Brindabella Bushwalking Club

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.

Deadline – ASAP if you are interested in going to the Weddin Mountains and Nangar National Parks car camp, Sat 15-Sun 23 Oct. Contact Mike S for details and to express interest.

Sat 2 Jul – ORRORAL VALLEY TWO BRIDGES CIRCUIT – 8 km Easy (7)
Leaders: Richard and Jenny K. Starting at the tracking station site car park we will walk down the valley to the footbridge on the Heritage Track, then walk upstream on the eastern side of Orroral River. We will continue upstream to the Link Road bridge, cross the river and return to the cars. This will be a ramble at a slower pace to absorb the scenery of the valley. The walk is mostly on rough track with some grassland off track. Undulating without significant climbing. Cars: 80 km ($10). Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sun 3 Jul – MT PALERANG (Joint walk with NPA) – 10 km Medium (10)
Leader: Barrie R. A lovely circuit walk to a real summit with stunning views, and well worth doing. Mainly off-track on the way to the summit and mainly on-track for the return. There is a great variety of vegetation types and some light scrub along the way. A lovely walk for a winter’s day. Drivers with high-clearance vehicles will be appreciated. Climb: 480 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Map: Bombay. Meet at S.

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

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

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

Sat 9 Jul – BOULDERS EAST OF SMOKERS FLAT – 11 km Medium (10)
Leader:  Peter D. We park at the Square Rock car park beside Corin Road and follow the track until the branch that heads off to Smokers Trail.  We then walk north up Smokers Trail until about 1 km short of the old Smokers Trail car park.  From here we go roughly west, with numerous zigzags along the way, visiting the various rock formations we find.  Then we go south-west to intercept the Square Rock track again and back to the cars.  The off-track portion is only about 4 km in total, but the regrowth, fallen trees and rocky sections keep the pace down to an average of 1 kph in the bush.  Some of the rocky outcrops are magnificent and the battle to reach them is worth it. Long pants, gaiters and gloves are highly recommended. Climb: 350 m. Cars: 70 km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K at 8.30 am.***

Sun 10 July – TIDBINBILLA TO WOODS RESERVE VIA DEVILS GAP – 8 km Easy (6)
Leader:  David W. This is a walk from the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to Woods Reserve to try out the recently constructed walking track from Devils Gap to the Corin Road. A leisurely walk with lunch at Woods Reserve. Climb: 300 m. Cars: 70 km ($8 plus park entry). Map: Tidbinbilla Walks Map. Meet at K.

Wed 13 Jul – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Bob D

Wed 13 Jul – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Tim W

Sat 16 Jul – ROCKS ABOVE NURSERY SWAMP – 13 km Medium (9)
Leader: Prue D. From the Nursery Swamp car park, follow the track to the saddle and then down to the end of the track at Nursery Swamp. Cross the swamp (garbags recommended to keep boots dry if there has been recent rain) and then climb off track approximately north up through thick scrub to a rock slab with lovely views across to Nursery Hill and beyond. A steep descent from the south east end of the slab to return to the track and back to the cars. Total climb: 400 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Sun 17 Jul – BRANDY FLAT HUT - 11 km Easy (7)
Leader: Elaine A. 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. Climb: 300 m. Cars: 85 km ($10). Map: Michelago. Meet at K.

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

Wed 20 Jul – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Coordinator: Kathy H

Wed 20 Jul – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: David W

Sat 23 Jul – NIL DESPERANDUM - 11 km Easy (7)
Leader: Clare M.  The well restored Nil Desperandum homestead will be the lunch stop on this walk through Tidbinbilla.  We will start with a 200 m climb up from Mountain Creek car park as if going to the Camels Hump and turn off to make our way to the cottage through the old pine plantation. After lunch we will use the undulating forestry tracks to reach the Tidbinbilla River crossing at Webbs Picnic Spot. A short car shuffle will be involved to retrieve cars from Mountain Creek.  Climb: 290 m. Cars: 70 km ($8, plus contribution to park entry fee if applicable).  Map: Tidbinbilla.  Meet at W.

Sun 24 Jul – MUSHROOM ROCK, GIBRALTAR PEAK, WOODS RESERVE CIRCUIT – 12 km Medium (8)
Leader: Bob C. From Corin Road, there is a short steep climb to Mushroom Rock, followed by Gibraltar Peak, down to Woods Reserve and then back to the cars (mostly on track). Climb: 550 m. Cars: 50 km ($6). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at K.

Wed 27 Jul –- EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Bob D

Wed 27 Jul – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator:  Janet E

Sat 30 Jul – HILLS WEST OF BRANDY FLAT – 13 km Medium (10)
Leader:  Peter D. Parking is at the Glendale Depot car park.  We follow the Brandy Flat walking track, cross Reedy Creek, and then head south-west and south for a steep 220 m climb up through sometimes scratchy scrub to the high ground at spot height 1134.  After morning tea here, we go through the saddle to the east and then follow the high ground south to spot height 1146.  There are some thick sections here, but also a lot of relatively open forest.  We’ll then descend south-east to Brandy Flat Fire Trail, cross it, and follow the spur down to the hut for lunch.  Next, we follow the fire trail for about 1 km, before heading north-west through some thick scrub to the high ground and following it roughly north until we go down the north-western slope to Reedy Creek and back to the cars. Long pants, gaiters and gloves are highly recommended. Much of this walk is above 1100 m, so the maximum temperature could be somewhat lower than Canberra’s. Climb: 600 m. Cars: 80 km ($10). Map: Michelago. Meet at K at 8.30 am.***

Sun 31 Jul – DEVILS GAP, THE PYRAMID, GIBRALTAR ROCKS – 9 km Medium (8)
Leader: Prue D. From the Devils Gap car park in Tidbinbilla Reserve, climb to Devils Gap on a fire trail. Then climb off-track to the Pyramid (peak 1172). Return to the Gap then continue off-track along the ridge to Gibraltar Rocks. Return off track just below the ridge, exploring rock slabs along the way. Total climb: 500 m. Cars: 70 km ($8 plus park entry). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at K.

Wed 3 Aug – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contact: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 3 Aug – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Robyn G

Wed 3 Aug – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Barrie R

Fri 5 Aug – POTLUCK DINNER
Coordinator: 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 6.30 pm for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles followed by dinner at 7.00 pm. The August Potluck Dinner is the opportunity to hear from members about the Top 5 Walks in Canberra. Emails can be sent prior to the dinner to colleenmact@gmail.com or nominations can be given at the dinner. Please telephone Colleen by Fri 29 Jul to book a place and discuss a contribution.

Sat 6 Aug – CURLEY FALLS – 10 km Easy (7)
Leader: Paul N. Walk to the Queanbeyan River via London Bridge, then along the riverbank to Curley Falls for lunch. The banks are scrubby in places and rocky so I suggest long pants, long socks or gaiters. Some wading possible. We will then climb steeply, but slowly, to regain the fire trail that leads back to London Bridge. Climb: 350 m. Cars: 50 km ($6). Map: Captains Flat. Meet at Q.

Sun 7 Aug – MT ROB ROY – 11 km Medium (8)
Leader: Robyn G. We take the fire trail from Banks to the summit of Rob Roy. The return is via a loop around the hill with a diversion to Big Monks trig along the way. There are some steady climbs and descents, but also delightful views of the suburbs below. Climb: 540 m. Cars: 15 km ($2). Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at K.

Wed 10 Aug – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Peter F

Wed 10 Aug – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Jenny H

Sat 13 Aug – PINNACLE TO KAMA – 14.5 km Easy (6)
Leaders: John and Davinia W. The walk begins on the corner of Drake Brockman and William Hovell Drives. We walk to the Pinnacle Nature Reserve, up the Pinnacle and then cross the Kama property into Kama Nature Reserve. After lunch there, we return to John and Davinia’s home for afternoon tea. Limited numbers - bookings by Thu 11 Aug please. Total climb: 300 m. Meet at corner of William Hovell and Drake Brockman Drives at 10.00 am.***

Sun 14 Aug – MT McDONALD AND COTTER DAM – 12 km Medium (8) 
Leader: John C. From the upper car park on Brindabella Road we go down Lookout Road and follow a number of trails overlooking the Cotter Dam. We will go down to the shore of the dam and then circle up to Mt McDonald. We may return to the cars by Mt McDonald fire trail, or follow a partly overgrown track. Climb: 350 m. Cars: 20 km ($2). Map: Cotter Dam. Meet at W.

Wed 17 Aug – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contact: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 17 Aug – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: John E

Wed 17 Aug – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Prue D

Sat 20 Aug – ASHBROOK AND OTHER TRAILS – TIDBINBILLA – 11 km Easy (7)
Leader:  David W. From the Hanging Rock car park at Tidbinbilla we walk up the Ashbrook Trail in the cool of the early morning, exploring tall forests and wet gullies before crossing Ashbrook Creek. We then continue up to the locked gate on Mountain Creek Road, where we will then walk along the shorter Cascade and Lyrebird Trails with the return the same way. Total climb: 200 m. Cars: 70 km ($8 plus park entry). Map: Tidbinbilla Walks Map. Meet at K.

Sun 21 Aug – ROCKS NEAR BILLY BILLY CREEK – 5 km Medium (8)
Leader: Prue D. From the Square Rock car park, head off-track roughly north to a saddle. Veer roughly west to climb up to the ridge to the eastern side of Billy Billy Creek (the Billy Billy Rocks are on the other side of the creek). Explore the rocky outcrops, including some massive boulders, on the ridge. Continue anti-clockwise, with a steep descent, to return to the cars. Please note that the distance is deceptive. This walk is all off-track with some difficult scrub and a lot of clambering over rocks – wear long pants or gaiters and bring gloves. Total climb: about 250 m. Cars: 70 km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sun 21-Fri 26 Aug – FREE WILLEY CAR CAMP IN MANNING VALLEY – Easy/Medium
Leader: Brian W but contact Bob C by Sun 14 Aug if you wish to attend. Camping for 10 is available at the Willey’s hobby farm, 12 km from Wingham, with any overflow at the Wingham Showground. The walks include Wingham Brush, Ellenborough falls, Mt Goonook, Indian Head and Diamond Head. There is light entertainment arranged for each evening.

Wed 24 Aug – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Tim W

Wed 24 Aug – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator:  Mike S

Sat 27 Aug – Nursery Swamp - 8 km Easy (6)
Leader: John W. Climb 210 m from Nursery Creek car park in Orroral Valley to the saddle. Walk down to and along Nursery Swamp and return by the same route. Total climb: 260 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Sun 28 Aug – OAKEY HILL TO CITY – 15 km Medium (8)
Leader: Peter B. We start from the car park at the entrance to Illoura Horse Paddocks and walk through the equestrian park to the Arboretum. We will have morning tea at the Cork Plantation and walk through the Black Mountain Reserve before heading into the Botanic Gardens, where there is a good chance we will have coffee. From Barry Drive we will bus to the Phillip Pool and walk back to Oakey Hill. Nearly all on track or footpath. Climb: 200 m. Cars: n/a. Map: Canberra Street Directory. Meet at the northern side of the ACTEW substation on the corner of Devonport and Heysen Streets, Lyons.

Wed 31 Aug – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contact: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 31 Aug – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Mike S

Sat 3 Sep – CANBERRA CENTENARY TRAIL – MOUNT AINSLIE CIRCUIT – 8 km Easy (6)
Leader: Katarina H. Starting in the Remembrance Nature Park behind the War Memorial, we’ll ascend the trail to the Mount Ainslie look-out, where we can enjoy expansive views of the capital and the lake. We’ll then descend through mostly open woodland on a good track before returning to the starting point along a trail at the base of the mountain. Climb: 310 m. Map: Canberra street map or pages 34-39 of Walking & Cycling Canberra’s Centenary Trail. Meet at the trail sign behind the War Memorial.

Sun 4 Sep – CIRCUIT AROUND ORRORAL VALLEY HILL 1339 – 19 km Medium (8)
Leader: Bob C. From the Orroral Tracking Station car park, we walk along the Cotter Road/Australian Alps Walking Track, turn right at the Smokers Trail junction, then right again along the track that parallels the Orroral River back to the cars. Total climb: 335 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Maps: Corin Dam, Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Tue 6 Sep - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING at St Margaret’s Uniting Church Hall at the corner of Phillip Avenue and Antill Street, HACKETT.
Arrive from 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm start and ending around 10.00 pm. Usual business including delivery of annual reports and election of office holders, followed by supper. Contributions to supper most welcome. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE.

Wed 7 Sep – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contact: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 7 Sep – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Robyn G

Wed 7 Sep – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Peter D

Sat 10 Sep – BOBOYAN FOREST – HOSPITAL CREEK – 14 km Medium (8)
Leader: Lyn W. A pleasant walk, mostly on track, through Boboyan Forest, taking a side trip to Hospital Creek cascades, then on to Hospital Hut for lunch. The return walk is partly off track, roughly parallel to the creek, then along the Old Boboyan Road back to the starting point at Yankee Hat car park. Total climb: 240 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K.

Sun 11 Sep – CANBERRA CENTENARY TRAIL – MOUNT MAJURA CIRCUIT – 12 km Easy (7)
Leader: Katarina H. We start by walking behind the last row of Hackett houses, before climbing the Casuarina Trail to the Mount Majura summit (which is also the highest point of the Centenary Trail). We descend, initially on the same track, before turning right on a track leading to the Federal Highway. We return the same way, but bypass the climb to the summit. Climb: 330m. Map: Canberra street map or pages 40-45 of Walking & Cycling Canberra’s Centenary Trail. Meet at the end of Phillip Avenue (near intersection with Kellaway Street

Sun 11-Wed 21 Sep – GREAT NORTH WALK – Mainly Medium 
Leader: John C. There will be 5 nights in the NRMA Ocean Beach Resort and Holiday Park and 5 nights in the Hunter Valley Holiday Park. The Hunter Valley will include 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. Accommodation will be available for campers and in cabins. Contact John ASAP to book a place.

Wed 14 Sep – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Phillip S

Wed 14 Sep – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Linda G

Sat 17 Sep – CANBERRA CENTENARY TRAIL – HACKETT TO MULLIGANS FLAT NATURE RESERVE – 14 km Easy (6)
Leader: Katarina H. We’ll start near the Federal Highway and follow a good track gently weaving through grass and open woodland, first in the Goorooyaroo Reserve and then the Mulligans Flat Sanctuary. We follow the Woodlands Discovery Trail, and may have an informative break at the Woolshed, before arriving at the Forde side of the Sanctuary. Climb: 150m. Map: Canberra street map or pages 48-53 of Walking & Cycling Canberra’s Centenary Trail. A car shuffle is required. Cars: 30 km ($4). Meet at NL.

Sun 18 Sep –- THE PIMPLE – Joint walk with CBC/NPA - 15 km Hard (12)
Leader: David D. In Tidbinbilla, we walk up the Camels Back Fire Trail to the skyline ridge near the Camels Hump.  Then it's off track and up the ridge over Johns Peak and Tidbinbilla Peak.  Thence to a scrubby spur leading out to the Pimple.  We might find there the Tingiringi Gum, which is rare in the ACT.  Return via same route.  Climb: 750 m. Cars: 70 km ($8). Map: Tidbinbilla. Numbers limited so please contact David by Fri 16 Sep. Meet at K at 7.00 am.***

Wed 21 Sep – SHORT WEDNESDAY WALK – Easy
Contact: Robyn K or Colleen F or email ewwcontact AT brindabellabushwalking.org.au

Wed 21 Sep – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: John E

Wed 21 Sep – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (BBC) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Leader: Peter W

Sat 24 Sep – MT WOOLPACK, TINDERRY NATURE RESERVE – 12 km Medium (9)
Leader: Peter W). We will drive from Kambah to Michelago, then east over the Tinderry Range to the Round Flat area.  First we will walk on Roberts Creek and Woolpack Fire Trails. Next we will do a loop of 3 km off track in fairly open country, then 3 km on paddocks back to the cars. We have to cross one creek twice. Total climb: 550 m. Cars: 100 km ($12). Map: Tinderry. Meet at K.

Sun 25 Sep – BURRA TO LONDON BRIDGE WOOLSHED - 15 km Easy (7)
Leader: Jillian B. I have organised this walk as a means of supporting the Rural Fire Service for the work they do in protecting the areas we walk in. Today they have Hot Spots Cafe and a swap/meet from 9:00 to 11:00 am. We leave our cars at the village of Burra and walk from Burra to London Bridge Woolshed on foot pads, dirt roads and fire trails, visiting London Bridge Homestead and Arch. We return the same way. Please be prepared to purchase plants, craft work, etc, and/or to make a donation to the RFS. Climb: 380 m. Cars: 40 km ($5). Maps: Captains Flat, Williamsdale. Meet at Q.

Wed 28 Sep – EASY/MEDIUM WEDNESDAY WALK (CBC) – Walks graded at the upper level of ‘Easy’ or the lower level of ‘Medium’.
Leader: Eric P

Wed 28 Sep – MEDIUM/HARD WEDNESDAY WALK (NPA) – Medium to Hard graded walks.
Coordinator: Mike S

ADVANCE NOTICES

5-11 Mar 2017 – MALLACOOTA
Leader:  David W. I am planning to book Karbeethong Lodge at Mallacoota http://www.karbeethonglodge.com.au/ for a week of coastal and inland walking with enough time to sit on the verandah looking out over the estuary. This is a lovely old 1920’s guest house with a variety of rooms from double ensuite to share. If we book the whole lodge the rates will be roughly $70.00 per person per night which includes breakfast. Expressions of interest from you at any stage, but I will require a deposit of $200 per person by 31 Oct and the balance a fortnight before departure. Once paid, this deposit will only be refunded if I can allocate the booking to someone else. Deadline, including deposit, is 31 Oct.

Early Apr 2017 – GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK, VICTORIA – Easy/Medium Day Walks
Leader: John C. About 2 weeks staying in Portland, Nelson and one other town. Probably about 5 nights in each town. Accommodation will be in cabins or camping. Walking will be along the coast, along the Glenelg River and in National Park areas. The walk is 250 km long and we will do some of the areas accessible by cars. It is at least a 10 hour drive from Canberra. You can do less than 2 weeks if you wish. Contact John to indicate your interest.

Apr-Jun 2016 Copyright 2016 Brindabella Bushwalking Club Oct-Dec 2016