Family Bushwalkers Inc.

Leader: Trevor W. From Bulls Head, we follow a series of winding forestry roads: Moonlight Hollow Road, Warks Road, Bendoura Break, Mt Franklin Road. Nothing off-track, but some nice ups and downs. Total climb 460 m. Map: Tidbinbilla. Cars: 140 km ($14). Meet at W.

Leader: John C. From Pine Island, follow a track along the bank of the Murrumbidgee, then drop to the river at Red Rocks Gorge. Walk beside the river for about half a kilometre to a beautiful lunch spot with a sandy beach. Return by the same route. Map: Tuggeranong. Meet at K.

Sat 13 Jan - MORNING WALK - STIRLING RIDGE AND LAKESHORE – 6 km Easy (4). Leader: Margitta A. Walk up and along Stirling Ridge to Westlake, then to Lennox Gardens, and back to the cars via a footpad along the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. Bring morning tea. Meet 8.50 a.m. at the YMCA Sailing Club, Yarralumla. ***

Sun 14 Jan - QUEANBEYAN RIVER SWIMMING WALK - 5 km  Easy (5) 

Leader: Jan B. We will walk to the river from the end of Lonergan Drive and swim in several holes in the White Rocks Gorge area. We then move along to another area with steep scramble down to river for a picnic meal, and walk back in the cool of the evening. Note start time. This walk will be cancelled if river level is too low. Please phone leader to check. Meet at Q 1pm.***

Tue 16-Sun 28 Jan - JAGUNGAL TO CANBERRA ALONG THE ALPINE WALKING TRACK - 13 day pack walk - Hard. Leader: Derek S. Start at Round Mountain and walk to Mt Jagungal to join the Alpine Walking track, and then follow the track into Tharwa. Walkers will be able to join or leave the walk at Kiandra or Tantangara. Please contact Derek by 21 December to discuss transport arrangements.

19 Jan - deadline for contacting Eric or Pat P about Yalwal to Quiera via Ettrema - 4 Day Pack Walk

Leader: Jillian B. This continues those organized by the Borehams in previous years. Could those interested in going phone Jillian by 5 Jan.

Leader: Peter W. It may be cool at this time. We will walk to the top of Black Mountain and come back to the cars by going down to the base and around the mountain on the western side. Total climb 300 m. A group may go to coffee/breakfast afterwards. Cars: 0 km. Map: Canberra street directory. Meet near end of Frith Road leaving at 7 am.***

Leader: Lyn W. It may be too hot for a full day walk in the bush, but there is shade in the streets of Canberra’s older suburbs. This morning walk winds through some of the streets of Forrest, then right along Mugga Way, and takes us back through the streets of Red Hill. Bring morning tea. Map: Canberra UBD. Cars: Nil. Meet at car parking area across the road from the entrance to the Manuka Pool at 9.00 am. ***

Fri 26-Mon 29 Jan - YALWAL TO QUIERA VIA ETTREMA - 4 day pack walk - Hard. Leaders: Eric and Pat P). An adventurous four days in Morton National Park with the NPA. From the Yarramunmun fire trail between Nerriga and Sassafras, we shall walk to Bundundah Creek (Jenny Atkins selection) via Diggers Flat, Morley Saddle and Atkinson spur for Camp 1. Second day, Twelve Apostles spur, Packhorse Pass, Dog Leg Cave, Cinch Creek, to camp in Ettrema. Third day will be along Ettrema Creek, probably to Transportation Spur, which will be our exit point on day 4. Opportunities for swimming. The walking will be scrubby with rock scrambles and some steep climbs. 4WDs/AWDs required for Yarramunmun fire trail. If possible, we would like to leave Canberra on Thursday evening so we can make an early start on Friday. Transport cost TBA. Numbers limited. Maps: Yalwal & Touga 1:25000. Please contact leaders by 19 January.

Sat 27 Jan - MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER - SHEPHERDS LOOKOUT - 8 km Easy (6). Leader: John C. From East Uriarra we follow a track across open country to cross the Molonglo River. We climb 100m to Shepherds Lookout then return via the Molonglo to the Murrumbidgee and back to East Uriarra. Opportunities for swimming. Cars: 25 km ($3). Map: Umburra. Meet at W.

Sun 28 Jan - BRINDABELLA TOPS (AGGIE GAP TO BENDOURA ARBORETUM) - 14 km Medium (8). Leader: Colin B. We walk from Aggie Gap to the arboretum via Parrot Road and Chalet Road, and return along Chalet Road and the summit fire break to the cars. The route is undulating, with about 400 m of climb. We are hoping that temperatures on the range will be moderate enough to make this enjoyable. Cars: 120 km ($12). Maps: Tidbinbilla. Early start to avoid heat. Meet at W at 8 am. ***

Leader: David L  

Fri 2 Feb - MOUNT AINSLIE CHAMPAGNE SUNSET WALK - 3 km Easy (5)

Leader: Joy L. Enjoy nibbles while sipping champagne or fruit juice and admiring the sunset over the Brindabellas. This tradionional event is always popular. Bring your own glass or mug and $3 to cover expenses. Total climb 250 m. Bring a torch for the walk back down at dusk. Cancelled if weather is wet. Meet at War Memorial car park at 6.30 pm. ***

2 Feb — deadline for contacting John C about BEN BOYD NP, BITTANGABEE CAR CAMP

Leader: Trevor B. We will climb Mount Ginini, go to Stockyard Gap, along the Stockyard Spur trail to 626649, then north to Morass Flats, and back via 1634 and other peaks. This is mainly off track, and rough underfoot, but should be relatively cool in snowgum grassy forest. About 500 m climb. Cars: 140 km ($14). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at W at 8:30 ***

Sun 4 Feb - BENDOURA HILL, SNOW GUM HILL - 10 km Easy (6)
Leader: John C. From Moonlight Hollow and Chalet Road junction we climb 200 m to Bendoura Hill, then follow the NSW/ACT border track on to Snow Gum Hill. Return via Chalet Road. All walking on tracks or fire trails. Total climb 250 m. Cars: 100 km ($10). Map: Tidbinbilla. Meet at W.

Leader: Margaret R. Undulating Tracks around the Wanniassa hills 6-7 km approx. Bring drinks and snack. Meet at pond on Bugden Ave, Fadden, (Appel/Jessop side) at 6.30 pm. ***

Fri 9-Mon 12 Feb - BEN BOYD NP, BITTANGABEE CAR CAMP - Easy
Leader: John C. Meet for lunch at Bittangabee Bay Campsite in Ben Boyd National Park. Weekend program includes walks to Green Cape and to Saltwater Creek. Cars: TBA. Map: Kiah. Please contact leader by Friday 2 Feb because campsites need to be booked in advance.

Leader: Paul N. From Mt Ginini car park (now accessible after fire closure) we climb the short ascent to Mt Ginini , then continue south along the Mt Franklin Rd to Mt Gingera, from where there are excellent views in all directions. Return the same way. Almost all on fire trails or roads. Cars: 170 km ($17). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at W.

Leader: Davinia W. Vineyards, golf course, horse trails, Ginniderra Creek and pot luck lunch. These are the ingredients for a leisurely walk in Belconnen, concluding with a social lunch at the Wells’ abode in Scullin. Commencing at Belconnen Way we will walk along the Drake Brockman Drive horse trail which allows views of the vineyards [our version of Umbria] into the Holt Golf Course Estate. We will then connect with horse trails bordering the edge of Macgregor and then wind our way along Ginninderra Creek. From there we will navigate the green belts through Holt and Higgins before returning for lunch. Ring leader for contribution to the lunch. Meet at 9 am, 166 Belconnen Way, Scullin. ***.

Leader: Clare M. We climb Mount Majura then Mount Ainslie, then those interested can go for coffee. 3-4 hours duration. Meet at Antill Street, north end of Hackett under the power lines, at 7 am. ***

Sun 18 Feb - SUGARLOAF CREEK SWIMS - 10 km Medium (9)

Leader: Peter W. From the Misty Mountain Fire Trail ford we will walk up Sugarloaf Creek with swimming in the many pools. The walk is graded medium because of the uneven footing along the bouldery creek bed. Total climb 100 m. Cars: 240 km ($24). Maps: Monga, Currowan. Meet at Q.

Sat 24-Tue 27 Feb - LOWER SNOWY RIVER CAR CAMP - Medium

Leader: Doug F. The idea is to car camp for three nights near the Barry Way on the Lower Snowy River about 60 km south of Jindabyne. Two day walks of Medium grade will be planned, Pinch Mountain, Mount Trooper and Beehive Mountain come to mind, and perhaps shorter easier walks in the surrounding country. The river should have water in it so in hot weather, cooling off should be easy. Maps: Suggan Buggan, Thredbo. Phone leader by 7 Feb to arrange travel details, etc.

Sat 24 Feb - WESTON CREEK CIRCUIT - 14 km Easy (7)

Leader: Lyn W. Starting at the meeting place in Weston, we take a leisurely walk to the summit of Mt Arawang and along Cooleman Ridge, continuing around the western rim of the suburbs, then back through Duffy to our starting point. Total climb: 200 m. Cars: Nil. Map: Canberra. Meet at W.

Sun 25 Feb - 7 am MT ROB ROY - 10-11 km Medium (8)

Leader: Peter W. From Thorn Crescent , Banks, we will climb up to Rob Roy, and descend either the same way, or to the saddle to the north. Mainly on fire trails. Total climb 400 m. It may be cool at this time. A group may go to coffee/breakfast afterwards. Meet at K leaving at 7 am! ***

Sat 3 Mar - CORANG LAGOON AND CASCADES - 15 km Medium (10)

Leader: Allan M.  Walk from the Morton National Park Wog Wog entrance on a rough track to this well known spot in the Western Budawangs. There will be opportunities for swimming at the cascades. Cars: 250 km ($25). Map: Corang 1:25000.  Meet at Q at 8 am.***

Sat 3 Mar - MOUNT GINGERA FROM STOCKYARD SPUR - 20 km Hard (13). Leader: Max S. From Corin Dam car park we climb Stockyard Spur off track to Stockyard Spur footpad, go along ridge fire trail to Pryor’s Hut, along the Mount Franklin Rd and on to Mount Gingera if time permits. Return the same way. Completion will depend on conditions on the day. Expect a long day. Climb off track approximately 2 km each way. Total climb 900 m. Cars: 100 km ($10). Map: Corin Dam. Meet at K 7.00 am.***

Sat 3 Mar—MULLOON CREEK—10 km—Easy (7)
Leader: Colin B. We follow the Mulloon Fire Trail for 3 km from the Great Dividing Range down to Mulloon Creek. We then walk up the Creek for 4 km, then back to the cars a further 3 km along fire trails. Cars: 80 km ($8). Map: Bombay. Meet at Q.

Sun 4 Mar - ORRORAL TOR - 8 km Medium (9)

Leader: Mary H.  Walk north from the Orroral Car Park, cross the bridge over the Orroral River, then swing south and climb the Tor,  scrambling up through and around rocks and scrub to the top.  Travel south to the 1085 knoll then drop to the river and a rocky crossing where we may get wet feet.  Take a look around the old Orroral homestead on the way home. A 300 metre climb. Cars: 100 km ($10). Map: Rendezvous Creek. Meet at K.

Sat 10 - Mon 12 March - BUDAWANG - 3 day pack walk - Med
Leader: Philip G A three day walk in the Budawangs from either the Wog Wog or Nerriga entrance to Morton National Park. In combination with NPA.  The exact location of the walk will depend on the water situation closer to the time.  The walk will be partly on tracks but will also involve rock scrambling and negotiating thick scrub. Maps:  Endrick, Corang. Cars: 250 km ($25). Contact leader no later than Wed 7 March.

9 Mar—deadline for contacting Peter B about Blue Waterholes Car Camp

Sat 10 Mar - HUME & HOVELL - MICALONG SWAMP, MICALONG CREEK - 12 km Easy (7). Leader: Jillian B. We walk on part of the Hume and Hovell Track through native bush, onto bridges to cross the swamp with excellent views either side, then along Micalong Creek. We return along a different track. Total climb about 100 m, all on tracks. Cars: 160 km ($16). Map: Bobbys Plains. Meet at W.

Sun 11 Mar - MT MORGAN FROM KENNEDY ROAD - 14 km Medium (11)

Leader: Doug F. From the Kennedy Road we follow the Bicentennial Trail to gain some height and then head off track for the summit of Mt Morgan. Climb about 720 m. Return via similar route. Cars: 200 km ($20). Maps: Yaouk, Rendezvous Ck. Meet at K at 8.00 am***.

11 Mar - deadline for contacting Mary H about Namadgi Traverse Pack Walk

Wed 14 Mar - WEDNESDAY WALK-CBC - Medium

Leader: Allan M

15 Mar—deadline for contacting Alan S or John C for details of the Easter Car Camp.

Sat 17-Thu 22 Mar - NAMADGI TRAVERSE, BAGGING 5 PEAKS - 6 day Pack Walk - Hard. Leader: Mary H.  We begin by walking into a camp site near Murray Gap from the Tantangara Dam Road locked gate.  Next day we climb Mt Bimberi and Mt Murray.  On day three we walk to a camp site on the Upper Cotter Flats.  Day four takes us over Kelly spur to Rotten Swamp.  On day five we climb Mt Namadgi and Mt Kelly.  On day six we will enjoy Mt Burbidge and walk down Middle Creek to the Yankee Hat car park.  Camp sites may need to be modified if water is scarce, and if it has been very dry the walk may need to be cancelled.  Total climb with packs 970 metres (600 on one day).  Total climb without packs 1680 metres (max on one day 710 metres).  Limit of 8.  Phone Mary by Sunday 11 March for further details and to discuss car travel options.  Maps: Rules Point, Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk.

Sat 17 Mar - DINGI DINGI RIDGE - 9 km Easy (7)
Leader: Colin B. Drive along Two Sticks Road (which may be rough) to the start of the walk. Half the walk is along a fire trail. The rest is through the bush and visits several view points on Dingi Dingi Ridge. Views to the north are over Mountain Creek and to the northern end of the Brindabella Range. Views to the south include Mt Coree and Devils Peak. Total climb 300 m. 4WD recommended. Cars: 80 km ($8). Map: Bombay. Meet at Q.

Leader: Paul N. From the stock route on the Tidbinbilla Road through the Miowera pine forest, up past the ruins of Calvary to walk along the Bullen Range to the tracking station. Climb 350 m. Car shuffle required. Cars: 20 km ($2). Maps: Tuggeranong, Tidbinbilla. Meet at K.

Sat 24 Mar - HORSE GULLY HUT - 15 km Medium (8)

Leader: Trevor W. We walk from the Mount Clear car park down the Naas Creek valley, following a track through open country. We continue through light bush past Demandering Hut before dropping down to Horse Gully Hut in the valley below. Return on same track. Total climb: 330 m. Map: Colinton. Cars: 130 km ($13). Meet at K.

Sat 24 Mar - FAMILY WALK - Very easy

Leader: Madeleine H. From Hughes shops a short walk along Kent Street to ascend to Red Hill lookout. Then along the ridge and down to Hindmarsh Drive. Back along a track above Mugga Way. Total climb 200 m. Cars 0 km. Meet at Hughes shops 10 am. ***

Sun 25 Mar deadline for contacting Allan M about Byangee Walls car camp.

Wed 28 Mar - WEDNESDAY WALK-NPA - Medium

Fri 30 Mar deadline for contacting Derek S about Paddy Pallin pack walk to Jagungal.

Sat 31 Mar - GOOROOYAROO WOODLAND RESERVE TO HACKETT - 10 km Easy (5). Leader: Lorraine S A walk through grassland and woodland via Old Joe’s Hill to Hackett. Total climb 130m. Short car shuffle. Map: Hall. Meet at Goorooyaroo Woodland Reserve car park on Horse Park Drive, Gungahlin.

Leader: Jillian B. Climb 700 m up Hume and Hovell Track from the Fitzpatrick Trackhead on Wee Jasper Creek through open forest to the top of Mount Wee Jasper for lunch. Return by the same route. Cars:170 km ($17). Map: Couragago. Meet at W at 8 am. ***

Sat 31 Mar to Sun 1 Apr - BYANGEE WALLS - 12 km Medium (10)
Leader: Allan M).  Leave Canberra at lunch time Saturday for the drive to Yadboro for an evening car camp beside the river at a pleasant camp site.  On Sunday we start early for the climb on track to the base of the Castle, then on rough track through the Cathedral Cave and Castle Gap to Byangee Walls for spectacular views of the Central Budawangs.  There is an optional scramble to reach the top of the walls for even better views. Cars: 300 km ($30). Map:
Corang 1:25000.  Contact leader by 25 March for details and transport arrangements.