18 June 2014: Cockscombe, Border Ranges NP
Walkers: David R, Tina, Peter, Robyn, Ian, David F and Leader Shane.
We set off in 2 cars from Sheep Station Creek and drove the 15.6km to start the walk at 8:20AM. Contrary to what we were lead to believe there was ample off road parking available at the track's starting point GDA 104 611. The track started easily with numerous pink tapes marking the way. This soon deteriorated and it became obvious the track was seldom used with vines and tree falls barring our way regularly. By 10:30 we had reached what is referred to as the Tweed Trig. GDA 107 633. The Trig is actually the remnants of an old signpost. After a break for morning tea we headed off again following the GPS track rather than the pink tapes that had by that stage become infrequent. The track becoming less distinct the further that we proceeded, the pink tapes now were more often on the ground in the leaf litter having aged and finally given up to the elements. We followed along the escarpment for a while occasionally getting a glimpse of the Tweed Valley on our right. There had not been any really good lookouts. At 12:00 we reached GDA 112 631 and with some 1600m left to go and no possibility of reaching our goal and returning before dark we decided to turn back. Retracing our path to GDA 109 633 we had lunch. After lunch we headed off along the escarpment and doing so avoided the dogs leg to the Tweed Trig. After a relatively sort time we arrived back at the cars at 3:00, a little disappointed that we had not reached our goal. The decision to turn back had been a good one as there was only at most another one and a half hours of light left and that would have been insufficient to complete the final 1.67km and return. The walk would have been possible as a day walk mid summer with longer days and an early start, or as a 2 day pack walk. Shane
30 August 2014: Wanganui Gorge to Goonengerry Plateau,
Walkers: Mike H, Suzi R, Monika P, Marco B and Leader Shane
The rendezvous was 9:00AM at the Repentance Creek Hall and then we were all off to Snow's Gully where we parked outside of the gate. We started walking at 9:25 over the gate along the road for 30 minutes until we reached the dilapidated turnstiles that lead to an overgrown old path to Coopers Creek. We then followed the Creek on the west bank along the barely discernible path. Soon we reached an old sign that says '<WALKING TRACK>' another 250 metres and we reached the confluence of the creek coming in from the east leading from the second Goonengerry waterfall. We forded the Coopers here, it was raging from the 180 odd mms in the previous week, most managed to cross without too much wet clothing. We then headed east along this unnamed creek at first keeping to the north bank but occasionally, as the need arose, crossing to the south bank. We gained height slowly at first up to the escarpment where we encountered impassable lantana. Changing direction more to the north we proceeded more easily and we were soon rising the escarpment rapidly. The base of the falls came into view and we found a perfect spot for lunch on top of a flat boulder 20m below the base of the falls. After a short break it was about 12:15 and leaving our packs with Mike we headed off to climb to the top of the falls. It was decided before heading up that the turn around time would be 1:00PM back with Mike. Crossing the fast and steep stream was accomplished with relative ease and we were soon beneath the falls and walking around under the the overhanging boulders and experiencing the water spray as the wind gusted. With time pressing we were soon on the abseiling track leading to the top of the falls. The rest of the ascent was simple and reaching the top we wandered along the top and drew Mike's attention who was anxiously waiting 80 metres below. The decent back to Mike's position passed without incident and reunited at 1:00PM we headed back down scrambling over the boulders. The route taken on the return was initially more southerly and a little different than the ascent and was not necessarily an improvement. The Coopers ford was soon reached and the crossing was made by various means some opting to remove their boots while other just rock hopped across. One member even decided to swim across! Regrouping and recouping on the other side we headed back down the west bank along our earlier route arriving back at the cars at 3:30PM. The usual after the event was enjoyed and we parted feeling exhilarated by what had been a magnificent day.
Timing and rendezvous were perfect and should be repeated next time. All agreed as a grade 5. The day was a mere 3.8km with a 300m ascent. Hard to believe it took 6 hours. Thanks to the participants for a wonderful day. Shane
21 September 2014: Goonengerry Plateau,
Walkers: Mike H, Steve M, Mark W, Mark T, Jenny C, Kristen, Stephanie, Marian and Leader Shane
The rendezvous was 9:00AM at the Federal Shops and then we were all off down Old Mill and Garrong roads to park outside the gate inside the National Park. We started walking at 9:20 over the gate along the track in a south east direction and downhill to the escarpment and the first waterfall. The Wanganui gorge with the track from a previous walk lay before us. After a short stop we retraced our steps back to the top and continued along the escarpment. Arriving at the second waterfall we all clambered around the top peering over the edge at the boulders below then volunteers were taken to scramble down the cliff face to the base of the falls. As it happened the boys all went and the girls remained at the top in a nice spot next to the stream. Reaching the bottom of the falls was achieved and the general consensus was that it had been easy. As the water flow was low we were able to do a first and climb through the 'tunnel' and emerge on the other side of the falls for a much better look up at the falls. After about 10 minute of retracing we were reunited with the rest of the party and continued along the escarpment to the next waterfall. After a good look down into the gorge we headed off up hill again and headed for the lunch spot. Unfortunately the maintenance crews had done so much chopping and shredding that the tracks were completely unrecognisable. North Boundary road now looks like a road. We missed the exit to the cliff and orchids and finally settled for lunch in a dry creek bed under some palms. Lunch over we proceeded to the junction of North Boundary and Fairy Glenn which is at the eastern edge of the park. We then headed back North West along a very pretty track with changed vegetation and emerged on a large level rock plateau. After a couple of kms of walking we arrived back at the recently maintained road. Reaching the bridges before the final accent to the cars it was hard to believe that the shaded glades around the bridges could be so different since all the clearing. Back at the cars we headed to Federal Park for the after walk fest. Four new members were welcomed and signed up so it can't have been too bad a walk after all. The walk was 11.7kms with an ascent of 500m and had taken just under 5 hours. Thanks to the participants for a wonderful day. Shane
26 October 2014 : Quondong Falls,
Participants: Andrew O, Steve M, Mark W, Toby M, Paul C and Leader Shane
The rendezvous was 9:00AM at the Rosebank Shop and then we were all off down Fox road to park outside the gate at the beginning of Baldwin Road and the Nightcap National Park. We then walked down Quirks fire trail and Condong Road to arrive at the top of Quondong falls and were pleasantly surprised to find that there was water flowing over the falls. The route was pointed out over the other side of the valley. We then retraced our steps to the gully where it was intended to exit. This was to check that the assistance rope was still there and intact. That being done we continued back toward the car to the entry point where we left the road and proceeded to the escarpment and the drop off point. Negotiating the initial decent we arrived at the base of the cliff line and then proceeded down the spur ridge line at quite a steep angle. Before long we arrived at the Quondong Creek we had managed to perfectly navigate the previous attempts passing my pink ribbons several times. A stinging tree claimed two victims during the decent and after a little bit of 'what works' we headed rock hopping up stream. Soon we glimpsed the cliffs high above us and as we approached the rocks became boulders and then we were at the falls. We all scrambled up to water sprayed rocks at the base of the falls and to the most pleasant cooling natural air conditioning. There was a blue grayfish amongst the rock that did not hang around. We had lunch and relaxed for an hour enjoying the scenery above and below. and at about 1:00 we decided to be on our way. The final ascent out of the gorge was simple and a little strenuous. From the base of the falls we traversed due south and then at the cliff line upward due west to arrive at the base of the assistance rope. All had no problems with the final scramble, and we were soon back at the cars at 1:50. All said that they had enjoyed the walk and scramble and would do it again. The walk had been 6.84km and the ascent/descent was 350m. There is hope that the visitors Toby and Paul will join the club and we shall go off the beaten track again soon. Shane
1st August 2015 Goonengerry Cliffs Abseiling Training Day.
Participants Gary W, Cathy H, Marcus P and Leader Shane
The object of the day was to instruct the newbie Cathy in the safe procedures within her tolerance for height exposure, while giving the others a chance to practice ascent and recovery methods. We assembled at Federal Park at 8:30 and drove to Goonengerry NP together except for late comer Marcus. By 9:00 we had carried all our gear to the middle falls and made our way down to the practise area with its 10 and 20 metre walls. Cathy was fitted out and instructed and made several simple belayed descents and then graduated to more and more adventurous descents. The others set up a 10m abseil to practise prussic ascents this all proceeded until lunch time. After lunch Marcus set anchors ( with redundancy) on a 25m cliff further around the escarpment and we spent the afternoon going up and down the two ropes. At 3:00 we packed up and headed for Federal Park and a cold beverage. All enjoyed the day and gained from the experience. It was suggested that it should be a regular event and we will be moving to various places in the near future. Shane
Saturday 7th November 2015 Middle Ridge Traverse
Walkers: Tim M, Gary W and Leader Shane.
With the weekend camp organized at Binna Burra I decided it was the perfect opportunity to do what I had often thought of doing. That is the Green Mountain to Binna Burra cross country, off track.
I got hold of several GPS tracks of previous traverses and stitched together my proposed track and it all looked simple enough. So on Saturday 7th we rose at 5:00 (all times are NSW time) and with Tim driving Ian's Rav4 headed for Green Mountain arriving soon after 7. Saddling up we headed down West Canungra Creek graded track arriving at Yerralahla Pool at 8:15, there the track disappeared into obscurity. We then needed to proceed 400m North to the start of the spur on our right. After 20 minutes of blundering around tangled in vines we opted for the creek bed rock hopping. It proved a good decision to bypass Bull Ant Spur. At 137-794 we headed 80m vertically up to the ridge line to our first change in direction at 144-795. Here we headed SE following the ridge for a further gain of 80m. The route so far had been peppered with the occasional pink ribbon but these soon disappeared and we were fighting our way though vines and undergrowth. At 11:00 we reached our highest mid point 835m which was also the halfway point 156-788. At this point we changed direction again and headed 300m below us NE towards Fountain Falls 161-796. Here we stopped to lunch next to the falls. After lunch it was up the very steep slope 70~80% to the top of the ridge 200m above us. We had finally arrived at familiar territory, Noowongbill Lookout 165-798. We had a well deserved rest as we were ahead of schedule. The next target was the cliff break and the track down to the Coomera River. It was found easily marked by some bright red nickers. We reached the drop off and found an intact serviceable rope hanging for us to use and soon were descending the 350m to the river. The river was crossed and then we were back on the graded tracks to the Information Centre. It was an arduous climb up to the road and then an even more arduous road walk up to the camp. All arrived by 4:30 quite exhausted. The consensus was done that no need to do that again! A lot of effort for not much reward. However we can now say that we have done that. Shane
6~8 June 2015 Mt Ballow Circuit Thru Walk
Participants: Alan G, and Leader Shane.
Day 1 Saturday 6th June
The drive up the precarious Waterfall Creek Road to the start at 'Cleared Ridge' (712m) was accomplished very slowly and at about 10am and we off on the track. There were magnificent views of May and Maroon as we walked along 'The Cleared Ridge Road' then we descended to Yamahra Creek (GDA 663-756 594m) with the 'pleasant thought' of the climb out at the end. At the bottom we forded the creek and headed directly up the spur opposite through waist high grass to the tree line then on up to our first target the Montserrat lookout (GDA 654-738 983m). There we looked back at Lake Maroon. That was the last of the views as the wind, clouds and rain set in. Pressing on the next target was Cedar Pass which is the other side of Focal Peak. The intention was to bypass the peak on the northern side and pick up a bit of spare time and look for a noted water point below the saddle. We left the previous track at GDA 644-739 and headed NW to Cedar Pass. We had an easy contour traverse and were soon reunited with the previously used track. We had in fact gone a little further than we would have liked because it was too easy. We decided to retrace 30m or so to the centre of the saddle and finding the gully off to our south we dropped down to look for water. Less than 50m down the gully we found running water at GDA 640-742 883m. This point is actually the source of Ballow Creek and if we had followed this creek we could have arrived at the confluence of Ballow, Yamahra and Barney Creeks an escape route. We topped up our water and headed for our next target which was Mt Durramlee (GDA 634-747 1180m) by that time the wind was howling and rain made it all rather hard going through the dense vines and jungle. At the summit we changed direction to the SW and headed for the camp site (GDA 632-746). It had not improved at all since the last visit and was still terrible with scarcely a single flat spot large enough to pitch a tent and completely exposed to the now very strong southern wind. The temperature was dropping dramatically and at 3:30 with just one hour of useable daylight left we decided to press on and look for a better site. We traversed the saddle SW and at 4:00 reached the start of the steep rise to the Double Peak. We had not much choice so we pitched our tents at (GDA 632-744 1140m). Tent sites were in short supply but at least it was a bit sheltered from the wind. By this time the temperature had dropped to the forecast overnight of 2. We were happy to crawl into our warm sleeping bags before dusk.
Day 2 Sunday 7th June
After a night of howling wind and heavy rain we awoke to clearing skies. As we made our breakfasts a single hiker passed through our camp, he had apparently spent the night in the other camp site. At 8:30 we headed off through jungle up Double Peak and soon came upon the stray hiker who appeared completely lost and we provided what guidance we could. He was heading in completely the opposite direction to what he had thought. By 9:30 we reached the trig plate on Double Peak (GDA 628-741 1251m) and then began the decent around rocks and a bit of a bluff. After a 20m or so miss step we retraced to find the route SE down around the cliff (GDA 628-740) this led to a ledge about halfway up the escarpment. There is a tree of 800mm girth on the ledge that we used for an anchor for the decent down from the cliff. We used a 30m 7mm rope, 1600mm sling as a makeshift harness and a carabineer with a munter hitch as the means of controlled decent with our backpacks on. There was a large tree branch poking up from the bottom which aided the finally 2 metres or so. The whole exercise was accomplished in 20 minutes with very little risk. For future reference a total rope length of 30+ metres is preferred assuming full retrieval. The next assault was on Mt Ballow (GDA 621-728 1300m) the highest point of the hike. We arrived at 12 noon and had our lunch. There were reasonable tent/camping spots at the summit but it is too far from anywhere to be of use except in an emergency. Interestingly it is the apex of the state borders and the Nothofagus NP. After lunch we headed SSW down the spur to the saddle (GDA 623-723 1195m) cutting a sizeable chunk off the previous track. In the saddle we found another suitable campsite. Up the other side we ascended Mt Nothofagus along the border until we reached GDA 624-720 where we changed direction to due E and the saddle with Big Lonely. In the saddle we found a campsite at GDA 630-720. The going was tough all the way until after we reached the summit. On the other side of Big Lonely summit we started the descent to the camp site on Ballow Creek. We decided to stay on or close to the top of the ridge unlike the previous attempt. Once again the going was extremely difficult and there was doubt that we would make it to the campsite before dark. Haste produced several falls. At 3:00 we were finally within cooee of the river but still had to find the camp spot. We struggled on and finally at 4:00 found the previously used campsite. Relieved we set up camp next to the fast flowing creek in a rather poor not flat not cleared area (GDA 465-7527 630m). We had a well deserved wash and clean up and after a meal in the dark we went to bed. At least it was not raining and quite warm.
Day 3 Monday 8th June
We rose early but with the easiest day in front of us there was not much urgency in getting on the road. We set off following the Ballow Creek down stream swapping sides as the need arose having long ago given up on keeping our feet dry we often just waded though. Soon we were at the confluence with Barney Creek and headed for the Upper Portals. A spur came up in front of us which we decided to cut across as a short cut. This proved to be not a good move as we soon found ourselves in a sea of lantana and vines. But persisting we finally reached the relatively easy going creek bank which we followed down to the confluence with the Yamahra Creek (GDA 659-726). Here we swapped sides and headed due N along the maintained trail to the Upper Portals and were soon ascending the track to the Cleared Ridge. The walk back was most spectacular as you felt that you could touch the nearby May and Maroon, the air as clear as a crystal. At 1:30 we arrived back at the car on Waterfall Creek Road and found that the other car had gone so had apparently the lost hiker from day2. The slow and arduous drive down the 4WD track to Waterfall Creek campsite was then accomplished and with a quick stop there for a cup of tea we headed back to civilization. The track log said 21.3km and 1650m ascent which does not reflect the effort. The consensus for the expedition was to pick a different season, longer days and warmer weather, take an absolute max of 4 participants, lack of suitable tent sites, and not to be too worried about water as there is plenty available.
Saturday 25 May 2016 Mt Jerusalem Traverse
Walkers: Ian P, Clancy B, Bert C, Kevin W, Tina R, Donna E, Rhonda B, Clare B, Anna H, Steve M, Barbara S, Mary N, Kathy K, Kathy L, Cathy C, Rae W and Leaders David R and Shane M
The day started 8:30 at Heritage Park Mullumbimby where the group was divided into two. One group starting South at Wilson's Creek Road and the other North at Middle Ridge Road. The intention being that the two groups should meet at the lookout lunch spot for an exchange of keys.
Group from the South
The south end of the walk is more gradual then the north route so it was decided to take the visitors from the south end. The group remained fairly compact through the Flying Fox Lookout and up to the trig. From there on the route was off track and some found it taxing. However we proceeded on to the Natural Arch and by that time it was 1:00 and we were getting a little behind schedule. Heading out of the arch gully we were surprised by the arrival of David R's group. With still the major part of the offtrack to go, an effort was made to speed things up. We finally arrived at the lunch spot at 1:30 and took 20 minutes off before we proceeded on. Arriving at the turnoff above the petrified tree at 2:45. The decision was made that due to time limitation we would skip the visit to the tree this time and we pressed on. Some found the scramble through the brush and grass trees a little difficult but we arrived at the top of the final descent without an incident. The descent to the road went easily enough and we were at the cars by 3:30pm. Loaded up we drove back to Heritage Park for the debrief and cakes. The day had been demanding for some and enjoyable to all. Shane
Saturday 3rd September 2016 Nightcap NP, Terania Creek
Participants: Mary N, Dan L, Ally W, Anna D, Irene S, Thomas P, Coral P, Margaret W and Leader Shane M
The day started 8:30 at the Channon Tavern car park. All arrived on time and we set off for Terania Creek Picnic Area. At 9:00 we had arrived and were saddled up and crossing the Terania Creek heading bush. The walk was pleasant and uneventful except for the occasional detour around a fallen tree. A leisurely pace was established and our guests were enthralled with the size and nature of the trees. At the intersection we regrouped and headed off to the base of the escarpment and were soon walking along the verandah at its base. Reaching the main cave morning tea was indulged. At about 11 we were off again retracing our steps to the intersection well not quite there was a little unscheduled detour due to being geographically challenged. We then headed to the drop down to Terania Creek and the swimming holes for lunch. Only two brave bods dared to swim in the cold creek. After lunch we walked back to the cars and left our packs while we walked along the board walk to Protestors Falls. The recent rains enabled the Falls to put on a very good display. All sat and socked up the vibes and the mist for half and hour before we headed back to the cars. The usual cake orgy was forsaken for an ale at the Channon Tavern, the perfect ending to a most enjoyable day. Shane
Mt Jerusalem 26th of March 2017 Leader Heike K.
Attended: Clancy B, Mike H, Amy D, Jo B, Sandy M, Christine L, Graeme K, Ian P, David F, Danielle C, Bert C, Megan W-J, Dale S, Kerrie P, Jenny C
As it was raining so much we were not sure whether we were able to drive to the start of the walk. Thanks Clancy for checking the conditions. We all met at Wilsons Creek Drive and managed to drive up to the start of the walk with only 3 cars. The low set bridges were all good to cross. Road and tracks were a bit muddy but ok. We walked up to the escarpment which took us about 40 minutes and then continued walking to the Flying Fox area where we had morning tea and the sun was shining. We were treated to a beautiful view of the Doon Doon Valley and many photos were taken. We met some young people who left their car on one of the tracks stranded before a log….and we wondered how they would reverse the car back down this muddy, slippery track…. but they did it - young and fearless. After morning tea, we walked towards the top of Mt Jerusalem. The track was wet and muddy but we all seemed to be quite happy to walk without the rain. Bert pointed out a lunch stop which was a clearing not far from the top of Mt Jerusalem. All was a bit overgrown and thus not much of a view but perfect for having our lunch and checking on leeches. I finally found my shaded lunch spot and sat on my seat ma, jumping up soon after I realised that I sat on a jumping ants nest. I was bitten first on my finger and at other parts of my body…so painful… recovered from the shock and was looking for another lunch spot. Decided to sit next to Danielle, when Amy pointed out the sight of a snake just about 20 centimetres from where I just sat down again on my seat mat and where many other members sat also. A black snake curled up in high grass – so camouflaged …. amongst us. The snake did not move…. Some people wanted to poke the snake to see whether it was dead, others said leave it alone it’s not dead it is just asleep……so the discussion went on and on for a while…eventually the snake moved slowly away…. not dead but fully alive….did .imagine how it would be if one member would have put their seat mat onto this grass patch and sat on the snake….Thanks God this did not happen. After lunch, the majority of the group walked up to the top of Mt Jerusalem and we took a group photo. After lunch we returned the same way. The track was muddy and slippery but all of us made it back to the car without any problems. We arrived around 4pm. Afternoon tea was held at the Wilsons Creek Primary School and we were all back at our cars around 17.00. We walked about 12.5 km .Great walk, good weather, no one sat on the snake. Thanks to all participants.
Uralba Reserve 8th of April 2017 Leader Heike K.
Attended: Des F, Jenny C, Peter T, Helen T, Katherine W, Greg M, Sue P, Ruth M, Graeme M
We met at 9.00am near Crawford House and organised ourselves into carpools - took 3 cars to the start of Uralba Reserve. Around 9.30am we walked through wet tall grass but the weather was kind to us with no rain. The tracks were muddy and sometimes slippery. We walked on the main fire trail towards the lookout (view to the Richmond river and High way), took a group photo and then headed to the abandoned farmhouse where we had morning tea amongst grazing cows. We enjoyed walking back to the lookout and took a different path back to the fire trail along the escarpment with occasional views to the highway and river area of Ballina. On our way back we saw a cow and a newly born calf attempting to do the first wobbly steps….the calf was born not long ago…still a bit wet…was very special. The walk finished around 1pm and we all went to the House with No Steps for lunch and shared afternoon tea. Some members bought coffee and lunch supporting this special place.. An enjoyable walk for all of us. Thanks to everyone.
Koonyum Range, 5 May 2017
Walkers: The 27 walkers are too many to name.
Must be close to a club record. Some special walkers deserve a mention. Firstly, Duncan Fowler, a club stalwart from a few years back who is recovering from a serious illness. Secondly, Marcus Durand, another old-timer who was visiting from Kenya. There were 4 prospective members. Clancy B was scheduled to lead this walk but was forced to withdraw because of a serious illness. This is a nice easy walk, mostly along gravel roads, which features two waterfalls (Boogarem Falls over the eastern escarpment and an un-named waterfall into the Wilson River Gorge) and four lookouts (two at the waterfalls). There was some fear and trepidation about private property signs which we I ignored on the understanding that they were intended to deter 4WDs and trail bikes. The greatest concern was a locked gate across the northern end of Koonyum Range Road for which permission to access, without notice, has now been obtained. For the record, the contact is Sarah Legge, phone no 0476 861 951. The last 600 – 700 m of the road is now heavily overgrown so we stopped short to have lunch at an old hang gliding take off area which has extensive views over Palmwood, the upper reaches of the Brunswick River valley and beyond. Fallen trees across the road on the approach to the lunch spot had to be negotiated. A sumptuous afternoon feast was partaken at the end of the walk, laid out on a table supplied by Bill. Bert
13-17th May, 2017 Leader: Cecily Johnston - Tooma Huts Jagungal Wilderness hike.
Participants: Desley and Peter W, Cam P and Cecily J. (Map: Kosciuszko Alpine Area - SV maps 1st Edition 1:50,000).
Inspiration for the walk came from the fact Cam and I would be in the vicinity after the NRBC bike in Victoria. Also from a previous walk to Mt Jagungal in the 1980’s and a Wild
Magazine article titled Tooma Huts by Ian Trevaski - December 2013.
Day 1. We met up around midday at the locked gate on the Tooma Dam trailhead off the Tooma Road. After final packing, lunch and a short car shuffle we weighed our packs before setting off for Paton’s Hut. Interestingly both couples had the same combined weight of 28 kilos between them. Our gear included tents as a backup. It was excellent walking weather with a settled forecast ahead of us. The first day was a short walk of 3kms on Dargals Trail through eucalypt forest and open heath. We were at Paton’s hut in under an hour. We chatted to a loan mountain biker who was able to describe the devastation in the area from the 2006 fires. Paton’s and Pretty Plain huts suffered damage in the fires and have been rebuilt. Patons hut Desley and Peter inside Patons The hills around us had a tall grey stubble of dead mature mountain ash and snow gums but the regrowth everywhere was abundant. Water was plentiful in rushing streams and sweet to drink. There was a sunset over the outdoor fireplace but we realized it was going to be warmer indoors. Cam and I opted to sleep in our tent and it was soft on the snow grass but the condensation meant that we carried a damp tent the next day.
Day 2. We set out an hour later than planned at 9.30am due to a squall of rain. The squall did not pass as expected and we walked in rain through open undulating country until we reached the ford on the Tooma River. We forded the thigh deep and very cold Tooma River before lunch needing to take off boots and socks and trying to keep everything as dry as possible. We made the decision to stick to the Dargals trail until it met Hellhole Creek trail rather than go off track as suggested in the Wild article. So we walked up the hill and then turned east onto the Hellhole Creek trail. We were grateful for a break in rain to have lunch and then it continued to fine up. We were at the start of Pretty Plain at 2pm and made halting progress, through the tussock, up the valley to reach the hut just after 5pm. The hut is not visible until you are nearly there and we were running out of day light. The foot pad, that in past years has been clear to find, is very disturbed by the rooting of pigs. The pad runs close to the western side of the valley most of the way following the upper reaches of the Tooma River, then Bull’s Head Creek. There are 2 hills one in front of the other in the middle of the plain that are a good marker as you approach the hut. The track runs clearly over these 2 hills and from there it is only 1 km to the hut. It had been a long enough day of over 16kms of walking and some uncertainty of location toward the end. We had damp cold feet despite the roaring fire that evening but were very grateful for the shelter of the hut. Peter remarked that we were living as our Scottish forebears would have done in a farm croft minus the ‘wee bairns greetin’. As leader, I was quietly wondering if it was all a bit too Scottish. The night was cold and the floor boards felt icy where any part of my body touched them off the sleeping mat.
Day 3. We awoke in our little house on the pretty plain to a white crystalline frost and the sun creeping up the valley. We celebrated our situation with a day in the wilderness around the hut with the hills and stream and sunshine. There were birds and fresh animal scats but we were not to see a single animal the whole trip. A few trout were spotted. Peter did a little exploring toward Jimmie’s lookout but found that any route to gain elevation ended in an entanglement of growth. It was good in the sun reading and chatting. Peter and Cam took on the role of sawing up the fire wood to replenish our supplies and leave a good supply for the next party who may turn up the next day or not until next month. The log book tells the story of many of all ages who have enjoyed the shelter and the adventure of getting there by foot or on skis.
Day 4. We set off after 9am after waking to another white world. We were much better able to discern the fragments of the footpad on the way back and made good time. It took only 2 hours this time to walk the Pretty Plain. We had a pleasant morning tea by the rushing Tooma river in sunshine. Despite our good progress we decided to forego the short cut to Wheelers hut as written in the Wild track notes and to retrace our steps along, Hellhole then Dargals trail to the junction with Wheelers trail. It would mean an extra 5kms of walking and an added river crossing but there would be no navigational issues. We recrossed the Tooma River before lunch on the far bank and then walked on to join Wheelers trail. After a second crossing of the Tooma river, it didn’t really get any warmer, we followed the trail up onto a ridge and could see an idyllic mountain hut on a ridge in the distance. Further on we caught sight of the distinctive shape of Mount Jagungal to the east in the afternoon light. We arrived at Wheelers hut, having walked around 17 kms, at 4.30pm and prepared for the night. Jobs to be done included: collecting fire wood, finding water, having a wash, making a fire, preparing a sleeping space and dinner. Although this hut was picture perfect on the outside it was a tad small inside. The Weallans slept partially under the table. The Tooma river was our constant companion on day 2 and 4. Boots off and on in sunshine. Peter and Desley smiling despite cold feet.
Day 5. Another fine day dawned with thick ice on the puddles near the creek. We were so enjoying retracing our steps up the ridge line around 10am that we missed our turn off near the hut up the Snakey Plains trail. We retraced our steps and joined the Snakey Plains trail and climbed steeply for about 3 kms. On Snakey Plains trail – walkers with ‘attitude’. The reward was a lovely mountain stream in sunshine for morning tea. We then walked into a high valley with clear views east to Jagungal. The trail then turned north and gave us impressive views of range after range of blue mountains to the west. We walked up and down several steep undulations through an area of magnificent old snow gums not affected by recent fires. Then we were on the Tooma Road around 2pm. The final day had delivered great vistas. As the weather was forecast for change we all drove north through the deeply ravened country around Cabramurra to Tumbarumba for a comfortable night at the camp ground and a celebratory pub meal. It had been a good adventure in high country wilderness. Thank you walking buddies!
3838/Lost Valley, 10th June, Leader David W
Walkers, Noela, Nerida, Anna, Bill, Bob & grandson Xavier,Trevor, Dean,Rhani, Ann,Robin, Irene,
David.We departed Rummery Park at 9.00 am and made our way down to 3838 with only one wrong turn, 5 min detour. We spent some time taking in the beauty of 3838, then had morning tea on top, over looking Wanganui Gorge, at that point we decided to give Lost Valley ago.So off we went making our way back to the fire trail, which we followed with one wrong turn into tea tree scrub, when we realised we had turned off too early and made our way back to the fire trail and kept going until we eventually made it to the right turnoff that took us down to the Lost Valley where we had lunch on top of the waterfall. After lunch we scrambled back up to the fire trail and headed back to Rummery Park arriving at 4.00 pm.
18th to 19th February, 2017 – Canyoning – Leader: Shane - Iron Pot Creek Canyon, Toonumbar NP.
Participants: Gary W, Cam P, Cecily J, Cathy H, Peter L, Karl S and Shane.
We had all arrived at the Iron Pot Camping Area on the Saturday, except for Cam and Cec who had arrived the night before. The weather was dry and mild for most of the day. At 9:30 we took 2 cars to 741-516, the start of the walk, arriving at 10:10. Proceeding down the disused maintenance track we arrived at the bridge. We then descended to the creek below the bridge. The creek bed in this section is rock slabs rather than the round boulders of later on. It was not long until we found the infamous deep hole at 741-511. The depth was measured at approximately 2m. An orange caution flag was tied to a nearby tree. Not very far on we came to the top of the first waterfall 743-511, slippery near the 30m drop off. The descent was negotiated by climbing the right bank about 3m back from the drop off and contouring to the first gully. A tape was deployed and some used this while others had no trouble without it. At the valley floor the creek flowed under a rubble pile of very large boulders which required a bit of scrambling. We then headed down stream again, mostly wading and occasionally rock hopping, over and under fallen trees that blocked our path. The banks started to turn into cliffs and before long we had entered the gorge or canyon. Although the gorge runs for several kilometres the main section is at 752-500. The walls of sandstone eroded into sheer cliffs of up to 30m becoming narrower until it was only 3m wide. The feeling of a primeval jungle was overwhelming. We approached the second waterfall 760-491 that came in from our left and took a break. Up and at it again the walls gradually became lower and the occasional level bank appeared. We began to look for a good camping spot and decided on a near perfect spot at 762-487. There were four tents and two tarps erected with plenty of room for the same again plus. Tents up, we sat around and talked for many hours before hitting the sack. It rained during the night quite heavily. The camp site’s one detraction was the three huge stinging trees and their leaves in the accumulated leaf litter. Occasional there was a reminder that the 200mm thick soft bed of leaves contained a sting or two. Next morning we were up and walking / wading at 8:00. The going was easy for a while as we shortcut the meandering creek across many of the flat banks. As we got closer to the NP camping area we noticed the occasional stump from the forests' past life, and the ever increasing lantana. The lantana forced us to higher ground and then later to abandon the high ground back into the creek which was then flowing on a solid slab of stone with only the occasional boulder or fallen tree. At 12:30 we all arrived at the Iron Pot Camping Area feeling like we had earned a rest. We had the usual high fives, coffee and tea before the drivers were returned to their cars at Cox Road. The first day had been 6.6 km and had taken 7 hours, and the second day 5 km and 5 hours. The section from the Murray Scrub Loop turnoff 764-468 to the Iron Pot Camping Ground should in future be avoided. Parking the cars at Murray Scrub Loop parking area would be much more sensible. Thanks for the competent and amiable company.
Mt Kaputah 14 to 16 April 2017
Walkers: Shane M, Nigel Allen, Peter and Wendy L: Leader Gary W
After a 7 to 8 hour drive to Narrabri and then the national park we met up with Peter and Wendy who had spent a couple of days travelling over. An enjoyable evening was had at the well equipped Bark Hut campsite.... flushing toilets and hot showers all for $6.00 a night... sitting around the fire until an early turn in ensued. Day one After an early-ish start we did a car shuffle and left a car at our exit pont and then all met at the start of the walk on the track to My Coryah. A short steepish walk to the top of the peak resulted in
minimal views which led the group to complain to the leader! However we left the track and cut south to Mt Mitchell were the views opened up and we could see two of our objectives for the day these being the Camel's Hump and the over 3 kilometer lava flow, Walking on the lava flow was interesting and exciting as it had unusual textures and lots of folding and buckling. We stopped for lunch in a small bit of shade and then headed for the Camel's Hump which was a good scramble and then searched for water which resulted in some small pools but was sufficient to do the job. We headed for the westernperimeter of the lava flow where we found a great campsite on the edge of very impress cliffs and settled down for food and wee dram(s) of scotch and port before an early night. Day two After a relaxing breakfast and topping up on water located near the campsite we headed north along the perimeter of the lava flow which fed into a gully and open forest heading for a saddle so we could get our bearings for the very steep decent down to Coryah Creek. It was very steep down to the creek where we had a relaxing lunch before the huge ascent to our campsite amongst the trees and a short walk out to the point of the plateau where we could look across to our objective for day 3 the Yulludunida Crater... however we would have to take the long difficult route due the steepness of the drop off! A pleasant evening meal, good conversation and a tipple or three was had before a late night turn in at 8.00pm! Day three Well we thought it would be steep but not that steep and also fighting the trees that were leaning downhill whilst we were contouring around the plateau made it even tougher! A gentle start to the day was had before we tackled the unknown terrain explained above ... after 2 or more hours of contouring and fighting the bush (much harder than a boot camp!) a quick discussion ensued before the decision was made to head down hill to the parked car and get rid of the packs and then complete the walk to our objective of the crater. We used this time to grab some food, drive up and pick up the other two cars and then after a rest headed of on the hard rated track to the crater. We were not disappointed by this amazing feature and all climbed the first peak and then 3 of us climbed the second peak and sat there stunned as we looked not only at the crater but also the whole journey over the 3 days and were amazed at the fact we had traversed such terrain. Back to the car then we thought we would try the Dawson Springs campsite near to Mt Kaputah but upon arrival and seeing all the shiny and unused 4WDs we turned around and headed back down to Bark Hut campsite for a well earned shower and a sit round the fire before another early turn in. Day four Nigel went his own way back to Sydney after climbing Mt Kaputah with Peter and Wendy who then had a slow drive back to NNSW and Gary and Shane headed back because that dread work word was calling. Great walk and challenge with good company. We will have to revisit this exciting park and do other walks in the near future! This walk could have water challenges and requires a good level of fitness and navigational skills and is not for the faint hearted.
Tamborine Mountain Camp April 21 -23
Participants: Ian and Gail, Sue P, Jude, Margie ,Brian and Judy, Peter and Helen, Peter and Wendy, Greg, Ron and Sharon, Bruce and Liz, David W.
Unfortunately some members left their decision to come too late and they couldn’t get a camping spot. They missed out on a really surprisingly good weekend. Around 20 km of walks in pristine rainforest usually following a creek made the walking really memorable. There were many spectacular viewpoints on these walks. Tamborine Mountain offered so much to us, the brewery, the Indian Restaurant, Sky walk, the Glow worm Cave, the Botanical Gardens and so many other attractions catering to many of our tastes. The camp ground was good being adjacent to Thunderbird Park. All in all a different sort of weekend activity for the club. One we should repeat. Ian
Evans Head 17th of September 2017 Leader Heike K.
Attended: Ruth Henderson, Bill Boyd, Michael Smith, Robin Cameron, Mark Delany, Karen Delany, Geoff Phair, Ian Pick, Gail Pick, Gwen McNamara, Shane Malone, Suzy Malone, Sam Malone
We met at 9am at the carpark near the marina after the bridge and then organised ourselves into the carpool to go the start of the walk at Anson Avenue. The weather was beautiful with clear sky and not much wind all day. We walked to Joggly Point where we had morning tea and Michael Smith presented the group with some dreamtime stories of the three brothers and how the goanna ate the snake forming the goanna headlands. Thanks Michael for telling us these stories. We continued walking along the Goanna Headland - Chinamans Beach and had morning tea near some caves on our way to Snapper Rocks where we had lunch with a beautiful view and some dolphin sightings. We then walked back along the trail near the Bombing Range and enjoyed some beautiful wildflowers on our way back and finished our walk around 1.30pm. Shared afternoon tea at the carpark near the marina with homemade cakes and delicious sweets. Thanks everyone for such a beautiful and enjoyable walk once again in Evans Head.
Mt May and Maroon Hike 6-8 October
Shane M, Gary W, Karl S, Nigel A and Alan G (leader)
Friday: The crew assembled at Waterfall Creek campground in the early evening. After one campsite shift, a few drinks and a yarn we were chased to bed by some evening showers and an anticipated early start. Saturday: After breakfast and packing up, a car was dropped off at Cotswold for our exit. We started our ascent from the campground at 6.30 am (Qld time) and soon discovered that our route had been recently burnt from recent fires. This made for a touch desolate scene, however it aided in an unhindered walk. The day was overcast so was cooler than expected. After a few rest stops we ascended Mt May North and then Mt May South where we had smoko. We then descended and contoured onto a ridge and followed this to a point where we would plan our descent.We continued along the ridge guided by Gary around a few exposed peaks and the onto Paddy’s Peak which was rather charred. Descending again we then plotted a course to Paddy’s Plain arriving at 12.30 where we then set up camp and had lunch. We found water available in the creek and a couple of pools suitable for a dip (Karl & Al).The afternoon was spent relaxing at camp and then visiting the nearby waterfall where a lonely pair of crocs were found sitting atop with no owner present. Then a pleasant evening was had around a small campfire despite Nigel’s inadequate scotch supplies.Sunday: We left camp at 6.15am and followed the creek up to Mt Maroon with some slippery rock slabs to be negotiated and testing our proprioceptors (thanks Karl!!) We made good time and after leaving our packs before the tourist track intersection, we made the final scramble to Mt Maroon where we could only manage a few fleeting views through the mist of the surrounding country as we enjoyed a snack and
photos. We returned to our packs and then tackled the steep descent passing many day trippers making the ascent. We arrived unscathed at the car at 11.15am and then drove back to Waterfall Creek to collect the other cars and decamp. At this point our only medical concern arose with Nigel suffering a cramp in the legs (I think after reaching for a beer?!!!!)So, thanks to all for a great weekend and more to come. I will bring my car fridge next time – apparently a requirement for all new leaders!!
Binna Burra Weekend 6th – 8th of October 2017 Leader Heike K.
Saturday 7th of October 2017
Attended: Ruth, Bill, Elisabeth, Robin, Gwen, Cathy, Julie, Katie, Mischa, Robyn, Bente, Gai, Lisa, Stanley.
Sunday 8th of October 2017
Attended: Ruth, Bill, Elisabeth Doug, Robin, Gwen, Cathy, Katie, Mischa.
We arrived all independently on Friday afternoon/evening. Some walkers camped in their tents, others shared a safari tent while some stayed at Binna Burra Lodge. The weather was great for walking with no rain On Saturday we started off at 8.30am at the Tea House with 15 participants. The walk went to the Upper Ballanjui Falls and we enjoyed hearing the different bird sounds of whipbirds and catbirds as well as Satin Bowerbirds. We had morning tea at Nagarigoon Falls, a visit to the Ballanjui Cascades and arrived for lunch at the Upper Ballanjui Falls where we all enjoyed the spectacular views and a well-deserved lunch We spent some time exploring the area before heading back with a visit to Tullawallal the pocket of Antarctic beech on the summit forest where we felt it was a few degrees colder. We walked approximately 14 km on this day. Gwen brought some wood for a fire outside the Safari Tent (thanks Gwen ) and we all enjoyed Happy Hour before sharing a meal together at the Binna Burra Tea-House. A wedding took place at the same day at the Lodge with Reception at the Grooms Cottage so we listened to some good live music throughout the evening. Some of us attracted a few ticks and the tick tool which Kathy provided, proved to be a useful tool
On Sunday morning we packed all up and were ready for the 2nd walk of Daves Creek Circuit at 8.30am. We had morning tea at Surprise Rock and managed to go to the top enjoying some spectacular views. Bill gave an informative geological talk about the area and how different local volcanoes formed this area pointing out the different soils derived from basalt and rhyolite lavas. Mt Warning was not the only volcano forming the current landscape. We met up with a school group of 19 students and 5 teachers at Surprise Rock who were camping in Binna Burra working towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award incorporating the outdoor adventure aspect of the award. On this walk, we enjoyed the variety of forest and heath – rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and heath. We had lunch at Numinbah lookout and Mischa attracted a bird with his bird whistling skills Beautiful wildflowers were observed on this circuit with spectacular views along the way. The walk ended around 3pm and thanks to Bill and Ruth who invited all members of the group for tea and homemade ginger cake we enjoyed the traditional ending of a great walking weekend. Thanks to all the participants making this weekend a good one Leader Heike K.
Walking in Central Australia, September ’17
Steve & Barbara
We had walked the Larapinta trail in August last year and were keen to do something different to following a well-worn track, as magnificent as the Larapinta may be. Our first overnight walk was to Glen Annie Gorge which is just 3kms from Ruby Gap in the East Macdonald Range. Ruby Gap is at the end of several hours on a high clearance 4WD track, and most people take a few hours to walk into the gorge and then camp back at their vehicles. By carrying our hiking gear in, we were able to have the serene experience of camping on a grassy bank above pools of warm water at the end of the Gorge. The stars and the silence at night were very special.
A few days later we hooked up with the bushwalking club based in Alice Springs and did a real hard recce back in a nearby range of hills. We gained a lot of knowledge about bushbashing in the Centre and armed with this confidence, set off the next day to climb Mt Giles (1589m) which is about 10km offtrack, north of the Larapinta trail near Ormiston Gorge. We set off through Ormiston Gorge at 5pm and walked until 7pm. My idea was to shorten the distance across the tree-less plain for the next day. But it was so hot walking in the evening (35c) that we decided to abandon our attempt on Mt Giles as that day’s temperature was to be 38c!
The next Sunday, we went on another Club walk which was just from 7.30am until 10.30am because it was going to be 38c again! Our Club should consider some early summer walks too.
A week later the weather was cooling down and rain was predicted after more than 200 days without a drop. Barbara’s son Al arranged permits for us to walk through Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and north up Kings Creek. The whole day was spent passing through the domed rock formations that are unique to this area. Despite the lack of rain we passed a number of deep waterholes tucked into the rocky creek bed. Most waterholes were just below a small, dry waterfall. By evening we had crossed this range and could look north over a valley to one range after another. We gathered water from a permanent rocky waterhole in Back Canyon and slept overnight in a domed limestone cave. I couldn’t help but ponder how many hundreds of thousands of ‘bed nights’ had been spent where we lay.
The next day the 3 of us walked east along the escarpment for a few kms before following a shallow, sandy creek southwards, back towards near where we had started. 2 short thunderstorms gave us welcome relief from the 28c day as we had run out of water at lunchtime. We feasted on red quandong fruit by mid afternoon before finding water in a canyon a few hours before the end of the day.
This was a really special 2 days of walking where few other hikers would ever go. The harsh red rocky terrain of the Centre has cast a spell over us and we have so many options for returning next winter. Hooking up with local knowledge is something we could all do more often in our travels rather than relying on commercial operators.
IlukaYamba Walk, 15th july 2017
Attended:- Beverley R, Ken R, Gillian M, Irene S, Mary N, Judy W, Jude H, Kathy L, Fiona K, Trevor K, Jenny C, Sandy P, Bob B & grandson Xavier B, Steve M, & prospective members Susan S and John & Jan G.
19 walkers met at Iluka Bluff at 10am & most climbed to the lookout before we started the walk proper. About 10.30 we set off down the beach in beautiful sunny weather, stopping at the north river wall for morning tea. Then a short bush track off the little beach took us to the marine rescue building and the start of the riverside track, which is a fairly new track through forest, that connects to the town riverside track. We paused at the park near the fisho where Ken left us for a shorter option back to the cars. We continued along the river path around to the
ferry wharf, some taking advantage of the bakery nearby in Young st to buy pies for lunch, which we ate in the park next to the ferry. Followed by coffee from Marraca's cafe on the wharf for some of us. We boarded the 1pm ferry and it was a very pleasant trip of about 35 mins, with some dolphins swimming alongside the boat for a while. At Yamba we walked east along the river path, climbing the steps opposite Turners beach to the lighthouse headland. We paused to take in the lovely views, and have a group photo in front of the lighthouse. We walked past the pub, where Bob &Xavier left us to shortcut back to the ferry. We walked via Clarence, Ritz & Ocean sts, to South head park and a short track onto Pippi beach. We only walked a short way on the beach, as some walkers had opted for a slightly shorter walk on the streets. We all met back at the ferry, some buying icecreams on the way, and boarded the 3.15pm, with afternoon tea on board. Some carried their own, others bought cuppas & cakes from the on-board kiosk. As we walked through the Iluka streets to the start of the rainforest track off long street, the dark clouds & thunder rolled in rather quickly over Yamba. It seemed a fair way off and I thought we'd make it back dry. But half way through the rainforest the thunder was crashing over us and the skies opened up. We got a thorough drenching for the last 20 mins or so, but it seemed much longer. The track turned into a stream and boots were submerged. With the storm, the forest & fast approaching sunset it was very dark too. 17 dedraggled walkers were very glad to reach the cars finally at nearly 5pm; Ken of course was already there in his car, and Steve was met at the ferry by Barbara, so a lucky 2 avoided the drenching. Despite the wet ending, all seemed to enjoy the day and thought it was a great walk that they'd like to see on the program again...but perhaps it would be better on a day with later sunset! Thank you all for coming and making it a very enjoyable and social day. Gwen Mc.
Lake Arragan, Yuraygir NP: Sunday 13th August 2017
Walkers: Bill B., Ruth H. (leaders), Cathy C., Graeme M., Ruth M., John G., Jan G., Peter T., Helen T., Bev R., Ken R., Gillian M., Di N., Bert C., Peter S., Robin D., Susan S., Loraine M., Mark M.; non-members Karen S., Kasenya B., Kim S., Rachel N.
An 8 am gathering at Woodburn saw the group gather for a car share down the Pacific Highway to Mara Creek, just outside Angourie, where we met four visiting walkers. By 9.15ish, we were off, heading south through the coastal bush behind Back Beach, onto the boardwalk with its lovely views back up the beach. With perfect walking weather, we made reasonable progress across Woody Bluff. Below us is the sloping tidal platform, to be treated with with caution: it slopes seaward, lubricated by springwater and sea spray. Our leaders have memories of trying this route many years ago, and do not recommend it. Somewhere inland is a track marked on the map, a possible route for exploration, with a sidetrack to the 90m high Cassons Knob. With a large group and novices, however, today was not for exploration, so we kept to the well-maintained path. On to One Man Bluff and down onto Little Shelley Beach. The low high tide gave us plenty of beach, and soon we were at the Shelley Beach Head camp ground for morning tea. Back on the track behind the beach, through coastal swamp, literal forest and coastal heath. Birds, abundant wattle and banksia flowers, occasional bursts of flannel flowers and lilies kept our interest. Then the heritage feature of the walk: the line of concrete pipe-end bollards built across the track in the 1980s as part of NPWS’s efforts then to stop 4WDers, now known as Friedrich’s Line, named after the then director. Successful in stopping 4WDers, they imposed no impediment to our band, only a convenient seat for a few minutes. The plan was to visit Buchanan’s Head, where two or three of our group would stop for lunch before heading back early. We walked straight past it. Checking later confirmed that the path to the headland has disappeared. We can only assume that it has been closed, perhaps to help erosion restoration and plant regeneration. Not long afterwards we reached the Arragan creek mouth. Last time the leaders were here, it was by kayak on an ill-fated paddle up a very shallow creek and into a completely dry lake. We’d glimpsed water today, confirmed by Heike who was with a small club group of paddlers for the weekend: a couple of feet of water made both creek and lake much more paddlable this time. Lunch in the sun, and then we were off again, heading north and retracing out steps. After a pleasurable and seemingly shorter walk home (funny how the homeward journey always seems shorter …), we all gathered at the Mara Creek picnic area for afternoon tea. Many thanks to the suppliers of cakes, scones, gluten free somethings, date slices, biccies …. Another perfect day’s walking in paradise, another 23km round trip successfully completed.
Blue Mountains August 19 to August 25th 2017
32 members and visitors took part in what turned out to be a week of almost perfect weather. We were owed this after our last week down there in 2011 when there was heavy rain for 4 days out of 7. We stayed at the Blackheath Caravan Park, most of us sharing cabins. The park has great facilities and the camp kitchen was used nightly for happy hour and for communal cooking and where Dave and Carol entertained us on two evenings. The whole group dined out twice at the Golf Club. The walking programme comprised 3 of the most famous and grand walks with 2 days of walking on the northern side of the great western highway. The other 2 days was the overnight walk on the Six Foot Track led by John F. Here we stayed at the “way out” Eco Lodge which I am sure all of the 22 walkers will never forget. 2 dorms – no lights, no hot water, no electricity except for emergency lighting in the common
areas, a loo with a view and a camp fire in the rain. It was run by two lovely young people from the Czech Republic and their 13 month old daughter. They have a tough life. At Blackheath the 3 grand walks were the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, the National Pass at Wentworth Falls and the Grand Canyon. Tom reckoned the Grand Canyon walk was the best walk he had ever done. Each of these walks had options and car shuffles in place. Lockleys Pylon was revisited, this time adding Fortress Rock to the day’s walk. The surprise of the week had to be Mt York and Cox’s Descent which was the road built for Governor Macquarie’s carriage to cross the Blue Mountains in 1815. At Mt York there was a plethora of monuments, plaques, signs and memorials giving the history of the first crossing of the mountains by Burke and Wills and of the history of the building of the road. We returned via Lockyer’s Pass which was started be built as a road in 1832 but never completed. A real historic walk. As always all of us really enjoyed this club trip away and the whole week went smoothly. Ian
Pittwater YHA, Aug 27 - 31
22 of us shared this wonderful historic hostel, warmly hosted by the managers, Mike and Sarah, who shared the pre-history of the region, the history of the hostel and gave invaluable directions for our daily activities.
Some investment is needed to get to this isolated accommodation on the western shore of Pittwater, just across from Scotland Island.
First is the challenge of finding a parking spot at Church Point, made doubly difficult if you have a motorhome like Peter & Helen. Next the beautiful ferry ride stopping at Scotland Island and then disembarking at Halls Wharf, followed by a 15 minute walk along a track that rises about 50m elevation above Morning Bay ( that's about half a Byron lighthouse). Some of our members could do with some lightweight packking tips from our overnight walkers, particularly the beer drinkers!
We spent our days doing some half-day walks, returning for lunch and then heading out again for the afternoon. David lead us to the stunning view from Flagstaff Peak and then through fields of wild flowers. That afternoon we climbed the Willunga track to the highest peak in Kuringai Chase NP only to find a photographer taking shots of 2 nude young women adorning the rock platforms just below our afternoon tea spot. Another Club first perhaps. The next day 6 kayakers paddled around Lovett Bay, Elvira Bay and right up McCarrs Creek; coffee at the Church Point Cafe with lunch on Scotland Island. The rest of the group used the ferry to access a full day walk that culminated in viewing extensive Aboriginal engravings on a rocky plateau. On our last full day, a few members who had little or no kayak experience were cajoled into making up a party of 17 to paddle across Morning Bay to scramble up a well marked bush track to yet another cliff-top view over all of Pittwater. This was one of the best Club trips ever! Steve
UnNamed Waterfall Walk, Nightcap NP, Sunday Sep 3rd
16 members and visitors participated in the walk to the SE corner of the Nightcap NP. Instead of walking up Peates Mountain Rd we deviated by walking some of the way on Peates Mountain Walk before rejoining the road and taking an old logging road to Perlite Rd and then walking down to the waterfall. The top of the waterfall with views over Upper Coopers Creek was easily accessed due to low water levels in the creek. We had morning tea before turning north along the Eastern Fire Break. At the entrance to 3838 Shane took 2 members of the party down into the chasm whilst the rest of us turned westwards and soon came to Perlite Rd. Here options were discussed and all decided to
extend the walk so we walked to the top of Perlite Rd. Here 3 participants returned to Rummery directly down Peates Mountain Rd and the rest of us walked up to the summit of Peates Mountain before returning down Peates Mountain Walk to Rummery Park where some of us enjoyed a bbq and a pleasant chat was enjoyed by all.
Saturday 14th October 2017 Old Bruxner Highway Morning Walk
Present: Bill B. (leading), Ruth H., John G., Jan G., Beverly R., Gillian M., David F., Rachel, M., Peter S., Robyn D. & Sue P.
Despite an official warning of 70% chance of rain, a band of members gathered at 8am next to Crawford House, home of the Alstonville Plateau Historic Society, for a gentle morning’s walk with local history. Car sharing took us down to the entrance of what is now known as Duck Creek Mountain Road, the former line of the Bruxner Highway. All walkers were furnished with a handout with extracts of the topographic maps surveyed in 1971, 1979 and 2009, showing the recent changes in the road line and other local features. Armed with an article from the 1968 edition of Main Roads, the journal of the Department of Main Roads (yes, such a journal does exist!), Bill was able to inform walkers that the earliest road, dating from the 1860s, linked a cedar camp on Duck Creek to Alstonville with a corduroy (and probably very muddy) road. Supplies were dragged up this road a bullock-hauled sled. It was a hazardous business by all accounts. Today’s walkers were faced with no more danger than a few mozzies. The old road is now a very quiet country lane, sheltered from vehicle noise from the nearby Bruxner and Pacific Highways. It runs through tranquil forest, with lovely views over the nearby Uralba valley, home to Duck Creek. Our exploration of a now-abandoned and overgrown section ended abruptly at the top of the new road cutting. On returning, we headed down into the valley on a dirt road, past a long-abandoned roadstone quarry now being re-purposed as the district’s very own mountain bike park. The 70% chance of rain became a couple of drops, turning only to real rain after we all departed 86 on Main, the re-purposed old Alstonville Post Office, location of the essential post-walk morning coffee. Who, you may ask, was Bruxner? Sir Michael Bruxner, after whom the road from Ballina to Goondiwindi was named in 1959, was an MP for over 40 years, leader of the NSW Country Party and Minister for Transport for a decade; he invented road classifications in NSW. Such is the curious information one learns on a Club Walk. [And for the information of those on the walk, the original Alstonville pub was the Ocean View Hotel.]
Sunday 15th Oct 2017 Big Scrub Field Day 3 Falls, Nightcap NP and Whian Whian SCA
Participants: David R, Steve M, Darren B, Michael J, Tess D, Ann J and leader Shane M
Three cars had a rendezvous at Old Mill Road on Nightcap Range Road at 8:15. We left two cars there and all piled into one of the cars and headed off to Minyon Grass. The day was billed as showers and that led to the 12 last minute cancellations. Not their best of decisions as Minyon Falls were at their best with a good flow the full width at the top. A few photos were taken from the viewing platform at The Grass as evidence. After introductions and a small wait for possible stragglers we headed down the track to the base of Minyon Falls with a much appreciated running commentary on the flora by Darren. At the bottom the group divided and three only scrambled up to the base of the falls. Michael quite unexpectedly arrived as we gazed at the spectacle, unfortunately there had been a misunderstanding in
the directions. We were pleased that he made it there and caught up. The fording of the creek went quite easily, the rocks being surprisingly not slippery. The walk up the other side of the creek kept a leisurely pace as Darren shared his considerable knowledge. At the hollow fig a few climb inside for the photo op, then we were off up the slope to Quondong Falls lookout. Once again we weren't disappointed, Quondong powering. Arriving at the top of the falls, we sat for morning tea, literally as Steve boiled a brew. Then it was up the fire trail to Condong trail and road walking through drier Sclerophyll to the now disused Boomerang Fire Trail. A short walk down this we reached the old bollards and then a little further and off track we headed for a crossing on Boomerang Creek. Over and under numerous vines and fallen trees past ancient stumps and tall trees to arrive at the magic of a fast flowing pristine creek. We came out spot on the ford and were soon across with barely a wet shoe. Up the opposite bank and along 50 metres or so of steep bank and we were able to drop down to the rock platform that is the top of the falls. Packs were discarded and food and Steve's brew were consumed as we individually took advantage of the safety line that was placed. The falls were powering, magic. The mist and spray drifting up from below trying to obscure the palm forest below. All to soon we were packing up and heading the short distance up to North Boomerang Management Trail. On that trail we were soon at the waiting cars at Old Mill Road and the short drive around to Minyon Grass for the debriefing and Tina's cake ( Thanks Tina ). A great day out, really people should not be afraid of rain, wet so what. Rain forests in the rain and waterfall gushing what more could you ask for. We have welcomed a new member from it so it was all good. Shane
Deep Ecology Walk to The Chasm October 31
Cally, Michele, Faye, Shalini (visitor), Ahna (visitor), Leader: Steve
The idea of this walk was to immerse ourselves in nature without the distractions of social chit chat. We left Rummery Park, walking along Peates Mountain path around 9am, stopping 10 minutes later to ly down on a bridge and to meditate on a reading about becoming one with the ‘Web of life’. We then walked in silence most of the way up the path, bush bashed across to the top of Perlite Rd, and then had morning tea along Fork Fire Trail. We then read a deep ecology piece by John Seed elaborating on the concept that very atom in our current physical form was around at the time of the
Big Bang! Then down into the splendour of The Chasm, 3838. I have never seen it so dry nor less green. However the waterfall inside the chasm was flowing at about half volume. Lunch was on the usual cliff edge. Then we followed the cliff edge south for about 100 metres to a tree that was full of epiphytes, including a huge staghorn 2 metres from the ground. We returned along Fork Fire Trail, turned left into Perlite and a few hundred metres later we turned right into the recently cleared Eastern Fire Trail, getting back to Rummery Park around 3pm for an enjoyable afternoon tea.
Western Arthur Range Kappa Moraine Circuit, South West National Park, Tasmania
Wed 28 Feb to Tues 6 March 2018, Walkers Lucy, Don, Tina and David
The details of this spectacular and difficult walk are described in John Chapman’s book South West Tasmania which has just been reprinted with minor changes. Therefore I will not describe daily details. I gained valuable information from the Tasmanian Wilderness Hikes guide Stan, the Pandani club members Simon at Find your Feet and Becca Lunnon’s blog
https://rockmonkeyadventures.wordpress.com/
The weather forecast for the week was good with showers predicted only for the first day. After lunch in the rain at the Huon River campground shelter we headed off on the Port Davey track towards Junction Creek campsite in a drizzle on what John describes as an easy track with short sections of mud. However we encountered very extensive mud and board walks falling apart. Not pleasant! My Garmin GPS map had Junction Creek in the wrong place but Lucy had been there before. We also used a water resistant Tasmap Western Arthur 1:50000.
The mud and drizzle continued next day towards alpha moraine where the fork is only signposted to Port Davey. Then the climb started from 300m to 1100m. Halfway up we met a group of 8 young tourists coming down with flimsy ponchos flying in the wind and some wet gear dangling from their small packs. Apparently they had seen a photo of Lake Oberon on Instagram but followed advice from 3 experienced walkers to turn around at Lake Cygnus after a cold, wet and windy night. We continued upwards in the clouds with Mt Hesperus, Capella Crags and even Lake Cygnus barely visible. We set up our tents on the plastic matting and suspended our small tarp with walking poles so that we could sit, cook and eat under shelter from the rain.
We got used to packing up wet heavy tents and putting on wet, cold and smelly socks and boots most mornings. Today the sun was shining and so we climbed up Mount Hayes along the way. After lunch at Square Lake we missed the turn off to Mt Sirius amongst several ‘X Track closed for regeneration’ signs. These were often placed to block false leads. Descending a rocky gully towards Lake Oberon turned into a steep rock scramble down. We had heard that this was the first hint of what we could expect for the next 2 days. I was glad that Tina and I had some training in rock climbing and that Lucy is an experienced climber. Any slip would mean serious injuries. A small beach looked inviting as group campsite and we dried our gear in the sun. No rain tonight.
We started early for a big day ahead scrambling up and down very steep slopes of Mt Pegasus and Mt Capricorn. I carried a 20m climbing tape (1kg) and we used it on some tricky sections today. A couple of slings would have been useful as the tape occasionally jammed during retrieval and I had to climb back up to get it free. Choice of anchors was usually limited but none of us weighed more than 80kg including packs so they held our weight. Much scrambling was done while holding or stepping on roots and branches and the damage and erosion was obvious. After 8 hours we arrived at High Moor campsite as the weather closed in. At this very exposed site our tents seemed to get flattened in the storm but we stayed dry inside our high quality tents.
At daybreak next morning it was dark and gloomy with water everywhere even underneath the tent platforms. As this was another very difficult day through the Beggary Bumps we delayed our start until we could see a glimpse of clear weather on the horizon. We used the tape several times to scramble down the Tilted Chasm and some very steep rock faces. The weight of the tape doubled with all the water it soaked up. Several false leads had been blocked and the route was obvious but had some very steep ups and downs as well as height exposure. Luckily the wind gusts had eased. After 7 hours we arrived at Haven Lake with tent platforms reasonably sheltered amongst the shrubs.
Next day was the last one along the top of the range in the clouds but as Lucy and I climbed Mt Scorpio they lifted occasionally for some great views. A long, steep descent followed. Over lunch in the sun with mobile reception we reorganised our plans ahead as we needed a break to clean and dry our gear before another walk. We decided to walk the unmarked short cut towards McKays Track as we had seen it quite well trodden from the top but we lost it near the Seven Mile Creek crossing with a lot of fallen trees. After another km cross country we struck McKays track and were surprised at the absence of mud. Heading west through the Arthur Plains we could admire the range which we had just traversed. Around 4 pm we arrived at Wullyawa Creek and camped there.
The sun was shining again next morning with good views of the range and we thought how wonderful it would be up there now. Instead we were battling with the mud again which seemed deeper than 6 days ago. At 2.30 pm we got back to the carpark. The next 2 nights we stayed in a cottage near Tyenna to wash and dry our gear. Our achievement was duly celebrated at the National Park Hotel nearby. David
Tasman Peninsula Three Capes Pillar, Hauy and Raoul
Friday 9 March to Mon 12 March 2018, Walkers Don, Tina and David
We were looking for a mud free walk after recovering from 7 days of wet boots on the Western Arthurs. Incidentally I had bought a Tasmap Peninsula Walks and realised that using the one way direction of the Three Capes Track and the Wughalee campsite we could visit Cape Pillar and Hauy during a 3 day circuit from Fortescue Bay where we camped the nights before and after the circuit.
We started on the Old Cape Pillar Track through dry heath and woodland. Some shrubs were flowering but it would be great in spring. After 8km we reached the new track and then 1km further found the campsite after a steep descent down to Retakunna Creek. Only a trickle was flowing but enough for drinking. 8 timber platforms among sheltered wet forest and no one else here. Nearby are a waterfall and an overhang in the cliff next to it with views down to Munro Bight. After a peaceful night we walked about 11km of gravel, boardwalk and rock steps to Cape Pillar past a very glamorous Munro Hut with 48 beds fully booked. The Blade is spectacular with dolerite columns and Tasman Island across the passage. The cape is another 30min further with the Chasm lookout on the way. After a long day out we found the campsite full. The young group next to us went for a night walk to the cape and then partied on until I told them to be quiet at 1am.
We had heard that the old track to Mt Fortescue was overgrown and so we walked along the new one past Retakunna Hut up into lush rainforest of the 482m high mountain. What a change from the heath land! Eventually the track follows the edge of the coastal cliff with great views and then climbs up some outstanding staircases of rock to Cape Hauy. After 18km our day finished with the incredibly turquoise water and white sand of Fortescue Bay.
Next day we drove to the end of Stormlea Rd for the start of the recently reopened track of 8km to Cape Raoul. It undulates through woodland until it reaches the cliff edge and then traverses a windswept plateau with a dried up wetland and spectacular dolerite cliffs battered by rough seas. This was the real three capes experience on a shoestring! David
North Peak , Mt Barney Saturday 30th June 2018
Participants: Alan G, Gary W, Shane M and Leader Karl.
The intention was to scale the North Peak of Mt Barney going up Rocky Creek and returning via the North Ridge. A long day was expected so effort was put into a 5:30am start in the dark. We all had arrived the evening before and got a little shut eye in the vehicles at yellow pinch. With head torches on we left the junction of Barney Lodge Road and Upper Logan Road (GDA 742-721) and headed off along the same route as Logan's Ridge steadily climbing the track from 200m (alt) to 500m (alt). At that point ( GDA 717-722) we veered off to the North on a less obvious track and soon were in Rocky Creek at (GDA 714-723) then the real climb began. Karl led the way up through the semi vertical slabs finding the route. We found it challenging in spots to follow. Fortunately the rocks were dry and traction was good, no water to speak of except for the occasional stagnant pool. At about 800m (alt) we were in among thick, scratchy vegetation which really sapped our strength. Emerging the other side of that we could see the gorge between East Peak and North Peak and the immense slab slopping up to the top of the creek. Challenging even on all fours. There was one spot there where we used a 15m tape rope to assist with the packs and the scramble. Reaching the saddle (GDA 702-720) between the two peaks we then headed up the comparatively easy track to the summit arriving at 11:50AM. Quite happy at this point to have finished the climb and looking forward to lunch with a spectacular view. Fantastic views in every direction especially to the North with all the lower peaks seeming to be at an arm's length. At 12:30pm we commenced the descent down the North Ridge. The initial part was very steep down to a small knoll which we skirted around on the eastern side. From then it was a rather rapid descent from one knoll to the next with a lot of down then followed with a little up to get over the top of the next knoll. Several of these proved rather challenging. One even required the the use of 23m of tape rope. The route proved to be more difficult than the ascent but at least there was less effort going down. It was 4:00pm before we reached the bottom at (GDA 712-723) and changed direction to the South back to Rocky Creek and then retraced our previous ascent route and the 3.3km walk back to the cars. We arrived at the car at 5:11pm quite satisfied with our accomplishment. A cold beer was enjoyed and we headed off in our own directions. We had started at 200m (alt) and reached 1252m (alt) and covered 11.7km in approximately 11.5hours. Definitely a difficult walk but really worth the effort. Shane
Save Kosci Walk December 2- 11
Steve M writes, as a young Melbourne University student, I was introduced to bushwalking in the Cobberas and Pilot Wilderness areas at the southern end of Kosciusko National Park. Back then you may get fleeting glimpses of feral horses on one or two of the high plains, but the herds would quickly disappear into the bush. On a 4 day Club walk 18 months ago, the horses were in large numbers everywhere and they boldly walked around our camps. So when Bushwalking NSW called for protestors to walk to the summit of Kosci from various directions I immediately planned a five day walk from my old stamping grounds. As it turned out, it was 50 years ago to the same week that I walked with Don K, a current Club member, and two others, from Buchan to Kosci, so our protest walk would be replicating the second half of that hike. It took 3 days to drive to Native Dog Flat; the start of our hike. Cas, one of our new members, camped with us at the strat of our hike and then bravely drove our ute back into and then up out of the precipitous Snowy River gorge, where she then joined the main protest group in the last days of their 35 day walk from Sydney.
Day 1 was a hot slog along a fire trail that climbed from 1100m to 1400m and then back down to 1100m at Cowombat Flat. Barbara and I tried climbing Mt Cobberas 2 (1750m) as a side trip, but we turned back after getting to 1540m because of the thick scrub and rough terrain. It was after 6pm when we finally reached our favourite camp site on Cowombat Flat, with feral horses grazing undisturbed by our presence. Scientists have fenced off 4 quadrats to show what the vegetation would be like without horses clipping the grass to the ground. Inside the fences, the small stream running through knee high grass could provide habitat to the endangered Corroboree frog, but outside, the horses have turned the stream into a quagmire that cannot support native species.
On Day 2 we climbed from 1100m to 1500m over the shoulder of The Pilot (1800m). During our lunch break I was surprised to get perfect phone reception but shattered to get a text telling us that the summit protest would be brought forward to Saturday because thundery weather was forecast for Sunday and this could endanger the protestors and the helicopter which would be filming them. There was no way that I thought we could turn a 5 day walk into 4 days. We felt utterly deflated and the ‘ups’ on the undulating track seemed to get harder and steeper. We camped outside on the horse-trimmed lawn of the huts at Tin Mine, as a young stallion and his only mare grazed peacefully.
Day 3 brought more brutal undulations along the track but we covered the 18km to the Cascade hut by 1pm, so I suggested that we eat and then have a siesta under a big shady tree before pushing on from 1500m to camp on Bob’s Ridge at 1800m. We loaded up 10kgs of water between us as we trudged 5km uphill on a very hot afternoon. About 10 vertical metres from the summit, a cool mountain stream babbled out of a marsh about the size of a football field! Walking can be so cruel! Just as we were lying down recovering and trying to find an ant-free tent spot, a mountain biker came along and talked us into walking another 2km with a 200m descent into the Thredbo River valley. We were now in the treeless high country. The vista up the valley seemed to go on forever. As the sun set slowly on this idyllic scene, a black stallion came out of nowhere to prance chauvinistically around our camp: such a wild, wondrous display. What a pity that these once-abandoned horses are so destructive to so many of our unique alpine species. Just on dark we set up our tent just 30cm from a gurgling side stream. What a wonderful sound to fall asleep to!
Day 4. We woke to a crimson sunrise, with the rays lighting up the Rams Head Range that we were planning to walk up and over to the Kosci summit. As we walked down the Thredbo River towards Dead Horse Gap, the idea dawned on us that if we caught the Thredbo chairlift which would save us 600m of our 900m climb, we might just rendezvous with the protest. As we got on the lift, a buckle on Shane’s pack caught on the chair, preventing him from getting his bottom onto the seat. At this point the lift attendant should have stopped the lift. Instead we were whisked 10-15m into the air where a fall onto the rocks below would have been fatal. Once I was able to release his buckle, Shane was able to slide his pack from behind him and we hauled him onto the seat. However the sideways movement of his pack almost pushed Barbara from the chair! Eventually we got the safety bar down and tried to enjoy the view as we gained our precious elevation. From the top of the chair we still had 300m elevation and 5.5km to go. After 2 hours of trudging up the steel mesh path that preserves the alpine environment, we finally joined the main group just a few minutes after they had reached the summit! We were jubilant to meet around 250 like-minded walkers, 5 of whom had spent 35 days walking all the way from Sydney. We planned to camp out about 1km from the summit and join Cas, our driver, the next day as planned. The organisers wouldn’t hear of this as they insisted that we walk another 9.5km so that we could stay with them ( and Cas ) at their chalet in Charlotte’s Pass where a big party was planned. That meant a second day of around 25km! But the party was worth it. Being in such committed company made the whole adventure very satisfying. From where we started at Native Dog Flat (1100m) we had to climb 1100m to the summit of Kosci, but Shane’s GPS showed that we had walked 90km and climbed just over 3100m because of the undulations in the track: not bad for a 4 day walk by 3 dedicated walkers.
Cape to Cape Trek October 2019
Cape to Cape Trek from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the south west of West Australia covering 140km in 8 days. Here is the 15 page Cape to Cape walk report
Iron Pot Creek , Toonumbar NP NSW Saturday 5th January 2019
Participants: Alan G, Rosemary N, Steve M, Yuliana H, Cathy H, Gail B, Michelle M, Simon C-C, Cherie P, Hilde G, Lisa F, John C-C, Andrew C-C and Leader Shane M
Afternoon of Friday 4th we all started arriving at the Iron Pot Camping Ground. We had come from far and wide, Northern Rivers, Gold Coast and Brisbane. There was already quite a few people at the camp so with the addition of our group there was not too many spots left. The late afternoon was spent individually exploring the creek around the camp. At dusk we mustered at the shelter for the briefing of how, what and where. Maps were issued and all were made aware of the frog fungus pathogen issue, boots and gaiters got a good going over and spray, then the sign on and evening meals prepared and consumed. A cold ale and wine was enjoyed before an early night ready for the next day's adventure.
Saturday 5th. Alarms went off at 5am (still pretty dark) and much activity as lunches were packed etc. The 7am start time was reached and we piled into 4 vehicles. One vehicle was to be left at the Murray Scrub Loop Trail for our return and the other 3 vehicles to carry the 14 of us up to the start of the walk at Cox Road. I had come in from the Cox Road end the previous evening to check for trees down and also to mark the start as it can be difficult to find. The drive to the start was uneventful except for the two stops for views. Firstly at the Murray Scrub Lookout where we could look down to where we were about to go. Then to Sherwood Lookout to see the view of the mountains in a row. Unfortunately they were clouded out, oh well next time. We finally had cars parked and started descending the track at 8:20am. The parking area and track down had not been used in a long time I would say at least six months or longer. Reaching the creek we descend to the water level and began our wading on the rock slabs. I was pleased to see my caution flag was still in place next to the site of two previous mishaps. A hole in the slabs about 400mm across but at least 2m deep all set to snare the next unwarey walker.
This top section of the creek flows over what appears to be igneous slabs with many hanging vines and with little sky visible. This terrain continued for 3.5km until we reached the waterfall. The drop off is around 30m and quite exposed. Care and caution emphasized as all peered down to the valley below. I left the group and climbed the right bank and lay the 15m tape rope down the first gully. Summoning the group who took it in turns down to the valley below. A bit of bouldering and we were at the creek level again and looking back at the waterfall. The cliff face is a conglomerate of old smooth river rocks set in what appears to be volcanic ash. Very little water flowing over the falls. Not as much water as evident in the creek so must be underground, another deep hole in the slabs perhap. I had gps marked the confluences of the creeks and labelled them 1 to 11 on the left and only 1 to 4 on the right so that we would know exactly where we were irrespective of our GPS as they have a habit of dropping out at an inopportune time. Proceeding down the stream the creek walls came closer and closer until we were looking vertically up 30m of exposed sandstone/mudstone. It now became most wonderful with the odd waterfall coming in on the left From about the 4th on the left until about the 8th we were in the gorge with sometimes very narrow ( 2m~3m ) and steep sometimes overhanging sides. Walking on gravel and rock hopping followed by wading waist deep, balancing on submerged logs or side walling muddy sections. At 10.45am we stopped next to creek left 7 for morning tea having covered only 3.5km but well on our way towards creek left 11 our exit point. We enjoyed the break as the going requires intense concentration rather than intense exertion. After the break we headed off into more of the same until reaching creek left 9 by which time the walls had moved back from the creek and opened up considerably. Just past left 9 we visited our previous overnight camp spot complete with its giant stinging trees. We had been foolish on that trip as there were ample flat spots well away from the stingy leaf litter. On three occasions up to this time we had seen and photographed frogs that we thought were the Richmondensis, but I now think that is not the case. The crayfish we saw was red and white and a good size. One only lazy python and one fish apart from the squawking Sulphur Crest not much other wildlife. At 4:30 pm we reached the left 11 creek our exit point having travelled 10.4kms. The next bit was the climbout of the creek to the Murray Scrub Loop Track above. This was easily accomplished after an ascent of 55m and a distance of 750m. The idea was then that the drivers would take the short way around the loop while the others would take the long way. Unfortunately the map in the GPS was inaccurate so the situation was reversed. No harm done. The drivers were soon in my car and we were off on our 15km and 30 minute drive back to Cox Road and the cars. We arrived back at the turnoff and picked up the stragglers and carried them back to camp. A lot of happy weary walkers enjoyed reminiscing over dinner that night. What a wonderful walk with great company. My fears about the group size were unfounded and the timing was perfect. Apart from a few bruises and aching bodies all good. Thanks to all the competent crew. Shane
Eden Creek Falls , Toonumbar NP NSW Sunday 6th January 2019
Participants: Alan G, Rosemary N, Yuliana H, Simon C-C, Cherie P, Hilde G, John C-C, Andrew C-C and Leader Shane M
A late start with most packing up camp so as to avoid backtracking. We left the camp at 9:00am and proceeded up Forest Range Road to the Poor Bullock Road parking Area. It was immediately obvious that the locked gate had been driven around recently with the new grass growth flattened and that flattened grass still green and barely dried. Walking down the track the large tree falls that I remember from earlier visits had been chain sawed and moved and it would now be possible to use a push bike. We arrived at the old picnic area at 10:30am and had a breather before setting off down the old track to the bottom falls. It was apparent that the track had been marked by recent blazing of trees along it. Careless and unnecessary vandalism. We arrived at the top of the bottom falls at 11:10am and I deployed a safety line so that we could have a good look over the edge of the 50m drop. We then sat down for morning tea. The geocache was located and note was left expressing our displeasure at the tree vandalism. We then rock hopped up to the base of the top falls where the desire to cool off overcame us and in we went. These falls guesstimated in the 65m ~ 90m range. After a short while we dressed and headed up the right face of the falls. An easy scramble with many vines and roots as support, arriving at about 50m from the top of the falls. By this time it was 12:45pm and time for lunch and another cooling off in the infinity pool at the top of the falls. At 1:30pm we decided to head back taking the shortest route to Poor Bullock. This was accomplished in 30 minutes then all we had to do was walk back along the track to the cars. 3:00pm saw us bidding farewell and parting company after a pleasant easy day. All had enjoyed this easier day and I thank them for their company. Shane
Tarkine Coast and Tarkine Forest walks, Tasmania 2 – 15 February
Barbara, Michelle M, Lucy, John CC, Sally L, Sarah P, Tony L, Don K, Leader Steve
Nine of us camped the night at the remote and gorgeous Corinna Wilderness Resort on the banks of the majestic Pieman River. The next day we boarded the ferry that dropped us just inside the mouth of the river before walking north along the rugged, rocky, wild west coast where the winds have travelled uninterrupted from the bottom of South America: the purest air on Earth. We crossed a number of streams that carry flash flood warnings, but the drought meant they were very low. However it was no problem collecting fresh water. The winds were quite variable in direction and strength, with winds on the second day producing surf that was breaking about 500m offshore. The wave surges made it far too dangerous to be tempted to search the rocky shorelines for abalone, even though there were many abalone shells amongst the thousands of other shells in the extensive middens that must be tens of thousands of years old. We camped the first night on the bar of Interview River, just above the high tide mark. During day 2, the rocky coastline gave way to enormous sand dunes that extended up to 2km inland! We camped up the estuary of the Lagoon River on wombat-clipped grass on our side, with a towering sand dune on the other side of the lagoon. Fresh water was dripping out of the sodden grass and was easily collected into a billy. Day 3 was a long day walk exploring the rocky and sandy coves up to Italian River and on towards Sandy Cape. This is where Bob Brown’s proposed 10 day Tarkine walk will meet the coast for its last two days. Day 4 was a long hike back along the beach for lunch at Interview River, then pushing on to camp at Rocky Creek which had a good supply of fresh water flowing out of granite boulder hills. This put us just 3-4 hours from the Pieman where the ferry would collect us at noon the next day. This coast is notorious for changeable weather and after several mid-20s days we were hammered by very heavy rain from 6.30 to 8am on our last morning. And our tent leaked! Nothing like packing up wet ( heavy ) camping gear and setting off in the rain. By mid-morning the sun came out, we made a cuppa on a rocky shelf above a beautiful beach and had time to dry everything off. Half the party swam in the rock pools as the ocean had finally calmed down. When we got to the Pieman we could see the ferry tied up way across the other side of this wide river mouth. Straight away it’s tinny came whirring across to transfer three of us at a time back to cups of tea and other civilized refreshments after 5 days in the wilderness. It was a pleasurable way to finish the walk, tucking into savouries and beverages for 2 hours as we glided back up the river to Corinna. By 3.30 our 3 cars were all across the tiny car ferry and on our way to Rosebery where we checked into 2 cabins where we could enjoy hot showers, washing machines and dryers and a hearty pub dinner. To summarise the coastal walk, with low river levels, this was a Grade 4 walk along a stunning coast. The fascinating shapes of the huge dunes were like enormous sculptural forms. Their smooth curves were a complete contrast to the rugged rocky headlands and bays. I think we were lucky to get away with just a few showers. This coast is notorious for bad weather and warnings not to cross flooding streams.
The next day was spent climbing the cloudy, 1200m Mt Murchison followed the next day by a half day walk to Montezuma Falls which is as high as Minyon Falls but with a huge plume of water crashing down several steps in the cliff. This is the wettest place in Tasmania. Don, Sally and Sarah returned home while John M joined us.
So seven of us then headed for the Tarkine Forest, to camp at Farquars Bridge before climbing over its chest high gate the next morning. Well that was the suggestion of the track notes; but at the end of the road there was a gaping abyss across a deep, dark, wide, river. The bridge across the Arthur River must have been washed away in the big flood two years ago, so Tony built a raft to float or packs across this big, cold river and then we swam our bodies over. After 2 hours walking up a fire trail through wet sclerophyll forest, we searched for an overgrown track 10 metres past some rusty machinery. It was like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland of the moss covered Tarkine Forest. For the next 5 days we were totally off track, slowly picking our way through the tangle off fallen, rotting, mossy trees and following a trail of difficult to find, pink flagging tapes. Every mossy green image you have ever seen of a temperate rain forest seemed even greener in reality. This was a real wilderness experience because we were nowhere near any type of track for 5 days. Even the flagged trail seldom showed as a path on the forest floor. Very few walkers come this way. We camped the first night in a fairy-tale glade beside the Pinner River with our tents scattered around the few flattish spots between tree ferns and immense moss covered trees. There is lots of rain in a rain forest and it was Cold because it’s a “temperate” rain forest! The rain set in on Day 2 and we lunched under a leaky tarp at the abandoned Junction campsite and then hiked on through the “Octopuses Garden” with its twisted boughs and exposed roots that were covered in bright green moss, past a small waterfall and finally reached a bigger tarp at the Tarkine Waterfall camp. These camp sites had been established by Tarkine Trails when they were running commercial hikes, but it seems that they don’t offer them now. This was a tough route and not many people would pay a few thousand dollars for these privations. The waterfall is like a huge bridal veil cascading gently over many sedimentary layers. The rain intensified over night and we could tell that Eastons Creek was rising and we knew we had to cross it a number of times. Several small parts of rotting branches dropped on our tent but slid off the sides. We were planning to spend another night here and climb up to a lookout above a button grass plain so that we could look down on the rain forest that seemed to entomb us. John CC and Tony L decided to make a push for the lookout and rejoin us that night, while the rest of us waited for a break in the rain to walk 4 hours to the next camp site named ‘Heaven’. Would it be a bit more celestial than this sodden camp? How deep would the crossings of the creek be? The current was swift at the first crossing point and we searched up and downstream for a better option as a slip would have meant getting washed into a deep pool and then over some cascades. Finally I took off my pack and used my walking sticks to prod across slippery boulders through the knee deep torrent: not as bad as it looked and we all crossed safely. The next crossing looked worse at first, but it was possible to pick an angled route through some shin-deep rapids. “Heaven” camp was still in the beautiful mossy green rainforest but at the top of a ridge. There was another tarp to shelter under but the chill wind had us eating dinner in our tents. It was 5c overnight. From Day 2 we all had one set of dry ‘camp’ clothes and each morning we would have everything packed ready to walk and then it would be ‘ready-set-go’ to all change at once into our wet socks, boots, undies, and everything else and get walking asap to warm them up. Meanwhile I’m sure the rest of you were sweltering in the sticky Northern Rivers! The rain made several more river crossings challenging. On Day 4, the bridge mentioned in the track notes at Lyons River had disappeared so that meant walking above waist height across a gravel ford in a medium current. Our last camp was on the Arthur River and we noted that it had dropped around 30cm overnight. This made the final crossing of the Arthur late on Day 5 a lot easier than it could have been two days earlier. This time we used a stash of garbage bags to wrap everything inside our packs. I then swam a safety rope across where the bridge once was and we swam our packs back to the start of the hike and to the comfort of our dry, warm cars and some indulgent snacks. What an adventure.
Terania Creek, Nightcap NP 24th April 2019
Participants: Alan G, David R and Leader Shane M
The aim of the recce was to continue along below the McNamara's escarpment from the waterfall found on last recce to what appeared to be another creek going over the edge a further 800m south of the last. We started at the Channon at 9:00 and were on the track up Mackays at 9:30. Passing up the left track at the first Y junction arriving at another Y junction after climbing the 200m in 30 minutes. It was downhill then to the left branch of Bat Cave Creek. A few Oohs and Arrs as we ascended the many waterfalls up the creek. A stop for morning tea in the most idyllic of settings then upward along the north bank of the creek and a further climb/scramble of 100m got us to the bottom of the main falls. After a short respite we headed north along the escarpment staying as close to the cliff face as possible. There was a bit of to and fro as we negotiated the many rock outcrops using a 10m tape once. Eventually we arrived at the target at 1:15 and sat at the base of the falls for lunch. At 2:00 we headed off on the ridge to the north of the creek and dropping 100m or so we were confronted with a drop that was beyond our then cordage. Forced back up the slope we contoured to cross the creek and over to the ridge south of the creek. The going was then a lot easier and an occasional logging stump had us looking for the snigging track. Once that was found we were moving along quite nicely and soon arrived at the track to the Bat Cave. It was then just a dawdle back to the picnic area by the usual route. We arrived back at the car at 3.50 after a rather wonderful day in our backyard. You can look forward to this being a club walk soon, grade 4. Shane
Upper Portals Circuit & Montserrat Lookout - Mt Barney NP, 29 to 31 March
Participants: Cecily, Cathy, Kirsten, Stephen, Ian, Claudia, Michelle, Col, Leader Cam.
This was the fourth time (second time as a club event), since 2014, that Cecily & I have done this combination of walks. We have really enjoyed it every time! Two others in the group this time (Cathy & Ian), were also repeat offenders so it must be good. There is an excellent description of several walks in this vicinity in the guide book, “Take a Walk in South-East Queensland” by John & Lyn Daly. Access is via Rathdowney on the Mt Lindsay Highway, then via Boonah-Rathdowney Rd, Newman Rd & Waterfall Creek Rd. The last 5km are on a 4WD track. The program for the weekend was more or less as planned:
Friday morning: Travel by car to the end of the Waterfall Creek Rd.
Friday afternoon: Walk to the Yamahra Creek campsite, near the junction with Mt Barney Creek - about 4km on a good track with one steep (down) section & several creek crossings (dry feet on this occasion). Showers were forecast for the next 24 hours so, after erecting our respective small sleeping tents, we took time out to erect some extra cover (thank you Steve!) over the communal “kitchen” area – quite necessary as it turned out. There was “free-time” at the end of the day for some of us to explore the main attraction – the Upper Portals, a spectacular rock/water feature of Mt Barney Creek.
Saturday: Day walk up a steep ridge (foot pad only – 550m gain in elevation over about 1.6km, persistent rain but no one seemed to mind) to Montserrat Lookout (normally “some of the best views of Mount Barney”, but not today due to cloud cover), returning via a different ridge (foot pad) to the top end of Yamaha Creek & then back (via the Friday afternoon track) to the Yamahra Creek campsite for a second night. Total walking time for the day (excluding lunch & other breaks) was about 3.5 hours. More free time at the end of the day and as the clouds cleared, there was much socialising, with talk, inter alia, of the importance of Vitamin I for those of us in the older age bracket (refer Ian).
Sunday: A leisurely start with more exploration/swimming/lazing in the sunshine by the main pool of the Upper Portals. Bliss!! Then we headed back to the cars via a prominent northern ridge (another foot pad) known locally as “cleared ridge”, steep at first (elevation gain of about 250m over about 1 km) then undulating, with lunch and fantastic views of Mt Barney along the way. Next time: We’ll endeavour to include Mowburra Peak in the circuit. Another good option would be to do a loop walk over several days, eg: starting from the Lower Portals, walk via ridges to the Upper Portals, return via Mt Barney Creek and including a night camping at Barney Gorge junction. Cam
Wollumbin Creek, Wollumbin NP, 9 March
Cecily, David R, Kirsten M, Cherie, Leader Cam
The total time for this (very) exploratory day walk was almost ten hours, without a lot of“time out”. It was a big effort but it was FANTASTIC!! We started walking at about 8:30 from the car park at the beginning of the Wollumbin/Mt Warning summit walk. From the end of the (200m long) track to the Lyrebird lookout, we headed into the bush – climbing steeply and very slowly, picking the easiest route through the rainforest (lawyer vines, “other” vines, land slips, fallen trees, steep-sided gullies, rock outcrops), up and up to the saddle, that forms the watershed between Wollumbin Creek & Korrumbyn Creek (at about GR 274593). It took almost two hours to gain 200 m in elevation over a horizontal distance of less than 1 km – a hard slog. After a brief refreshment break at the saddle, we headed north-west into the Wollumbin Creek catchment. We were soon walking in a steep vegetated gully that evolved into a water course that, as we progressed, joined other small tributaries to become a beautiful rocky creek and our “track” for the rest of the day. A lunch break was taken about 1:00 just above the creek junction at 265603. By this stage, the creek was becoming more substantial with huge boulders, numerous small cascades and occasional clear deep pools. Rock/boulder-hopping, with the occasional falter, was the usual mode of travel but the gradient, while constantly quite steep, was quite manageable, without any major waterfalls to negotiate. We were at the main creek junction (GR 259608) by about 2:30. The gradient eased and after several more hours of rock/boulder hopping and wading in this delightful place, the walk concluded at about 6:00 with a proper swim at “the fridge”, a large deep pool, about 500m from our end point near Tyalgum Rd, just before the creek joins the Oxley River. The total descent from the saddle was about 580m. An idea for next time: start from Brummies Rd (approx. GR 232585) and join the creekfrom the saddle between Cedar Creek and Wollumbin Creek (approx. GR 239593). This would avoid the initial hard, steep climb of the 9 March route but the overall duration of thewalk would (probably) be similar.Many thanks to the landowner for permission to cross his land, at the end of the walk, and park near his house. Also, many thanks to my fellow adventurers who were willing to tackle this one with me – based on scant prior information!
Rocky Creek, Nightcap NP, Scramble to the Source, 11 May
Shane started looking for waterfalls to abseil down along various sections of Rocky Creek about 18 months ago. Over that time, a number of us have done recces on all sections of the Creek and many waterfalls of all sizes have been discovered, as well as a number of cascades running down 45 degree slopes, some more than 100m long and all of this through stunning, World Heritage tropical rainforest. But we had left out the last 600m section where the Creek starts, just below the Nightcap walking track. So last Sunday we AWDed it up North Rocks Rd to the entry into the Nightcap National Park. We then walked through the 4-way intersection with Peates Mtn Rd and then down Tungun Rd, stopping for a billy of tea when we met Rocky Creek. I had scrambled up the 1km section to Gibbergunyah Rd twice before. It was just as stunning as my previous visits, second only to the 2kms below Tungun Rd where the cataracts are bigger and the gorge is deeper. We had a long lunch on the Gibbergunyah bridge before setting off up the ever diminishing Creek. We were hoping to find that the Creek bubbled up out of a spring, but it split into two overgrown branches in the last 200m and as time was getting on we chose to exit to the track via a wide, open ridge. Michelle and Cathy have vowed to go back to find the exact source of this amazingly beautiful stream that provides so much water to the people of the Northern Rivers. Rocky Creek and its parallel twin, Gibbergunyah Creek must be the Jewels of NIghtcap NP and only a handful of us Clubbies have had the privilege to scramble its 7km length. Steve
Mann River Hike/Lilo Recce – 8 to 10 March
Participants: Karl S, Simon CC, Shane M and leader Alan G
We met at Mann River caravan Park Jackadgery on the Friday night and settled into drinks and dinner whilst discussing our plans for an early start next morning. Left camp around 7.30am and drove west a few kms before turning onto Cangai Rd then followed the 4WD track up into the Gibraltar Range NP. Turning right at (GDA 488 243) we were soon stopped by trees over the road but managed to clear them with a chainsaw and many hands. After several stops we eventually came across a large tree too big to move so we sent our driver back to camp and continued along our way. Our hike started earlier than anticipated!
We followed the track and spotted Lyrebirds plus a Red Bellied Black Snake, and it took 3.5 kms to reach our start (447 249) We had a short stop there and into the forest we plunged soon locating our ridgeline (446 248) We began our slow descent over 800m to the Mann River which we arrived at (430 221) around 1.00pm. A swim was definitely in order (38 degrees) and we languished in the low pools before having a bite to eat for lunch. We traversed the Mann River with little opportunity to lilo due to the low water levels. Simon however managed to make the most of it as he was armed with a paddle! Myself, Shane and Karl decided walking would be quicker and our goal was to reach the confluence of the Mann and Nymboida in a decent time frame. This was slow, hot work with regular swim breaks required and plenty of water for rehydration.
We finally pulled up around 6.45pm and stopped to set up camp at (475 196) which was a very pleasant camp site. Shane and I were sans tent so when the rain came in at 4.00am next morning we were scrambling for cover! We were early to rise and left the camp around 7.00am with hopes of meeting up with the Nymboida by 10am. This was unrealistic and we eventually arrived at 12.00pm with a lot of country to cover. Simon set off ahead to see if he could reach Jackadgery by 5.00pm and we departed shortly after on our lilo’s however we soon discovered without paddles and with such low water we would be unlikely to get back till very late, so lilo’s and us - a little deflated - we set off for the march back. Many stops for swims and water and we put in a very big day and arrived back into camp by 5.00pm, just ahead of Simon who liloed most of the way. Total distance around 30km. The pool and a cold beer were utilized for our debrief before departure. In summary higher water, paddles for the lilo’s and allowing for 3 days would make the trek much more enjoyable and would allow for a more realistic time frame. Still a great weekend though with a great team in unique country. What is that saying about being up the creek without a paddle….
Cobb o Corn Creek Recce , Toonumbar NP, April 27
Participants: Alan G, David R and Leader Shane M
The original club listing of Kinanes and Watson was cancelled as not enough takers. It was decided to do an investigation of Cobb o Corn Creek at Toonumbar NP. The intention was to find another day walk to add to a camp at Iron Pot Creek. The map shows the creek following down beside Forest Range Road from just below Poor Bullock Road and ending at an access road on the bottom edge of the NP. So after a suggestion from David that walking upstream was preferred to downstream, we drove into the access road at the bottom and stopped just short of the Private Property sign at the creek. We started the walk along the creek at GR793-420 with much trampling of lantana and over and under vines etc, not much fun at first. Soon we were clear and alternating between rock pools, small rocks and rock slabs. .At about GR788-435 we had the first of many cascades rising a metre or two at each one. The lantana disappeared and we were in a pristine rain forest creek with all usual ferns, palms and strangler figs. We proceeded until 12:45 arriving at GR789-438 a good possible campsite and had a brew. After the break we headed off, more of the rock slabs with the occasional detour to the banks of the creek. At GR789-444 we came to a fair sized pool being feed by a 30m~40m waterfall. The original intention had been to reach the top of the creek, however as we were at the closest point to the parallel road we decided to follow a barely discernible track that lead from the top of the falls west towards the road. After a time the track started running parallel to the road and we opted to do the 60m of steep climb to the road emerging at GR786-444 at 2:30. It was then just a matter of the downhill walk along the road to the start, a distance of 3.5km done at a leisurely pace. In summary we found the bottom 30% of the creek not so pretty but from there on worth the effort. The next thing is to start where we left off and complete the top section of the recce of this seldom visited section of Toonumbar. Shane
Upper Cobb OCorn Creek Toonumbar NP, June 1
Participants Alan G, David R and Leader Shane
We arrived at Iron Pot Camping Ground for a 9:00 start and piled into one vehicle and made our way to approximately where we left the creek the previous time. A little thick and steep near the road then the understory opened up as we followed a gully down to the main creek. We emerged at the creek at 787-545 which was up stream from the larger waterfall in the previous trip. We then went downstream the 350m to check our position by seeing the falls. Now we started the upstream recce. There were numerous waterfalls and cascades none of which were as large as the previous, disappointing in a way as we expected there to be fewer but higher falls. After 2 hours, 2.2km and an ascent of 162m we arrived at the road crossing 780-458 we then walked back down hill to the car 2.0km and 56m. No big waterfalls in this section but never the less a most rewarding walk and we will be adding this to the clubs repertoire. Shane
Smith's Creek Toonumbar NP, June 2
Participants Alan G, David R and Leader Shane M
We spent the Saturday Night huddled around the fire brazer in the hut at the camp ground not sharing the park with anyone. It rained overnight. 9:00 in the morning we moved vehicles to the gate at the entrance to Cobb OCorn road and piled into one vehicle and drove up to Poor Bullock Road. We then set off down the track getting wet by the long grass and the shower from every bumped tree branch. We followed Poor Bullock for 2.7km taking the right track at the intersection with Eden Creek Falls track. A further 500m down Nobles Track at 805-453 we left the tracks and headed down to the Smith's Creek. A slippery and precarious descent of 800m and 200m descent. Reaching the creek we headed up stream. There were many cascades and three 10m waterfalls in the next 1km and 85m ascent. At 797-453 while skirting around a larger waterfall we inadvertently left the main creek and it took 260m and 50m ascent before we realized our error. We then decided that the best option was to return to the track which we did arriving at 798-456 after 400m and 103m ascent. Back on the track we headed back to the car arriving there after a total of 7.7km, 376m ascent and 4 hours. On the way out we noticed a track heading down a ridge line at 485-457. The next time we will recce down this track to the source of Smith's. Synopsis, it has potential for a club walk but needs further exploration from the top down. Shane
Mt Hobwee Walk July 21 – 800m vertical ascent, 13km return, Grade 4.
Walkers: Tony L, Cathy H, Kevin W, Peter W, Suzi R, Steve M, Barbara S,
At 1164m, Mt Hobwee is higher than Mt Warning (1156m). We started at the Numinbah Gap border gate (417m) at around 8am on a bright sunny day. Looking up at the steep, narrow ridge, it seemed impossible that there was a way up. We were soon under the extensive cliff overhang that is Bushrangers Cave. It was extremely steep after the Cave, but with plenty of saplings and roots to grab, we steadily ascended to our first views over the Tweed Valley to the south from Wagarn at 960m. It was time for morning tea.. After Wagawn the rough track joins the Lamington path network and we met several groups who had walked out from Binnaburra. Whilst there are no views from Mt Hobwee, we had spectacular views northward along the way from Warumblebah lookout and Darrayabroo lookout. Having carried 2 litres of water each, it was surprising to pass a permanent water source not far below the summit. It was flowing quite well despite the drought. By 3pm we had descended back to the cars , and basking in the winter sun, we feasted on chocolate and Tim Tams, washed down with cups of tea. This was a tough walk but well worth repeating. Of course the wonderful group of people made it a special day. Leader Lucy B.
Rummery circuit walk in Whian Whian, July 28 2019
Faye, Marie, Moira, Joan, Vance, Patsy, Patricia, Val, Kerrie, Brian, Linda, Mark, Karen, Russell, Irene, Jean
Under cloudless skies and cool temperatures 16 walkers set off from the newly refurbished Rummery Park campground and picnic area at 8:30. With temperatures at a low 12 degrees there were no slow coaches as we briskly walked down the Rummery management trail to the causeway crossing over Rocky creek. Then, having warmed up, we started the slow walk UP the hill for the next two hours to the junction with Tungun Road. All agreed it was mighty nice to reach THE TOP and finally stop for morning tea and to ease aching muscles. After a suitable break everybody proceeded further into the forest on the management trail that is now, after recent road works, far superior to the road to Minyon falls.
Although being promised no further uphill walking (when really there is) there was no mutiny and we followed Tungun Road to the Junction with Peates mountain road and North creek road where we found out the history of the Postmans track and the Terrania creek protests and gladly walked downhill back to Rummery Park while indentifying the following birds: Paradise Riflebird: Logrunner: striated pardalote: Cockatoos; Eastern Yellow Robin, Brown Thornbill etc.
A very enjoyable walk at the best time of the year with a good workout for all those muscles that don’t get used everyday. 16km with 533 metres of elevation ascent and descent and 5 hrs 29 minutes of walking. Mark
Upper Rocky Creek waterfalls, July 30
Walkers: Michelle M, David W, Irene, Noel, Peter H, Margie H, Stan S, Barbara, Sally D, leader Steve
We started walking at the Nightcap National Park locked gate on North Rocks Rd at an altitude of around 500m having driven up through around 300m. We didn't feel too guilty about driving the first 3kms as our walk would peak at 830m, all along difficult rainforest scrambling beside the cascades of Rocky Creek.
We boiled the billy for morning tea on the Tungun Rd bridge over Rocky Creek and then spent more than an hour climbing past some of the most beautiful waterfalls and rock features in this World Heritage wilderness. After 160m vertical and 1000m horizontal (and snagging on countless lawyer vines) we reached Gibbergunyah Rd in time for lunch. It was a perfect sunny, winters day and a good break with very congenial company. This was the fourth time I had done this stretch. Each time seems more wondrous than the last.
This was the second time for some of us to push on up the section from Gibbergunyah Rd to the Nightcap track.. 150m vertical in 600m distance. Halfway through this part last time, we followed a fork to the right. This time it had no water in it so we went left hoping to find the source of Rocky Creek, perhaps bubbling out of a spring. Despite our fantasy, the top of the stream just fizzles out in a gully of rocks and thick vegetation. In the last 200m to the track, we blundered onto a ridge line covered with lawyer vine, so we traversed across to the top of the right fork which had less sunshine and therefore less lawyer vines. We were glad to finally reach the track. I always marvel at the feeling of bursting out of thick scrub onto a track. The track suddenly represents an outreach of civilisation, no matter how remote, compared to the wilderness you have just escaped from! Then it was a pleasant walk down the narrow Nightcap path to the 4-ways and back down North Rocks Rd to the utes. We probably won't scramble that final section of the Creek again as it doesn't quite match the water-wonderland of the rest of Rocky Creek.
Mezzanine Ridge to East Peak, Mt Barney, 13 July 2019
Walkers Gary W, Alan G & Karl S
The idea was to also descend Mezzanine as I (Karl) have never descended it. The weather was perfect, being dry, with blue skies and a mild temperature. We left Yellowpinch at 5.00am. It is a straight forward walk along the South Ridge track to a steep ridge which meets the Mezzanine Ridge. The crux of the ridge is a short downclimb, where a tape was used for anyone who felt more comfortable using it. Once past this crux , there is an upward climb mainly through scrub which was much easier to negotiate this year compared to last year’s climb. This was probably due to a storm passing through last year as there were many trees knocked over. At the next headwall the route veers to the right which leads to as easy 10 metre rock climb which has good hand and footholds. Last year we used tape for this section but this year this wasn’t necessary for the climbers on the trip.
This leads to another headwall where the easiest route is to descend the grassy slope afterwhich there is another rock scramble up a gully which reaches the gradually ascending summit plateau, ending up on East Peak at 11.05am. In 9/8/08, at this second headwall, we climbed a small hand & foot hold wall to the right, to reach an exit crack to the summit plateau, however, when we looked at that same wall this time we regarded it too loose with soil (not safe) as a bushfire is likely to have destroyed the previous, well established vegetation.
Left the summit at 11.35am and descended the same route, except somehow we missed the grassy slope (which we would have had to ascend and then downclimb the 10m rockclimb.) Downclimbing is harder than climbing up, but we managed our descent quite well and the crux section where we used the tape earlier was managed without it. 2.20pm at the South Ridge intersection and 3.30pm back at the cars. Another rewarding Mt Barney day. Thanks, Karl
Long Leaning Ridge, Mt Barney, 20 July 2019
Walkers Alan G & Karl S
The last and only time that I (Karl) have ascended this was on 1/9/2007 (12 years ago). Left Lower Portals carpark at 5.30 am and walked to Barney Creek Camp over the ridge line. From the camp area, the start of Long Leaning Ridge is across Barney Creek, a short way downstream. Ascending an obvious gully, a short rock wall on the right side is encountered. The gully continues up and crosses a couple of small saddles, which appear to be the only forward.
This ends up at the crux of the climb which 12 years ago I rated as a Grade 11 rock climb. It is a 10m corner crack and from memory, 12 years ago, when nearly at the top I veered right onto the face of the wall as there were two very small ledges for toe holds, then pulled myself up over onto the mantle shelf. However, this year I used a Rock (Size 9) Friend (Size 1.5) and a sling over a bollard right at the top of the crack. A foot sling was also used to assist with reaching the top. Four runners were used. Once the crux was climbed (which took 1.5hours) we reached the ridge which was a scrubby ridge.
Just before the end of Long Leaning Ridge, where it meets Short Leaning Ridge (696 725), there is an obvious large rocky knife edge (similar to the Breadknife in the Warrumbungles). This was bypassed by scrambling along the foot of it on the south side. We were then able to ascend back onto the ridge through scrubby gullies. We both tried a different gully & they both ended up intersecting with Short Leaning Ridge, at the base of Leaning Peak. The intersection with Short Leaning was reached at 1.30pm.
As this didn’t leave us much time before dark, we decided to descend Short Leaning Ridge. The trick is to stay on the ridge which leads off in a NW direction. There are quite a few inviting slabs which lead off to the right (looking down). If these are descended then you will probably end up on unclimbable steep sections which would require constant abseiling, therefore requiring time to organise the abseils etc. We felt it was safer and easier to stay on the ridge and when we veered off the ridge which happened a couple of times we either had to carefully traverse or climb back up to the ridge.
We made it back to the Lower Portals in the dark (5.30 pm) & ended back at the car park at about 7.00 pm. A long day on probably one of the hardest walking routes Mt Barney has to offer. Thanks for the fulfilling day. Karl
Leaning Peak via Short Leaning Ridge, Mt Barney, 4 August 2019
Walkers Karl S and Alan G
The weather was great with clear blue skies and a mild winter temperature. A car shuffle was organised. We left one car at the Mt Barney Lodge turnoff and drove to Lower Portals carpark. Started walking 5.00am, past Lower Portals to Barney Waterfall. Exiting Barney Creek at Barney Waterfall there was an obvious recent, very large boulder that had fallen down from the steep soil slope/cliff line. We had noted this a fortnight beforehand when we descended Short Leaning Ridge.
The whereabouts of Moonlight Slabs has been a mystery to many, but one recent bushwalker, suggested that it is the name of the rock pools which are just above Barney Waterfall which we crossed at 7.39am. Others suggest that Moonlight Slabs are higher up, closer to Isolated Peak and North Pinnacle saddle. Nevertheless, the watercourse with its rockpools was dry and crossing it leads to the start of the Short Leaning Ridge.
Short Leaning Ridge is always a pleasurable rock scramble/climb as it is mostly clear of scrub if you stay on the ridge. The ridge provides nice sections of rocky friction climbing mostly with good hand and foot holds, but care must still be taken. About 7/8 of the way up, just before the last section of ridge to the summit is the crux which is climbed without any aids by an experienced climber. There are a couple of ways to climb the crux, the harder being the more exposed. We climbed the less exposed route. By the time we realised that we that we were on the crux, we had already climbed through it and it was too late for any photos. This also occurred to me in the past as we approached the crux from a different route/angle and over the years the vegetation has changed from being somewhat bushy with green vegetation around, to bare, following fires a few years ago. Now, it is looking more vegetated compared to a few years ago. Once past this crux it’s a short easy scramble to the summit which we reached at 11.00am.
We set off at 11.30 after an early lunch and the obligatory summit photos (pictures were added to the club’s FB page on 10 Aug 2019 and may also be on the club’s website). A short scramble down to the opposite side of Leaning Peak leads to the abseil point. This has been set up with a bomb proof ring and carabiners. The abseil is always exhilarating. We used a 50m dynamic rope as we had bought this just in case we had to use it for belaying for the climb up. Dynamic rope stretches under load. It was just long enough to reach the bottom of the abseil. If using a static rope then I would suggest a 60m rope as it doesn’t stretch (the book Bushwalking in SE Qld, suggests a 50m abseil rope, but as suggested if it’s static, it maybe just too short). Once the abseil was completed, it’s an easy scramble up towards North Pinnacle. In the gully just before North Pinnacle is the start of the climb down North Ridge. This is always an exciting downclimb as there are some steep rocky sections where care must be taken. Just after 4.00pm we were back at the Barney Lodge turnoff, where the car shuffle took place. Another great Mt Barney day. Thanks Al. Karl
Eagles Ridge, Mt Barney. 24 August 2019
Walkers: Alan G & Karl S
Mission accomplished. Eagles Ridge completed without using abseil gear. Last time this was completed as a club walk, during which we used abseil gear, was 7/10/06. The notes from that walk might still be found. I have also completed parts of this walk with the club and privately, four times. Despite this, there is always something new to discover. The weather was once again excellent for a hard Mt Barney walk with clear skies and mild weather with a top of 25 degrees C. After organising a car shuffle at the Barney Lodge turn-off, we left Lower Portals carpark shortly after 5.00 am.
At the first abseil point we easily found a way down by descending the obvious eastern ridge. It was a bit of a bush bash to regain the next tower of Eagles Ridge. This was probably due to strong winds having passed through a couple of weeks before. Once regained, we didn’t bother climbing back up to where there is a 10m wall to climb (opposite the 1st abseil point) to regain the ridge, but we skirted around the eastern side to the first gully which lead us up to what appeared to be between the 3rd & 4th towers of Tom’s Tum. Once the ridge was regained, up to Isolated Peak is straight forward although there is one steep climbing section which experienced rock climbers won’t find difficult, however, a tape could assist the less experienced (photos of this climb have been added to the club’s FB page). The top of Isolated was reached at 9.40 am.
After a short rest and food we descended Isolated north & then south peaks. Well before we reached the next major abseil point, namely the south wall of Isolated South Peak, we once again found a way down on the east side. For safety, we used a tape at the very bottom 2-3 metre section as it was downward sloping with a bit of dry moss without any obvious hand or foot holds. This part of the descent was different from an earlier descent I’d previously experienced and from memory the earlier descent consisted of a 5-metre chimney downclimb where you don’t want to slip. Close to where we ended up descending I recognised the earlier downclimb and my attitude towards it remains.Regaining Eagles Ridge is obvious and the ridge continues to a headwall by pleasant ridge walking and where this isn’t possible a downclimb to the scrub in the adjacent gully. At the headwall, in the past we’ve always traversed to the left as everywhere else looks very steep and exposed in places. A direct ascent might be possible but would require time and proper climbing equipment.
Once traversed we ended up at a small obvious overhang which is bypassed on the left side. Al continued straight up but I decided to veer back to the right a few metres to where there was a channel erosion in the hard rock consisting of small foot & hand holds which I call the “Stairway to Heaven”. When it rains these holds would fill with pooling water. We bypassed another overhang on the left side. After about 50-60 metres of such climbing, following the path of least resistance a gully of trees is reached which ascends, diagonally to the right, to the top of the Leaning Peak – North Pinnacle & Eagles Ridge saddle. To stay out of the gully scrub, continuing to climb the rock slabs is possible although in places there was significant leaf little on the rock which should be avoided. We reached the saddle at 1.00 pm (8 hours after starting). Once rested and fed we ascended to North Pinnacle and descended North Ridge. North Ridge is always enjoyable because of the great views it offers and challenging sections of climbing where care is required. We were back at the Barney Lodge turnoff at 4.20 pm and drove back to the Lower Portals carpark to pick up the other car.
It is with interest that I note that in 2006 we started walking at 4.40 am (20 minutes earlier), reached the top of the Eagles Ridge saddle at 11.15 (1¾ hours earlier than this time) but arrived at the Barney Lodge turnoff at 4.00 pm (20 minutes earlier). In comparison, it took us the same time to complete the route, however, we arrived at the top of Eagles Ridge saddle I hour & 25 minutes earlier. Go figure! Well done Al. The ascent of the infamous Eagles Ridge had been achieved without abseil gear. Mt Barney is always such a great experience. Karl
