Canberra 5000WA11W 6/' W' o News/aA6'r Registered by Australia Post: Publication No. NBH 1859.

VOLUME 21 MAY 1984 NO. 5

etjsi-i OMI4C FRIDAY JULY 6TH, 8PM, ALBERT HALL

The Club is holding a BUSH DANCE and needs your HELP to organise the event so please keep this date free. Many members have asked for a dance and a recent survey showed that about half the members would attend. This event should encourage all members, old and new, to meet together in warm and informal surroundings to socialise and to enjoy themselves. However to succeed and to pay its way the dance must have the active support of club members and that is where YOU come in. The committee needs your help and not negative comments like "you will never get the numbers." There will be contingency plans in case things do not go right but helpers and volunteers are needed -1 to form a sub-committee to proceed with immediate plans and pre-selling tickets, CAN YOU HELP?

Sub-committee volunteers are needed for:-

Catering Ticket sales (Phoning members) Inter-club contact Making/distributing posters (Do we have any artists) Cleaning committee (providing and wielding brooms etc.) Requisitioning Publicity Others Please do not be backward in putting your best dancing foot forward. We need your help, the more the merrier. To help make the dance a big success please contact KEITH VALLARD on 462601(w) or 540113(h).

Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc.frGPO Box 160, Canberra City, AC.T 2601. CLUB DIARY MAY MEETING Wednesday, May 16. 8pm at the Dickson Library. A guest speaker will talk on the fundamentals of cross country skiing. As usual supper is provided. All welcome. COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, May 28, 8pm at Mick Crofts' home, 35 Foveaux St, Ainslie. JUNE IT CLOSING Copy for June IT should teach Anne Gibbs-Jordan by 8pm on Thursday, May 31. Anne's address is 71 Onkaparinga Crescent, Kaleen, ACT 2617. JUNE IT COLLATION Tuesday, June 12, 8pm at the home of Ian Hotchkiss, 57 Barada Crescent, Aranda. All welcome. ANNOUNCE ME NT S FIRST AID COURSE So far only 7 people have indicated they would be interested in doing the first-aid course the Club is attempting to organise (see AprilIT). As 25 people are needed for the course to be run, it seems unlikely we will be able to proceed. If you are interested in doing the course - and I would like to point out here that over the last 3 weekends one broken leg and 2 sprained ankles have occurred on Club trips - would you please contact me on 474856 (H) before May 10, or Chris Sinkora on 812477(H) as soon as possible after. Although it is not intended to run the course until September or October, we need to organise it as soon as possible. Melanie O'Flynn SEARCH & RESCUE QUESTIONNAIRE CAN EVERYONE WHO HAS NOT YET FILLED IN THEIR S&R QUESTIONNAIRE, PLEASE DO SO AND EITHER BRING IT ALONG TO THE NEXT CLUB MEETING OR SENDITTO PETER CONROY, 8 SHORThAND CRESCENT, AINSLIE, ACT 2602

- 2 - EAST OF DEUA Maps: Bendethra. Burrumbela (1:25000). Elphick's Bendethra Sketch Map. One of my favourite walking spots is an area I refer to as east of Deua. However to be accurate, the region is east of Bendethra Mtn where the catchment flows into the lower Moruya River (and lies partially within the Deua National Park). Access is just west of the town of Moruya, along the Araluen road, where there is a sign post to Wamban. This side road is followed for 2km to where a right hand trail heads up a small hill. Hereon the trail continues for approx 11km, finally descending to Donalds Creek (ignoring the "Mymosa" turnoff along the way). I usually leave my car on the eastern side of Donalds Ck for it is a low ford and I've seen the creek rise quite quickly following rain. A choice of routes lie open from the ford, (a) north to Oulla Cc, (b) Coondella Fire Trail and Burra Cc, (c) Coondella Trig and Diamond Falls, and (d) Wamban. Irrespective of the route being taken, the first thing that strikes the visitor is the sharply defined rocky peaks of granite that lie within the catchment. I usually choose an indirect route to Oulla CR - mainly to avoid the farms near the junction of Oulla/Donalds Creeks. One of the properties has a pack of hunting dogs which are allowed to roam freely round the lower slopes and fireroads extending into the Deua National Park. Usually this pack of mutts can be heard long before they are seen - so I try and ensure I don't get bailed up by them. Oulla Creek is a pleasant open creek and offers easy walking. It is the only place to date that I have come across the Death Adder - and I hope it will be the last! Like much of Victoria, fire roads line the ridges and in at least one spot, a side track descends almost to creek level. From the upper reaches of Oulla Creek, it is only an up-and-over into Woola Creek. Lower Woola offers the grassy flats of.old grazing country, whilst falls on its upper section lead to pleasant rainforest and open walking beneath tall fern trees. An alternative to Woola is Booma Creek and Falls Creek - the latter has a prominent rocky needle or thumb which can be seen from the road descending to Araluen village. To reach Burra Creek it is best to follow the Coondella Fire Road for a while before descending. Burra Creek is also easy going though wider than Oulla Creek and with more water. Just north of Coondella Trig the creek splits into two - Coondella and Burra creeks. Occasional low grassy bends ensure decent campsites, and there is evidence that stockmen used to camp here. One possible return is to proceed to 594191 where Milliken's hut and yard was located. Here a faint track can be picked up which follows Diamond Creek. The track then climbs out of the creek and soon joins a fire road

- 3 - to (611170) the ridge. Coondella Trig station is just to the north and it is a 3 hour walk back to Donalds Creek. Incidentally Coondella Trig lies on part of the Merrinibula Fold Belt which includes other notable rocky outcrops like Mts Currockbilly and Budawang. Prior to the development of roads, there used to be a bridle track put in by a Mr George who had holdings on the Deua River near Bendethra. Starting from Moruya, this trail presumably followed the present day road to Coondella Creek then down beside Diamond Creek. It then followed Coondella Creek to 570184 before climbing to Bendethra Mtn. Again it must be assumed it followed the present day steep descending road to the Deua River. The earliest reference to this track I could find was in 1891, which stated that this had been in existence for a number of years. One of the early settlers in the upper Deua River was Benjamin George to whom is given accreditation for the discovery of the caves on Con Creek. As the region became better known, and visitation to the caves increased, Mr George was engaged by the Department of Mines (1890) to act as guide to the caves. For many years Georges Pack Track was the only way west into the upper Deua. Round 1928 Dr Ida Brown, the geologist, mentions using this route to visit the caves. Just upstream of the junction of Diamond and Coondella Creeks was Millikin's Hut. Very little remains here to indicate this campsite though a little further upstream there is indication of a hut and recent litter. Of Millikin, the only information I have discovered is that he was cutting timber near Bendethra in March 1948. The first bushwalk in the region was by a party of three from SBW in March 1936. They caught the train to Berry then the coach to Moruya - Burra Creek - Coondella Creek - Bendethra and Deua River - Neringa Creek - .Araluen Valley - Majors Creek - Shoalhaven River - Braidwood. I recently spent three days following the Coondella fireroad till I could cross Burra Creek at the foot of the prominent Womaderra Peak (619233). The climb was reasonably easy and a pleasant lunch was had on a rocky outcrop at the top of the climb. A narrow ledge continued on to the sumxnit which revealed that Womaderra was not the only bald outcrop in the district. Although I had planned to reach Mt Donovan to camp; night caught me along the way. Next morning I realised the ascent of this thickly vegetated 300 metre peak could be bypassed along its wetern face to a saddle. Another fireroad allowed an easy descent (578268) to Burra Creek. My journey to Wamban, a prominent granite Outcrop to the south, followed a rather damp alteration to some plans I'd made. Having exited via George's Pack Track, the well built fire road which runs along the ridge line was followed round to where a low saddle lead to Wamban. Normally little can be said for fire roads but this one passed through some lovely stands of timber.

- 4 - The route onto Wamban used two fire roads, the latter lead half way up the side of the peak. As mist covered the summit, I can offer no comments on the view. The way back to my transport was a choice between a fire road down beside Donalds Creek or else a long meandering ridge (667168) back to the ford. This latter proved very pleasant and easy despite an initial road bash. In summarising the area offers potential for a number of medium walks (both of short and long duration) and one has the choice of gentle creeks or rocky peaks. The bushfires of a couple of years ago have ensured a regrowth in the Burrawang Palms which now can be a problem to push through. Unfortunately feral pigs have entered the area so that together with the hunting dogs, we may see Australia's first game park. An alternative route into the area (and Bendethra) is located south of Moruya. past Turlinjah, where the Western Boundary road heads inland. Upon reaching Sugar Loaf Road, the left hand road is taken (see Forestry maps for further details). Also refer NPA (NSW) Vol 27, No 6, Dec 1983 "Diamonds are Forever?". WELBY WALKS REPORT Coronet Peak - April 22nd A party of five, Mary , Fiona, Mark, Greg and Vance set off from Orroral valley at about Sam for the assault on Coronet Peak. For the first time for days the sun was shining and the weather looked set fair. The walk to the foot of Coronet Peak was fairly easy along the new fire trails but a little boggy in places. It was encouraging to see that the bush was recovering well from the fire and even the fire trails were revegetating in most places but there was some water erosion in places. The climb up the mountain was fairly easy and at about 12:15 we were taking in the magnificent view from the summit. Looking towards Kelly the country still looked rather barren following the fires. Shortly after we heard voices from below then Meg and Frank, who had decided to come along later, joined us. The trip back was straightforward but it was decided that time and inclination did not allow for the diversion to Cotter Rocks, so a cup of tea was taken at Cotter Gap instead. We all got back to the cars without injury just before dark after a very pleasant day. Vance Brown

- 5 - WALKS PREVIEWS May 19/20 Mts Mavis, Namadgi. Medium/Medium A medium to easy two day walk in the Gudgenby Nature Reserve from Orroral. Mt Mavis (722492) has remarkable large granite rock formations and Namadgi. or Myrtle, (708479) has an aboriginal Bora Ground. Both provide excellent views of the rugged country of the southern ACT. The area was partly burnt in the bushfire of February 1983 which makes easy walking, but you will be surprised by the rate of regeneration of the vegetation. About half of the walking distance is on tracks. It would provide good training for the coming ski-touring season. Phone bookings OK. Fred George 810385 (H) June 9-11 Northern Budawangs. Medium/Medium A medium walk into the rugged country of the northern Budawangs from Bangor (or Wog Wog). We will visit Hoddles Castle, Hoddle, Houghton and Tarn, return over Quilties. Views are fascinating. Most of the walking is on tracks or open country with a few short but easy rock scrambles. Despite being Winter there are still plenty of flowers on the sandstone heath. The large orange Banksias are flowering and the Lyrebirds are singing. Map 1:25 000 Endrick. Phone bookings OK. Fred George 810385 (H) Sun 27 May Bangadilly Cliffs - Wingecarribee River. Short/Rough A short walk in Bangadilly State Forest to the Wingecarribee River, with rock scramblyng and probable scrub. This area, west of Berrima, has cliffs up to 60m high.. A long dr Lye - walk will not proceed if weather suggests we won't see much. Map: Hanworth 1:25 000 best: Burragorang 1:100 000 will do. Jeff Bennetts June (8)9-11. Ridges East of Wadbilliga Trig. Long/Rough Starting from the Tuross River at Two River Plains, bash along the Razorback Fire Trail, thence along the ridge towards Sunday Hill and drop into Lake Creek, west out of Lake Creek, south along the ridge and into the Queens Pound River and west up onto the ridge over Wadbilliga Trig and home again. PHONE BOOKINGS ONLY. Ian Hickson 261766(W) 261053(H) August or thereabouts. Cape York Peninsula Anyone interested in flying up to Cairns, hiring a land rover, and driving/walking round Cape York Peninsula for 3 weeks in August ? If so please contact Kim Hello, 716585(W). BUSH SONG VENUES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE

July 4 Linda and John Hislop's home, 105 Gouger St, Torrens, 864222 August To be decided Sep. 5 Elizabeth Morey's home, 5 MacDonnell St, Yarralumia, 810680 Oct. 4 Cilia Byrne's home, 50 McFarland Cres, Chifley, 810834 Nov. 1 Rod Peters' home, 7 Brooks St, Macquarie, 512580 Dec. 6 Peter Ormay's home, 26 Wangara St, Aranda, 512428 USEFUL CLUB CONTACTS President Melanie O'Flynn 474856(H) (away next 4 weeks) Membership Sec Sue Vidler 545373(H) Check-in-officer Mike Merrony 861503 (H) 896973 (W) Walks Sec David Truman 546700 (H) Equipment Hire Rod Peters 512580 (H) PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS Eliza NGAN 10 Driver P1, EVATT. 586992(H) 621479(W) Rosemary CRABAU 104 Caley Cres, NARRABUNDAH 951603(H.W) Blair PHILLIPS 47 Dominion Circuit, FORREST. 496033(H) Grant THOMPSON Gowrie Private Hostel, BRADDON. 683222(W) Cathy & Peter BLUNT 12 Cloncurry St, KALEEN. 417770(H) 581364(W) Catherine DAVIES 10/2 Walsh P1, CURTIN. 823118(H) 632519(W) RENEWALS Joan HAYHURST 108 Lachlan St, MAICQUARIE. 433275(W) 512127(H) Kim HELLO 30 Roebuck St, RED HILL. 716585(W)

NOTE. The program is subject to modification for future months. Leaders are still needed for day walks and for weekends which at • present look full' but may change if dates of some walks have to be moved. The Walk Secretary (David Truman - 458691 (W), 546700 (H) will be happy to receive new offerings at any time. Bookings for trips should be made by 500pm Thursday on the appropriate sheet at Paddy Pallins, Northbourne Ave.

DO NOT TELEPHONE PADDY'S TO BOOK. Equipment can be hired for Club wafks from Rod Peters, 512580 (h). Transport costs are IS cents per km for each car, divided equally among ALL participants.

Grading of walks (5) Short Under 12 km per day (E) Easy firetrails, tracks, beaches, etc (M) Medium 12 - 20 km per day (M) Medium bush tracks, alpine areas, some scrub (L) Long Over 20 km per day (R) Rough lots of scrub, steep climbs, rock scrambles (W) Wet compulsory swims, many river crossings

Note: that in calculating distance, 1km is added for each 100 metres climbed.

NOTICES TO ALL WALKERS. The leader should check that Each applicant is capable of completing the proposed trip - by obervation on previous walks, or by contacting them personally and asking where, when and with whom they have previously walked. Everyone is aware of what the trip entails and of any specialised equipment needed.

Leaders may reject any applicant they think is not suited to the trip.

- 7 - • ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME

MAY TRW GRADE LEADER TEL NAP

12-13 The Castle - Monolith Valley M/M Paul Shells (0648) CMW Budawangs 21949(h)

12-13 Byangee Walls - Castle (through the first N/R Ann Gibbs-Jordan 41 5775 (h) CMW Sudawangs cliff line)

Sun, 13 Mount Coree (Phone bookings only) M/M Ann NcCotter 67 6685 (w) A.C.T. 1:100000

Wed, 16 Monthly meeting, 8pm at the Dickson Library. A guest speaker on the fundamentals of cross country skiing.

(IS) 19-20 Bogong Peaks M/R Brian PaIn 65 4876 (w) Yarrangobilly 1:100000

19-20' Mt Mavis I Mt Namadgi (Myrtle) from Orroral N/N Fred George 810395 (h) Rendezvous Ck 1:25000

Sun. 20 Cotter Sap - Pond Creek - Cotter Rocks MIM Peter Conroy 47 037 (h) A.C.T. 1:100000

Sun 20 Mt Mckeahnie or Nursery Hill It Swamp N/N Memo Lepp 51 1732 (h) A.C.T. 1:100000 5263081w)

26-27 Tinderries N/N Paul Sheils (0648) Michelago 1:100000 21949(h)

26-27 Where snow is! ski touring, experienced M/M Rod Peters 512580(h) Kosciusko 1:100000 only 1 2 cars limit, phone bookings only. 482610(w) Sun 27' Bungadilly Cliffs - Wingecarribee River SIR Jeff Bennetts 315899 (h) Burragorang 11100000 Hanworth 1:25000

Mon. 28 Committee meeting, 8pm at Mick Crafts hose - 35 Foveaux Street, Ainslie.

Thurs. 31 June 'IT' closing, Bps at Ann Gibbs-Jordan's - 71 Onkaparinga Crescent, Kaleen.

JUNE

2-3 Werri Bern - Yankees Ck - Indian Head Mt M/R Ian Hickson 261766(w) Rega 1:100000 (Phone bookings only) 261053 (h)

Sun. 3 Tidbinbilla - Fishing Gap M/M Andrew Jackson 814209(h) Cotter 1:50000 417260(w)

Wed. 6 Bush songs - un Chaffer's hose, 9 Moss Street, Cook 513197(h)

(9) 9-11* Ridges east of Wadbilliga Trig M/R Ian Hickson 261766(w) Yosrie 1:25000

(Phone bookings only) • 261053(h)

9-I1' Northern Budawangs: Hoddle Castle Hill, M/M Fred George • 81 0385 (h) CMW Budawangs His Hoddle, Houghton etc.

9-I1 Jagungal - ski touring 1 experienced only L/M Rod Peters M 2580 (h) Jagungal 1:31800 2 cars limit, phone bookings only 482610 (w)

Toes. 12 June 'IT' collation - 8pm at the home of Ian Hotchkiss, 57 Barada Crescent, Aranda.

Wed 20 Monthly meeting, 9pm at Dickson Library

Sun 24 Singera from Corin Dam MIN Fred George 910385(h) Bimbeni 1:50000 • A.C.T. 1:100000

An asterisk signifies that there is a walk preview published in this 'IT'

'9