2-3 Aug (Sat-Sun) 2025: BLACKHORSE RIDGE CAMPSITE EXPLORATION (E-M) Cancelled, due to rain - lots of it. From Dunphy's carpark, walk out to Lake Birrel (around 7-8 km, on the firetrail), set up camp then continue on with day packs to the Mobbs soak track. Somewhere along that track is a campsite which has disappeared since the 2019-20 fires. We think we know the location and we plan to find it. (Any excuse for a weekend out in the Wild Dogs). If we find the campsite, we'll continue on to look for the Blackhorse Ridge trail. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison, Jenolan .

4 Aug (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Brian S. Presentation "Walking Gundungurrs country" by Andy Macqueen. The Gundungurra country of the southern Blue Mountains has been the focus of many bushwalking endeavours since the early 1900s. In fact, the bushwalkers' conservation efforts there were an important milestone in the path to today's World Heritage Area. But the first European bushwalk into the area was by the French explorer Francis Barrallier, in 1802. He turned back just south-west of Kanangra Walls. Barrallier’s journal tells us a unique story not only of his failed effort to cross the mountains, but also of the many Gundungurra people who figured in it. Andy Macqueen has written two books about Barrallier. The first was back in 1993, and followed a number of Springwood Bushwalking Club walks designed to find Barrallier’s footsteps. More recently, Andy published a new book, presenting fresh material and important new perspectives. In his talk to the Club, Andy will tell us something of his personal journey in search of Barrallier. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

7 Aug (Thu) 2025: BRAHMA KAMARIS LANDCARE (E) Join me and spend the morning doing landcare at Brahma Kamaris on Mt Hay Rd. All tools and instructions provided by a council worker. Usually we work along or in a lovely clear creek. Bring gum boots if you have them. Morning tea provided in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and stay for a complimentary vegetarian lunch if you wish. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

7 Aug (Thu) 2025: JORDAN SPRINGS (E) Cycle ride Luxfords Trail. Flat ride from Jordan Springs thru remnant bush to Ropes Creek and maybe a bit further into suburbia, and return. Path is gravel, easy riding. Mountain bike preferred, but roady would get there. Bring morning tea, may find a shop to buy stuff. Total 12 km plus? Passes thru old army base. CANCELLED Limit: 12. Map: Penrith.

9 Aug (Sat) 2025: SHAWS SWAMP (E-M) SHAWS SWAMP (M) We can try again; hope the weather is kinder. Shaws Swamp walking track, Whitecross Rd Winmalee. Circuit walk on a well-marked, well-maintained track. Impressive huge bluegums and Angopheras, plus all the ferns you can eat. 60m downhill scramble and several ups and downs. Distance about 5 km but will seem longer. Half day walk, bring water and snacks. Limited parking, think about ride-sharing. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

10 Aug (Sun) 2025: NORTH WOODFORD TRANSIT OF VENUS WALK. (E) A lovely easy morning walk to three waterfalls - 2 named after John Fairfax's daughters, Edith and Mabel, and the other after Hazelbrook. The history of The Transit of Venus Walk will be explained and the remains of the swimming pool observed. It's all connected to The Woodford Academy as well. We'll have morning tea in a nice overhang. Less than 5 km long with much of it on a circular track. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

14 Aug (Thu) 2025: OLYMPIC PARK (E-M) Bike Ride. Northmead to Olympic park along the Parramatta River. Return via cycle paths beside Haslam's Creek, through the back of Newington Armory and then the Parramatta River path. Mostly cycle paths with a few quiet roads and a few footpaths on busy roads. 35 km round trip and flat. Morning tea at Ermington and lunch at Albion hotel, Parramatta - buy it or bring your own. Limit: 15. Map: Gregory.

16 Aug (Sat) 2025: KATOOMBA/BLACKHEATH (M) First, starting from Explorers Road we will head out to Norths Lookout Katoomba, where hopefully we see some morning sun lighting up the Megalong Valley and the cliff lines. The plan then is to head up the Great Western Highway to Blackheath and walk to Walls Cave. As well as the cave itself we will also see a small slot canyon. I have graded this activity medium as it does involve some ascent. However, both walks are on track and neither are long. The combined walk distance is a bit over 4kms and the combined ascent a bit over 200m Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba.

16 Aug (Sat) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (EM) Join me and Tracey from the council to clean up the very headwaters of Springwood Creek. This will prevent weeds getting into Birdwood Gully and lower to the Grose River. The creek here and the natural vegetation of tall Tree Ferns and gums are beautiful but are being choked by privet. It's the 3rd Saturday morning of each month but Tracey can look at a mid-week day if people want. All instructions and equipment supplied Limit: 12. Map: Springwood.

16 Aug (Sat) 2025: NEPEAN RIVER PENRITH (E-M, kayak) Paddle up the Nepean river to Euroka / Breakfast Creek and return 12-15km. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 12. Map: Penrith.

16-17 Aug (Sat - Sun) 2025: NAVSHIELD (E-M-H) Every year NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue organises and runs the Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield or Navshield. This is a fantastic opportunity to practice your navigation skills (even if you're just learning, you'll be in a team). Register your interest here, we will need to book our places as they fill up fast. NOTE: this is for the 1-day event, you will need to be able to travel to the venue on Friday, leaving at mid-day. If anyone is crazy enough to do the 2-day, let me know when you book. Limit: 12. Map: not released yet.

Introduction Walk

17 Aug (Sun) 2025: BUTTERBOX PT MT HAY (E) An amazing walk which starts at the end of the Mt Hay Rd. It's probably only about 3 km return but we'll spend time looking around. We can go up Butterbox Pt {short climb} with magic views into, up and down the Grose River Gorge. Then we'll go to the incredible rock formations which look like waves and are made by bands of hard iron in the sandstone. Views are in all directions. There's some up and down but not too much and I've been told that the track has recently been redone. Higher clearance vehicles needed. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

19 Aug (Tue) 2025: ZOOM Bushwalking NSW quarterly General Meeting 7.30pm Typically via Zoom. To register for online meetings and receive the video link, interested people should contact Bushwalking NSW via https://www.bushwalkingnsw.org.au/meetings/

20 Aug (Wed) 2025: LINDEN (E) A short walk down an old logging track (2 km each way). Start at Numantia Rd Linden, to big water tank, Lady Martins Bath, then down to the old track and follow it to Glenbrook Ck. Exploring along the creek is optional. Back the same way. Bring water, morning tea. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

21 Aug (Thu) 2025: RHODES/CONCORD (E) CITY RAMBLE - PARRAMATTA RIVER HERITAGE WALK: Starting from Rhodes Station we will join up with the Kokoda Track memorial walkway and then continue around the foreshore of the western Parramatta River until we conclude our walk at Cabarita Point. Along the way we will see the historic Yaralla, a.k.a Dame Edith Walker, Estate; the Mortlake Punt - the last remaining vehicular ferry operating in the harbour; some remnant buildings of the old Mortlake Gas Works; and the Federation Pavilion in Cabarita Park. Depending on timetable and tidal conditions we will then take a ferry either to Parramatta or King Street to catch our train home. Total walk distance I am estimating at around 8kms, predominantly flat. Limit: 15. Map: Parramatta River.

24 Aug (Sun) 2025: MEGALONG VALLEY (M) A winter walk down the Six Foot track and back up. It is always great to see the Coxs River with its smooth granite pavements. Also the new bridge is open and I have not seen it yet. All day walk. Bring lunch and some warm gear and a raincoat. Distance about 6 km each way, about 250m descent, then same ascent. The track is relatively easy but you will be tired at the end. Drive into the Megalong Valley and park at the old cemetery. Be careful of ice on the road in. Limit: 16. Map: Hampton.

Introduction Walk

31 Aug (Sun) 2025: TRACKS BELOW SOUTH SPRINGWOOD (E) This walk explores old tracks coming off Magdala Track below Blue Gum Lodge. Some waratahs should be out. Start by walking down Raymond Rd to Lawson Lookout and then to the Magdala Track until we reach Springwood Falls. Cross the creek and head up below Blue Gum Lodge. There's a reactivated Bower Bird bower just to the left. Then walk below cliff lines along a creek to have morning tea at an old swimming pool carefully made in the creek. Sadly it's now silted up but still very visible. If Blue Gum Lodge isn't being used we can visit their lovely outdoor chapel before heading down another creek to return to Magdala Track. About 6 km with 2 ascents and descents but they won't be hard. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

1 Sep (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Jeanette L. Presentation by Carol Isaacs on the work done by members from our Club with Friends of the Colo. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

6 Sep (Sat) 2025: WINDSOR (E-M, kayak) Kayaking from Windsor towards North Richmond and return 12-15 km. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 12. Map: Kurrajong.

7 Sep (Sun) 2025: GLENBROOK (H-Exp) Further explorations of Upper Kanuka Brook. The goal is to find a direct route to sections of the creek from the Red Hands Fire Trail. This will be all off track and exploratory. Will involve scrub bashing and rock scrambles. More defined routes to be determined closer to date. Limit: 6. Map: Penrith .

20 Sep (Sat) 2025: SPRINGWOOD SPRING FESTIVAL Springwood Spring Festival previously known as Foundation Day. We will have a stall and provide info to anyone who's interested. A good opportunity for us to be seen in the community. We will need helpers for the day to man the stall, chat to the public and hang out for an hour or so. Book on if you can help out. 8am-4pm. Map: Springwood

20-22 Sep (Sat - Mon) 2025: GOULBURN RIVER NP (M-Exp) A big loop to explore the Goulburn River National Park by heading up the river and then cutting off the loop cross country on the way back. This is all new to the leader and with the long drive in a fair amount of time has been allowed to complete the trip. From the tight corner near Murrumbo Creek on the Bylong / Sandy Hollow road, park the car and follow the fire trail north for 2 kms to the river. Head upstream for 2 days to reach the first major southern tributary where I intend to camp on the second night. If we get there early we'll just explore upstream further. On the last day follow the tributary south and east then pop over the hills (150m or so gain) to reach the river about 2km upstream of the original firetrail. This is about 25km in total. Water purification, be it pills or filter, will be required, except if we're lucky on the southern tributary. Talking to the ranger there is a weed program ongoing on the river at the start of the walk for burrs so gaiters or equivalent maybe needed but after that it should be good. This country was not incinerated in the fires so hopefully the scrub is reasonably OK. Limit: 8. Map: Kerrabee etc.

21 Sep (Sun) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Note the change from Saturday to Sunday. Help keep weeds and exotics out of Birdwood Gully. We'll be working at the very head of Springwood Creek just below the highway at the end of Bland Rd getting rid of privet, crofton weed and more. This area has lots of native trees and treeferns but they need light to grow properly. So removing the privet is our main priority. The creek here is really pretty too. Once we remove enough stuff, we'll be planting more natives as well. Come and see the difference a small group of people can make. Come whenever you can. No need to commit to every month. All equipment and instruction given by Tracy from council. 9 to 12 with a morning tea break. As I'm away this month please book in directly with Tracy Abbas at tabbas@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or ring her on 0428777141 Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

21 Sep (Sun) 2025: REMOTE AREA FIRST AID COURSE (Training ) The SBC Committee is again pleased to offer you an opportunity to get/renew your Remote Area First Aid, with the wonderful trainer, Frances Davidson, at the Pulse First Aid training room in Hazelbrook. There is a compulsory online component and a full day of practical exercises, including 'in the field' scenarios. The full course usually costs $300. It has been offered to SBC for $150. The committee has reduced this to $100 per individual and $75 for activity leaders. You do need to be a full member to take advantage of this training. I will have a waiting list with 15 places, and if it fills, I'll add an additional day. Limit: 15. Map: Katoomba .

27-28 Sep (Sat - Sun) 2025: BLACKHORSE RIDGE CAMPSITE EXPLORATION (E-M) (this was cancelled due to weather in August). From Dunphys carpark, walk out to Lake Birrel (around 7-8 km, on the firetrail), set up camp then continue on with day packs to the Mobbs soak track. Somewhere along that track is a campsite which has disappeared since the 2019-20 fires. We think we know the location and we plan to find it. (Any excuse for a weekend out in the Wild Dogs). If we find the campsite, we'll continue on to look for the Blackhorse Ridge trail. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison, Jenolan .

27-28 Sep (Sat-Sun) 2025: SPLENDOUR ROCK (M-H, Overnight ) The walk starts and finishes at the Dunphy Camping Area, formerly Carlons Farm, in the Megalong. Approx 11km, 320m ascent, 6 hrs walking each day... There are ups and downs on the way, mostly quite gentle, but some bits are steepish. Via Medlow Gap and Mobbs Soak. Then we climb about 120m up to Splendour Rock. The climb is fairly steep but should be do-able by most fit walkers. Pace will be moderate to slow. We'll camp on Mt Dingo. Water is not available at the campsite and needs to be carried... This overnight walk would be suitable for a first-timer as long as you can carry about 14kg. If you don’t have all the gear (tent, sleeping bag and mat, pack, stove, etc) the club has gear you can borrow. Let me know if this is your first overnight walk. Open to junior members. Carpooling. Limit: 8. Map: Jenolan .

28 Sep-3 Oct 2025 (Sun - Fri) 2025: HIDDEN CREEK JERVIS BAY (M, kayak,walk,cycle) Five nights at Hidden Creek Caravan Park overlooking Currambene Creek. Tent or caravan on a campsites we have to ourselves.$25 per person per night. Cabins are also available at a discounted rate. We will be doing a number of day paddles in the surrounding waterways with opportunities for cycling, walking and swimming. Limit: 16. Map: Jervis bay.

2 Oct (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) BRAHMA KUMARIS LANDCARE (E) Join me and spend the morning doing landcare at Brahma Kumaris on Mt Hay Rd. All tools and instructions provided by a council worker. Help keep the weeds and exotics out of the National Park below. Usually we work along or in a lovely clear creek. Bring gum boots if you have them. Morning tea provided in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and stay for a complimentary vegetarian lunch if you wish. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

7-17 Oct (Tue-Fri) 2025: NORTHERN JAPAN (E-M-H) CANCELLED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT NUMBERS I will be volunteering in Japan in late Sep to mid Oct so I thought I'd see if there is any interest in doing the same trip as last year's successful trip. We do a variety of day walks in the northern part of Japan (parts of Hokkaido and Aomori). It will be autumn-leaf time and scenery should be fabulous. We will stay in hotels/inns/AirBnB/hostels and hire vehicles to travel. I will lead the walks. Limit: 8. Map: .

18 Oct (Sat) 2025: WHALE WATCHING IN BOUDDI NP (M) 13km all on track. We start at Putty Beach campsite (you are welcome to stay here overnight or at the quieter Little Beach before or after the hike if interested) then head along the Bouddi Coastal track. This is a spectacular part of the NSW coast with beautiful rock shelves, beaches and bushland. The last time I did this walk there were plenty of whales to be seen. We will stop for lunch in the beautiful Maitland Bay where, if it is a warm day, we can have a dip in the crystal clear waters. We may continue onto Third Point if the day isn’t conducive to swimming. We then return by the same route to Putty Beach. Kids are welcome, but be mindful that it is a longish day. Because it is an out and back on track, there is always the option to come as far as you like with the group and then return by yourself. Approx 178m of cumulative ascents. Limit: 12. Map: Broken Bay 1:25000.

19 Oct (Sun) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Note the change from Saturday to Sunday. Help keep weeds and exotics out of Birdwood Gully. We'll be working at the very head of Springwood Creek just below the highway at the end of Bland Rd getting rid of privet, crofton weed and more. This area has lots of native trees and treeferns but they need light to grow properly. So removing the privet is our main priority. The creek here is really pretty too. Once we remove enough stuff, we'll be planting more natives as well. Come and see the difference a small group of people can make. Come whenever you can. No need to commit to every month. All equipment and instruction given by Tracy from council. 9 to 12 with a morning tea break. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

25 Oct (Sat) 2025: DEEP PASS NEWNES PLATEAU (EM) Join Wendy's overnight walkers for a day at magical Deep Pass. We'll explore the crack, the cave, the overhang with a few faint aboriginal paintings and climb above the pagodas for a good overview. Every one of these is optional. So you can make it as easy as you like. The way into the crack involves a bit of scrambling and the cave involves some crawling but you can join Richard and just meet the cavers at the bottom where the creek emerges from the cliff. After lunch, we'll go a little way up the canyon before returning to the cars. If someone wants to lead some people all the way up the canyon to meet us back at the carpark, please let me know. Limit: 16. Map: Newnes Plateau.

25-26 Oct (Sat-Sun) 2025: DEEP PASS CANYON OVERNIGHT (E-M) A beaut beginner overnight trip,this is one of the easier Wollemi canyons, Deep Pass Canyon (also known as Nayook Canyon) is a fun adventure where you can (with care) keep your feet mostly dry – or enjoy a few water pools. We'll have a camp and an explore of the canyon. There will hopefully be masses of wildflowers and waratahs... Limit: 8. Map: Newnes Plateau.

26-31 Oct (Sun - Fri) 2025: CANBERRA BIKE RIDE (E-M-Exp) It's on again because last year was a success and because there are more paths to explore! Staying at a Van Park where you can choose to camp, caravan or cabin. We will be doing a series of day rides on the magnificent and highly varied network of bike paths around Canberra- where navigation can sometimes be a challenge, hence exploratory. Opportunities for enjoying cafes, tourist features, lakes, forests, looking over fences and enjoying restaurants. Cycling distances vary between 30 and 70km. Flexible and cruisey. No pressure to ride everyday. Limit: 20. Map: Canberra Cycling Map.

30 Oct (Thu) 2025: RUINED CASTLE (M) The waratahs should be blooming! Because Golden Stairs are closed, we descend Furber Stairs 200m to the bottom of Scenic Railway and Federal Pass, the historic tram track built for the shale mine below Ruined Castle. It's mostly easy going through forest except the area below the big Landslide, which is a bit rocky. There is an 80m ascent to the "castle" with fabulous 360 degree views (Though there is a bit of tricky rock scrambling to get the views). Return the same way and climb (slowly) 200m back up Furber Steps. Total distance is about 10km. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba, Jamison.

3 Nov (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Wendy W. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

6 Nov (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Landcare at Brahma Kumaris on the Mt Hay Rd. Help keep the weeds and exotics out of the National Park by working on this property adjoining the park. Work in or near the pretty creek. All training and equipment given by the council worker who's in charge. Morning tea supplied in the lovely Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy complimentary vegetarian lunch if you want. Bring gum boots if you have them. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

15-16 Nov (Sat-Sun) 2025: ERSKINE CREEK TO NEPEAN RIVER (E-M) This would make a great introduction to overnight hiking and is suitable for older children. Day 1 - we will drive into Glenbrook NP and walk out to the Nepean lookout (1km return). We then return to the cars and don our pack for the descent to Erskine Creek via Erskine LO. In the saddle we will leave the track and head down to find a suitable campsite on the creek. This is only about a 2km walk. This leaves us with plenty of time to swim and relax and explore the creek to its junction with the Nepean River (about 700m each way). Hopefully we will find Word Cave. Day 2 - a slow start to the day with the option to explore upstream towards the junction of Erskine Creek and Big Crater Creek or just relax at camp and enjoy a morning dip. After an early lunch we will head back up the hill to the cars. Approx. 190m ascent overall. Not cumulative. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith 1:25000.

16 Nov (Sun) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Description of walk:Note the change from Saturday to Sunday. Help keep weeds and exotics out of Birdwood Gully. We'll be working at the very head of Springwood Creek just below the highway at the end of Bland Rd getting rid of privet, crofton weed and more. This area has lots of native trees and treeferns but they need light to grow properly. So removing the privet is our main priority. The creek here is really pretty too. Once we remove enough stuff, we'll be planting more natives as well. Come and see the difference a small group of people can make. Come whenever you can. No need to commit to every month. All equipment and instruction given by Tracy from council. 9 to 12 with a morning tea break. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

2-8 Dec (Tue-Mon) 2025: SNOWY MOUNTAINS WITH FLOWERS (M) Dates will fit in with the next snowys trip. Our February trip missed the peak flowering time, so this is an even easier route than the last trip, and hopefully with flowers. Tentative plan: day 1: Meet at Island Bend campsite by mid-afternoon, set up car camp and have a swim. Day 2: Drive to Charlottes Pass top carpark, and follow Kangaroo Ridge to the restaurant ruins, and return to cars. Camp at Island Bend again. Day 3: from Guthega Power Station (Munyang), walk to Schlink Hilton, camp the night. Day 4: Explore the easy route to Gungarten, return to Schlink Hilton. Day 5: Explore the alleged location of Dicky Cooper Hut. This is a short day, a second activity will be required. Suggestions? Day 6: Pack up and return to Horse Camp Hut. Climb Dicky Cooper Bogong on the way, starting from Schlink Pass. Day 7: Return to cars and drive home. Limit: 8. Map: Geehi dam, Jagungal, Perisher Valley.

4 Dec (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) BRAHMA KUMARIS LANDCARE (E) Join me and spend the morning doing landcare at Brahma Kumaris on Mt Hay Rd. All tools and instructions provided by a council worker. Help keep the weeds and exotics out of the National Park below. Usually we work along or in a lovely clear creek. Bring gum boots if you have them. Morning tea provided in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and stay for a complimentary vegetarian lunch if you wish. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

13 Dec (Sat) 2025: SWIM @DUCK HOLE (E-M) 4km on track 2km each way). This will be an easy walk to cool off and unwind before Christmas with plenty of time to swim and relax. Kids of all ages most welcome. Bring a Christmassy snack to share. 210m ascent. Limit: 16. Map: Penrith 1:25000.

14-21 Dec (Sun-Sun) 2025: CHARLOTTE PASS (M) Join me for the 13th annual visit to Charlotte Pass. Comfortable accommodation in a private ski lodge in the heart of the Kosciuszko National Park. We are within walking distance of the ten highest peaks in Australia plus lots of slightly lower peaks. Cost approx. $550. Limit: 16. Map: Perisher, Geehi Dam.

21 Dec (Sun) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Note the change from Saturday to Sunday. Help keep weeds and exotics out of Birdwood Gully. We'll be working at the very head of Springwood Creek just below the highway at the end of Bland Rd getting rid of privet, crofton weed and more. This area has lots of native trees and treeferns but they need light to grow properly. So removing the privet is our main priority. The creek here is really pretty too. Once we remove enough stuff, we'll be planting more natives as well. Come and see the difference a small group of people can make. Come whenever you can. No need to commit to every month. All equipment and instruction given by Tracy from council. 9 to 12 with a morning tea break. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.