3-10 Dec (Sun-Sun): CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H) Join me for the 11th 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 10 highest peaks in Australia plus lots of slightly lower peaks. Cost $384. Limit: 18. Map: Perisher, Geehi Dam (2023)

3-4 Dec (Sat - Sun): SHOALHAVEN () SHOALHAVEN RIVER - A combined Willow Warriors/SBC activity with National Parks support. We will drop of Matador ridge to the greater Horseshoe Bend (2 km; 330m descent. On the river (manly Grade 2 whitewater) we will packraft down the Shoalhaven (16km), including Blockup Gorge, treating isolated willows and tree of heaven, exit at Bungonia creek (3km; 490m ascent). NB date may change depending on water levels. Limit: 10. Map: Touga & Caoura (2016)

4-21 Dec (Fri-Mon): BASS STRAIT (H, paddling) Sea Kayak crossing of Bass Strait. North to South. Wilsons Promontory (western shoreline preferred this time) - Hogan Island - Deal Island - Flinders Island; Emita Museum, pub meal in the Interstate Hotel at Whitemark, an ascent of Mt Strezlecki - Cape Barren Island - Preservation Island + Rum Island, camping very near the wreck site of the 'Sydney Cove' - a likely bigger push to Cape Portland on the Tasmanian mainland - Bridport. 350km of open ocean and exposed coastal passages through the delightful quiet islands and associated restful beaches of the Kent Group and Furneaux Group. Logistics are in place. The leader has successfully crossed Bass Strait by sea-kayak thrice previously. Limit: 3. Map: Admiralty Chart AUS 487 - Bass Strait (2015)

5-7 Dec (Tue - Thu): BOUDDI NATIONAL PARK () We'll car camp at Putty Beach and do a series of walks to explore this park - the longest being the coastal walk which is 8kms so there will be plenty of time for swimming. Cost is $17p/p night plus park entry fees if you don't have a parks pass. The campground is well set up with toilets,showers and a BBQ area however the campground is tent only. ***If you'd like to come please let us know ASAP so sites can be booked.**** Limit: 8. Map: Bouddi National Park Tourist map (2017)

5-6 Dec (Fri-Sat): ERSKINE CREEK WILLOW WHACKING (E-M) Walk up Erskine Creek via Pisgah Rock to camp beside a fantastic swimming hole just upstream from Dadder Cave. A little rockhopping and scrub to negotiate. The aim is to treat a few willows discovered on a recent club trip but there will be lots of time for swimming and relaxing. Limit: 12. Map: Penrith (2008)

5-10 Dec (Fri-Wed): QUEENSLAND - BORDER LOOP (H) Bike Ride - Start Robina, end at Nerang. (Border loop ride - 338 km). This is a 5 day bike ride with an extra day for side trips eg climbing Mount Warning to see the sun rise. This is a beautiful area, National Parks galore, the landscape changes dramatically from rainforested ranges to sugar cane in the Tweed Valley. We will have a support van where each person will drive 10 km per day. The support van will be able to carry all our bags, taking turns setting up morning tea and lunch along the way. There will be a bike rack just in case someone gets too tired. Staying in camp grounds or cabins if preferred. We will be finishing off at uplift festival at Baryon Bay for whoever wants to come along - an amazing festival. Limit: 15. Map: (2014)

5-6 Dec (Mon-Tue): YENGO NP (, E-M X) On Monday we will walk down Howes Valley creek to the junction of the Macdonald River where we will set up camp (12km). On Tuesday we will follow the Macdonald River back to the Putty Road (8km). The walk will entail walking in the shallow, sandy water courses so you will get wet feet and we may encounter quick sand. This provides a few laughs for those not caught. You will survive! Limit: 8. Map: Howes Valley Mount Yengo (2011)

8-9 Dec (Sat-Sun): GOULBURN RIVER NP (M, Exp.) We plan to do a 15km walk along the Goulburn River which will include the very pretty gorge section. We will mostly be walking in the river which is shallow and sandy with the possibility of encountering quicksand. On the Friday night we will be camping on private property on the river at a cost of $5 p/p which is where we will start the walk the next day. Limit: 8. Map: Durridgere (2012)

8-9 Dec (Sat - Sun): RYLESTONE SOCIAL WEEKEND () Join a group to support this drought-struck country town. We know the trouble farmers are having, but so are their towns. By staying and eating (and shopping) in Rylstone, we support the town. Markets and a Christmas Carnival on Saturday. May be able to visit some farmers. This activity is in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Wallacia-Mulgoa Valley. Could go there Friday or Saturday. Car pooling to be organised if required. Limit: 20. Map: road map (2018)

10-11 Dec (Sat-Sun): GLEN DAVIS, CAPERTEE RIVER (M-H) Two days of canyons. Car camp overnight Friday Coorangooba camp ground or arrive early Saturday.Saturday do Bull-ant (aka Doomsday) canyon. 3km walk in, some steep up. Abseils, some short swims and a duck under. Need wet suit or thermals. Round trip 7km. Camp overnight at cars. Sunday do Coinslot - dry canyon. Short steep climb up, scrambling. Couple of great long abseils. Round trip 4km, short day, drive home Sunday afternoon. Experienced abseilers only. Need own abseil gear (prefer no figure 8) and helmet. Rope fee applies. Limit: 8. Map: Mount Morgan, Gospers Mtn (2011)

10-12 Dec (Tue-Thu): PITTWATER () We still have a few spaces left on this trip. If you are interested in joining us please let us know by Tuesday afternoon (3rd Dec) so we can finalize accommodation. Limit: 8. Map: Ku-ring-gai NP Tourist map (2013)

10-12 Dec (Tue-Thu): PITTWATER YHA (E-M) Come and spend a couple of days at this idyllic location before the Christmas madness descends upon us. The activities on offer are walking, canoeing and swimming. What we do will depend on the weather and the group. The cost is $28 p/p per night plus the cost of the ferry over and back to the hostel. I have booked 6 beds but this can be added to if necessary. Limit: 6. Map: Ku ring gai NP Tourist Map (2013)

11-16 Dec (Sun - Fri): KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK () Walk along the Main Range from South Rams Head to Dicky Cooper Bogong. Start at Dead Horse Gap and finish at Guthega Power Station. Approximately 50 kilometres, mostly above the tree line. Limit: 12. Map: Kosciuszko Alpine Area (2016)

16-17 Dec (Wed-Thu): Mt Solitary (, M/H) Mt Solitary. Cross this beautiful mountain with its great views and lots of shade as an overnight walk and a side trip up Ruined Castle, if temperatures and water allow. Possibly we'll do it as a traverse, depending on participants. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba (2009)

17-18 Dec (Sat-Sun): ROCKY CREEK () Descend Rocky Creek canyon then keep going downstream, explore the very pretty creek and a few side canyons. Camp somewhere nice and get out the next day. A maximum of 15kms with scrambling and swimming. Limit: 6. Map: Rock Hill/Mt Morgan (2011)

18-19 Dec (Sat-Sun): DUMBANO CREEK () Two day canyon trip on Dumbano Creek. Walk and scramble down the south branch through some lovely canyon, camp in an overhang and walk out first thing Sunday morning. No abseils. A 4WD would be appreciated by the leader. Limit: 6. Map: Wollangambe (2010)

19 Dec to 10 Jan (Wed-Thu): EVEREST CIRCUIT - NEPAL (M-H) This fantastic 22 day guided/supported trek takes in Gokyo Lakes/Ridge (5483m), the Cho La Pass (5420m) and Kala Pattar (5545m) for awesome views of Everest. Accommodation is predominately permanent or wilderness campsites with some use of lodges and hotels. The trip is carefully paced for acclimatisation. Christmas Day is a rest day in Namche Bazaar. The crossing of the Cho La Pass on 1 Jan is an awesome way to celebrate the New Year! It is winter so the conditions will be cold and you will need to ensure you have adequate gear. Low humidity means clear skies. There will be far fewer tourists on the trails than in the peak trekking season of October/November. Frequent cardio training is required for at least 3-6 months prior to departure to ensure adequate fitness. I will be running a number of walks for fitness training. You will be responsible for making your own bookings and travel arrangements. Total cost is around $5500-$6000 for trip bookings, flights, visas and any extra gear you may need to buy. World Expeditions provide warm sleeping gear and a down jacket. You need to arrive in Kathmandu no later than 20 December. More info on the World Expeditions Website: http://tinyurl.com/3fnn68f Limit: 16. Map: Nepal (2012)

19-20 Dec (Sat-Sun): Upper Dumbano Crk () Two day canyoning trip. The first day pretty long, the second pretty easy. No abseils, but scrambling, swimming and camping in a cave. Two stretches of very nice canyon. I'd appreciate someone with a 4WD to get down the firetrail. Limit: 6. Map: Wollangambe (2009)

23-27 Dec (Wed - Sun): KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK () Leave bicycle at Thredbo YHA. Drive to Geehi, and walk up Hannel's Spur at a moderate pace, gaining 1500m over 8km to Moira's Flat or Abbott Ridge. D3 - Muellers Peak - Mt Kosciuszko - Lake Cootapatamba - Rams Head - Dead Horse Gap - Thredbo River Track - Thredbo. D4 Swap backpack and boots for your bicycle & cycle 55km; Thredbo - DHG - Alpine Way - Tom Groggin - Swampy Plain River at Geehi (700m overall climbing, 1700m descent (pretty much all at once) then drive back to Thredders to retrieve backpacks. There are fees for the YHA to mind our gear. D2 is a foul-weather contingency day, or explore out to our 2nd and 3rd highest peaks. Twist my arm if the dates don't suit you. Limit: 3. Map: Includes; Youngal 8525-3S, Perisher Valley 8525-2S (2020)

27 Dec to 5 Jan (Thu-Sat): NEW ZEALAND () EXPRESSION OF INTEREST from anyone who would like to do a 3-4 day walk in New Zealand anywhere between 27 Dec 2012 & 5 Jan 2013. I will be home visiting family. Considering the Routeburn but am flexible. WILL NEED TO BOOK VERY SOON. Limit: 8. Map: New Zealand (2012)

27-29 Dec (Fri-Sun): SHOALHAVEN RIVER (M-X) A 3 day lilo trip down a very scenic part of the Shoalhaven Gorge. We will enter the gorge via the Trestle Track where we will camp the night. The next day we will travel down the river for 7 kms to the base of the Long Point exit where we will camp the night. The last day we will climb the Long Point ridge (470m) back to the cars. Limit: 8. Map: Caoura & Bungonia (2013)

28 Dec to 4 Jan (Fri-Fri): ARTHURS PASS, NEW ZEALAND (H) A classic summer transalpine tramp starting at Waimakariri River and crossing Harman Pass, Whitehorn Pass and Browning Pass/Noti Raureka and then down either the Styx or Arahura River coming out near Lake Kaniere, Hokitika. Day 1 A 4-5 hour walk up the mighty Waimakariri River to Carrington Hut. Day 2 the longest day (9 hours) up Harman Pass and then Whitehorn Glacier to reach Whitehorn Pass before a rocky decent to the Wilberforce River. Day 3 (5 hours) starts with a steep ascent (Liz said exposed at the top) to Browning Pass where we will spend a few hours around Lake Browning before descending to Harman River Hut. Day 4 (7-9 hours) Depending on the weather (and sandflies) out via the Styx or Arahura. We will need a couple of days flexibility to account for the weather. Limit: 6. Map: Kaniere (2012)

28 Dec-4 Jan 09 : GUY FAWKES RIVER (M-X) 6 day lilo trip covering approx 55km of the Guy Fawkes River most of which has wilderness classification. Entry point is Jordans trail and we will exit at Broadmeadows near the old Grafton - Glen Innes road. Limit: 8. Map: Marengo- Guy Gawkes River- Chaelundi- Dalmorton (2008)

28-30 Dec (Tue-Thu): KEDUMBA TO MT SOLITARY (M) Parking at the end of Tablelands Road Wentworth Falls,at 3pm Tuesday 28th Dec, to walk to the campground via a 9km walk down Kedumba Pass, along Kedumba Valley fire trail. The walk is very steep so bring 4 - 5 L of water. At the bottom of the valley there are plenty of flat campsites to choose from, as well as toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings for a barbecue and tea. It takes 2 to 3 hours to hike down and 3 to 4 hours to hike back out. We will leave early on Wednesday to walk to Mt Solitary and possibly Ruined Castle. The creek running off Kedumba River has to be treated to drink and it is usually deep enough for a good dip. On Thursday we check out heritage-listed Maxwell’s Hut, the original Maxwell family homestead, and keep an eye out for red-necked wallabies and wombats. The NP site notes that "At dawn and dusk you might see platypus in the river, near the majestic stand of rare Camden white gums". We will leave the site at about 1 pm to get back to the cars at about 4pm. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison (2021)

28 Dec to 2 Jan (Mon-Sat): Oxley Wild Rivers Nationa Park (M-X) We have set six day for this lilo trip on the Chandler and Macleay Rivers,distance is about 60kms. It will be possible to complete the trip in less time but we will have the opportunity to explore the area. 4WD are required for access to the start and finish. The finish could be Subaru friendly, we will have to get more information about this. Limit: 8. Map: Carrai and Big Hill (2009)

28 Dec to 4 Jan 09 (Sun start): TASMANIA'S SOUTHWEST COAST (M-H-X) You may be aware that some of our members are heavily involved in a volunteer program aimed at keeping the coastal weed 'sea spurge' out of Tasmania's wilderness coast. This summer, some 40 volunteers from SPRATS (Spurge Remote Area Teams) are now lined up to again walk various sections of the coast. But there are still vacancies! These are mainly on the easier part of the coast, immediately south of Strahan. They involve spending a week on the coast. Participants need to be experienced overnight walkers, but the difficulty is only moderate and we base-camping most of the time while we will be engaged in removing sea-spurge. Any newcomer would most likely be in a party led by Andy Macqueen (Sector 1b) or Carol Isaacs (Sector 2a). (Alternatively, for the very competent, there is still one vacancy in a harder, two-week sector.) You would have to be in Hobart ready to be taken to Strahan on 28 December, and you should be back in Hobart on the night of 5 January. If it's any recommendation, the great majority of last year's participants are going again this time! Have a preliminary gander at www.wildcaretas.org.au/pages/groups_details.php?group_id=71&group_type_id=1 Limit: 8. Map: Various (2008)

29 Dec to 7 Jan (Wed-Fri): TASMANIAN SW COAST () Become a 'SPRAT' to keep the invasive weed Sea Spurge out of the remote SW Wilderness coast. Most activity will involve three parties from 2 to 11 January (ex Strahan) and two parties from 11 to 20 January (also ex Strahan). For experienced Sprats, there are later opportunities in Port Davey and South Coast sectors. All parties are taken to and from the coast by helicopter and/or boat. Transport from Hobart to Strahan is provided. Difficulty varies from easy (virtual standing camp) to hard, depending on the sector, but all participants must be self-sufficient walkers. Last season 7 club members joined in - let's make it more this time! If you are interested, contact Andy to get your digital copy of the Spratpack (which has all the details) and an expression of interest form. Placements will be made by the end of September. Limit: 60. Map: Various (2010)

31 Dec to 2 Jan (Thu-Sat): Airly car camp (E-M) New Year's Eve party and walks according to weather at our Airly base. Camp near cars. Bring everything. Toilet provided. Limit: 20. Map: Glen Alice (2009)

31 Dec-2 Jan 2022 (Fri - Sun): BRUMBY RIDGE, KOWMUNNG RIVER, GINGRA LOOP () See the New Year in down on the Kowmung. Walk from Kangara Tops carpark along Plateau walk, down Brumby ridge to the Kowmung. Overnight at Orange Bluff campground, then down river to Rainbow campground for second night. Up from the river via Gingra Track and back to the cars. A demanding full pack 30 km walk all on track with steep descent and ascent. The current weather outlook seem ideal. No rain forecast with temperature range 11-25 degrees. Limit: 8. Map: Alltrails App and Kanangra + Yerranderie (2021)

31 Dec to 2 Jan (Fri-Sun): DEANES CREEK () Starting at Newnes we will walk up through Zobel's Gully to Constance Gorge and then through to Deanes Creek. We will follow Deanes Creek until we reach the junction with Rocky Creek then to the Wolgan River and back up the river to Newnes. Lot's of creek walking, some rock hopping. Beautiful scenery and great camp sites. Limit: 8. Map: Ben Bullen & Mt Morgan (2010)