Family Bushwalkers Inc.

WALKS AND SOCIAL PROGRAM

Sat 1 April—BLACK RANGE—17 km Medium (11)
Leader: Peter W. We will drive along the Forbes Creek Road to the saddle, then possibly try to get the cars 1 km up the newly graded fire trail to the north. The plan is then to walk along the fire trails to (the base of) the South Black Range Trig, then do a loop across the undulating plateau, and down a few km back to the cars. Walking is variable, some through fairly rough bush, some along narrow, open grassy flats, and some along fence access trails. Total climb 300 m. Maps: Bombay. Cars: 40 km ($4). Meet at Q.

Sun 2 April—FAMILY WALK—BUNGONIA GORGE & SHOALHAVEN RIVER—Medium family
Leader: Paula W. We will do either the loop trip down Bungonia Gorge or else one of the tracks to the Shoalhaven River. Steep in places. Cancelled if it rains. Please contact Paula if interested. Meet at the first turnoff to Bungonia on eastern side of the Hume Highway at 10.00a.m.

Sun 2 Apr—ROB ROY FROM BANKS—10 km Easy (7)
Leader: Trevor B. This walk is almost all on tracks but is at the upper end of the Easy grade. Before lunch it is mainly uphill to reach the summit of Mount Rob Roy and the track is mostly in the open. After lunch the route is mainly downhill with some undulations as always. An optional extra is a side visit to Big Monks on the way down for anyone with enough energy left, with 1 km and 40 m climb to be added to the walk. Total climb 480 m. Cars: 25 km ($2.50). Maps: Tuggeranong & Williamsdale. Meet at K.

Sun 2 Apr—MT. BURBIDGE—18 km Hard (14)
Leader: Doug F. From the car park near the old Boboyan pine forest, we walk up Middle Creek, then up to Bogong Gap and hence scramble to the summit. Climb about 720m. Return via similar route. Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk. Cars: 110 km ($11). ***Meet at K. at 7.30 a.m.

Navigation training 9 Apr—Contact Trevor B.

Mon–Wed 3–5 April—PACK WALK—MT MORGAN & HALF MOON PEAK—Medium pack
Leader: Richard & Jenny K. From Yaouk side climb 400m up fire trail for 5 km to camp site and then climb Mount Morgan. Second day: climb 500m overall to Half Moon Peak with day pack mostly off track in fire affected forest. Third day: possible visit to Mt Murray (9 km) then return back along fire trail. Cars: 180 km ($18) Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk. Phone Richard or Jenny by 29 March to arrange transport.

Book for Endrick River 14–17 Apr with Doug F.

Sat 8 Apr—POINT HUT CROSSING TO KAMBAH POOL—9 km Easy
Leader: Ailsa L. Enjoy an early autumn walk mainly on track or footpad along the Murrumbidgee, with a short diversion to Stranger Pond. See remnant drystone walls from early settlers and mountain and river views. The track is only occasionally shaded. There will be a short car shuffle. Cars: 20 km ($2). Maps: ACT 1:100 000. Meet at K.

Sat 8 Apr—MOUNT BOLLARD—11 km Medium (9).
Leader: Bob G. Leave cars 10 km south of Captains Flat. Walk up a fire trail to the summit of Mount Bollard, then south along the ridge and across the 200 m deep valley of Ballinafad Creek to Jinjera Hill and the cars. Total climb 400 m. Cars: 110 km ($11). Maps: Tinderry. Meet at Q.

Sun 9 Apr—NAVIGATION TRAINING—
Leader: Trevor B. Trevor will conduct a one-day introductory navigation course in a bushland setting within the ACT. The first part of the course will be spent going through some of the principles behind map reading and compass navigation. The second part will apply the theory in navigating around simple navigation routes through a bush terrain. If you have (or can borrow) a Silva-type compass (or other brand), bring it along, but don’t go and buy one. Mapping material and notes will be supplied. Please contact Trevor by Sunday 2 April to book a place on the course and arrange venue and transport. ***Meet at K at 8.30 a.m.

Fri–Mon 14–17 Apr—CAR CAMP, CABIN—ENDRICK RIVER & QUILTYS MOUNTAIN
Leader: Doug F. The former Michael Dowlings Stone Cottage near Nerriga is set up as an accommodation centre with bunkhouse and adjacent camping with facilities (self catering) at about $30 per person for two nights. Fantastic swimming and li-loing in river. Bookings essential. Ready access to the adjacent Moreton National Park including Quiltys Mountain with walks ranging from easy to hard. Be energetic or take a good book and just paddle around the river. Your choice. Drive in Friday evening. Contact Doug by Friday 7 April.

Sat 15 April—SHANAHANS CREEK FLATS—10 km Medium (10)
Leader: Max S. From Shanahans Mountain car park follow track to Shanahans Mountain. Along ridge line to points 1426 and 1337. Descend to Shanahans Falls Creek—follow Creek upstream about 2 km before ascending to ridge and back to Shanahans Mountain track for return to cars. Climb 600 m. mostly off-track. Cars: 90 km ($9). Maps: Colinton. ***Meet at K. at 8.30 a.m.

Mon 17 Apr—PIG HILL—8 km Easy
Leader: John C. This short walk follows a spur from the junction of Mountain Creek and Doctors Flat Roads through open bush to the summit. Good views east to Belconnen. Return by fire trail. Possibly see paragliders operating from the summit. Picnic lunch after the walk at Uriarra Crossing. Cars: 70 km ($7). Maps: Umburra. Meet at W.

Sat 22 Apr—FAMILY WALK—LENNOX GARDENS TO THE NATIONAL GALLERY—4 km Very easy
Leader: Val B. Suitable for strollers. Cancelled if it rains. ***Meet at Lennox Gardens behind Albert Hall at 10.00 a.m.

Sat 22 April—HUME AND HOVELL TRACK: MT WEE JASPER TO MICALONG CREEK—15 km Med (9).
Leader Peter W. This is a repeat of the best part of the walk of 15/5/2005. First we have a long drive and position a car at the end of the walk. We start at 485082 and walk steeply up to the top of Wee Jasper Mountain, then we follow the Hume and Hovell walking track to the other car on 4 Tree Road at 444015. About 5 km on roads. Mostly walking in or adjacent to native forest. Total climb 550 m. Cars: 200 km ($20). Maps: Couragago. ***Meet at W. at 8.00 a.m.

Sun 23 Apr—TINDERRY TWIN PEAK FROM BURRA ROAD—13 km Hard (12)
Leader: Doug F. Starting from the Burra Road we climb the Mount Allen Fire Trail and West Tinderry Fire Trail. At the highest point we head for the top of Tinderry Twin Peak. Return via same route. Some rock scrambling. Total climb 800m. Maps: Michelago, Tinderry. Cars: 150 km ($15). ***Meet at K. at 8.00 a.m.

Social on Fri 28—Book with Sandra Whichelo (6291 1427) or Davinia Wells (6254 4491).

Tue 25 April—ANZAC ARVO—URIARRA AREA—10 km Easy
Leader: Margaret R. Meet at Uriarra Crossing picnic area (Western side of river) from noon onwards for a picnic lunch (and snooze for those up since dawn). We will leave at 1.00 p.m. for an afternoon stroll to Flanagans Hill (on tracks and across paddocks) and a reflective arvo tea by the Mullion Creek. Bring flasks, bikkies supplied. Maps: Umburra.***

Fri 28 Apr—SOCIAL—POT LUCK DINNER—
John & Davinia Ws’ house, Scullin. Limited to 30. Please contact the Social Convenor, Sandra W or Davinia by 23 April.

Sat 29 Apr—BELLS CREEK, ARALUEN—6 km Easy (5)
Leader: Andrew W. A beautiful walk in the Araluen area. Walk along idyllic casuarina-lined Bells Creek, occasional boulder hopping with a waterfall and lookout over the Araluen valley. Suitable for families. Walk may be extended if the weather is kind. Cars: 220 km ($22). Maps: Monga. Meet at Q.

Sat 29 Apr—MT GUDGENBY—17 km Hard (13)
Leader: Colin B. Classic walk from Yankee Hat car park via the former pine forest tracks to Mount Gudgenby and return. Wonderful rocks and views at the top. This is a hard walk but I will take it slowly for those who want the view without the speed. Cars: 130 km ($13). Maps: Yaouk. ***Meet at K. at 8.00 a.m.

Sun 30 Apr—SWAMP CREEK ‘GORGE’ IN BRINDABELLA NATIONAL PARK—8 km Medium (8)
Leader: Peter W. We leave the cars at 707997 on the Doctors Flat Road, and follow a ridge and fence line down to Swamp Creek. We then go 3 km up the tranquil Swamp Creek on an overgrown fire trail, then back to the road and to the cars. This is a short walk, mainly on old and new trails. Total climb: 300 m. Cars: 60 km ($6). Maps: Umburra. Meet at W.

Family walk on 7 May—Book with Chris H.

Sat 6 May—OLD RAILWAY TRACK NE OF YASS—Easy 9 km
Leader: John C. Follow former railway track for 3 km and return via a bush-clad summit. Short talk on the history of the rail diversion. On the way home optional visit to the Yass railway museum boasting the shortest platform in Australia and possibly the world. Cars: 140 km ($14) Maps: Gunning 1:50 000. Meet at NL.

Sun 7 May—FAMILY WALK—BULLS HEAD—Medium family
Leader: Chris H. A 6 km loop walk exploring some of the fire trails south of Bulls Head. Bring morning tea and BBQ things for lunch at Bull’s Head, and also enjoy some of Michael’s damper and Cathy’s scroll cooked in the camp oven for early afternoon tea. Cancelled if it rains. Please contact Chris if interested. ***Meet at Bulls Head Picnic area at 9.30 a.m.

Sun 7 May—CAMELS HUMP AND JOHNS PEAK—15 km Medium (11)
Leader: John W. We will follow the Camelback fire trail and return by the same route. Total climb approximately 700m. Cars: 70 km ($7). Maps: Tidbinbilla. Meet at K.

Sun 7 May—CORANG PEAK—20 km Medium (11)
Leader: Doug F. From the Wog Wog entrance to the Morton National Park we follow the track to Corang Peak. Great views over the wilderness areas to the east. A long walk but all on track. Cars: 250 km ($25). Maps: Corang. ***Meet at Q at 7.30 a.m.

Morning walk on 14 May—Book with Diana K.

Sat 13 May—PUNCH BOWL CREEK & BLYTHEBURN COTTAGE—10 km Easy (7)
Leader: John M. Blytheburn Cottage (built c1886) was home to a remarkable woman, Elizabeth McKeahnie. Visit the cottage; hear the story. The walk starts in the forest off the Corin Dam Road. We walk along an old trail, through a small gorge with waterfalls, through White Horse Flat, over a saddle, fences and fields to the historic cottage. Return the same way, mostly a gradual climb with 100m steep rise towards the end. Total climb 360m. Cars: 80 km ($8). Maps: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sunday 14 May—MORNING WALK—MOUNT PAINTER, ARANDA BUSHLAND & BLACK MOUNTAIN—11 km Medium (8)
Leader: Diana K. Starting in Mackellar Crescent, Cook, we walk to the top of Mt. Painter, then along various tracks in the bush to the top of Black Mountain via Kier Trig in the Aranda bushland. We return on different tracks back to our house for a late lunch (homemade soup and bread). Numbers will be limited; please phone early. Total climb 400m. Maps: Canberra street map. ***Meet at Mackellar Crescent, Cook.

Sun 14 May—GUINEACOR CREEK—8 km Medium (9)
Leader: Andrew W. Descend a spur to Guineacor Creek and follow it down through a scenic gorge. There is a steep climb out (350 m) by another spur. Cars: 300 km ($30). Maps: Richlands. ***Meet at Potters’ Society, Aspinall Street, Watson, 8.00 a.m.

Sat 20 May—ORRORAL VALLEY CIRCUIT—15 km Easy (7)
Leader: Robyn K. From the Orroral Tracking Station car park we follow the fire trail towards Cotter Gap. Turning into Smokers Trail we soon find another track which crosses Sawpit Creek, then runs along the centre of the main valley back to the car park. Total climb 280 m. Cars: 90 km ($9). Maps: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sat 20 May—SPLIT ROCK FROM GRANITE TOPS WALKING TRACK—16 km Hard (12)
Leader: Max S. From Orroral Valley car park follow Granite Tops Walking Track for approx 2.5 km. Leave track to ascend to point 1466, then crossing headwaters of Prairie Dog Creek and Sawpit Creek to Split Rock. Return via Australian Alpine Walking Track. Climb 700 m, medium scrub. Cars: 70 km ($7). Maps: Rendezvous Creek and Corin Dam. ***Meet at K. at 8.00 a.m.

Sun 21 May—BOBOYAN TRIG CIRCUIT—14 km Medium (10)
Leader: Peter B. Walk on the Yerrabi Track to Boboyan Trig from where we can enjoy views of the Bimberi Wilderness. Then cross-country involving a steep, rough descent of 250 m to the Old Boboyan Road. The descent may have been made more difficult as a result of regrowth after the bushfires. We'll visit the ruins of Boboyan Homestead before returning to the cars. Total climb 240m. Car shuffle. Cars 120 km ($12) Maps: Yaouk. ***Meet at K. at 8.15 am

Sat 27 May—FAMILY WALK—CIRCULAR WALK AROUND TOP OF BLACK MOUNTAIN—2 km Very easy
Not suitable for strollers. Cancelled if it rains. ***Meet at the car park on the right, part way up Black Mountain Drive, at 10.00 a.m.

Sat 27 May—MOUNT CLEAR—18 km Medium (11)
Leader: Max S. From Mt Clear car park follow Long Flat Fire Trail to Long Flat. Off-track to meet Mount Clear Fire Trail, follow to Mount Clear. Proceed along Mount Clear Fire Trail approx 1 km before descending to Bicentennial National Trail for return to car park. About 1/3 off-track, scrub, total climb 600 m. Cars: 110 km ($11). Maps: Colinton and Bredbo. ***Meet at K. at 8.00 a.m.

Sat 27 May—SQUARE ROCK FROM SMOKERS GAP—8 km Easy (6)
Leader: Colin W. An easy walk on track to Square Rock for lunch with magnificent views to the Brindabella Range. The climb is a gradual 270 m. This walk is also suitable for older sub-teen children who are invited to accompany their parents on this easy walk. Cars: 70 km ($7). Maps: Corin Dam. ***Meet at K. at 9.30 a.m.

Sun 28 May—MOUNT TENNENT FROM THE VISITORS CENTRE—10 km Medium (10)
Leader: Jillian B. We walk from the Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre up the Alpine Walking Track and then to the fire tower on Mt Tennent and return. Climb of 750 m, all on track. Nice views from the summit. Maps: Williamsdale. ***Meet at Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre at 8.50 a.m.

Family walk on 4 Jun—Contact Anne R.

Sat 3 Jun—GININI FALLS FROM MT FRANKLIN—12 km Medium (11)
Leaders: Richard & Jenny K. From the former Mt Franklin Chalet car park, go over the top of Mt Franklin down to Ginini Falls mostly through fire affected bush. Return climb 550m. Cars: 160 km ($16) Maps: Tidbinbilla. If the road is closed we will walk up Mt Orroral instead. ***Meet at W at 8.30 a.m.

Sun 4 Jun—FAMILY WALK MOUNT TENNENT—Medium family
Leader: Anne R. A walk up the top end of the Alpine Walking Track past Cypress Pine Lookout and on to Mount Tennent, with sweeping views to the north and south. Cancelled if it rains. Please contact Anne if interested. Meet at Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre at 10.00 a.m.

Sun 4 Jun—GOOGONG DAM FORESHORES—9 km Easy (5)
Leader: Judy G. An easy walk along the western foreshores of the Googong Dam from Tin Hut car park to the spillway. No significant climbs. Car shuffle back to the starting point. Cars: 30 km ($3). Maps: Hoskinstown. Meet at Q.

Sun 4 Jun—WYANBENE MT. AND MINUMA RANGE—8 km Medium (8)
Leader: Doug F. From the Wyanbene Caves car park (Deua National Park) we will climb past the cave entrance to the top of Wyanbene Mt. (about 250m). We will then walk along part of the Minuma Range fire trail that follows the cliff-tops overlooking the Deua National Park wilderness areas with views to the coast. Cars: 200 km ($20). Maps: Krawarree. ***Meet at Q. at 8.00 a.m.

Sat 10 Jun—WILD CATTLE CREEK—10 km Easy (7)
Leader: Lyn W. This walk is through open undulating country in Tallaganda National Park. Starting on Wild Cattle Flat Road we walk partly on track, partly cross country through varied forest and tussock clearings. We follow Wild Cattle Creek and Ballinafad Creek to park boundary and return to cars. Total climb 250 m. Cars: 120 km ($12). Maps: Tinderry. Meet at Q.

Sun 11 Jun—BILLY BILLY ROCKS—6 km Medium (8)
Leader: Trevor B. This is a circular walk from Square Rock Walk car park and is all off track with some rough sections. We walk N to head for Billy Billy Creek. Over the creek Billy Billy Rocks are ahead up a steep slope and we scramble through the massive boulders to get to the top for extensive views of distant mountains and the Tidbinbilla and Paddys River open area with the deep space communication dish visible in the distance. We return by a more gentle route via a prominent boulder outcrop to the WSW and thence mostly downhill to the cars. Total climb 250m. Cars: 70 km ($7). Maps: Corin Dam. Meet at K.

Sat 17 Jun—WHINSTONE HILL—8 km Easy (6)
Leader: John C. A fairly easy walk over rather open country to a geographical oddity: a lake on a ridge. Total climb 120 m. Cars: 150 km ($15). Maps: Whinstone. Meet at Q.

Sat 17 Jun—MOUNT TENNENT FROM BOOROOMBA ROCKS—14 km Medium (9)
Leader: Trevor W. We start at the Booroomba Rocks car park and follow the newly restored track east along Booroomba Creek to join up with the Mt Tennent Fire Trail. A climb of 400m takes us to the summit of Mt Tennent for lunch and, with luck, good views. Return by the same route. All on track. Total climb 700 m. Cars: 90 km ($9). Meet at K.

Sun 18 Jun—BALDY RANGE—16 km Medium (11)
Leader: Bob G. Leave cars on Doctors Flat Road north of Dingo Dell Flats. A circuit entirely on fire trails providing good exercise but no difficult bush-bashing. Total climb 700 m. A good winter walk with only a fairly short drive. Cars: 80 km ($8). Maps: Umburra. Meet at W.

Sat 24 Jun—FAMILY WALK—DUNTROON—3 km Very easy
Leader: Val B. We will look at some of the older buildings and the maze. Suitable for strollers. ***Meet at the car park on Morshead Drive opposite the entrance to Duntroon at 10.00 a.m.

Sat 24 June—NAMADGI VISTOR CENTRE TO BUSHFOLD FLATS—12 km Medium (11)
Leader: Max S. From Namadgi Visitors Centre ascend to ridge and descend into Bushfold Flats. Proceed south along Bushfold Flats until returning via Australian Alpine Walking Track. Mainly off-track if weather allows. Total climb 600 m. Map—Rendezvous Creek. Cars: 60 km ($6). Meet at K.

Sun 25 Jun—MULLIGANS FLAT TO VIA OLD JOE HILL TO HACKETT—11 km Easy (7)
Leader: Judy G. We walk in Nature Parks and reserves, on tracks and across open ground, around Canberra’s rim of hills. A short car shuffle is required. Total climb 150 m. Map: Hall. ***Meet on Antill Street under high voltage power lines, north end of Hackett.

Sun 25 Jun—SHEEP STATION CREEK—BULLS FLAT CREEK CIRCUIT—14 km Medium (8)
Leader: Maureen F. 4 km along track from southern locked gate of Old Boboyan Road, we follow Sheep Station Creek, and then cross country to hill 1309 before dropping down to Bulls Flat Creek. Return to cars along the Old Boboyan Road. Some rough going. Area may be fire-affected. Total Climb 240m. Cars: 120 km ($12). Maps: Yaouk. ***Meet at K. at 8:15 a.m.