1-20 Aug (Sat-Thu): LARAPINTA TRACK NO.3 (M-H-X, desert) Larapinta Trail, MacDonnell Ranges NT. If you missed the 2014 trip, and you can't join Greg in July, this is another chance to do this iconic walk. We're not trying to compete with the other trips, we just couldn't go on those dates. Contact one of us as soon as possible, we plan on booking transport soon. Return flights to Alice are still around $650. 223 km, food drop to be organised, but we're doing it the hard way - no support vehicle. Map package from: www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/walks/larapinta/package#.VMtr6WiUfAw Limit: 6. Map: order online (2015)

2-11 Aug (Thu - Sat): KAKADU () An off-track walk from Jim Jim Falls to Koolpin Gorge, crossing the plateau offering diverse landforms and vegetation, cultural sites and oodles of waterholes (without crocs). This is not a guided walk. We have a party of 3 with a vacancy for just one more, due to transport logistic limitations. You'd need to arrive in Darwin by the afternoon of 31 July, and leave no earlier than the afternoon of of 12 August. Limit: 4. Map: Jim Jim, Koopin 1:25000 (2018)

4 Aug to 11 Sep (Sat-Tue): CHINA (M, travel) 13 day tour Tiger Leaping Gorge, Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang, Shangri-La. Includes a 2 day walk through the Gorge. Snow capped peaks, winding trails, World Heritage listed villages. Limit: 8. Map: China (2012)

4-5 Aug (Sat-Sun): HAWKESBURY RIVER WISEMANS FERRY (H, kayak) Kayaking from Lower Portland to Wisemans Ferry and return 40 km, staying over night at Wisemans Ferry and returning with the tide. Limit: 8. Map: Lower Portland & St Albans (2018)

6-8 Aug (Sat-Mon): PUTTY CAMP AND PRIVET CONTROL (E) A Friends of the Colo activity. Car-based camping in delightful surroundings on a private rural property. Come for the 3 days, or just the weekend. Help continue the privet control through farmlands along nearby Putty Creek, to protect the wild Wollemi Creek further down. Families welcome (providing someone does some priveting), with an option for easy short walks on farmland or adjacent State Forest. Enjoy a good social around the campfire in the evenings. The activity will be led by long-time FOC member Ian Partridge. Limit: 15. Map: Putty (2016)

6-7 Aug (Sat-Sun): PUTTY CAR-BASED CAMP (E) Join this Friends of the Colo activity for a convivial car camp and campfire on private property in the Putty Valley. Do some easy weed control work or simply relax. Limit: 20. Map: Putty (2011)

7-21 Aug (Sat-Sat): BORDER RANGES-THE SCENIC RIM, GWONDANA FORESTS () This 2 week odyssey will take us on a circuit thru the ancient forests of Gondwana. Starting at Tenterfield, we'll look at Border Ranges, Barney, Lindsay and Maroon, then on to Lamington and Springbrook, finishing at Mt. Warning. Camping only, no caravans. Day walks only. Limit: 12. Map: Various (2010)

7-8 Aug (Sat-Sun): GROSE RIVER - BLUE GUM FOREST () Another Blue Mtns classic - start at the Victoria Falls track, walk down the Grose River to Blue Gum Forest, camp at Acacia Flat. Return via Govett's Leap, which is a long climb, but not difficult if you take it slowly. Car swap needed. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba, Mount Wilson (2010)

7-9 Aug (Fri-Sun): PUTTY CAMP AND PRIVET BASH (E) Organised by Friends of the Colo. Car-based camping on a private rural property. Come for the 3 days, or the weekend, or even just for a day. Help with privet control through farmlands along Putty Creek, to protect Wollemi Creek further downstream. Families welcome (providing someone does some priveting), with an option for easy short walks on farmland or adjacent State Forest. Enjoy a good social around the campfire in the evenings?especially on Saturday night when we?ll informally celebrate 15 years of Friends of the Colo! Limit: 20. Map: Putty (2015)

8-11 Aug (Fri-Mon): KOSCIUSZKO NP (M-H, Grade 4) Cross-country ski and snowshoe trip. Guthega Power Station - Mawson's Hut - Mt Jagungal - Tin Hut - GPS. Not for beginner skiiers; snowshoes are so easy to master - but it is hoped that you will have had experience with those on day trips if you wish to come. Bit of shlepping to N2 camp on snow at Jagungal Saddle, which exceeds 2000m ASL. Wonderful vistas await. Limit: 6. Map: Various available (2014)

8-11 Aug (Fri-Mon): PUTTY () A Friends of the Colo activity. Car-based camping in delightful surroundings on private rural property. Come for the 4 days (Friday-Monday), or the weekend, or just for a day. Help continue with the privet bash along nearby Putty Creek, the importance of which recently skyrocketed after our discovery of privet on the Colo in the downstream wilderness. Families welcome (providing at least one family member is priveting), with an option for short easy walks on farmland or State Forest. Enjoy a good social around the campfire in the evenings. A BBQ will probably be laid on for us on the Saturday night. Limit: 20. Map: Putty (2014)

9-12 Aug (Sun-Wed): MOUNT WIRRABA (H) From a Putty property, walk to and explore the Mount Wirraba vicinity, checking out the rocks which Surveyor Peter Ogilvie sampled in 1832. Commence on the Sunday afternoon after Putty privetting with Friends of the Colo, or drive up on Sunday and meet us there. Camps on Wollemi Creek and Mount Wirraba. Limit: 6. Map: Wirraba (2015)

10-11 Aug (Sat-Sun): PUTTY VALLEY (E) This is a Friends of the Colo activity. Car-based camping in delightful surroundings on private rural property. Help continue with the privet bash along Putty Creek—and enjoy a good social around the campfire. Families welcome. Bring home some firewood or cow poo if you like. Limit: 20. Map: Putty (2013)

11-12 Aug (Sat-Sun): MT SOLITARY (E-M, steep climb) If you've never camped on Solitary you should do this walk. Even if you have, you should do it again. A classic Blue Mountains walk, starting from Golden stairway, climbing up the knife edge (Korowal), camping at Chinaman's Gully and returning the same way. Fantastic views to Warragamba Dam. Korowal is 250m (up and down), the Golden Stairs are 150m (up and down) but total distance is only about 7 km each way. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba, Jamison (2012)

11-13 Aug (Wed-Fri): NATTAI (M-X) A walk on the Nattai Tableland where we will get great views over the Nattai River valley. Mostly off track. We will have to go after rain, water is an issue. Limit: 8. Map: Hilltop, Nattai (2010)

14 Aug to 16 Sep (Thu-Tue): EUROPEAN ALPS () Advance Notice. We're in the planning stages of a trip to Italy, Switzerland and France. In Italy, the Cinque Terre coastal walk, then on to Lake Como and the Dolomites, which are possibly the most picturesque mountains in Italy, with food, views, history and culture. Also time to sightsee in Florence. Approx. 2 weeks. In Switzerland, we'll base in the Bernese Oberland in the heart of the Alps to use cable cars and rack and pinion rail to access some of the alp's best walks. Leaving Interlaken, we'll head for Brig, with mountain views, walking etc. then on to the Matterhorn, before crossing in to France; Chamonix and Mont Blanc with time to ride the cable car to Aiguille du Midi and to Courmayeur in Italy. Home via Geneva. All day walks from a comfortable base, close to the action. Expressions of interest. THIS WALK IS NOW FULL, WITH A WAITING LIST Limit: 12. Map: Euro Map, Hallwag International (2014)

14-21 Aug (Sun-Sun): SNOWY MOUNTAINS SKI CROSS COUNTRY (M-X) Ski from Munyang to Tin Hut via Disappointment Spur, then along the Brassy Mountains and Bulls Peaks to Cesjacks Hut and on to O'Keefes Hut, Mount Jagungal, Mawsons Hut, Kerries Ridge, Gungartan Peak, Dicky Cooper Bogong and back down to Munyang (Guthega) power station. Experience the wonder of skiing under a full moon. Pace will be slow enough to accommodate fit snowshoers. Route may vary according to weather conditions and snow cover. Note this activity type is covered by SBC insurance. Limit: 8. Map: Spatial Vision Kosciuszko Alpine Area 1:50.000 (2016)

15-16 Aug (Sat-Sun): A WEEKEND OF EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY () One of the objectives we've been to, the other we've not, so it may be self-discovery. Sat:very early start. Object 1-Mid Winter Canyon; no abseils, but some very cold water to wade in a very narrow and sustained canyon. Object 2-The Lady Bushranger's Cave on Nullo Mt. We've not been there; have read the book, but Paul and Sue have given us some info and a dubious map, so who knows? Camp at Mid Winter Sat. night at the cars. Bring warm clothes and volleys. Limit: 10. Map: Olinda,Coorongooba and Growee (2009)

16-17 Aug (Sat-Sun): BEDFORD CREEK COMPLETION ((M-H-X, Scrub, Cliff) Completion of the walk which was washed out in April. Walk down Bedford Creek from Murphy's Glenn to camp on the creek below the Wheel. The next morning we ascend a side creek and make our way towards Scorpion Hill but turn east for a gentle descent to an interesting saddle. Lastly we walk downstream along Bedford Creek to Murphys Glenn. 16km approx including 4km fire trail. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison (2014)

17 Aug to 6 Sep (Sun-Sat): MONGOLIA () MONGOLIA TRIP Onda Travel 21 days ex-Beijing, $4,400. Spend some time in the capital, Ulaan Baatar, followed by a 15-day trip to the wonderful countryside. This is essentially an outdoors trip, but there will also be time in rural towns for markets, museums, etc. In addition there may be a chance to visit a nomad family in their ger. Stay mostly in ger camps (nomadic tents suitable for tourists) and these are generally not near towns. This trip was proposed by Yvonne in 2009, run by Onda Travel, and Jeanette has done the trip recently, giving it the thumbs up. Need to nominate reasonably quickly. Limit: 5. Map: Outer Mongolia. Peter G T 4751 9474 peter@pwgreen.id.au Limit: 5. Map: Outer Mongolia (2014)

18-19 Aug (Sat-Sun): KANANGRA: GINGRA CREEK (M-H) Kanangra Walls, Crafts Walls, Crafts Ridge and then camp along Gingra Creek. On Sunday we will ascend onto the Gingra Range approximately at fourth top and then by track to Coal Seam Cave and return. A classic round trip of approx 25km. Limit: 8. Map: Kanangra (2012)

20-26 Aug (Wed-Tue): NORTHERN WOLLEMI (H-X) A round trip taking in some of the classic Northern Wollemi peaks and other little-know spots. Never Never - Widden Brook - Kerry - Coriaday - Monundilla - Kekeelbons - Coricudgy. Limit: 6. Map: Pomany, Coricudgy (2014)

21-22 Aug (Sat-Sun): POINT CAMERON (E-M) Return to the campsite under the fabled dead tree. This area has it all - fantastic pagodas, views towards Pantoney's Crown, a superb flat campsite, an overhang if it rains, a canyon, and even some water if we're lucky, and all for just a 4-5 km walk in that's mostly on some sort of track. 4WD advisable if it rains. Limit: 8. Map: Ben Bullen (2010)

22-23 Aug (Sat-Sun): Royal NP () Overnight pack walk along the Coast Track in the Royal enjoying some of the most spactular views around Sydney. We will catch the train from Sutherland to Otford, descend through Burning Palms and proceed to our overnight camp. Next day continuing onto Bundeena for coffee before ferry ride to Cronulla & train back to Sutherland. Limit: 10. Map: Royal NP CMA (2009)

22-29 Aug (Sat-Sat): Wollemi NP (H-X) Walk along Railmotor Ridge, Cross Nayook Creek up to Mt Mistake, cross Main Creek, join Tambo Creek and follow it to the Colo River. Exit at Canoe Creek. Limit: 6. Map: Rock Hill, Colo Heights (2009)

23-29 Aug (Mon-Sun): BRAIDWOOD (E-M-H-X) Stay in the comfortable Moon cottage. Day walks to nearby Budawangs and Monga National Parks, or simply relax in peace and quiet. Max 12 in cottage, camping also possible. Come for a few days or just a long weekend. We could also use the cottage as a base for an overnight walk, if sufficient interest. Cost approx $20 pp per night. Limit: 12. Map: Braidwood, Monga, Brooman, Corang (2010)

23-25 Aug (Tue-Thu): BUDAWANGS () The Castle and Monolith Valley. Base-camp at Cooyoyo Creek after a very steep climb to the saddle of The Castle. Day 2 will be spent exploring Monolith Valley with its Green Room and Arch and maybe circumnavigating Mt Cole. Great views and pagoda heaven. We'll climb The Castle either PM on day 1 or AM on day 3 depending on weather and time. Some exposure here. Those interested can climb Pigeonhouse Mt on Monday, the 22nd on the way down. Book after the 29th June. Limit: 8. Map: Corang (2011)

24-25 Aug (Sat-Sun): CEDAR CREEK - WHERE\'S JAMIE (M-H-X) Search for Jamie's shelter by using the details provided in Wild Magazine. In via Golden Stairs and Ruined Castle Gap onto the SW flanks of Mount Solitary. Saturday PM and part of Sunday morning will be spent searching and checking out the landslip. Return the same way. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba (2013)

24 Aug to 2 Sep (Fri-Sun): JATBULA, NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK NT (E-M) This walk is now fully booked, BUT i will keep a waiting list. Follow a traditional Jaywon songline across the plateau, with campsites at amazing swimming holes (no crocs). No great hills, the most difficult thing is the heat, but we'll do a day walk or two in Litchfield to acclimatise beforehand. We have 8 places booked to start August 26th. The plan is to arrive late Wednesday (after midnight), walk in Litchfield on Thursday, stay at Adelaide River (Mt Bundy Station) Thursday night, drive to Katherine on Friday and stay 2 nights before the walk. There will be time for a day walk in Nitmiluk on Saturday. Limit: 8. Map: Various (2018)

26 Aug - 15 Sep 09 : MONGOLIA - SILK ROAD, CHINA (E, o'seas) 15 Sept - 14 Oct (China) If you haven't booked in now, it's too late - for either or both trips. Costs, including all fares, accommodation, breakfast, entry fees, Hans as guide and local guides are: Mongolia only (3 wks) $4475 Silk Road (4 wks) $6435 Both trips - $9535. Hans of Onda Travel - 95603307 or ondatravel@hotmail.com for booking forms, itineraries or questions. Limit: 10. Map: TBA (2009)

27-28 Aug (Sat-Sun): NEWNES PLATEAU () Walk from Newnes to the MT Dawson camping cave then explore the escarpment, including Pt Nicholson on Sunday. This is a dry camp so water will have to be carried unless it has rained very recently. Some rock scrambling required Limit: 6. Map: Ben Bullen (2011)

27-28 Aug (Sat-Sun): NEWNES PONDAGE (MCLEANS GAP) (E) Easy overnight to a lovely area east of Baal Bone Gap. Some rocks to climb over to get there, but nothing too difficult. Need another 4WD if more than 5 people book in. A great overnight to start with if you're a beginner, and a fascinating area to walk in - pagodas, great views and we hope permanent water in the little canyon near the campsite. Limit: 8. Map: Cullen Bullen maybe (2016)

29-30 Aug (Sat-Sun): Mt Durambang (M-X) Visit some volcanic mountains and diatremes north of Dunn Swamp near Rylstone. A pleasant walk along the Great Dividing Range to Mt Durambang. Limit: 6. Map: Olinda & Bogee (2009)

29 Aug to 1 Sep (Tue-Fri): NATTAI RIVER (M) It’s been a long time since I walked in this area but it’s a nice scenic leg stretcher and not too hard. It should be a lovely walk in Spring. The NPWS Ranger for that area would quite like someone to have a look at what the weeds are doing along the river so, while we will do some GPS-ing, WE WILL NOT BE TREATING WEEDS. We will walk down Starlights Trail to camp for 2 nights, do a day walk upriver and back, then continue on down the Nattai to an easy exit track. The final day is very short. You can expect varied terrain, with some rock hopping and wet river crossings. Limit: 8. Map: Hilltop, NattaI (2017)