’ll lunch at the riverside picnic spot. For those who wish, the café serves yummy sandwiches, soups etc. Return via Fitzroy Street and the Victoria Park Rose Garden. Approx 13km. → 13km Map: A PDF will be supplied Transport: $60 per car Limit: 18 Leader: Tom Gosling. Booking required. See online...

Sun 9 Sep: Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve - M/M This walk will be a wander around the Goorooyaroo Nature Reserve, depending a bit on what the group would like to do. Some walking will be on trails, some off, and there will be some hills to climb. Reserve information: https://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/parks-and-reserves/find-a- park/canberra-nature-park/goorooyarroo-nature-reserve Please note that the walk leader will be mostly out of internet & mobile range between 25/8 and 2/9, and will reply to any bookings or emails after 2/9. → maximum of 4 hours, 12-16km ↗ 300-400m ↘ 300-400m Map: Hall Transport: Drive yourself to the start of the walk on Horse Park Drive. Limit: 16 Leader: Lisa Quilter. Book by: Thu 6 Sep, 2:00pm. See online...

Mon 10 Sep: Toddlers Toddle: Cuumbeun Nature Reserve - S/M Toddlers Toddles are walks designed to introduce kids 1 to 5 years old to walking on uneven ground. The route of this toddle is about 500 metres wandering through open forest on the flattish banks of a small creek; the creek is often dry but with luck it will be flowing. The start of the walk is a 5 minute drive from . Coming from Queanbeyan, drive to the junction of the Road and Wanna Wanna Road; park about 100 metres further on, in a gravel parking area on your left. We will have to climb a fence to get started. Please be ready to start walking at 10am. We should be finished by 11.30am. Non-members welcome, but if this is your third walk with the Canberra Bushwalking Club, it's time to show your support by joining. → 1.5 hours, 400 metres ↗ Less than 10 metres ↘ Less than 10 metres Map: Hoskinstown Transport: Drive yourself Leader: Linda Groom. Booking required. See online...

Wed 12 Sep: Wednesday walk E/M - M/E Leader: Mike Morriss Map: nil Transport: nil Leader: John Danaro. No need to book. See online...

Wed 12 Sep: Wednesday walk M/H - M/R Leader: Lorraine Tomlins Map: Nil Transport: nil. No need to book. See online...

Thu 13 Sep: Navigation Refresher #7 – GPSr and PC An evening demonstration of PC software (eg. BaseCamp, OziExplorer) and digital maps to plan and analyse trips recorded on a GPSr. Includes no-cost web resources such as Google Earth and GPS Visualizer → 2 hours Map: N/A Transport: Drive yourself Limit: 8 (will run a repeat session) Leader: John Evans. Book by: Tue 11 Sep, 2:00pm. See online...

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 20 Activity Program

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

Wed 19 Sep : Wednesday walk E/M BBC Sponsored - M/E Leader David Wardle Map: Nil Transport: nil Leader: Kathy Handel - BBCWedWalks. No need to book. See online...

Wed 19 Sep: Wednesday walk, M/H, BBC Sponsored - M/R Leader: Peter Wellman Map: Nil Transport: nil. No need to book. See online...

Wed 19 Sep: CBC Annual General Meeting 7.30pm Weston Uniting Church, 16 Parkinson St, Weston

Sat 22 Sep - Sun 4 Nov: Hume and Hovell Walking Track - L/M/X Early Notice: Spring 2018. I plan to walk the Hume and Hovell walking track (roughly from Yass to Albury) in the spring. I have yet to decide exact dates, but the walk is likely to be in October. The track is about 430km long (depending on which source of information you believe), and has a total height gain of about 8,000m. I have walked only a little of the track, but all the information I have suggests that it is a fairly easy walk on well marked trails, so I expect to take no more than three weeks. If you are interested in the walk, contact me on 0422585519 or [email protected]. → about 430km ↗ about 8,000m ↘ about 8,000m Map: Hume and Hovell Walking Track map set Transport: TBA - depends on number of walkers, walkers for part of track, possible food drops, etc. Accommodation: Lightweight tents, usually very small Limit: TBA Leader: Mac Kirby. Book by: Sat 18 Aug, 2:00pm. See online...

Mon 24 Sep: Toddlers Toddle – bushland near Valour Park, Watson - S/M A circuit of around 600 metres designed for families with kids aged from 1 to 5. We will be walking off-track in open woodland, balancing on logs, weaving through a maze of small acacias and exploring some low rocks, in the Mount Majura Nature Reserve. We will also have to climb over a fence. No need to book. Meet in the Valour Park car park, a gravel car park on the Federal Highway, Watson (Google Maps address = Valour Park, 881 Federal Highway, Watson). Note that there is no right turn into the carpark for anyone coming from the south. Alternatively, if you like a parking spot with less traffic, you can park opposite 54 Tay Street, Watson, and walk 300 metres through Valour Park to meet us. Please be at the meeting point ready to start walking at 10am. Bring a snack. → About 600 metres in 1.5 hours ↗ Less than 5 metres ↘ Less than 5 metres Map: Google Maps Transport: Drive yourself Leader: Jacqui Rosier. No need to book. See online...

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

Sat 29 Sep - Tue 2 Oct: Budawangs - M/R/Part X This walk is mainly on track with some off track sections to visit interesting features. From the Nerriga entrance we will follow the Redgrounds Track to the and visit the Natural arch and Peg-Top Monolith with close views of Battleship Rock. We will then follow the Endrick River Trail to just past Camp Rock and take a short cut over to the Folly Point Track and then walk out to Folly Point. From there we go down Watson Pass, past both Munnuldi Falls and Sluice Box Falls and up to Sturgiss Mountain. We will climb down into Hidden Valley and then go via track to south of Round Mountain and then through some open forest back to the cars. Please note that this is a 4 day walk. Map: Endrick Transport: $105/car. Limit: 6 Leader: Ian Hickson. Booking required. See online...

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

Thu 4 Oct: Mt Coree - L/E This walk is graded easy because it is all on fire trails but note the 850m climb. Starting at Blundells Flat we climb to the summit via Curries Road, Two Sticks Road and Coree Summit Trail. We will enjoy lunch with magnificent views (weather permitting) and return via Summit Trail and Pabral Road. → 19km ↗ 850 ↘ 850 Map: Cotter Dam Transport: $32 per car ($8 - $11pp) Limit: 12 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Wed 3 Oct, 10:00am. See online...

Thu 11 Oct: North of Billy Billy Rocks - M/R/Part X On the northern side of Billy Billy Rocks there is a geocache, GC1PVHC . This is the goal for the day. There are lots and lots of granite boulders to be negotiated. Participants will need to be comfortable in scrambling over steep rock. ↗ 450 ↘ 450 Map: Corin Dam Transport: $25.00 per car Limit: 8 Leader: Roger Edwards. Book by: Sun 7 Oct, 2:00pm. See online...

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

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

Sat 27 Oct: Canyoning leaders refresher training, Deakin Practice prussicking and other canyoning techniques using the large oak trees in our garden at 96 Strickland Crescent, Deakin, from 9.30am. Followed by a discussion on how to run the upcoming canyoning training courses Followed by a simple lunch, courtesy of the Conroy Grooms. This is a self-help refresher session for canyoning leaders only; please book in the usual online way. If you are interested in becoming a canyoning leader please contact me to discuss. BYO ropes and gear. → 2 to 4 hours Map: Google Maps Transport: Drive yourself Leader: Linda Groom. Book by: Wed 24 Oct, 6:00pm. See online...

Fri 2 Nov: Canyoning leader refresher training, White Rocks #1 - S/R Self-help refresher training for canyoning leaders at White Rocks, Queanbeyan. 3pm to 6.30pm. BYO ropes and gear. → 1km walk to White Rocks (2km return) Map: Google maps Transport: Drive yourself Leader: Linda Groom. Book by: Tue 30 Oct, 5:00pm. See online...

Sat 3 - Sun 4 Nov: Cascade Hut Overnight Camping - M/M Cascade Hut is a 10km walk on trails from the Alpine Way just south of Thredbo. There is a picturesque camping spot and after our arrival we can spend the afternoon exploring the area and/or relaxing. → 10km each way ↗ 500m ↘ 500m Map: Chimneys Ridge Transport: We will be driving about 400km return, all on sealed roads. The cost will be roughly $160 per vehicle plus National Park entry fees. Limit: 8 Leader: Lisa Quilter. Book by: Wed 31 Oct, 6:00pm. See online...

(Thu 8) Fri 9 - Sun 11 Nov: Touching the Brogo - L/R/Part X/W We'll drop into the Brogo by way of Greens Creek and continue on to the junction with the Brogo River. We exit via a very long spur. Where we camp will depend on how slow going is Greens Creek. We can get out from the Brogo to the car in a very long day. To gain a bit more time for walking in Greens Creek, we will leave Canberra Thursday afternoon to make camp on a firetrail for an early start on Friday morning. We're looking at long days in rough and steep terrain that is partly new to this leader. For suitably experienced and fit walkers. ↗ Around 1000m ↘ Around 1000m Map: Puen Buen and Kydra Transport: Approximately 360km return from Canberra GPO. Transport cost per car about $140. Limit: 5 Leader: Monika Binder. Book by: Thu 1 Nov, 2:00pm. See online...

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Fri 9 Nov: Canyoning and abseiling training, White Rocks, Queanbeyan - S/R Get ready for the summer canyoning season with this training in abseiling and canyoning techniques, 3pm to 6.30pm. Suitable for complete beginners and also for canyoners who want to refresh their skills. If you do not have your own helmet, harness and descender, please mention that in 'Comments' when you book; a few spare sets will be available. Each participant must pay a $5 'rope fee' to help compensate the leaders who provide the ropes. All participants must be CBC members. Note that the trainers have experience in canyoning but are generally not professionally qualified. → 1km walk to White Rocks (2km return); 3.5 hours but you can leave early if you wish Map: Google maps Transport: Drive yourself Leaders: Linda Groom, Peter Conroy. Book by: Tue 6 Nov, 8:00pm. See online...

Sat 10 - Sun 11 Nov: Mt Namadgi Birthday Celebrations - M/R Leave from the Yankee Hat car park and walk the grasslands into the mouth of Middle Creek and to the aboriginal rock shelter. Handrail the main arm of Middle Creek up to Big Creamy Flats to camp. It would be nice to summit twice, once for pre-dinner drinks and again for post-breakfast views. See the fabulous aboriginal stone arrangements. For quick walkers. Around 30km and 950vm climb over 2 days → ~30km over 2 days ↗ ~950 ↘ ~950 Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk Transport: ~$15 Limit: 8 Leader: John Evans. Book by: Wed 7 Nov, 2:00pm. See online...

Sun 11 Nov: Canyoning and abseiling training, White Rocks, Queanbeyan - S/R A second opportunity to get ready for the summer canyoning season with this training in abseiling and canyoning techniques, 8am to 12 noon. Suitable for complete beginners and also for canyoners who want to refresh their skills. If you do not have your own helmet, harness and descender, please mention that in 'Comments' when you book; a few spare sets will be available. Each participant must pay a $5 'rope fee' to help compensate the leaders who provide the ropes. All participants must be CBC members. Note that the trainers have experience in canyoning but are generally not professionally qualified. → 1km walk to White Rocks (2km return); 4 hours but you can leave early if you wish Map: Google maps Transport: Drive yourself Leaders: Linda Groom, Allan Donnelly. Book by: Thu 8 Nov, 8:00pm. See online...

Thu 15 Nov: Canyoning and abseiling training, Red Rocks Lookout, Murrumbidgee - S/R A third opportunity to get ready for the summer canyoning season with this training in abseiling and canyoning techniques, with the chance to practice some more advanced abseiling including overhangs. 3pm to 6.30pm. Suitable for people who have attended the a previous training session or have prior experience. If you do not have your own helmet, harness and descender, please mention that in 'Comments' when you book; a few spare sets will be available. Each participant must pay a $5 'rope fee' to help compensate the leaders who provide the ropes. All participants must be CBC members. Note that the trainers have experience in canyoning but are generally not professionally qualified. → 3.5 hours but you can arrive a bit late or leave early if you wish Map: Google maps Transport: Drive yourself Leaders: Linda Groom, Peter Conroy. Book by: Mon 12 Nov, 8:00pm. See online...

Sun 18 Nov: Canyoning in Bungonia - M/R/W Bungonia Creek Canyon is a 'moderate' grade canyon with several long drops and one or two swims of 30m or so. Exit is via the steep Red Track (around 400m). For experienced canyoners and abseilers. Maps: Bungonia, Caoura Transport: 250km return or $98 per car Limit: 6 Leader: Monika Binder. Book by: Sun 11 Nov, 2:00pm. See online...

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 24 Activity Program

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

Sat 15 - Sun 16 Dec: Pockets Hut, Leura Gap - L/M/Part X Day 1: Drive via Cooma, Adaminaby, Tantangara Dam to the locked gate on Pockets Saddle Road at Gurrangorambla Creek. Walk the 1.5km to the Murrays Gap fire trail turnoff and drop overnight gear. Walk a 7km loop along the Goodradigbee Aqueduct Track – I wonder what we’ll see. Return to pick up our gear and walk a further 3.5km along the Walking Track to Pockets Hut. Day 2: Leave overnight gear at Pockets Hut. Walk with day packs north to Rolling Ground Ridge, then south-east roughly following the ridge before turning east to Leura Gap hoping to find Leura Hut (ruin) on the way. Bonus for those who have gone over to the dark side is a cache at Leura Gap. We then retrace our steps to Pockets Hut. All on old track shown on maps (if track not overgrown) Most of track seems to show on Google Earth. After picking up our overnight gear we will walk the 5km back to our vehicles and return home through Cooma. → Day One 12km (7km with day pack), Day Two 23km (18km with day pack) ↗ Day One 350m, Day Two 750m ↘ Day One 350m, Day Two 750m Maps: Rules Point, Rendezvous Creek and Peppercorn Transport: Approx. $45 - $50 per person Limit: 8 Leader: Phillip Starr. Book by: Mon 10 Dec, 2:00pm. See online...

Fri 28 Dec: Cotter Dam and Mt McDonald - S/E Meet at 2pm at the Cotter camping area car park near the toilets. It is just past the Murrumbidgee River bridge on the left. We will consolidate the cars and drive the few km to the start point of the walk. We will walk to a lookout over the dam and then climb Mt McDonald, which provides views in all directions. → 2 to 2 1/2 hrs ↗ 200 Map: Cotter Dam Transport: Drive yourself but I will arrange transport if needed. Limit:16 Leader: Stan Marks. Booking required. See online...

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

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Mon 11 - Sat 16 Feb: Dusky Track, New Zealand - M/R/W The Dusky Track is a classic New Zealand hiking trail, that gets away from the crowds and heads deep into Fiordland National Park. I plan to tackle the Dusky Track as a six day walk from Lake Hauroko to Lake Manapouri staying in huts. We will not do the side trip from Loch Maree to Supper Cove. Further details about the Dusky Track can be found on the New Zealand Department of Conservation website at https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/fiordland/places/fiordland-national-park/things- to-do/tracks/dusky-track/ A reasonable degree of fitness and experience of multi-day backpacking is required. This walk could be combined with the Rees-Dart Track which will be undertaken after this walk. To receive a detailed trip itinerary lodge an expression of interest via 'Send Booking Request'; please describe your experience in multi-day walks. → 68kms Maps: NZTopo50-CE05, NZTopo50-CD06 and NZTopo50- CE06 Transport: Arrange your own transport to Te Anau, New Zealand. Limit: 4 Leader: Gerald Dodgson. Book by: Sat 1 Dec, 2:00pm. See online...

Tue 19 - Sat 23 Feb: Rees-Dart Track, New Zealand - M/M The Rees-Dart Track links two of the most scenic valleys in New Zealand's Mount Aspiring National Park. We will also do a side trip to Cascade Saddle - arguably one of the most spectacular locations in New Zealand's Southern Alps. I plan to tackle the Rees-Dart Track as a five day walk staying in huts. Further details about the Rees-Dart Track can be found on the New Zealand Department of Conservation website at https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/mount-aspiring-national- park/things-to-do/tracks/rees-dart-track/ A reasonable degree of fitness and experience of multi-day backpacking is required. This walk could be combined with the Dusky Track which will be undertaken prior to this walk. To receive a detailed trip itinerary lodge an expression of interest via 'Send Booking Request'; please describe your experience in multi-day walks. → 77kms Maps: NZTopo50-CA10, NZTopo50-CB10 Transport: Arrange own transport to Queenstown, New Zealand. Limit: 6 Leader: Gerald Dodgson. Book by: Sat 1 Dec, 2:00pm. See online...

On the Rees--Dart track NZ: Dart River looking towards the Dart Glacier Photo: Meredith Hatherly

Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 26 Bulletin Board

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

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

Orroral Rocks Namadgi Photo: Meredith H Canberra Bushwalking Club it August 2018 page 27