Family Bushwalkers Inc.

Sat 2 Jul—GOOGONG DAM TO DODSWORTH—9 km Easy
Leader: Paul N. From the Googong Dam picnic area we follow the boundary of the Cuumbeun Nature reserve across a saddle to follow Valley Creek to the outskirts of Queanbeyan. Total climb 150m. The creek banks are open scrub. Car shuffle required. Cars: 13 km ($2). Maps: Hoskinstown, Bungendore and Canberra. Meet at Q.

Sun 3 Jul—MOUNT LOWDEN BY LOWDEN TRIG FIRE TRAIL—12 km Medium (9). Leader: Peter W. This walk is in the Tallaganda State Forest east of Rossi. We will leave our cars on the saddle of Lowden Road and walk to the trig station mainly using the Lowden Trig Fire Trail, but with 0.5 km along the summit ridge which is grassy with fallen trees. A very variable forest, and a straightforward winter walk, mostly on hard road. Total climb 300 m. Cars: 80 km, part gravel ($8). Map. Bendoura. Meet at Q.

Wed 6 Jul—BLACK MT PENINSULA & ANU—6 km Easy
Easy Wednesday walk. Leader: Margitta A. Walk from Black Mountain Peninsula to ANU and return by circular route, looking at sculptures and new and old buildings. Morning tea at Screensound if open. Meet at the first car park on the Peninsula near the new toilets at 9.00 a.m.

Sat 9 Jul—MOUNT TUMANANG, TALLAGANDA NP—11 km Medium (10)
Leader: Peter W. We drive to Captains Flat, then 16 km south almost to Sherlock Creek, then 3 km east to the top of the hill. This is a walk on the eastern and dryer side of the National Park, starting in a (failed) pine plantation and parkland lower slopes with big widely separated Eucalyptus trees and tussock, and going up into the true forest, then mallee-habit trees at the peak. Most of the 500 m total climb is of gentle grade, with only 80 m steep. Almost all off-track, minimal scrub. Much modified NPA walk. Cars:126 km ($13). Map: Tinderry. Meet at Q

Sun 10 Jul—MT AINSLIE & MT MAJURA CIRCUIT—13 km Easy (7)
Leader: John C. From Mt Majura car park we climb Mt Majura and then walk to Mt Ainslie. We follow one of the trails down the west side of Mt Ainslie and return to the cars over the saddle between the two mountains. 400 m of climbing. Map: ACT 1:100 000. Meet at Mt Majura car park in Antill St, north end of Hackett, at 9.30 a.m. Note starting time. ***

Sat 16 Jul—DUNTROON DAIRY—6 km Easy
Leader: Margitta A. This half-day walk takes us over Mt Pleasant through Campbell and allows us time to look over the Duntroon Dairy before return to the cars. Meet at boat ramp car park, Menindee Drive, at 9.00 a.m.

Sat 16 Jul—CAMELS HUMP—12 km Medium (9)
Leader: Ailsa L. From the top car park at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve we walk along the fire trail to Camelback Ridge and the Camels Hump for lunch. Good views over the Cotter valley and beyond. Return by same route. Total climb 550 m. Cars: 70 km ($7) Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at K.

Sun 17 Jul—COOLEMAN RIDGE NATURE RESERVE—Easy
Family Walk. Leader: Steve C. A walk through grassland and woodland toward Mt. Arawang. Meet at Guinness Place Chapman (Gregory’s Map B5), 10 a.m.

Sun 17 Jul—MOUNT MAJOR—14 km Medium (10)
Leader: Bob G. We were unable to finish this walk on 19 February, but by making it slightly shorter it should be achievable. Mostly on undulating fire trail, plus a 1.5 km climb through fairly open bush to the summit. Return the same way. Total climb 550 m. Cars: 80 km ($8). Map: Bombay. Meet at Q.

Wed 20 Jul—MT STROMLO—6 km Easy
Easy Wednesday walk. Leader: Annabel A. Walk up Mt Stromlo from the north-western side and have morning tea at the kiosk on top. Stroll around the remains of the buildings and read the helpful information plaques now in place.

Leader Trevor B. From the locked gate beyond the Burbong Bridge on the Kings Highway we head north west to find the fascinating ruins of the William Collier Homestead (096 888) and thence to the Glen Burn Homestead further north for lunch. We then visit an old woolshed and a small private graveyard before returning by forest track and Charcoal Kiln Road. Cars: 20 km ($2). Map: Bungendore. Meet at Q.

Sat 23 Jul—BIG HOLE & MARBLE ARCH—13 km Medium (8)
Leader: Jillian B. After fording the (generally 30 cm deep) upper Shoalhaven River, an easy walk of about 2 km leads to the spectacular Big Hole—120 m deep. A further 3–4 km along tracks and fire trails takes us to the Marble Arch site. We then explore some short caves and gorges, which are unusual but very uneven and may be slippery. You may wish to bring ‘Dunlop Volleys’ for the river crossing and/or caves. Do bring a torch. Total climb 240 m. Cars: 200 km ($20). Map: Kain. Meet at Q at 8.00 a.m. Note early start ***

Sun 24 Jul—GIBRALTAR ROCKS TO DEVILS GAP—10 km Medium (8)
Leader: Judy G. A steady climb of 300 m from the old visitors centre site, Tidbinbilla Nature Park, up to Gibraltar Rocks, and then following fire trails across to Devils Gap for lunch. Back to the starting point, avoiding the road. Total climb is 550 m, but all on trails. Cars 60 km ($6). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at K.

Sat 30 Jul—ORRORAL VALLEY HILL 1339—12 km Medium (9)
Leader: Allan M. The objective of this walk is to have lunch on rocks near point 1339 overlooking the valley. This walk is mainly on trails; 3 km is through reasonably open forest, 1 km of which is a steep descent. Climb is 200 m on road and 200 m through forest. Cars:100 km ($10). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sun 31 Jul—TWO BRIDGES WALK—Easy
Family Walk. Leader: Cathy F. Power kid walk over the Commonwealth and Kings Avenue bridges seeing the sights of the city and lake. Meet at the castle playground feature inside Commonwealth Park (through the tunnel at the parking area off Constitution Avenue), 10.00 a.m.

Sun 31 Jul—LONDON BRIDGE & CURLEY FALLS—10 km Easy (7)
Leader: Russell F. Walk to the Queanbeyan River via London Bridge, then along the riverbank to Curley Falls for lunch. The banks are scrubby in places and rocky so I suggest long pants, long socks or gaiters. Some wading possible. We will then climb steeply but slowly to regain the fire trail that leads back to London Bridge. Climb: 100 m. Cars: 50 km ($5). Map: Captains Flat. Meet at Q.

Sat 6 Aug—JERRABOMBERA WETLANDS—2 km Very easy
Very young family walk. Leader: Val B. It is time to start off another group of younger family walkers, now that our first group is a little older. (See also Sat 3 Dec.) Ages will be from babies to six- or seven-year-olds. These will be short walks. You will need drinks and a little food for the mid-walk break. Grandparents and grandchildren welcome. Meet at the car park at the Jerrabombera Wetlands, Dairy Flat Road, at 10.00 a.m. Cancelled if it rains.

Sat 6 Aug—BIG BADJA & WOILA LOOKOUT—8km Medium (8)
Leader: Paul N. From Pikes Saddle walk along the fire trail to Big Badja for views across to the ocean, Mt Dromedary and to the Main Range of the Snowy Mountains. Then through medium scrub to the magnificent view over the Woila Gorge for lunch. Total climb 350 m. Cars: 240 km ($24). Maps: Badja, Snowball. Meet at Q.

Sun 7 Aug—BACK OR GRASSY CREEK CIRCUIT—13 km Easy (7)
Leader: John C. Walk from the locked gate at Naas Creek to Bulls Flat Creek. Walk along Bulls Flat Creek, cross to Back or Grassy Creek and finish at Brayshaws Hut. Car shuffle required. 150 m climb. Cars: 120 km ($12). Map: Yaouk. Meet at K.

Sat 13 Aug—LEGOLAND & ELEPHANTS NEST, ORRORAL RIDGE—12 km Easy (7). Leader: Allan M. Walk from the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station collimation tower car park to a series of rock outcrops named by rock climbers of the ANU Mountaineering Club in the 1970s. These include Legoland, the Sentinel, Easter Island, and Elephants Nest. There should be good views of the Orroral Valley and Namadgi peaks. Return by roughly the same route. Undulating with small climb less than 100 m. Cars: 80 km ($8). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K

Sun 14 Aug—THE PINNACLE—Easy
Family Walk. Leader: Anne R. A pleasant 3 km walk through grassland and open woodland with great views from the Pinnacle. Meet next to Springvale Road, Weetangera, opposite junction with De Salis Street, 10 a.m.

Sun 14 Aug—THE PIMPLE FROM TIDBINBILLA PEAK—10 km Medium (10)
Leader: Doug F. Walk 2 km along the Camelback fire trail then climb up the spur to Tidbinbilla Peak and then on to the Pimple for lunch. A 700 m climb. Return through open bush to Snowy Corner and down the spur to the old Lyrebird Trail and then back to the car park. Cars 60 km ($6+park fees). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.

Fri 19 Aug—POTLUCK DINNER
Coordinator: Mary L. We will enjoy a meal together where each person brings along an agreed part of the dinner to share. There will be a limit of 30. Meet at 6.30 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. at Chapman All Souls Church Hall, just east of Chapman Shops. Please book with Mary before Tuesday 16.

Sat 20 Aug—POINT 1373—8 km Medium (8)
Leader: John C. From Orroral follow the track to Nursery Creek and a faint footpad to the saddle above Rendezvous Creek; and then climb off track towards the south to the rocky knoll marked 1373 m. After lunch head down to Nursery Creek and return to the cars on the track. Total climb 320 m. Cars: 100 km ($10). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Sun 21 Aug—MIDDLE CREEK CASCADES—10 km Easy (7)
Leader: Peter B. Starting at the Yankee Hat car park, we walk along the track to the rock paintings for morning tea. We then cross to Middle Creek to take in the many cascades. We leave the creek near Gudgenby Homestead and return to the cars. Total climb 250m. Cars: 110km ($11). Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk. Meet at K.

Sat 27 Aug—MONGA NP—18 km Medium (9)
Leader : Peter W. This walk is on roads through forest. We start south of McCarthys Creek ford, travelling south, then east on Macquarie Road, then back on Stoney Creek Road. Total climb 400 m. Cars: 190 km ($19). Map: Monga. Meet at Q.

Sun 28 Aug—BULLS HEAD CAMP-OVEN EXTRAVAGANZA, MARK II—Easy
Family Walk. Leader: Michael D. We will do a short loop walk (yes really this time!) from Bulls Head Picnic Area on fire trails in Namadgi National Park. Then we will have a camp oven extravaganza lunch/afternoon tea with damper and scroll cooked in camp ovens back at Bull’s Head. Bring morning tea and a BBQ lunch. Cancelled if it rains. Meet at Junction of Brindabella Road and Uriarra Road, west of Canberra, 10 a.m.

Sun 28 Aug—GOOROOYARROO WOODLAND RESERVE TO MULLIGANS FLAT—10 km Easy. Leader: Marilyn H. An easy walk on track through Canberra's newest nature reserve to Mulligans Flat through yellow box and red gum grassy woodland and brittle gum open forest. Nice views of Black Mt and the Brindabellas. Short car shuffle required. Map: Hall. Cars: Nil. Meet 9.30 a.m. at car park on Horse Park Drive, Gungahlin. Note starting time.***

Sat 3 Sep—SHERWOOD RUINS & MT DOWLING—10 km Easy (7)
Leader: Robyn K. Relaxing ramble from Blue Range Hut to Sherwood Homestead site. Morning tea at cascades followed by lunch on Mt Dowling. Cars: 90 km ($9). Map: Cotter Dam. Meet at W.

Sun 4 Sep—MT ORRORAL—10 km Medium (11)
Leader: Mac K From the Orroral Tracking Station car park we follow the Granite Tops Walking Track to the lunar laser ranging station. Turning SW, we head to the top of Mount Orroral, then follow the ridge NW for about a kilometre before descending back to the walking track and thence back to the car park. Total climb 700 m. Cars: 90 km ($9) Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Sat 10 Sep—PEMBERTON (TRALEE) HILL TO ENCHANTED HILL—10 km Medium (8). Leader: Sandra W. An easy walk except for one steep descent (about 150 m) and a steepish, rocky climb up and down Enchanted Hill (about 200 m). We will use a combination of tracks, roads and open woodland. Panoramic views. Interesting flora and fauna. Cars: 10 km ($1). Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at K.

Sun 11 Sep—CAPTAINS FLAT HERITAGE TRAIL—Easy
Family Walk. Leader: Anne R. Come and explore the mining heritage area around Captains Flat, south-east of Queanbeyan and see where all those heavy metals in Lake Burley Griffin come from. Bring along morning tea and lunch, or else have a counter lunch after the walk at the Captains Flat pub. Meet at Captains Flat pub, 10.30 a.m.

Sun 11 Sep—SQUARE ROCK FROM SMOKERS GAP—9 km Easy (6)
Leader: Diana K. An easy walk on track to Square Rock via the Orroral Valley lookout. Good views from both the lookout and Square Rock. Lunch at Square Rock. The climb is a gradual 270 m. Cars: 70 km ($7). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K at 9.30 am. Note starting time. ***

Sat 17 Sep—CUUMBEUN NATURE RESERVE—8 km Medium (8)
Leader: Jan B. A very short drive from Queanbeyan and 1 km along the Captains Flat Road, we head off along a fire trail until we get to a creek which will lead us to a lovely gorge. We will follow this gorge for several kilometres for views over Queanbeyan. Return the same route. Some ups and downs. Cars: 20 km ($2). Map: Bungendore, ACT 1:100,000. Meet at Q.

Sun 18 Sep—KAMBAH POOL TO PINE ISLAND—8 km Easy (5)
Leader: John M. From Kambah Pool along the recently restored path, by the Murrumbidgee to Pine Island. Views of river and red rocks. Car shuffle. Cars 20km $2. Meet at K.

Sat 24 Sep—NURSERY SWAMP TO RENDEZVOUS CREEK—12 km Medium (7)
Leader: Robyn K. A steady climb on Nursery swamp track to saddle, nearly level over swamp and to next saddle, then downhill to cross Rendezvous Creek. Walk parallel to the creek to a lunch spot beside refreshing cascades. Return via same route. Total climb is 400 m. Cars: 100 km ($10). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Sun 25 Sept—MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER & SHEPHERDS LOOKOUT—8 km Easy (6). Leader: Olivia D. From East Uriarra we follow a track across open country to cross the Molonglo River. We climb 100 m to Shepherds Lookout then return via the Molonglo to the Murrumbidgee and back to East Uriarra. Cars: 25 km ($3). Map: Umburra. Meet at W.

Sun 25 Sept—A WALK IN THE HILLS AND AFTERNOON TEA—11 Medium (8)
Leader: Peter B. One closer to home - the leader's Home anyway. Leave your car at the leader's house in Torrens and walk The Farrer Ridge for views of the city and Tuggeranong, then on to Mt. Wanniassa and Isaacs Ridge. Return to Torrens for tea and scones. Total climb 350 m. Numbers limited to 15 so please contact the leader by 21 Sept. Map: Tuggeranong

Mar 2006—TASMANIA PACK-WALKING: EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Doug F is seeking expressions of interest in 2-weeks pack-walking in Tasmania during early March 2006 that will include Frenchman’s Cap. Please phone Doug by end August.

Sun–Sat 19–25 March 2006—TUMUT AREA WALKS—Medium (10-11)
Organizer: Peter W. The plan is to stay a week in Tumut, with six one-day walks on tracks or fire trails. Two walks will be on sections of the Hume and Hovel Track from Thomas Boyd Trackhead (16 km, 250 m climb/950 m descent; 19 km, 300 m climb) walked as day walks. Other walks, in the southwest of the Kosciusko NP, are recommended by the Tumut and District Bushwalkers Inc. Preference will be given to walkers who are FBI leaders. Contact Peter W if interested, and he will send an email with fuller information on the walks and accommodation.