1 Jun (Thu) 2023: KINGS PARK ROUSE HILL BELLA VISTA (M) BIKE RIDE Circuit 8B - A 5 hr circuit suitable for road bikes following bike paths and back roads. Morning Tea at The Ponds and Lunch at Norwest Lake ( bring your own or buy). Limit: 15. Map: Google maps - Cycleways.

1 Jun (Thu) 2023: MANLY (E) POSTPONED: to Thursday 22nd June BONDI TO MANLY (M) New Walks Leader - Week 4 Just Manly. There are some steps and small hills. Pace will be comfortable, with time for coffee, early dinner at the pub if we wander slowly enough. I'd love to spend some time in the Quarantine Cemetery, looking at the headstones and the amazing views. Maximum 6 Limit: 6. Map: Sydney Heads .

4 Jun (Sun) 2023: GLENBROOK NATIONAL PARK (M) Crayfish-pool-via-campfire-creek-track. Start at Glenbrook NP parking area and walk to Jellybean pool then across to Red Hands Cave then a little way along the fire trail before finding the track to this beautiful pool. Couple of steep bits where you will need to pull yourself up. About a 4-5 hour walk there and back depending on pace. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith.

4 Jun (Sun) 2023: NGULA BULGARABANG (RADIATA PLATEAU) INTRODUCTION WALK (E) Half day. From the carpark at the end of Pulpit Hill road, follow the fire trail and then a track to explore this area (previously known as Elphinstone Plateau or Radiata plateau, named for the failed pine plantation in a previous era). Spectacular views and a beautiful stand of mountain ash along the way. Morning tea on a rock platform with a trig, overlooking the Megalong valley. We may have time to explore the old dam, built by the owners who wanted to develop the land for a retreat. About 5-6km return. Introduction talk included for those who need it. Limit: 8. Map: katoomba.

5 Jun (Mon) 2023: SPRINGWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL (E) General Meeting Limit: 60. Map: .

7 Jun (Wed) 2023: BLACKHEATH (E-M) Half day walk to Hanging Rock. Approximately 9k. All on fire trail to Baltzers Lookout, then a steep descent to Hanging Rock. A long step across to Hanging if you are game. Nice views from Baltzers Lookout and Hanging Rock. Returning the same way. Bring Morning tea. 9am start. Turn right into Ridgewell Rd, approx. half a kilometre from Blackheath shops. Park at the start of the Burramoko Ridge fire trail. Map Mt. Wilson Limit: 8. Map: Mt. Wilson.

7 Jun (Wed) 2023: PIERCES PASS TO THE BLUE GUM FOREST (H) It's open at last! Join us on a full day walk to the Blue Gum Forest via Pierces Pass. 600m down and 600m back up. We haven't done it for a few years so it will be interesting to see what's new on the northern side of the Grose Valley. Bring morning tea and lunch, and swimmers if you're keen! Helen and Terry McCann Limit: 10. Map: Mount Wilson.

7-8 Jun (Wed-Thu) 2023: MANLY TO PALM BEACH (M-Exp) OVERNIGHTER The Bondi to Manly Walk, that started at Coogee IS going to end at Palm Beach. The accommodation is booked. It's a basic 4 bed bunkhouse and tent site. DATES: 7 to 8th June We'll start at Manly Wharf and walk to Narrabeen Holiday Park stay overnight 7th June, finish at Palm Beach and get the ferry to Woy Woy and the train home. Happy to answer any questions... Please say if you are happy to camp or potentially bunk in mixed dorm. Accommodation costs will need to be paid up front. Limit: 6. Map: Mona Vale.

8 Jun (Thu) 2023: SHAWS SWAMP CIRCUIT (E-M) There exists a network of tracks around the upper part of Shaws Creek, that offer some pleasant walking through a variety of landscapes, including some majestic Blue Gums along the creek itself. This is a fairly short walk, maybe 5 kilometers, totally on track. Meet at the end of Whitecross Road Winmalee at 9:00 AM. Expect to be finished before 2:00 PM. Limit: 12. Map: Springwood.

8 Jun (Thu) 2023: SPRINGWOOD (E, cycle) Springwood out to Martins lookout and back through Springwood then along Bee Farm Road and back for morning tea, then out to Yellow Rock Lookout and return for lunch - about 35 km. Limit: 12. Map: gregory.

10 Jun (Sat) 2023: DEVIL'S THROAT/ALCATRAZ, NEWNES PLATEAU (E-M) We will walk down a fire trail for 1.5 km before heading 1km across-country to the top of the waterfall known as Devil's Throat or Alcatraz. We will then head around the top (with great views into Carne Ck) to a pass down to and along the creek to the bottom of the waterfall. This will require some steep descent and a bit of rock scrambling (and probably scrub bashing). The bottom of the waterfall is unusual and worth investigating. We will return basically the same way, which will mean climbing steeply out of the creek and back up to the cars firstly off-track then on fire trail. Ascents/descents are about 50m at most. Pace will be moderate. Total distance about 6km but we might do some extra exploring. Limit: 8. Map: Cullen Bullen.

11 Jun (Sun) 2023: VALE OF AVOCA (E) North Side of Grose River. Visit magnificent Vale of Avoca Lookout, then walk down a zigzag roadway to the Grose River, enjoy the river and walk back up. Only 2 km walk each way, but involves about 150 m descent and same ascent. Meet at North Richmond. Take snacks and water. Late lunch at either Kurrajong or North Richmond. Limit: 12. Map: Kurrajong.

13-14 Jun (Tue - Wed) 2023: BILPIN (M) Late afternoon bus from Richmond to Bilpin, walk down Paterson Range fire trail into the night as far as we care to and bush camp. D2; visit Burralow Swamp and breakfast at Bulcamatta Falls. Walk up to Bowen Mountain Park for afternoon bus to Richmond. Both days are 11km each. D1 is a shared unsealed public road with little use. Temperature overnight as low as 2 degrees. Beginners welcome. Limit: 8. Map: Kurrajong.

14 Jun (Wed) 2023: GLENBROOK AREA (E-M) This will be a (Phil T plod) for people who don't Phil it will be a slower walk. Later start from Glenbrook Information Carpark to The Bluff across Darks Common and onto the eastern end of the old railway tunnel. Then back to the start. We will be looking for fungi (which have be found in this area) and other plants. Bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith.

14 Jun (Wed) 2023: LEURA & WENTWORTH FALLS (E-M) A half day walk: 6km approx: Gordon Falls Reserve, we will have a look at Gordon Falls then down to Gordon Creek on the Pool of Siloam walking track and the Golf Links lookout. Then to Sublime Point Lookout via the Grand Cliff Top track with great views into the Jamison Valley. We will return back to the cars the same way. Bring morning tea, we will hopefully have it at the picnic tables at Sublime Point Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

15 Jun (Thu) 2023: SYDNEY CBD - VIVID FESTIVAL WALK Spend a Thur evening in the City exploring the sights, sounds and magic of the VIVID Festival. (Lights are on 6-11pm). Walking (very leisurely pace) in and around the CBD from Circular Quay (Customs House, Opera House, and MCA) and to various other installation sites which include The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Walsh Bay, Barrangaroo, and Darling Harbour. Sydney Town Hall, St Mary's Cathedral and Central Station facades will also have light projections. (The Royal Botanic Gardens has only a ticketed event this year). Distance variable, option to leave whenever you wish. Bring cameras with good low light settings. Map: Sydney CBD

17-18 Jun (Sat - Sun) 2023: COXS RIVER, MEGALONG (E-M) Coxs River overnight. Day 1: 14km. A relatively easy walk for those interested in a beginners overnighter. Start at Nellies Glen (the old Explorers Tree) walk along the first part of the Six Foot Track to a camp near Bowtells swing Bridge at a quiet secluded spot. Day 2: 6km. Return to Old Ford Reserve thus alleviating a long drudge back uphill. Car shuffle and/or pick required. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba, Hampton.

20 Jun (Tue) 2023: FORTRESS RIDGE (E) Third time lucky? A return walk with great views of the Grose valley above Blue Gum Forest. Starting from Mount Hay Road, we'll detour for a look at Dark's Cave then continue to the end of Fortress Ridge which is reasonably easy walking. Return same route. Total about 9km, moderate pace. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba.

21 Jun (Wed) 2023: WENTWORTH FALLS (E-M) A half day circuit walk: 6 km approx: The Overcliff-Undercliff track, then on to Rocket Point, (if enough time). We will see into the Jamison Valley from the famous lookouts, Lyrebird, Breakfast and Den Fenella to name a few. Bring morning tea. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

22 Jun (Thu) 2023: FAULCONBRIDGE RIDGE (E) This is an easy walk in suburban Faulconbridge. It follows a well-formed track on the ridge behind Shirlow Ave, and ventures out along a spur overlooking Linden creek. Pretty bush and attractive rock faces are seen along the way. The walk is mostly flat over its ~6km, but has a descent and ascent of ~120m on the spur. Start ~9:00am, return by ~12:00pm. Bring morning tea. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

25 Jun (Sun) 2023: FAULCONBRIDGE RIDGE, TURTLE FALLS (E-M) This is an easy walk in suburban Faulconbridge. It follows a well-formed track on the ridge behind Shirlow Ave, and ventures down a spur to Turtle Falls. Pretty bush and attractive rock faces are seen along the way to the delightful falls and pool. The walk is mostly flat over its ~7km, but has a descent and ascent of ~160m on the spur. Start ~9:00am, return by ~1:00pm. Bring morning tea. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

29 Jun (Thu) 2023: MT VICTORIA TO KATOOMBA (E-M) Super simple, 17.7km long walk with a couple of bail out points... From Mt Victoria train station to Katoomba train station via dirt access roads. Limit: 8. Map: Mount Wilson, Katoomba .

3 Jul (Mon) 2023: SPRINGWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL (E) General Meeting Limit: 60. Map: .

8 Jul (Sat) 2023: 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 burnt two years ago, so scrub is growing back but not too bad. 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.

12 Jul (Wed) 2023: GLENBROOK AREA (E-M) Once again a slow walk and a later start, from Glenbrook Information Carpark, we will walk up to the the old railway tunnel down the old railway track, and down to Knapsack Bridge and up to middle points, we will then walk pass the RAAF base and to the start. Bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith.

15 Jul (Sat) 2023: NAVSHIELD (E-M-H-VH-Exp) Navshield! Date to be confirmed, registration is opening soon. A great way to practice your navigation skills, as well as explore the Goulburn River National Park. Register your interest by joining this activity, we aim to have more than one team this year. And not ALL teams have to run! Registration with Navshield is also required, and is not open yet. Team size 2-4 people. You will need to be at the starting site by 6pm the Friday before, set up camp, pick up maps and spend some time mapping points and setting a possible route. The event starts the next morning. There is a one day and a two-day event, same set of points. The one day usually finishes just after dark. The winner is the team that has collected the points that add up to the highest tally (ie the harder points, like mountain tops, are worth more). There is usually catering available for Saturday night dinner. Limit: 10. Map: TBA.

9 Aug (Wed) 2023: GLENBROOK AREA (E-M) Once again a slow walk with a later start, and now looking out for orchids. Start from Glenbrook Information Carpark. Across to Knapsack Reserve to Elizabeth Lookout, then onto Margs Lookout, next Lennox Bridge, across to Glenbrook Lagoon, then back to the start vie Whitton Park. Bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: penrith.

20-25 Aug (Sun - Fri) 2023: CYCLING CANBERRA (E-M, Push bike riding) Staying and self-catering at a caravan park with camping and cabins, in (or very near) Canberra and making extensive use of capital (pun) expenditure on the amazing cycle path network. In close proximity to a range of coffee shops, bakeries, tourist attractions and outdoor gear shops. Push bike paradise! It is expected that daily pedalling will be between say 20-80km, (beginner to intermediate) with a range of trips, grades and leaders on various days - organised in a similar manner to Currarong or Charlotte Pass excursions. There may not be any close support vehicles - so no sign on fee. Limit: 25. Map: Canberra cycling maps.

2-9 Sep (Sat - Sat) 2023: URUNGA (E) A week in the warmth to take advantage of our explorations so far. We'll base ourselves at Urunga at Reflections Holiday Park and venture out each day. As they get very busy, you need to book ASAP! 66556355. The booking is under SPRINGWOOD BUSHWALKING CLUB and they're giving us a ten percent discount, so book your cabin or site. Plenty of beautiful areas close at hand, though we'll also visit Dorrigo and Port Mac. for a day with the amazing wildflowers. We'll also have a night visit to Hungry Head to see the Fireflies. Mostly walking, but some kayakking and general sightseeing. Supermarkets, a pub and fish and chips all within walking distance of Reflections, so you don't need to cook every night. We will meet at the camp kitchen at 5 on the 2nd for Happy Hour! Limit: 12. Map: EXPLORER MAPS, NORTHERN NSW.

14 Sep (Thu) 2023: SYDNEY (M) SEVEN BRIDGES - ABRIDGED: The Seven Bridges Walk is a classic Sydney metropolitan walk where you cross the Harbour Bridge; Pyrmont Bridge; Anzac Bridge; Iron Cove Bridge; Gladesville Bridge; Tarban Creek Bridge and the Fig Tree Bridge. Along the way you will get some great harbour views and see some interesting streetscapes. The full walk is 28km, however, by cutting out the last section between Fig Tree Bridge and the Harbour Bridge and taking a short cut through Pyrmont I plan to reduce the walking distance to a bit under 17kms. I suggest you bring morning tea and lunch but there will be plenty of place along the way to buy food and beverages. Limit: 10. Map: Parramatta River.

16-17 Sep (Sat - Sun) 2023: BARNACLES OVERNIGHT (E-M, pack walk) (Re-scheduled to springtime to catch the wildflowers). Follow a ridge north which starts at the RTA checking station near Bell to a secluded campsite just above a small canyon section near the Barnacles. We should arrive early enough to explore the ridges of the area, including the Barnacles. Return via the Wollangambe Crater track (or the same way, depending on the scrub). An easy walk if you're a beginner at overnights, or just want to test some new gear. Kids welcome (if accompanied by an adult). Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe, Mt Wilson.

23 Sep (Sat) 2023: WINMALEE (M) GROSE HEAD SOUTH: Starting from the car park at the end of Whitecross Road we will head out through Blue Gum Swamp, ascend Bees Nest Hill, join the fire trail from St Colombus and arrive at a lookout over the Grose River. Then it is onwards to Grose Head South enjoying some great views looking up the Grose Valley. Time permitting, we will proceed down a fire trail for a short distance to a point where there is a view out over the Hawkesbury plain. Total walk distance is around 18kms so it is a fair day out. Walking will all be on fire trail or distinct track. Bees Nest Hill has some steep sections and the last part of the track up to Grose Head South is also steep, with some care needed when descending. Bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

27 Sep (Wed) 2023: ROYAL NP (E-M) Royal NP. Jibbon Head. Bundeena. This will be a long day, but with a rewarding walk of about 5 to 6 kms. The day will include a train and ferry ride. (The is opal card, but the ferry is private so a fee of $8.30 and Concession). After arrived at Bundeena and morning tea we will set off on the with Jibbon Beach, aboriginal engraving site, Jibbon Head (lunch) Jibbon Bombora around to we start from. Then home. Limit: 12. Map: Port Hacking.

11 Oct (Wed) 2023: BMNP. LEURA. LOCKLEY PYLON. (M) We will walk out to Lockley Pylon, taking our time, as there should be waratahs and spring flower out. We first pass The Pinnacles, Mount Stead then onto Lockley Pylon. Great views along the way. Return the same way. Bring morning tea and lunch as it will be a full day walk. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba.