2-3 May (Sat-Sun): NEWNES (M-H-X) Base camp at cars. Day 1. Rainbow Caves via Pipeline Track, then home via Petrie's Gully. Day 2. The Altar Room, high on the pagoda studded ridge near Little Capertee Creek is described by Geoff Fox as " the best walk in the Newnes Valley". Some off-track with scrub. Limit: 10. Map: Ben Bullen and Mt. Morgan (2015)

4-5 May (Sat-Sun): HILL END CAR CAMP (E) Once one of Australia's prime gold mining areas, today it's a sleepy old town with an historic past. We'll do some walks to enjoy the bush and the gold mining. Camp in the newly renovated camp area at Glendora, which is 1km from the village centre in a bush setting. Camp fees apply. Come up Fri. night, ready for the weekend. We may like to enjoy a pub meal on the Sat. night. Coin operated hot showers and toilets. Limit: 12. Map: Hill End and Tambaroora (2013)

4-6 May (Mon-Wed): KOOLPIN-FREEZE GORGES - KAKADU (M, 4) A short walk in one of the best spots in Kakudu (weather and 10 and 12 page permits permitting). Leaving Jarrangbarnmi we head up Koolpin creek climbing onto the southwestern edge of the Arnhem Land plateau escarpment. A day of spectucular plunge pools and gorges. We leave Koolpin creek and go cross country dropping into the Freezing gorge camping at the end of the gorge onrock boulders. Special precautions are required to survive the water temperature of Freezing Gorge. The third day takes us downstream to Jarrangbarnmi. Limit: 6. Map: Koolpin, El Sherana (2015)

4-6 May (Fri-Sun): ROBERTSON () Weekend of cycling, walking and possibly dancing. Camping at the Robertson Showground we are a short stroll into this historic town. Saturday's activities include a 20km ride to Belmore Falls. For those more energetic and adventurous a further ride can be taken along the forest track to Fitzroy Falls. Those who remain can do a walk in the area or return to Robertson to enjoy the town attractions. Saturday night is a social around the campfire. Sunday morning options include a cycle to Carrington Falls (20km) and additional bush walks to the escarpment looking over the beautiful Shoalhaven or alternatively visit The Illawarra Fly to catch the same view (cost involved). Return to Robertson Pub for a meal and music before returning home. Limit: 12. Map: Southern Highlands (2012)

5-13 May (Sat-Sun): BEACH WALKS OF THE SOUTH COAST () This is a week of the best of the Saphire Coast Walk. Bermagui to Walaga Lake, Kangarutha Track at Tathra, Mimosa Rocks N.P., then on to Eden for The Pinnacles and the Light to Light walk in Ben Boyd N.P. There will also be one mountain, Gulaga, with fabulous forests and some of the best granite tors you'll ever see. A truly great walk!! Accom. will be in cabins or cottages at Bermagui and Eden and the cost will be about $25/head/night. A deposit of $50 is required to secure your spot when booking. Limit: 10. Map: Scenic Coast Walk, Graeme Barrow (2012)

5-6 May (Sat-Sun): RED ROCKS, NEWNES () Given all the rain we've had, there ought to be water at the overhang where we camp at Red Rocks, so a good time to go up there. Walk up Little Capertee Ck from Newnes, then bush bash up over a saddle into Canobla Ck and up to our camp - about 4km. Spend afternoon exploring (great views) then watch the sunset from the escarpment. Return by same route. Limit: 8. Map: Ben Bullen (2012)

6-13 May (Tue-Tue): ONLY STRONG MEN NEED START (H-X) A 8-day exploratory in the heart of the Wollemi Wilderness, in search of historic routes and heritage between the Culoul Range and the mysterious Simmons Mount (the real Mount Molong). Will involve pass-finding and scrambling, and lots of recently burnt country. Note: the title of this walk is a historic artefact – no correspondence will be entered into, and in any case neither the gender nor strength of anyone starting in trousers will be investigated. Limit: 5. Map: Six Brothers, Wirraba, Gospers Mountain (2014)

7-8 May (Sat-Sun): FITZROY FALLS (M-X) This weekend will involve doing two rides in this area. On Saturday we’ll head out from Fitzroy Falls along fairly quiet roads to Belmore Falls returning via Wildes Meadow .Distance is about 40km over undulating terrain. Saturday night we’ll car camp at Patons Clearing in Meryla State Forest. On Sunday we’ll ride the ‘Cannonball Run’ a 9km downhill MTB ride from Fitzroy Falls to Jacks Corner Road. We will stop part way along the trail, hide and lock the bikes and then climb Mount Carrialoo for some fantastic views. We will then return to the bikes for the serious down hill section of the Cannon Ball Run. This will necessitate setting up a car swap. Limit: 12. Map: Bundanoon and Southern Highlands Tourist Map (2011)

7-10 May (Thu-Sun): NORTHERN WOLLEMI (H-X) A second attempt to reach and explore geologist Joseph Carne's lost diatreme. Three Ways - Mount Monundilla - Blackwater Creek - Blackwater Forest Neck - return. Probably late home on the final day. Limit: 5. Map: Kindarun, Coricudgy, Mt Pomeny (2015)

9-12 May (Fri-Mon): BUDAWANGS (H) Drive down Friday and spend 2 nights camped out Cooyoyo after walking in on Saturday. From here we will explore Monolith Valley, walk around Mt Cole and climb The Castle. 20kms with 800mt ascent and some exposure. Limit: 8. Map: Corang (2014)

10-11 May (Sat-Sun): RYLSTONE (M-X) Descend narrow spur to Razorback creek, descend the pleasant creek and find a camp site, explore the cliffs above Coricudgy creek and return by heading towards Widden Brook and finding a way through or around the cliff line (approximately 6-8km by the shortest route). The leader needs a 4WD in the party to get to the start. Limit: 6. Map: Coricudgy (2014)

11-31 May (Sat-Fri): BLUE MOUNTAINS CROSSING () Be part of a celebration that won't happen again (at least not for another 100 years). Help is needed for the Blue Mountains Crossing re-enactment, between 11th and 31st May. If you are able to help with transport to and from venues please contact the organiser, John O'Sullivan. For more information on dates and events see their website: http://visitbluemountains.com.au/bicentenary.php Limit: 100. Map: GWH mostly. Contact: (2013)

11-13 May (Sat - Mon): COLO RIVER () THE TOWNSEND BENDER. There are a few vacancies on this annual Friends of the Colo activity on the Colo River, within Wollemi National Park. Check and treat the Mount Townsend Bend Cape Ivy sites, and nearby Tobacco Tree and Moth Vine. Come just for the weekend, or stay on for the Monday. Shared camp-oven dinner on the Saturday night. Steep 400m off-track descent and ascent. Base-camp on broad sandbar in beautiful gorge environment. Weeding activities do involve scrub. Preference to people who can stay the three days. Deep wades may be involved in crossing the river. Limit: 12. Map: Mountain Lagoon (2019)

11-12 May (Sat - Sun): RAZORBACK CREEK () From the end of the 4WD trail cross the great dividing range (bump) and descend a narrow ridge to Razorback Creek, descend the creek (which was lovely the last time I was there), camp near the cliffs opening out and explore the "Razorback". A narrow feature on the end of Razorback Ridge. Return by circling around and climbing up the opposite ridge, with hopefully good views of the upper Widden Valley. The leader would appreciate someone with a 4WD as the walk needs one which I don't have. I have previously done 60% of the walk and it shouldn't be that hard even though it is cross country. Limit: 5. Map: Coricudgy (2019)

11-12 May (Sat-Sun): WOLLANGAMBE CRATER OVERNIGHT (M) The Wollangambe is one of our beautiful wilderness rivers. If you haven't done an overnight walk, this is a fairly easy one. And we can use a camp cave. Walk in and out the same way, about 8km each way, with some hills. If you need gear, contact me. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe (2019)

12-13 May (Sat-Sun): COLO RIVER () Medium overnight walk to Colo River at Mount Townsend Bend with Friends of the Colo, with the primary purpose of checking the cape ivy patch there. The walk in is only 2.5km, but be prepared for a steep 400 m descent, no track, and a wade across the river. Those not involved in cape ivy treatment will be exploring for other weeds further up the river. Camping is on a beach, with shared camp-oven dinner. Limit: 8. Map: Mountain Lagoon (2012)

14-17 May 2010 (Fri-Mon): Airly car camp (E-M-X) Easy access from Capertee - Glen Davis Road. Base camp near cars. Camp fires and gourmet cooking. Walks graded easy to moderate and exploratory. Bring everything. Toilets provided. Limit: 30. Map: Glen Alice (2010)

14-15 May 2011 (Sat-Sun): COLO RIVER () Medium overnight walk to Colo River at Mount Townsend Bend with Friends of the Colo, with the primary purpose of checking the much-diminished cape ivy patch. The walk in is only 2 hours, but be prepared for a steep 400 m descent, no track, and a wade across the river. Those not involved in cape ivy treatment will be exploring for other weeds further up the river. Camping is on a beach, with shared dinner. Limit: 8. Map: Mountain Lagoon (2011)

14-22 May (Sat-Sun): WARRUMBUNGLES AND KAPUTAR (M) Spend 3 days walking in the Bungles, a night and day in the Pilliga Scrub and 3 days at Kaputar. Tents only!!! This will now also be a 50 Peak Week!!! The Grand High Tops, Bluff mountain and Mt. Exmouth in the Bungles and Mtns. Coryah, Yullundunida, The Governor, Dowe and Linsay at Kaputar. Limit: 12. Map: Warrumbungle Tourist Map (2016)

15-18 May (Fri-Mon): AIRLY VIA CAPERTEE (E-M-X) AIRLY CAR CAMP Come and explore the pagodas around the Airly and Genowlan Mountains in the Mugii Murumban SCA east of Capertee. Less than 2 hours from lower Mountains with easy access but need to bring everything. Day walks with various leaders and grades. Camp fire and ovens under the stars. Limit: 20. Map: Glen Alice (2015)

15-16 May (Sat-Sun): Donkey Mountain (M-H) Overnight hike. Steep ascent (approx 400m) and must carry all water for both days. We will explore some of the many canyons/gullies (may require some rope work) and hopefully camp in a cave or overhang. Limit: 8. Map: Ben Bullen (2010)

15-16 May (Sat-Sun): Mt Solitary (E-M) A classic overnight trip. Camp on top of Mt Solitary, and watch the sun rise over Kedumba valley and Warragamba catchment. There is a steep climb up Korowal, but the rest of the walk is easy. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison (2010)

16-18 May (Fri-Sun): AIRLY (E-M-X) AIRLY CAR CAMP Between Capertee and Glen Davis. Range of walks from easy to exploratory, some flat, some with scrambling but not more than about 10 km. Camp fires and camp ovens. Good for tents or trailers. Toilets provided but bring everything else. Limit: 20. Map: Glen Alice (2014)

16-17 May (Sat-Sun): COLO RIVER () A Friends of the Colo activity (volunteering for NPWS). The annual overnight walk to the Colo River at Mount Townsend Bend, to check and treat the cape ivy patches there. Those not involved in that will be exploring for tobacco trees nearby. The walk starts on a firetrail near Mountain Lagoon and is only 2.5km, but there's a steep 400m descent and a wade across the river. Camping is on a beach, with shared camp-oven dinner. Limit: 8. Map: Mtn Lagoon (2015)

16-19 May 09 (Sat-Tue): WARRUMBUNGLES (M) Base camp at camp Blackman with all facilities and a good camp kitchen. Walks will include Grand High Tops and Mt. Exmouth, with other shorter options like Split Rock. Nights can be cool, but days at this time of year can be sparkling. Limit: 12. Map: Warrumbungle Tourist Map (2009)

17-19 May (Fri-Sun): BUNDANOON () Bundanoon Blitz May It's on again! Blitzing Bundanoon with our bikes, bakes and balloons! An error has occurred with dates - I apologise. This fun filled weekend excursion is planned for May 17-19th. Yes it was on the program for the 10th-12th. I apologise for the inconvenience. Please contact me urgently with your requests as there is limited space. Friday night evening meal at the local pub - walking distance from the YHA. Not too much cheer as we are hopping on our bikes and touring the beautiful southern highland trails in the morning. Saturday night - dress up according to the cuisine you bring to share! Music will be playing and an opportunity to strut your stuff! Sunday morning will be a hike through the valley past a lovely waterfall. Limit: 12. Map: Southern Highlands (2013)

18-22 May (Sat-Wed): BLUE MOUNTAINS NP - KANANGRA TO KOWMUNG (H) A classic walk in the heart of real bushwalker country. This is a 5 day trip from Kanangra Walls to the Kowmung River via Cottage Rock and Cambage Spire. We will then take a slow paced walk down some of the most scenic stretches of the river, through Bulga Denis Canyon, to exit via Roots Ridge or Hughes Ridge to the Gingra Range, back to Kanangra Walls. The first (11 km) and last (13 km) days are on ridges and water needs to be carried. However they are either on well defined routes or a track and reasonably fast. Walking along the river will involve at least a few river crossings, boulders and cobble stones. As the river is currently low it is likely that crossings can be made be with dry feet. It will also involve grassy flats, great scenery, peace and solitude. It is possible we will have a full day to push a bit further down the river carrying day packs only. This walk is in conjunction with Friends of the Colo so we’ll be on the lookout for weeds, especially willows. Total distance is 37 km (could be less). Ascent and descent 800 metres approx. Limit: 8. Map: Kanangra and Yerranderie 1:25 000; or go old schoo (2019)

18-20 May (Fri - Sun): PUTTY () Friends of the Colo's annual privet bash at Putty. Camp in lovely car-accessible surroundings on private property. Come for the 3 days (Friday-Sunday), or just the weekend. The main knockdown of privet has been done, so the activity involves wandering picturesque river banks treating the occasional emerging plant. The Putty community will be putting on a meal for those present on the Friday night, in thanks for our efforts. Limit: 20. Map: Putty (2018)

20-23 May (Sun-Wed): ILLAWARRA (E-M) I will be staying in my sister's house with her daughter. It overlooks Lake Illawarra and the escarpment. Come for some or all of these dates [first in get the beds]and do various walks chosen to suit those present - leisurely pace. Many beautiful walks available from Nowra to Stanwell Park. Could arrive Sat as well. Wed evening we can go bush-dancing with the Wongawilli Band. Shared meals. Book in before end April or after 11th May. Limit: 10. Map: Various (2012)

21-22 May (Sat-Sun): BONNUM PIC (M-X, 3) A full moon special inspired by Gary Roberts. To coincide with the full moon we will turn this usually day walk into an overnighter camping on the spectacular knife-edge ridge that juts out into the Wollondilly Valley, Nattai NP. This will allow views back across to the Blue Breaks,Kanangra, Mt Colongs etc as the full moon rises. The walk to the Pic has a bit of everything - valley views, on-track walking, off-track walking, rock scrambling if you want to get to the end of the ridge and route finding. Distance 16km. Limit: 10. Map: Hilltop (2016)

21-22 May (Sat-Sun): LITTLE CRATER COUNTRY (M-X, Scrub Cliffs) Evans Track, cross the Erskine and ascend the Crater to Little Crater Ridge. Navigate the winding ridge to camp eventually above Nebo Ridge to enjoy the sunset views (carry water to camp). Return via Pisgah descending via Little Crater Creek. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith (2011)

21-22 May (Sat-Sun): SPLENDOUR ROCK (E-M) Starting at Carlons farm, we will walk along Carlon's creek, then along Blackhorse Ridge to camp the night at Mobbs Swamp. Climb to Splendour Rock where we will have arvo tea. Returning the next day to cars on the same track Limit: 8. Map: Jenolan (2011)

21-23 May (Fri-Sun): Tesselate Ridge and Wollangambe River (M-H-X) Check out a historic pass to the Wollangambe. Walk 8 kilometres along Tesselate Ridge from Mount Irvine and base-camp at a cave while exploring a pass gully to the river. Spectacular views of the Wollangambe and Bowens Creek country. Scrub and rock scrambling to be expected. This walk is a sequel to the very successful trip in the same country on 15-18 March (but on which no participants from SBC materialised!) Limit: 5. Map: Wollangambe (2010)

22 May to 27 Jun 2015 (Fri-Sat: MADAGASCAR/DRAKENSBURG MTS/KRUGER () These 2 trips are World Expeditions ones which will be just for us. Google their website for details - Madagascar Adventure [21 days for $4540]and Drakensburg and Kruger Safari [11days for $2900 with 10% off if you do both trips]. You can do one or both. Dates may vary once the 2015 flight details are out and prices are for 2014 but the trips are all inclusive except for a few meals at the beginning and end. Fly to Johannesburg on 22nd May to start the Drakensburg trip. Return to Johannesburg for 2 or 3 nights depending on whether we do a city tour there and start the Madagascar trip on the 6th June returning on the 27th/28th June, 2015. Deposits needed now to secure your spot. Limit: 12. Map: various (2015)

23-24 May (Sat-Sun): DUMBANO CREEK AREA (M-X) Explore the Pagodas and small canyons between Dumbano and Bungleboori Creek. The walk is off track through areas I believe the state mine fire has burnt, so the scrub should be OK. The area is new to the leader and almost all off track so the walk is unlikely to be go far in distance and be good practise for navigation. The leader would appreciate a 4WD in the party. Limit: 5. Map: Wollangambe (2015)

24-25 May (Sat-Sun): WOMBEYAN KARST CONSERVATION RESERVE () NPWS Adventure Conservation Weeding Weekend: You will be treating woody weeds & vines that are impacting on the unique values of this Reserve. All accommodation, meals & tools etc provided.BBQ dinner Saturday nite (& cave tour).Enjoyable, informative weekend over very easy terrain. Limit: 8. Map: (2014)

25-26 May (Sat-Sun): DAVIES CAMP / COXS RIVER () Join us on a scenic walk to the Coxs River; starting at Green Gully, traversing Iron Pot Mountain down to Breakfast Creek. Climb Cattle Dog Mountain to Knight's Deck for some great views. Spend the night at Davies Camp. Day 2 walk up Coxs River to Ironmonger Mountain back to the cars via Iron Pot Mountain. Approx 16km Limit: 8. Map: Jenolan (2013)

25-26 May (Sat-Sun): DEVILS WILDERNESS AND SURROUNDS. (H-X) An adventurous walk with a bit of history thrown in, exploring some of the locations George Caley visited/was challenged by during his 1804 expedition. Browns Ridge then over to Wilderness Ridge via Dark Valley. Steep descent to the junction of the Grose and Wilderness Brook. Then follow Caleys Range back to the Bells line of Road, visiting Luminous Valley, Pincushion Hill, Skeleton Rocks. Approx 16 Km mostly off track with some steep bits and at least one scramble requiring a handline. Limit: 6. Map: Kurrajong, Mount Wilson (2019)

25-26 May (Sat-Sun): GARDENS OF STONE () Experience the full moon rising over Pantoney's Crown. A short, easy walk to a campsite amid the Moffit Pagodas. Come with us, high on the Great Divide and enjoy the moonlit wonders of the pagodas. Day walk on Sun. to some of the hidden canyons of the Poseidon Arena. B.Y.O. water for the overnight camp. Limit: 12. Map: Ben Bullen (2013)

26-27 May (Sat-Sun): EXPLORE: LOCKLEYS, BUTTERBOX & PINNACLES (M-X) We will photographically reconnoitre and explore an area which promises to abound in interesting features - rock formations, contrasting vege communities and spectacular views. Might even find a good camping cave... Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba (2012)

28 May to 2 Jun (Sat-Thu): CAPERTEE VALLEY PASSES (X) Walk cancelled Limit: 4. Map: Mt Morgan (2000)

28-29 May (Sat-Sun): CESSNOCK (E-M) Cessnock Bike Ride Couldn’t go on the club’s Big Bike Ride? Here’s your chance to sample some of the delights of the area in a weekend. On Saturday we will do a loop visiting some of the wineries on the way. On Sunday we will explore Werakata NP. Each day will be approx 40-50km. Accommodation will be at the YHA at Cessnock and will cost $61 for the weekend. (Fri & Sat night} Limit: 8. Map: Cessnock tourist publications (2011)

28-30 May (Fri-Sun): KANANGRA CAR CAMP (E-M) Drive up on Fri.night or meet at the campsite at 8.30 Sat. Sat.walk: Crafts Walls. Stroll across the Kanangra Plateau then climb down a steep rock section (Smiths Chimney), a hand line will be provided. Proceed across Kilpatrick Causeway and on to Crafts Walls for superlative views of the Kanangra area.Return the same way for Happy Hour and nibbles. Sun.walk: Cottage Rock. Stroll across the Kanangra Plateau in a different direction to another delightful viewpoint. (Members desiring a more demanding walk can join Phil F. as he makes his way to Cottage Rock along an entirely different route. Details from Phil F. 47876354). Limit: 12. Map: Kanangra (2010)

29-30 May (Sat-Sun): Ridge between Capertee and Wolgan Valleys (, E/M) An easy overnight walk [4 to 6 klms each way] with great views into both valleys and fantastic rock formations, including a rock arch. Camp near a great little canyon that has water. Sunday morning, walk out to Pt Cameron before returning to the cars. Limit: 8. Map: Ben Bullen (2010)

30-31 May (Sat-Sun): Cockatoo Island weekend (E, social) A weekend in the centre of Sydney with the tranquility of the Harbour, for only $45 per site (4 people) - $22-50 per couple or double Camp on Cockatoo Island. Deadline for money: next (May) meeting. If people don't want to share a tent then they will need to pay for half a site. More places can be booked if sufficient interest. Limit: 16. Map: Sydney UBD (2009)

30-31 May (Sat-Sun): Splendour Rock (E-M) From Green Gully, walk out via Medlow Gap firetrails and tracks to camp near Splendour Rock (either in the saddle below Mount Dingo or near Mobbs Swamp, depending). Visit Splendour Rock, and return the next day via Blackhorse Ridge and Breakfast Creek. Long steep descent down Blackhorse Ridge, but all on track. Limit: 8. Map: jenolan and the edge of Jamison (2009)

31 May to 1 Jun (Sat-Sun): MT TOWNSEND BEND () A Friends of the Colo activity. Overnight walk to the Colo River at Mount Townsend Bend, for more follow-up treatment of the cape ivy there. Camping is on a beach, with shared camp-oven dinner. Beautiful surroundings, with lots of bird life and maybe the odd koala thrown in. The walk to the river is only 2 hours, but involves a steep 400 m descent/ascent, no track, and a wade across the river. Previous involvement with cape ivy work is an advantage, but one or two non-weeders willing to help with the dinner would be welcome. Limit: 8. Map: Mountain Lagoon (2014)