2 Jun (Wed) 2021: WENTWORTH FALLS (E-M) A half day circuit walk: 5km approx: We will start The Nature Track and continue to Edinburgh Castle Rock and at Lillians Glen were we will see Asmodeus Pool, ( Asmodeus the Prince of Demons – Lust) and Flora's Bath followed by Empress Lookout, and the Conservation Hut, then back along the Nature Track to the cars. Bring morning tea. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 3 Jun (Thu) 2021: HARTLEY VALE MINE (M) This is private land, so it's not often we get a chance to see this early oil shale mine, which is a piece of our history, dating from the 1860's. At that time there was a thriving village with retorts, a refinery and a candle factory. Limit: 10. Map: MT. WILSON. 5 Jun (Sat) 2021: CAMP CREEK AND ALCATRZ (M) Along the eastern side of Carne Creek there are a number of side creeks that descend off the plateau via waterfalls, grottos and canyons. Camp Creek is one of them, otherwise known as Alcatraz Canyon. From the fire trail, we'll walk down the gently sloping valley, once filled with pink flannel flowers, follow the creek to the top of the waterfall, then skirt around the grotto, descend a ramp and walk up to the base of the waterfall. Off track, rough and steep in parts, but very interesting. Limit: 8. Map: Cullen Bullen. 5 Jun (Sat) 2021: INTRODUCTION TALK (E) Ad Hoc Introduction talk for new members Limit: 3. Map: NA. 5 Jun (Sat) 2021: LANE COVE TO FIGTREE BRIDGE (M, kayak) Paddle from the Lane Cove National Park to Figtree Bridge and return 15km with the tide both ways. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 12. Map: UBD. 5 Jun (Sat) 2021: LOCAL HISTORY WALK (E) A trip discovering various interesting things in the area between Faulconbridge and Wentworth Falls. Visit Lady Martin's Bath at Linden, walk a section of the little-known original Cox's Road on the left of the highway, take a stroll through Woodford to see some historic buildings and also remains of buildings, visit an area of aboriginal significance with great rock formations and views just off the King's Tableland Road and come back to Bulls Camp to see some convict history and a section of the original sandstone wall of the Cox's Road which was discovered when they remade the Highway. Limit: 16. Map: various. 5 Jun (Sat) 2021: PORTERS PASS-COLLIERS CAUSEWAY (M-Exp) This is a longer walk on an old re-discovered track. Down Centennial Glen, past the Grotto, then pick up the old track and return via Porters Pass and the Causeway. Could be rough underfoot! Limit: 10. Map: MT. WILSON. 7 Jun (Mon) 2021: GENERAL MEETING Springwood Presbyterian Church Hall All members and visitors to sign in at the door to meet COVID regulations. Jan & Phil Foster will be presenting a visual & entertaining delight on their recent walks. Wendy & Frank Wilkinson will preparing the supper. Ensure you bring your Keep Cup and a gold coin donation for your beverage of choice. 9 Jun (Wed) 2021: HAZELBROOK (E-M) A half day circuit walk at South Hazelbrook: 5km approx: From Lake Road Hazelbrook to Bedford, Lester and an unnamed pool in Bedford Creek. Then back up Bedford Creek to Willawong Pool where Lawson Creek joins Bedford Creek then back to Terrance and Victor Falls in Terrance Falls Creek, from there to Adams Lookout and the cars in Lake Road. Bring morning tea. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 10 Jun (Thu) 2021: RICHMOND TO WINDSOR (M) Cycle Richmond to Windsor, mostly flat, from 30km. Back roads and cycle paths, suitable for road bikes. Start at Smith Park on Francis Street, Richmond. Ride along Triangle Lane, Powell Lane, Edwards Road, Cornwallis Road, then cycle path into Windsor for morning tea at cafe or by the river. Return by the same route, or ride across the Windsor bridge to return via Freeman’s Reach Road/ Tennyson Road to Smith Park. Bring lunch to eat at Smith Park. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood. 11-14 Jun (Fri-Mon) 2021: MT AIRLY VIA CAPERTEE (E-M-VH) CAMP FULL Car camp at Mt Airly. Day walks from camp with various leaders and grades. Camp in Mugii Murrumban SCA in a grassy area below pagodas on Mts Airly and Genowlan. Bring everything but pit toilets provided. Camp ovens and good fires in the evenings. Limit: 25. Map: Glen Alice. 12 Jun (Sat) 2021: COLO RIVER (H, Kayak) Paddle the Colo River from Lower Portland towards the Upper Colo and return with the tide both ways 30km. Bring morning tea, lunch and P.F.D. Limit: 8. Map: Lower Portland. 13 Jun (Sun) 2021: BLUE GUM SWAMP, WINMALEE (M) Blue Gum Swamp Circuit. A classic "get out there on Sunday" walk. Probably one of the best places to see a forest of Blue Gums. Easy walking, mostly fire trail - 10 klm. Bring morning tea and lunch. Return early afternoon. Limit: 12. Map: Springwood. 13 Jun (Sun) 2021: SOUTH SPRINGWOOD EXPLORE (M-Exp, Scrub Cliffs, some s) This walk encompasses many rarely visited features of the bush south of Springwood but also has some exploratory elements. Sassafras Gully then ascend to admire cultural features in the vicinity of Kangaroo saddle. Descend the smaller tributary of Rock Bridge creek and inspect natural rock bridges and some sharpening grooves. Visit the whale back rock outcrops and spot height 345. Descend rock bridge creek via the a small waterfall, through rainforest and then briefly explore the cliff base upstream of where Rock Bridge Cree enters Glenbrook Creek gorge. Exit via the Victory Track and Sassafras. Two 200m ascents and approx 8km - mostly off track. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood . 13 Jun (Sun) 2021: ULOOLA FALLS (AUDLEY TO HEATHCOTE) (E-M) Start at Heathcote, find the 'Bootle Forest Trail' down to Kangaroo Creek, follow the creek a short way upstream to Karloo Pools. From Karloo Pool (no swimming, it's winter), follow the track to Uloola Falls (noting the elusive Uloola Turrets on the way). Follow the Gurrumboola Ridge back to Audley, and investigate a couple of interesting features on the way. Car swap required (cars at Audley and Heathcote). 9am start from Audley so that we get a parking spot. Plenty of free parking at Heathcote. Limit: 10. Map: Royal National Park. 16 Jun (Wed) 2021: WINMALEE (E-M) An easy half day walk: Approx: 5km: We will walk a fire trail that will descended to a tributary of Fraser Creek. The Fraser Creek Valley has some magnificent trees. In following the fire trail we will pick up the Yellow Rock Creek Trail and follow it to the end. We will return the same way. Bring morning tea. Limit: 12. Map: Springwood. 17 Jun (Thu) 2021: DARKS CAVE (M) Near Fortress Creek, is a cave used by Dr. Dark and his friends in the 1930's. A short, but steep walk into this interesting area. Great views, with rock scrambling. Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON. 17 Jun (Thu) 2021: GLENBROOK (E-M, cycling) Glenbrook to Nepean River Cycle from Glenbrook down to M4 bridge via Lapstone, Knapsack Bridge and Emu Plains. Cross river and ride up to Victoria Bridge (G W Highway), cross river again and ride back along River Rd to Lewers Gallery for coffee. Do another bridge circuit in reverse and then back via old zigzag railway cuttings or Lapstone to Glenbrook Park for lunch. About 40 km Limit: 12. Map: Penrith. 19 Jun (Sat) 2021: NAVIGATION TRAINING - BELL (E-M, off track) Learn how to use a compass and map in the bush. Map supplied but you'll have to beg, borrow or bring your own orienteering compass. Start near the truck checking station at Bell, follow a couple of ridges and creeks to an amazing area of pagodas and creeks that we've found on a previous trip. The area was recently burnt so scrub is minimal. We should finish mid-afternoon, maximum up and down is about 170m, distance about 5-6km. Beginners OK, or come along if you can navigate and want some practice. It's an interesting area anyway. Limit: 10. Map: Mount Wilson, Wollangambe. 19 Jun (Sat) 2021: PAGODA MAZE (M) On the edge of the Capertee Valley, isa land of stone pagodas and incised valleys, hard to navigate through, but great on the eye. We'll visit a few of the more spectacular pagodas on a circular walk. Some rock scrambling. THIS WALK WAS CANCELLED DUE TO ROAD CLOSURE, SO HAS NOW BEEN PUT ON AGAIN, WHICH MEANS YOU NEED TO RE-BOOK! Limit: 12. Map: Ben Bullen. 20 Jun (Sun) 2021: LADY MARTINS BATH, GLENBROOK CREEK (M, scrub) walk full. Exploration of the ridges that run south of the highway, there are old logging roads down towards Glenbrook Creek. Not a long day, we'll aim to be back just after lunch. Limit: 6. Map: springwood. 23 Jun (Wed) 2021: LINDEN (E-M) A half day walk on Linden Ridge: 8km approx: Linden Ridge to 4th Kings Own Regiment rock engravings and Aboriginal sharpening grooves and the Echidna Train. We will look at the ruins at an old private Sydney school property that was pre National Park. Morning tea will be on a rock platform with westerly views to Mount Twiss and northerly views into the valley of Dawes Creek and Dawes Ridge beyond. This is a great winter walk. Bring morning tea. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 25-26 Jun (Fri - Sat) 2021: NAVSHIELD (E-M-H, self paced) Every year Bush Search and Rescue NSW (BSAR) organises and runs the Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield or NavShield. The 2021 event will be held 26-27 June 2021. arrive on Friday night to get course information and map, and set a course to follow the next day. The one-day comp runs from 9am to 6pm, and can include some night navigation. This year the venue is Tarlo River National Park, a rarely visited park with (usually) no public access, 20km north of Goulburn and south of Wombeyan Caves. We have arranged special access to the park for this event with NPWS and local landholders so you have a rare chance to see this hidden gem. The base site will be on a private farm bordering Tarlo River National Park, approx 2 hours from Sydney. Toilets provided, everything else including water must be brought in. SBC will subsidise the entry fee. Limit: 8. Map: tba. 26 Jun (Sat) 2021: NEPEAN RIVER CASTLEREAGH (E-M, KAYAK) Kayak Nepean River from Castlereagh. No motor boats on this part of the river making for a easy peaceful paddle, of approx 10km plus the option to do more. Bring morning tea and lunch. Paddle for 5km down river where we stop for morning tea. Return to our launch area and continue the paddle up river for those interested in more of a paddle. Supply your own kayak and PFD. Limit: 12. Map: Castlereagh. 27 Jun (Sun) 2021: BIRDWOOD GULLY (M) INTRODUCTION WALK AND TALK. BIRDWOOD GULLY. Sunday afternoon walk through the Faulconbridge end of Birdwood Gully. Approach from a track off Chapman Parade. A very pretty rain forest section along Springwood Creek. Limit: 12. Map: Springwood. 27 Jun (Sun) 2021: TIGER SNAKE CANYON (M) Great canyon out on Newnes Plateau. 2 short spectacular canyon sections. 4 abseils up to 20 mts plus a few climb downs. May get your feet wet. Must have your own gear plus helmet and some abseiling experience. Rope fee applies. Limit: 8. Map: Mt Morgan. 28 Jun-2 Jul 2021 (Mon - Fri) 2021: WISEMAN'S FERRY (M, Car camp, kayaking, b) Camp or cabin at the Ski Gardens Wiseman's Ferry with day trips, kayaking and walking. Limit: 12. Map: St Albans. 30 Jun (Wed) 2021: LAWSON (E-M) A half day circuit walk: 5km approx: South Lawson Water Falls: Adelina Falls, Junction Falls, Federal Falls and Cataract Falls. Bring morning tea. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 10 Jul (Sat) 2021: NEPEAN RIVER TO WARRAGAMBA (H-VH, kayak) A 40 km return kayaking trip from Penrith to the base of the Warragamba Dam. Early start and late finish. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith. 10 Jul (Sat) 2021: WHALE WATCHING IN BOTANY BAY N.P. (M) Kamay has historic sites, unique flora and a rugged coastline that looks out to deep water, where whales cruise past in winter. We'll walk from Botany Bay to Cronulla, stopping at the whale watching centre in the hope of seeing whales. Limit: 12. Map: Kurnell. 11 Jul (Sun) 2021: KARIWOGA RIDGE (M, E-M) Kariwoga Ridge runs off the Faulconbridge Point Fire trail. It features excellent views of the Grose Valley and a very special saddle for lunch. Replenish visitors book. This walk is particularly flat but has long fire trail sections. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood . 11 Jul (Sun) 2021: ZORRO CANYON (M) 4kms round trip. Short dry canyon, could get wet feet. 2-3 abseils up to 40 meters plus a tricky climb down.Exit up another canyon.Nice pagodas on the way out. Must have own gear. Rope fee apllies Limit: 8. Map: Cullen Bullen. 15 Jul (Thu) 2021: WATER NYMPHS DELL (M) A short walk to a fern-filled valley with a waterfall. Some steps! Morn. Tea at Mountain High Pie beforehand. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba. 17 Jul (Sat) 2021: MEGALONG LEDGES-BLACKS LADDERS (M) From the Hydro, we'll access a ledge system that takes us all the way to Elphinstone Plateau and Blacks Ladders. Some exposure and fern swimming; views and pristine vistas all day! Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba. 18 Jul (Sun) 2021: LYCON PLATEAU PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION (E-M-Exp) Starting from the pinnacles we will search the heathy crests and hanging wetlands of this interesting area. Expect to photograph magnificent ironstone formations backdropped by the cliffs of the upper Grose valley. No big hills but approx 6km of off track walking. Lots of variety. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba. 22 Jul (Thu) 2021: VICTORIA FALLS AND SILVER CASCADES (M) Not a long walk, but there are steps. We'll take our time and stop for morn. tea at the Cascades. Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON. 24 Jul (Sat) 2021: IRONPOT AND TINPOT (M) Way out on the edge of the Wild Dog Mountains is the Tinpot Range. We'll walk to the crest of the range to experience the wonders of this area; great geology, flora and history, with views all day! Limit: 12. Map: Jenolan. 25 Jul (Sun) 2021: ERSKINE CREEK HIGHLIGHTS (ANOTHER ATTEMPT) (M-H, Scrub, Cliffs?) Visit the major features of this iconic walking area. Views, big pools and caves. Jack Evans track to Platypus Loop knoll for visitor book replenishment. Cross Erskine Creek, and hopefully climb the spur to Spot Height 245, or make our way up through the diatreme. Visit the intriguing elbow bend and make our way along Little Crater Ridge and then descend to Dadder Cave to replenish the visitor book. Make our way downstream to the Erskine mega pool and return via the traditional Lincoln and Monkey Ropes Creek rainforest route with further visitor book replenishment at the famous Attic Cave. 8km mostly off track and two 180m and some smaller ascents. Dry weather only. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith. 29 Jul (Thu) 2021: PAGODAS OF MOUNT VICTORIA (M) Hidden away at the head of the Grose River, mostly only seen by locals, there's a collection of pagodas with rock gardens and heaps of views. Mostly off-track. Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON. 31 Jul (Sat) 2021: BRUCES WALK PART 2 (M) Wentworth Falls to Blackheath. Across Mt. Hay Rd. to Minnehaha Falls, then Pt. Pilcher Track to Grand Canyon and Neates Glen. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba. 31 Jul (Sat) 2021: LAKE WALLACE, WALLERAWANG (E, KAYAK) This will be an easy and leisurely paddle on the lake. The lake is fed from the Cox's River and also topped up from the Fish River Scheme and Lake Lyell. There are meant to be 180 different species of bird life here. You will need your own Kayak and PFD. Bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 12. Map: Lithgow. 1 Aug (Sun) 2021: KEDUMBA WALKS SOUTH WENTWORTH FALLS (M-Exp, Scrub, Cliffs?) A series of shorter day walks. Lions Head to replace/refurbish our visitor book. Harris Hill for arguably the best views in the Bluies. Pearces Mountain and along a flat ridge check out the lack of cliff at Kills Head. Approximately 13km and say 600m elevation change depending on mood, with approximately 2/3rds off track and some probably burnt in the 2020 fires. Limit: 8. Map: katoomba jameson. 1-14 Aug (Sun-Sat) 2021: LARAPINTA 2ND ATTEMPT (E-M-H, arid, hot) expression of interest - Sometime in August, depending on bookings and covid restrictions. We were thwarted last year by a lockdown. Booking fee after July will be $29 a night (an increase from ? nothing??) and we may have to use a booking system that doesn't yet exist, but this is an ideal time of year to attempt this iconic trail. Limit: 8. Map: Larpainta Trail map. 7 Aug (Sat) 2021: CLIFFS OF MT. HAY (M) No tracks, but the cliffs go along, looking into the Grose. Some exposure, but the views go on forever! Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON. 8-12 Aug (Sun-Thu) 2021: BUDAWANGS C QUILTY MOUNTAIN EXPLORE (M-H-Exp, Scrub, Cliffs?) Another epic exploratory in my all time favourite bushwalking area. Day 0:travel to airbnb and stay overnight. Day 1: Black Bobs Creek, cross Corang River, Square Top track, 11km. Day 2: skirt south side of Square Top. Over Fosters Mountain, cross Sally Creek. Ascend Quiltys Mountain and explore the amazing headwaters of Nomchong Creek 7km. Day 3: Endrick Peak, Bora Ground, Sally Creek 11km. Day 4: Return to cars via Square Top track 12km. km are bush kilometers. Camping may be on rock platforms. Dates are negotiable. Limit: 5. Map: Endrick, Corang. Peaks bagged: 3 14 Aug (Sat) 2021: UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES (M) Off the Bell Rd. and hidden from public view, are heaps of geological wonders. On this walk, we'll walk out to a series of arches and caves near Mt. Banks, then go out onto Womburra Ridge to find God's Window. Some rock scrambling. Limit: 12. Map: MT. WILSON. 15 Aug (Sun) 2021: FAULCONBRIDGE POINT EXPLORE (M-Exp, Scrub, Cliffs?) Faulconbridge Point has lots of known sharpening grooves. This is a combined pushbike and walk where we will secret our bikes in the vicinity of FBP The objective is to look for other heritage items in the vicinity. Approximately 16 crowmeters and flat but may involve scambling and several km offtrack. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood . 19 Aug (Thu) 2021: AUBURN BOTANIC GARDENS AND PEACOCK GALLERY (E) Cherry Blossom and lakes, Peacock Gallery and art studios, fauna reserve and aviary. This garden has it all! Limit: 12. Map: Auburn. 21 Aug (Sat) 2021: CURRA MOORS TRACK (M) Wildflowers and ocean views with a few waterfalls and Eagle Rock added in. This area really explodes with colour at this time of year. Approx. 10klms. Limit: 12. Map: Royal National Park Tourist Map. 22 Aug (Sun) 2021: ERSKINE RANGE EXPLORE (M-H-Exp, Scrub, Cliffs?) Jack Evans Track, Cross Erskine Creek and teamwork scramble up Jack Evans Track. Replace/Refurbish visitor book at Erskine Knoll and then descend to Erskine Creek via unnamed N flowing creek west of where it says Erskine Range on the topo map. Downstream along Platypus Loop and return via Jack Evans Track. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith. 26 Aug (Thu) 2021: MOUNT ANNAN BOTANIC GARDEN (E) This garden is a riot of colour in Spring, with displays of native flowers like kangaroo paws, mint bush, paper daisies and a lot of other W.A. native plants. We will buy morn. tea, but bring lunch. Limit: 12. Map: Mt. Annan. 28 Aug (Sat) 2021: BOBBIN HEAD KAYAK (E-M-Exp, KAYAK) This will be an exploratory paddle of Cowan and Cockle Creeks starting from Bobbin Head. Approximately 10-15kms. Cowan Creek is described as a 'tranquil' paddle past sandstone walls with a sandy beach to stop for either morning tea or lunch. Supply your own kayak, paddle and PFD. Bring morning tea and lunch and approx $12.00 park entry fee. Paddle will be co-led with Gordon Watson. Limit: 12. Map: Ku-ring-gai Chase NP. 29 Aug (Sun) 2021: SOUTH SPRINGWOOD ROCK BRIDGE CREEK (M, Scrub, Cliffs) This walk is chockers with interesting features. Sassafras Gully, Victory Track, Numantia Falls, The art gallery, Kangaroo saddle, descend northern tributary of rock bridge creek with its sharpening grooves, and then descend along the same steep rainforested creek. Scramble using handline to avoid a waterfall. Follow base of cliffline and descend to the Victory track and return via Sassafras Gully. Approx 10km with two 200m ascents and descents. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood . 30 Aug to 7 Sep (Mon-Tue) 2021: MUTAWINTJI NATIONAL PARK (E-M, car camping) Due to the whimsical nature of National Parks planning, Mutawintji was shut at short notice and our booking cancelled. Not happy NPWS!!! Date is now changed to August. Mutawintji is an arid national park north of Broken Hill. The plan is train to Broken Hill, hire a suitable vehicle for a week (need a serious 4WD) and explore the areas north of Broken Hill (Car based camping and day walks). This trip depends on the roads not being flooded, transport and vehicle being available, fares being reasonable, and no covid restrictions. But book in if you'd like to be included in planning. Train is $180 return, runs one return trip a week (to BH on Monday, return on Tuesday). We have the cars reserved through Thrifty. Limit: 12. Map: tba. 4 Sep (Sat) 2021: BEROWRA WATERS TO BAR ISLAND (M-H, kayak) Paddle out to bar Island and return 20 km with the tide both ways. Open waters, sit in kayaks with spray skirts required. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Cowan. 11 Sep (Sat) 2021: BEROWRA WATERS (E, kayak) A slow and leisurely paddle to Crosslands Reserve and back, 10 km with the tide both ways. Suitable for beginners with kayak hire available at the marina. Please bring morning tea, lunch and P.F.D. Limit: 12. Map: UBD. 22 Sep (Wed) 2021: EQUINOX PICNIC (E, Social) Help celebrate the coming equinox - where night ying becomes increasingly out matched by day yangness. Yay. This time we will be desporting our festive picnic lunch selves over and on the large outcrops of Linda Rock near Woodford. BYO inc full picnic accoutrements and gourmet plate to share. For cordon-bleaus there is a chance to wrest the coveted annual phantom trophy from the current champ! Also bring a short entertainment piece ie poem/joke/limerick/song. Proximate birthdays and anniversary events will be acknowledged. Linda Rock is reachable for almost all cars along a rough unimproved track, followed by a <100m walk which is almost zimmer and wheeled esky friendly. Parking is limited so best to share rides. Limit: 50. Map: Springwood . 25 Sep (Sat) 2021: INTRODUCTION WALK AND TALK SASSAFRAS GULLY, WIGGIN (E-M) Prospective members: Spend Saturday morning finding out about out how to get the most out of the club and participating in a quick refresher on safe bushwalking practices. Come on an easy-medium entry level standard walk down Sassafras Gully, along the Victory Track and them up Wiggins Track to Yondell Rd This is a 5km walk with a 200m descent and ascent (approximately equivalent to about 50 stair flights). Rainforest and some rough sections of track. The walk will be punctuated with lots of stops where we go over items in the introduction course, Approx 3 hours. Full members are invited to come along and will be most welcome. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood . 1-18 Oct (Fri - Mon) 2021: SOUTH-WEST WA (E-M-Exp) Hoping to catch the wildflowers in SW Western Australia this Spring. Parts of Bibbulmun Track, Stirling Range NP and others in the general area, depending on what's blooming. I'm thinking of hiring 2 cars and spending 2 to 3 weeks in WA (though you may be able to come for part of the time). We would mostly do day walks and possibly a couple of 2-day overnight walks. This is still in the planning stage. Hope to have a meeting of interested parties to firm up plans by the end of June, so if interested, sign up asap. Limit: 8. Map: various.