1 Feb (Sat) 2025: VALLEY OF THE DINOSAURS MMB SCA (M) The Valley of the Dinosaurs is a spectacular gorge in Mugii Murum Ban SCA, near Capertee. See why this spectacular area needs to be better protected for the future. We will visit the Ultimate Slot first, then enter the Valley of the Dinosaurs gorge from its entrance, then follow it up and exit via an easy side slot. Then view the gorge from the top and visit the top of the Ultimate Slot, nearby. If the gate on the 4WD trail is open, we will drive to the top in my 4WD in 2 trips if no other 4WD is available. Otherwise theres a 1.8 km each way walk from the bottom. The walk is partly off-track with a 4 (MH) grade. About 7km, 6 hours and 200m elevation gain. Add 3.6km and 200m if we walk from the bottom. There is some easy rock scrambling and no difficult parts. Joint walk with UBMBC. Limit: 8. Map: Glen Alice.

1-2 Feb (Sat - Sun) 2025: BURNT HOLE CREEK (M-Exp) From near the Mt Werong Camp Ground on the Wattle Creek Trail descend to Burnt Hole Creek above the junction with Ruby Creek. Work our way up the creek through the pretty granite gorge. Expect rock-hopping and a swim or wade or two. Camp and ascend the ridge back up to the highpoint 1182 on the Gurnang map. This walk is a re-up of the delayed trip (due to leader hurting his heel), preference will be given to people who I jilted on the first trip up to 5 people. The people limit is due to the expected size of camp sites. Limit: 5. Map: Gurnang.

2 Feb 2025 (Sun) 2025: DEVILS HOLE KATOOMBA (M-Exp) After a quick look from Cahills Lookout we'll descend this exciting "hole". Devils Hole is a natural decent through the cliff-line. Once a track was put down but it isn't maintained although sections can still be used. It goes down about 200 metres in half a km so it is steep but quite doable if taken slowly. It's very beautiful becoming a vertical canyon in the middle bit with a big chock-stone wedged above in the narrow slot. It should also be cooler down there. Once at the bottom I'm planning on going left to see what remains of the track we used to use from the old waterboard ladders and the western end of the tramway tunnel through Narrow Neck. The ladders closed about 30 or more years ago and Rennies Tunnel is also closed. So this section is now exploratory. I went a little way recently and found 2 waterfalls. You can wait until we return at any time. We might go a little way to the right as well until it starts to descend to the valley to pick up the Six Foot Track. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba.

3 Feb (Mon) 2025: MONKEY ROPES CREEK PLUS SWIMMING HOLE (M) Monkey Ropes Creek is a pleasant rainforest creek, cool and shady on a hot day. From near the start of the Nepean Lookout fire trail, we make our way down a side creek to the "y" in Monkey (Penrith map 745551), then down stream, ending at the big pool on Erskine Creek for a leisurely lunch and swim. Return via the Pisgah Rock track - about a 170 meter ascent. Note: involves some mildly exposed rock scrambling that most people find manageable. Not a long walk. About 5 kilometers if we leave a car at the Pisgah Rock parking area. This is a combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith.

3 Feb (Mon) 2025: PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting. 7:30 pm. Our guest speaker this month is Robyn Webster who, along with other members, will be presenting the club's trip to Japan that occurred at the end of last year. Supper and tea/coffee provided for a gold coin donation. Bring your own cup/mug. Limit: 50. Map: .

6 Feb 2025 (Thu) 2025: BRAHMA KUMARIS BUSHCARE LEURA (E) Volunteer activity coordinated by Blue Mountains Council. Come along and help if you can spare a morning! No experience is necessary as all equipment and training will be provided on the day. A delicious complimentary vegetarian lunch will be provided for participants. The contact details of members who book on to the activity will be forwarded to the relevant Bushcare Coordinator who will be in touch with more information in the week prior to the activity. Limit: 10. Map: Google maps.

8-9 Feb (Sat - Sun) 2025: MEGALONG CEMETERY TO ANTHILL CAMPSITE (M) Walk from Megalong Cemetery to the Six Foot Track, for a simple overnight camp beside the Coxs river. Take a dip in a wonderful granite 'bath' and return home the same way the next day, with brunch at the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms... 116m elevation change and approx. 6.1kms each way Good beginners camp. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison .

9 Feb (Sun) 2025: MT STILLWELL (E) Watch the sunset from Mt Stillwell, weather permitting. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/mount-stilwell-walk?p=1&pdfprint=true Limit: 12. Map: Perisher Valley.

Introduction Walk

9 Feb (Sun) 2025: SOUTH WOODFORD BEDFORD CREEK, SHARED MEAL AND SUNSET (EM) Drive down Bedford Rd to Murphys Glen stopping at Linda Rock to take in the views in various directions. If there's enough interest, people can do the 1 km walk down the Turpentine Track to the back of the campground. Appreciate the huge trees which still exist there. Then do the 2 km walk down to Bedford Creek. This track goes past several waterfalls which may still be falling. The track is eroded in places but we'll take it slowly. The last section down by the creek was strewn with flood debris last time but I'm sure this will have settled by now. Once at the river, there's a sandy beach and a lovely long, deep waterhole. Return 2 km back to the cars in the cool of the early evening. Then drive back up to have a shared dinner and sunset in an amazing campcave. Children welcome. Limit: 15. Map: Katoomba.

9-16 Feb 2025 (Sun-Sun) 2025: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H, alpine) Because another club has booked the west wing, we have limited space this year. This activity is now full- no room at the lodge, and rosters have been organised. Join us for the 4rd annual February Snowies Trip. Not just walks - we've found excellent kayaking on Lake Jindabyne, some great mountain bike tracks, horse riding, and a range of walks from 2 hours to all day. Bring or hire your kayak or bike (or both). Comfortable accommodation in a private ski lodge in the heart of the Kosciuszko National Park. Self catering (group meals) and we have to clean up before we leave. We are within walking distance of the 10 highest peaks in Australia, plus lots of slightly lower peaks. Cost around $440 per person for the week, and you are asked to supply (part of) an evening meal for 16 people. Please bring some cash to re-imburse drivers if you car-pool. Entertainment includes Twister, Trivia, jigsaw, pool, table tennis, karioke (?!). Bring a chess set. Limit: 23. Map: Perisher Valley, Geehi River, Koscuiszko.

11 Feb (Tue) 2025: CRAYFISH POOL VIA RED HANDS CAVE (E-M) Crayfish Pool is a lovely spot on Kanuka Brook with an impressive waterfall as a backdrop. It is one of the nicest swimming venues in the lower mountains. From the Red Hands Cave Track parking area, above the Glenbrook Causeway, we will walk the maintained track to Red Hands Cave, then a short distance of fire trail, followed by the Grey Hat Falls track to the pool. Return the same way. All on track. Approx 10 kilometers all up with about 150 meters ascent/descent. Limit: 12. Map: Penrith.

13 Feb (Thu) 2025: PROSPECT TO CANLEY VALE (E-M, cycle) Cycle the Prospect Reservoir to Canley Vale loop. Approximately 35 km almost entirely on bike paths that are generally flat. We will cycle clockwise from Prospect Reservoir, east to Guilford where we will have a coffee break before heading south to Cabramatta for lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant (or bring your own lunch). After lunch we will head west to Abbotsbury and then north back to Prospect. Limit: 12. Map: Gregorys.

Introduction Walk

14 Feb (Fri) 2025: SUNSET AT FAULCONBRIDGE POINT (M) A moderately hilly out and back walking route, firetrail, approximately 15.3 km long.  Meet at 5.30pm for a lovely evening stroll to the end of Faulconbridge Point, take a light supper. Definitely need a headtorch, red light capable preferred, either fully charged, or carry spare batteries... Soak in the quiet of the evening. Hopefully it'll be a moonlit night with no/low cloud cover. Cancelled if raining. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood .

15 Feb (Sat) 2025: MEGALONG VALLEY (E) Walk from Megalong Valley Rd to Coxs River and back again. Keen to check out the swing bridge since it's re-opening, and to look at some just off the track future camp options along the way. Couple of hours each way following the 6 foot track. Relatively easy. Will take most of the day. Bring lunch and snacks and water. Total distance 6 km down, 6 km back again. altitude 300 m down, 300m up Limit: 10. Map: Hampton.

15 Feb (Sat) 2025: WALK THE WOLLANGAMBE (M-H-Exp, Exploratory) We will walk in to access the Wollangambe River on the Gooches Crater track. Then the fun and adventure begins as we walk downstream and explore a section of the river. I suspect most of the river walking will just be wading with the option of walking on the banks, but we may need to swim across some deeper pools. This part is exploratory. The plan is to come out at the base of submarine rock and pickup the route from the Centre of the Universe back to the cars. 9.3km total with a mix of on and off-track walking (4.5km in, 4.8km out), 2.2km in the river. 360m ascent, 420m descent. (Unless otherwise stated ascents and descents are cumulative, eg. 100m up 59m down, 70m up etc.). Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe 1:25000.

15-16 Feb (Sat - Sun) 2025: KIAMA TO SEVEN MILE BEACH (M) Kiama to Seven Mile Beach grade 3 as it is a defined track but it is quite undulating. 20 ks on Saturday including exploring Seven Mile beach after we have pitched our tents. Return Sunday after a swim or two. Meet at Kiama at 8 30 and get to Seven Mile Beach holiday park by about 5pm with picnic and swim on the way. You can carry a tent and full pack or book a cabin. Limit: 8. Map: https://greatsouthcoastwalk.net/stage02/.

16 Feb (Sun) 2025: SOUTH BLACKHEATH (E) Centenial Glen at Blackheath is a beautiful round walk with a small canyon, waterfalls, fantastic cliffs, rock formations and great views into the Megalong Valley. We'll do a short detour to Fort Rock and some brave souls may want to swim in the canyon below its little waterfall. This walk does have lots of steps but they have handrails and going right down to the bottom waterfall is optional anyway. We'll return via Walls Ledge where all the climbing walls are. The pace will be as slow as needed. About 4 to 5 km. After the walk you have the option of continuing onto the Shipley Plateau to have lunch at Hargraves Lookout with more great views. There's a short optional walk here to the old lookout. Those who want even more, we can pop down to Coachwood Glen in the valley with it's beautiful rainforest. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

16-21 Feb (Sun - Fri) 2025: MUNYANG TO VALENTINES (M, scrub) An adaptation of last year's cancelled walk. Start at Munyang, climb the steep but graded road to Whites River Hut or Schlink. Explore a route to Dicky Cooper Bogong etc with a day pack the next day, and stay at Schlink Hilton the second night. Next day, continue on to Valentines hut. Next day, find the route to Mawsons Hut (wiht a day pack) and possibly Cup and Saucer Hill if Mawsons is easy to get to. Return to Valentines(or maybe continue to the old Orange Hut site) that night. Return to civilisation on the AAWT, either stopping at Whites River that night, or all the way to Munyang. Plans are flexible and subject to weather, scrub, participants, etc Limit: 8. Map: Geehi, Jagungal.

20 Feb (Thu) 2025: RICHMOND (E-M, Cycle) Richmond to Windsor. mostly flat, 40km approx. Back roads and cycle paths, suitable for road bikes. Cycle along Onus Lane, Powells Lane, Edwards Road, back down Cornwell's Lane,Benson Lane, behind RAAF base and up Cupitt's Lane then hopefully cycle path into Windsor. Morning tea at cafe, then cycle back. Bring lunch to have at Smith Park. Limit: 12. Map: Gregorys.

22 Feb 2025 (Sat) 2025: DEANEI RESERVE BUSHCARE (E) Volunteer activity coordinated by Blue Mountains Council. Come and spend a morning with like minded others amongst the towering Blue Gums in this lovely reserve. No experience is necessary as all equipment and training will be provided. The contact details of participants will be forwarded to the relevant Bushcare Coordinator who will provide more information in the week prior to the activity. Limit: 10. Map: Google maps.

23 Feb (Sun) 2025: 3 HR MINIGAINE (M, Navigation) Calling all who are interested in practicing/learning navigation skills for the 3hr Minigaine on Sunday, 23 February 2025 at Kurnel organised by Mat Collin, run by nswrogaining.org I'm not interested in competing speedwise,just consolidating skills. Slow and steady, what, what. No further details at present... Need a driver... Limit: 8. Map: Kurnell.

23 Feb (Sun) 2025: ERSKINE CREEK (H) This is a classic lower mountains walk. Long drive into the National Park from Glenbrook. Scramble our way down Pisgah Rock to the big pool for a swim then make our way up to Dadder Cave and on to Blands Pool. Full day of rock hopping and off track walking. Scrambling and river crossings. Minor scrub. Steep climb on the way back up to Pisgah with the use of climbing tape. 8km with 180m descent and ascent. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith.

1 Mar (Sat) 2025: ROCKY CREEK (M) Similar to Jason's walk on the 11th, but I will only be doing Rocky Ck, not Twister as well. We head down the track to the start of Rocky Creek canyon, don wetsuits and helmets and head down this spectacular canyon. There are no abseils, but there is rock scrambling, slippery rocks, wades and short swims in cold water, so please consider this if you wish to join me. You must be able to swim at least 20 metres. The canyon itself takes about an hour to the end. To exit we will reverse the canyon and climb 250m back up the track we entered on. Limit: 8. Map: Rock Hill.

1-2 Mar (Sat-Sun) 2025: GNW THORNLEIGH TO BEROWRA WATERS (H) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. Day 1 - 14km -Bellamy St trackhead to campsite at Berowra Creek - ascent 1110m descent 1313m Day 2 - 9km - Berowra Creek campsite to Berowra Station via Benowie track - ascent 596m descent 390m +1km back to Bellamy St trackhead. (Unless otherwise stated ascents and descents are cumulative, eg. 100m up 59m down, 70m up etc.). Limit: 8. Map: Hornsby and Cowan 1:25000.

2 Mar (Sun) 2025: CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA IN GLENBROOK NP (EM) A half day activity. Book in asap so National Parks can plan number of bags etc. Do your bit to keep Australia beautiful. We're working around the Blue Pool and from the Causeway, past Jellybean Pool to the steps at the beginning of the gorge. This area gets lots of visitors who often leave their rubbish behind bushes and rocks etc. Limit: 15. Map: Springwood.

3 Mar (Mon) 2025: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held at 7.30pm in the Springwood Presbyterian Church Hall. All committee positions are open for nominations and voting will be held on that night. This is your chance to come along and gain a better understanding of the workings of the club or to become part of the team that supports our fantastic array of activities. You may self-nominate. The positions are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Activity Officer, Training Officer, Communications Officer, IT Officer. Other Committee support roles include: Deputy IT Officer, Child Activity Coord, MPIO, Public Officer, Social Secretary, Publicity and Promotions Officer, Volunteers Officers, Equipment Officer, Librarian, Catering Officer, Emergency Contact Officers and delegates to Bushwalking NSW. Supper will be provided on the evening. Limit: 50. Map: .

8-9 Mar (Sat - Sun) 2025: BLUEGUM FOREST OVERNIGHT HIKE (M-H) Day 1 (10km, ascent 160m, descent 780m) – Govetts Leap to Acacia Flat via Evans Lookout and the Horse Track. Day 2 (11km, ascent 830m, descent 210m) – Acacia Flat to Govetts Leap via Perrys Lookdown, Anvil Rock, and Hat Hill. I have booked the campsite for 6 (the maximum for one group booking). If I get more participants, another spot will need to be booked. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

8-9 Mar (Sat - Sun) 2025: INGAR OVERNIGHT (M) Beginning on Kings Tableland, Wentworth Falls. Fire trail walking with overnight packs, Camp Saturday night at Ingar Campground. Play in the water and/or walk up Mount Bedford. Steep walk up to Woodford Station. Good beginner camp. Potential car shuffle needed... Limit: 8. Map: Jamison .

15 Mar (Sat) 2025: ANNUAL LEADERS BBQ Our club runs on the quality of our volunteer leaders and we love to hear you recognise, support and encourage them, so feel free to send them an email or make a Facebook post in appreciation of their contribution. But for a little something extra, we like to gather once a year to shout them a meal and say thanks. We also want to encourage any club members who may have a hankering to join the leadership ranks with a BBQ lunch. Anyone who has led an activity with the club or who is interested in leading an activity, is welcome to attend... and as an added bonus, those who lead activities are given an extra discount toward their Remote Area First Aid course. Come and discover the benefits of volunteering. Map: Springwood

16-20 Mar (Sun - Thu) 2025: CURRARONG HOLIDAY (E-M, Social) Sunday to Friday avoiding crowds. A now traditional short holiday where you can do as much or as little as you wish. In 2024 we had 27 booked and in 2025 there may be more. Accommodation options include tents, caravans and cabins at Holiday Haven Currarong with its sparkling amenities. Opportunities for coastal walking, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and bicycling etc. Similar organisation to the Snowies but without having to cook for a multitude. Limit: 50. Map: CURRARONG and surrounding maps.

Introduction Walk

22-23 Mar (Sat - Sun) 2025: DEEP PASS OVERNIGHT (E) Beginner's overnight, or just come and test your gear. Deep Pass campground is a grassy area under trees with a brand new toilet and some NPWS log seats. This area offers some interesting features - deep Pass Canyon, the famous rock crevice and even (allegedly) some first nations hand prints somewhere. The walk-in is about 1km from the carpark, there is water in Nayook Creek, which runs past the campsite. Gear for loan from the club or leader. Let me know if you're interested, but need help with what to take. In case of rain or other bad weather, this will become a day walk on one of the days. Limit: 8. Map: rock hill.

Introduction Walk

30 Mar (Sun) 2025: NARROW NECK CARLONS HEAD (EM) Drive out along Narrow Neck in south Katoomba to the locked gate and then walk 2 kms further along the road to the Carlons Head turnoff. This section has some very narrow bits with great views into the valleys on either side and is very easy. Then turn off to Carlons Head for views down onto the old farm and beyond. I haven't done this since the road has been done up so I'm not sure what this track is like. We'll see if we can get to, but not down, the old spikes which are apparently still being used. These got one down onto the firetrail below Narrow neck. Probably about 7 or 8 kms return but you just walk as far as you like. Limit: 15. Map: Katoomba.

30 Mar (Sun) 2025: ROPES CROSSING 6HR ROGAINE (M, Navigation) Another Rogaining activity with nswrogaining.org I'm not planning on going fast or for 6 hours, but if you're a you beaut navigator, the minimum team size is two, sign up! ... Let's carpool. Limit: 8. Map: Ropes Crossing.

1-8 Apr (Tue - Tue) 2025: FORBES, PARKES NSW (E-M, cycling) SBC annual Big Ride, our 16th this time with 4 days firstly in Forbes followed by 4 days in Parkes. As usual we cycle the areas around each town mostly on quieter sealed country roads but with possibilities of some gravel. Suitable for road bikes and hybrids with wider tyres. Distances typically 40 - 70 km with refreshment stops. Planned ride routes will be sent in advance with daily choices and different leaders chosen beforehand. We stay in good camp grounds choosing between own camper or tent or a cabin or nearby motel. Contact Gay Bernays bernays@rocketmail.com if you have not had early info about camp venues. There is a $100 REGISTRATION FEE to cover some costs, a group dinner and the remainder donated to two conservation groups. After registering for the ride details will be sent of the account for payment of the $100 fee. Limit: 24. Map: central west road maps.

3 Apr (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE AT SOUTH LEURA (E) Join me and spend the morning doing landcare at Brahma Kamaris on Mt Hay Rd. All tools and instructions provided by a council worker. Usually we work along or in a lovely clear creek. Bring gum boots if you have them. Morning tea provided in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and stay for a complimentary vegetarian lunch if you wish. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

5 Apr (Sat) 2025: GNW BEROWRA STATION TO COWAN STATION (M-H) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. This is part of an overnight hike, however there is an option to complete just the first day from Berowra Station to Cowan Station. 12.5km - With train stations at each end, this walk explores the ridges and valleys around Berowra Waters. There are plenty of excellent views, especially at Naa Badu Lookout and the many creek vantage points along the way. There are some solid climbs on this walk. If time allows, Berowra Waters, in the middle of the walk, is a great place for lunch or an ice cream, by taking the optional side trip across the river, on the free car-ferry, which is a pleasant ride in itself. http://wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/berowra-valley-regional-park/berowra-to-cowan-via-berowra-waters.html 12.5km with 884m ascent and 906m descent. (Unless otherwise stated ascents and descents are cumulative, eg. 100m up 59m down, 70m up etc.). Limit: 8. Map: Cowan 1:25000.

5-6 Apr (Sat-Sun) 2025: GNW BEROWRA WATERS TO BROOKLYN (H) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. Why not join us for this iconic walk. Day 1 - 14.5km (898 ascent, 1143 descent) starting at Berowra Station we head down to Berowra Waters via the Benowie track. We then come back up to Cowan Station where anyone wanting just a day walk is welcome to bail out. We then continue down to Jerusalem Bay where we will hopefully find a suitable campsite above the high tide mark. Day 2 - 9.75km (605m ascent, 616m descent). The GNW continues through Ku-ring-gai NP past Brooklyn Dam to finish at Brooklyn Station. (Unless otherwise stated ascents and descents are cumulative, eg. 100m up 59m down, 70m up etc.). Limit: 6. Map: Cowan 1:25000.

Introduction Walk

13 Apr (Sun) 2025: GLOWWORM TUNNEL CIRCUIT (EM) Drive to the tunnel carpark and head towards it but turn off up the steep but stunning Pagoda Track for an amazing area of rock formations. Then stroll down the Old Coach Rd through Penrose Gorge until it crosses the old railway line which we then follow back to the cars via the Glowworm Tunnel. Great views into the Wolgan Valley and lots of cliffs. About 9km Limit: 15. Map: Rock Hill.

24-26 Apr (Thu - Sat) 2025: ANZAC DAY SPLENDOUR ROCK (M) Is there interest in being at the Anzac dawn service at Splendour Rock this year? Anzac Day is on Friday. This would mean walking out Thursday, camping either on Dingo Hill (with everyone else) or at the gap just below Dingo Hill (and walking up before dawn). We would walk back on Friday, with the option to camp another night and explore something in the area. It's about 6 hours to walk in a couple of hills and ups and downs, on track and fire trail. Return the same way (as apparently Black Horse Ridge is still impassable) Limit: 10. Map: Jamison.

24-26 Apr (Thu-Sat) 2025: GLOW WORM TUNNEL TO NEWNES AND BEYOND (M-H) Day 1 - 12.6km - walk into Newnes campground from the Glow Worm Tunnel carpark on the eastern loop of the Pagoda track. Undulating with a general descent from 800m to 520m generally following the Wolgan River. Day 2 - 12km - with day packs, walk up Little Capertee Creek (520-700m ascent) with a steep 200m climb to 900m to explore the walls around Point Nicholson return via Canobla Creek and peak 918 (400m descent to campground). Day 3 - 13.1km - return back via the glow worm tunnel on the western loop of the Pagoda track. Climbing from 520m to 800m. Limit: 6. Map: Ben Bullen 1:25000.

27 Apr (Sun) 2025: 58TH ANNIVERSARY PICNIC Let's gather for the anniversary of the beginning of Springwood Bushwalking Club, we'll meet together to reminisce, feast, frolic and celebrate the foundation of our wonderful community of outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. BYO a plate of dainty delicacies to devour. Open to all members. Map: Springwood

10 May (Sat) 2025: LOOK OVER TOWARDS KOLONGA LABYRINTH (M-Exp) Head out the end of Queens Road, Lawson on the North Lawson fire-trail, turn left and hopefully look out over the Kolonga Labyrinth. It looks back towards the ends of Urella and Rocklily fire-trails. Partially exploratory. A hilly out and back route, approximately 13.5 km long. About 4 - 5 hours. Driver needed. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

17-18 May (Sat-Sun) 2025: GNW PATONGA TO WONDABYNE STATION (M) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. Day 1 - 10.5km Patonga to Mt. Wondabyne campsite (or possibly onto Kariong Brook). Day 2 - 9.6km Mt. Wondabyne to Wondabyne Station Total 861m ascent. Making this a limit of 4 as the ferry to Patonga no longer operates so we will need to be dropped to the start of the hike. My hubby will take the first 3 to book on after myself. Happy to include more than 4, but will need to discuss travel options. Could be an UBER from Woy Woy station, water taxi from Brooklyn or arrange your own car drop off at Patonga wharf. Let’s chat! (Unless otherwise stated ascents and descents are cumulative, eg. 100m up 59m down, 70m up etc.). Limit: 4. Map: Broken Bay and Gosford 1:25000.

5 Jun (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE AT BRAHMA KAMARIS (E) Join me and spend the morning doing landcare at Brahma Kamaris on Mt Hay Rd. All tools and instructions provided by a council worker. Usually we work along or in a lovely clear creek. Bring gum boots if you have them. Morning tea provided in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and stay for a complimentary vegetarian lunch if you wish. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

21 Jun (Sat) 2025: GNW WONDABYNE STATION TO GIRRAKOOL (E-M) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. 9.5km - We will need to alert the guard that we are alighting at Wondabyne Station which mainly services the GNW. We then follow the GNW route over Scopas and Leochare Peaks which offer extensive views of the surrounding region. Our walk finishes in Girrakool which is an aboriginal word meaning “place of waters”. This walk requires a pickup from Girrakool Picnic Area. I can take the first 3 to book after myself (hence the 4 person walk limit). Happy to take more, and this could be a good one for kids, but extras will need to be prepared to arrange a pickup or an Uber/taxi from Girrakool. Gosford Station is the closest train station. Total ascent 776m. (Unless otherwise stated ascents and descents are cumulative, eg. 100m up 59m down, 70m up etc.). Limit: 4. Map: Gosford 1:25000.