CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB ACTIVITY PROGRAM

November 2006

The program for a month usually covers walks from the second Wednesday of the month to the second Wednesday of the following month. This program covers from the second Wednesday of November to the second Wednesday of December.

For more walks, see the Program for last month or next month.

If you are not familiar with the procedures of the Club, please read the Information for Walkers for details of booking on a walk, gradings, our disclaimer, search and rescue procedures, equipment hire etc.

Thursday Evening 9 November – The Cotter – S/E

Meet at 6:30pm in the car park where the Cotter Pub once was. Go down the Cotter Road, cross the Murrumbidgee (long, white bridge) and the Cotter (short bridge) and the car park is on the left immediately after the Cotter. The walk initially follows the river, then a ridge with views. Return via the Cotter Caves. No need to book. Map: N/A Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w) or stan.marks@dotars.gov.au Transport: drive yourself

Saturday 11 November – Tinderry – M/E-M

This walk is just east of the Tinderry Range. Follow the Round Flat and East Tinderry fire trails north from the Tinderry Road through open bush to an unnamed peak of 1335m for lunch then west and south back to the cars largely off track. Just scrapes into the medium length category; climb, 200m. About 4hrs actual walking. Map: Tinderry 1:25000 Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w) or stan.marks@dotars.gov.au Transport: ~$15

(10)Saturday 11 - Monday 13 November – Nadgee/Howe Nature Reserve – M/M

The three day walk into the reserve from the Ranger Station at Merrica River entails driving down Friday night for an early start. There is a 7km pleasant bushwalk over Tumbledown Mountain to Newtons Beach and onto Little River. A chance to swim and explore the moorland and cliffs around Nadgee Beach and possibly Cape Howe sand dunes. Maps: Narrabarba and Nadgee 1:25000 Leader: DougW Transport: ~$50, camping fee $5 per night.

Wednesday 15 November – Monthly Meeting – 8:00pm in Main Meeting Room at St Johns Church Hall, Constitution Avenue, Reid

Cajaput, Wells and Petroglyphs: In early June this year, two Club members undertook Australia’s, and possibly the world’s, longest 4WD trip - 2,000kms on the Canning Stock Route. Hear how they crossed the dunes, the gibber plains and rocky river beds, and drew water from a well with three resident Mulga snakes, while participants on the Centenary Canning Stock Route Expedition.

Thursday Evening 16 November – Mt Ainslie – S/E

Meet at 6:30pm in car park atop Mt Ainslie on the airport side then walk to the west, north and east of the mountain. No need to book. Map: N/A Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w) or stan.marks@dotars.gov.au Transport: drive yourself

Saturday 18 November – Western ridge above Nursery Swamp – M/R

A number of trips have gone along this route in recent times, so we thought we would have a look at it as well. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 Leaders: JennyH and RobH Transport: ~$10

Sunday 19 November – Mt Tennant – M/M

Walk from the Namadgi Visitors’ Centre to Mt Tennant for good views from the top. The walk is mostly on tracks although there is a steep climb to the summit. Map: Williamsdale 1:25000 Leader: ReneD [email to ReneD] Transport: ~$5

18–19 November – Cave Creek and The Blue Waterholes (car camp) – S/M

Saturday is a spectacular walk on track along Cave Creek from the Magpie camp site past Blue Waterholes, then through Clarke Gorge with its towering limestone cliffs to the waterfall next to Whitefish Cave. On Sunday we visit an old hut on the Cooleman Plain (GR496568). Along the way are numerous sinkholes and other geological features set amongst the wildflowers and snow grass. Plan to walk 200m into Murrays Cave (no crawling); those interested bring bicycle helmet and torch. Note 3Ύ hours driving via Tharwa. Maps: Peppercorn and Rules Point 1:25000 Leader: MichaelG Transport: ~$42

Tuesday 21 November – Mt Orroral and Lunar Laser Rocks – L/M-R/X

We'll use the Granite Tops Walking Track (GTWT) to enjoy the view from the geodetic observatory, then directly cross-country to Mt Orroral. After ascending to the top marker, we'll stroll around 2km NW along the Mt Orroral ridge to an obvious saddle. There should be grand views to the granite landscape on either side. Then north-east through the bush to the cross the GTWT and up to the Lunar Laser Rocks. From there, a mad scamper down to the car by the longest/shortest/easiest/most challenging route. 11.8km and 1000m total climb. Further details at http://www.pcug.org.au/~jevans Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25000 Leader: JohnE (Contact the leader by 6:00pm the previous Sunday to discuss options.) Transport: ~$10 Limit: 8

Thursday Evening 23 November – Mulligans Flat West – S/E

Meet 6:30pm in the main Mulligans Flat carpark. Go down Horse Park Road until you see Old Gundaroo Road going off to the north. Follow the signs to the car park. Nice open bush and interesting views from the hills. No need to book. Map: N/A Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w) or stan.marks@dotars.gov.au Transport: drive yourself

Saturday 25 November – Inspection of Northern Corroboree Frog Breeding Facility, Tidbinbilla

Following a fascinating talk at the August Club meeting, Dr Murray Evans offered to show any interested Club members through the special breeding facility located at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. All members are welcome to come and see just how much effort is being made to try and save this significant frog species from extinction. Meet at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Visitors Centre at 11.00am. The inspection will take approximately 1 hour and those interested can enjoy a picnic or BBQ afterwards. Leader: JohnT Transport: All those wishing to attend will need to make their own transport arrangements. Please let me know if you plan to attend (email preferred) so that I know numbers and can let you know if arrangements change.

Sunday 26 November – Bendoura and Other Hills – M/E-M

Generally following the Moonlight Hollow Road with side trips to Bendoura Hill, Bushranger Hill, Forest Knob and Bulls Head. Lush forest not affected by bushfires. Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25000 Leader: RogerE Transport: ~$13 Limit: 12

Sunday 26 November – Micalong Swamp - Mt Nimbo – L/E

A 24km return walk from the Brindabella Road along the Hume and Hovell Walking Track. Good views along the extensive swamp and from Nimbo to the Bogong Peaks. Drivers with 4WD or experience on dirt required. Maps: Brindabella and Tumut 1:100000 Leader: JeffB Transport: ~$20 Limit: 12

Wednesday Evening 29 November – Jerrabomberra Hill – S/E

I have more walks than there are Thursdays. So, meet at 6:30pm in the car park on the Jerrabomberra Hill Road, just off Halloran Drive, Jerrabomberra. The road up the hill has been closed to traffic and is now a nice walking track. No need to book. Map: N/A Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w) or stan.marks@dotars.gov.au Transport: drive yourself

Thursday Evening 30 November – Black Mountain Hat Band – S/E

Meet 6:30pm, park at end of Frith Street near the electricity sub-station. Some distance from the top, there is a track around the mountain with 360 degree views. No need to book. Map: N/A Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w) or stan.marks@dotars.gov.au Transport: drive yourself

30 November - 8 December – Great Ocean Walk – M-L/E-M

The Great Ocean Walk is Victoria's newest long distance walking track. Heading west from Apollo Bay, it takes in Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary, Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks and Twelve Apostles Marine Park. The walk features spectacular coastal scenery including sheltered and stormy beaches, limestone sea stacks, rock platforms, pristine estuaries, cliff-top heathland, tall forests and coastal woodland. The walk is in a ‘fuel-stove only’ area. Bookings are required by 5 November to allow walk permits to be arranged. Map: The Otways and Shipwreck Coast 1:50000 (VicMap OLM) Leader: TerenceU Transport: tba Limit: 6

1 December – Annual Christmas Party

We provide barbeques; you provide food, drinks, plates, utensils, fold-up chairs, etc. Starts at 6:00pm.

(1)2–3 December – Kangaroo Valley – M/E

There are 2 walks over 2 days in the Morton National Park. On the Saturday we walk McPhails Fire Trail to Mt Carrialoo (14km, moderate grade with some steep sections, but the view from Mt Carrialoo makes the climb worthwhile. There is some scrub bashing across the plateau). On the Sunday we do the Four Lookouts Trail (12km, easy grade with some great views). It is a botanically diverse walk with a host of heath plants, low stunted scribbly gums and rough-barked apples. Will also see bloodwoods, tea trees, conesticks, mountain devils, wattles and banksias, and hopefully some splashes of colour). We head off Friday evening for our weekend accommodation at the Kangaroo Valley Horse Riding Country Retreat. Maps: Bundanoon and Burrier 1:25000 Leader: BarryK or barry.keeley@abs.gov.au Transport: ~$50 Accommodation: $38 per night Limit: 14

2–3 December – Bungonia 45 years later – M/M

Forty-five years ago a group of budding bushwalkers went through Bungonia Gorge and downstream along the Shoalhaven to what was called Cedar Flats for camping and swimming. A couple of months after this precursor walk they formed the Canberra Bushwalking Club. Every 5 years we celebrate by following the same route. Even people who have joined later are welcome to join us. Map: Caoura 1:25000 Leader: GφstaL Transport: $20

Tuesday 5 December – Camels Hump and Elsies Falls – L/E-M

With an early access arranged to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and a climb to nearly 1450m, it should be a bit cooler on the skyline west of Canberra. An easy wander up the Camel Back fire trail, followed by a short scramble up to Camels Hump for spectacular views east and west. Off Camels Hump to the north, then a plunge down 100m to the east to the site of Elsies Falls (I bet there won’t be any water flowing). Back to the car via the fire trail. 13.7km and 900m total climb. Further details at http://www.pcug.org.au/~jevans Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25000 Leader: JohnE Contact the leader by 6:00pm the previous Sunday to discuss options. Transport: ~$10 Limit: 8

Wednesday 6 December: Wednesday Walk

The regular mid-week walk series continues, close to Canberra with a destination to be decided. Contact the leader before 8:00 pm Tuesday to find out destination and meeting place. Leader: AllanM

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