1 Oct (Wed) 2025: LEURA (E-M) A half day walk: 6km approx: We will descend to Gordon Creek and Lyrebird Dell, walk through Gordon Falls reserve to the Pool of Siloam and onto the Golf Links lookout. Then to Sublime Point Lookout via the cliff top track with great views into the Jamison Valley. Bring morning tea. We will hopefully have it at the picnic tables at Sublime Point. We will return via Sublime Point Road, Watkins Road, Fitzroy Street, Everglades Avenue, Easter Street then back into the National Park and Spencer Street. We will start the walk from Spencer Street Leura. At Spencer Street there are no parking fees or restrictions. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

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.

4 Oct (Sat) 2025: EUROKA CLEARING TO BREAKFAST CK (H-Exp) Walking from Euroka Clearing, up a side gully, over the ridge and down into Breakfast Creek. We'll walk downstream to enjoy some patches of rainforest and pretty pools in this seldom visited creek, possibly down to the junction of the Nepean River. There will be off track walking, scrub, frequent creek crossing. About 6km of walking and 200m of climbing in all. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith .

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: .

11 Oct (Sat) 2025: BLACKHEATH (M) PORTERS PASS: From the end of Centennial Glen Road, we will follow one the oldest tracks in the Blue Mountains, dating back to 1888. We start by making our way along Walls Ledge; descend next to a waterfall; proceed along Colliers Causeway and then head up Porters Pass. We conclude our round trip through the mossy Centennial Glen. Along the way we will encounter impressive views; waterfalls and changing vegetation. There will be some steepish downhill sections and parts of the track could be muddy. So, bring some good shoes. Walk distance is 5.5kms with 220m descent and ascent. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba.

15 Oct (Wed) 2025: LAWSON (E-M) A half day walk: 6km Approx: Lawson Ridge: Over the Blue Mountain and walking Lawson Ridge. Bush land on the ridge at first, then a series of rock platforms. At the final platform, Stockton Look-down we will have morning tea with the best views to the northern Blue Mountains. We will return the same way, back along the ridge to the cars. Bring morning tea. On the drive home on Queens Road, I will stop for a ten minute look at Sunset Rock. If walkers can spare the time, it is certainly worth a look. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

15-21 Oct (Wed - Tue) 2025: GULGONG (H) Central West Cycle Circuit. Gulgong-Dunedoo-Mendooran-Ballimore-Wellington-Gulgong. Expressions of interest 0429903082. I hope to complete it on a non-ebike, staying in pubs and camping. Carrying minimum camping gear in paniers. First day might just be driving to Gulgong. Then 6 days riding. Most days 50-60 km. Weather will have to be suitable. Limit: 4. Map: UBD.

16 Oct (Thu) 2025: ROZELLE - DRUMMOYNE - ABBOTSFORD (E) CITY RAMBLE: The bays and by-ways of the western harbour. From Central we will take the light rail to Leichardt North station. Proceeding past the "Eight Wonder of the World" we will join up with the Bay Run and walk round the shoreline of Iron Cove. Then we cross Iron Cove bridge into Drummoyne where, as well as views down the harbour, we can appreciate some impressive late Victorian and Federation architecture. Then turning west, we will head on through Chiswick until we conclude the walk at Abbotsford Point. Time permitting, we might be able to have a drink at the Sydney Rowing club before we catch a ferry to Circular Quay. I am estimating a bit over 7kms walking distance, predominantly flat. Limit: 15. Map: Parramatta River.

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. **Please note that there is no availability at either campground as at 8/9/25** 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: GROSE VALLEY OVERNIGHT (M) A fairly straightforward overnight in the majestic Grose Valley with a nice open campsite. Some steep descent and climbs on formed tracks. Walking the valley is uneven and a little overgrown in places. Walk from end Victoria Falls Rd into the Grose Valley. Blue Gum Forest. Camp at Acacia Flat Campground. Exit via Horse Track to Evans Lookout. (This walk requires a car shuffle, I have one vehicle, if we don't get another we will start and finish from Evan's Lookout.) Day 1 = 13km. Day 2 = 7.5km. Limit: 8. Map: Mount Wilson.

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.

Introduction Walk

2 Nov (Sun) 2025: NORTH LINDEN PARADISE POOL (EM) Firstly walk down to Paradise Pool and Waterfall at Linden via a little-known bush track which may be a bit overgrown. But we'll take it as slowly as needed. Walk past the site of the remains of the boiler used to bring water up to the steam trains before Wentworth Falls Lake was put in. Spend as much time as we want swimming and lazing on the sandy beach before returning back up the regular tourist track which uses a section of the very original 1814 Coxs Rd, the first road across the mountains. Look at the geology which made road maintenance so difficult. Less that 4 km round walk. Children and visitors welcome. For those who wish we'll pop down to the nearby huge Kings Cave, used by the Kings Regiment in the 1800s. It's a very short walk just below the road but well worth a visit. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

3 Nov (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Wendy W. Presentation. Jessie Burke to speak about Club's planned involvement with Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Limit: 50. 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.

Introduction Walk

15 Nov (Sat) 2025: NORTH BLACKHEATH (E) Leave some cars at Evans Lookout and then drive to the beginning of the Braeside Track. Walk down this beautiful creek until it plunges over the cliff edge as Bridal Veil Falls. Then follow the cliff-edge track back to Evans Lookout enjoying the amazing views the whole way. About 4 km. Afterwards we'll drive out to the end of Hat Hill Rd to visit a great sandstone overhang and Anvil Rock Lookout which is one of the best in the mountains. If crowds aren't too bad we can end with a visit to the Rhododendron Gardens. Limit: 16. 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.

29 Nov (Sat) 2025: WILSON PARK, LAWSON CLUB XMAS PARTY All members and partners are welcome to attend the annual Christmas Party! Commencing 12pm (lunchtime). The party will be fully catered i.e. all food will be provided including gluten free and veg options. BYO drinks. BYO plates, bowls, cutlery etc and chairs. It is also an opportunity for new members to come along and get to know the leaders and meet other members of the club. On arrival make sure you come and see a Committee member for your raffle ticket for the lucky door prize. There are 10 prizes to be won, valued at $100 each. Please book onto the activity and notify us if you are also bringing someone with you so that we have numbers for catering purposes. Map: Katoomba

2-8 Dec (Tue-Mon) 2025: SNOWY MOUNTAINS WITH FLOWERS (M) Our February trip missed the peak flowering time. 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.

30 Dec (Tue) 2025: RIVER CAVES CANYON (M) My regular yearly trip to the terrific River Caves Canyon on the Newnes Plateau. This is an easy canyon with a short but eroded walk in to where it starts. You can avoid getting too wet by clambering up and over with me or just wade through like most people do {it's a deep wade} You will need to wade later up to the knees for sure. Return the same way enjoying the canyon twice with the sunlight playing in different sections. It almost closes over in one section. About 4 km return. After lunch we'll return to Bell and visit Dargens Arch for those who wish. This great arch can be walked across and then under as we return via the pretty creek. Less than 2 km return. Limit: 16. Map: Rock Hill.

2 Feb 2026 (Mon) 2026: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by John H. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

8-15 Feb 2026 (Sun-Sun) 2026: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H) THIS ACTIVITY IS NOW FULL. Join us for the 5th annual February Snowies Trip. Not just walks, we have found excellent kayaking on Lake Jindabyne, some great mountain bike rides, horse riding, and a range of walks from 2 hours to all day. Bring or hire your kayak or bike (or both). Comfortable accommodation in a private ski lodge in the heart of the Kosciuszko National Park. Self catering (group meals) and we have to clean up before we leave. We are within walking distance of the 10 highest peaks in Australia, plus lots of slightly lower peaks. Cost tba but last year was around $440 per person for the week, and you are asked to supply (part of) an evening meal for all our attendees. Please bring some cash to re-imburse drivers if you car-pool. Entertainment includes Twister, Trivia, jigsaw, pool, table tennis, karioke (?!). Bring a chess set. We will be occupying the West wing of the lodge. We will also need leaders to create and run various daily programs. Limit: 24 subject to room availability. Map: Perisher Valley, Geehi River, Koscuiszko. Lynne and John Hodson 0435534154 jhodsonmail@gmail.com. Limit: 25. Map: Geehi.