3 Sep (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Cancelled Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

5 Sep (Sat) 2026: MID MOUNTAINS WANDER (H, Grade 5) From the Linden Ridge Firetrail we negotiate a side ridge down to Woodford Creek before climbing up the other side to join another ridge that will take us to Blue Mountain and the start of the Lawson Ridge Firetrail. There are lower mountains views to be had in places and the boronia and other wild flowers should be on display. Roughly 12 kilometers with 200 meters descent and 300 meters ascent. NOTE: This is a hard off-track walk suited to fit and experienced bushwalkers. We will need to do a car shuffle. This is a combined Springwood and Upper Blue Mountains walk. Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

5 Sep (Sat) 2026: NORTH RICHMOND TO YARRAMUNDI (E-M, kayak) A paddle from North Richmond down to Yarramundi and return, 15 km with the tide. Please bring morning tea and lunch. Limit: 8. Map: Kurrajong.

7 Sep (Mon) 2026: PRESBYTERIAN HALL SPRINGWOOD (Meeting) Meeting: Presentation: Sam Porritt to speak about Rogaining Supper: Maree J. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

10 Sep (Thu) 2026: NORTHERN BEACHES (E) DEE WHY TO MANLY: During this walk we will visit four iconic northern Sydney beaches and enjoy some stunning ocean views. Expect to see some wildflowers and possibly a whale - but I am not making promises. The walk is all on track but if you want you can get some sand between your toes, you can. Total walk distance is about 7.5km with a combined ascent of 100m, but climbs are gradual and are spread across the walk. Limit: 15. Map: Sydney Heads.

12 Sep (Sat) 2026: COLO RIVER (H) Canoe Creek - Hopefully the first swim of the season. 8km return - 470m elevation gain. Rock scrambling, rock hopping. We will start from the end of Grassy Hill Fire Trail which runs off Putty Rd. Follow a rough track down to the Colo from there. Lunch and swim before heading back out the same way. About a 2 hour drive to the trail head from Springwood so will be a full day regardless. Limit: 8. Map: Colo Heights.

12 Sep (Sat) 2026: WILDFLOWERS OF YILEEN SPUR (M-Exp) This is an exploratory trip for me. We’ll head out along a spur between Yileen Gully and Yileen Spur towards the cliff edge overlooking Pierce’s Pass where we’ll stop for lunch. We then return along Yileen Spur and back to the cars. Hopefully at this time of year we will see plenty of wildflowers. 281m elevation change, 7.2km. Limit: 12. Map: Mount Wilson 1:25000.

13 Sep (Sun) 2026: LEURA - WOMEN'S WEEK FOLLOW UP (M-H) It's been 6 months since the club hosted some very successful Women's Week bushwalks, so this is a follow up walk. It links together some scenic NPWS tracks in the Leura area - and it's also an excuse for me to connect together some some popular areas, some which I've never walked. Intended route will start at Lyre Bird Dell and Pool of Siloam, continue along Prince Henry Cliff Walk, to Leura Falls and down to the lovely Leura Forest. The aim is return via Dardanelles Pass, Giant Stairway and Prince Henry Cliff Walk, but there are shortcuts available via Fern Bower.About 10kms. All on well maintained formal tracks, but there will be lots of stairs, including about 200m of climbing from the valley back up to the top of the cliff. Visitors who participated in Women's Week walks with SBC are very welcome (although you get the benefits of insurance and a full club program if you become a member beforehand) Limit: 12. Map: Katoomba.

19 Sep (Sat) 2026: SPRINGWOOD FESTIVALL, MACQUARIE RD (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 Limit: 30. Map: Springwood.

20 Sep (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

20 Sep (Sun) 2026: 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. Limit: 16. Map: Katoomba .

26 Sep (Sat) 2026: 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.

27 Sep (Sun) 2026: WOODFORD LAKE AND MORE (EM) A repeat of a walk I did in June. A 6km round walk taking in a nice rainforest gully, pretty Gemimi Falls, Woodford Lake and Dam and an amazing rock shelf with aboriginal handprints. The colours and shapes of the rock shelf are breathtakingly fantastic. Well worth the firetrail walking involved and some easy bushbashing to get to the site. Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

27-29 Sep (Sun-Tue) 2026: BLUE MOUNTAINS (M-H) SPLENDOUR ROCK VIA MEDLOW GAP, return via the same route. Dates have been set to September 27/28/&29 (expressions of interest previously sought). Splendour Rock is one of the most magnificent vantage points in the Blue Mountains, and the site of the Bushwalkers' Memorial. This route allows a bit of a recce before the 60th anniversary walk to Splendour Rock next year, which hopefully will leave from Medlow Gap. (It also avoids the steep climb up or down Blackhorse Ridge, thick scrub and stinging nettles in Breakfast Creek.) I also plan to check out "Lake" Birrell, which is close to Medlow Gap. 17.2 km on firetrail with full packs (8.6 each way, on first and last days); 14 km on rough track with daypacks only. Grade M. Elevation gain is only 180m but there are lots of undulations and at least one short scramble. May have to carry water for 2km. Limit: 8. Map: Jenolan, Jamison.

27-29 Sep (Sun-Tue) 2026: DONKEY MOUNTAIN WOLGAN VALLEY (M-H-Exp) Day 1 about 10km 300m descent. Walking in from the Glow Worm tunnel with views across to Donkey Mountain we head down to Wolgan Rd, then walk along the road to Donkey Mountain. We’ll camp at the base of Donkey Mountain. Day 2 we ascend Donkey Mountain and spend the day exploring the many slots up on top. Approx. 6-7km 350m ascent and descent. Day 3 we reverse and head back out the same way 10km 300m ascent. We will need to carry quite a bit of water. There may be opportunity to collect water from the Wolgan River as we cross to Wolgan Rd, but I’m not sure about access to the river near the mountain. Limit: 8. Map: Ben Bullen 1:25000.

27 Sep-2 Oct 2026 (Sun - Fri) 2026: 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.

Introduction Walk

4 Oct (Sun) 2026: GLENBROOK NP RED HANDS CAVE (E) Park near the causeway and walk up Campfire Creek to Red Hands Cave to see some aboriginal stencil art. Return the same way with a small loop possible. This track has been recently fixed up and gently climbs to the cave. It's about 8 km return. Afterwards we can drive to Mt Portal Lookout if people haven't been there. Limit: 16. Map: Penrith.

10 Oct (Sat) 2026: BUSHWALKERS MEMORIAL LOOKOUT PERRYS BLACKHEATH (E) To be part of the Grand Cooee call organised by Wyn Jones. I can send any members interested more details but Wyn has requested a group of bushies call from this memorial lookout Limit: 20. Map: Katoomba.

10 Oct (Sat) 2026: COOEE RELAY IN BLUE GUM FOREST (M-H) NOTE THERE'S BEEN A CHANGE. I have offered SBC to be part of the Grand Cooee Chorus. (See Blue Mountaineer 9 August for information). A group of us will form one point of the cooee relay, so you need to bring your loudest voice with you! I now know that we have been allocated a spot actually in Blue Gum Forest, at the junction of the Grose River and Govetts Creek. Therefore we will head down Perry's Lookdown to be in position by 11am. I propose we each take a drink and some morning tea to share while we wait for the actual cooee relay at about noon. The walk down and back up Perrys is a hard 500m and steep. If you originally booked thinking it would be an easy walk and wish to cancel, let me know. Come join me for a chance to be part of something unique. Limit: 10. Map: Katoomba, Mt Wilson.

17 Oct (Sat) 2026: WILDFLOWERS OF JINKE (M-Exp) This walk is an exploratory for me. We’ll head out along Jinke Track, the bear towards Jungaburra Brook, staying on top of the plateau to Wilkinson Hill, looking across to Valhalla Head, where we’ll stop for morning tea. We then retrace our steps and head along Jinke Ridge to the cliff line overlooking Dalpura Creek for lunch before returning to the cars. Should be plenty of wildflowers out and the views should be spectacular. 9km with 217m elevation change. Limit: 12. Map: Mount Wilson 1:25000.

17-18 Oct (Sat - Sun) 2026: BUDTHINGEROO CREEK (M-Exp) From Whalan's Paddock on the Kanangra Road walk down to Budthingeroo Creek, then down the creek for a couple of kms to find a camp site before the ravine. Explore the ravine pack free. Return as seems best the next day. If it is really short we may do some sight seeing at Kanangra. This corner of Kanangra was not burnt so I'm expecting reasonably pleasant conditions. It will require some scrambling and wet feet, so bring camp shoes. The walk is suitable for a first off track overnight walk if you've some fitness. The numbers are restricted due to likely small campsite. Limit: 5. Map: Kanangra.

17-18 Oct (Sat-Sun) 2026: KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP / PITTWATER (E) Beginners Overnight Adventure – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. No previous overnight experience required. Join us for a relaxed introduction to overnight bushwalking in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks. Aboriginal heritage, beaches, and the chance to see Sydney’s spectacular sandstone wildflowers in bloom. We begin with an easy 7 km return walk along the scenic Bairne Trail (without packs), before returning to prepare for our first overnight experience carrying light camping gear. We then walk a gentle 4 km track down to our waterfront campsite at The Basin, where we can enjoy an evening beside the water. On Sunday morning, we take the pleasant ferry around to beautiful Great Mackerel Beach. From there, we explore the coastline on a pack-free walk to West Head, visiting Aboriginal rock engravings and the secluded Resolute Beach area. We finish with a scenic return walk past the historic beach shacks up to our cars. A great first overnight walk for those wanting to experience camping, coastal scenery and the camaraderie of a bushwalking group. Limit: 20. Map: BROKEN BAY 1:25 000 9130-1N.

18 Oct (Sun) 2026: LANDCARE BIRDWOOD GULLY SPRINGWOOD (E) Spend the morning giving back to our beautiful bush. Just come whenever you can even if it's only once or twice a year. Bland Rd is right at the head of Birdwood Gully so weeds we remove from here will benefit the whole creek system down to the Grose River. We're mainly removing privet - big, medium and small to allow the lovely native ferns and trees to grow. It's led by council worker Tracy Abbas who provides tuition and equipment. We've been here for a year now and the difference is incredible. I've personally pulled up or cut and painted 1000s of privet. Council have allocated money to fix up the storm water drain, catch rubbish coming down from the highway and stabilize the creek line. Soon we can start planting as well. Limit: 8. Map: Springwood.

18-29 Oct (Sun-Thu) 2026: NORTHERN JAPAN (E-M-H) THIS TRIP IS FULL I am putting out this EOI as I've had a few requests for a repeat of the walking trip to Japan that I did in 2024. We would do a variety of day walks in the northern part of Japan (parts of Hokkaido and Aomori). I will lead walks that I am have done previously. It will be autumn-leaf time and scenery should be fabulous. We will stay in hotels/inns/AirBnB/hostels and hire vehicles to travel around. At the moment there are very few other details I can give because we need to have a meeting asap of those interested. The meeting will need to be late March or early April, so please "book" on the program soon to show your interest. This will not be a binding commitment to participate. Limit: 8. Map: .

25-30 Oct (Sun - Fri) 2026: CANBERRA ANNUAL CYCLING EVENT (E-M-H-Exp, possible gravel) It's on again because last year was yet again a big success and because there are myriad 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, vistas, paddocks, forests, parks, looking over fences and admiring well planned infrastructure. Cycling distances vary between 30 and 70km. Flexible and cruisey. No pressure to ride everyday. Some days there may be riding choices. Limit: 20 riders. Limit: 8. Map: Canberra cycling map.

5 Nov (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

14 Nov (Sat) 2026: DUMBANO TUNNELS (E-M) I HAVE NOW PUT A REPEAT OF THIS WALK ON 18 NOV. because there are too many booked on 14th. If you can come on 18th instead just book on to that walk and I will cancel you from this walk. I’m chasing Waratahs and there should be heaps in the area. If not, the area has enough interest anyhow. - rock pagodas, camp cave, the “tunnels“ and fabulous scenery. Only about 7km walk in total but it is almost all off-track and you will get wet at least to your knees. Involves a bit of rock scrambling as well and some up and down 50 – 70m hills. We will need AWD/tough 2WD to access the start from Newnes Plateau. I have space for 4 in my AWD but we will probably need another vehicle. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

18 Nov (Wed) 2026: DUMBANO TUNNELS (E-M) THIS IS A REPEAT OF THE WALK I'M DOING ON SAT 14th, because there are way too many booked on 14th. If you are booked on the 14th and can come on 18th instead, just book on this walk and I'll cancel you from the 14th. I’m chasing Waratahs and there should be heaps in the area. If not, the area has enough interest anyhow - rock pagodas, camp cave, the “tunnels“ and fabulous scenery. Only about 7km walk in total but it is almost all off-track and you will get wet at least to your knees. Involves a bit of rock scrambling as well and some up and down 50 – 70m hills. We will need AWD/tough 2WD to access the start from Newnes Plateau. I have space for 4 in my AWD which will make it but we will probably need one more vehicle. Limit: 8. Map: Wollangambe.

21-22 Nov (Sat - Sun) 2026: WESTERN CREEK EXPLORE (M-Exp) We’ll walk west in from Martin’s Lookout to our campsite at the junction of Western and Sassafras Creeks. 1.5km Donning daypacks, we’ll head up through Shark’s Head Cave to Lost World Lookout. There is a slot to navigate and a bit of climbing which might need a hand line to navigate. After following the Lost World trail briefly, we head west to try and find a route down to Western Creek. I did a brief explore of the creek and it is a wide cool creek with lots of good rock hopping. We’ll aim to follow the creek back to our campsite. 4km explore. If we can’t get to the creek this way, we may need to return the way we came and then do an up and back instead, but it would be good to find a circuit route if possible. A slow start on Sunday with a swim at a waterhole in Sassafras Creek before heading up the Eastern approach to Martin’s LO. 4km. Should be out early afternoon. 100m ascent/descent to campsite and 170m ascent for explore. Limit: 10. Map: Springwood 1:25000.

28 Nov (Sat) 2026: NORTH SPRINGWOOD MAGIC FIREFLY AND GLOWWORM WALK (E) Meeting at 8 pm at the end of Bednal Rd with torches, we walk less than a km down into Birdwood Gully to wonder at the fireflies doing their mating dance. It's like fairy land. When they've finished the glowworms have lit up so we walk down the creek a little to Madeleine Glen. Less than 2 km return but sheer magic. Limit: 20. Map: Springwood.

3 Dec (Thu) 2026: LANDCARE NORTH LEURA (E) Join Blue Mountains council for a morning of landcare on the beautiful Brahma Kumaris property on Mt Hay Rd. Often we work on weeds in or along the pretty creek. This flows into Govetts Creek and hence into the National Park and eventually down to the Grose River. All instruction and equipment supplied. Morning tea supplied in the gorgeous Stone Cottage and you can stay for a yummy vegetarian complimentary lunch as well Limit: 8. Map: Katoomba.

30 Dec (Wed) 2026: RIVER CAVES CANYON NEWNES PLATEAU (EM) My annual trip to this lovely canyon is on again. The morning activity is only 4 km return but the track is somewhat eroded in places though we'll take it slowly. It meanders through great pagoda rock formations as well. You don't need a wetsuit for the canyon section but you will get wet to the thighs at least. The rest depends on you choosing to go through the water or up and over with me. However it really does give you a real canyon experience with one section nearly closing right up but it's considered easy as far as canyons are concerned. After lunch we'll return to Bell for another short walk to Dargens Arch if you wish. This amazing arch can be observed from the side, walked over and then under. Less than 2 km return. Limit: 16. Map: Cullen Bullen.

1 Jan 2027 (Fri) 2027: BOOK PURCHASE (E) "Adventures, Friends and Memories" SBC's very own history book is available for purchase. It details the first 50 years of the clubs history. Click 'Request To Join', to reserve your copy. $34, or $45 with postage. Limit: 45. Map: Springwood.

10-17 Jan 2027 (Sun-Sun) 2027: CHARLOTTE PASS (E-M-H) Join me for the 14th 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 $537 or $698. Limit: 14. Map: Perisher, Geehi Dam.

11 Jan 2027 (Mon) 2027: TEST (H) test Limit: 8. Map: test.