Introduction Walk

2 Nov (Sun) 2025: NORTH LINDEN PARADISE POOL (EM) Firstly walk down to Paradise Pool and Waterfall at Linden via a little-known bush track which may be a bit overgrown. But we'll take it as slowly as needed. Walk past the site of the remains of the boiler used to bring water up to the steam trains before Wentworth Falls Lake was put in. Spend as much time as we want swimming and lazing on the sandy beach before returning back up the regular tourist track which uses a section of the very original 1814 Coxs Rd, the first road across the mountains. Look at the geology which made road maintenance so difficult. Less that 4 km round walk. Children and visitors welcome. For those who wish we'll pop down to the nearby huge Kings Cave, used by the Kings Regiment in the 1800s. It's a very short walk just below the road but well worth a visit. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

3 Nov (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Wendy W. Presentation. Jessie Burke to speak about Club's planned involvement with Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Limit: 50. Map: Springwood.

6 Nov (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Landcare at Brahma Kumaris on the Mt Hay Rd. Help keep the weeds and exotics out of the National Park by working on this property adjoining the park. Work in or near the pretty creek. All training and equipment given by the council worker who's in charge. Morning tea supplied in the lovely Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy complimentary vegetarian lunch if you want. Bring gum boots if you have them. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

Introduction Walk

7 Nov (Fri) 2025: LOST WORLD, SPRINGWOOD (E-M) This area has had stunning wildflowers in past years, so I'm interested to see what might be blooming now along this track. We'll start at the end of Farm Rd, Springwood, descend 200m to Glenbrook Ck from Martins Lookout then climb 200m to Bunyan Lookout. It's then an easy 1 km walk along the top to Lost World lookout. We'll return the same way (note: that's another 200m down then UP again). Limit: 12. Map: Penrith.

8 Nov (Sat) 2025: GOOCHS CRATER (E-M) Didn't get to Gooch's crater after my last Dumbano trip, so if you've never been feel free to book on and come along. Should still have plenty of waratah's and wild flowers out, which just add to this beautiful area. We'll check out the Crater, an impressive camp cave, the surrounding pagaoda's and a short but beautiful canyon (includes a small pool if you feel the need for a dip). A shorter trip but with plenty of highlights. Some scrambling depending on the path we take, but options to avoid if needed. Firetrail in to Goochs is fine for AWD's, no 4wd drive needed. Limit: 12. Map: Wollangambe.

8 Nov (Sat) 2025: OATLEY PARK (E) Visit Oatley Park, a peninsula in the Georges River thoughtfully reserved in the late 1800s. Short walk around the bushland (about an hour or two), followed by a swim in the salt water, then lunch at the Como pub, involving a walk across the old train bridge. (Same as last year.) Limit: 16. Map: UBD.

8 Nov (Sat) 2025: SPRINGWOOD LAWSON LOOK OUT (M) Circular walk starting and finishing at Lawson Lookout at the end of Raymond Road and going down to the Ponds for a dip or a sip before heading along a gorgeous shaded pathway back up to Sassafras Road. We do a short bit of road before dropping into the bush and walking to Lawson Lookout. Most of the walk is easy but the climb out is about a 40 minute walk up the hill. The walk takes about 3.5 hours and I guess about 30 minutes playing at the ponds. It is an on track walk and rated medium just because of the steps out a few trees to climb over! Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

14 Nov (Fri) 2025: DUMBANO TUNNELS (E-M) I’m chasing Waratahs and there should be heaps in the area. If not, the area has enough interest anyhow. - rock pagodas, camp cave, the “tunnels“ and fabulous scenery. Only about 7km walk in total but it is almost all off-track and you will get wet at least to your knees. Involves a bit of rock scrambling as well and some up and down 50 – 70m hills. We will need AWD/4WD to access the start from Newnes Plateau. I have space for 4 in my AWD which will make it most of the way, I’m told, but someone with a 4WD would be great. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

Introduction Walk

15 Nov (Sat) 2025: NORTH BLACKHEATH (E) Leave some cars at Evans Lookout and then drive to the beginning of the Braeside Track. Walk down this beautiful creek until it plunges over the cliff edge as Bridal Veil Falls. Then follow the cliff-edge track back to Evans Lookout enjoying the amazing views the whole way. About 4 km. Afterwards we'll drive out to the end of Hat Hill Rd to visit a great sandstone overhang and Anvil Rock Lookout which is one of the best in the mountains. If crowds aren't too bad we can end with a visit to the Rhododendron Gardens. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

15-16 Nov (Sat-Sun) 2025: ERSKINE CREEK TO NEPEAN RIVER (E-M) This would make a great introduction to overnight hiking and is suitable for older children. Day 1 - we will drive into Glenbrook NP and walk out to the Nepean lookout (1km return). We then return to the cars and don our pack for the descent to Erskine Creek via Erskine LO. In the saddle we will leave the track and head down to find a suitable campsite on the creek. This is only about a 2km walk. This leaves us with plenty of time to swim and relax and explore the creek to its junction with the Nepean River (about 700m each way). Hopefully we will find Word Cave. Day 2 - a slow start to the day with the option to explore upstream towards the junction of Erskine Creek and Big Crater Creek or just relax at camp and enjoy a morning dip. After an early lunch we will head back up the hill to the cars. Approx. 190m ascent overall. Not cumulative. Limit: 8. Map: Penrith 1:25000.

16 Nov (Sun) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Description of walk: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.

19 Nov (Wed) 2025: WARRIMOO SPRINGWOOD (E-M) A half day walk: 7km approx: Florabella Pass & Pippas Pass. Train from Blaxland Railway Station to Warrimoo Station then walk Florabella Street into Florabella Pass to Glenbrook Creek then up Pippas Pass to Blaxland Library. Bring morning tea. We may be a little late at this time of the year but there still maybe a few waratahs out in bloom. If coming by car and catching the train park between Blaxland Library and Blaxland Railway Station. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

22-23 Nov (Sat - Sun) 2025: BURNT HOLE CREEK KANANGRA BOYD (E-M-Exp) Completing last summers walk on the very pretty Burnt Hole Creek about half the walk is new country. From the firetrail just before the MT Werong campsite off the Colong Stock Route drive to the gate. From there walk down the firetrail, then left on the next firetrail and down to a saddle. Drop left to Wattle Creek and continue downstream to Burnt Hole Creek. Find an appropriate campsite about 1km down Burnt Hole Creek near the ridge we will ascend in the morning. Continue to explore downstream to the top of the granite gorge. Next morning head up the hill opposite the camp and climb about 350m in height before it gets too hot. Explore Ruby Falls near the campsite. This is more like a 1.5 day walk. The numbers are restricted to allow for possibly smaller camp sites. 5 or more people means two cars. Limit: 6. Map: Gurnang.

25 Nov (Tue) 2025: BIRRABANG CANYON (M) Birrabang brook is a pretty creek on the southern side of Bells line of Road, with a couple of short canyon sections. There are no abseils, but there are some shallow and chest-high wades (wetsuit optional). We will exit off track up a gully onto Dalpura ridge, then follow a footpad back to the road. Allow the full day to do this walk. About 6km, 220m total ascent. Please contact me if you have never done a canyon before or if you have any questions. Limit: 8. Map: Mt Wilson.

29 Nov (Sat) 2025: WILSON PARK, LAWSON CLUB XMAS PARTY All members and partners are welcome to attend the annual Christmas Party! Commencing 12pm (lunchtime). The party will be fully catered i.e. all food will be provided including gluten free and veg options. BYO drinks. BYO plates, bowls, cutlery etc and chairs. It is also an opportunity for new members to come along and get to know the leaders and meet other members of the club. On arrival make sure you come and see a Committee member for your raffle ticket for the lucky door prize. There are 10 prizes to be won, valued at $100 each. Please book onto the activity and notify us if you are also bringing someone with you so that we have numbers for catering purposes. Map: Katoomba

2-8 Dec (Tue-Mon) 2025: SNOWY MOUNTAINS WITH FLOWERS (M) Our February trip missed the peak flowering time. This is an even easier route than the last trip, and hopefully with flowers. 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.

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.

12 Dec (Fri) 2025: HAT HILL CANYON (E-M) It's a fairly easy 2km walk from Hat Hill carpark to the canyon entry/exit point (we will only do the lower section of the canyon) and there is a steep hill to get down. The canyon section is about 700m long, very pretty with interesting features at the end. There are no abseils, but there is rock and log scrambling, wading/swimming in cold water. Wetsuit is recommended and you need shoes with grippy soles that can get wet. Also need a dry bag/double plastic bags to keep stuff dry in your pack. We return the same way including up the steep hill. Extra information about carpooling, departure time and what to bring later. Let me know if you've never done a canyon before. Limit: 8. Map: Mt Wilson.

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.

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.

30 Dec (Tue) 2025: RIVER CAVES CANYON (M) 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: 16. 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.

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.

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