Summer 2009 - 2010 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.

DECEMBER

SAT 5        Narrabeen to Avalon

This walk is 11km and takes in the spectacular beaches and headlands of the upper north shore. A few sections of the walk are on streets but most of it is on tracks, beaches and along the foreshore, with plenty of hills thrown in to keep it interesting. We will leave the cars at Narrabeen, catch the bus to Avalon and walk back. Hopefully there will be a sea breeze to keep us cool. Bring your swimmers and I'm sure we can find a beach to swim at.

SAT 5        Cycle: Bicentennial Park to EARLWOOD      !  NO HELMET NO GO!

An easy 40km ride from Bicentennial Park to Adora Chocolates, Earlwood - mainly on cycle paths. Enjoy an indulgent morning tea before riding back to the start. Meeting Place: The toilet block at the Victoria Avenue, Bicentennial Park, Homebush carpark - 3kms from Concord West railway station. Must bring water, pump, spare tube and tools and know how to use them..

SUN 6       IRON COVE WALK – SYDNEY HARBOUR NATIONAL PARK 

It is possible to walk all the way around the foreshores of Iron Cove, doing a loop that brings you back to the starting point. It is a pleasant area to walk where we can visit interesting places like the Rodd family mausoleum, carved out of solid rock in the 19th century. We’ll enjoy lunch by the water’s edge and views of Sydney.  After the walk perhaps we can visit one of the many nearby Italian cafés and cake shops. Make sure you bring a hat and water.

SAT 12      GOVETTS LEAP – GRAND CANYON – EVANS LOOKOUT

Walk starts at the Chalet  Blackheath. We plan to walk around to Govetts Leap and Evans lookout and down into the Grand Canyon with some exploring around the pass and return to the Chalet for an afternoon BBQ.

SUN 13     Dangar Island & Brooklyn

Approximately 5 km of easy walking plus a ferry. This relaxing walk might be a good antidote to the pre- Christmas rush.

MON 14    CLUB christmas party

SAT 19      abseil trip: boars head                                         !  NO HELMET NO GO!

There are 5 abseils on this trip, including the spectacular “slot” abseil. This is a spectacular and popular trip. Strictly limited numbers so book early.

This trip is suitable for beginners who can lock off and prussik.

Sun 20     The Spit to Manly – afternoon walk

Everyone knows this 9 km walk. We'll start at The Spit around 3pm and catch an early evening ferry back to the Quay. Those who want can join me for pub food at the Steyne Hotel at the end of the walk. Max number: 15.

SUN 27     CANYONING: GERONIMO                                             !  NO HELMET NO GO!

A few swims, a couple of abseils and an exciting jump for those who are so inclined.

This trip is suitable for beginners who can lock off and prussik. Wetsuits essential.

MON 28    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 including lots of steps to work up a sweat.

JANUARY

NEW YEAR PERIOD

No other walks or other activities are planned in early January. 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. Make sure you check your e-mail regularly if you would like to find out what people are organising.

SAT 9 – 16  moving base camp: Alpine or semi - alpine areas

Deb is looking for people who are interested in camping in National Parks in the New England Tableland or possibly Victoria. Short day walks of grade 1-2 standard. Camping fees apply. Limited numbers.

SAT 9          Pulpit Rock Walk

This walk from Govetts Lookout to Pulpit Rock and return is about 8km. There are a few ups and downs but basically nothing hard. With great views of the Grose Valley it would be a good walk for any of our newer walkers.

sUN 10        CANYONING: SERENDIPITY                                                             !  NO HELMET NO GO!

This is one of our favourite trips for new canyoners, with lots of abseils and swims. A very pretty canyon to visit, not to mention a great jumping rock at the exit.

This trip is suitable for beginners who can lock off and prussik. Wetsuits essential.

SAT 16 & SUN 17      BASE CAMP & POTENTIAL WALKS

If enough people are interested in camping at Boyd River Crossing with the canyoners and doing some day walks (Grade 3) exploring the Kanangra area something will be organised.

SAT 16        CANYONING: KANANGRA MAIN                                                      !  NO HELMET NO GO!

Kanangra Main is a spectacular trip through one of the steeper gorges of Kanangra-Boyd. It starts with several pitches beside a 150m waterfall and continues down numerous smaller falls. Kanangra Main is a serious undertaking, so the participants on this trip MUST be fit, experienced canyoners who have canyoned with Danny before. Wetsuits essential.

SUN 17        CANYONING: DIONE DELL                                                               !  NO HELMET NO GO!

After the challenges of the day before, Dione Dell offers a gentler alternative. This trip is more of a multi-pitch trip down a creek than a true canyon and is a pleasant day out. The trip ends with spectacular views of the Kanangra – Boyd area from the top of Margaret Falls.

This trip is suitable for beginners who can lock off and prussik.

TUE 19         WALKS COMMITTEE MEETING

For members of the Walks Committee. Suggestions for the autumn 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 your Bush Telegraph articles yet?

SUN 24        A WALK, A SWIM AND FISH & CHIPS BY THE BEACH – ILLAWARRA AREA

We will meet mid-afternoon for a walk up the newly reopened track from Austinmer to Sublime Point. After a refreshing ice cream at the Kiosk enjoying the views we’ll head to Bulli Lookout and then back down the hill.  A dip at the beach at Austinmer to cool off will be followed by fish and chips by the beach before we head home.

SAT 30        WOLLANGAMBE ADVENTURE

A beautiful walk with some great views of the Wollangambe Valley. We'll even have a stroll in the waters of the Wollangambe. [We walk along the river bed for one section]. If you don't want to get your boots wet bring an old pair of sneakers to wear in the river. It is sandy floored and there are only a couple of places you will get wet above the waist.

SAT 30 & SUN 31      CANYONING: CARRA BEANGA                                          !  NO HELMET NO GO!

Carra Beanga is a 2 day trip in the Kanangra-Boyd area. You will need to be confident in abseiling with a large, heavy pack and have considerable canyon experience. Participants on this trip MUST be fit, experienced canyoners who have canyoned with the club before. Wetsuits essential.

SUN 31        Saratoga & Davistown

Another easy walk plus a historic ferry - 5km around the waterfront at Saratoga & Davistown.

FEBRUARY

MUSIC BY MOONLIGHT – SATURDAY NIGHTS

Sydney Olympic Park offers Music by Moonlight during February. This series of free concerts of music from around the world are a club favourite. Bring a blanket and picnic or choose your dinner from a variety of foods available on the night. Further details will be available at www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au. If you notice a concert that you’d like to attend and would like some company, send an e-mail to the club e-mail list at bankstownbush@googlegroups.com, or make sure you check your e-mail regularly if you would like to find if someone else is organising a group.

SAT 6          Two Creeks Track

A shady bushland walk in the middle of the city. The walk starts at Lindfield Oval and follows the creek down to Middle Harbour then along the foreshore to Roseville Marina. The lunch spot will be Echo Point Park near the marina. We will return to the cars via the same track. It will be a 12km walk. If the day is going to be too hot, there is the option to turn this into a late afternoon 6km walk with a car shuffle at the end.

Sat 6 & SUn 7          BACKPACK: PISGAH ROCK – LINCOLN CREEK – DADDER CAVE – ERSKINE CREEK – JACK EVANS TRACK

This walk starts with an adventurous scramble where we will need to use a handline for pack hauling. A short walk on rough tracks takes us to a camp site near a swimming hole. After we set up camp and have a swim we will explore upstream to Dadder Cave.  On Sunday we’ll explore Erskine Creek with more swims along the way.  As it’s a relatively short walk it would suit first time backpackers with a sense of adventure. Dunlop volleys or similar are essential as we won’t be stopping to remove our shoes.

MON 8         CLUB NIGHT

SAT 13        CANYONING: butterbox                                                               !  NO HELMET NO GO!

Butterbox is a great canyon near Mt Hay. There are multiple abseils, some of which can be jumped by the brave (or foolhardy) and an interesting climb out. Wetsuits essential.

SAT 13 & SUN 14      Base camp: Kandos Weir (Dunns Swamp)

We will explore this complex and rugged area from our riverside campsite in the Wollemi National Park. Walks will range from easy strolls along the river to more difficult Grade 3 hikes up rocky prominent peaks in the area. Great swimming & paddling opportunities are available (but no showers or drinking water). Cost approx $5/night.

SUN 14        Porters pass and CentEnNial Glen

This 4 – 6 hour walk follows a track above and below the cliff lines with amazing views of the Kanimbla Valley, rock features and waterfalls. The walk takes in a cross section of plants, with defined changes through the cliff passes and will finish up with afternoon cake and coffee at the Chalet Blackheath.

Sun 14        METROGAINE 6 HR EVENT

Never rogained but want to give it ago? This is a great introduction to rogaining for beginners - if you can read a street directory then you can find the checkpoints. For more experienced walkers it's a great way to test your fitness and navigation skills. For more details, registration and partner finding go to www.nswrogaining.org.

sat 20        Cycle: Bicentennial Park - Brighton Le Sands                     !  NO HELMET NO GO!

Easy 60km ride from Bicentennial Park to Brighton Le Sands, mainly on cycle ways. Enjoy  breakfast or morning tea before riding back to the start.. Must bring water, pump, spare tube and tools and know how to use them.

SUN 21        SYDNEY CITY WALK “Be a ‘Tourist’ in the Heart of Sydney”

We will walk through streets, parks and gardens to discover and rediscover the beauties of Sydney as if we were tourists, visiting a variety of architectural, historical, and artistic buildings. We’ll visit the Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens to enjoy the fresh air and find a spot to have lunch. Places of interest include, Centre Point Sydney Tower , MCA, The Rocks, Opera House (Sunday market) and the attractions of Darling Harbour. The entire walk is interesting, cultural, relaxing and could be done in 5-6 hours.

Tue 23         restaurant night Cafe Mado – TURKISH CUISINE at auburn

Great Turkish food in a lovely cafe and very reasonably priced. Café Mado is at 63 Auburn Road, Auburn. We’ll meet at 7pm. Numbers are limited to 10 so we can talk to one another.

SAT 27 & SUN 28      barcoo swamp - base camp & canyons

Barcoo Swamp is one of our favourite base camps. Come and camp and socialise with other club members. Then either do a canyon or two or explore the Newnes Plateau. Mike will be leading Twister and Tiger Snake. If more experienced members want to come and organise other canyons they are welcome to.

The club’s NO HELMET NO GO! policy applies to all abseil canyons this weekend.

SAT 27        CANYONING: TIGERSNAKE                                                             !  NO HELMET NO GO!

Tigersnake is a favourite canyon of ours which involves 5 – 6 abseils. There are no swims or wades, but you will probably get your feet wet. The exit over pagoda country has great views.

This trip is suitable for beginners who can lock off and prussik.

SAT 27        DEEP PASS & RIVER CAVES CANYONS

You don’t need to be a canyoner to enjoy these 2 short, easy canyons. You’ll get your feet wet. In Deep Pass canyon you’ll have the option of a quick dip if it’s a warm day, and also the opportunity to explore a fascinating area. Note, if you are coming out to camp on Saturday night we’ll put our heads together and find something fun to do on Sunday as well.

SUN 28        CANYONING: twister                                                                   !  NO HELMET NO GO!

Twister (also known as Sheep Dip) involves lots of jumps into water, but no abseils. You must be willing to jump 3 – 4 metres into pools.

This trip is suitable for beginners. Wetsuits essential.

Sun 28        Cabarita to Olympic Park - an afternoon walk

We'll start this 14 km walk by catching the ferry from Olympic Park about 3pm to the start of the walk at Cabarita. We'll finish off (if you want) with pizza at Newington. The walk is flat but only for those who don't mind walking at a fast pace with few rest breaks. Max number: 15