1 Jan 2025 (Wed) 2025: ERSKINE CREEK, GLENBROOK (E, swim) Celebrate the first day of 2025 with a swim! One of the best, most secluded, easiest to access swimming holes in the area. Drive through Glenbrook National Park (actually it's Blue Mountains NP), to the carpark for the Jack Evans track. Walk down a track to a sandy beach on Erskine Creek. We'll explore up or downstream and return the same way. Bring picnic lunch and something that floats to help with exloring (air bed or pink flamingo/donut/etc left over from Julie's Colo R trip would be good). Around 3km return, but 150m down and then back up to the cars. Limit: 15. Map: Penrith.

2 Jan (Thu) 2025: NORTH LEURA BUSHCARE (E) Spend a morning in beautiful surroundings at Brahma Kamaris doing bush regeneration. All instructions and equipment supplied. Bring morning tea although this is often supplied as well. Stay for a complimentary vegetation lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

4 Jan (Sat) 2025: MT WILSON WOLLANGAMBE CANYON 1 LILO (E-M) Wollangambe 1 Lilo Trip**WALK FULL** Bring your lilo or another flotation device and spend the day exploring the Wollangambe River as it winds its way through stunning canyon country. You'll encounter deep sections where we float, shallow sections where we walk, and rocky sections requiring scrambling. We'll also visit the lower section of Water Dragon Canyon. A reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability is required. Since we'll spend most of the day in the water, wetsuits are mandatory, along with shoes suitable for swimming (Dunlop Volleys are an excellent choice). You will also need to waterproof your pack and bring a helmet (bike helmets are acceptable). Please note: The exit includes a tricky/exposed scramble followed by a 300m ascent. This trip will take approximately 8 hours, so plan for a full day. Feel free to contact me with any questions! Limit: 8. Map: Mount Wilson.

Introduction Walk

5 Jan 2025 (Sun) 2025: PARADISE POOL LINDEN (E) Descend to Paradise Pool via a reasonably easy bush track which we'll take slowly. Nice views into the valley. Go past the remains of the steam-driven pumping station when water was pumped up to service the steam trains. Spend a while at this magical big pool with its sandy beach and waterfall. Ascend via the normal "tourist" track. We'll walk part of the original 1814 Cox's Rd which was the first way across the Blue Mountains. Appreciate the difficulties those first builders had building and maintaining this road. About 3 to 4 km round walk. Afterwards we can pop down to nearby Kings Cave which was big enough to house the Kings Regiment used to oversee the road maintenance crews. Limit: 15. Map: Katoomba.

6 Jan 2025 (Mon) 2025: NEPEAN RIVER, WALLACIA (H, Kayak) kayak from Wallacia to Norton's Basin and return. Fast flowing water, portage and rapids involved. Limit: 4. Map: Warragamba .

7-8 Jan (Tue - Wed) 2025: BURNT HOLE CREEK KANANGRA BOYD (M-Exp) Cancelled for now. Leader has sustained an injury. Drive to a firetrail just before the Werong Camp ground on the road to Yerranderie. From the trail descend the ridge into Burnt Hole Creek at around 726273. Explore the pretty granite gorge and work our way upstream to find a camp site. Walk out in the cool of the morning from near the point marked 874 on my old Gurnang Map. This is about 300m of climb. Expect feet and legs to get wet and a small swimming hole or two. The party limit is due to the camps sites being expected to be small. Limit: 5. Map: Gurnang.

9 Jan (Thu) 2025: GEORGES RIVER (M, Kayak) Kayak, Georges River in the Macquarie Fields area. 15ks return. Bring morning tea. PDF,and swimmers, there may be a chance for a swim at Simmo,s Beach. Limit: 6. Map: Liverpool & Campbelltown.

9 Jan (Thu) 2025: WENTWORTH FALLS (E-M, cycle) Cycle from Wentworth Falls back down to Springwood using cycle tracks and minor roads to keep off highway. Morning tea at Wentworth Falls to start and lunch in Springwood. Approx 25 km Limit: 12. Map: Gregorys.

11-12 Jan (Sat - Sun) 2025: BELL TO DUMBANO CREEK OVERNIGHT WALK (E-M) Day 1: Starting from Bell, follow the Wollangambe Crater track to Pagoda 994. Cross the Wollangambe River at Submarine Rock, then continue to Dumbano Creek for your campsite. Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area. Approximate distance: 11 km. Day 2: Return to Bell via Gooch's Crater, with opportunities to visit Billabong Canyon and Dargan’s Arch along the way. Approximate distance: 12 km. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

12 Jan (Sun) 2025: TAHMOOR GORGE (M, M) Drive down to the bridge near Tahmoor on the Bargo River where this beautiful Gorge starts. Google says the distance from Springwood is about 80 km or 1. 20 minutes via Silverdale. You can also use the freeway. Part of the walk is along the river and parts ascend above it. From above we get great views of Mermaid Pool and its waterfalls. At river level we pass one waterfall and swimming hole after another. Depending on the temperature, we can languish beside these as long as we like. About 10 km. Much is easy but some is uncertain because of the floods. Rock hopping ability is an asset. Limit: 15. Map: Tahmoor.

18 Jan (Sat) 2025: DUMBANO TUNNELS (E-M) Due to excessive rain and the low temperatures forecast for this Saturday, I’ve decided to do a less wet walk. You will still get wet, but should be just your legs. This trip will only go ahead if we get 4WD owners to take us to the start of the walk. It is then an easy 1.5km walk down to Dumbano Ck, about 1km along the creek edge then in the creek (which is usually less than knee-high but may be higher). After negotiating the “Tunnels”, we will walk up over undulating hills with pagodas and back to the creek further upstream. Finally we will walk up about 120m in 2km up a gentle spur back to the road and cars. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe .

18 Jan 2025 (Sat) 2025: BIRDWOOD GULLY BUSHCARE (E) This is an external activity coordinated by Blue Mountains Council and the contact details of members who book on to the activity will be forwarded to the relevant Bushcare Coordinator. The Bushcare Coordinator will contact participants with more information in the week prior to the activity. No experience is necessary as all materials and training will be provided on the day. Any help is greatly appreciated and no ongoing commitment is expected. Limit: 10. Map: Google maps .

19 Jan (Sun) 2025: NORTH LAWSON PARK (E-M) A Sunday morning Mid-Mountains circuit walk taking in Echo Point (aka Echo Bluff), Fairy Falls, Dantes Glen, St Michaels Falls, Empire Pass and Frederica Falls then return to cars - about 5 - 6 ks with 280 metres elevation gain. Bring plenty of water and morning tea, but we should be out by lunchtime. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba/ All Trails.

19 Jan (Sun) 2025: RIVER CAVES, DEEP PASS CANYON (E-M, creek walking) River caves is an easy canyon and the walk in is easy if taken slowly. Suitable for adventurous children as well. The canyon is really quite amazing with dark sections. You will get wet up to the knees at a minimum but last year many people opted for deep wades rather than climb up and over like me because the water was quite pleasant and they were dry by the time we got back to the cars. We should be finished by lunchtime, which will give plenty of time to continue on to Deep Pass, another very pretty 'walk through' canyone. This has a couple of sections which require fixed ropes. The canyon can be reversed or continue to the end and follow the track back up the hill to the carpark. Shoes that can get wet required for both canyons, no wetsuits or climbing gear for either. Must be able to swim. Limit: 8. Map: Rock Hill, Wollangambe.

19 Jan 2025 (Sun) 2025: FAIRY DELL BUSHCARE (E) This is a volunteer activity coordinated by Blue Mountains Council. The contact details of members who book on to the activity will be forwarded to the relevant Bushcare Coordinator. More details will be provided in the week prior to the activity. No experience is necessary as all equipment and training will be provided on the day. Come along and help if you can spare a a morning. No ongoing commitment is expected. Limit: 10. Map: Google maps.

21 Jan (Tue) 2025: SASSAFRAS GULLY-MAGDALA CK, SPRINGWOOD (E-M) We'll head down from Picnic Glen and walk along Magdala Ck (about 3.5km) to Glenbrook Ck then a fairly easy walk along Glenbrook and Sassafras Cks (about 4km). If it's a hot day there are plenty of opportunities to cool off in the creek. We'll then walk up (steepish 150m) to Sassafras Gully Rd. It's then a short street walk back to the cars. Moderate pace. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood.

25 Jan (Sat) 2025: GROSE RIVER FLOAT (E-M) Join us as we walk 2km to the Grose River from Mountain Ave. We will then inflate our vessels and float down the Grose River to Yarramundi on anything inflatable (lilos, wine bladders, pink flamingoes, whatever). This will be a very slow and relaxed amble. A car shuffle will be required. Children welcome, although I would request any children under 12 or weak adult swimmers to please wear a life vest (BYO). 2km walk in, 5.5km on river, 44m ascent, 104m descent. Limit: 12. Map: Kurrajong 1:25000.

25 Jan (Sat) 2025: KURRAJONG-BILPIN (H) Cycling. 92km ex-Richmond rail station, or 70km ex-Kurrajong. Richmond - Kurrajong - Comleroy - Wollemi NP - swim at Wheeney Ck picnic ground - up to Mountain Lagoon in some deep gravel. Bilpin - 5km E along BLoR - Paterson Range Trail - Burralow Swamp - up to Bowen Mountain Hall - Kurrajong - Redbank parklands - North Richmond. 1000vm of climbing. 85km+ is shared public road. 40km is unsealed. His two friends coming along are former professional bicycle mechanics. https://maps.app.goo.gl/yaXbtcL1yCBjtrKN8 Limit: 7. Map: Kurrajong, Moutain Lagoon.

Introduction Walk

26 Jan (Sun) 2025: SOUTH LAWSON (E) An amazing round morning walk of only 3 km with a swimming option. This walk goes past 5 waterfalls, including Federal, Adelina and Junction [really 2 falls] all in cool rainforest gullies while Cataract is really a series of cascades. Plenty of time to enjoy just being surrounded by natural beauty. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

26 Jan to 2 Feb 2025 (Sun-Sun) 2025: CHARLOTTE PASS (M) Join me for the 12th 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. $500. Limit: 18. Map: Perisher, Geehi Dam.

Introduction Walk

29 Jan (Wed) 2025: LOST CITY BEHIND LITHGOW (E) The Lost City is a pagoda wonderland surrounding 2 old dams which were Lithgow's water supply. It's a brand new walk described as family-friendly and is a 6 km round walk descending from the South Lookout of the Lost City with the option of climbing up to the North Lookout for a different perspective. i haven't done it yet but but it sounds very straightforward. Children welcome. If it's too hot I'll cancel till a later date. It'll be closed again for more upgrades after the school holidays so we need to do it now. Limit: 16. Map: Lithgow.

1-2 Feb (Sat - Sun) 2025: BUNRT HOLE CREEK (M-Exp) From near the Mt Werong Camp Ground on the Wattle Creek Trail descend to Burnt Hole Creek above the junction with Ruby Creek. Work our way up the creek through the pretty granite gorge. Expect rock-hopping and a swim or wade or two. Camp and ascend the ridge back up to the highpoint 1182 on the Gurnang map. This walk is a re-up of the delayed trip (due to leader hurting his heel), preference will be given to people who I jilted on the first trip up to 5 people. The people limit is due to the expected size of camp sites. Limit: 5. Map: Gurnang.

2 Feb 2025 (Sun) 2025: DEVILS HOLE KATOOMBA (M-Exp) After a quick look from Cahills Lookout we'll descend this exciting "hole". Devils Hole is a natural decent through the cliff-line. Once a track was put down but it isn't maintained although sections can still be used. It goes down about 200 metres in half a km so it is steep but quite doable if taken slowly. It's very beautiful becoming a vertical canyon in the middle bit with a big chock-stone wedged above in the narrow slot. It should also be cooler down there. Once at the bottom I'm planning on going left to see what remains of the track we used to use from the old waterboard ladders and the western end of the tramway tunnel through Narrow Neck. The ladders closed about 30 or more years ago and Rennies Tunnel is also closed. So this section is now exploratory. I went a little way recently and found 2 waterfalls. You can wait until we return at any time. We might go a little way to the right as well until it starts to descend to the valley to pick up the Six Foot Track. Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba.

3 Feb (Mon) 2025: PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HALL SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting. 7:30 pm. Our guest speaker this month is Robyn Webster who, along with other members, will be presenting the club's trip to Japan that occurred at the end of last year. Supper and tea/coffee provided for a gold coin donation. Bring your own cup/mug. Limit: 50. Map: .

6 Feb 2025 (Thu) 2025: BRAHMA KUMARIS BUSHCARE LEURA (E) Volunteer activity coordinated by Blue Mountains Council. Come along and help if you can spare a morning! No experience is necessary as all equipment and training will be provided on the day. A delicious complimentary vegetarian lunch will be provided for participants. The contact details of members who book on to the activity will be forwarded to the relevant Bushcare Coordinator who will be in touch with more information in the week prior to the activity. Limit: 10. Map: Google maps.

8-9 Feb (Sat - Sun) 2025: MEGALONG CEMETERY TO ANTHILL CAMPSITE (M) Walk from Megalong Cemetery to the Six Foot Track, for a simple overnight camp beside the Coxs river. Take a dip in a wonderful granite 'bath' and return home the same way the next day, with brunch at the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms... 116m elevation change and approx. 6.1kms each way Good beginners camp. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison .

9 Feb (Sun) 2025: DU FAUR CREEK (CLATTERTEETH CANYON) MT WILSON (M) Clatterteeth Canyon is a beautiful tributary of Bell Creek, located on the western side of Mt Wilson. This canyon features several long pools perfect for liloing. We will enter the canyon via October Creek and exit through Joe’s Canyon and the Wollangambe 1 entry track. The total distance is 12 km, with a 300 m ascent on the exit, and the trip will take between 6 to 10 hours to complete. You will need to be a confident swimmer and bring a helmet (a bike helmet is acceptable), a lilo, a wetsuit, shoes that can get wet (Volleys work well), and a waterproofed backpack using dry bags. Please contact me if you have any questions or need further information. Limit: 8. Map: Mt Wilson .

Introduction Walk

9 Feb (Sun) 2025: SOUTH WOODFORD BEDFORD CREEK, SHARED MEAL AND SUNSET (EM) Drive down Bedford Rd to Murphys Glen stopping at Linda Rock to take in the views in various directions. If there's enough interest, people can do the 1 km walk down the Turpentine Track to the back of the campground. Appreciate the huge trees which still exist there. Then do the 2 km walk down to Bedford Creek. This track goes past several waterfalls which may still be falling. The track is eroded in places but we'll take it slowly. The last section down by the creek was strewn with flood debris last time but I'm sure this will have settled by now. Once at the river, there's a sandy beach and a lovely long, deep waterhole. Return 2 km back to the cars in the cool of the early evening. Then drive back up to have a shared dinner and sunset in an amazing campcave. Children welcome. Limit: 15. Map: Katoomba.

9-16 Feb 2025 (Sun-Sun) 2025: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H, alpine) Because another club has booked the west wing, we have limited space this year. This activity is now full- no room at the lodge, and rosters have been organised. Join us for the 4rd annual February Snowies Trip. Not just walks - we've found excellent kayaking on Lake Jindabyne, some great mountain bike tracks, 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 around $440 per person for the week, and you are asked to supply (part of) an evening meal for 16 people. 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. Limit: 23. Map: Perisher Valley, Geehi River, Koscuiszko.

11 Feb (Tue) 2025: CRAYFISH POOL VIA RED HANDS CAVE (E-M) Crayfish Pool is a lovely spot on Kanuka Brook with an impressive waterfall as a backdrop. It is one of the nicest swimming venues in the lower mountains. From the Red Hands Cave Track parking area, above the Glenbrook Causeway, we will walk the maintained track to Red Hands Cave, then a short distance of fire trail, followed by the Grey Hat Falls track to the pool. Return the same way. All on track. Approx 10 kilometers all up with about 150 meters ascent/descent. Limit: 12. Map: Penrith.

Introduction Walk

14 Feb (Fri) 2025: SUNSET AT FAULCONBRIDGE POINT (M) A moderately hilly out and back walking route, firetrail, approximately 15.3 km long.  Meet at 5.30pm for a lovely evening stroll to the end of Faulconbridge Point, take a light supper. Definitely need a headtorch, red light capable preferred, either fully charged, or carry spare batteries... Soak in the quiet of the evening. Hopefully it'll be a moonlit night with no/low cloud cover. Cancelled if raining. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood .

15 Feb (Sat) 2025: WALK THE WOLLANGAMBE (M-H-Exp, Exploratory) We will walk in to access the Wollangambe River on the Gooches Crater track. Then the fun and adventure begins as we walk downstream and explore a section of the river. I suspect most of the river walking will just be wading with the option of walking on the banks, but we may need to swim across some deeper pools. This part is exploratory. The plan is to come out at the base of submarine rock and pickup the route from the Centre of the Universe back to the cars. 9.3km total with a mix of on and off-track walking (4.5km in, 4.8km out), 2.2km in the river. 360m ascent, 420m descent. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe 1:25000.

16 Feb (Sun) 2025: SOUTH BLACKHEATH (E) Centenial Glen at Blackheath is a beautiful round walk with a small canyon, waterfalls, fantastic cliffs, rock formations and great views into the Megalong Valley. We'll do a short detour to Fort Rock and some brave souls may want to swim in the canyon below its little waterfall. This walk does have lots of steps but they have handrails and going right down to the bottom waterfall is optional anyway. We'll return via Walls Ledge where all the climbing walls are. The pace will be as slow as needed. About 4 to 5 km. After the walk you have the option of continuing onto the Shipley Plateau to have lunch at Hargraves Lookout with more great views. There's a short optional walk here to the old lookout. Those who want even more, we can pop down to Coachwood Glen in the valley with it's beautiful rainforest. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

16-21 Feb (Sun - Fri) 2025: MUNYANG TO VALENTINES (M, scrub) An adaptation of last year's cancelled walk. Start at Munyang, climb the steep but graded road to Whites River Hut or Schlink. Explore a route to Dicky Cooper Bogong etc with a day pack the next day, and stay at Schlink Hilton the second night. Next day, continue on to Valentines hut. Next day, find the route to Mawsons Hut (wiht a day pack) and possibly Cup and Saucer Hill if Mawsons is easy to get to. Return to Valentines(or maybe continue to the old Orange Hut site) that night. Return to civilisation on the AAWT, either stopping at Whites River that night, or all the way to Munyang. Plans are flexible and subject to weather, scrub, participants, etc Limit: 8. Map: Geehi, Jagungal.

22 Feb 2025 (Sat) 2025: DEANEI RESERVE BUSHCARE (E) Volunteer activity coordinated by Blue Mountains Council. Come and spend a morning with like minded others amongst the towering Blue Gums in this lovely reserve. No experience is necessary as all equipment and training will be provided. The contact details of participants will be forwarded to the relevant Bushcare Coordinator who will provide more information in the week prior to the activity. Limit: 10. Map: Google maps.

23 Feb (Sun) 2025: 3 HR MINIGAINE (M, Navigation) Calling all who are interested in practicing/learning navigation skills for the 3hr Minigaine on Sunday, 23 February 2025 at Kurnel organised by Mat Collin, run by nswrogaining.org I'm not interested in competing speedwise,just consolidating skills. Slow and steady, what, what. No further details at present... Need a driver... Limit: 8. Map: Kurnell.

1 Mar (Sat) 2025: ROCKY CREEK (M) Similar to Jason's walk on the 11th, but I will only be doing Rocky Ck, not Twister as well. We head down the track to the start of Rocky Creek canyon, don wetsuits and helmets and head down this spectacular canyon. There are no abseils, but there is rock scrambling, slippery rocks, wades and short swims in cold water, so please consider this if you wish to join me. You must be able to swim at least 20 metres. The canyon itself takes about an hour to the end. To exit we will reverse the canyon and climb 250m back up the track we entered on. Limit: 8. Map: Rock Hill.

1-2 Mar (Sat-Sun) 2025: GNW THORNLEIGH TO BEROWRA WATERS (H) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. Day 1 - 14km -Bellamy St trackhead to campsite at Berowra Creek - ascent 1110m descent 1313m Day 2 - 9km - Berowra Creek campsite to Berowra Station via Benowie track - ascent 596m descent 390m +1km back to Bellamy St trackhead. Limit: 8. Map: Hornsby and Cowan 1:25000.

3 Mar (Mon) 2025: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will be held at 7.30pm in the Springwood Presbyterian Church Hall. All committee positions are open for nominations and voting will be held on that night. This is your chance to come along and gain a better understanding of the workings of the club or to become part of the team that supports our fantastic array of activities. You may self-nominate. The positions are: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Activity Officer, Training Officer, Communications Officer, IT Officer. Other Committee support roles include: Deputy IT Officer, Child Activity Coord, MPIO, Public Officer, Social Secretary, Publicity and Promotions Officer, Volunteers Officers, Equipment Officer, Librarian, Catering Officer, Emergency Contact Officers and delegates to Bushwalking NSW. Supper will be provided on the evening. Limit: 50. Map: .

8-9 Mar (Sat - Sun) 2025: INGAR OVERNIGHT (M) Beginning on Kings Tableland, Wentworth Falls. Fire trail walking with overnight packs, Camp Saturday night at Ingar Campground. Play in the water and/or walk up Mount Bedford. Steep walk up to Woodford Station. Good beginner camp. Potential car shuffle needed... Limit: 8. Map: Jamison .

15 Mar (Sat) 2025: ANNUAL LEADERS BBQ Our club runs on the quality of our volunteer leaders and we love to hear you recognise, support and encourage them, so feel free to send them an email or make a Facebook post in appreciation of their contribution. But for a little something extra, we like to gather once a year to shout them a meal and say thanks. We also want to encourage any club members who may have a hankering to join the leadership ranks with a BBQ lunch. Anyone who has led an activity with the club or who is interested in leading an activity, is welcome to attend... and as an added bonus, those who lead activities are given an extra discount toward their Remote Area First Aid course. Come and discover the benefits of volunteering. Map: Springwood

16-20 Mar (Sun - Thu) 2025: CURRARONG HOLIDAY (E-M, Social) Sunday to Friday avoiding crowds. A now traditional short holiday where you can do as much or as little as you wish. In 2024 we had 27 booked and in 2025 there may be more. Accommodation options include tents, caravans and cabins at Holiday Haven Currarong with its sparkling amenities. Opportunities for coastal walking, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and bicycling etc. Similar organisation to the Snowies but without having to cook for a multitude. Limit: 50. Map: CURRARONG and surrounding maps.

Introduction Walk

22-23 Mar (Sat - Sun) 2025: DEEP PASS OVERNIGHT (E) Beginner's overnight, or just come and test your gear. Deep Pass campground is a grassy area under trees with a brand new toilet and some NPWS log seats. This area offers some interesting features - deep Pass Canyon, the famous rock crevice and even (allegedly) some first nations hand prints somewhere. The walk-in is about 1km from the carpark, there is water in Nayook Creek, which runs past the campsite. Gear for loan from the club or leader. Let me know if you're interested, but need help with what to take. In case of rain or other bad weather, this will become a day walk on one of the days. Limit: 8. Map: rock hill.

30 Mar (Sun) 2025: ROPES CROSSING 6HR ROGAINE (M, Navigation) Another Rogaining activity with nswrogaining.org I'm not planning on going fast or for 6 hours, but if you're a you beaut navigator, the minimum team size is two, sign up! ... Let's carpool. Limit: 8. Map: Ropes Crossing.

1-8 Apr (Tue - Tue) 2025: FORBES, PARKES NSW (E-M, cycling) SBC annual Big Ride, our 16th this time with 4 days firstly in Forbes followed by 4 days in Parkes. As usual we cycle the areas around each town mostly on quieter sealed country roads but with possibilities of some gravel. Suitable for road bikes and hybrids with wider tyres. Distances typically 40 - 70 km with refreshment stops. Planned ride routes will be sent in advance with daily choices and different leaders chosen beforehand. We stay in good camp grounds choosing between own camper or tent or a cabin or nearby motel. Contact Gay Bernays bernays@rocketmail.com if you have not had early info about camp venues. 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: 24. Map: central west road maps.

5 Apr (Sat) 2025: GNW BEROWRA STATION TO COWAN STATION (M-H) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. This is part of an overnight hike, however there is an option to complete just the first day from Berowra Station to Cowan Station. 12.5km - With train stations at each end, this walk explores the ridges and valleys around Berowra Waters. There are plenty of excellent views, especially at Naa Badu Lookout and the many creek vantage points along the way. There are some solid climbs on this walk. If time allows, Berowra Waters, in the middle of the walk, is a great place for lunch or an ice cream, by taking the optional side trip across the river, on the free car-ferry, which is a pleasant ride in itself. http://wildwalks.com/bushwalking-and-hiking-in-nsw/berowra-valley-regional-park/berowra-to-cowan-via-berowra-waters.html 12.5km with 884m ascent and 906m descent Limit: 8. Map: Cowan 1:25000.

5-6 Apr (Sat-Sun) 2025: GNW BEROWRA WATERS TO BROOKLYN (H) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. Why not join us for this iconic walk. Day 1 - 14.5km (898 ascent, 1143 descent) starting at Berowra Station we head down to Berowra Waters via the Benowie track. We then come back up to Cowan Station where anyone wanting just a day walk is welcome to bail out. We then continue down to Jerusalem Bay where we will hopefully find a suitable campsite above the high tide mark. Day 2 - 9.75km (605m ascent, 616m descent). The GNW continues through Ku-ring-gai NP past Brooklyn Dam to finish at Brooklyn Station. Limit: 6. Map: Cowan 1:25000.

24-26 Apr (Thu-Sat) 2025: GLOW WORM TUNNEL TO NEWNES AND BEYOND (M-H) Day 1 - 12.6km - walk into Newnes campground from the Glow Worm Tunnel carpark on the eastern loop of the Pagoda track. Undulating with a general descent from 800m to 520m generally following the Wolgan River. Day 2 - 12km - with day packs, walk up Little Capertee Creek (520-700m ascent) with a steep 200m climb to 900m to explore the walls around Point Nicholson return via Canobla Creek and peak 918 (400m descent to campground). Day 3 - 13.1km - return back via the glow worm tunnel on the western loop of the Pagoda track. Climbing from 520m to 800m. Limit: 6. Map: Ben Bullen 1:25000.

27 Apr (Sun) 2025: 58TH ANNIVERSARY PICNIC Let's gather for the anniversary of the beginning of Springwood Bushwalking Club, we'll meet together to reminisce, feast, frolic and celebrate the foundation of our wonderful community of outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. BYO a plate of dainty delicacies to devour. Open to all members. Map: Springwood

10 May (Sat) 2025: LOOK OVER TOWARDS KOLONGA LABYRINTH (M-Exp) Head out the end of Queens Road, Lawson on the North Lawson fire-trail, turn left and hopefully look out over the Kolonga Labyrinth. It looks back towards the ends of Urella and Rocklily fire-trails. Partially exploratory. A hilly out and back route, approximately 13.5 km long. About 4 - 5 hours. Driver needed. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

17-18 May (Sat-Sun) 2025: GNW PATONGA TO WONDABYNE STATION (M) Wendy and I are making an assault on the GNW in 2025 and 2026. You are welcome to join us for any of the sections. There will be overnight hikes and day walk options. Transport from the Blue Mountains is looong. I am happy to do pickups from Seven Hills Station if that shortens the commute. Day 1 - 10.5km Patonga to Mt. Wondabyne campsite (or possibly onto Kariong Brook). Day 2 - 9.6km Mt. Wondabyne to Wondabyne Station Total 861m ascent. Making this a limit of 4 as the ferry to Patonga no longer operates so we will need to be dropped to the start of the hike. My hubby will take the first 3 to book on after myself. Happy to include more than 4, but will need to discuss travel options. Could be an UBER from Woy Woy station, water taxi from Brooklyn or arrange your own car drop off at Patonga wharf. Let’s chat! Limit: 4. Map: Broken Bay and Gosford 1:25000.