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.

3 Apr (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE AT SOUTH LEURA (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.

3 Apr (Thu) 2025: SYDNEY (E) CITY RAMBLE - THE BEST BUILDINGS IN SYDNEY: Starting on the outskirts of the city in Chippendale and Ultimo before moving into the CBD proper, we will look at some award-winning modern buildings; some iconic buildings from different decades of the twentieth century; and some colonial era buildings dating back to the early years of the colony. Architecture tends to be in the eye of the beholder so some buildings on the list may provoke a bit of discussion over lunch and on the train home. Total walk distance I am estimating at around 8kms, predominantly flat Limit: 15. Map: Parramatta River.

Introduction Walk

5 Apr (Sat) 2025: BOWEN MOUNTAIN (E) Easy paced walk on fire-trails with some steep sections. First the south side with great views of the Grose River then the north side with amazing sandstone formations and an aboriginal axe grinding site and cave. Meeting in historic Kurrajong village location TBA. Limit: 15. Map: Kurrajong.

5-6 Apr (Sat-Sun) 2025: GNW COWAN TO BROOKLYN (M) I’ve decided to split a longer walk into two shorter weekend walks to make it more accessible, as the terrain, coupled with the heat and distances, has been a bit intense. Day 1 Cowan Station to Govett’s Ridge via Jerusalem Bay. 7.5km. Govett’s Ridge is a nice flat ridge with views over Cowan Creek and the Hawkesbury River. We will continue along the ridge to Taffy’s Rock and Taffy’s lookout (keeping an eye out for a campsite) and see if we can find a route down to one of the bays for a swim. Day 2 Govett’s Ridge to Brooklyn via Brooklyn Dam. Another opportunity for a swim at the dam before heading down to the station to catch the train back to Cowan Station. 10.5km Total over weekend Approx 18km. 679m ascents, 876m descents. Please email or call the home phone 0296244637 with any questions. Limit: 8. Map: Cowan 1:25000.

Introduction Walk

6 Apr (Sun) 2025: GLOWWORM TUNNEL CIRCUIT (EM) Drive to the tunnel carpark and head towards it but turn off up the steep but stunning Pagoda Track for an amazing area of rock formations. Then stroll down the Old Coach Rd through Penrose Gorge until it crosses the old railway line which we then follow back to the cars via the Glowworm Tunnel. Great views into the Wolgan Valley and lots of cliffs. About 9km Limit: 15. Map: Rock Hill.

6 Apr (Sun) 2025: LAWSON CAVE FALLS, LAWSON (M-H) The elusive Lawson Cave Falls was rediscovered in 2014. We will start in Wentworth Falls and take Bruce's Walk down to Blue Mountain Creek, cross the creek and ascend-descend 2 more gullies and finish at North Lawson Park. Steep tracks with multiple (short) ladders. Possible canyon to discover. approx. 7kms. Limit: 9. Map: Katoomba.

7 Apr (Mon) 2025: MEETING (E) General Meeting at Springwood.Catering for supper by JOHN H Limit: 8. Map: .

8 Apr (Tue) 2025: DEVLIN RD, NEPEAN RIVER (E) KAYAK morning, launching from Devlin Rd. A paddle down the Nepean River towards Yarramundi (north) as far as we can go, then after returning to Devlin Rd, explore upstream (south). BYOK, and also bring morning tea. We will finish before lunch. Limit: 8. Map: penrith.

9 Apr (Wed) 2025: WOODFORD (E-M) A half day walk to Paradise Pool: 7km approx: From Bulls Camp to Linden via a track below the GWH, then on a track to the Bulls Creek avoiding Cox's Road and the Stairway to Paradise. We will then follow Bulls Creek to Paradise Pool. We will explore the sand strip between Paradise Pool and the backup water of Woodford Lake. Return to Bulls Camp by following the Bulls Creek Track past what remains of the steam driven water pumping plant then the railway weir and on to Bulls Camp. Bring morning tea. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

Introduction Walk

12 Apr (Sat) 2025: HAZELBROOK (M) TERRACE FALLS CIRCUIT: After recent rain the waterfalls should be flowing. Combined with fern filled gullies and some quiet pools this is a very pleasant walk. Depending on options we take, total walk distance is around 4.5kms with 140m of descent and ascent. Not a difficult walk but some sections could be slippery so bring some shoes with good grip. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba.

12 Apr (Sat) 2025: THE MINERS PASS MOUNT SOLITARY (H) This walk is now full. The Miner's Pass is a challenging route off the North Face of Mount Solitary. The walk begins from the locked gate on Kedumba Valley road and follows the fire trail, then walking track up Mount Solitary, crossing the Kedumba River and ascending the Col along the way. The Miners Pass starts at the top of a steep gully about half a kilometer before spot height 919. Once down, we follow a ridge to the Kedumba River, near its junction with Jamison Creek, before re-joining the fire trail and the walk back. This is a hard walk only suitable for the fit and experienced. 730 meter ascent/decent. Rough, overgrown track. May require handline in places. Approximately 19 kilometers with about 9 kilometers on fire trail. This is a combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Jamison.

17-21 Apr (Thu-Mon) 2025: CENTRAL WEST NSW, SOUTHERN TABLELANDS NSW (M) Easter long weekend. Self-supported cycle-touring / bike-packing. Grenfell - Tout's Lookout - Murringo Gap Douglas Gap - Boorowa - Rye park - Goulburn. Camping preferred. 220 kilometres. 55km/day. 2500 metres total climbing. Limit: 18. Map: Google maps.

20 Apr (Sun) 2025: FAIRY DELL BUSHCARE (E) Volunteer bushcare, 9am-12pm. This activity is coordinated by BMCC and the contact details of members who book on will be forwarded to the relevant bushcare coordinator who will be in touch in the week beforehand. No experience is necessary as all training and equipment will be provided by the onsite bushcare coordinator. Please come along if you can spare a morning, or consider joining any of the other bushcare groups in the mountains. Details are available on the BMCC website: bushcarebluemountains.org.au Limit: 8. Map: Google maps.

23 Apr (Wed) 2025: LAWSON (E-M) A half day circuit walk: North Lawson Park: 5km approx: Danty's Glen, St Michael's Falls, Empire Pass, Frederica Falls, Echo Bluff, (The best echo in the mountains) and Fairy Falls. Between Frederica Falls and Echo Bluff we will take a track that avoids the steep slog up a fire road that goes to San Jose Avenue. Bring morning tea. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba.

24-26 Apr (Thu - Sat) 2025: ANZAC DAY SPLENDOUR ROCK (M) Is there interest in being at the Anzac dawn service at Splendour Rock this year? Anzac Day is on Friday. This would mean walking out Thursday, camping either on Dingo Hill (with everyone else) or at the gap just below Dingo Hill (and walking up before dawn). We would walk back on Friday, with the option to camp another night and explore something in the area. It's about 6 hours to walk in a couple of hills and ups and downs, on track and fire trail. Return the same way (as apparently Black Horse Ridge is still impassable) Limit: 10. Map: Jamison.

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

3 May (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

4 May (Sun) 2025: DARGANS ARCH AND THE UPPER WOLLANGAMBE (M-H) From Bell we visit Dargans Arch before heading East towards the "Centre of the Universe", visiting the "Ruin" on the way. Don't know what the "Ruin" is? Come along and find out! We then cross the Wollangambe and climb Submarine Rock, to wander among the ridges and Pagodas on the North side, making our way back to Dargans Arch. Mostly Off track. Approx 13 kilometers,100-meter ascent/descent. Combined Springwood, Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

4 May (Sun) 2025: GENOWLAN PLATEAU (M, EXP) This is a brief expedition on the Genowlan Plateau east of Capertee. The aim is to investigate a large round structure in the geology. We drive to Capertee turn right onto the Glen Davis road then drive up a very steep road to the plateau. 4WD needed (I have one). Park the car then walk a dirt road for about 2 km and check out what is there. The dirt road will give you some up and down walking thrills and the scenery is magnificent. We walk past the Valley of the Dinosaurs. It will be all day. Limit: 8. Map: Glen Alice.

5 May (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting Supper catering by Thais River trip in Peruvian Amazon. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

9 May (Fri) 2025: CENTENNIAL GLEN BLACKHEATH (EM) Drive to Centennial Glen Rd and walk the link track to pick up the track down Centennial Glen with a short detour to see the views from Fort Rock. This track is very eroded in the upper section but we'll take it slowly. Walk behind a lovely waterfall and then continue down to the bottom with a look into an amazing little canyon. The bottom waterfall is really beautiful. This last section has steep steps with handrails but is optional. Returning part way up, we'll walk along the climbers' cliffs of Walls Ledge and return to the cars. About 5 km. Great views into the Megalong Valley. This walk has everything all done at a pace to suit slower walkers. Limit: 15. Map: Katoomba.

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 May (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.

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! (Unless otherwise stated ascents and descents are cumulative, eg. 100m up 59m down, 70m up etc.). Limit: 4. Map: Broken Bay and Gosford 1:25000.

2 Jun (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Steve Fuller Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

5 Jun (Thu) 2025: LANDCARE AT 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.

6-9 Jun (Fri - Mon) 2025: CENTRAL WEST NSW, SOUTHERN TABLELANDS NSW (H) King's Birthday Long Weekend. Self-supported cycle-touring / bike-packing on public roads. Tarana - Pioneer Rail Trail - Oberon - Norway - Mozart - Vulcan SF - Mt Werong campground and stone cottage - Range FT - Lang Road - Wombeyan Caves - Goodmans Ford - Bullio Tunnel - Mittagong. Camping preferred. 200km. 2500vm total climbing. 50% unsealed roads. After getting off one of two daily Bathurst Bullet train services p.m. Friday, we will cycle under a rising waxing 71% full moon up the quiet unsealed Hazelgrove Road into the night towards Oberon for a Midwinter's Night Dream. You will still need quality bicycle-mounted lights. Google Map route link; https://maps.app.goo.gl/ij22dUF8EbjTu8jb9 Limit: 28. Map: State Forests of the Bathurst Region.

21 Jun (Sat) 2025: GNW WONDABYNE STATION TO GIRRAKOOL (E-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. 9.5km - We will need to alert the guard that we are alighting at Wondabyne Station which mainly services the GNW. We then follow the GNW route over Scopas and Leochare Peaks which offer extensive views of the surrounding region. Our walk finishes in Girrakool which is an aboriginal word meaning “place of waters”. This walk requires a pickup from Girrakool Picnic Area. I can take the first 3 to book after myself (hence the 4 person walk limit). Happy to take more, and this could be a good one for kids, but extras will need to be prepared to arrange a pickup or an Uber/taxi from Girrakool. Gosford Station is the closest train station. Total ascent 776m. (Unless otherwise stated ascents and descents are cumulative, eg. 100m up 59m down, 70m up etc.). Limit: 4. Map: Gosford 1:25000.

21 Jun (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.

1-21 Jul (Tue - Mon) 2025: HEYSEN TRAIL. (M-H-VH-Exp) Dates are a little flexible. I propose to walk in the north section Parachilna Gorge to Quorn, and a few days in the south section near Victor Harbor. Transport is not yet sorted but we expect to have at least one support vehicle. Walking around 20 km a day and camping overnight in tents. You will need to carry all your gear and probably extra water as the campsite tanks are not guaranteed to have water. If interested, book in on this site and I will be in touch. If you have specific needs or limitations, or questions, please email me. Participation limit depends on available transport. Limit: 8. Map: Heysen Trail map sheets.

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.

7 Jul (Mon) 2025: SPRINGWOOD (E) General Meeting: Catering by Marie Jamieson Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

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.

26 Jul (Sat) 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.

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.