The Bush Club Inc

Autumn Walks Program – March 2012 to May 2012

MARCH
Fri
2 Mar / 3
M / Sydney's Great Coastal Walk, South to North: Cronulla to Barrenjoey – Day 1 of 8: Cronulla to Cook's Landing Estuarine bay, golden cliffs, beach and tracks, history, coffee, possible swim;approx 18 km. Return by bus to Cronulla Station.
Fri 2 to
Sun 4 Mar / Myall Lakes Kayak Trip Camping, caravan or cabins at Bombah Point at the Myall Lakes Resort adjacent to the punt. We explore the southern section of the system, the Broadwater, Two Mile Lake, Boolambayte Lake and Myall River.
Sat
3 Mar / 3
M / Strickland SF Narara Airstrip – Narara Valley Lookout – Banksia Picnic Area – Strickland Falls – Cabbage Tree Track – Stoney Creek Track – Bellbird Track – Arboretum Track – Stoney Creek Track – Narara Airstrip. Great views, a variety of forests, 125 year old trees in the Arboretum area, aboriginal carvings, beautiful creeks. Tracks, fire trails, climbs, road, a little off-track; 16km; 200m total ascent. Map: Gosford
Sat
3 Mar / 3
M
LTW / Blue Mountains NP: Glenbrook to Faulconbridge Creek crossings, tracks, fire trails, lookouts, ponds and waterfalls. All on track with cliff edges and slippery creek crossings; 17km; 400m asc/desc. Maps: Penrith, Springwood.
Sun
4 Mar / 3 M LTW / Blue Mountains NP: Waterfalls of Lawson and Hazelbrook Slippery conditions, road, fire trail and tracks at a relaxed pace; 12km; 160m asc/desc. Map: Katoomba
Tue
6 Mar / 3
M / Artarmon to Chatswood Through attractive bushland, mangroves and rainforest along Stringybark Creek, Lane Cove River and Swaines Creek. On track, some short ascents/descents, some streets. Finish at Chatswood Station; about 12km. Map: STEP Lane Cove Valley.
Thu
8 Mar / 3
M / West Pennant Hills to Hornsby Explore the arboretum walking tracks of Cumberland State Forest before linking up with the Callicoma Track through Cherrybrook and the GNW from The Jungo through Fishponds to Hornsby Station; 14 km. Map: Hornsby.
Fri 9 to
Mon 12
Mar / 5
M / Kanangra Boyd NP and Blue Mountains NP: Jenolan Caves to Katoomba Follow Harrys River via Jenolan Canyon to the Coxs River, then upstream to Galong Creek, along Galong Creek to Green Gully, then up Dunphys Pass onto Narrow Neck then Katoomba. Mostly off track, wet feet and possibly higher in Jenolan Canyon. Some exposure in Galong Creek, will have safety rope if needed. Probable thick scrub exiting Dunphys Pass. Combined walk with Sutherland Bushwalking Club. Maximum 8
Sat
10 Mar / 4
M / Blue Mountains NP: WentworthFalls toKatoomba DarwinTrack – National Pass –Leura Forest –FurberSteps – Katoomba; about 25 km.
Sat
10 Mar / 5
M / Gardens of Stone NP: Pantoneys Crown Ascend this icon of the Capertee, and traverse the ridgeline to the summit point, with fantastic views along the way. It’s a long day with an early start, but well worth it. There is some exposure to heights on the ascent and descent; 12km; 700m ascent. Map: Ben Bullen
Sat 10 and
Sun 11
Mar / 2 / Turon NP Two day pack walk through old gold miningarea with great scenery and campsite. Day 1 – From near Woolshed Flat downstream, 10km undulating with about 8 river crossings, mainly on track. Day 2 – Return upstream.
Map: Capertee
Sun
11 Mar / 4
M / Ku-ring-gai Chase NP: Shark Rock Ridge From Berowra Station, follow the old Cottage Point phone line along Shark Ridge and spurs; 13km; mostly off-track. Limit 8. Map: Cowan
Mon
12 Mar / 3
M / Blue Mountains NP: Nellies Glen and Devils Hole All on track – steep climb out – less than 10km. Pretty rainforest; views.
Tue
13 Mar / 2 / Berowra Valley Regional Park: Mt Kuring-gai to Berowra
Early start for early finish at brisk pace; 11km; 260m asc; all on track. Limited numbers. Map: Hornsby
Wed
14 Mar / 2 / Dharug NP:Old North Road Wisemans Ferry– Devines Hill – Finchs Line and down to Wisemans Ferry. Historic Great Old North Road; 11-12km. Map: Dharug NP
Wed
14 Mar / 3
M / South Coast Otford – Bald Hill – Old Rail Tunnel – Stanwell Park – Sea Cliff Bridge, with return from Coalcliff or Scarborough. Great views; rough slithering descent of Bald Hill. Halfway penetration of historic rail tunnel (40 minutes) – bring good torch and fresh batteries. Roadsides; beach; footpaths; unhurried pace; not exceeding 12km.
Thu
15 Mar / 3
M / Hornsby to Hornsby Heights via Galston Gorge Lots of ups and downs and stream crossings, with great views over Galston Gorge, finishing with a short steep climb up to Hornsby Heights, a fire trail and a bus (or walk) back to Hornsby; 14km.
Thu
15 Mar / 3
M / Ku-ring-gai Chase NP: Cowan to Brooklyn via Porto Ridge and Peak Hill. A lesser walked way to Brooklyn. Great views with a 360° lunch spot; 50% rough off-track with a steep rough descent. Gaiters/longuns recommended; 11km; 200m asc/desc. Map: Cowan
Fri
16 Mar / 3
M / Sydney's Great Coastal Walk, South to North: Cronulla to Barrenjoey – Day 2 of 8: La Perouse to Clovelly Spectacular cliffs, beaches, tracks, rock hopping, history, coffee, possible swim; approx 18km.
Fri
16 Mar / 3
M / Lindfield to St Ives We walk to Slade Avenue to take theTwo Creeks Track then cross to the Lockley Track where we negotiate a tricky crossing of Rocky Creek before crossingMiddle Harbour Creek at Bungaroo. We then follow the Harbour to Hawkesbury route for a while on the Middle Harbour Track to the Cascades before following theCascades Track. We then divert to take the Lower Cambourne Track,Bare Creek Track and Quarry Track to finish at Mona Vale Road whereKitchener Street crosses it.Take comfort that at the tricky creek crossing there is a guide wire to hold on to. Possible wet feet. I suggest you bring walking poles if you have them. Perhaps crocs or equivalent. It should be low tide when we cross so just hope for no rain in thepreceding days. Exit is by bus along Mona Vale Road to Gordon railway or Mona Vale; 15km; 150m ups and downs. Map: STEP.
Sat
17 Mar / 3
M / Empire Bay to Wagstaffe Empire Bay – Bouddi NP – Killcare – Box Head – Wagstaffe Tracks, some climbs, views, 14km.
Sat
17 Mar / 4
M / Blue Mountains NP: Wild Dog Mountains Carlons – Blackhorse Ridge – Knights Deck – Coxs River – Ironmonger Spur – Carlons. This is a strong day out, do not call unless you’re a seasoned, strong walker; 19km; 1130m ascent. Maps: Jenolan, Kanangra
Sun
18 Mar / 3
M / Macquarie Park to Meadowbank Riverside track, GNW, Field of Mars Reserve, Parramatta River Walkway. Some street walking and some lovely bush; river views; 20km.
Mon 19 and
Tue 20 Mar / 3
M / Blue Mountains NP: Introductory Pack Walk Megalong Cemetery to Coxs River and return, part of the Six Foot Track. All on track through farmland and bush; 7.5km each way; 270m gentle descent/ascent climbs. Gear loans and sharing can be arranged. Map: Hampton.
Tue
20 Mar / 2 / Carol’s Culinary Caper: A Piquant Perambulation to Portuguese Petersham: East Balmain Ferry Wharf to Audley St, Petersham Follow Birchgrove side of Balmain Peninsula and then Hawthorne Canal. Great views walking along in parks, reserves and streets. Mainly flat walking 13-15 km. Morning tea at Dog Café.
Tue
20 Mar / 2 / Golden Anniversary – Celebrating 60 Years Association with the Lane Cove River Park (aka Lane Cove National Park) Order of Service: Start walk at Area 30 Casuarina Point – walk circuit of park via DeBurghs Bridge, about 10km. Lunch back at Area 30 with socialising, reminiscing, etc. AN EASY DAY. CHOOSE TO WALK OR NOT.
Tue
20 Mar / 3
M / Berowra Valley Regional Park: Cowan to Berowra
Early start for early finish at brisk pace; 13km; 300m asc.
Map: Hornsby
Wed
21 Mar / 3
M / Hornsby Heights to Hornsby Station via the GNW Hornsby Heights via GNW – Galston Gorge – Pogson Trig – Fishponds – Blue Gum Track – Hornsby Station; 15km. Joint with NPA
Wed
21 Mar / 3 M LTW / Royal NP: Engadine to Bundeena Follow Engadine Track crossing Kangaroo Creek to Winifred and Anice Falls onto Cabbage Tree Basin finishing with rock platforms (tide permitting) or paths to ferry terminal; 18km; 180m asc/desc. Maps: Port Hacking/RNP Map
Thu
22 Mar / 4
M / Blue Mountains NP: Upper Grose River – Bell Start at Darling Causeway, down the Engineers Track to Surveyors Creek then up to Ikara Head and Girraween Cave. Some off track and will involve quite a bit of bush bashing; approx 7 km; 400m ascent. Exploratory. Joint activity with Springwood Bush Walkers. Limit: 6 Map: Mt Wilson
Fri
23 Mar / 2 / Rose Bay to Watsons Bay This is a scenic walk with many features of interest, starting at the Rose Bay ferry terminal and finishing at the Watsons Bay ferry terminal; 8km
Fri
23 Mar / Leaders Get Together . When you receive your invitation, make sure you confirm your attendance with Robert.
Sat
24 Mar / 3 M LTW / Blue Mountains NP: Wentworth Falls Circuit walk from Conservation Hut in Wentworth Falls area. Nature trail, Wentworth and Federal Passes. Some of the best walking in the area; 7km; 300m asc/desc. Map: Katoomba
Sun
25 Mar / 3 M LTW / Blue Mountains NP: Nellies Glen and Devils Hole Katoomba area with a circuit walk from top of Devils Hole including historic lookouts and track. Bonny Doon Cliff Track to six foot track, down Nellies Glen then a relaxed walk up through the exhilarating Devils Hole; 10km with 3km road walking at start; 400m asc/desc. Map: Katoomba.
Mon 26 to
Fri 31
Mar / 3
M / Kosciuszko NP: Historic Huts A cruisey 5 days visiting 6 historic huts – Gravells, Brayshaws, Schofields, Circuits, Pedens and our objective – Love Nest in the Sallees. It's not the Hilton but it does have a history. We'll camp at Gravells, cross the Nungar Plain and camp at Schofields, cross the Gulf Plain and base camp at Pedens for 2 nights whilst we seek the Love Nest in the Sallees. There is one obstacle: the Murrumbidgee River, but autumn should be a good time for a low river level. Car turnaround involved. Walk fully booked – wait list operating.
Tue
27 Mar / 2 / Ku-ring-gai Chase NP: Sphinx to Bobbin Head and Return Sphinx – Bobbin Head – Murrua Track – Sphinx. Early start for early finish at brisk pace; 12km; 250 asc. Map: Hornsby
Tue
27 Mar / 4
M / Royal NP: Waterfall to Bundeena Enjoy the diversity of the RNP from rain forest to coastal heath and wonderful ocean scenes. Waterfall – Couranga Track – Forest Island Path – Wallumarra – Curra Moors – Coast Track to Bundeena and finish with a delightful ferry ride to Cronulla. Brisk pace; creeks; some ups and downs; 29km all on track; max asc 240m. Map: CMA Royal National Park
Wed
28 Mar / 3
M / Waverton to Artarmon From Waverton Station walk to Balls Head (with the Coal Loader Tunnel), Berry Island, Gore Creek, Lane Cove Bushland Park, Gore Hill and the Pacific Highway where the option is to catch a bus or proceed to Artarmon Station. Mainly on tracks and some footpaths; 11km.
Wed
28 Mar / 3
M / Blue Mountains NP: Faulconbridge to Springwood via Numantia Falls. Some off-track/easy scrambling and creek walking. A lovely rain-forested gully and rarely visited waterfall. An interesting route using historic but rarely used tracks. Only short but with plenty of variety; 8km; 200m asc/desc. Map: Springwood
Thu
29 Mar / 4 / Blue Mountains NP: Bushwalk Gateway and NE Canyons This walk takes us down a canyon requiring no abseils, but one rope-assisted descent (or jump); then along Bungleboori Creek (some swimming) and up NE Canyon to return via Railmotor Ridge. Wetsuit and gaiters recommended; 9.5km; 420m asc/desc. Limit 10, age limit 13 (children must be accompanied by an adult). Map: Rock Hill
Fri
30 Mar / 3
M / Brisbane Water NP: Wondabyne Trig Wondabyne Station – Kariong Brook – Wondabyne Trig and return. Lovely bush and views; some steep climbs; 17km; total 500m ascent.
Fri
30 Mar / 4
M / Winburndale NR: Lagoon Creek Cupitts Lane – Lagoon Creek – unnamed ridge – Cupitts Lane. Visit various old gold mines (c.1880) deep in the bush and who knows what we may discover further down the creek. Also a visit afterwards to a defunct large silver mine; about 8km; +&- 400 metres. Bring torch. Map: Portland
Sat
31 Mar / 2 / Brisbane Water NP: Spion Kop Woy Woy Bay – Spion Kop and return. This is not an exceptionally difficult walk but there is a climb on rings with the aid of a rope. If heights make you uncomfortable don’t call; 10km; 230m asc. Map: Gosford
Sat
31 Mar / 2 / ThirroultoWollongong Nice walk along the beach; about 13km.
APRIL
April and May / 1, 2 & 3 / Victoria and SA: Car Camping Expedition visiting Yanga, Mungo, Mt Remarkable, Flinders and Gammon Ranges ending with a visit to Iga Warta Aboriginal Bush Camp prior to travel home.
Sun
1 Apr / 1 / Bundeena Art Trail Resident artists/sculptors withworks for sale in their own homes. Includeswell-known painters. Fun dayandbushtracksaround Maianbar. Bring credit card just in case! 13km.
Mon
2 Apr / 3
M / Ku-ring-gai Chase NP: Taffys Rock We take the GNW down to Jerusalem Bay, then a steep climb up to Govett Ridge and very pleasant ridgetop walking with a few ups and downs to a glorious view from Taffys Rock, where we will have lunch. We will retrace our steps to Cowan station; 18km.
Mon
2 Apr / 3-4
M
LTW / Dargan: Valley View Road to Monkey Creek via a small arch in an unnamed side creek – explore ridge between Monkey Creek and Kangaroo Corner Creek for an Aboriginal Art site; 200m +&-. Bushwalker historian Stephen Imrie will accompany the group. Maps: Lithgow, Hartley
Tue
3 Apr / 2 / Wollstonecraft Station to Botanical Gardens via Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and Opera House. Walk will include loop tracks of Berry Island, Balls Head, McMahons Point, a secret garden and a couple of Henry Lawson’s poems. Two morning tea stops. Late lunch in Botanical Gardens outside Art Gallery of NSW; 14-16 km. Opportunity to view Archibald Exhibition in afternoon.