1 Sep (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by John H. Presentation by Carol Isaacs on the work done by members from our Club with Friends of the Colo. Limit: 40. Map: Springwood.

4 Sep (Thu) 2025: RHODES/CONCORD (E) CITY RAMBLE - PARRAMATTA RIVER HERITAGE WALK - RESCHEDULED: Starting from Rhodes Station we will join up with the Kokoda Track memorial walkway and then continue around the foreshore of the western Parramatta River until we conclude our walk at Cabarita Point. Along the way we will see the historic Yaralla, a.k.a Dame Edith Walker, Estate; the Mortlake Punt - the last remaining vehicular ferry operating in the harbour; some remnant buildings of the old Mortlake Gas Works; and the Federation Pavilion in Cabarita Park. Depending on timetable and tidal conditions we will then take a ferry either to Parramatta or King Street to catch our train home. Total walk distance I am estimating at around 8kms, predominantly flat. Limit: 15. Map: Parramatta River.

6 Sep (Sat) 2025: WINDSOR (E-M, kayak) Kayaking from Windsor towards North Richmond and return 12-15 km. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 12. Map: Kurrajong.

7 Sep (Sun) 2025: GLENBROOK (H-Exp) Further explorations of Upper Kanuka Brook. The goal is to find a direct route to sections of the creek from the Red Hands Fire Trail. This will be all off track and exploratory. Will involve scrub bashing and rock scrambles. More defined routes to be determined closer to date. Limit: 6. Map: Penrith .

11 Sep (Thu) 2025: SCHEYVILLE (E) Bike ride McGraths Hill-Scheyville-Malaria. Undulating country, all on road, minor hard-packed dirt road (NO MUD). A loop ride of about 25 km, semi-rural, visits the historic migrant hostel. One fruit shop that sells coffee. Old Stock Route Rd, Scheyville Rd, Old Pitt Town Rd, Avondale Rd, Pitt Town-Dural Rd, Speets Rd, etc. CANCELLED DUE TO ONLY 2 PARTICIPANTS. Limit: 10. Map: UBD.

12 Sep (Fri) 2025: MT ANNAN BOTANIC GARDENS (E) I'm told the flowers, especially the everlastings, are blooming at Mt Annan and there are plenty of trails to walk. I haven't done any of the trails, but I'm sure we can have a good walk. There is also a cafe where we can have a cuppa or lunch. We need to be there early to get parking, so we'll probably be finished soon after lunch. Let me know when you book if you want the introductory talk. Limit: 15. Map: Mt Annan Botanic Garden website.

Introduction Walk

13 Sep (Sat) 2025: WINMALEE (M) GROSE HEAD SOUTH: Starting from the carpark 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. I plan on leaving a car down at Yarramundi so we can continue on down a fire trail, with views this time over the Hawkesbury Plain. The total walking distance is 12.5kms with 370m of ascent, all on track or fire trail. Please note, however, there are some steep sections involved. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood.

14 Sep (Sun) 2025: MT MARSDEN - KANDOS STATE FOREST (M-H-Exp, Recce) Mount Marsden is about 1030 meters & overlooks the Capertee valley. The summit, lying at the southern end of a ridge running north-south, is mostly surrounded by unscalable high cliffs. But you can climb it from about 2km north of the summit from the side of Glen Alice Road. We may also explore 2 Pagoda's east of the summit. Leader has not done this walk before. This is a recce. There may be a partial track but expect off track & rock scrambling. Approx 7.5km. Limit: 8. Map: Bogee + Mt Pomany.

16 Sep (Tue) 2025: BUSHWALKING NSW AGM - ONLINE AND IN-PERSON All are welcome (not just Club Delegates) to join the Bushwalking NSW AGM, on the new date of 16 Sep. 6:30pm for 7pm to 9pm for in-person attendees. 7pm-9pm for online Zoom attendees. Registrations required - see below. You'll receive a link to get online, or you can attend in-person at Heritage Room, NSW Teachers Federation Sydney at 23-33 Mary Street, Surry Hills (5 mins walk from Central Stn). Nominate for the Committee for 2025-2026, contribute to the peak body for Bushwalking Clubs in NSW in other roles, or just listen in to find out what's happening in the wider world of bushwalking and related outdoor activities. Guest speaker (at 7pm) - Richard Swain: The Voice of Country. How to walk on Country.

18 Sep (Thu) 2025: GLEBE (E) NB/ This walk is now full. Registration from this point will go to a waiting list. CITY RAMBLE - THE GLEBE: Glebe (from the Latin glaeba meaning a clod of earth) is a piece of land given to the church. In 1789, Governor Arthur Phillip granted 400 acres to the Anglian church for the new colony's chaplain Rev Richard Johnson. From its inception as an outpost of the colony, Glebe has undergone a number of transitions. Glebe Point became a fashionable are to live in the 19th century while the south of the suburb developed into a hub of industry and a home for the working class. With its proximity to the city and Sydney University Glebe, from the 1960s, became one of the first suburbs in Australia to be "gentrified". However, the area still retains much of its Bohemian charm. Starting from Central Station we will head up George Street and Broadway, taking the opportunity to look at some historic churches. Then we enter Glebe proper where we will view some private and community buildings of note from the 19th and 20th centuries, some designed by the leading architects of the day; tree lined avenues; and public parks. After a pub lunch we will head down to the harbour at Blackwattle Bay where we will have a view of the new fish markets and then other landmarks as we walk around to Rozelle Bay, before catching the Light Rail back to Central. Limit: 15. Map: Parramatta River.

20 Sep (Sat) 2025: SPRINGWOOD SPRING FESTIVAL Springwood Spring Festival previously known as Foundation Day. We will have a stall and provide info to anyone who's interested. A good opportunity for us to be seen in the community. We will need helpers for the day to man the stall, chat to the public and hang out for an hour or so. Book on if you can help out. 8am-4pm. Map: Springwood

20-22 Sep (Sat - Mon) 2025: GOULBURN RIVER NP (M-Exp) A big loop to explore the Goulburn River National Park by heading up the river and then cutting off the loop cross country on the way back. This is all new to the leader and with the long drive in a fair amount of time has been allowed to complete the trip. From the tight corner near Murrumbo Creek on the Bylong / Sandy Hollow road, park the car and follow the fire trail north for 2 kms to the river. Head upstream for 2 days to reach the first major southern tributary where I intend to camp on the second night. If we get there early we'll just explore upstream further. On the last day follow the tributary south and east then pop over the hills (150m or so gain) to reach the river about 2km upstream of the original firetrail. This is about 25km in total. Water purification, be it pills or filter, will be required, except if we're lucky on the southern tributary. Talking to the ranger there is a weed program ongoing on the river at the start of the walk for burrs so gaiters or equivalent maybe needed but after that it should be good. This country was not incinerated in the fires so hopefully the scrub is reasonably OK. Limit: 8. Map: Kerrabee etc.

21 Sep (Sun) 2025: BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK - GLENBROOK (M) Glenbrook Ranger Station - Causeway - Camp Fire Creek track - Red Hands Cave (view Aboriginal stencil art) - car park (lunch). The Link Track loop is currently closed so we'll return via Camp Fire Creek track - Causeway - Glenbrook Ranger Station. Approx 10km. Steep descent and ascent on roadway between Ranger Station and Causeway. Undulating beside creek the rest of the way. Bring morning tea and lunch, and walking gear to suit the conditions on the day. Limit: 12. Map: Penrith.

21 Sep (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. As I'm away this month please book in directly with Tracy Abbas at tabbas@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or ring her on 0428777141 Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

21 Sep (Sun) 2025: REMOTE AREA FIRST AID COURSE (Training ) The SBC Committee is again pleased to offer you an opportunity to get/renew your Remote Area First Aid, with the wonderful trainer, Frances Davidson, at the Pulse First Aid training room in Hazelbrook. There is a compulsory online component and a full day of practical exercises, including 'in the field' scenarios. The full course usually costs $300. It has been offered to SBC for $150. The committee has reduced this to $100 per individual and $75 for activity leaders. You do need to be a full member to take advantage of this training. I will have a waiting list with 15 places, and if it fills, I'll add an additional day. Limit: 15. Map: Katoomba .

27-28 Sep (Sat - Sun) 2025: BLACKHORSE RIDGE CAMPSITE EXPLORATION (E-M) (this was cancelled due to weather in August). From Dunphys carpark, walk out to Lake Birrel (around 7-8 km, on the firetrail), set up camp then continue on with day packs to the Mobbs soak track. Somewhere along that track is a campsite which has disappeared since the 2019-20 fires. We think we know the location and we plan to find it. (Any excuse for a weekend out in the Wild Dogs). If we find the campsite, we'll continue on to look for the Blackhorse Ridge trail. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison, Jenolan .

27-28 Sep (Sat-Sun) 2025: SPLENDOUR ROCK (M-H, Overnight ) The walk starts and finishes at the Dunphy Camping Area, formerly Carlons Farm, in the Megalong. Approx 11km, 320m ascent, 6 hrs walking each day... There are ups and downs on the way, mostly quite gentle, but some bits are steepish. Via Medlow Gap and Mobbs Soak. Then we climb about 120m up to Splendour Rock. The climb is fairly steep but should be do-able by most fit walkers. Pace will be moderate to slow. We'll camp on Mt Dingo. Water is not available at the campsite and needs to be carried... This overnight walk would be suitable for a first-timer as long as you can carry about 14kg. If you don’t have all the gear (tent, sleeping bag and mat, pack, stove, etc) the club has gear you can borrow. Let me know if this is your first overnight walk. Open to junior members. Carpooling. Limit: 8. Map: Jenolan .

Introduction Walk

28 Sep (Sun) 2025: NORTH BLACKHEATH (EM) Starting at Evans Lookout, with its great views, we walk down towards the Grand Canyon but keep going to the newly reopened Horse Track. Before it plunges towards the valley we turn right onto a flat, mesa-like piece of rock which was once a well used track going by the steps that still exist. From here we get a fantastic view of the new landslide which fell from Carne Wall early August. We walk a few 100 metres or less to the end of this for beautiful views of Beauchamp Falls where Greaves Creek exits the Grand canyon. These falls can't be reached at the moment with Rodriguez Pass closed. This walk is probably only about 2 km return but obviously with lots of steps. After a rest and morning tea, we'll drive to Walls Cave, also on Greaves Creek but much higher up. This is another 2 km return with lots of steps - again. This overhang is huge and has a pretty little canyon just before it. Those that want to, can spend time exploring the back of this canyon before we return. All the steps are well made and we'll take our time negotiating them. You can just walk down part of the way to get good views of the cave. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

28 Sep-3 Oct 2025 (Sun - Fri) 2025: HIDDEN CREEK JERVIS BAY (M, kayak,walk,cycle) Five nights at Hidden Creek Caravan Park overlooking Currambene Creek. Tent or caravan on a campsites we have to ourselves.$25 per person per night. Cabins are also available at a discounted rate. We will be doing a number of day paddles in the surrounding waterways with opportunities for cycling, walking and swimming. Limit: 16. Map: Jervis bay.

2 Oct (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.

7-17 Oct (Tue-Fri) 2025: NORTHERN JAPAN (E-M-H) CANCELLED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT NUMBERS I will be volunteering in Japan in late Sep to mid Oct so I thought I'd see if there is any interest in doing the same trip as last year's successful trip. We do a variety of day walks in the northern part of Japan (parts of Hokkaido and Aomori). It will be autumn-leaf time and scenery should be fabulous. We will stay in hotels/inns/AirBnB/hostels and hire vehicles to travel. I will lead the walks. Limit: 8. Map: .

18 Oct (Sat) 2025: WHALE WATCHING IN BOUDDI NP (M) 13km all on track. We start at Putty Beach campsite (you are welcome to stay here overnight or at the quieter Little Beach before or after the hike if interested) then head along the Bouddi Coastal track. This is a spectacular part of the NSW coast with beautiful rock shelves, beaches and bushland. The last time I did this walk there were plenty of whales to be seen. We will stop for lunch in the beautiful Maitland Bay where, if it is a warm day, we can have a dip in the crystal clear waters. We may continue onto Third Point if the day isn’t conducive to swimming. We then return by the same route to Putty Beach. Kids are welcome, but be mindful that it is a longish day. Because it is an out and back on track, there is always the option to come as far as you like with the group and then return by yourself. Approx 178m of cumulative ascents. **Please note that there is no availability at either campground as at 8/9/25** Limit: 12. Map: Broken Bay 1:25000.

19 Oct (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.

25 Oct (Sat) 2025: DEEP PASS NEWNES PLATEAU (EM) Join Wendy's overnight walkers for a day at magical Deep Pass. We'll explore the crack, the cave, the overhang with a few faint aboriginal paintings and climb above the pagodas for a good overview. Every one of these is optional. So you can make it as easy as you like. The way into the crack involves a bit of scrambling and the cave involves some crawling but you can join Richard and just meet the cavers at the bottom where the creek emerges from the cliff. After lunch, we'll go a little way up the canyon before returning to the cars. If someone wants to lead some people all the way up the canyon to meet us back at the carpark, please let me know. Limit: 16. Map: Newnes Plateau.

25-26 Oct (Sat-Sun) 2025: DEEP PASS CANYON OVERNIGHT (E-M) A beaut beginner overnight trip,this is one of the easier Wollemi canyons, Deep Pass Canyon (also known as Nayook Canyon) is a fun adventure where you can (with care) keep your feet mostly dry – or enjoy a few water pools. We'll have a camp and an explore of the canyon. There will hopefully be masses of wildflowers and waratahs... Limit: 8. Map: Newnes Plateau.

26-31 Oct (Sun - Fri) 2025: CANBERRA BIKE RIDE (E-M-Exp) It's on again because last year was a success and because there are more paths to explore! Staying at a Van Park where you can choose to camp, caravan or cabin. We will be doing a series of day rides on the magnificent and highly varied network of bike paths around Canberra- where navigation can sometimes be a challenge, hence exploratory. Opportunities for enjoying cafes, tourist features, lakes, forests, looking over fences and enjoying restaurants. Cycling distances vary between 30 and 70km. Flexible and cruisey. No pressure to ride everyday. Limit: 20. Map: Canberra Cycling Map.

30 Oct (Thu) 2025: RUINED CASTLE (M) The waratahs should be blooming! Because Golden Stairs are closed, we descend Furber Stairs 200m to the bottom of Scenic Railway and Federal Pass, the historic tram track built for the shale mine below Ruined Castle. It's mostly easy going through forest except the area below the big Landslide, which is a bit rocky. There is an 80m ascent to the "castle" with fabulous 360 degree views (Though there is a bit of tricky rock scrambling to get the views). Return the same way and climb (slowly) 200m back up Furber Steps. Total distance is about 10km. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba, Jamison.

3 Nov (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Wendy W. Limit: 8. 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.

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.

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: 8. 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.

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.

14-21 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.