3 Oct (Thu) 2024: HORSLEY PK, CECIL HILLS, ELIZABETH HILLS (M) BIKE RIDE A 5 hr ride ( including 1/2 hr M/ Tea +1 hr Lunch) suitable for road bikes following mostly cycleways and back streets. First stop at the Dairy then next Stop The El Cortez Hotel ( bring yr own lunch if u wish as table seating outside ) Limit: 15. Map: Google maps.

3 Oct (Thu) 2024: LEURA BUSH REGEN MORNING (E) Come and do a morning of bush regeneration at a meditation property called Brahma Kamaris situated along Mt Hay Rd just before the dirt starts. All equipment suplied and stay for a complimentary vegetarian lunch. The activity is in the bush around the pretty Stone Cottage where we'll have morning tea. The cottage gardens should be at their best. All within earshot of a babbling creek. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba .

7 Oct (Mon) 2024: PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL SPRINGWOOD General Meeting. Our Guest Speaker this month is Grant Elliott.Over the winters of 2022 and 2023 Springwood Bushwalking Club member, Grant Elliott, walked and cross-country skiied the 700 km long Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). This walk starts from the old gold mining town of Walhalla in Victoria and follows along the Great Dividing Range to the outskirts of Canberra. The track connects snowy peaks, alpine wilderness areas and old bush huts. This is part 2 of a talk about this walk, picking up from traversing the Crosscut Saw in Victoria. Doors open at 7.00 pm for a 7:30 pm start. Supper and tea/coffee provided for a gold coin donation. Bring your own cup.

8 Oct (Tue) 2024: EASTERN SUBURBS (E-M) Walk from Rushcutters Bay to Clovelly via a series of parks both large (189 hectares) and small (can accommodate a garden bench). Visit at least 12 parks including a cemetery with a million dollar view. 7k. Limit: 10. Map: Google.

9 Oct (Wed) 2024: BLAXLAND WARRIMOO (E-M) A half day walk: 7km approx: Florabella and Pippas Passes: Train from Blaxland Railway Station to Warrimoo Station then walk Florabella Street into Florabella Pass to Glenbrook Creek then up Pippas Pass to Blaxland Library. Bring morning tea. At this time of the year the waratahs should be out in bloom. If coming by car and catching the train park between Blaxland Library and Blaxland Railway Station. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

11 Oct (Fri) 2024: UPPER HAWKESBURY RIVER (M) Evening river swim. Yarramundi to North Richmond. 4.5km. Flippers compulsory. Uber back to your car. From the junction of the three rivers (where the Grose River meets the Nepean, and changes name to the Hawkesbury River) to Bells Line of Road. I normally swim this route in 90 minutes. It is all gentle swimming, lying over your backpack stuffed with empty bottles. There is no opportunity to walk the riverbank at all, but many spots to rest and watch birdlife. Limit: 3. Map: Google, UBD, Windy or Avenza.

Introduction Walk

11-12 Oct (Fri - Sat) 2024: ROCKLILY RIDGE OVERNIGHTER (E-M) Are you looking to hit the pause button for a quick overnight camp? Me too... A short easy walk into a fabulous bush camp on Friday, late morning check-out on Saturday... possible short exploration if desired. Good water source nearby. A good beginners campout... Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba .

12 Oct (Sat) 2024: BIRRABANG CANYON (M) Birrabang brook is a pretty creek on the southern side of Bells line of Road, with a couple of short canyon sections. There is no abseils, some shallow wades, deeper ones can be avoided with good scrambling skills, making it more of a bushwalk than a canyon. We will exit off track up a gully onto Dalpura ridge, then follow a footpad back to the road. Allow the full day to do this walk. About 6km, 220m total ascent. Please contact me if you have any questions. Limit: 8. Map: 8930-1N Mt Wilson .

12 Oct (Sat) 2024: FAULCONBRIDGE TO LAWSON PART 2 (H) This walk is now FULL. If you wish to register you will be put on the waiting list. Part 2 of this walk starts where Part 1 finished; at the end of Winbourne Road Hazelbrook. We take the L6 trail before going bush, making our way to Woodford Creek. We then make our way up and along a ridge that takes us to Blue Mountain and the start of the Lawson Ridge Fire Trail. This section is the shorter of the two but is also mostly off track and involves a steep climb. This is a combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains walk. We will need to do a car shuffle. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

12 Oct (Sat) 2024: NEPEAN RIVER CAMDEN TO COBBITTY (H-Exp, Kayak) Kayaking from Camden To Cobbitty and return 25km with fast flowing water and portage involved. Limit: 6. Map: Camden.

13 Oct (Sun) 2024: GRAND CANYON BLACKHEATH (E) This walk is full. This can be an introduction wak. It's one of the best in the mountains. It has a fair bit of down and up but the track and steps are all in excellent repair and the pace will accommodate slower walkers. It's about 6 km round walk not counting the short optional bits. We'll start at Evans Lookout for great views before heading down. At one point we can do an optional extra to a spur overlooking Beauchamp Falls which you can't walk to anymore. Then down a lovely rainforest gully to the creek and up the Grand Canyon with it's high cliffs and waterfalls. The second option is to leave the main track and go up as far as possible to meet the canyon proper where it becomes very narrow. Back on the track we ascend until we're walking on a path looking down into the dark, narrow canyon. See where the canyoners descend on ropes. When the creek rises to the track level we walk behind a beautiful waterfall and through a tunnel to a great overhang. The ascent back to the cars is up Neates Glen which is also very lovely. What more could you want? Kids welcome. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

Introduction Walk

16 Oct (Wed) 2024: GRAND CLIFF TOP WALK - DARWINS WALK SECTION (E) Section walking the Grand Cliff Top Walk, suitable for people who are getting back into walking (like me, recovering from a knee injury)...Darwins walk is an easy stroll that connects Wentworth Falls village to Blue Mountains National Park, following Jamison Creek to Wentworth Falls waterfall. We'll hope to catch the bus back to WWFalls from Fletcher St or its a 1.6km walk back to the station. Unless a car shuffle can be organised. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba .

16-25 Oct (Wed-Fri) 2024: NORTHERN JAPAN (E-M-H) THIS WALK IS FULL. My plan is to 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 most walks, but I hope to have a couple of guided walks too. At the moment there are few other details I can give because we need to have a meeting asap of those interested. The meeting will need to be early March so please "book" on the program soon to show your interest. This will not be a binding commitment to participate. Dates given are a little fluid. Limit: 10. Map: .

17 Oct (Thu) 2024: CITY AND EASTERN SUBURBS (E) CITY RAMBLE: Hyde Park to Kings Cross and then on to Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay and Darling Point. The first part of the walk will be a City of Sydney culture walk that will proceed through Sydney suburbs that have a colourful and at times controversial history. This history is celebrated in a range of artistic forms which we'll view along the way. From Kings Cross we then proceed on to Elizabeth Bay, enjoying Harbour views and a range of architectural styles dating back to the colonial period. We then move on to the salubrious surrounds of Darling Point where can commence our homeward trip by ferry. Total walk distance I am estimating at between 7 and 8 kms. There will be some ascent and decent but nothing too steep. I am hopeful of finding a suitable cafe for lunch. Limit: 15. Map: Parramatta River.

18-19 Oct (Fri-Sat) 2024: WALLACIA TO GLENBROOK (M) Overnight bushwalk. Bus to Wallacia. Norton's Basin - swim across the Warragamba River. Off-track walking up and over to camp on Erskine Creek, under a waning full moon. (We are not walking at night.) Day 2 is 13km. Jack Evans Track - Pisgah Ridge (overgrown FT) and Bennett's Ridge via crossing Breakfast Creek, before concluding at Glenbrook Village. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith, Warragamba.

19 Oct (Sat) 2024: NEPEAN RIVER COBBITTY TO BENTS BASIN (H-Exp, kayaking) Kayaking from Cobbitty to Bents Basin and return 25km. Fast flowing water and portage involved. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 6. Map: Warragamba.

19-20 Oct (Sat - Sun) 2024: WOLLANGAMBE TO DUMBANO (M, off track) Postponed from September. An overnight walk to check out the waratahs this year. Starting out on the usual Wollangambe Crater track, cross the Wollangambe at approx 936 488 and head north along a ridge to the Dumbano fire trail. Camp on Dumbano Creek, check out the waratahs, and head back on the Gooch's Crater track. We've done a reckie now on the off track bits and it all looks good. And the waratahs should be in full bloom. About 10-11 km each way. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

23 Oct (Wed) 2024: FAULCONBRIDGE (E-M) A half day walk: 6km approx: North Faulconbridge. From the National Park we will walk down into Waterhole Creek and follow a walking track for 2km which then ascends onto the ridge. We cross over and go down to the steam driven sawmill flying fox track that will take us to a crossing on Linden Creek. We will then checkout the remains of the steam driven sawmill. We will return up the flying fox track to Highland Road and the cars. Bring morning tea. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

23 Oct (Wed) 2024: GRAND CLIFF TOP WALK - WWF LOOKOUT TO CONSERVATION HUT (M) Another section of the Grand Cliff Top Walk. This hilly 3km walk on part of the Undercliff Track and the Overcliff Track goes to the Conservation Hut. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba .

26 Oct (Sat) 2024: GLOSSOP RD TO LINDEN CREEK (M-Exp, off track) From a ridge running east of Glossop road (at 680 678), navigate from the first saddle, northish to the creek at GR 683 684. Follow the creek down to Linden Creek (which is usually full of boulders) and either return the same way, or find a route up the end of the ridge. Exploratory, some steep bits and the creek is unknown. The ridge has been used many times in the Linden navigation exercise, and is quite easy to negotiate. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

26 Oct (Sat) 2024: LAKE WALLACE KAYAK (E, Kayak) A leisurely paddle of 2-3 hours approximately around Lake Wallace. No motor boats allowed on the lake which makes for a peaceful paddle. The lake is home to many birds, musk ducks, water rats, eagles and water dragons. We also paddle past the Barton Park Giant Tree Arboretum. You need your own hard shell kayak and PFD. Limit: 10. Map: LITHGOW.

26 Oct (Sat) 2024: LOWER GROSE. BIKE HIKE AND LILO. (H) This walk is now FULL. If you wish to register you will be put on the waiting list. Ride out along the Grose Road fire trail to the point where Kariwoga Ridge meets the main ridge. We will leave our bikes here, chained and concealed. Descend to the Grose, via the walking track, where we inflate our lilos for a lazy drift downstream to Springwood Creek. Return to the bikes via Kariwoga Ridge taking in the views of the river we have just floated down. Please no plastic lilos! Only robust rubberised canvas lilos in good condition. Involves a steep climb and off track walk along Kariwoga Ridge. This trip will not go ahead if the river is at a dangerous level. This is a combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood, Katoomba.

26-27 Oct (Sat-Sun) 2024: SIX FOOT TRACK SECTIONS, CAR CAMPING (E-M, Overnight ) Day one meet at Old Ford Reserve, Megalong Valley. Walk at a relaxed pace, part of the Six Foot Track to the top, return, car camp Saturday night. Approx 16kms, 507m elevation, lots of steep steps... Day two walk to Bowtells Bridge, return. Approx 14kms, 266m elevaton... Head home. Possible stop at the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms. Option to hang out at the river. Suitable for beginner campers. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba, Hampton .

2 Nov (Sat) 2024: GEORGES RIVER (H, Kayak) Kayak, Georges River in the Macquarie Fields area. 20ks return. Limit: 6. Map: Liverpool & Campbelltown.

7 Nov (Thu) 2024: BRAHMA KAMARIS BUSH REGEN (E) Come and do a morning of bush regeneration in beautiful surroundings with lovely people. Brahma Kamaris is situated on the Mt Hay Rd in Leura at the end of the bitumen section. All equipment and training supplied. Then stay for a complimentary vegetarian lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba .

7 Nov (Thu) 2024: NEPEAN RIVER EMU PLAINS TO YARRAMUNDI (VH, Kayak) EXPRESIONS OF INTEREST. Very short notice after heavy rain. 20km paddle with fast flowing water, rapids, portage and car shuffle involved. Limit: 6. Map: Penrith.

9 Nov (Sat) 2024: LITTLE CRATER RIDGE (H) This walk is now FULL. If you wish to register you will be put on the waiting list. We will explore some of the country on the southern side of Erskine Creek. Starting at Pisgah Rock, we will make our way to the junction of Erskine and Lincoln creeks before making the "exhilarating" climb up the narrow ridge directly opposite. Once up top we will carry along the cliff edge, taking in the views, before joining Little Crater Ridge proper. Our return route to Erskine Creek will be the ridge on the northern side of Big Crater, where we will stop part way down to ponder the who, why and when of an ancient mystery cairn and stone arrangements. Return to road via Jack Evans track. About 9.5 Kilometers, mostly off track. Less if we can leave a car at the top of Jack Evans. Will involve some rock scrambling with some exposure. This is a combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith.

9 Nov (Sat) 2024: WINMALEE (M-Exp) SHAWS CREEK - WINMALEE TO YARRAMUNDI. The plan is to start from the end of Whitecross Road, Winmalee and follow a track down into Shaws Swamp, taking the chance to look at some impressive trees, and then follow a track beside Shaws Creek for some distance before dropping into the creek itself and heading downstream as far as Springwood Road, Yarramundi. The creek is initially narrow but then opens out with rock platforms on one or both sides. Your feet and possibly a little bit more will get wet. There is a nice swimming hole along the way, so bring a swimming costume if it's a warm day. Total distance I'm estimating is around 5kms. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

10 Nov (Sun) 2024: WISEMANS FERRY OLD CONVICT ROAD. (E) Drive to Wisemans Ferry which is 74 km from Springwood or 1 hour 11 mins according to Google, and walk up the Old Convict Rd built in 1830s as part of the Great North Rd. Admire the amazing stone buttresses and drainage as these men toiled in irons. Read the good information boards. See the remains of their camp and quarry. About 6 km return with an extension to a lookout over the Hawkesbury River. From there we can return the same way or continue down an even earlier road and then walk 2 km back to the cars depending on the condition of this road making it about 9 km. Limit: 16. Map: Lower Portland.

14 Nov (Thu) 2024: SYDNEY (E) CITY RAMBLE - COOGEE TO BONDI: An iconic Sydney walk that offers pleasant and, at times, spectacular coastal scenery. We'll visit some of Sydney's best known beaches - Coogee, Gordon's Bay, Clovelly, Bronte, Tamarama, Bondi. Under normal conditions there are a number of safe swimming options and Clovelly is a renowned snorkelling spot. We should also have time to do some exploration of Waverley Cemetry, where a number of prominent Australians, dating back to the nineteenth century, are buried. Total walk distance is 6km with some stairs. Plenty of options along the way to get coffee and other refreshments. Limit: 15. Map: Botany Bay.

Introduction Walk

17 Nov (Sun) 2024: GLOWWORM TUNNEL NEWNES PLATEAU (E) GLOWWORM TUNNEL and Dry Canyon (E] A repeat of my October walk for those who missed out. Another wonderful day out. In the morning we'll drive to the Glowworm Tunnel on the Newnes Plateau and walk along the old train line through the tunnel on the new raised path. Hopefully the glowworms will be doing their thing. Bring a torch for this. As NP have now opened the track further again, we'll follow the trainline down the creek and around onto the ledge partway down the cliffs until we get good views into the Wolgan Valley and can truly appreciate the difficulties of the builders and maintenance crew. Then the option is to go back through the tunnel or walk up the canyon beside it but this section is medium. Return to the cars the same way. About 6 km. See fantastic pagodas as well. We even have the option of going through a section where the creek has gone underground. Then we'll drive back a little way to the Dry Canyon, also called Wolgan View or Nobles Canyon. This is a 4 km return walk through an amazingly proper canyon with dark sections where the sculptured walls nearly meet overhead. A few scrambly bits but nothing too difficult if done slowly. A great way to experience a canyon without getting wet. And another pagoda heaven. Great for adventurous children. Limit: 16. Map: Rock Hill.

17-22 Nov (Sun - Fri) 2024: CANBERRA BICYCLE RIDING (E-M-Exp) 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 and restaurants. Cycling distances vary between 30 and 70km. Flexible and cruisey. No pressure to ride everyday. Limit: 20. Map: Canberra Cycling map.

23 Nov (Sat) 2024: YARRAMUNDI (M) MORNING SWIM ON THE LOWER GROSE: We'll park at the end of Mountain Avenue Yarramundi and follow a fire trail into the Blue Mountains National Park. We then take a well marked track down to the Grose River. On the drive back we can look at some aboriginal rock carvings near Shaws Creek. Total walking distance I'm estimating at around 5kms with 100 meters plus ascent/descent. This should not be a long day. Limit: 12. Map: Springwood.

6 Dec (Fri) 2024: SPRINGWOOD FIREFLY MAGIC (E) It's that time of the year again. A short easy walk of less that 1 km down to the creek at Birdwood Gully to watch the fireflies doing their mating dance. Sheer fairyland. Once they've exhausted themselves, we'll walk a bit further to Madeline Glen to see the thousands of glowworms. Return the same way once you've had enough. What better way to spend a Friday evening. Children and visitors welcome. If this date doesn't suit you I can run other dates. Let me know. Limit: 20. Map: Springwood.

7 Dec (Sat) 2024: NEPEAN RIVER, BENTS BASIN (E-H) This is a 6km return section of the Nepean River from Bents Basin to Teresa Park Wier that can not be negotiated by kayak. We will be bush bashing, rock hopping and liloing along the Nepean River Limit: 6. Map: Warragamba .

7 Dec (Sat) 2024: WILSON PARK LAWSON CLUB XMAS PARTY. All members and partners are welcome to attend the annual Christmas Party! commencing 12 pm (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 me 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 so that we have numbers for catering purposes.

14 Dec (Sat) 2024: OBERON LAKE KAYAK (M, Kayak) Oberon Lake is classified as alpine waters as it is 1068 metres above sea level. Non-powered boats only allowed on the lake, which makes for a peaceful paddle. 10-12 kms approximately. You need your own hard shell kayak and PFD. Free camping is also available at the Reef Reserve where we launch our kayaks. Limit: 10. Map: Oberon.

20 Dec-5 Jan 2025 (Fri - Sun) 2024: SOUTH WEST VICTORIA (M) EOI. Great South West Walk. Victoria. 262 km loop. I would like to do a one-way canoe-hire for 5 days to paddle 75km from Dartmoor, down the Glenelg River to Nelson, instead of bushwalking that parallel section. Interestingly, to walk or paddle takes one into South Australia for 6km. Leader has a qualification in providing canoe lessons, ought you care for that. Canoe hirer provides barrels for your gear. I will likely take a train to Warrnambool from Melbourne, and a bus to Portland, Victoria. You may be able to persuade me to fly Sydney - Adelaide - Mt Gambier - buy our food and fuel there, and taxi to Nelson. Let's talk. https://greatsouthwestwalk.com/trail/ Canoe trail - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://nelsoncanoehire.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Park-note-Lower-Glenelg-NP-River-guide.pdf Other resource; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_South_West_Walk Limit: 28. Map: Zoom in on Windy.

30 Dec (Mon) 2024: RIVER CAVES CANYON, NEWNES PLATEAU (M) River caves is an easy canyon and the walk in is easy if taken slowly. Suitable for adventurous children as well. The canyon is really quite amazing with dark sections. You will get wet up to the knees at a minimum but last year many people opted for deep wades rather than climb up and over like me because the water was quite pleasant and they were dry by the time we got back to the cars. Return the same way to experience the canyon from the other direction. Less than 4 km. After lunch we'll return to visit Dargens Arch behind Bell Station for those who wish to. A short fairly easy walk to go over and under this remarkable arch in a pretty gully. Less than 2 km. Limit: 20. Map: Rock Hill.

1 Jan 2025 (Wed) 2025: ERSKINE CREEK, GLENBROOK (E, swim) Celebrate the first day of 2025 with a swim! One of the best, most secluded, easiest to access swimming holes in the area. Drive through Glenbrook National Park (actually it's Blue Mountains NP), to the carpark for the Jack Evans track. Walk down a track to a sandy beach on Erskine Creek. We'll explore up or downstream and return the same way. Bring picnic lunch and something that floats to help with exloring (air bed or pink flamingo/donut/etc left over from Julie's Colo R trip would be good). Around 3km return, but 150m down and then back up to the cars. Limit: 15. Map: Penrith.

26 Jan to 2 Feb 2025 (Sun-Sun) 2025: CHARLOTTE PASS (M) Join me for the 12th 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. $500. Limit: 18. Map: Perisher, Geehi Dam.

9-16 Feb 2025 (Sun-Sun) 2025: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H, alpine) Because another club has booked the west wing, we have limited space this year. HOWEVER, please continue to book - we are looking at additional/alternate accommodation, possibly in another lodge. Join us for the 4rd annual February Snowies Trip. Not just walks - we've found excellent kayaking on Lake Jindabyne, some great mountain bike tracks, 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 around $440 per person for the week, and you are asked to supply (part of) an evening meal for 16 people. Please bring some cash to re-imburse drivers if you car-pool. Entertainment includes Twister, Trivia, jigsaw, pool, table tennis. Bring a chess set. Limit: 23. Map: Perisher Valley, Geehi River, Koscuiszko.

16-21 Feb (Sun - Fri) 2025: MUNYANG TO VALENTINES (M, scrub) An adaptation of last year's cancelled walk. Start at Munyang, climb the steep but graded road to Whites River Hut or Schlink. Explore a route to Dicky Cooper Bogong etc with a day pack the next day, and stay at Schlink Hilton the second night. Next day, continue on to Valentines hut. Next day, find the route to Mawsons Hut (wiht a day pack) and possibly Cup and Saucer Hill if Mawsons is easy to get to. Return to Valentines(or maybe continue to the old Orange Hut site) that night. Return to civilisation on the AAWT, either stopping at Whites River that night, or all the way to Munyang. Plans are flexible and subject to weather, scrub, participants, etc Limit: 8. Map: Geehi, Jagungal.