1 Apr (Wed) 2026: LEURA, FERN BOWER, THE AMPHITHEATRE, CASCADES (M) This circuit walk has ferny forest, waterfalls, cliffs and views. We'll head down the pretty Fern Bower with its lots of steps to the Amphitheatre Track. We'll then ascend back up to Leura Cascades and finally follow Prince Henry Cliff Walk back to our cars. Only 4.5 kilometres in total but with ascents and descents it earns a NPWS Grade 4. Pace will be moderate (slow uphill). If you're a capable PM walker but need to do the Intro talk, I can do this if you let me know beforehand. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba.

2 Apr (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Cancelled. Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

4 Apr (Sat) 2026: ENGINEER'S TRACK, MT VICTORIA (M) After a car shuffle, we will head to the start, on Darling Causeway, of the historic Engineer's Track. We will locate and follow for 2km the remnant of the track down to upper reaches of the Grose River (here a small brook). This is a relatively easy walk with some scrub, probably, and it might be muddy. From the river we need to head up about 100m to the base of the cliffs below Ikara Head. This section was very thick scrub last time I did it and there was no sign of a track. Once at the base of the cliff it is an easy walk around below Ikara Head to the creek on which Girraween Cave is located (another 2km). From the cave, it's a 50m steepish climb up to the track to Ikara Head, then an easy 1.5km walk back to our car on Victoria Falls Road. Limit: 8. Map: Mt Wilson.

4 Apr (Sat) 2026: JUNGABURRA LEDGES AND WILKINSON HILL (M-H) The walk start on the Bells Line of Road about 1.5 km east of Bell. We head down Kamarah Ridge and then south towards Jungaburra Brook. We join a spectacular ledge half-way down the cliff line, follow this on the northern side of Jungaburra Brook, then cross over the brook and continue along ledges on the southern side of the brook. We climb up onto the western end of Wilkinson Hill and see some great views of the Grose Gorge. We then head north and follow the ridge back to Bells Line of Road. Half of the walk is off track through open bush. About 8km / 6 hrs, 240m total elevation gain. Moderate scrambling and exposure. Joint walk with UBMBC. Limit: 8. Map: Mt Wilson.

Introduction Walk

4 Apr (Sat) 2026: SOUTH HAZELBROOK WATERFALLS (EM) If you need something to do over Easter, here's a lovely round walk following beautiful creeks and passing Victor, Pyramid, Salote and Terrace Falls which is really a series of falls plus a few other unnamed ones. We'll also visit Bedford and Willawong Pools if hardy souls wish to swim. We'll walk below some lovely cliffs as well and through some rock formations. About 6 km at a leisurely pace to suit slower people with time to enjoy the ambience. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

5-6 Apr (Sun - Mon) 2026: GROSE RIVER (VH-Exp) Two day hike to Wentworth cave. Day 1 Linden ridge to Wentworth cave on the Grose river, approx. 13km, 350m elevation gain with up to 10km off track walking along the ridge and very steep exposed down scrambling to the river. Could be a long day. Day 2 Wentworth cave return to start via Grose river, Faulconbridge point and Faulconbridge ridge. approx. 10km, approx. 2km creek walking, and 450m elevation gain. Please contact me before Joining. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

6 Apr (Mon) 2026: BIRDWOOD GULLY NORTH SPRINGWOOD (E) Another chance to walk off all those Easter eggs you ate. A round 3 km walk with a 2 km return extension to The Scout Pool and Waterfall where swimming is possible. We'll pass an amazingly huge overhang with its arch not far from the road. The extension to the Scout Pool goes below very nice cliffs. Then back up to Lucinda Ave via Madeleine Glen and waterfall where all the glowworms can be seen when it's dark. Return via the creek where all the fireflies appear late November/early December. Leisurely pace. 5 km total Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

6 Apr (Mon) 2026: PRESBYTERIAN HALL SPRINGWOOD (Exp) Presentation by John Hodson - Tour talk and experiences/photos from Antarctica. Followed by Monthly General Meeting. Supper: Paul D. Limit: 50. Map: .

9 Apr (Thu) 2026: BELLA VISTA ROUSE HILL KINGS LANGLEY (M) Loop Circuit No.43 (compilation of 3 other Loops) - A 4.5 hr Loop including 1/2 hr morning tea at a cafe, 1 hr lunch at a Chinese restaurant ( Rouse Hill Village) or bring your own lunch if u want , using 90% cycleways and a few back roads suitable for road bikes. Limit: 15. Map: Google maps.

Introduction Walk

10 Apr (Fri) 2026: EVAN CROWN NATURE RESERVE (E) Evans Crown is located 3km south East of the village of Tarana. The reserve covers an area of 425 hectares and is a place of outstanding geomorphology. The walk to the top is only a little over 1klm (30 minutes) in length (one way), however there is opportunity to explore further around the top (1104 metres in height). After a couple of hours spent at Evans Crown the plan is to have lunch on our return at Tarana Pub. I am driving but other cars will be required based on the numbers interested. Please nominate if you are able to bring a car and we can organise transport as we get closer. Bring morning tea. Limit: 14. Map: Tarana.

11 Apr (Sat) 2026: AUTUMN LEAVES, MT WILSON, EASY CYCLE (E) Yes, the road is closed, but we can bike (or walk) in. I'd like to visit Nooroo and have a look around mt wilson without the crowds. Book in if you're interested, and I'll sort out the details. Limit: 10. Map: Mt wilson.

11 Apr (Sat) 2026: BEROWRA WATERS TO BAR ISLAND (H, kayak) Paddle out to bar Island and return 25 km with the tide both ways. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 6. Map: Cowan.

12 Apr (Sun) 2026: GLENBROOK WATERHOLES AND RIDGES (M-H) A nice loop that starts and finishes at Glenbrook railway station, taking in three swimming spots on Glenbrook Ck (Glenbrook Beach,and the big pool downstream of the Duck Hole) and some spots Kanuka Brook, linked with some low elevation but partly untracked ridges. About 8- 10km, depending on how far upstream on Kanuka Brook we go. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith .

14 Apr (Tue) 2026: LEURA TO KATOOMBA (M) This is the second section of the Grand Cliff Tops Walk. Distance is 12km. Climbs 460m. Starting at Leura Station, Leura Cascades, Bridal Veil lookout, Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls, finishes at Katoomba Station. The walk includes lookouts with great views over the Jamison Valley, waterfalls and some street walking. The track is structured. Unhurried pace. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba.

16 Apr (Thu) 2026: INNER SOUTH SYDNEY (E) CITY RAMBLE - GREEN SQUARE, ZETLAND and REDFERN. With its proximity to abundant fresh water from the former Waterloo swamp, Zetland developed into an important industrial and agricultural area from the mid-nineteenth century. In recent decades the building of apartments and investments in civic and transport infrastructure have transformed the Green Square/Zetland area into a prime example of urban renewal and one of the densest population centres in the city. Starting from Green Square station we will explore both the old and the new of this interesting part of Sydney. Then we will head down Botany Road towards Redfern where we will view a number of interesting buildings and sites, particularly some associated with urban Aboriginal culture and community support. I expect to find a pub for lunch. Limit: 15. Map: Botany Bay.

Introduction Walk

17-19 Apr (Fri - Sun) 2026: GOOCH'S CRATER (E-M) An end-of-school-holidays kid-friendly overnight walk. Stunning scenery, pagodas, the "crater" and plenty of adventure to keep kids (of all ages) occupied. It's an easy 2km walk into the crater from the firetail to the north. We'll do some exploring around the area on the middle day, with off-track and possibly a little rock scrambling. We'll return to the cars on Sunday morning. There is the option to spend just one night out if you're comfortable walking in/out by yourself. We'll camp in the massive rock overhang, so tents are optional, and we won't be washed out if it rains. Juniors (under 18) must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Of course, you're welcome even if you don't have kids. Please let me know who you are coming with when you book. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

19 Apr 2026 (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY 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.

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: .

2-3 May (Sat - Sun) 2026: DUMBANO CREEK AREA PAGODAS (M-Exp) From off the Dumbano Ridge Firetrail head on the spur track towards the Dumbano tunnels then turn east on the ridge south of the creek then north to cross the creek and head into a pagoda area, explore the pagoda's and box canyons. Find a camp and head generally east to re-cross Dumbano creek and return via the ridge. All off track about 12kms of walking. The plan is to climb whatever looks nice and not go that far. I'd like to keep the numbers down as camp spots may be limited. Limit: 5. Map: Wollangambe.

7 May 2026 (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

16 May (Sat) 2026: GLENBROOK (M) I am running this to share some insights, and discuss, how to plan and pack for multi-day trips. We will chat about multi-day walks from established tracks to technical adventures; involving cross-country skiing, canyoning or paddling, etc. There are some fundamentals to think about for any multi-day trips. This is about how to plan for and achieve your outdoor goals that go beyond a day trip. Limit: 20. Map: Penrith.

16 May (Sat) 2026: THE OAKS-WOODY PEAR DAM-BREAKFAST CREEK (M-H-Exp) Get some navigation practise in before NavShield 2026. We will start at the Oaks Picnic area and head out along The Oaks Fire trail. Leaving the track we’ll navigate down the spur past Woody Pear Dam to Breakfast Creek for morning tea. We navigate up the spur to join the fire trail on Pisgah Ridge before again leaving the track down another spur to a different section of Breakfast Creek where we’ll break for lunch. Up another spur after crossing the creek to join a fire trail which will take us back to the Oaks and our cars. 10.5km, roughly 5 hours, cumulative climbs 313m (longest 170m). Please call me before signing on if you haven’t walked with me before on 9624 4637. Limit: 12. Map: Penrith 1:25000.

17 May 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. on of walk: Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

21-27 May (Thu-Wed) 2026: ULURU - KINGS CANYON (E-M, camping) NOTE: This walk is now overbooked, we have 10 confirmed participants. However, there is scope for another leader to run this trip. Jetstar flights to Uluru for these dates are $186 each way (at the moment). Hire car is around $200 a day, and camping is $30 a night. We've just done this trip and it worked perfectly. There is a camp kitchen, but the IGA is very expensive, bring food, snacks (and cooking utensils). Maybe group catering would be best. The plan would be: Day 1 - Arrive, set up camp, sunset with everyone else at Uluru viewing place Day 2 - Uluru cultural tour, walk around the rock Day 3 - Kata Tjuta - walk and lookouts Day 4 - Pack up, visit Curtin Springs and salt lake, continue to Kings Canyon Station, set up camp ($30/pp/night), walk to Kathleen Springs Day 5 - Kings canyon walk, Kings Canyon station Day 6 - Pack up, drive back to Yulara, Didgeridoo workshop, sunset viewing somewhere, field of light experience ($50) Camp at Yulara or book a cabin (if possible) Day 7 - Resort (camel farm, lookouts, etc) Limit: 8. Map: Watarrka National Park, Uluru/Ayers Rock SG52-08.

Introduction Walk

24 May (Sun) 2026: GRAND CLIFF TOP WALK PART 3 (E) Leave some cars at the top of Katoomba Cascades Reserve and go back to Gordon Falls Picnic area. Check out the falls before following the cliff top past numerous amazing lookouts, over Buttenshaw Bridge, to Leura Picnic Area. Go down Leura Cascades to views over Bridal Veil Falls. Then follow to clifftop to Echo Point and the Three Sisters and on to Katoomba Cascades. Here we do an optional short clifftop circuit to see Katoomba Falls properly. Scenic World is just around the corner but it's usually too busy to go there. However people, who are prepared to spend over $50 for a day ticket, can finish the day with the rides returning to the carpark via the fantastic Skyway. Over 8 km on well made tracks but with lots of steps. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

30-31 May (Sat - Sun) 2026: MOUNT MCAIRLY GAP SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES N COOKOFF WEEKEND. (E-M-H-VH, Car Camping) So you are a bonny wee cook? Do you reckon your morning porridge is McExcellent?  Ramp it up against other bushwalking experts... and who knows…you may end up with the coveted golden spurtle!  Judgement by consumer Mcpplause meter.  As undisputed porridge royalty you might be able to take out both the traditional and the free style porridge categories! Otherwise, or regardless, throw your Macintosh into the ring for the camp oven dinner, poetry recitals, jokes, best accent, porridge n sporran race, sword dancing, spoon throwing, haggis and baking championships. Between culinary bouts Mount Airy is notable for excellent Mc grade walking and exploring.   An appreciation of scotch -er heritage will be heightened through imbibtion of single malt milkshakes. Huge kudos for the award winners!  Mcfancy dress is not compulsory but mccouraged. Ie byo wee argyle sporran, jocks, pipes, fife, deep-fried mars bar n tasting spoon or spurtle! Clowns and hamburgers are not welcome. Limit: 40. Map: Glen Alice.

1 Jun (Mon) 2026: PRESBYTERIAN HALL SPRINGWOOD (Exp) Presentation Tracey Burgess from WIRES Limit: 50. Map: .

4 Jun 2026 (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

21 Jun 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.

1-17 Jul (Wed - Fri) 2026: GRAMPIANS PEAKS TRAIL (H) Grampians Peaks Trail. Dates slightly flexible. Hard hike (grade 5) Similar or harder than the Larapinta. Expressions of interest to be followed by a meeting. Limit: 8. Map: .

2 Jul 2026 (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

19 Jul 2026 (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY 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.

15 Aug (Sat) 2026: LEADERS BBQ Details to follow, but leaders and those who would like to consider becoming a leader, save this date for a get-together and BBQ. We will discuss what a leader’s responsibilities are, share ideas and tips, and generally encourage each other.

22-23 Aug (Sat - Sun) 2026: LIONS HEAD PASS TO KEDUMBA CROSSING (M-H) August is Platypus Awareness Month so I’m keen to head back to Kedumba Crossing where I previously enjoyed watching them frolick for a good 30 mins from my campsite. (No refunds if we don’t see a platypus????) The first part of the walk along Lion’s Head Ridge is about 3.5km and rated easy-medium. If anyone wanted to just do this section as a day walk and return solo I would be happy for that. Please let me know when you book on. The traverse down Lion’s Head Pass is quite steep with some off-track. (About 2kms with a 600m descent). Hopefully we will be rewarded with a platypus sighting at Kedumba Crossing at dawn/dusk. There should be some time either Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning to explore some of the graves and ruins in the area. We’ll return the same way (yep, 600m up!) because I hate the fire trail up Kedumba Valley Rd. (Short and sharp rather than long and boring!) 12km across the weekend plus a bit extra for any exploring. Limit: 15. Map: Jamison 1:25000.