CANBERRA BUSHWALKING CLUB ACTIVITY PROGRAM

October 2009

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 October to the second Wednesday of November.

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 requirement that all walkers sign an acknowledgement of risks and obligations, search and rescue procedures, equipment hire, etc.

(16)17–18 October: Bournda National Park – M/E, S/E

Drive down Friday (9th) evening to car camp at Hobart Beach camp ground.Saturday a short car shuffle to Tathra to the start point for the Kangarutha track. 14 Km with minimal ascent or descent though some short steep sections to get to and from the several beaches on this walk. All on track, cliffs, beaches, coastal views. The route finishes back at the camp ground. Sunday a short circular walk from the camp site, taking in Bondi Lake, Bournda lagoon, the viewing platform over Turra Beach and lunch on the beach close to Bournda Island. 8 Km, all on track or beach, very pretty. Relatively early start for the homeward journey. Two very pleasant walks and a well equipped camp ground. Map: Wolumla 1:25,000. Leader: Austin K. Transport:~$65 per person with 3 sharing (540km) plus camp fees and park entry.

Saturday 17 October: Russell’s Needle – M/M?(X)

The Needle is a place near Mittagong with good views up the Nattai Gorge. It is best accessed via private property but the farmers are not friendly so we have to go another way. I tried to get there in March without luck but have since gotten details of the route used by the Southern Highlands Club. We will again park in the Jollore State Forest and from there, cross a tributary of the Nattai to access the fire trail to the Needle. There is 2km off track (incl return) which is do-able but may be hard; the rest I believe is on a good track. Map: Hilltop 1:25,000. Leader: Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: stan.marks@infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$30

Sunday 18 October: The Pinnacle and beyond – S/E

The Pinnacle affords magnificent views across the Molonglo Gorge to the Brindabellas and to the Tinderries and Mt Palerang to the East. Easy walking through open bushland. No need to book; just meet at the end of Dungowen St Hawker at 9.30 am. Map: Canberra 1:25,000. Leader: Alison M. Transport: Please drive yourself.

Tuesday 20 October: Waterfalls and a Castle – M/R(X)

Bungonia SCA –Bungonia Creek and Falls –Jerrara Creek and Falls –Paddys Castle –return via Devils Pulpit. Great views, rugged terrain, creek walking (wet feet likely), scrambling. Maps: Bungonia and Caoura 1:25000. Leader: Brian S. Transport: ~$25 + park entry fee.

Tuesday 20 October: Tuesday Twilight #1, Theodore Hills – S/M

For those of us who dwell in/visit the southern extremities, the first of some evening twilight shakeouts starting at 6.30 pm for approx hour and a half to two hours. NOT necessarily on paths, so boot-type footwear and lower leg protection (snakes) needed. Meet at 6.30 pm on western side of Theodore Oval (parking in Ern Florence Crescent (Map: Phone book 99 B13) for a circumnavigation of southern Theodore hills and former paddocks. Bring a torch for return to the cars. No bookings. Leader: Margaret R.

Wednesday 21 October, 8pm: Monthly Meeting

Canberra’s weather and climate.  Presenter: Clem Davis. 

Main meeting room, St John’s Church Hall, Constitution Avenue, Reid.

(23)24–25 October: Durras weekend 2 – M/E

Leave Canberra Friday night, stay in comfortable cabins at Depot Beach. On Saturday, Ross will lead a walk along the coast south of the Murramarang Resort, from Wasp Head to Richmond Beach headland, thence the Olympic Pool, through the Garden of Unearthly Gums, via Oaky Beach and up to North Head and the cars. If you like the coast, do this one. On Sunday, we’ll reverse the walk done in May; we will start at Pebbly Beach and follow the coastline to the ridge just north of Snake Bay. In May, we found an overgrown logging road on this ridge, we plan to follow it up the hill this time. Lunch on top of Durras then back to the cars along the marked trail. About 5 hrs walking both Saturday and Sunday. Bookings to Stan please. Maps: Durras/Milton 1:25,000. Leaders: Ross A and Stan Marks 6254 9568 (h), 6274 7350 (w), email: stan.marks@infrastructure.gov.au Transport: ~$150 per car (incl park entry), est $45 per person, Accommodation: ~$50–70 for the weekend depending on numbers.

Sunday 25 October: Sandy Creek escarpment – M/M–R(X)

Starting from Meryla Pass (near Moss Vale), this 12km walk features fine views across the gorge of Sandy Creek and beyond to the Shoalhaven, and towards Kangaroo Valley in the other direction. On the way we look for new negotiable routes through the cliffs above Sandy Creek – especially gaps at 579 564 (a rainforest grotto?) and 573 561, and point 571 550. Expect some rock scrambling, and scrub on the tops. Map: Bundanoon 1:25,000. Leader: Jeff B. Transport: ~380km ret, $137 per car, $35–$50 per person. Limit: 12.

Sunday 25 October: Tuggeranong Hill/Mt Rob Roy - L/M

Ridge walking at its very best. From Covenant College Gordon, over Tuggeranong Hill, then on to Mt Rob Roy, returning by a different route. Some off track and plenty of hillwork (850 m) 16 km. Map: Tuggeranong 1:25,000. Leader: David P.

Sunday 25 October: Percival Hill Nature Reserve, Palmerville Heritage Park and Gungahlin Pond – S/E(X)

A wander from Rosella St Nicholls around the Pond, then generally following Ginninderra Creek down and across the Barton Highway to Palmerville Heritage Park. Around 11km and 50m climb. No need to book. Map: Hall. Leader: John E. Transport: Please drive yourself, meeting by 1.30pm at the intersection of Rosella St and Ibis St Nicholls (but note that this is on the east side of Gugahlin Pond). Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au.

Tuesday 27 October: Left Hand Creek and Mt Clear – L/E–M(X)

Another attempt at the walk originally advertised for 8 Sep. A long fire trail bash to visit a large tabular aplite dyke which crosses Left Hand Creek. In via the Naas Valley fire trail and out via the Mt Clear fire trail, descending through the bush from near Mt Clear. Around 27 km and 950 m total climb – shortened if a hot day. Route not fully known to leader. Maps: Colinton and Bredbo 1:25000. Leader: John E. Transport: ~$15. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Limit: 8.

Tuesday 27 October: Tuesday Twilight #2, Wanniassa Hills – S/M

Park at/near Tuggeranong Tennis Centre Coyne Street (Ph Book Map 89) E12 to meet 6.30pm at bottom of footbridge over Isabella Drive, for passage through the swale of Macarthur to Wanniassa Hills reserve (glorious views of the tip) remnant greybox woodlands and return along ridgeline. Bring a torch for return to the cars. No bookings. Leader: Margaret R.

Saturday 31 October: Ridge with a view as amended – M/M

A variant of the May walk of this name (same outwards route, different return) designed specifically for people who have done navigation training or who can navigate a bit and want to develop their skills. (Preliminary navigation training at a mutually agreeable time, eg. an evening in Canberra Nature Park, can be arranged if you book early enough.) You can make mistakes without lots of onlookers! Participants will get the opportunity to lead sections of the walk, both navigation and decision making. The walk will be in two groups, one with Jeff B providing back-up and the other with me. We will only intervene if we think a bad decision has been made. The walk is longish but not hard in terms of navigation and will give you a chance to put what you have learnt into action. The walk mainly follows a series of ridges and the lunch spot is spectacular. About 6 ½ hrs actual walking. You must bring your own compass. Map: Captains Flat 1:25,000. Leaders: Stan Marks 6254 9568(h), 6274 7350(w), stan.marks@infrastructure.gov.au and Jeff B (inquiries and bookings to Stan please). Transport: $45 per car, $15 per head estimated. Limit: ~10.

Tuesday 3 November: Tuesday Twilight #3, Mt Stranger – S/M

Meet at 6.30 pm at Point Hut picnic area (Phone Book Map 98 A14) for a couple of km along the river, over Mt Stranger, return via National Horse Trail. No bookings. Leader: Margaret R.

(6)7–8 November: Royal National Park – M/E

This walk traverses the length of RNP covering about 27 km. Depart Fri evening and stay o/n at Wollongong YHA. Sat drive to Otford, catch train to Cronulla and board ferry to Bundeena. From Bundeena walk to Garie Beach YHA and stay o/n. Sun walk out to Otford. Maps: Port Hacking and Otford. Leader: Barry K. Transport:~$60. per person, Accommodation: Fri – $28, Sat $20. Limit: 12.

Saturday 7 November: Mt Namadgi – L/R

An invitation is extended to you to join my third birthday champagne luncheon on Mt Namadgi. Although the position of cork catcher has been filled, stemware polishers and strawberry cutters are required. In and out the easiest way via Middle Creek and Big Creamy Flats. Around 26km and 800m climb. Maps: Yaouk and Rendezvous Creek. Leader: John E. Transport: ~$15. Limit: 8.

8–11 November: Burrungubugge River – Gungartan – M/M

Snow drifts expected in places. Day 1 Munyang over Disappointment Spur to Finns River. Day 2 Explore Porcupine Hill to Burrungubugge River. Day 3 Return via Bulls Peak and Brassy Mtns to region of Tin Hut. Day 4 Climb Gungartan and return off track via Disappointment Spur to Munyang Maps: Jagungal & Geehi Dam 1:25,000 Leader: Mike Ba. Transport: ~ 400km per car ~$35 plus park fees per person Limit: 8

Monday evening, 9 November: The Pinnacles – S/E

This is the first of a series of walks of 1½ to 2 hours on most Monday and Thursday evenings during daylight saving, starting at 6.30pm and ending around sunset. Meet at 6.30 at the end of Dungowan St, Hawker for a walk with views of the Brindabellas. No need to book. Map: n/a Leader: Alison M. Transport: drive yourself.

Tuesday 10 November: The Rams Head Range via Mt Kosciuszko – M–L/M

Chairlift to the Eagles Nest, then along AAWT to Mt Kosciusko. Depending on the weather and the party we may do a side trip to Mt Townsend to locate the cairn used to establish the Black Allan Line triangulation scheme. Returning via Swampy Plain River to Cootapatamba Hut, we then go east, climbing to North Rams Head and descend via Rams Head and South Rams Head to Dead Horse Gap. 5 AM start from Kambah & short car shuffle involved. Around 18–26 kms depending on whether we do side trip. May involve some walking on snow. Maps: Mount Kosciusko 8525–II&III, & Thredbo 8524–N 1:50,000 or Perisher Valley 8525–2S & Chimneys Ridge 8524–1N 1:25,000. Leader: Karen C. Transport: $150 per car, Park entry $27 per car, Chairlift $29 per person. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au. Limit: 8.

Tuesday 10 November: Tuesday Twilight #4, Cooleman Ridge – S/M

Park in Lincoln Close Chapman (Phone Book Map 77 D7) for 6.30 pm access through Lincoln Place to do a loop including Mt Arawang and Cooleman Trig. This one will be all on tracks, but can’t guarantee what the length of the grass will be. Leader: Margaret R.

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