Summer 2008 - 09 Walks Program 

   E-mail   Us

December 2008

SAT 6   ERSKINE CREEK ABSEIL TRIP       NO HELMET NO GO!

Erskine Creek is a dry pre-canyon season training run and provides an excellent opportunity for newcomers to abseil trips to learn a few techniques and tips for use when canyoning. For more experienced abseilers it’s a chance to refresh skills and enjoy an easy trip.

This beginners trip is suitable for those who have had their skills graded at “Provisional Abseiler” level or above.

Grade: Abseiling

Map: Katoomba

SAT 6 & SUN 7  BEGINNER GOURMET BACKPACK & BASE CAMP AT EUROKA CLEARING, GLENBROOK

There are many activities to choose from this weekend. You can do a 5km pack walk in from Glenbrook Station to Euroka Clearing. Alternately, you may decide that car camping is more your thing. There are a number of short walks that can be done, and if the day is warm we may walk to a nearby swimming spot. No matter what your choice of activities we will all meet up at Euroka on Saturday night to prove who can serve up the most outstanding gourmet feast. Without NPWS sticker car entry to park is $7. Camping fees are $10 adult and $5 for children 5-15yrs.

MON 8   CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY

The club Christmas party will start at 7.00 pm. We will once again be having a spit roast in the club rooms $30 pp BYO drinks. A great night guaranteed for those who have booked and paid by the November meeting

SAT 13 DANTES GLEN - EMPIRE PASS - FREDERICA FALLS

A 6km walk that takes in the creeks and waterfalls on the northern side of Lawson. The track crosses the creek several times, is slightly overgrown in some parts and there is about 180m descent and ascent. As the walk will be over by lunchtime you can either stay and have lunch in the park or you can head off early and do more Xmas shopping.

Grade: 2

Map: Katoomba

SAT 13 TIGERSNAKE CANYON     NO HELMET NO GO!

This trip is a good start to the canyon season. You should be able to stay dry in this one, other than your feet. Tigersnake has a few abseils and some lovely narrow slot sections. A great canyon to get into the swing of things if you don’t have much canyon experience.

This beginners trip is suitable for those who have had their skills graded at “Provisional Abseiler” level or above.

Grade: Canyoning

Maps: Ben Bullen &  Mt Morgan

THU 18  10 PIN BOWLING & DINNER AT OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

We’ll meet at 7.30pm at the 10 Pin Bowling centre at George St, North Strathfield  - entry via Bakehouse Quarter. Free customer parking. The cost is $6 per game for adults. If you’d like to be sociable we can also meet prior for dinner at the Outback Steakhouse at level 1, 3 George St, North Strathfield at 6pm. People can check the menu at http://www.outbacksteakhouse.com.au/. Prices vary between $15-$35 for 550gm steaks.

SAT 20 DARGANS CREEK CANYON

Dargans creek is a short, easy canyon that requires no special equipment or wet suits other than a sexy pair of Dunlop Volleys. Many keen canyoners started out on Dargans and keep going back. There will also be optional jumping from the “big” rock for those who dare.

Grade: Canyoning

Map: Hartley

SUN 21  ABBOTSFORD TO OLYMPIC PARK WHARF

We'll catch the Rivercat from Olympic Park Wharf to the start of the walk in Abbotsford around mid-afternoon. This will not be a stroll but rather a reasonably brisk late afternoon walk along the Parramatta River past Dame Edith Walker Hospital, the Kokoda Memorial Track, Rhodes waterfront and Bicentennial Park. If the group is interested, we may finish off with a pizza at Jouliana's at Newington.

Grade: 2

Start: Contact Leader

Seasons Greetings. We hope that all club members have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

CHRISTMAS – NEW YEAR PERIOD

No walks or other activities are planned for this period. If you would like to organise a group to do a walk during this period please e-mail details to the club e-mail list at bankstownbush@googlegroups.com

Top of Page

SUN 4   CIRCULAR QUAY TO WOLLSTONECRAFT

Starting at Circular Quay station we will walk over the Harbour Bridge, then through Lavender Bay to McMahons Point wharf, onto Blues Point, Berrys Bay, Balls Head, Oyster Cove, Berry Island Reserve and finishing at Wollstonecraft station.  Walk is 14 km (according to the book). Make sure you contact the leader as there are two potential meeting places for this one, East Hills station or Circular Quay.

Grade: 2

Map: Street Directory

SAT 10  BALTZER LOOKOUT & HANGING ROCK

This short easy 6 km fire trail walk just past Blackheath takes us to a famous though less visited Blue Mountains scenic icon. We’ll take in beautiful views over the Grose Valley (as always...) while eating lunch at the lookout and returning the same way. After lunch we’ll drive out to Anvil Rock and compare views.

Grade: 1

Map: Mt Wilson

WED 14 WALKS COMMITTEE MEETING

For members of the Walks Committee. Suggestions for the Autumn program must be given to a member of the walks committee or e-mailed to bankstownbush@yahoo.com by tonight, or they won't make it onto the program.

SAT 17  CLOVELLY BEACH – BONDI & RETURN

Who can resist an evening walk along the coast followed by fish and chips on the beach? Stunning coastal views. Total distance around 8 kms return.

Grade: 1

Start: Contact Leader

SAT 24  SYMPHONY IN THE DOMAIN

This Sydney Festival’s Symphony in the Domain is a great night out. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner and drinks and join other club members for a relaxing night under the stars.

SUN 25  HAZELBROOK - ADELINA FALLS - TERRACE FALLS - HAZELBROOK

Wander down from Hazelbrook and into the gully seeing several waterfalls and creeks on the way. There are rock pools so if it's warm (and there's water) you might be able to go for a swim. Walk is on track with several creek crossings and is 10km with 220m ascent with lots of stairs to work up a sweat on.

Grade: 3

Map: Katoomba

SAT 31 & SUN 1 BACKPACK: BUNDEENA TO OTFORD

We meet at Cronulla train station before catching the ferry across to Bundeena for the start of our easy weekend backpack in Royal NP. We will enjoy wonderful coastal walking with plenty of opportunities for refreshing swims. We should get to Otford early Sunday afternoon for our return train home.

Grade: 3

Map: Royal NP

MUSIC BY MOONLIGHT – SATURDAY NIGHTS

Sydney Olympic Park offers Music by Moonlight during February. A series of free concerts of music from around the world in a pleasant, relaxed environment. Bring a blanket and picnic or choose your dinner from a variety of foods available on the night. Further details will be e-mailed to club members when available.

SUN 1   CIRCULAR QUAY – MANLY – COLLAROY – WYNYARD

Meet Circular Quay for ferry to Manly, walk 11 – 12km to Collaroy via beaches, headlands and streets. At the conclusion of the walk we will catch a bus back to Wynyard or QVB. A day tripper ticket is recommended if travelling to and from the city by train. If time permits a dip may be on the agenda for those who wish. Ring the leader by Jan 28th for the start time & location. Limit:15 participants.

Grade: 2

SAT 7   NEATES GLEN - GRAND CANYON - RODRIGUEZ PASS - GOVETTS LEAP

This walk features canyons, rainforest, waterfalls, swimming holes, tall forest and views. It is quite a long walk - listed as six hours of non-stop walking. If it is a warm day bring your swimmers and we will go for a dip along the way.

Grade: 3 - 4

Map: Katoomba

MON 9   CLUB NIGHT – AT THE CLUB ROOMS

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 7.00 pm.

For members of the Management Committee.

GENERAL MEETING 7.30 pm.

Autumn Program available at tonight’s meeting!!!

Club administration, finance & correspondence of interest to members.

Meetings are a chance to chat, socialise, and meet activity leaders. You may also find out about other activities that members have arranged that didn’t make it onto the program.

New members are especially welcome to come and join us.

SAT 14  A WALK ALONG THE CLIFF TOPS: GOVETTS LEAP TO EVANS LOOKOUT & RETURN

We will take the track from Govetts Leap Lookout to Evans Lookout and return, and will include the Braeside Track, Boyds Beach and Horseshoe Falls. 10 – 11km all on track. We will have coffee afterwards at Blackheath. The meeting places for this walk will be at Casula or Glenbrook, so make sure you contact the leader first to find out where and when to meet.

Grade: 2

Katoomba

TUE 17  DINNER AT THE BUDDHA RASKA THAI RESTAURANT

Bookings are essential for this meal at one of our favourite Thai restaurants. We’ll be meeting at 7pm at the Buddha Raksa, 141a Liverpool Road Enfield. Limited to 10

SAT 21 & SUN 22           MT WILSON BASE CAMP

We’ll set up camp among the fire flies at Cathedral Reserve, Mt Wilson and then spend some time exploring the surrounding area. Club canyoners will join us for some socialising around the camp fire after their adventures.  Lots to do this weekend – take a look below and check out what the activities on offer are…

SAT 21  CANYONING: NORTH BOWENS CANYON                NO HELMET NO GO!

An incredibly beautiful canyon with multiple abseils. This canyon is suitable for fit beginners who have attended recent abseil practice days. Wet suits & abseil gear essential.

This beginners trip is suitable for those who have had their skills graded at “Provisional Abseiler” level or above.

Grade: Canyoning

Map: Mt Wilson

SAT 21 WYNNES ROCKS TO BOWENS CREEK LOOKOUT

We will have a leisurely start to the morning at camp before visiting the look-out and Wynnes Rocks and then heading out to the look our at the top of the canyon exit to meet the canyoners. There are some great views from both look outs.

Grade: 2

Map: Mt Wilson

SUN 22  CANYONING: DALPURA                NO HELMET NO GO!

Dalpura is a short but beautiful canyon. There is an optional abseil at the end that is a lot of fun. Wetsuits and abseil gear required.

This beginners trip is suitable for those who have had their skills graded at “Provisional Abseiler” level or above.

Grade: Canyoning

Map: Mt Wilson

SUN 22  MT TOMAH BOTANICAL GARDENS & SOMETHING SPECIAL

There is an aboriginal art site called Cave Hotel which lies close to the Bells Line of Road. We’ll leave the camp site at Mt Wilson and go and look for it on our way to Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens. Well check out the gardens and have lunch at the café before heading home. If you aren’t camping at Mt Wilson we can meet up at the Gardens.

SAT 28  WATTAMOLLA - LITTLE MARLEY BEACH - CURRACURRANG

Say goodbye to summer with a walk, swim and BBQ in the Royal National Park. We'll leave the cars at Wattamolla and walk to Little Marley beach for a swim and morning tea. Lunch will be back at the picnic area at Wattamolla where there are BBQ facilities and a kiosk. After lunch we'll walk down to the swimming hole at Curracurrang for some more swimming and afternoon tea. The walks have some great coastal views. If you don't want to swim you could go for a walk in the park and meet us for lunch or if you don't want to walk you can swim at the lagoon and beach at Wattamolla and guard a BBQ.

Grade: 2

Map: Royal NP

Top of Page

SUN 1   ABSEIL PRACTICE DAY                NO HELMET NO GO!

Club members will be meeting at Ferntree Ave, Woronora at 9am and walking to nearby cliffs to practice their abseiling. 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.