Introduction Walk

4 Oct (Sun) 2026: GLENBROOK NP RED HANDS CAVE (E) Park near the causeway and walk up Campfire Creek to Red Hands Cave to see some aboriginal stencil art. Return the same way with a small loop possible. This track has been recently fixed up and gently climbs to the cave. It's about 8 km return. Afterwards we can drive to Mt Portal Lookout if people haven't been there. Limit: 16. Map: Penrith.

8 Oct (Thu) 2026: SYDNEY (E) CITY RAMBLE - CITY PUBLIC ART: NB/ This walk is now full, and so further bookings will go on to the waiting list. This walk will be in two parts. In part one we will walk from China Town to Circular Quay viewing a range of art - statues, monuments, murals - some dating back to the early years of white settlement while others are a lot more contemporary; some fairly universally acclaimed, others a bit controversial. Along the way we will visit some former dingy alleyways that have been transformed and you can expect to see some things you haven't seen before or at least you haven't paid much attention to. After lunch somewhere in Circular Quay or the Rocks, for those that are still keen, we will head into the Botanic Gardens to view some sculptures by local and internationally renowned artists that have been designed to fit with Sydney's unique natural endowment. If you just do part 1 the walk is around 4kms. If you do both parts, it is around 8 kms. Ascent and descent are minimal. Limit: 15. Map: Parramatta River.

10 Oct (Sat) 2026: BLUE MOUNTAINS (E, Social) Coo-ee Chorus - another site. I'm one of the Coo-ee Captains and have been allocated Rigby Hill, which is a 600m walk from the Pierces's Pass carpark. It's about an 80m climb. This would be suitable for anyone wanting to take part in the Grand Coo-ee Chorus with only a short walk. We have been allocated a red flag colour, so if you happen to have a red bedsheet or similar you would be especially welcome. It should be fun. Limit: 20. Map: Mount Wilson.

10 Oct (Sat) 2026: BUSHWALKERS MEMORIAL LOOKOUT PERRYS BLACKHEATH (E) To be part of the Grand Cooee call organised by Wyn Jones. I can send any members interested more details but Wyn has requested a group of bushies call from this memorial lookout Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

10 Oct (Sat) 2026: COOEE RELAY IN BLUE GUM FOREST (M-H) NOTE THERE'S BEEN A CHANGE. I have offered SBC to be part of the Grand Cooee Chorus. (See Blue Mountaineer 9 August for information). A group of us will form one point of the cooee relay, so you need to bring your loudest voice with you! I now know that we have been allocated a spot actually in Blue Gum Forest, at the junction of the Grose River and Govetts Creek. Therefore we will head down Perry's Lookdown to be in position by 11am. I propose we each take a drink and some morning tea to share while we wait for the actual cooee relay at about noon. The walk down and back up Perrys is a hard 500m and steep. If you originally booked thinking it would be an easy walk and wish to cancel, let me know. Come join me for a chance to be part of something unique. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba, Mt Wilson.

11 Oct (Sun) 2026: CLIFFTOP NORTH BLACKHEATH WITH WARATAHS (E/M) After leaving some cars at Evans Lookout, we start walking from Govetts Leap along the Clifftop Track taking in Bridal Veil Falls and ascending part way up the pretty Braeside Track. Though this is a clifftop walk, there are still plenty of steps as the track descends to the top of the falls and back up and then down to another gully. But the views into the valley with steep cliffs and across to the Gross River will make it worthwhile. Also the pace will be fairly leisurely with plenty of stops and expect to see plenty of waratahs out. This secion is 3.5 km. Once we reach Evans Lookout we'll decend a fairly short way down the Grand Canyon Track with more waratahs and continue to where the Horse Track starts to go down. Here we go up to a remnant isolated cliff top where very old steps are still visable. A short distance to the end of this, gives us amazing views of Beauchamp Falls as it exits the Grand Canyon. These falls aren't visable any other way now that Rodriguez Pass is closed. We also get an excellent view of the recent landslide which took a whole section of the opposite cliff face into the valley. This section is less than 2 km return but again there will be steps. It's mostly easy with a few rougher sections - and those steps of course. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

Introduction Walk

14 Oct (Wed) 2026: SOUTH LEURA EVERGLADES (E) After a quick walk down to Gordon Falls Lookout, we'll walk from Gordon Falls Reserve west along the cliff walk to take in several great lookouts with ironstone rock formations and views into the valley and return the same way. About 2 km return. Then we'll visit the nearby Everglades Gardens which I recently took myself to. They were magnificent but the tulips were just about to come out. The rhododenrons should be out too. The amazing moss-covered rock shapes caused by iron oxide were worth the visit including the rolls of iron sticking out of the cliff face on the way down to The Grotto. We'll spend several hours here just wandering. Then I'd like to drive out to the end of Sublime Point Rd because I haven't been there for many years Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

17 Oct (Sat) 2026: WILDFLOWERS OF JINKE (M-Exp) This walk is an exploratory for me. We’ll head out along Jinke Track, the bear towards Jungaburra Brook, staying on top of the plateau to Wilkinson Hill, looking across to Valhalla Head, where we’ll stop for morning tea. We then retrace our steps and head along Jinke Ridge to the cliff line overlooking Dalpura Creek for lunch before returning to the cars. Should be plenty of wildflowers out and the views should be spectacular. 9km with 217m elevation change. Limit: 12. Map: Mount Wilson 1:25000.

17-18 Oct (Sat - Sun) 2026: BUDTHINGEROO CREEK (M-Exp) From Whalan's Paddock on the Kanangra Road walk down to Budthingeroo Creek, then down the creek for a couple of kms to find a camp site before the ravine. Explore the ravine pack free. Return as seems best the next day. If it is really short we may do some sight seeing at Kanangra. This corner of Kanangra was not burnt so I'm expecting reasonably pleasant conditions. It will require some scrambling and wet feet, so bring camp shoes. The walk is suitable for a first off track overnight walk if you've some fitness. The numbers are restricted due to likely small campsite. Limit: 5. Map: Kanangra.

17-18 Oct (Sat-Sun) 2026: KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP / PITTWATER (E) Beginners Overnight Adventure – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. No previous overnight experience required. Join us for a relaxed introduction to overnight bushwalking in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks. Aboriginal heritage, beaches, and the chance to see Sydney’s spectacular sandstone wildflowers in bloom. We begin with an easy 7 km return walk along the scenic Bairne Trail (without packs), before returning to prepare for our first overnight experience carrying light camping gear. We then walk a gentle 4 km track down to our waterfront campsite at The Basin, where we can enjoy an evening beside the water. On Sunday morning, we take the pleasant ferry around to beautiful Great Mackerel Beach. From there, we explore the coastline on a pack-free walk to West Head, visiting Aboriginal rock engravings and the secluded Resolute Beach area. We finish with a scenic return walk past the historic beach shacks up to our cars. A great first overnight walk for those wanting to experience camping, coastal scenery and the camaraderie of a bushwalking group. Limit: 20. Map: BROKEN BAY 1:25 000 9130-1N.

18 Oct (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

18-29 Oct (Sun-Thu) 2026: NORTHERN JAPAN (E-M-H) THIS TRIP IS FULL I am putting out this EOI as I've had a few requests for a repeat of the walking trip to Japan that I did in 2024. We would do a variety of day walks in the northern part of Japan (parts of Hokkaido and Aomori). I will lead walks that I am have done previously. It will be autumn-leaf time and scenery should be fabulous. We will stay in hotels/inns/AirBnB/hostels and hire vehicles to travel around. At the moment there are very few other details I can give because we need to have a meeting asap of those interested. The meeting will need to be late March or early April, so please "book" on the program soon to show your interest. This will not be a binding commitment to participate. Limit: 8. Map: .

22 Oct (Thu) 2026: SYDNEY (M) SEVEN BRIDGES - ABRIDGED: The Seven Bridges Walk is a classic Sydney metropolitan walk where you cross the Harbour Bridge; Pyrmont Bridge; Anzac Bridge; Iron Cove Bridge; Gladesville Bridge; Tarban Creek Bridge and the Fig Tree Bridge. Along the way you will get some great harbour views and see some interesting streetscapes. The full walk is 28km, however, by cutting out the last section between Fig Tree Bridge and the Harbour Bridge and taking a short cut through Pyrmont, I plan to reduce the walking distance to a bit under 17kms. However, people who regularly walk with me should note that I have given this walk a medium grading due to the distance and the amount of ascent involved. Limit: 15. Map: Parramatta River.

Introduction Walk

24 Oct (Sat) 2026: EMPIRE PASS NORTH LAWSON (E) This beautiful 6 km round walk takes in 4 waterfalls. First we'll do the top section which council is slowly fixing up. We pass gorgeous Fairy Falls which the iron in the water has been giving a bronzed look. We glimpse another falls below us before continuing to Echo Bluff which really does echo. A bush track along the clifftop cuts out a steep hill and takes us down to Frederica Falls after which we descend down this creek to it's juntion with another [where we'll be below Echo Bluff] which we follow back up to Dantes Glen with a short detour to see St Michaels Falls. This section has been beautifully done up by the National Parks. There are also several swimmimg opportunities. The walk is mostly easy with a few rougher bits but the pace will be fairly leisurely. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

24 Oct (Sat) 2026: NORTH LAWSON (E) It's Bird Week! Come along on this family friendly walk to see the the waterfalls of North Lawson and spot birds along the way. The circuit is 1.8km, and includes a short section of steep stairs at the end. Kids aged 5-12 welcome to come along with a parent. Slow pace with plenty of stops along the way. Limit: 20. Map: katoomba.

25-30 Oct (Sun - Fri) 2026: CANBERRA ANNUAL CYCLING EVENT (E-M-H-Exp, possible gravel) It's on again because last year was yet again a big success and because there are myriad 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, vistas, paddocks, forests, parks, looking over fences and admiring well planned infrastructure. Cycling distances vary between 30 and 70km. Flexible and cruisey. No pressure to ride everyday. Some days there may be riding choices. Limit: 20 riders. Limit: 8. Map: Canberra cycling map.

Introduction Walk

28 Oct (Wed) 2026: WATER NYMPH DELL WENTWORTH FALLS (E/M) Wayer Nymph Dell is a hidden treasure in the middle of suburbia. it's only about 2 km return but the track isn't maintained so some sections are somewhat eroded. But with care nearly everyone can manage. It's set in a huge natural amphitheatre with high cliffs and several waterfalls. There's also a great overhang with seats for morning tea. Swimming is also possible as this was once a Sunday picnic spot accessable by train. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

1 Nov (Sun) 2026: WATER NYMPH DELL WENTWORTH FALLS (E/M) A repeat for those who can't do midweek walks. Water Nymph Dell is a hidden treasure in the middle of suburbia. It's only about 2 km return but the track isn't maintained so some sections are somewhat eroded. But with care nearly everyone can manage. It's set in a huge natural amphitheatre with high cliffs and several waterfalls. There's also a great overhang with seats for morning tea. Swimming is also possible as this was once a Sunday picnic spot accessable by train. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

5 Nov (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

Introduction Walk

11 Nov (Wed) 2026: NORTH BLACKHEATH PULPIT ROCK (E) Check out the newly reopened and revamped Pulpit Rock Lookout by walking to it from Govetts Leap via the pretty cliff walk passing Horseshoe Falls and amazing views. About 3.5 km with quite a few steps as the track goes up and down depite being a cliff top walk. Afterwards we'll drive to the end of the road to the Eroded Sandstone Cave and then Anvil Rock Lookout which is one of the best 360 degree lookouts in the mountains. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

14 Nov (Sat) 2026: DUMBANO TUNNELS (E-M) I HAVE NOW PUT A REPEAT OF THIS WALK ON 18 NOV. because there are too many booked on 14th. If you can come on 18th instead just book on to that walk and I will cancel you from this walk. I’m chasing Waratahs and there should be heaps in the area. If not, the area has enough interest anyhow. - rock pagodas, camp cave, the “tunnels“ and fabulous scenery. Only about 7km walk in total but it is almost all off-track and you will get wet at least to your knees. Involves a bit of rock scrambling as well and some up and down 50 – 70m hills. We will need AWD/tough 2WD to access the start from Newnes Plateau. I have space for 4 in my AWD but we will probably need another vehicle. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

15 Nov (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

18 Nov (Wed) 2026: DUMBANO TUNNELS (E-M) THIS IS A REPEAT OF THE WALK I'M DOING ON SAT 14th, because there are way too many booked on 14th. If you are booked on the 14th and can come on 18th instead, just book on this walk and I'll cancel you from the 14th. I’m chasing Waratahs and there should be heaps in the area. If not, the area has enough interest anyhow - rock pagodas, camp cave, the “tunnels“ and fabulous scenery. Only about 7km walk in total but it is almost all off-track and you will get wet at least to your knees. Involves a bit of rock scrambling as well and some up and down 50 – 70m hills. We will need AWD/tough 2WD to access the start from Newnes Plateau. I have space for 4 in my AWD which will make it but we will probably need one more vehicle. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

21 Nov (Sat) 2026: WINDSOR (E-M, Kayak) Kayak from Windsor towards Nth Richmond on the Hawkesbury River. 12-15kms with the incoming tide and return on the outgoing tide. We will stop for morning tea somewhere along the banks of the river before returning to Windsor. Must have your own hard shell kayak and PFD. Bring Morning tea/lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Windsor.

21-22 Nov (Sat - Sun) 2026: WESTERN CREEK EXPLORE (M-Exp) We’ll walk west in from Martin’s Lookout to our campsite at the junction of Western and Sassafras Creeks. 1.5km Donning daypacks, we’ll head up through Shark’s Head Cave to Lost World Lookout. There is a slot to navigate and a bit of climbing which might need a hand line to navigate. After following the Lost World trail briefly, we head west to try and find a route down to Western Creek. I did a brief explore of the creek and it is a wide cool creek with lots of good rock hopping. We’ll aim to follow the creek back to our campsite. 4km explore. If we can’t get to the creek this way, we may need to return the way we came and then do an up and back instead, but it would be good to find a circuit route if possible. A slow start on Sunday with a swim at a waterhole in Sassafras Creek before heading up the Eastern approach to Martin’s LO. 4km. Should be out early afternoon. 100m ascent/descent to campsite and 170m ascent for explore. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood 1:25000.

22 Nov (Sun) 2026: DEVILS HOLE NORTH KATOOMBA (M) After a quick look at Cahills Lookout and Boars Head, we'll head down Devils Hole to the level of the old tracks below the cliffs. This track was once a properly constructed track but it hasn't been maintained. However it's still quite doable with a slow pace and care and is really worth the effort. It descends down a canyon-like slot between the cliffs with rocks lodged above making it look like a hole and it feels like you're entering a cool lost world. I think it's wonderful. Once on the level track, we'll head left and negoiate a way past the waterfall to continue to the bottom of the old Waterboard Ladders. Return the same way. Distance is probably not more than 3 km but it feels longer. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba.

28 Nov (Sat) 2026: NORTH SPRINGWOOD MAGIC FIREFLY AND GLOWWORM WALK (E) Meeting at 8 pm at the end of Bednal Rd with torches, we walk less than a km down into Birdwood Gully to wonder at the fireflies doing their mating dance. It's like fairy land. When they've finished the glowworms have lit up so we walk down the creek a little to Madeleine Glen. Less than 2 km return but sheer magic. Limit: 20. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

29 Nov (Sun) 2026: SOUTH SPRINGWOOD WITH SWIMMING (E/M) An afternoon walk down Batman Track to Magdela Creek and beautiful Magdela Falls which we'll visit by scrambling up the creek a short way. Optional. Then we'll continue down past The Blue Pool and Martins Falls with its amazing ironstone stalictites. Once we reach Glenbrook Creek, we'll continue down it until we reach a sandy beach with great swimming holes and rocks to jump off or laze on. We'll spend as long as people wish before heading up to Martins Lookout, where we'll have put some cars. About 6 km round walk. The walk is basically easy but Batman Track is not maintained. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

3 Dec (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

5 Dec (Sat) 2026: WILSON PARK LAWSON (Social) Annual Christmas party with presentation of awards. Details to come out in the Blue Mountaineer closer to the event. Limit: 80. Map: Katoomba.

6 Dec (Sun) 2026: CRAYFISH POOL GLENBROOK NP (M) A nice walk to a lovely swimming hole, waterfall and beach in the Glenbrook NP. About 3 km return with some scrambly sections but nothing that most people can't manage with help and care. Spend as long down there as we wish. Afterwards we can drive out to Nepean Gorge Lookout which is a short 1 km reurn with great views up and down the Nepean River if there's enough interest. Limit: 16. Map: Glenbrook.

20 Dec (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

30 Dec (Wed) 2026: RIVER CAVES CANYON NEWNES PLATEAU (EM) My annual trip to this lovely canyon is on again. The morning activity is only 4 km return but the track is somewhat eroded in places though we'll take it slowly. It meanders through great pagoda rock formations as well. You don't need a wetsuit for the canyon section but you will get wet to the thighs at least. The rest depends on you choosing to go through the water or up and over with me. However it really does give you a real canyon experience with one section nearly closing right up but it's considered easy as far as canyons are concerned. After lunch we'll return to Bell for another short walk to Dargens Arch if you wish. This amazing arch can be observed from the side, walked over and then under. Less than 2 km return. Limit: 16. Map: Cullen Bullen.

1 Jan 2027 (Fri) 2027: BOOK PURCHASE (E) "Adventures, Friends and Memories" SBC's very own history book is available for purchase. It details the first 50 years of the clubs history. Click 'Request To Join', to reserve your copy. $34, or $45 with postage. Limit: 45. Map: Springwood.

10-17 Jan 2027 (Sun-Sun) 2027: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H) Join me for the 14th 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 $537 or $698. Limit: 14. Map: Perisher, Geehi Dam.

11 Jan 2027 (Mon) 2027: TEST (H) test Limit: 8. Map: test.

17 Jan 2027 (Sun) 2027: LANDCARE SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

21 Feb 2027 (Sun) 2027: LANDCARE SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

21-28 Feb 2027 (Sun-Sun) 2027: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H) SORRY THIS ACTIVITY IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.....Join us for the 6th annual February Snowies Trip. Not just walks, we have found excellent kayaking on Lake Jindabyne, some great mountain bike rides, 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. Exact cost tba but last year was around $460 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. Jenyne and Kevin Debeck 0438738144 / jdebeck@bigpond.com Limit: 24. Map: Geehi.