Supplement to National Parks Journal, APRIL 1999 National Parks Association ACTIVITIES SUPPLEMENT May-June 1999

Grading system for walks A single grading system suitable for all people and all activities is not possible. Instead, NPA activities are described by the three factors - distance, ascent and terrain - which most determine the overall difficulty.

• Total length of the walk in kilometres giving walkers some idea of the amount of walking and the speed intended by the leader.
• Total ascent in metres expected during the walk.
• Type of terrain giving the most apt description of the walk. When required further details are given in the description of the trip.

Potential hazards on activities Whilst walks vary greatly in difficulty, dangers such as poor weather, river crossings, rock climbing and other hazards can be encountered and cannot always be anticipated. Participants on NPA activities must ensure that they have adequate fitness and that they are suitably equipped. Participants must also make sure that they are aware of the conditions likely to be encountered and have adequate experience for the activity which they intend to undertake. If in doubt, participants should speak with the leader for further information.

Bookings Please give reasonable notice to leaders if you wish to join an activity, and verify all transport and meeting details. People leading activities for the NPA do so on a voluntary basis and may decline any person's request to attend. The leader's permission must be obtained before inviting friends or bringing children on activities. Please follow any restrictions of the times at which leaders wish to be contacted.

Search and Rescue Leaders should leave full details of their trip with a responsible person. The NPA is affiliated with the Confederation of Bushwalkers, which maintains a voluntary Search and Rescue section to assist those in difficulties in the bush. In the event of an overdue party or other incident ring the following NPA contacts: Lyn Gett: 9790 7130 David Shepherd: 4226 6565 Richard Thompson 9213 8033 (W), 9144 1392 (H) You may also contact Search and Rescue via pocket pagers by phoning 016 020 from anywhere. Ask the operator to send your message (including return phone number) to pager number 277 321.

LIABILITY Every person participating in an activity conducted by the National Parks Association of NSW Inc does so as a volunteer in all respects, and as such accepts responsibility for any personal injury, however incurred.

The Association, its office bearers and walks leaders cannot accept liability in regard to any injury or damage suffered by any person while engaged in any NPA activity.

Walks/Activities Deadlines Jul - Aug Mar 29 Sept - Oct Jun 04 For more information about leading walks please contact Richard Thompson 9144 1392 (after 7pm) or richard@ips.gov.au Enjoy Your Walking! Richard Thompson, Sydney Branch Field Activities Coordinator W elcome to our May-June walks program.

NPA members were sad to hear of the recent death of Henry Fairlie-Cuninghame. Henry was a long-time member of NPA, a leader for very many years, and had a huge experience of walking throughout the State. He was also a key member of the Activities Committee and we all greatly appreciated his advice and experience.

On a happier note, the annual W to W walk is on August 14 this year. But because of the construction of the new spillway for Warragamba Dam we will be going to Glenbrook instead of Warragamba. So we now have the W to G walk and, as before, there will be several starting locations with the groups converging on Glenbrook for a BBQ. It should be a lot of fun once again.

And finally a true story from a recent walk.

Henry Roda decided to sleep out as the night was fine. He awoke in the morning to find that a wombat had marked its territory during the night in the usual way on a rock just a foot from his head! The moral of the story: Henry is an excellent sleeper; and also very wise for making sure that there were rocks nearby - could have been a real problem otherwise!

CANCELLATION OF BOOKINGS Please note that if you book on a walk and then decide to cancel, you should let the walks leader know. Aside from being common courtesy it allows other NPA members to attend the walk.

Information about NPA Walks Want to know more about bushwalking or NPA activities? Contact any one of the following NPA members - Richard Thompson 9144 1392 (eve - after 7 pm) Steve Bennetts 9411 4908 (evenings) Henry Roda 9948 2715 (daytime and evenings) See May 22/23 for leadership training, and 2 May for navigation skills

1 May Sat Barren Grounds NP Illawarra
12km asc 50m tracks Pam Robinson 4284 1662 Circuit walk through heathland and rainforest views

1 May Sat Blue Mountains NP Sydney
16km 450m asc mostly off track/some rock scrambling Peter Caldwell 9439 4915 Springwood, Magdala Ck, Glenbrook Ck, Lost World Lookout, Bull Ant Trk, Glenbrook Ck, Glenbrook Slightly exploratory, steep, rough climb to Lost World Lookout. Maps: Springwood, Penrith

1 May Sat Blue Mountains NP Sydney
650m asc 10km all on track Greg Bridge 9804 6490 (h) after 9pm, (w) 9437 6655 Govetts Leap, Evans L.O. Neates Glen, Grand Canyon, Beauchamp Falls, Junction Rock, Govetts Leap A great circuit with both distant and close-up views, beautiful waterfalls and the always interesting and attractive Grand Canyon. Map: Katoomba. Limit: 15

2 May Sun Blue Mountains NP H'sbury/C'land
Canyon 300m asc, 8km canyon with abseils Rick Jamieson 4572 1321 Waterfall of Moss. A really neat canyon with 7 abseils. No swims except just across the Wollangambe and then 100m down the Wollangambe at the end (share a li-lo) Map: Mt Wilson & Wollangambe. Limit: 12

2 May Sun Mt Victoria Macarthur
13km Cox's Rd Diane 4625 8076 Historical walk along the first roads over the Blue Mts.
Map: CMA Hartley 2 May Sun Gosford Central Coast Map reading & navigation day, 6km, 100m asc, all tracks Ian Svenson 4324 2486 Based at the Rainforest Centre, hidden in remnant rainforest, 900m from Gosford station We'll spend the day learning to read and use maps and compasses to find our way in the bush, including emergency navigation in reduced visibility. This is an intensive hands-on day with an ex-cartographer and lots of practical work in beautiful rainforest, so bring the CMA map 1:25,000 "Gosford-W", a compass, Douglas protractor, 2B pencil rubber and notebook (raincoat if necessary).

Start about 10am (8.17am train Central to Gosford; 8.38am from Newcastle). For beginners and others alike. Limit: 10

1-2 May Sat/Sun Kanangra Boyd NP Sydney
Full pack walk 900m asc 25km all on track Henry Roda 9948 2715 Richard Thompson 9144 1392 (7-9pm) A popular walk. Kanangra Walls-Brumby Ridge, camp on the Kowmung and return via Roots Ridge. Bring some goodies to make it a jolly night around the camp fire.

Maps: CMA Kanangra, Yerranderi. Limit: 15

1-2 May Sat/Sun Pittwater Illawarra
Kayaking weekend on Pittwater, open water, can be choppy, windy, suitable craft and skills required John Bell 4227 3928 Day 1: Paddle from Clareville Beach to The Basin, paddle to Great Mackerel Beach, 3km walk to West Head, return to The Basin. Day 2: Explore Pittwater, possible paddle to Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Scotland Island, afternoon tea Church Point, Clareville Beach. PFD and spray deck (skirt) compulsory.

1-2 May Sat/Sun Morton NP Illawarra
Base camp near cars Sat 120m asc 4-5km off-track exploratory, rock scrambling; Sun 300m asc 12km Jim & Yvonne White 4423 1207 evening Exploring cliffs and upper reaches of the Yarramunmun Creek. Beautiful area of cliff formations, rainforest, birdlife and views. Map: Sassafras 1:25,000. Limit:12

1-2 May Sat/Sun Morton NP & Sydney Bundanon (nr Nowra)
Base camp to explore lower Yarrunga Creek 12km, also visit to Arthur Boyd's home and studio Jenny Rich 9874 9821 (8-9pm) 6km walk with pack to base camp, easy exploring of Yarrunga Valley on Sat. Walk out Sun am and visit `Bundanon'. Relaxed pace. Small group. Enjoy the bush and the Boyd family's artistic achievements. Bundanon entrance $15 ($10 con). Hopefully a wonderful dawn chorus on Sun. Limit: 8

4 May Tue Royal NP Sydney
Easy/med day walk, rowing 6-12km Jean Blackman 8.36am train Central (suburban platform) to Loftus. Meet leader walk to Audley, row up Kangaroo Ck, if rain will walk in same area

5 May Wed Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Day walk 150m asc 12km all on tracks some eroded and slippery Ralph Newboult 9579 4889 not Tue eve and never between 6-8pm, ph only if a query 8.22am Sydney terminal (country plat), 9.53am Lawson Lawson - Dantes Glen - Empire Pass - Frederick Falls on north side then Adelina Falls - Federal Falls - Cataract Falls on south side. Finish at Hazelbrook. Maps: 25 & 26 - `How to see the Blue Mts' by Jim Smith

8 May Sat Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Med day walk 400m asc 15km fire trail off track (scrub), steep desc/asc, exposed cliff track Peter Fox 9799 9402 (h) 9662 5741(w) Cliff Drive - Narrow Neck - Castle Head - fire trail - Redledge Pass - old shale railway - Devils Hole.
Not to be missed. Maps: Katoomba & Jamison. Limit: 15

8 May Sat Brisbane Waters NP Sydney
Easy/med 12km 200m asc on track Roy Jamieson 4323 7654 or 015 041 466 Somersby Falls - Mooney Mooney Creek Circuit

8 May Sat Royal NP Sydney
Med walk 12km rocky, some trackless Jean Blackman 8.50am train Central (sub plat) 9.40 Heathcote, meet leader for circular walk via Goondera Brook, Kangaroo Ck

9 May Sun Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Med 15km 750m asc all on track Mike Schwarz 9144 2106 (7-9.30pm) Golden Stairs - Ruined Castle - Mt Solitary and return. Magnificent views of Megalong & Jamison valleys. Maps: Katoomba & Jamison CMA. Limit: 15

9 May Sun Kangaroo Valley Macarthur
Easy/med walk to Griffins Farm Joanne 4625 5386 8-9 May Sat/Sun Shoalhaven River Illawarra Flat-water canoeing, 12km each day, base camp Caryll Sefton 4284 2004 Paddle one or both days. Day 1: paddle from Coolandel to Long Reach on the Shoalhaven River. Day 2: paddle Danjera Dam, walk to historic gold mines. Base camp Sat night at Coolandel or Gradys

8-9 May Sat/Sun Gardens of Stone NP
Blue Mtns 2 day pack walk, trackless Mark Goodson 4739 3898 (7-8.30pm Mon-Fri) McLeans Pass - Mt Davidson - Hughes Defile - Woolpack Rock - Collett Gap. Is this the best high-ridge traverse in the Gardens of Stone NP? Come along and judge for yourself! Views aplenty, no crowds and a comfortable campsite. Map: Ben Bullen 1:25,000. Limit: 12

10 May Mon Impact of bushfires Sydney
NPA Biodiversity Lecture Series, 7pm Theatrette, Australian Museum (enter from College Street). Tea, coffee from 6.30pm. Details p12 & Sydney Branch Newsletter

11 May Tue Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Med 12-14km up and down tracks Jean Blackman 8.22 train Central country plat to Hazelbrook. Meet leader, walk to Woodford via 6 waterfalls

12 May Wed Middle Cove Sydney
13km 60m asc all on roads or tracks, some slippery Ralph Newboult and Gordon Hunter 9579 4889 not Tue eve and never between 6-8pm. Only ph if a query Castle Cove - Middle Cove - Harold Reid Reserve. 9.20am 207 bus from York St Wynyard, stand `L'. 9.50 bus arr junction Eastern Valley Way and Smith St Castle Cove for start of walk. Finish walk junction Eastern Valley Way and Sugar Loaf Ck

13 May Thur Thornleigh area Sydney
Easy 10km walk Jean Blackman 9am train Central, suburban platform, to Thornleigh. Meet leader for walk via Cherryrook Lakes, suit beginners 15-23 May Mittagong to Katoomba Sydney 160km on and off track Bruce Howe 9331 5455(h) Richard Thompson 9144 1392(h) It's on yet again!! Nine days from Mittagong to Katoomba with some of the best scenery in the Blue Mountains. A wonderful rest day in Yerranderie and great campsite. See how good a hamburger and champagne in Katoomba can taste! Book early as the trip is very popular

15 May Sat Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Day walk 1200m asc 25km mostly track, with some firetrail walking. Very steep in places. River crossing Neville Osborne 9869 3284 (H) 7-9pm 9391 2073 (w) Kings Tableland - Kedumba River - Mt Solitary - Golden Stairs - Katoomba A full traverse of Mt Solitary, starting at Kings Tableland. Excellent views from Mt Solitary. Early start and car shuffle required. Map: Katoomba, Jamison 1:25,000. Limit: 15

15 May Sat Blue Mountains NP Illawarra
16km medium walk 550m desc/asc Herbert Frey 4262 0396 11am - 1pm Neates Glen - Grand Canyon - Junction Rock - Govett's Leap - Cliff Top Trk - Evans L'out - Neates Glen. Limit: 20

15 May Sat Royal NP Sthn Sydney
Day walk, mostly flat, 9km on tracks Peter Vaughan 9528 7341 (h) 7-8pm 9551 4522(w) Grays Point return via Temptation Creek/Bungoona Path Scenic walk along Ck, through forest, along ridge - views over Hacking R. Echidna sighted last trip. Can arrange lift from Sutherland Stn. Map: Royal NP tourist. Limit: 20

16 May Sun Bowen Mountain H'ksbury/C'land
Short, easy walk 200m asc 5km on tracks, some steep sections Rick Jamieson 4572 1321 Jamieson's Track and pipeline track at Bowen Mountain. A botanical adventure with renowned bush botanist Teresa James. Meet in Bowen Mountain Park (near North Richmond) at 11am. Map: Kurrajong

15-16 May Sat/Sun Morton NP Sthn Sydney
Full pack walk 300m asc 16km, heath, trackless Brian Everingham 9520 9341 Little Forest Plateau - Ngaityung Falls - Gandara Point - Talaterang and return This walk is basically a trackless wander across the heath of Little Forest Plateau and will be partly exploratory as we delve into side creeks, etc. We will be camping on top of Talaterang and this will limit party size. Maps: Milton & Tianjara 1:25,000, Budawangs Sketch map. Limit: 10

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15-16 May Sat/Sun Bungonia SRA Macarthur
Med/hard Trestle track Joanne 4625 5386

15-16 May Sat/Sun Budawangs Illawarra
Base camp at Lake Conjola Caravan Park Caryll Sefton 4284 2004 Day 1: 14km level walk, some trackless, wet feet, scratchy. Mt Bushwalker, Gadarra Point circuit walk with magnificent views. Day 2: 12km level, tracks, wet feet, Florence and Rusden Heads. Walk one or both days.

18 May Tue Katandra Reserve Sydney
Med day walk 200m asc 14-16km Jean Blackman 8.15 train country plat Central to Gosford. Meet leader for bus to Erina walk via rainforest and ridges to Gosford

19 May Wed Brisbane Water NP Sydney
Walk 15km, 100m asc all on tracks, some eroded and slippery Ralph Newboult 9579 4889 not Tue eve and never between 6-8pm. Phone only if a query 8.16 train Sydney term, country plat. 9.10 Hawkesbury River, then 9.30 Postman's River Ferry. 9.45 Little Wobby. Hawkesbury River Stn - ferry to Little Wobby - Wondabyne Mountain - Wondabyne Stn. Map: NPWS Brisbane Water NP

19-21 May Wed/Fri Wollemi NP Sydney
Full pack walk 300m asc 20km, tracks Peter Witt 6355 5144 Newnes Plateau, Natural Bridge, Mt Cameron. A leisurely walk along Mt Cameron fire trail to the old farm and hut at Mt Cameron. A side trip to the river cave. A rest day or exploration day at Mt Cameron. Map: Rock Hill. Limit: 10

20 May Thur Sydney Harbour NP Sydney
Easy 9km walk 100m asc on tracks Norma Whitmore 9872 4679 no need to contact Manly to Spit Bridge via Bicentennial walkway. Meet outside Manly ferry terminal 10.10am. Buses to Manly and Wynyard to finish

22 May Sat Heathcote NP Sydney
Medium walk 12km, rocky Jean Blackman 8.44 train Central, country plat to Waterfall Station 9.24am. Meet leader for circular walk via creeks and ridges 22 May Sat Ku-ring-gai Chase NP Sydney Easy/med walk 100m asc 11km tracks Norma Whitmore 9872 4679 no need to contact Berowra to Mt Kuringai Station via Cowan Creek/Apple Tree Bay. Meet at Berowra Station 10.12am, finish at Mt Ku-ring-gai Station

23 May Sun Wandanian Creek Illawarra
12km estuary paddle Caryll Sefton 4284 2004 Paddle beautiful Wandandian Creek and associated lakes and waterways. Located 30km south of Nowra

23 & 30 May Royal/Heathcote NPs Sydney
Walks leader training, 2 Sundays course Brian Saunders 9523 5681 Day 1: 200m asc 6km Waterfall area (Heathcote NP) Day 2: 50m asc 12km Bundeena-Marley (Royal NP) Become a walks leader for your club, or NPA or just privately. Be safe and competent in the bush, covering leadership skills for leading one-day walks. Learn by doing. Bush navigation, care and safety, how to plan a walk, actual walks-leading experience. All done on two easy and interesting bushwalks. Requirements: - Royal NP map and compass essential, thin school exercise book 9" x 7" and biro. Limit: 20

23 May Sun Blue Mountains NP Sydney
360m asc, 12km mixed terrain, some steps Malcolm January 9416 7915 (6.30-9.30pm) Three Brothers, Maxine's Bower, Tuckers Lookout, Caesars Arch, Coliseum, Megalong Valley. Magnificent rock formations and views.

22-23 May Sat/Sun Wombeyan Caves Macarthur
Camping fees apply Diane 4625 8076 Easy historical tour of the caves which takes you into areas not on the usual tours. Carry your own headlight. We need 10 people for this tour, cost $16 pp, booking necessary 1 month before

22-23 May Sat/Sun Blue Mountains NP Sydney
2 day pack walk George Daniel 9449 4769 (7-9pm) Wollangambe crater from Bell Day 1 - 250m asc 9km + 1km optnl; Day 2 - 340m asc 9km, fire trails and tracks, some rock scrambling both days Walk through eroded sandstone wilderness country; examine old meteorite crater - search for shatter-cones. Great campsite. Maps: Mt Wilson & Wollangambe CMA. Limit: 12

22-23 May Sat/Sun Yerranderie, Blue Mts Sydney
Base camp Yerranderie, 200m asc 15km med walk fire road, off-track, hilly, river Tom Hayllar 9905 3484 (Tues only 7-9pm) Yerranderie - Tonalli river and return. Walking from a base camp near the old ghost town. Explore bends and flats of the Tonalli River. Bring nice food to share at the great campfire Saturday night. Maps: Yerranderie, Burragorang. Limit:12

25 May Tue Great North Walk Part 1 Sydney
Med day walk 12-14km Jean Blackman Meet leader for 8.30am ferry Circular Quay to Woolwich. Walk to Fullers Bridge. I will be doing 8 parts of GNW over the next few months, all public transport

29 May Sat Ku-ring-gai Chase NP Sydney
Easy/med, 200m asc 10km all on tracks Bill Hall 9481 0591 week of walk 7.30-8.30pm except Tue & Thur nights The Sphinx - Bobbin Head - Apple Tree Bay - Mt Kuringai Station. Pleasant 6km walk along Cowan Creek to Bobbin Head. Over the hill to Apple Tree Bay for lunch, climb to top of ridge and then to Mt Kuringai. Map: 4. Bush Walks in Sydney

29 May Sat Kiama Escarpment Illawarra
10km, 200m asc, tracks Pam Robinson 4284 1662 Hoddles Historic track to the escarpment, varied vegetation and views.

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30 May Sun Scheyville NP Sthn Sydney
Birdwatch day walk 10km Brian Everingham 9520 9341 You will need your binoculars for this birding day around Longneck Lagoon and associated woodland. This is a most important remnant of the original Cumberland Plain and you will see why NPA fought so long to ensure its protection. Limit: 15

30 May Sun Wedderburn Macarthur
Exploratory 15km approx Barry 4634 1359 Dwyers Crossing to Bellbird Rd. We will follow the river along as best we can. Map: CMA Appin 30 May Sun Lake Illawarra Illawarra Approx 45km cycle Des Towne 4261 5855 Cycle around the lake with detours to Port Kembla and pub lunch at Oak Flats. Regular cyclists only. Limit: 12

29-30 May Sat/Sun Dharug/Marra Marra NPs
Sydney Camp at Courangra cottage, easy/med walks Joe Pike, enquiries Phillipa 9630 6769 Sat - Old North Rd and Finchs Line track - good views Hawkesbury - aboriginal petroglyphs. Learn a little of the history of the area. Sun - circuit walk to Gentlemans Halt - Aboriginal rock art etc

29-30 May Sat/Sun First Aid Course
St John Senior First Aid Certificate training at a discount rate for bushwalkers. 8 hours training each day with evening exam one week later. Extra discount for walkers on our Call-Out lists. Keith Maxwell 9622 0049(h) & John Tonitto 9789 2527(w)

31 May Mon Members' evening & AGM Sydney
Brief reports on your Branch's achievements in 98/99. Election of Committee, followed by slides. Tea, coffee and gossip from 6.30pm. See Branch Newsletter

1 June Tue Royal NP Sydney
Med day walk, short climbs 12-14km Jean Blackman Train 8.30 Central (sub plat) to Kirrawee. Meet leader for circular walk and sausage sizzle BYO on this first day of winter.

2 June Wed Royal NP Sydney
16km, 150m asc all on tracks some eroded and slippery Ralph Newboult 9579 4889 not Tue eve and never between 6-8pm. Phone only if a query Loftus - tram to Royal NP station - Audley - Winifred Falls - Anice Falls - Maianbar - Bundeena - ferry to Cronulla 8.17am Central Plat 25 (Illawarra line). 8.54am Loftus. 9am tram to RNP Stn where walk starts. Map: CMA Pt Hacking 5 June Sat Royal NP Sydney Easy/med day walk 200m asc 12km Jean Blackman 8.44 am train country platform to Waterfall arr.9.24. Meet leader for circular walk via National Falls

5 June Sat Royal NP Illawarra
Easy med walk, tracks, 250m asc 15km Wes Sweet 4272 2625 Meet Helensburgh Stn 9.30am, cross Hacking River up to Cliff track to Garrawarra Range station return to Helensburgh RS via Burgh track

5 June Sat Bay to Bay cycle Sydney
Easy/med cycle 20km Joe Pike, enquiries Phillipa 9630 6769 Follow almost level route mostly on tracks along the now scenic Cooks River from Tempe to Homebush Bay. Explore Bi-Centennial Park and Olympic Village after lunch

5-19 June Daintree NP Illawarra
Base `camp' at hostel, variable terrain, rainforest, beaches, hills Jim Chapman 4296 3633 Sydney - Cairns (plane) Cairns - Daintree (coach) Participants responsible for travel arrangements to Cairns - will be met at airport. Stay at YHA-affiliate Cow Bay Hostel, unisex cabins with `en suites' (spartan). Cost $30 pp per day (meals extra). Leader will organise accom, lead walks etc. This will be my 4th Daintree `caper' in 5 years: no complaints. SAE for details. Map: Daintree FNQ. Limit: 13

Want to lead NPA walks?

Call Richard Thompson on 9144 1392 (after 7 pm) or e-mail richard@ips.gov.au Supplement to National Parks Journal, APRIL 1999

Adver Adver Adver Adver Advertise with the National Parks Jour tise with the National Parks Jour tise with the National Parks Jour tise with the National Parks Jour tise with the National Parks Journal! nal! nal! nal! nal! call the NPA office on 02 9233 4660 or e-mail npansw@bigpond.com

6 June Sun Royal NP Sth Sydney
Mostly flat walk 7km on tracks Peter Vaughan 9528 7341 (h 7-8pm) 9551 4522(w) 2 easy but interesting walks. 1 The Jibbon Point Aboriginal rock engravings; 2 walk in the rainforest on the forest path track. Can arrange lift from Sutherland station. Limit: 20

6 June Sun Mittagong Illawarra
14km 100m asc Pam Robinson 4284 1662 Walk the historic Box Vale rail track, Nattai Valley views, optional desc/asc to 40' falls 5-6 June Sat/Sun Colymea SF/ Morton NP Illawarra Base camp near cars, Sat 100m asc 5-6km, Sun 150m asc 10km, some tracks, rock scrambling both days Jim & Yvonne White 4423 1207 evening Exploring Dean Creek and Toorooroo Plateau overlooking Yarramunmun Creek and Yalwal. Typical sandstone area west of Nowra. Good views of Yalwal and Shoalhaven River. Map: Yalwal 1:25,000. Limit: 12

7 June Mon So little known, so much to do Sydney
NPA Biodiversity Lecture Series, 7pm Theatrette, Australian Museum (enter from College Street). Tea, coffee from 6.30pm. Details Sydney Branch Newsletter

8 June Tue Sutherland Shire Sydney
Easy/med 12-14km walk Jean Blackman 8.57 train suburban platform Central to Jannali. Meet leader walk to Sutherland via Woronora River

9 June Wed Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Day walk 150m asc 15km all on tracks some eroded and slippery Ralph Newboult 9579 4889 not Tue eve and never between 6-8pm. Only phone if a query Wentworth Falls Stn - Darwin Track - National Pass - Lillian's Bridge - Fairmont golf course - Leura 8.22am train Sydney (country platform), 10.01 Wentworth Falls Station. Map: CMA Katoomba

10 June Thur Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Easy/med 10km walk Jean Blackman 8.22 train country platform to Lawson. Meet leader for walk via Empire Pass, suit beginners 12 June Sat Blue Mountains NP Sydney Easy 10km 250m on tracks Norma Whitmore 9872 4679 no need to contact Glenbrook Stn - Glenbrook Creek - Red Hands Cave - Campfire Ck - Glenbrook Stn. Meet at Glenbrook Station 10.05am. Aboriginal points of interest on walk. Optional visit to coffee shop if time at finish

12 June Sat Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Day walk 150m asc 5km tracks and steps Sandy Johnson 9489 3500 Blackheath - Porters Pass - Fort Rock - Centennial Glen - Blackheath. Superb views across Kanimbla Valley. Map: CMA Blue Mts Tourist. Limit: 15

13 June Sun Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Easy/med 500m asc 15km walk on track, fire trails Peter Fox 9799 9402(h) 9662 5741(w) Govetts Leap - Evans Lookout - Grand Canyon - Katoomba airfield - Katoomba Creek - Govetts Creek - Mount Hay Road - Wentworth Creek - Blaxland Road This walk is a little different, it covers areas not usually visited. Map: Katoomba. Limit: 20

13 June Sun Royal NP Sydney
50m asc, 16km walk on good track, some sand Malcolm January 9416 7915 (6.30-9.30pm) Ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena, walk to Wattamolla and return. One of these days we will see a whale. Otherwise lots of interesting rock formations and fresh air. Limit: 25

12-14 June Sat/Mon Deua NP Macarthur
Pack walk or base camp Diane 4625 8076, pack walk Joanne 4625 5386 Area near Braidwood 15 June Tue Great North Walk Part 2 Sydney Easy/med 12-14km walk Jean Blackman 8.20 train Central sub plat to Chatswood. Meet leader west side of station for bus to Fullers Bridge, walk to Thornleigh

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16 June Wed Bouddi NP Sydney
Day walk 90m asc 16km all on tracks, some eroded and slippery Ralph Newboult 9579 4889 not Tue eve and never between 6-8pm. Phone only if a query Woy Woy Station - bus to Rip Bridge - Maitland Bay and return from Killcare Surf Club by taxis 7.52am Sydney country plat. 9.09 arr Woy Woy, 9.27 bus No 88 to Rip Bridge. Map: Broken Bay CMA

19 June Sat Brisbane Waters NP Sydney
Day walk 25km 250m asc on track and fire trail Roy Jamieson 4323 7654 / 015 041 466 Staples Lookout - Patonga and return

19 June Sat Blue Mountains NP Blue Mtns
Day walk 400m 23km 80% tracks, trackless with rock scrambling Mark Goodson 4739 3898 (7-8.30pm Mon - Fri) Narrow Neck - Mitchell's Ck - Carlon Head - Narrow Neck Mitchell's Creek tumbles via three spectacular waterfalls off Narrow Neck to the Megalong Valley. This is a walk for those not afraid of heights as there is a bit of rock scrambling. Map: Katoomba, Jenolan, Jamison. Limit: 12

20 June Sun Blue Mountains NP Macarthur
Hard walk, stairs Joanne 4625 5386 Perry's Lookdown, Blue Gum Forest, Govetts Leap 20 June Sun Royal NP Sthn Sydney Day walk 300m asc 16km tracks through coastal heath Brian Everingham 9520 9341 Engadine - Uloola Falls - Uloola Ridge - Audley - Kangaroo Creek - Engadine. A pleasant walk, all on tracks through our oldest national park. It always surprises how quickly you can escape Sydney when on this walk. Come and see your own backyard. Limit: 15

20 June Sun Royal NP Illawarra
20km day walk on tracks, 1 creek crossing, undulating Teddy Curtis 4229 7509 (7-9pm) Otford to Garrawarra Farm to Helensburgh - Garrawarra SRA - Waterfall. Trains available. Limit: 15

20 June Sun Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Day walk 120m asc 6km along creek, rock hopping, rough George Daniel 9449 4769 (7-9pm) Glenbrook to Lapstone via Glenbrook Gorge, a mighty gorge to Nepean river. Can have a dip in creek pool. Public transport. Map: Penrith CMA & Bushwalks in Sydney Region Vol 1. Limit: 12

19-20 June Sat/Sun Morton NP Illawarra
24km flat water paddle Col Meharg 4229 2629 Tallowa Dam to Fossickers Flat through the magnificent Shoalhaven Gorge. Beautiful campsite. All gear to be carried in canoes. PFD compulsory

19-20 June Sat/Sun Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Full pack 400m asc 18km Richard Thompson 9144 1392 (7-9pm) Carlons Farm - Splendour Rock and return. Deepest winter - sure, but camp high above one of the best views in the Blue Mtns. Absolutely fabulous!

21-25 June Barrington Tops NP Sydney
Full pack walk 1000m asc 45km 4WD trail, track/some off track Peter Witt 6355 5144 Allyn River, Carey's Peak, Mt Barrington, Barrington Falls, Junction Pools, The Big Hole. Barrington Tops is at its best in winter, frosty mornings, possibly snow. The walk covers some of the best of the Tops. Easy walking days, leisurely lunches, bring a book to read. Map: Barrington Tops. Limit: 10

22 June Tue Royal NP Sydney
Med day walk steep sections 12-14km Jean Blackman 9.08am train country platform to Otford. Meet leader for circular walk via Palm Jungle 23 June Wed Ku-ring-gai Chase NP Sydney Day walk 140m asc 14km all on tracks, some eroded and slippery, one steep climb Ralph Newboult 9579 4889 not Tue eve and never between 6-8pm. Only ph if a query Cowan Station to Hawkesbury River Station. Part of Great North Walk. 7.52am Sydney terminal country platform. 8.46 arr Cowan. Map: CMA Cowan

24 June Thur Lane Cove River Valley Sydney
Easy/med 14km walk on tracks Norma Whitmore 9872 4679 no need to contact Devlins Creek - Lane Cove River Valley - (GNW) Lane Cove SRA. Meet Epping Station on bridge at 9.50am. Buses to Eastwood and Chatswood to finish

26 June Sat Royal NP Sydney
Med day walk 12km Jean Blackman 8.44am train country platform to Helensburgh arr 9.30. Meet leader for circular walk, scramble down Wilsons Creek up Burgh Track

26 June Sat Ku-ring-gai Chase NP Sydney
Easy/med 200m asc 10km all on tracks Bill Hall 9481 0591 wk of walk 7.30-8.30pm not Tue & Thur Mt Kuringai to Berowra station via Lyre Bird Gully and Calna Creek. A section of the Benowie track, 200m climb up to Berowra Stn. Map: Bushwalks in Syd region Map 5 Supplement to National Parks Journal,

27 June Sun Royal NP Illawarra
16km walk several 200m asc/desc Des Towne 4261 5855 Helensburgh to Burning Palms, Era and return via ridge trail to Otford. Limit: 20

27 June Sun Blue Mountains NP Sydney
Med 15km 480m asc all on track, steep climb out Mark Schwarz 9144 2106 (7-9.30pm) Blue Gum Forest via Pierces Pass & return. Easiest access to Grose Valley and magnificent Blue Gum Forest with time for tea and exploring. Map: Mt Wilson CMA Limit: 15

27 June Sun Bulli Macarthur
Med/hard 8km stairs/ladders 390m asc Diane 4625 8076 Austinmere to Bulli Tops and return. Map: CMA Bulli 26-27 June Sat/Sun Blue Mountains NP Sthn Sydney Full pack walk 1000m 25km tracks, with river crossings Brian Everingham 9520 9341 Carlons Farm - Blackhorse Ridge - Mobbs Soak - Yellow Pup Ridge - Coxs River - Breakfast Creek - Carlons Creek - Carlons Farm. This is a classic circuit through the Wild Dog Mountains and perhaps one of the easier routes. Map: Jenolan 1:25,000. Limit: 12

26-27 June Sat/Sun Bouddi NP Sydney
Base camp near cars with easy day walks, beach, coastal heath and lookouts Jenny Rich 9874 9821 Camp at Little Beach (500m down hill from cars). Walks to Mt Bouddi, Maitland Bay, Putty Beach at a realxed pace. Beautiful coastal scenery, heath-covered moors, forested slopes. Small camping fee. Map: Broken Bay. Limit: 8

26-27 June Sat/Sun Wollemi NP Sydney
Easy/med base camp, 220m asc 10km on tracks, rough in places Tom Hayllar 9905 3484 (Tue only 7-9pm) Wolgan River - Glow Worm Tunnel - Old Coach Road - Newnes - Shale refinery. From a base camp at Newnes, climb to the old railway and glow-worm tunnel. Explore the remains of the colliery and refinery. Camp fire and gourmet evening anticipated. Map: Ben Bullen. Limit: 15

28 June Mon Members' evening Sydney
Monthly get-together to air Branch matters and enjoy talk/ slides. Tea, coffee from 6.30pm Mitchell Room, Level 4 Imperial Arcade. Enter from Pitt St Mall. Details Branch Newsletter

29 June Tue Great North Walk Part 3 Sydney
Easy/med walk steep sections, 10km Jean Blackman 9am train suburban platform to Thornleigh, meet leader, walk to Hornsby

ADVANCE NOTICES

2 July - 4 August Scandinavia, Estonia, St Petersburg, Latvia, Lithuania Easy Barbara Guest 9416 3770 Fly Copenhagen with Asian stopover. Cost: awaiting discount fares. Estimate $4,800 for 34 days, includes 6 days Neva Hotel in St Petersburg and some seniors' discounts. Limit: 6

3-4 July Navigation Shield
The NSW Emergency Services Navigation Shield. A different location each year. A great way to revise or learn navigation in a friendly atmosphere. Easy and hard checkpoints. Make it as hard or as easy as you like in the one or two day event Keith Maxwell 9622 0049(h) John Tonitto 9789 2527 (w)

1-15 Aug Hinchinbrook Island NP Armidale
North Queensland Full pack walk 1120m asc, 50km half on tracks and beaches, half off track, rock hopping and scrub Paul McCann 6772 6156 (7-10pm) George Point - Zoe Bay - Nina Bay - North Saddle - Mt Bowen - Warra Willa Creek - Nina Bay - Ramsay Bay Hinchinbrook Island is approx 120km north of Townsville. The island is a wilderness of lovely beaches, rocky mountains and crystal clear creeks. Numbers very limited, so book ASAP. Map: Hillock Pt 1:50,000 RASC. Limit: 6

3 Aug - 24 Aug Queensland Sydney
Day walks, accommodation in caravans, max 15km, usually 12km walks, follow made tracks (not bush bashing) Ross Pearson, Ann Pryde 9997 2943, early contact essential Mid - far north coastal parks of NSW Yuragir, Bandjalung, thence Glass House, Noosa via Border Ranges to Great Sandy NP and home via Bunya, main range. Limit: 20

14 Aug Sat Woodford to Glenbrook Syd/Blue Mts
No, not a mistake! Access to Warragamba is prevented by the construction of the new spillway. But we have a great walk instead - W to G. Several starting points to suit all walkers. More details next program. Keep the date free!

15 - 29 Aug Qld coastal parks Armidale
incl Fraser Island Car camping, full pack walks, tracks and off track Paul McCann 6772 6156 (7-10pm) Cairns to Brisbane visiting coastal hinterland national parks. The trip will travel south after the Hinchinbrook walk visiting various parks on route including Eungella, Cape Hillsborough, Fraser Island and Cooloola. Mode of transport and parks visited will depend on numbers. Contact leader ASAP for more details. Limit: 8

26 Sep - 8 Oct Myall Lakes to Barrington Tops
Daypack 9 days then 3 days med full pack Andy Cairns 4758 7787(h) Guidebooks from Hanns Pacy 4997 0212(h) This is 8th annual walk along the Tops to Myalls Heritage Trail. On one day botanist David Ratcliffe will be with us

16-17 Oct Advanced Search & Rescue Training
Keith Maxwell 9622 0049 (h) John Tonitto 9789 2527(w) 30-31 Oct First Aid Course Keith Maxwell 9622 0049(h) John Tonitto 9789 2527(w) Supplement to National Parks Journal, APRIL 1999

ON THE TRACK TEN anemones with waving tentacles inviting the unwary. See the crabs scuttling away like shy millionaires with hidden money. Let the artist in you admire the designs, the colours of the Great Artist in the Sky.

Murramarang is a place of quiet forests, stands of imposing spotted gum showing their mottled flesh to the world.

In the gullies the burrawangs gather, the naked seeds glowing orange at the base of the spreading prickly leaves. They're ancient plants, the cycads, related to the modern pineapple. Aborigines discovered that treating the seeds carefully would leach the poisons out and make them edible. How many of them died before this was known?

Murramarang is a place of sweeping beaches, emerald-green seas, rock pools teeming with hidden life; the green, the pink, the grey, cleverly blurred in the pool margins. This is where the Sydney sandstone basin ends on Dark Beach. The white and sandy northern end of the beach meets its nemesis in a collision with dark ancient chert and phyllite metamorphic rocks. Stand there and feel the forces that thrust these two together.

Touch the strange black rocks. The chert belonged to the Palaeozoic Era, which ended about 220 million years ago according to the geologists, and yet here you are as witness.

The rock pool deserves minutes of your time.

Sit down near it and scrutinise the sides. Is that the rock wall, or a creature camouflaged to fool the world? Look at the tiny transparent fish, the Walk through the beautiful forests that dip down to the pounding surf. Canoe on the lakes shimmering with clouds, their water softly lapping the shore. See the waves flash golden and blue through the trees, hear the sussing of the surf, smell the salt. Cast your body into the healing ocean and let it be tossed with waves.

Scan the horizon. If you are lucky, you may see a whale blowing spume as it travels north. Watch the sky. Sea eagles circle slowly overhead, scanning the sea and land for prey.

The foreshore beyond Pretty Beach contains a little wonder called "The Singing Stones". In an ocean amphitheatre, the waves push stones up a rocky shore. As they roll back, they sing. What are they singing?

"Slow down, watch, listen, breathe." The gifts of Murramarang are many.

Should one place be so beautiful?

Yes, because nature is abundant.

All we have to do is protect her.

* Frances Gardner is a NPA member.

The magic of Murramarang Frances Gardner* The Singing Stones, Murramarang NP Photo: Frances Gardner PHOTO NO 6 REDUCE BY 1/3 Supplement to National Parks Journal, APRIL 1999 ELEVEN CUNNINGHAMIA DISKS SUPPLIED (& ARTWORK SAMPLE ONLY)

A Bushwalking Tragedy

My mates and I went walking
Along the banks of the Kangaroo.

The weather was hot and sticky.

It was nudging forty-two.

We knew a bonza swimming spot
Well off the beaten track
Although we'd found it years ago
We'd kept on going back.

My mates and I were long-time mates;
No one was feeling shy.

Our gear came off in no time flat -
No stripping on the sly.

Whilst some sun-baked on the bank
Others chose to swim
And I was not slow in joining them.

Not me! Not "Jungle Jim".

I thrashed around for quite a while
Before I came to grief -
Swallowed water, started coughing
And promptly lost my teeth!
My gnashers sank before my eyes.

As I made a frantic lunge
Then they settled on the bottom
At the end of their fatal plunge.

And they grinned up from the bottom
That was fully eight feet deep.

Too deep for me to duck-dive down.

Oh Lordy! I could weep!
For, though my name is Jimmy
And I am known as "Jungle Jim",
I'm no Johnny Weissmuller
And cannot dive like him.

My efforts, vain, at diving down
Only stirred the bottom up
Until my teeth were lost from view
And I had to give it up.

Jim Chapman
Illawarra Branch

My Memory

I've forgotten where I walked last week
And even yesterday.

Was it cold and wet, or hot and dry?

Did we go the normal way?

Was the leader one I'd met before,
Whose name I can't recall?

And at the end was the coffee shop
In the street or in a mall?

I remember to pay my outstanding debts
And never forget a date.

When I go to a party, I find my own way
And remember to take a plate.

But there's something about remembering walks,
That some of us seem to find:
They make you fit, improve your body,
But they sure don't help your mind.

John Dennett

NPA BRANCH MEETINGS

• ARMIDALE BRANCH: CWA Hall, Rusden Street, Armidale. Ph NPA Head Office on 02 9233 4660 for details.
• BERRIMA (SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS) BRANCH: Third Fri alternate months. Contact Sec 02 4872 1116.
• BLUE MOUNTAINS BRANCH: Third Wednesday of the month at 8pm, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre.
• CENTRAL COAST BRANCH: 3rd Thursday March, May, July, September, November 7.30pm, Bateau Bay Progress Hall.
• CENTRAL WEST BRANCH: 2nd Friday of month, 6-8pm, Bathurst Information & Neighbourhood Centre. Ph 02 6331 5284.
• CLARENCE VALLEY BRANCH: First Monday of month at 7.30pm, Grafton High School Common Room.
• FAR NORTH COAST: Contact Hazel Bridgett 02 6629 5010.
• FAR SOUTH COAST: Meetings every 2nd month, field trip alternate months. Contact Kim Tayson, PO Box 797, Bega 2550.
• HUNTER BRANCH: Contact Secretary, David Cater, on 02 4921 6376; e-mail: ccdic@cc.newcastle.edu.au
• HAWKESBURY-CUMBERLAND BRANCH: First Wednesday of alternate months (starting February), 7.30 pm, Tebbutt Room, Windsor Library, 02 4573 6169.
• ILLAWARRA BRANCH: Contact President, Pam Robinson, on 02 4284 1662.
• LACHLAN VALLEY BRANCH: Third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, Parkes Neighbourhood Centre.
• MACARTHUR BRANCH: Second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, Campbelltown North Public School, cnr Thomas St & Rudd Rd, Campbelltown.
• MID NORTH COAST BRANCH: Third Monday of the month, 6pm; alternate months 6.30 pm. Ring Gwen O'Dea 02 6583 2272, Mollie Rowell 02 6583 1427.
• MILTON BRANCH: First Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, Room 10, Ulladulla Primary School.
• SOUTHERN SYDNEY BRANCH: 3rd Wednesday of the month (not school hols) 8pm, Multi-purpose Centre, 123 Flora St, Sutherland. Ph Peter Vaughan 9556 3485 for details.
• SYDNEY BRANCH: See Members' Diary in Sydney Branch Newsletter and this Activities Program for details.
• TAMWORTH-NAMOI BRANCH: Third Friday of the month at 8pm, No 1 Oval Pavilion Kable Avenue, Tamworth. Phone Ron Webster for details: 02 6766 4296.
• THREE VALLEYS BRANCH: Last Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm, Parkhouse Residence, Grassy Head Road, Grassy Head.

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