2 Jul (Wed) 2025: LEURA (E-M) CANCELLED Due to leaders illness and bad weather. A half day walk: 6km approx: We will descend to Gordon Creek and Lyrebird Dell, walk through Gordon Falls reserve to the Pool of Siloam and onto the Golf Links lookout. Then to Sublime Point Lookout via the Cliff Top track with great views into the Jamison Valley. Bring morning tea. We will hopefully have it at the picnic tables at Sublime Point. We will return via Willoughby Road then Sublime Point Road, Watkins Road, Fitzroy Street, Gladstone Road, Craigend Street, Abbey Street and Spencer Street. On the way walkers have to decide what house they would like to live in and what house has the best garden. We will start the walk from Spencer Street Leura. At Spencer Street there are no parking fees or restrictions. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

3 Jul (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE BRAHMA KAMARIS (E) Join me and spend the morning doing landcare at Brahma Kamaris on Mt Hay Rd. All tools and instructions provided by a council worker. 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.

4 Jul (Fri) 2025: DANTES GLEN EMPIRE PASS- FREDRICKA FALLS (E-M) Circuit walk at Lawson with rainforest and water falls. I haven't done this walk in years so may be muddy. Wear sturdy shoes. Distance about 6km and about 200m elevation gain The walk was postponed as there were only 2 registered and it was raining. Hopefully a few others will register this time Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

Introduction Walk

6 Jul (Sun) 2025: EMPIRE PASS NORTH LAWSON (E) A lovely 6 km round walk, much of which has been repaired with excellent stepping stones. Only the council section is still quite eroded but we'll take it as slowly as needed. We'll visit Dantes Glen and duck into St Michaels Falls before continuing down the pretty creek and around the point to go up another creek to Frederick Falls. Then we reverse this track but this time above the cliff line. Listen to the best echoing place in the mts and pass by magic Fairy Falls which has been coated with a glowing coat of iron. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

6 Jul (Sun) 2025: KAMARAH RIDGE/CANYON/KOOMBANDA RIDGE CIRCUIT (M-H-Exp) This circuit begins from Bells Line of Road, following Kamarah Ridge to the scenic bluffs with great views over the Grose Valley. We then descend into Kamarah Gully and explore a short section of dry canyon, narrow and atmospheric. The exit is via Koombanda Ridge, which provides a steady climb back to the road. Expect untracked terrain, some scrambling, and slow sections. Parts of the walk are exploratory and may involve route finding. approximately 7.35km, total accent 230m, total decent 230m Limit: 8. Map: Mount Wilson.

6-11 Jul (Sun - Fri) 2025: MITTAGONG - KANANGRA (Exp) A classic Blue Mountains wilderness walk. We will start from Mittagong Station and head into the Nattai National Park following the Nattai River. We will cross the Burragorang Valley using the walkers' corridor. Then onto Yerranderie. After that we will follow Scotts Main Range with a side trip into the start of the Blue Breaks. Then over to the Kowmung River and up Brumby Ridge to Kanangra. This is a hard trip and only suitable for members who have experience in multi-day pack walks. A considerable amount of the walk is off track and the bushfire regrowth has impacted the track in a number of spots. Although I expect to complete the walk in six days, on Friday 11 July, anyone coming should allow an extra day or two for contingencies. Combined walk with UBMBC. Limit: 6. Map: Kanangra.

7 Jul (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Marie Jamieson Presenters: Sean Flanagan and James Evans from Police Rescue. They hope to bring one or two Police rescue vehicles. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

9 Jul (Wed) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E-M) Walk from Martins Lookout down to Springwood Creek, along to Perch Ponds and up Magdala Creek track to Fairy Dell. Will require a car shuffle. Bring morning tea. 6 km, 200m down and up. Below Martins Lookout is now all steps. Limit: 16. Map: Springwood.

13 Jul (Sun) 2025: DR DARKS CAVE NORTH LEURA (M) Drive part way along the Mt Hay Rd. Good high-clearance vehicles needed. Walk up the firetrail to the end for the views. Then return a short way and descend down a rough track to the incredible Dr Darks Cave with it's own waterfall and amazing views towards Govetts Creek and Waterfall. This cave was used by the Dark family to escape to in the 1930'3. Someone has left a good history in the cave. Dr Dark's wife was Eleanor Dark who wrote the trilogy "The timeless Land" about the first 30 years of settlement. She also owned Verona which is now a writers' retreat. The track is definitely medium but if Richard and I can do it with our bad knees, most people can as we'll take it as slowly as needed. There are bottom-slide sections and a few climbs. Check it out on the internet. Less than 5 km return but we will spend time exploring around the huge cave. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

17 Jul (Thu) 2025: SYDNEY (E) CITY RAMBLE - WATSONS BAY TO BONDI: Starting at the Gap we will follow the coastline to Bondi. Along the way we will enjoy some impressive coastal views and, hopefully, see some migrating whales. We will pass by historic Macquarie Lighthouse and see some interesting urban architecture as well. Total walk distance around 10kms, all on well-maintained paths or streets. Some stairs and inclines. The last part of the walk will be downhill. Limit: 15. Map: Sydney Heads/Bondi.

19 Jul (Sat) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (EM) Join me and Tracey from the council to clean up the very headwaters of Springwood Creek. This will prevent weeds getting into Birdwood Gully and lower to the Grose River. The creek here and the natural vegetation of tall Tree Ferns and gums are beautiful but are being choked by privet. It's the 3rd Saturday morning of each month but Tracey can look at a mid-week day if people want. All instructions and equipment supplied Limit: 12. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

19 Jul (Sat) 2025: VICTORY TRACK FAULCONBRIDGE (E-M) Victory track! It's open now, thanks to the multiple efforts of our club and others. Start at Faulconbridge, visit Clarinda Falls and Numantia Falls (if the side track to the falls is not too overgrown) then continue on to exit at Sassafras Gully. Only about 100m up and down and around 4-5km (if we include the Numantia Falls side trip). This is a great walk for new members and kids. We'll do a car swap to start, to avoid the return trip on the road. Limit: 12. Map: Springwood.

Introduction Walk

20 Jul (Sun) 2025: FORTRESS RIDGE (E) Drive out along the Mt Hay Rd. Good clearance cars needed for this. Walk along Fortress Ridge as far as possible although you can stop any time as we return the same way. The views into the Gross River Gorge are magic. The track is not maintained but is mostly quite good with a few rough sections. But we'll take these slowly. It undulates a fair bit as well. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

20 Jul (Sun) 2025: GLENBROOK (H-Exp) Exploration of Upper Kanuka Brook. approx. 10km (7km off track). Start with a 3km walk up Woodford Oaks Fire Trail to a small spur which should take us to the junction of Wheel Gully and Kanuka Brook. Pick our way along the creek which is in a shallow gully. Hazard reduction in recent years may make it pleasant off track walking (or maybe not). This area is largely unknown to the leader. Aim to end at the top of Tin Hat/Grey Hat Falls and ascend the gully back to the road. 150m elevation. Limit: 10. Map: Penrith .

26 Jul (Sat) 2025: SPRINGWOOD / WINMALEE (M-H) EOI. Night rogaine. Rogaining can be described as endurance orienteering. Teams of 2 to 5. At this event to be likely based at (the 'Hash House') at St Columbas college grounds. There is an entry fee of up to a probable $50 pp to NSW Rogaining. My pace will be smart walking/continuous scrambling at best. There is a 3hr option and a 5 hour option, both starting at 5pm. https://nswrogaining.org/2025-nightgaine/ Limit: 5. Map: Supplied with entry fee - Springwood..

27 Jul (Sun) 2025: DHARUG DREAMING (M) Come searching for petroglyphs on the sandstone platforms in Dharug N.P. Starting at the Mill Creek Picnic area, the hike commences on track around half of the Grass Tree Circuit. There could be a bit of overgrown track for about 1-2km as we make our way up to the Eastern Commissioners trail. From here we should be able to explore a few rock platforms along the fire trail with very clear rock art. We return much the same way, taking the other side of the Grass Tree Circuit to finish back in the picnic area. Approx. 12km. Ascent approx 100m from lowest point to highest point. Not cumulative. Limit: 12. Map: Gunderman 1:25000.

27 Jul (Sun) 2025: SOUTH FAULCONBRIDGE VISION ESTATE (M) We'll have a quick visit to Lady Martins Bath as this is part of the history of this area. Start the walk by using an old track below the cliff-line which Andy Cairns showed me to access the ruins of the Vision Estate. Learn about it's history in the late 1800s. Visit the "ruined sandstone castle" and kitchen area. Then visit the rock pool chipped out of solid stone. Visit the remains of other buildings and their own train station. For those interested, I'll try to find the high point lookout which is about a km to the south. This has steps cut into the rock and the remains of a road leading down to the valley but it involves bushbashing. Limit: 12. Map: Springwood.

2-3 Aug (Sat-Sun) 2025: BLACKHORSE RIDGE CAMPSITE EXPORATION (E-M) From Dunphy's 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 .

4 Aug (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Brian S. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

7 Aug (Thu) 2025: BRAHMA KAMARIS LANDCARE (E) Join me and spend the morning doing landcare at Brahma Kamaris on Mt Hay Rd. All tools and instructions provided by a council worker. 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.

16 Aug (Sat) 2025: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (EM) Join me and Tracey from the council to clean up the very headwaters of Springwood Creek. This will prevent weeds getting into Birdwood Gully and lower to the Grose River. The creek here and the natural vegetation of tall Tree Ferns and gums are beautiful but are being choked by privet. It's the 3rd Saturday morning of each month but Tracey can look at a mid-week day if people want. All instructions and equipment supplied Limit: 12. Map: Springwood.

16-17 Aug (Sat - Sun) 2025: NAVSHIELD (E-M-H) Every year NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue organises and runs the Australian Emergency Services Wilderness Navigation Shield or Navshield. This is a fantastic opportunity to practice your navigation skills (even if you're just learning, you'll be in a team). Register your interest here, we will need to book our places as they fill up fast. NOTE: this is for the 1-day event, you will need to be able to travel to the venue on Friday, leaving at mid-day. If anyone is crazy enough to do the 2-day, let me know when you book. Limit: 12. Map: not released yet.

16-17 Aug (Sat-Sun) 2025: GNW GIRRAKOOL PICNIC AREA TO SOMERSBY FALLS (E) 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.

1 Sep (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Jeanette L. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

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: 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: 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 .

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.

7-17 Oct (Tue-Fri) 2025: NORTHERN JAPAN (E-M-H) 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. Limit: 12. Map: Broken Bay 1:25000.

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.

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.