2-8 Dec (Tue-Mon) 2025: SNOWY MOUNTAINS WITH FLOWERS (M) TO BE RESCHEDULED. There is late snow, and very cold conditions currently, we will move this to mid-January. Tentative plan: Day 1: Meet at Island Bend campsite by mid-afternoon, set up car camp and have a swim. Day 2: Drive to Charlottes Pass top carpark, and follow Kangaroo Ridge to the restaurant ruins, and return to cars. Camp at Island Bend again. Day 3: from Guthega Power Station (Munyang), walk to Schlink Hilton, camp the night. Day 4: Explore the easy route to Gungarten, return to Schlink Hilton. Day 5: Explore the alleged location of Dicky Cooper Hut. This is a short day, a second activity will be required. Suggestions? Day 6: Pack up and return to Horse Camp Hut. Climb Dicky Cooper Bogong on the way, starting from Schlink Pass. Day 7: Return to cars and drive home. Limit: 9. Map: Geehi dam, Jagungal, Perisher Valley.

3 Dec (Wed) 2025: GLENBROOK (E-M) A half day walk: 7km approx: From Knapsack Park we will walk to Elizabeths Lookout. From there back to Lovers Walk and on to Marges Lookout then down to the Knapsack Gully Bridge on the Old Great Western Hwy. We will walk to the Top Points Lookout from near the the bottom of the zigzag that will avoid the steep climb up, then Knapsack Street and around the RAAF Base and on to Knapsack Creek and the western end of the Railway Tunnel and on to Knapsack Park and the cars. Bring morning tea. Limit: 16. Map: Penrith.

4 Dec (Thu) 2025: BOTANY BAY (M, Cycling) Cycle Strathfield to Botany Bay. A leisurely ride along cycle paths and local roads to the bay and back. Morning tea at the chocolate shop and a fish and chips lunch (or BYO) at Brighton le Sands. Swimming at Brighton le Sands for the hardy. An approximately 50 km ride, which is mostly flat beside the Cooks River. Limit: 14. Map: Sydney UBD.

4 Dec (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) BRAHMA KUMARIS LANDCARE (E) Join me and spend the morning doing landcare at Brahma Kumaris on Mt Hay Rd. All tools and instructions provided by a council worker. Help keep the weeds and exotics out of the National Park below. 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 Dec (Fri) 2025: BIRDWOOD GULLY (E) Annual firefly and glow worm pilgrimage. Descend into the darkness of Birdwood Gully in search of fireflies and glow worms. FF numbers vary from year to year but we won't know if we don't go and look. Meet at 7.30pm, Max 2 hour activity, in the dark so bring a torch or two. Birdwood Gully track isn't in great condition so it's an easy walk but will be rough under foot. Kids welcome with Parents. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

7 Dec (Sun) 2025: ERSKINE CREEK SCRAMBLE AND SWIM (H) We'll walk into Erskine Ck via an untracked small side creek that leads to Monkey Ropes Ck, then downstream to Lincoln Creek. After enjoying a swim at the junction of Erskine Ck, we'll walk and wade upstream, possibly as far as Blands Pool. Return via a steep and exposed scramble up Pisgah Rock. There will be swimming, rock-hopping, scrambling, wading and offtrack sections in some beautiful and scenic lower mountains creeks. About 230m of ascent and 7km distance. Note updated date - brought forward to a free weekend! Limit: 8. Map: Penrith.

9 Dec (Tue) 2025: KAYAK LAKE LYELL (E-M) Mid week kayak to explore Lake Lyell which is located near Lithgow. We will paddle up one of the tributaries of the Coxs river. Distance will be 10-15km approximately. Must have own hard shell kayak and PFD. Limit: 8. Map: Lithgow.

13 Dec (Sat) 2025: MARTINS LOOK OUT TO GLENBROOK (H) Commencing at Batman Park at the end of Farm Road Springwood. Walk to Martins Lookout then down and across the creek and up to Bunyan Lookout and Lost World. Walk along Bull Ant track and then to Duck Hole in Glenbrook National Park. About 16 Ks well marked track most of the way. Some steep ascent and descents and a bit of creek hopping and swimming holes. We could do a car swap or catch the train back up. Estimate a full day walk. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

13 Dec (Sat) 2025: SWIM @DUCK HOLE (E-M) 4km on track 2km each way). This will be an easy walk to cool off and unwind before Christmas with plenty of time to swim and relax. Kids of all ages most welcome. Bring a Christmassy snack to share. 210m ascent. Limit: 16. Map: Penrith 1:25000.

14 Dec (Sun) 2025: SHAWS CREEK (M) Whitecross road, Shaws Ridge Trail then off track to the saddle between spot heights 302 and 325. Then downstream along the length of Shaws Creek all off-track. This is a section of rainforest with monkey ropes, pools and plenty of opportunity to get wet. At least one reasonable swimming hole is expected. 7 bush km approx. with usual rainforest and creek obstacles. Exit via track to Booker Rd. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood.

14-21 Dec (Sun-Sun) 2025: CHARLOTTE PASS (M) Join me for the 13th annual visit to Charlotte Pass. Comfortable accommodation in a private ski lodge in the heart of the Kosciuszko National Park. We are within walking distance of the ten highest peaks in Australia plus lots of slightly lower peaks. Cost approx. $550. Limit: 16. Map: Perisher, Geehi Dam.

18 Dec (Thu) 2025: CYCLISTS CHRISTMAS LUNCH (E, Cycle) Ride Old Castlereagh Road, Cassola place and River cycle path out to Glenmore Park, via Factory Road and then Schoolhouse Creek cycleway then back to Old Castlereagh Road for our Christmas lunch. Please book on website and advise if lunching at Long House(for booking/ordering purposes)- approx 25km Limit: 20. Map: Gregory.

21 Dec (Sun) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Note the change from Saturday to Sunday. Help keep weeds and exotics out of Birdwood Gully. We'll be working at the very head of Springwood Creek just below the highway at the end of Bland Rd getting rid of privet, crofton weed and more. This area has lots of native trees and treeferns but they need light to grow properly. So removing the privet is our main priority. The creek here is really pretty too. Once we remove enough stuff, we'll be planting more natives as well. Come and see the difference a small group of people can make. Come whenever you can. No need to commit to every month. All equipment and instruction given by Tracy from council. 9 to 12 with a morning tea break. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

27 Dec (Sat) 2025: SHARKS HEAD, LOST WORLD AND SWIM (M) We will descend from Martins Lookout to Glenbrook Creek then make our way up to the camp cave known as Sharks Head. Then onto Lost World before making our way down Bunyan Pass and the Kings Link track. Back at Glenbrook Creek we will make a short side trip to inspect Psalm Rock followed by a swim in a nearby secluded pool away from the crowds. This is a popular lower mountains walk offering some great views and interesting terrain. Approx 25% off track and some easy scrambles. This is a combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains club walk. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

28 Dec (Sun) 2025: GLENBROOK NATIONAL PARK CRAYFISH POOL (EM) This can be an introduction walk. Drive out towards Red Hands Cave. Walk down to Kanuka Brook and up to the beautiful pool and waterfall. Stay as long as we wish. Return the same way. Less than 3 km but there are some scrambles. Walking up the creek to the pool is sometimes rough with a few boulders to negotiate but nothing that a slow pace and friendly help can't overcome. It's well worth the effort. Children welcome. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

28 Dec (Sun) 2025: YONDELL RIDGE AND MAGDALA CREEK SPRINGWOOD (E-M) Sweat out some festive bloat on this short Sunday morning walk - should take less than two hours. From Yondell Gate along a series of Covid established mountain bike tracks and the fire trail to the Rissole Rocks lookout (named as pancake rocks by M Keats). Down the historic and nicely stepped Yondell Extension track, and past Magdala Falls thence via the shady mostly rain forested banks of the Magdala Creek track. Steeply upward on a poorly marked goat track back to the start. 5km at a slow pace. 130m descent and ascent plus minor ups and downs. Mostly on good tracks minor scrambling and some possibly slippery creek crossings. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

30 Dec (Tue) 2025: RIVER CAVES CANYON (M) This walk is totally full. No more needed on the waiting list. With 2 co-leaders I can now take 24 people. Co-leaders are Jessie Burke and Rae Gooch. My regular yearly trip to the terrific River Caves Canyon on the Newnes Plateau. This is an easy canyon with a short but eroded walk in to where it starts. You can avoid getting too wet by clambering up and over with me or just wade through like most people do {it's a deep wade} You will need to wade later up to the knees for sure. Return the same way enjoying the canyon twice with the sunlight playing in different sections. It almost closes over in one section. About 4 km return. After lunch we'll return to Bell and visit Dargens Arch for those who wish. This great arch can be walked across and then under as we return via the pretty creek. Less than 2 km return. Limit: 24. Map: Rock Hill.

1 Jan 2026 (Thu) 2026: GROSE RIVER FLOAT (E) Ring in the New Year with a semi-relaxing float down the Grose River.Kids welcome - 3km walk down to the Grose River from Mountain ave, Yarramundi. We will then float down 6km of the river to Navua Reserve, Yarramundi. Bring something to float on, we will inflate with portable pump once down at the river. Car shuffle required. Limit: 15. Map: kurrajong.

3 Jan 2026 (Sat) 2026: BEDFORD CREEK (H-Exp) A wander of a section of Bedford Creek. This is a very pretty area with massive blue gums and incredible wildlife, starting and finishing at Murphys Glen. This walk will consist mostly of wading/swimming along a sandy section of the creek for about 3.7kms. Descend to the creek via Bedford Creek FT to the ford where we enter the water and head downstream. Exiting just before the junction of Coolana Brook, where a walking track will take us back to Murphys Glen. Total 8.3kms. Rated 'Hard' as it is mostly off track and the whole day in the water. Will require a springsuit, watershoes and drybag. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison.

3 Jan 2026 (Sat) 2026: 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.

Introduction Walk

4 Jan 2026 (Sun) 2026: MARTINS LOOKOUT CIRCUIT SOUTH SPRINGWOOD (E) Drive out towards Martins Lookout and leave some cars opposite Batman Park. Walk down to Glenbrook Creek and follow it up to the junction with the Magdala Track. Lovely swimming opportunities along this section if people wish. Go up to past Martins Falls and the Blue Pool to beautiful Magdala Falls where there's another swimming pool but much colder. Continue up until we meet Batman Track back to the cars. About 6 km. Much of the track has recently been revamped. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

11 Jan 2026 (Sun) 2026: HAWKESBURY HEIGHTS SHAWS CREEK (EM) Another beautiful swimming hole. The walk down is only about a km but the 2nd half is steep and can be slippery with dead leaves. Walking poles are good. There's also a slot between rocks we have to negotiate down and then up but we'll take it as slow as needed and help each other. The pool is great with a waterfall and a rock to jump off. Above the pool is the best camp cave I have seen complete with hammock. We'll explore up the creek a bit as well where there are more nice pools which are a bit warmer. Spend as long as we want down there. Children welcome. Return the same way. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

11 Jan 2026 (Sun) 2026: RIVER CAVES (E) River Caves on Newnes Plateau. Did you miss out on Yvonne's trip? This is one of the most beautiful walks in the Blue Mountains. 2 km walk in and out. And a wet walk between the closed-in walls of the short canyon, with the sun shining off the ripples and reflecting on the walls. You will get wet, quite likely up to the waist or further, depending how low your waist is. You can leave your backpack outside, or use a waterproof bag inside it. Bring lunch and maybe a towel. Limit: 8. Map: Rock Hill.

15 Jan (Thu) 2026: SYDNEY HARBOUR (M) NB/ This walk is now fully subscribed, so further booking will have to go on a waiting list. Spit Bridge to Manly: A classic Sydney coastal walk. Along the way we will enjoy some great harbour views; some impressive coastal vegetation; and some aboriginal rock art. There will also be a number of safe swimming options. For people who regularly participate in my Thursday walks note that I have graded this walk medium. Distance is around 10kms and there are some short but steep ascents. While we would be hopeful of getting some sea breeze, allow that the weather could be warm to hot. Limit: 15. Map: Sydney Heads.

Introduction Walk

17 Jan 2026 (Sat) 2026: GLENBROOK NP CRAYFISH POOL (EM) Drive out towards Red Hands Cave. Walk down to Kanuka Brook and up to the beautiful pool and waterfall. Stay as long as we wish. Return the same way. Less than 3 km but there are some scrambles. Walking up the creek to the pool is sometimes rough with a few boulders to negotiate but nothing that a slow pace and friendly help can't overcome. It's well worth the effort. Children welcome. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

18 Jan 2026 (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BLAND RD SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

31 Jan 2026 (Sat) 2026: HAWKESBURY HEIGHTS SHAWS CREEK (EM) Another beautiful swimming hole. The walk down is only about a km but the 2nd half is steep and can be slippery with dead leaves. Walking poles are good. There's also a slot between rocks we have to negotiate down and then up but we'll take it as slow as needed and help each other. The pool is great with a waterfall and a rock to jump off. Above the pool is the best camp cave I have seen complete with hammock. We'll explore up the creek a bit as well where there are more nice pools which are a bit warmer. Spend as long as we want down there. Children welcome. Return the same way. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

2 Feb 2026 (Mon) 2026: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by John H. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

8-15 Feb 2026 (Sun-Sun) 2026: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H) THIS ACTIVITY IS NOW FULL. Join us for the 5th annual February Snowies Trip. Not just walks, we have found excellent kayaking on Lake Jindabyne, some great mountain bike rides, 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 tba but last year was around $440 per person for the week, and you are asked to supply (part of) an evening meal for all our attendees. 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. We will be occupying the West wing of the lodge. We will also need leaders to create and run various daily programs. Limit: 24 subject to room availability. Map: Perisher Valley, Geehi River, Koscuiszko. Lynne and John Hodson 0435534154 jhodsonmail@gmail.com. Limit: 25. Map: Geehi.

15 Feb 2026 (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BLAND RD SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

2 Mar 2026 (Mon) 2026: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Glen W. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

15 Mar 2026 (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BLAND RD SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

21-22 Mar 2026 (Sat-Sun) 2026: GNW GIRRAKOOL PICNIC AREA TO SOMERSBY FALLS (M) This would make a great introductory overnight hike and is also suitable for older children. Gear can be borrowed from the club with advanced notice. Car shuffle required. Day 1 - 7km - We head into the bush from the Girrakool picnic area down Piles Creek to Mooney Mooney Creek. We cross the old Mooney Mooney bridge and will camp overnight at the Mooney Creek campsite south (or north). Plenty of time for a spot of fishing to catch your dinner. Day 2 - 7km - We continue to follow the GNW along Mooney Mooney Creek before detouring off to Somersby Falls. This should be a pretty chill overnight walk at a relaxed pace with plenty of time for photography and exploration. Total cumulative ascent 551m descent 448m. Limit: 8. Map: Gosford and Gunderman 1:25000.

22-27 Mar (Sun - Fri) 2026: CURRARONG NEAR JERVIS BAY (E-M, Social) Arrive Sunday and check out on Friday -avoiding crowds. A now traditional short holiday at a popular location - where you can do as much or as little as you wish. In 2024 we had 27 booked and in 2025 there were 37 members and guests. In 2026 there may be more. Accommodation options include tents, caravans and cabins at Holiday Haven Currarong. Enjoy socialising, sparkling amenities, a nice pool, putput golf and table tennis opportunities as well as swimming, canoeing, coastal and forest walks plus drive to but off-road bike rides. Grocery resupply, fuel and dining experiences may be limited so BYO. Limit: 50. Map: Currarong and surrounding maps.

24-31 Mar (Tue - Tue) 2026: VICTORIAN HIGHLANDS: WANGARATTA (E-M, cycling) Annual SBC Big Ride. This will be our 17th annual ride comprising this time one camp of 8 days again in Wangaratta, close to the scenic highlands. Much to see and explore, similar and in addition to last time in and around Wangaratta with rides on the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail likely up to Beechworth, down to Milawa, the King Valley and many National Park and wetlands areas. Daily loop rides of typically 45 - 80 km with some hills. Ride routes to be chosen and advised beforehand. Our chosen venue is the Painters Island Caravan Park, see paintersislandcaravanpark.com.au for details and phone Kylie 03 5721 3380 soon for a direct booking. The number of cabins available is limited. 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: 25. Map: Northern Victoria.

27 Apr-11 May 2026 (Mon - Mon) 2026: PERU (M-H) PERU - CUSCO: Peru offers a package that can be matched by few other places: - spectacular and varied scenery; "off the charts" biodiversity; a unique and vivid culture that draws on Spanish influences and older indigenous traditions; world renowned archaeological sites; and one of the world's great cuisines. The Cusco region of Peru has some of the most beautiful and iconic walks in the world. My daughter, who lives in Peru, has complied two possible itineraries: - Day Itinerary 1 Itinerary 2 1 Arrive Cusco Same 2 Cusco – afternoon walking tour Same 3 Cusco – visit Sacsayhuaman Same 4 Cusco - walk to Moon temple and Same Inkilltambo ruins 5 Practice Walk into Sacred Valley Sacred Valley. Pisaq; Moras and Moray; Ollantaytambo - Chincheros to Urquillos Inca Trail night in Ollantaytambo or Huchuy Qosqo walk. Night in Sacred Valley 6 Sacred Valley.Moras and Moray; Camino Inca (Machu Picchu trek) – first day Ollantaytambo. Night in Ollantaytambo 7 Camino Inca (Machu Picchu trek) – first day Camino Inca (Machu Picchu trek) – second day 8 Camino Inca (Machu Picchu trek) – second day Cusco 9 Cusco Day 1 of 3 day trip – Vinicunca or Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain. Night in Pitumarca or Checacupe 10 Day 1 of 2 day trip- Quillarumiyoc, Chonta Condor Lookout. Night in Mollepata Day 2 of 3 day trip - walk to Waqra Pukara. Night in Pitumarca or Checacupe 11 Day 2 of 2 day trip -walk to Humantay Lake. Day 3 of 3 day trip - 7 lagunas de Ausangate. Return to Cusco Return to Cusco 12 Cusco Same 13 Day 1 of Ausangate trek, staying lodges Day 1 of Lares trek 14 Day 2 of Ausangate trek, staying lodges Day 2 of Lares trek 15 Day 3 of Ausangate trek Day 3 of Lares trek People contemplating coming on this trip should be aware that walking in the Cusco region, while rewarding, can also be challenging. You will need to deal with high altitudes - Cusco itself is 3400m and on some walks we will be consistently above 4000m and on occasions at 5000m. The weather, particularly at higher altitudes, is changeable and can vary from warm to very cold. On some walks we will be dealing with sustained ascents and descents. Majority of walks will be professionally guided. On overnight walks we will be using porters or mules or staying in huts/lodges so amount of weight you will need to carry will be limited. Also please note at this stage dates are provisional. Shortly I hope to be able to confirm dates and provide more information on costs, accommodation options and walk gradings. Once interest is gauged, I will arrange an information evening. In the meantime, any questions email me or phone me 0415 526 252. Limit: 12. Map: .