Spring 2009 Walks Program

This version of the walks program does not include leader's contact details. The club program, complete with contact details is sent to members in February, May, August & November each year. If you would like to do a programmed activity with us and aren't yet a club member please e-mail bankstownbush@gmail.com a week before the activity date and we will send the leader's contact details to you.

SEPTEMBER

SAT 5 & SUN 6      BEGINNERS BACKPACK: CARLONS FARM – MEDLOW GAP & RETURN

If you haven’t done an overnight walk before this is your perfect opportunity to try. The walk to our camp site is 10kms, all on fire trails. From camp we will explore Mt Mouin in the Wild Dog Mountains and do a trip to explore the routes via Taro’s Ladders and Duncan’s Pass at the end of Narrow Neck.

SUN 6       Long Reef Headland to Dee Why Lagoon & surf club

We will start and finish at Long Reef Golf Club. The walk features spectacular views and the potential for bird and whale watching. Dee Why has a large selection of restaurants and cafés facing the Pacific Ocean and Long Reef Headland.  Good spot for lunch and swim.  Around 10 km and 4-5 hours walking time.

FRI 11, SAT 12 &  SUN 13   Dungog Pedalfest                    N NO HELMET NO GO!

Dungog Pedalfest is a major fund-raising event for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter - a cause well worth pedalling for! Pedalfest events over the weekend include guided tours through the history of the valley, music, dancing and food at the nearby Bandon Grove School Of Arts, a special film night at the historic Dungog Picture Theatre, local markets - and of course for those who ride a bicycle there's an assortment of cycling activities for all ages and abilities. 

SAT 12      BARDEN RIDGE - MENAI AREA WILDFLOWER WALK

An easy walk in the Barden Ridge area lead by a member of the local Wildflower group. Hopefully we'll see Waratahs and many more native species which should be in full bloom at the beginning of Spring. The walk should be about 8 km. Bring the usual requirements of nibbles, lunch and water. There will be a limit of 15. Contact the leader for meeting place and time.

SAT 12      BUSH DANCE at BANKSTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH

Get out your best bush gear, dust off your dancing shoes and come along for a night of fun and laughter. A chance to meet and make new friends as you progress around the dance floor and work up an appetite to enjoy the supper provided. Prizes for Best Costume. Come and meet and socialise with the members of President Bruce's congregation.

MON 14    CLUB NIGHT AT BANKSTOWN

FRI 18      ICE SKATING - PENRITH ICE PALACE.

Wear warm clothes. Bring kneepads if you wish. Cost including skate hire is: adults $18, students $16, kids under 12 $15, kids under 4 $10.

SAT 19      BARREN GROUNDS NATURE RESERVE

We’ll start with Griffiths Trail, head out to Drawing Room Rocks and then return to the cars via The Natural Stone Bridge and a detour out to Cooks Nose. This walk features spectacular views. Walk distance is 25kms. We’ll be maintaining a steady pace so that we work up enough of an appetite to enjoy the Robertson Pie Shop on the way home.

SUN 20     MT ALEXANDRA CIRCUIT - 40FT falls & 60FT FALLS

This walk near Mittagong features great views and waterfalls.

sat 26      EXPLORING LOOKOUTS & an ABORIGINAL SITE IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

We will drive to Hanging Rock (Blackheath) for a walk (about 8km return), and morning tea enjoying the views. Then we’ll visit a lookout in the Wentworth Falls area followed by a short drive to Kings Tableland for a walk around the outcrops and an Aboriginal site. There are plenty of stone axe grinding grooves on top of the rock outcrop. Also a rock shelter with a few wall engravings (site occupancy commenced about 22,000 years ago). Nice and easy walking.

sun 27     ADVANCED abseil DAY – MYSTERY LOCATION      N NO HELMET NO GO!

This day is for club members who have reached “competent” level who can lock off, change over and prussic confidently. We will be covering some advanced and improvised techniques that we don’t usually have time to teach on a standard practice day. If you have the basics then contact any member of the abseil committee to find out if you will be accepted for the day and to find out where to meet.

SUN 27     Sydney Spring Cycle                                                 N NO HELMET NO GO!

There are four options for rides all ending up at Sydney Olympic Park. Ride from North Sydney 40kms, from Blacktown 45kms, from Liverpool 50kms, and Ride the Park 7km. Option for adding 10km extra when arriving at Olympic Park. Entry fee applies.

OCTOBER

SAT 3, sun 4 & mon 5      BACKPACK: KANANGRA TO KATOOMBA

A chance to do one of the classic Blue Mountains walks for experienced overnight walkers. Please make sure you contact your leader early so that he can arrange transport to the start of the walk. Maximum party size of 8.

SAT 3        ASGARD SWAMP - ASGARD HEAD - MAC KENZIES MINE - THOR HEAD

We will be doing lots of scrambling around in the scrub as we look for old mine adits and ruins. Excellent views over the Grose Valley guaranteed. Bring your cameras! If you are planning on doing Belinda’s walk on Sunday as well, let Lynda know so we can camp together.

SUN 4       MT YORK – LAWSONS LONG ALLEY – COX'S ROAD – MT YORK

Before the current Victoria Pass was constructed other routes were used to descend the far side of the Blue Mountains. This walk follows two of the old roads. About 12 kms.

Sat 10      Rumbalara Reserve in Gosford

By popular request, Sue is visiting a lookout that was missed on the last trip in this area. On this 7km walk we’ll visit three lookouts. Sue has an easier way to go up than last time, but there are still a few steps.

sun 11     abseil PRACTICE DAY                                                    N NO HELMET NO GO!

Club members will be meeting at Yellow Rock at 9am and practicing their abseil skills. We have a limit of 6 beginners, so if you are abseiling with the club for the first time or if you don't own your own gear you will need to book in. There is no limit on experienced abseilers with their own gear.

MON 12    CLUB NIGHT AT BANKSTOWN

TUE 13      WALKS COMMITTEE MEETING

For members of the Walks Committee. Suggestions for the summer program MUST be given to a member of the walks committee by tonight, or they won't make it onto the program.

                   Reminder

Have you sent Thaïs your Bush Telegraph articles yet? Please e-mail them soon to meet print deadline.

sat 17      sublime point – LINDEMAN PASS – federal pass – LEURA FOREST – CLIFF WALK – sublime point

Once upon a time a couple of club members went exploring and found a track. Some research told us that the track was the historic Lindeman Pass. Some exposed scrambling on this one. Distance will be 10 - 15km depending on route chosen, with 300m ascent, on rough tracks. This is a beautiful walk with lush vegetation and memorable cliff and valley views.

sat 17      Scenic Cruise on the Hawkesbury River

The Cruise leaves from Palm Beach and crosses Pittwater and Broken Bay for a brief stop at Patonga before heading up the beautiful Hawkesbury River before stopping at Bobbin Head for lunch (BYO or purchase lunch at the shop). We will then return to Palm Beach arriving back mid-afternoon. This is a great opportunity to see where we usually walk from a different perspective. Cost: $40 or $30 for Concessions.

SAT 24 & SUN 25 BASE CAMP AT COOLENDEL

Coolendel is a camping ground in an idyllic location on the banks of the Shoalhaven River. Regular visitors to the camp sites include kangaroos, possums, goannas, peacocks and wombats. Amenities blocks with hot showers are situated throughout the park for the use of campers. Camping fees apply. We’ll be doing a grade 3 walk up Mt Barron for the views on Saturday. Sunday will be for more leisurely pursuits like hiring a canoe and paddling on the river.

SUN 25     annual 7 Bridges Walk charity walk

This charity walk raises money for the Cancer Council; Diabetes Australia, Heart Foundation and Beyond Blue. It crosses all Sydney's main bridges - Sydney Harbour; Pyrmont; Anzac; Iron Cove; Gladesville; Tarban Creek and Fig Tree. If you walk them all it’s 25kms.

SAT 31 & SUN 1   Cycle trip: Goulburn to Taralga        N NO HELMET NO GO!

This return trip on sealed roads is an undulating 45km each day, so will suit all types of bicycles. We'll be staying at Taralga Hotel c 1876 Saturday night. Rooms - single $44, double $66. We'll eat at the hotel Saturday night and Sunday breakfast. We'd like to have a support vehicle so if anyone is interested in driving there along the scenic Tablelands Way, let Thaïs know. Others who may wish to drive in to join us could enjoy some easy scenic walks in the area.

SAT 31 & SUN 1   CAVING AT COLONG                                         N NO HELMET NO GO!

Colong caves is a very special place, with lots of lovely decoration. We camp at Batsch Camp on Friday night and walk in to the cave early Saturday morning. After a full day in the cave we’ll head back to camp for dinner and a good sleep. The caves don’t require any abseiling, but you do need to be able to climb a bit and wiggle through the dirt.
NB: Date subject to confirmation once we have applied for a permit.

NOVEMBER

Sat 7 & SUN 8          BACKPACK: NARROW NECK - RUINED CASTLE - MT SOLITARY

From Narrow Neck on the outskirts of Katoomba we make our way to Mt Solitary via the Golden Stairs and Ruined Castle. We will make camp on top and have time to explore this exciting area and visit various lookouts before heading back. Lots of wonderful scenery guaranteed.

SUN 8          WOY WOY and BRISBANE WATER OYSTER FESTIVAL

Catch the bus to Ettalong Beach from Woy Woy & enjoy the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival. Return to Woy Woy via Blackwall Mountain & the waterfront. An easy 7km walk apart from going up the Mountain at a relaxed pace.

MON 9         CLUB NIGHT AT BANKSTOWN

SAT 14        Glowworm Tunnel Old Coach Road and Pagoda track

This walk on Newnes plateau is rich in both cultural heritage and varied scenery. Take a torch for when you pass through the Glow Worm Tunnel. About 10kms, all on track.

SAT 14        SPRING BBQ

Bring a plate to share, meat, drinks and a chair and come along to catch up with friends. The fun starts at 5.30pm.

Sun 15        The Forest of Cattai National Park

An easy circuit track that winds through the forest of the eastern part of this national park. A variety of vegetation including scribbly gums, ironbarks, bloodwoods and banksias. The park also shelters several vulnerable bird species. Easy grade 4.8km track. As the drive is approximately one hour from Bankstown car pooling is encouraged. If time permits there will be a stop in Windsor or surrounds to visit Sunday markets or simply enjoy a coffee.

sat 21        MALAIta walls ABSEIL TRIP                                                         N NO HELMET NO GO!

This multi-pitch trip is situated near the Scenic Railway and is short and spectacular.  The first drop is guaranteed to get your pulse pumping. Choice of walk or scenic railway ride back up the hill. Enjoy the views over the Jamison Valley from a different perspective. You’ll need to make sure that your abseil skills are good enough for you to do this trip.

SUN 22        Springwood Blue Gum Forest

Some easy short walks in Deanei Reserve and Else Mitchell Park (along Hawkesbury Road), exploring the Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forest and its special vegetation. This activity will also appear on another club’s program.

TUE 24         Dinner AT PADSTOW TAFE

Another dinner at our favourite haunt for some festive cheer. A booking for 12 has been made at Padstow TAFE meeting at 6.30 pm. For a 3 course meal and complimentary drink the cost will be $25. Extra drinks are available at your own expense.

SAT 28 & SUN 29      SLEEPOVER & DINNER AT BURNING PALMS SLSC

We’ll walk in from Otford and stay overnight in bunk house accommodation at Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC). The walk in from Otford is around 10km each way, and you don’t need to carry a tent, so this is an easy way to experience an overnight walk. Cooking facilities and cold showers are available. You’ll only need to bring a sleeping bag, lunches and Sunday’s breakfast. As well as enjoying a great weekend we’ll be contributing to fund raising for the Burning Palms SLSC. Cost of $35 per head includes accommodation, Saturday’s dinner with wine and a donation to the SLSC.

SUN 29        Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

We will start and finish at Bondi Pavillion and enjoy coffee & lunch at Coogee Beach. The walk is approx 11-12 km or 4-5 hours walking time. Its a mostly level or gently sloping and combines coastal views, a medium gradient cliff top path with occasional seating and several stair cases. If it’s warm enough you’ll be able to have a swim.