Bushwalking

Tuesday 18 August 2009
Bombi Moor in Bouddi National Park
We last did this walk in September 2006 at time of the year when the wildflowers
were at their best. Fred tells me that this is where he took the Club
for their first ever bushwalk – way back in 1991!
We will meet at 10.30 am at the car park at the end of Grahame Drive, off
The Scenic Road, at MacMasters Beach (UBD Reference: Map 109, B-9).
The first 15 minutes or so of the walk are up hill through a beautiful forest
of blackbutts, but the grades are not excessive. After that, the walk levels
off. After a couple of kilometers, there is an optional 800 m return side
track to the edge of the cliff, with stunning views up and down the coast.
The walk ends with a downhill track through more blackbutts, angopheras
and huge banksias into Little Beach where we will have lunch at around
12.30 pm. Overall, the walk is around 4 km long (about 1 km less for those
who do not take the side track to the cliff edge).

Remember: Slip, slop, slap, insect repellant,

Tuesday14th July 2009
Katanga Reserve

On a beautiful day on Tuesday, 14 of us enjoyed a walk into the spectacular
rainforest of Katandra Reserve, near Holgate. It was fascinating to feel
the temperature drop as we descended into the forest and rise as we came
up again. Half way through the walk, the group split. Some returned to the
cars after strolling around the stunningly beautiful Seymour Pond. The others
successfully completed the quite challenging walk up many steps to the
Mount Elliot end the reserve.

Tuesday 21 April 2009
Strickland State Forest
This will be my last year as Bushwalking Convener and I plan to revisit
some of my favourite walks over the past few years. Strickland State Forest
is located just on the south side of the F3 expressway, a bit north of the
Gosford exit. It is a very pleasant place to walk, with huge trees and many
cabbage tree palms.
We will meet at 10.30 am at the Banksia Picnic area in Strickland State
Forest. To get there, drive north along Narara Valley Road, and take a left
into Mangrove Road, about 0.5 km past Narara Railway Station. Follow
Mangrove Road for 2.4 km until just before it passes under the F3. Turn
left at the Strickland State Forest sign. After 1.4 km of mostly dirt access
road, take the right fork to the Banksia Picnic area (UBD Reference: Map
66, P 15). There are toilets at the picnic area, and it is a lovely place for
lunch.
We will walk the Stony Creek Trail at the top of the park. Although much
of the track is not level, the grades are quite easy. About 500 m before the
end of the trail, those who wish to can extend the walk by diverting out to
Strickland Falls before returning to the cars soon after noon for lunch. The
total walk is about 3 km long.
Remember: Slip, slop, slap, insect repellant,

Tuesday17th March 
Despite considerable confusion created by my directions
Koolewong to Woy Woy and back, including crossing the new pedestrian
bridge (did you know that the cables that hold the structure up are, in fact,
concrete reinforcing rods?) In the middle, we took a break at Woy Woy for
coffee and chips. Afterwards, many stayed for a very pleasant lunch beside
the water. It was a beautiful day and a great way to start this year’s program.13 of us (plus the Orme dog) 
enjoyed a walk beside Brisbane Water from

Tuesday 18 March: Bullimah Spur, Bouddi National Park. Great day, lovely views (12)

Tuesday 15 April: North Avoca. The weather just held off (8)

Tuesday 20 May: Ettalong to Umina beside the water. Very pleasant stroll (12)

Tuesday 17 June: Spit Bridge to Manly. Threatening weather but we made it (10)

Tuesday 15 July: Blackwall Mountain. Morning tea at Janet Smith’s place before, lunch at Fred Leake’s place afterwards. Great views, conversation, and a wonderful day! (24)

Tuesday 19 August: Rumbalara reserve, towards Mount Elliott. Nice bush (11)

Tuesday 16 September: Brisbane Water National Park from Patonga to the Tony Doyle lookout. Beautiful wildflowers and views (11)

Tuesday 21 October: Cancelled due to threatening weather

Tuesday 18 November: Christmas lunch at Bruce and Irene Dunlop’s place with the best Christmas cake in the business (34)

During the year, there was only one cancellation due to bad weather. For the 8 walks that we did, the average number of participants was just over 15, which is less than the 19 for last year, but still not too bad. Thanks to all who participated in our bushwalks during 2008.


Bushwalking 2008 reports 

Tuesday 18 March 2008

Bullimah Spur, Bouddi National Park

Our first walk for the year is a nice and easy one along the Bullimah Spur in Bouddi National Park. The walk is not too long (just over 2 km overall), and is mostly level, with a bit of down and up near the beginning and the end. I am sure that many of our members will have done this walk before, although I hadn’t until I tried it last week. It is a truly lovely piece of bush and well worth revisiting.

We will meet at 10.30 am at the car park next to the Maitland Bay Information Centre, The Scenic Drive, Maitland Bay (UBD Reference: Map 108 F‑14). We will walk a short distance down the steps towards Maitland Bay and then take the easy going side track out along the Bullimah Spur. There are some spectacular views of the coast and Maitland Bay along the way, and excellent views over Killcare, Putty Beach, Broken Bay and beyond at the end. On the way back we will branch off the track and climb up to the stunning Marie Byles Lookout before returning to the cars around 12 noon for lunch.

Tuesday 15 April 2008

North Avoca

Since I started organizing our bushwalks, I have only managed one that hadn’t been done before by Fred Leake – this was around the lake at North Avoca in June 2003. I therefore thought that it was time to revisit this general area and notch up another non-Fred-prearranged one. Although this walk is hardly through the bush, it follows some quite secluded back streets in a very bushy area. There are also some stunning views over Terrigal and Avoca beaches. The overall walk is about 3 km long and there are steady uphill grades for the first third, and downhill at the end.

We will meet at 10.30 am at the North Avoca Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse in North Avoca Parade (UBD Reference: Map 99, M-2). We will walk along the back streets and into Surf Rider Avenue which takes us up into the North Avoca valley. At the end of this road, we cut through a right-of-way into Tabletop Road and onto The Scenic Highway. From there we track along the ridge with views to both north and south before heading back to the Clubhouse for lunch along a windy little back street – Coast Road. The walk should be over soon after 12 noon.

Tuesday 20 May 2008

Ettalong to Umina Waterfront

This walk will be directly next to the ocean at the entrance to Brisbane Water, so it is hardly a “bush” walk, but it will be a very pleasant stroll – and dead level, too!

We will meet at 10.30 am at the picnic area on The Esplanade, Ettalong, almost opposite the end of Beach Street (UBD Reference: Map 107, D-12). There is plenty of parking, and toilets are nearby. We will walk from there towards Umina along the hard-packed sand beside the water (it will be mid-tide and falling at that time). There is an adjacent, but not quite as scenic, bike track beside the road for those who prefer completely solid ground. The views across Broken Bay and out to sea are lovely. We will go as far as we feel comfortable, but probably not quite to the Ocean Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, and then retrace our steps to the cars for lunch. The walk should be over soon after 12 noon.

Tuesday 17 June 2008

Spit Bridge to Manly

Next month, we will retry the Spit Bridge to Manly walk that was cancelled twice last year due to bad weather. This is not an easy walk. It is about 9.5 km long and there are lots of steps (many hundreds). I therefore propose to offer two walks on the day. One will go the full distance from the Spit Bridge to Manly, and about half way through will link up with the second, that will start at Balgowlah Heights. Different transport arrangements and times apply for travel to the two walks.

For those doing the full walk, we will catch the 7.58 am train to Sydney from Woy Woy (10 minutes earlier from Gosford). I suggest that we travel in the second last carriage. We will arrive at Central at 9.14 am, and take a train to Circular Quay in good time to catch the 10.00 am ferry to Manly. From there, we take either a 143 or 144 Chatswood bus (leaving every 15 minutes), alighting at the north end of the Spit Bridge just before 11.00 am to start the walk.

For the shorter walk, I suggest taking the 9.00 am train from Woy Woy, which arrives at Central at 10.12 am, in plenty of time to catch the 11.00 am ferry to Manly. This gets you to Manly at 11.30 am, in good time to get the 132 bus to Warringah Mall that leaves at 11.42 am. If you miss this bus, the next one is one hour later. We will have mobile phone contact between the groups so that we can adjust things if that happens. Alight from this bus in Curban Street, Balgowlah Heights, near the corner of Beaconview Street and walk south for about 10 minutes to Scenic Drive where the two groups will meet up. Michael Ryan will guide the travel for this part of the walk.

The full walk skirts the harbour past Fisher Bay, Sandy Bay and Clontarf before entering the Sydney Harbour National Park. This part of the walk has many steps, but very fine views. The track runs close to Scenic Drive where we will meet up with the second group at about 12.30 pm. From there, the walk is almost all downhill. There are not too many steps, and more outstanding views towards the Heads and Manly. We will arrive at Forty Baskets Beach for lunch soon after 1 pm. From there, it is just one hour easy going back to Manly. I expect that we will catch the 2.45 pm ferry back to Circular Quay, which will have us on the 3.45 pm train from Central to Woy Woy.

Our $2.50 magic ticket will work on all trains, buses and ferries. Also, there are toilets along the route of both walks.

Tuesday 15 July 2008

Blackwall Mountain

Next month, we will return to an old favourite walk of the Club – Blackwall Mountain. Fred Leake first took the Club on this walk on 18 March 1997, and led it again on 15 October 2002 when Barry Riley was bushwalking commissar. (Good historical records, eh?)

There is something for both walkers and non-walkers on this day. Before the walk we will take non-walkers by car to Fred’s place (359 Blackwall Road – actually located in Blackwall Point Lane) where Janet Smith will serve tea and her famous pumpkin scones. On the way back from the Mountain the walkers will stop at Fred’s place for lunch (tea and coffee provided) and there just might be a few scones left!

We will meet at 10.30 am Janet Smith’s place, 274 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy (UBD Map 107, B5). There is limited parking in the short access road opposite McMasters Road on the Brisbane Water side of Blackwall Road, and more nearby. From there we will walk beside Brisbane Water before heading up the Mountain. There are great views on the way up and from the top. We return down Bay View Crescent and down the steps which lead through to Blackwall Point Lane and Fred’s place.

Tuesday 19 August 2008

Rumbalara Reserve

Rumbalara Reserve is indeed a jewel right in the heart of Gosford. We have visited there several times before, including the memorable Christmas lunch in November 2006 when the Reserve was closed due to bushfire threat and we had to set up just outside the locked entrance gate – not much chance of that for this walk!

To get to Rumbalara Reserve, drive along Wells Street, Gosford (a continuation of Barralong Road). Turn into Springfield Road at the roundabout (a right turn if you are coming from the Erina end), and then take a left into Dolly Avenue. This road becomes a single lane as it enters Rumbalara Reserve, although it is sealed and in good condition. We will meet at 10.30 am at Kanuka Picnic Area, on the right about 400 m past the big water reservoir (UBD Reference: Map Number 87, K – 4). Toilets are close by.

Rumbalara Reserve is only about 6 km by bush track from the Mount Elliot side of Katandra Reserve, even though these two spots are much further apart by road. We will walk part of the way along this track. My goal is that we make the Erina Trig Station (about 5 km round trip), but this may be a bit ambitious and walkers can retrace their steps from any point. Along the way there are splendid distant views over Gosford and Brisbane Water, and the bush is extraordinarily beautiful. There are also some unexpected surprises, including a life-size bronze statue of Edward John Eyre sitting peacefully beside the track – he gave me quite a start! The walk is not flat but the grades are pretty easy. Depending on how far we go, we should be back at the cars between noon and 12.30 pm for lunch.

Tuesday 16 September 2008

Brisbane Water National Park, Patonga

In September we will sample the wildflower delights of Brisbane Water National Park, near Patonga. I did the walk in mid-August and the wildflowers were already coming into bloom, so they should be a wonderful sight in September. The full walk involves a fairly strenuous climb, but car transport will be provided for those who want to avoid this.

We will meet at 10.30 am at the car park on the beachfront at Patonga, adjacent to Patonga wharf and just opposite the Eve Williams Memorial Oval (UBD Reference: Map Number 115, L – 12). Toilets are close by. From there we take the Great North Walk which climbs up into Brisbane Water National Park and heads towards Pearl Beach. There are over 400 steps (I counted them!) with the track rising between groups of steps so it is a heavy pull – very similar to the climb out of Maitland Bay. However, for those who want to avoid this steep part of the walk, car transport will be provided back up Patonga Drive to the entrance of a fire trail that winds through the Park for about 1 km and joins the Great North walk. (On the Tysoe scale, this trail is completely level.) After the two groups rejoin, we will continue along the Great North Walk as far as the Tony Doyle Lookout (also called the Warrah Lookout) which has unsurpassed views over Broken Bay and Barrenjoey. We may even take the short Tony Doyle Track up to another lookout although from there the views are obscured by trees – but the bush is lovely. We will retrace our steps back to Patonga. The walk down the 400 steps is quite easy and should not present any problems. We should be back at the cars by about 12.30 pm for lunch. The overall walk is about 4 km long.

Tuesday 21 October 2008

Somersby Falls

Somersby Falls is a beautiful secluded spot, really close to where we live, yet probably seldom visited by many of us. It must be several decades since I last went there.

We will meet at 10.30 am at the Somersby Falls car park. To get there, drive north along Wisemans Ferry Road, turn left into Somersby Falls Road at the Sulo factory and follow this road to its end (UBD Reference: Map 75, J – 10). Please note that, as this is part of Brisbane Water National Park, there is a $7 per vehicle charge. Initially we will look at both the upper and lower falls. Both involve a significant descent. To get right to the bottom falls, you have to go down a lot of steps (over 200) and, more significantly, climb back up them. However, the option exists to stop half way – even the upper falls are delightful. After we get through that, many will feel that this will be quite enough work for the day. However, for those with some energy left, we will walk out about1 km or so along the Great North Walk and back again. This actually involves crossing the river above the falls and this won’t be possible if there has been recent heavy rain. I expect that the walk will be completed soon after 12 noon. There are some lovely spots accessible from the car park for lunch.

Tuesday 18 November 2008

This year our traditional bushwalking Christmas lunch will combine with the November Club social function. An easy walk will first be offered, followed by a challenging lunch. As they did in 2005, Bruce and Irene Dunlop have again generously given us the use of their lovely home right on the water at 70 Wagstaff Avenue, Wagstaff Point. This will ensure that we will get to dispose of the food, independent of the weather.

We will meet at the Dunlop’s at 11 am. (Note that this is a little later than usual). Park in Wagstaff Avenue, and walk down the hill to the end of the street – the Dunlop’s place is on the left, right on the water’s edge. There is also a limited amount of parking for less mobile participants adjacent to the Dunlop’s home. We will take an (optional) easy walk around the aptly named Half Tide Rocks at the entrance to Brisbane Water.

At noon, we will get into the serious business of demolishing the mountain of food. Bring your own beer/wine. Everything else – nibbles, hot and cold meat, seafood, quiches, salads, fruit platters, soft drinks, tea/coffee, cups, plates and cutlery – will be provided. Also, Janet Smith will again generously donate one of her superb Christmas cakes. It will be worth coming just for this!

The cost is $15 per head. All are welcome – you don’t have to be a participant in our regular walks, or even in the walk of that day, to come and enjoy what will be a most memorable feast! I will collect names and money today. The deadline for late acceptances is 11 November.

 The bushwalking program resumed on Tuesday 17 March 2009.