Brindabella Bushwalking Club

WALKS AND SOCIAL PROGRAM
APRIL-JUNE 2016

Important notices

BBC members and visitors participating in club activities are advised that they should have some form of ambulance insurance in case of an accident requiring evacuation by emergency services.

Fri 1 Apr – POTLUCK DINNER
Co-ordinator: Colleen F. All members are welcome to share a great meal of food contributed by participants and enjoy social time together. To enable all interested people to come we will again use the venue at St Margaret's Uniting Church Hall at Hackett on the corner of Antill Street and Phillip Avenue. The grounds are shared with Holy Cross Anglican Church and the entrance to parking is on Antill Street. Meet at 6.30pm for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles followed by dinner at 7.00pm. We are hoping to enjoy some ‘Paverty Bush Band’ music after dinner and ask members to help with costs by contributing $5 per head. Please telephone Colleen by Thursday 24 Mar to book a place and discuss a contribution.

Sat 2 Apr – OCTOGENARIAN CELEBRATION – SHORT WALK AND BIRTHDAY LUNCH AT URIARRA – 4 km Easy
Leaders: Annabel A and Margitta A. Quite a number of our members are over 80 or will soon reach it. Come along for a short walk around Uriarra followed by lunch at the picnic area to celebrate with them. Bring lunch. Some wine and drinks will be provided. Meet at W.

Sun 3 Apr – SERENITY ROCKS, TALLAGANDA STATE FOREST – 14 km Medium (9)
Leader: Prue D. This is a pleasant walk mostly through attractive forest and including a ferny creek crossing with lunch at Serenity Rocks from where there are great views to Mt Palerang. We leave the cars on the Bald Hill Fire Trail in the Tallaganda State Forest, and proceed for about 2-3 km before turning into and walking along the Lowden Trig fire trail. From there we take a foot track, leading down to one of the tributaries of Mulloon Creek and then onto the top, where we will have lunch. The walk is almost all on track (fire trails/foot tracks). Total climb: 450 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Maps: Bombay, Bendoura. Meet at Q.

Wed 6 Apr – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 6 Apr – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Kathy H

Wed 6 Apr – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Prue D

Sat 9 Apr –THE BIG HOLE AND MARBLE ARCH – 14 km Medium (9)
Leader: Jillian B. From the Berlang Camping Area, off Krawarree Road, there is a compulsory shallow wade across the Shoalhaven River. The 14 km walk is on a well-graded track, with some steep climbs. The Big Hole is an intriguing formation, which is well described by interpretive boards at the start and at the site. In the limestone gorge of the Marble Arch there is a moderately difficult traverse on slippery, wet rocks, which requires some caution. Bring a torch to enjoy the otherwise hidden sights. Total climb: 400m. Cars: 200 km ($24). Map: Kain. Meet at Q at 8.30am. ***

Sun 10 April – SQUARE ROCK – 10 km Easy (6)
Leader: Diana K. Starting at the new Square Rock car park on the Corin Road. This is an easy walk on track to Square Rock via the Orroral Valley lookout. Good views from both the lookout and Square Rock. Lunch at Square Rock. The climb is a gradual 270 m. Cars: 70 km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K at 9.30 am***

Wed 13 Apr – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Coordinator: Janet E

Wed 13 Apr – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Janet E

Sat 16 Apr – CENTENARY TRAIL - O'CONNOR TO ARBORETUM – 11 km Easy (7)
Leader: Peter B. This walk will take us to Black Mountain and on to the Arboretum via the Aranda Bushland and the Cork Oak plantation. Further details can be found in section 9 of 'Walking and Cycling Canberra's Centenary Trail' by Hvoslef and Didcott. We'll return to the cars by bus so bring your MyWay card. Total climb: 300 m. Cars: 0 km. Map: Canberra. Meet at ACTEW substation off Frith Road (Yellow Pages Map 15, P13). ***

Sun 17 Apr – MT GINGERA FROM CORIN DAM – 19 km Hard (12)
Leader: Mac K. From Corin Dam we have a long steep walk up to Stockyard Spur and then along the ridge to join the Mt Franklin Road beneath Little Ginini Mountain. We follow the road south, passing Pryors Hut, and after about 2 km turn to follow the track to the top of Gingera. Return via the same route. Total climb: 1100 m. Cars: 90 km ($11). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K at 8.00 am.***

Wed 20 Apr – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 20 Apr – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: David W

Wed 20 Apr – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Barrie R

Sat 23 Apr – MT FOXLOW AND HARRISONS PEAK – 12 km Medium (11)
Leader: Prue D. From “Chip N Dale” property we visit Harrisons Peak and Mt Foxlow, walking about half on fire trails and half cross country. Generally open forest, unburnt in Yanununbeyan National Park. Total climb: 700 m. Cars: 70 km ($8). Map: Captains Flat. Meet at Q.

Sun 24 Apr – CENTENARY TRAIL: COOLEMAN RIDGE TO KAMBAH POOL – 11 km Easy (6)
Leader: Annabel A. We will follow the Centenary Trail along scenic Cooleman Ridge and the walkers-only route around Mt Arawang. From Cooleman Ridge the descent to the Murrumbidgee River follows Namatjira Drive and Kambah Pool Road. Afternoon tea at Kambah Pool. Climb: 100 m. Cars: 16 km ($2). Car shuffle required. Meet at the end of Kathner St Chapman (off Darwinia Terrace), at 9.00 am.***

Tue 26 - Sat 30 Apr – EXPLORING THE SHOALHAVEN AREA – MARK II – Easy
Leader: Margitta A. We will be staying at a Jervis Bay caravan park in either Woollamia or Huskisson - in cabins, or your own tent, or camper. We’ll be doing day and half-day walks (two per day if it’s half day), but usually not more than 10-12 km a day, in places like Abrahams Bosom Nature Reserve, the Little Forest Plateau, Nowra’s urban area and the remote beaches of Jervis Bay’s northern shores. Numbers limited. Deadline for expressions of interest is 28 Mar. More details later once we have done our recce later this year or early in 2016.

Wed 27 Apr – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Coordinator: Janet E

Wed 27 Apr – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Mike S

Sat 30 Apr – BRANDY FLAT HUT FOLLOWED BY COFFEE AT LANYON – 11 km Easy (7)
Leader: Jillian B. From Glendale Crossing we follow the fire trail to the hut at picturesque Brandy Flat where we will have lunch. We return by the same route. Possibility of seeing many kangaroos and small birds, such as wrens and flame robins. Coffee at Lanyon Homestead on the way home. Climb: 300 m. Cars: 85 km ($10). Map: Michelago. Meet at K.

Sun 1 May – HELL’S HOLE – GOOGONG DAM – 15 km Medium (9)
Leader: Bob C. We start on Bradleys Creek Walk from Googong Dam and continue to Queanbeyan River Fire Trail. About 3 km along this trail we come to an unnamed track to the right leading to Hell’s Hole. We lunch at Hell’s Hole and return the same way. Climb: 640 m. Cars: 26 km ($3). Map: Hoskinstown. Meet at Q.

Mon 2 May - Mon 16 May – FLINDERS RANGES, SA – Joint with CBC. Grade 9-12, with one at 14.
Leader: Janet E. Enjoy walking in the beautiful Flinders Ranges and Heysen Trail within the Mt Remarkable and Wilpena National Parks in SA. Accommodation is mostly self-catering in cabins, your van or tent at two campgrounds - Melrose township, situated at the foot of Mt Remarkable, and Rawnsley Bluff, 17 km south of Wilpena Pound. There will be several group meals. Allow two days for travelling to the Flinders and return. Although we walk on tracks you will need to be fit.
Please email expressions of interest. There will be an Information Evening in March. You may like to plan touring in Clare Valley (wineries), Kangaroo Island or elsewhere in South Australia afterwards.
Itinerary: Tue 3rd to Sun 8th at Melrose Campground - ready to start walking on Wed 3rd. Walks include climbing Dutchman’s Stern, walking in Alligator Gorge, Hidden Gorge and climbing Mt Remarkable. Sun 8th - Sun 15th. Leave Melrose for Rawnsley Park campground. On the way, ride on the Pichi Richi steam train (~$48), through scenic Pichi Richi Pass. From Rawnsley Park campground, day walks include climbing the steep rocky track 700m to St Mary’s Peak or just halfway to the saddle for great views of the Wilpena Pound; sightsee and walk in Aroona Valley, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, Blinman Pools, Wilpena Pound Lookouts, along Black’s Gap to Wilpena Pound, Arkaroola and other spots.
Transport: Note; most roads are sealed. Mileage: roughly 3500 km from Canberra to Melrose/Wilpena Pound and return, plus another ~ 900 km travelling to the walks. Transport Costs ~ $600 each person. Maps: HEMA map; NRMA also have a reasonable Flinders Map. Limit: 20. Accommodation: $30-$50 per person per night in 3-4 person (1 couple + 2 singles) cabins, half that for tents. Accommodation in cabins needs to be confirmed ASAP. Please email expressions of interest.

Wed 4 May – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 4 May – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: John E

Wed 4 May – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Peter W

Sat 7 May – MT TENNENT AND BUSHFOLD FLATS – 15 km Medium (10)
Leader: Jillian B. From Apollo Road, we follow the fire trail for about 4 km, gently climbing to Bushfold Flats where we have morning tea. We’ll then continue on the Australian Alps Walking Track, which is flat for a while and then climbs gently to the junction of the Mt Tennent track that comes up from the Visitors Centre. We’ll continue towards the saddle on the Mt Tennent fire trail and possibly have lunch at that track junction. We won’t climb to the fire tower, but will go down the fire trail and back to our cars on Apollo Rd. Climb: 650 m, all on track. Cars: 67 km ($8). Map: Williamsdale. Meet at K.

Sun 8 May – ORRORAL HERITAGE WALK – 12 km Easy (7)
Leader: Robyn K. A walk exploring the early and more recent history of the area through interpretive signs along the track. Starting from Orroral camping ground we follow a trail that leads in to the Orroral Valley. We head up the valley, stopping at places of interest. We continue up the valley to the old tracking station. Return by same route. Total climb: 200 m. Cars: 80 km ($10). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Sun 8 - Sun 15 May – COCKATOO ISLAND – WALKING IN SYDNEY
Leader: John C. We stay in the heritage buildings on the island. There are 2 heritage buildings each with 4 double bedrooms, which can be either a couple or 2 singles. I will only book when there are enough to fill a cottage. There is good ferry access to Cockatoo Island and we can go either towards Circular Quay or Parramatta. We can shop at Balmain. It will be more convenient to travel by bus from Canberra unless you have access to parking in Sydney. The walks will mainly be around Sydney Harbour but there are a few other options. The cost is about $65 a person per night. Contact me as soon as possible if you are interested.

Wed 11 May – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Coordinator: Janet E

Wed 11 May – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Janet E

Sat 14 May – CALVARY RUINS CIRCUIT – 9 km Easy (7).
Leader: Terrylea R. From the locked gate at the entrance to Paddys River Travelling Stock Reserve off Tidbinbilla Road we ascend to Barnes Trig (824 m) by first following the fire trail and then heading north following the high ground to the trig for morning tea. Next, we will follow the fire trail north-west for about 900 m. When we reach the fork, we take the right-hand track and keep going north for another 1000 m, at which point we turn west (off-track), intercept and follow a creek line for about 600 m, as we descend. We cross another creek line and locate the Calvary mud brick hut ruins. After an early lunch and some exploring here, we head south to intercept the fire trail, which we follow generally south to Tidbinbilla Rd and our cars. Expect an early finish. Climb: 300 m. Cars: 32 km ($4). Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at K.

Sun 15 May – MT BULLONGONG, TINDERRY NATURE RESERVE – 15 km (9)
Leader: Peter W. We walk from Tinderry homestead up a fire trail, then on fire trails to explore the plateau with some open grassland and the small mountain, returning down a fire trail. Generally open forest. Total climb: 600 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Maps: Tinderry, Captains Flat. Meet at K.

Wed 18 May – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 18 May – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Jillian B.

Wed 18 May – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Peter D

Sat 21 May – BOOROOMBA ROCKS – 11 km Easy (7)
Leader: Elaine A. A pleasant walk along tracks from Honeysuckle Creek campground to the Booroomba Rocks, then off-track to explore the rock slabs around peak 1396. Lunch with fabulous views. Return the same way. Total climb: 400 m. Cars: 70 km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sun 22 May – MT BOLLARD AND JINJERA HILL – 13 km Medium (9)
Leader: Trevor W. We will leave the cars opposite the olive farm 10 km south of Captains Flat and walk up a fire trail to the summit of Mt Bollard. Then it is off-track for a while as we descend south along the ridge and cross Ballinafad Creek, before climbing up Jinjera Hill. We return to the cars along the road. Total climb: 450m. Cars: 110 km ($13). Map: Tinderry. Meet at Q.

Wed 25 May – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Coordinator: Janet E

Wed 25 May – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Mike S

Sat 28 May – KAMBAH POOL TO CASUARINA SANDS – 14 km Medium (8)
Leader: Terrylea R. Car shuffle required to pre-position cars at Casuarina Sands. A pleasant walk along a sometimes overgrown track, high above the Murrumbidgee. There are some steep-ish undulations in the track during the first 90 minutes. Climb: 250m. Cars: 40 km ($5). Map: Tuggeranong. Meet just outside the top entrance gate at Kambah Pool at 8.30 am. ***

Sun 29 May – RENDEZVOUS CREEK TO YANKEE HAT ROCK ART – 11 km Easy (7)
Leader: Bob C. This walk is all in open, undulating, short-grass country, with a couple of short sections on tracks. We follow the track on the south side of Rendezvous Creek for about a kilometre, then strike west along a low ridge for two kilometres, looping around to cross Middle Creek and head south to the Yankee Hat rock art. We return via the Yankee Hat walking track to Bogong Creek and follow the creek to cross Middle Creek where the two creeks meet. We return to the cars via a series of low hills, passing close by Gudgenby Homestead. Total climb: 330 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk. Meet at K.

Wed 1 Jun – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 1 Jun – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Jillian B.

Wed 1 Jun – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Prue D

Sat 4 – Sat 11 Jun – MYER HOUSE – Easy and Medium
Leader: John C. This has been put on twice before and has proved popular because of the quality of the accommodation, its position and the history of the place. There are 3 double bedrooms and 1 twin room, so the limit is just over 8 people. I will not book the accommodation until I have 8 people wanting to come. Let me know as soon as you can.

Sat 4 Jun – CANBERRA CENTENARY TRAIL – HALL TO ONE TREE HILL – 9 km Easy (6)
Leader: Judy L. A return trip along part of the recently opened One Tree Hill section of the Centenary Trail. Enjoy the varied countryside and great views. Total climb: 210 m. Cars: Nil. Map: Hall. Meet at the old Primary School in Victoria Street Hall at 10.00 am***

Sun 5 Jun – MT TENNENT AND BUSHFOLD FLATS CIRCUIT – 18 km Medium (11)
Leader: Mac K. We will walk from the Visitors Centre to the summit of Mt Tennent, then follow the Mt Tennent fire trail south until we reach the Bushfold Flats fire trail. We pass by Bushfold Hut, and rejoin the Australian Alps Walking Track to return to the Visitors Centre. All on track. Total climb: 1020m, but you could skip the 170 m final climb to the summit of Mt Tennent if you wish. Cars: 60km ($7). Map: Williamsdale. Meet at K.

Wed 8 Jun – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Coordinator: Janet E

Wed 8 Jun – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Janet E

Sat 11 Jun – MT WEE JASPER – 14 km Medium (9)
Leader: Jillian B. This club winter classic along the Hume and Hovell Track starts from Wee Jasper Road near the Fitzpatrick Track-head and climbs up through open forest to the top of Mt Wee Jasper where we have lunch, and then return the same way. Longish drive, some good gentle climbing, nice bush, all on track. Total climb: 700 m. Cars: 170 km ($20). Map: Couragago. Meet at W at 8am. ***

Sun 12 Jun – CUUMBEUN NATURE RESERVE – 10 km Medium (8)
Leader: Bob C. A short drive from Queanbeyan to a point one km along Captains Flat Road. We head off on foot along a fire trail until we get to a creek which shall lead us to a lovely gorge. We shall follow this gorge for several kilometres for views over Queanbeyan. Climb: 300 m. Cars: 22 km ($3). Map: Bungendore. Meet at Q.

Mon 13 Jun – (Queen’s Birthday) – MT PAINTER – ARANDA / BLACK MOUNTAIN BUSHLAND – BOTANIC GARDENS – 10 km Easy (6)
Leader: Diana K. *Starting in Mackellar Crescent, Cook we walk along various tracks in the Cook, Aranda and Black Mountain bushland to the Australian National Botanic Gardens for morning tea at the café. We return to our house on different tracks for lunch (homemade soup and bread). Numbers limited. Total climb: 260 m. Canberra street map. Meet at Mackellar Crescent, Cook at 9.00 am.***

Wed 15 Jun – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contacts: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 15 Jun – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Leigh H

Wed 15 Jun – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Peter D

Sat 18 Jun – MT TENNENT – 10 km Medium (9) Leader: Erica M. We walk from the Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre up the Alpine Walking Track to
the fire tower at the top of Mt Tennent. Return the same way. Total climb: 750 m, all on track. Cars: 40 km ($5). Map: Williamsdale. Meet at K at 8.30am. ***

Sun 19 Jun – NURSERY SWAMP – 8 km Easy (6)
Leader: Robyn K. Climb about 210 m on track from the Nursery Creek car park on Orroral Road to the saddle. Rest or explore rocks, then down and along to Nursery Swamp and return. Total climb: 260 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Wed 22 Jun – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Coordinator: Janet E

Wed 22 Jun – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Mike S

Sat 25 Jun – BOOROOMBA ROCKS CIRCUIT – 10 km Medium (10)
Leader: Prue D. From the Honeysuckle Creek camping ground we will walk quickly up the track to Booroomba Rocks. Then we head off track to explore the rock slabs around peak 1396 and have lunch with a view. We descend off-track, with a detour to Gorilla Rock if time permits, returning to the main track and back to the cars. Some thick scrub expected. Total climb: 400m. Cars: 70km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sun 26 Jun – FORESHORES OF GOOGONG DAM – 10 km Easy (7)
Leader: Bob C. A picturesque walk, starting from the parking area near the dam wall. We will follow the tracks (mostly) on the eastern side of the dam, going to Googong Lookout and Bradleys Inlet. Climb: 430 m. Cars: 26 km ($4). Map: Hoskinstown. Meet at Q.

Wed 29 Jun – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Mike S

ADVANCE NOTICES

Sun 18 - Wed 28 Sep – GREAT NORTH WALK – Mainly Medium
Leader: John C.There will be 5 nights in the Hunter Valley and 5 nights in the Ocean Beach Holiday Park. The Hunter Valley will allow 2 sections of the Great North Walk towards Newcastle and 2 sections going into the Hunter Valley. The Ocean Beach accommodation is convenient for 4 sections north of the Hawkesbury River. I don't intend to repeat any of the sections I did last year. Accomodation will be available for campers and those that want to stay in cabins.

Oct/Nov – WALKING IN TASMANIA – Easy and Medium Grade.
Leader: John C. There will be 15 nights in Tasmania with 5 nights each in Launceston, New Norfolk and Mole Creek. It will be possible to have 2 walks of different grades on most days. Accommodation can be cabins or camping. In Launceston we will use a caravan park but in the other 2 towns we will probably have the campers and the cabin people on different sites but not far apart. I will finalise the dates and accommodation when I have an idea of the interest. Please contact me as soon as you can, preferably using my new email address.