Northern Rivers
Bushwalkers Club Inc.
PO Box 5155 East Lismore NSW 2480
www.northernriversbushwalkersclub.org.au
Newsletter: May 2015
Walks Gradings.
We suggest that you keep this as a reference so that you can assess whether or not outings in
the program will suit your ability and fitness level.
1. Tracks may have some uneven surfaces. Gradients are slight to moderate. Up to about 12 km.
Suitable for beginners with above average fitness.
2. Tracks may have some rough sections. Gradients are generally moderate. There may be some
steep sections. Up to about 15 km. Walkers should have at least slightly above average fitness
and some bushwalking experience.
3. Tracks are likely to vary from moderately uneven to rough and some sections may be off-track.
Some gradients are likely to be quite steep and there may be some moderate rock hopping or
easy rock scrambling. Above average fitness and some bushwalking experience required.
4. Tracks are generally rough with some off-track sections. Some gradients will be steep and include
rock hopping and/or rock scrambling with some height exposure. Above average fitness and
bushwalking experience required.
5. Tracks are rough and may be mainly off-track. Conditions similar to those described in 4, but more
demanding. A high level of fitness and considerable bushwalking experience required.
6. Generally off-track. Strenuous walking conditions in very steep, rugged and remote terrain.
Includes moderate to difficult rock scrambling with moderate to high height exposure. Suitable
only for very fit and experienced walkers.
7. Off-track strenuous walk in very steep, rugged and remote terrain. Challenging conditions include
difficult rock scrambling and possibly severe height exposure. Suitable only for the very fit and
very experienced walkers.
 Exploratory walks, for members only, may be conducted to determine conditions on a walk
not previously attempted.
 If a quoted grading does not adequately describe a planned walk, the walk leader must ensure
that appropriate additional information is included in the walk description provided in the
Walks Program
Meetings are held at 7pm on the last Wednesday of most months at the Crawford House Meeting
Room in Alstonville. A General Meeting is normally held in January, March, June and September. A
social/guest speaker meeting is normally held in February, April, May, July, August, October and
November. Everyone is welcome to both general meetings and social /guest speaker meetings.
NRBC Annual Membership
Due March each year (Includes cover for Public Liability and Personal Accident Insurance). New
Membership Fees of $30 per person are payable by 1st March annually. A discount of $5 is
available to those members paying before 1st March. The Newsletter costs $15 per year per household
mailed, and free if emailed.
Office Bearers 2015 – 2016:
President
Sectary
Treasurer
Social Secretary
Walks Convener
Bill B
John R
Shane
Carmel
Ian P
6628 6314
6628 1127
6624 4493
6687 1855
6684 7733
presidentnrbc@gmail.com
thesecretarynrbc@gmail.com
shane@mse.net.au
carmel.h@hotmail.com
Ianpick2@gmail.com
Ordinary Cttee Members
Julian
Bert
Stephanie
Gillian
Beverley
Clancy
Mary
0410663566
6686 8834
0422313090
6628 3032
6628 8911
6621 3896
6686 8834
julian.dimbleby@gmail.com
mb.carter@bigpond.com
christinsteph@yahoo.com.au
rumsbb@gmail.com
clancybenson@gmail.com
mb.carter@bigpond.com
Designated Roles (those undertaking these roles may be committee members but may also be
members of the club not involved with the committee).
Vice-President
Public Officer
Kayak Coordinator
Cycling Coordinator
Membership Officer
Newsletter Editor
Website Manager
David R*
Gillian
Clancy
Ruth
Shane
John R
Ian P
6629 8339
6628 3032
6621 3896
66 871634
6624 4493
6628 1127
66847733
david.robertson@industry.nsw.gov.au
clancybenson@gmail.com
ruth_dare@hotmail.com
shane@mse.net.au
thesecretarynrbc@gmail.com
Ianpick2@gmail.com
*subject to confirmation
Notice to Walk Leaders
A brief walk description should include any particular feature that may involve some risk, the distance,
terrain and a map reference. Walk Leaders please note: - A changed walk venue must be formally
advised in writing (emails are OK) before the walk for insurance purposes. Walk leaders should ensure
that all new participants obtain a copy of the Essential Information Document (EID) prior to the actual
walk. The current EID is dated January 2011. A copy is available on the website.
Notice of Intention
It will be appreciated if those intending to go on day walks could notify walk leaders by mid-week and
those intending to go on camps or overnight backpack walks a week in advance. Anyone intending to
bring an additional participant on a walk should be sure to notify the Walks Leader before the actual
walk.
Transport
Passengers are expected to contribute to vehicle running costs. A suggested contribution per
passenger is: Estimated cost of fuel multiplied by 1.5 divided by the total number of people in the car.
Advertising Items for Sale
If any members have walking /cycling/kayaking/camping gear etc. they no longer use and would like
to sell, then they should contact Ian P and he will advertise the item(s) for free on the club website.
Leaders
Thank you to all NRBC members who have led Club activities since the last newsletter.
Northern Rivers Bushwalkers Club Document titles
Please see below the list of updated club documents. These were adopted at the General Meeting held
on 19 January 2011. All documents are available on the Club Website:
Essential Information Document, Walk Leaders Guidelines and Checklist, Emergency Contact
Procedure, Activity Attendance/Risk Acknowledgement Form, Incident Report, Child Protection Policy,
Application for Membership, Membership Renewal Form.
Deadline for input to the Newsletter
The first of the month is the deadline for input to that month’s newsletter. The newsletter then would
be published as soon as possible thereafter.
Next Meeting
A general meeting will be held on Wednesday 27th May, 2015 in the Crawford House Meeting Room in
Alstonville.
Ian’s Ramblings
I am wondering whether anyone is interested in spending just over a week in Sydney next year and
doing most of the coastal walk from Barrenjoey to La Perouse. We would make a group booking and
stay at The Rocks Youth Hostel and travel by public transport each day to and from the walks. The
itinerary will be something like this
Sydney Coastal Walk Saturday April 2 to Sunday April 10 2016
Saturday Arrive at Sydney Harbour YHA – the Rocks, 2pm Sightseeing walk around the Opera
House, Botanical Gardens, Lady Macquarie’s Chair and Woolloomooloo. Late afternoon drinks in the
Rocks area with dinner at the Orient Hotel.
Sunday Barrenjoey to Avalon 13 km.
Monday / Tuesday Avalon to Narrabeen Lakes 13 km or Bradleys Head to Balmoral or Circular
Quay to Balmoral Ferry to Cremorne Pt to Taronga Zoo. Walk around Bradleys Head, Chowder Bay
and cross Middle Head to Balmoral. On the way stop at The Gunner’s Barracks for High Tea (optional)
or Narrabeen Lakes to Manly 12 km.
Wed The Spit to Manly and North Head (option) 12 km Walk (4 hrs) Medium/Manly to North Head
or Manly to Shelley Beach Return (optional).
Catch bus from city to Clontarf. Lunch at one of the many cafes or fish and chips on the beach. Travel
from Manly to Circular Quay by Ferry.
Thursday Rose Bay to North Bondi 16 km (fish and chips at Watsons Bay).
Friday Putney to Bicentennial Park and Homebush (4 hrs) Optional Walks within Bicentennial Park.
Catch Rivercat from City to Kissing Point (Putney). Walk along river, through mangroves to Silverwater.
Stop at the Armory café or bring picnic lunch. Optional walks within Bicentennial park (2hrs). Walk back
to Ferry wharf at Homebush and return to city by Rivercat.
Saturday North Bondi to Coogee or option to La Perouse Evening Show and Dinner
Sunday Depart.
There will be options on most days to do longer or shorter walks.
www.yha.com.au/hostels/nsw/sydney-surrounds/sydney-harbour/
https://www.yha.com.au/yha/pages/viewpdf.aspx?id=21474895719
This hostel, with its fantastic roof top lounge overlooking the harbour, is fairly expensive. A bed, sharing
with 3/5 others (not necessarily the same bed), will cost around $55 per night. Other even more
expensive options are available at www.yha.com.au/hostels/nsw/sydney-surrounds/sydneyharbour/prices/. We would need a minimum of 10 participants to make a group booking. We could stay
in another youth hostel at Railway Square for around $20 less pp per night. If you are interested in
going to Sydney, please contact me and let me know where you would prefer to stay. It is being put on
during the second week after Easter to allow one of our Sydney members, Loretta, a school teacher, to
lead and organise some of the programme. This week will only go ahead if there is interest. Let me
know if you are interested.
This month, on May 31, we are putting on a GPS training day at Goonengerry NP. If you are one of
the members who would like to know how to use a GPS, then this walk is especially for you. On this
day, you will be given a GPS with the day's route downloaded from the club library and you will be
asked to follow this track. Training will be given by Shane whilst Steve will be the nominated leader. If
you are new to leading walks in our area and unfamiliar with GPS usage, then you are very welcome
to come along. Nearly all our walks have been recorded and are available for download.
There is one place free on, for what many consider is, the best walk in Australia. Walking on
Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island followed by an ascent of Queensland's highest mountain, Mt
Bartle Frere. The dates for these pack walks are July 18 to July 26. I did these walks last year. The walk
on Hinchinbrook is unforgettable. I would call it sublime. Climbing Bartle Frere is an achievement.
Check out the Activity Programme and then register.
Information Session on Pack walking and Introductory Pack walk over the June long weekend.
Calling all members who are interested in trying out pack walking. Steve M is holding an information
night, demonstrating light weight equipment and food, and discussing topics like fitness levels,
navigation skills and safety. The location is upstairs at Pure Comfort, Byron Bay and the start time will
be 7pm. For more information, contact Steve 0414312917. Steve will follow this session up with a 2
night walk in Lamington NP on June 6-8 long weekend. The walking on this trip will be Grade 2. If
you haven't got the gear but would like to try pack walking, please contact Steve who can arrange for
you to be kitted out. This is a great chance for you to try something that many of us think is the most
enjoyable form of bushwalking. Give it a go.
ACTIVITY REPORTS
14th to 21st March, 2015 – Walk – Leader: Graeme – Kangaroo Island
On a lovely morning the group met at Victoria Square in Adelaide where we loaded our bags into Gary’s
vehicle and ourselves onto our bus. We drove south through dry country on the Fleurieu Peninsula to
Cape Jervis to board the ferry for Penneshaw on KI. The crossing was smooth in spite of some worried
faces.
At Penneshaw we drove towards Kingscote, stopping at Prospect Hill to view the island where once
Matthew Flinders stood. There is a wooden staircase to climb of about 100 steps. This certainly got our
blood flowing after a relaxed journey.
The next day we had hoped to go on a boat cruise to see and possibly swim with dolphins. Unfortunately
this had to be cancelled due to rough weather. Instead we visited some very pretty bays with startling
rock formations and the old Wisanger School built in 1885. Along the way we saw several echidnas
and, at the school, we had a wonderful sighting of one. The echidnas here have much lighter quills.
In the early evening a number of us went to see the pelican feeding. It was an interesting and wonderful
show which was conducted by a gentleman clad in gumboots, waterproof overalls, strong gloves and a
hat often sat on by a gull.
The next day we drove to a western point of the island, Cape Borda, over some very rough gravel roads.
Graeme did a marvellous job getting us there safely. Here we visited the only REAL lighthouse, (square
based) on the island; the others are just beacons according to a character by the name of Mick. He
gave us lots of information at the speed of a racing car and then fired a canon which was used to help
ships know their longitude.
Afterwards we walked along the cliffs to the Ravine des Casoars which means dwarf emus. The
vegetation was low because of a previous bushfire but has recovered to be a beautiful sight of amazing
shapes and colours. The walking was rough as on limestone. The descent to the caves was steep but
we managed to contour around. The caves are amazingly large and so we wondered what we had been
walking over.
That night we reached Cape de Couedic where we stayed for 3 nights. One person sharing a room with
two females managed to break his bed on the first night! Our first walk here was from Snake Lagoon to
Sandy Creek. This was again partly over limestone but not as tough. We found the grave of David
Kirkpatrick, a survivor for a few days of the Loch Sloy shipwreck, one of many on this coastline. In the
afternoon we visited the spectacular Remarkable Rocks and the Admirals Arch where there is a colony
of New Zealand sea lions. They are increasing in numbers and are almost back to pre-sealing days.
On Wednesday we visited the Kelly Hill Limestone caves where we were guided by a very enthusiastic
spelunker or potholer. The idea of crawling around underground does not appeal to most of us above
grounders. From here we walked through various forests to Hanson Bay, seeing the beginning of the
making of a new heritage walk which will not have as many ascents or descents. In the evening we
were treated to a wonderful meal at the Chase Café. The accommodation at the lighthouse cottages
was excellent as we were able to do short walks before breakfast to the lighthouse, with its new red hat,
and surrounds.
Next day we were treated to a tour of the Seal Bay Australian Sea Lion colony. There we were lucky to
see a pup less than 4 weeks old. On the way to Cape Willoughby (Wannabee) we visited an apple cider
farm owned by Mary and Graham Jones, a former professor of wine-making, where 60 different varieties
of apples are grown. The cider is actually produced in the Adelaide Hills and then sold in Adelaide and
KI. It is called Colony Cove. Afterwards we visited the property of Jennie and Bob Teasdale at Pelican
Lagoon who are regenerating the bush on the shores of Pelican Lagoon, a significant marine habitat.
There has been a remarkable change from the tree bare sheep farm it was. They have a beautiful,
energy efficient home made from, as Bob says, ‘three tin sheds’.
On our last day Quentin Chester, who had been with us for several days and is an author and
photographer amongst his other jobs, led us on a walk from Cape St Albans to Chapman River. Prior
to this he explained the workings and history of Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. During the walk the
weather was not inviting us to swim except for one soul who skinny dipped. Quentin kindly showed us
his home and art collection as well as the photographs he will be be entering in the KI Art Show; a real
privilege.
The evening meals at the Zest and Thyme Café were a feast to enjoy. All the caterers for our trip did
us proud and are to be congratulated. One lunchtime however a few people were unable to secure their
plastic containers adequately, so lost part of their bread rolls. For others this was solved by wrapping
the container in gladwrap.
Our last day sadly came and we reversed our downward trip. The return ferry trip was not as smooth
but was highlighted for some by seeing a jumping dolphin. Lunch, supplied by the caterers, was at a
park along the way. Unfortunately some people were so desperate for a table they placed their food on
a cage covering an odour filter.
Our thanks go to Graeme, the hardworking trip organiser, who must have been feeling like a holiday
after this trip. Also to Gary, our luggage carrier and expert geologist, whose explanations added greatly
to our understanding of the island. Also thank you to Quentin Chester for his talks, walks, home visit
and photographic tips. Last but not least to Ian, the accommodation people organiser and email expert.
Thank you Graeme for giving us this opportunity to see Kangaroo Island from so many viewpoints.
29th March, 2015 - Walk - Leaders: Des & Susan – Scrub Turkey Walk, Rocky Creek Dam.
Participants: Ruth D, Lesa S (v), Ian and Gail P, Mike H, Stephanie C, Cathy H, Christine L, Mark
Searle (v), Beverley and Ken R, Gillian M, Des and Susan F.
A fine, sunny day for walking which commenced at 9.45 am, after a short car shuffle, from Rocky Creek
dam picnic area. We crossed the spillway, which had some water cascading as the dam level was at
99%. We walked along the Scrub Turkey Walk leading to the Big Scrub rainforest of the Nightcap
National Park to Gibbergunyah Range Road.
Along the track some members, who had walked the track in past years, said they did not recall some
of the uphill sections of the track. (Is it not amazing how the mind works and we forget some of the
more challenging sections of past walks!). Upon reaching the Gibbergunyah Range Road, Ken headed
back along the track to the picnic area and the rest of the group headed south along the overgrown
(closed) vehicle track.
We were making good progress and right on 12 noon we reached the entrance to the Big Scrub Loop
walk. Before starting the loop walk, Susan requested the group undertake the 35 minute walk in silence
in order to appreciate the ‘sounds’ of the bush. All adhered to the request and enjoyed the sounds of
the kookaburras, cat birds, doves, running water etc. We had lunch sitting on a large log and then
walked a short distance to the Rocky Creek causeway and the cars.
An early afternoon tea was enjoyed back at the picnic area where we had reunited with Ken.
Thank you to all who joined us for a very pleasant walk.
29th March, 2015 Walk- Leaders: Des & Susan – Scrub Turkey Walk, Rocky Creek Dam.
Participants: Ruth D, Lesa S (v), Ian & Gayle P, Mike H, Stephanie C, Cathy H, Christine L, Mark
Searle (v), Beverley & Ken R, Gillian M.
A fine, sunny day for walking which commenced at 9.45 am, after a short car shuffle, from Rocky Creek
dam picnic area. We crossed the spillway which had some water cascading as the dam level was at
99%. We walked along the Scrub Turkey Walk leading to the Big Scrub rainforest of the Nightcap
National Park to Gibbergunyah Range Road. Along the track some members who had walked the track
in past years, said they did not recall some of the uphill sections of the track. (Is it not amazing how the
mind works and we forget some of the more challenging sections of past walks!) Upon reaching the
Gibbergunyah Range Road, Ken headed back along the track to the picnic area and the rest of the
group headed south along the overgrown (closed) vehicle track. We were making good progress and
right on 1200 noon we reached the entrance to the Big Scrub Loop walk. Before starting the loop walk,
Susan requested the group undertake the 35 minute walk in silence in order to appreciate the ‘sounds’
of the bush. All adhered to the request and enjoyed the sounds of the kookaburras, cat birds, doves,
running water etc. We had lunch sitting on a large log and then walked a short distance to the Rocky
Creek causeway and the cars.
An early afternoon tea was enjoyed back at the picnic area where we had reunited with Ken.
Thank you to all who joined us for a very pleasant walk.
3rd April, 2015 – Walk – Leaders: Bill and Ruth – Annual Easter Egg Roll and walk to Jerusalem
Creek.
Participants: Di, Karen, Ian, Heike, Julian, Gwen, Bill and Ruth.
10 booked in but given life and weather, 8 brave souls huddled in the main street of Woodburn trying
to decide between a coffee or a walk! In the end, undeterred by the 80% chance of rain, we set out to
walk the 9.5km circuit through from the campsite at Jerusalem Creek in Bundjalung National Park. The
coffee did seem a better option as we waded along the track, but the closer we got to the river mouth
the drier underfoot it became, and when we scrambled down the beach for the return part of the trip we
had lovely sunny, warm weather.
The beach walk was a little better than last year (when we could not actually walk on the beach due to
king tides!!). This time we walked all the way back along the beach, climbing up and down over the
coffee rocks giving the legs and thighs a good work out.
Back at the campsite we compared Easter eggs (of the decorated, hard boiled variety), with
Julian's being judged the most apt and we even found a wee hill to roll them down, with Karen's going
the furthest. Afternoon tea for those remaining was also in lovely sunny weather by the river in
Woodburn where we eventually got those coffees!
4th to 9th April, 2015 – Walk – Leader: Ian - Green Gully
Participants: Gail, Steve, Shane, Carmel, Suzy and Ian
Day 1. Set off in misty weather after Ian actually found his own backpack without Gail having to tell him
where to find it. Trundled along an undulating track to Birds Nest Hut – what a delightful little valley.
Steve dropped his pack and went for a bathe in the creek before searching the hut to find no insects –
perfect. Had an idyllic night around the camp fire. Shane dried his undies to a crisp.
Day 2. Easy walk to Birds Nest Trig before setting off for The Rocks Lookout for lunch. Actually had
lunch at Green Gully Lookout by mistake which was OK as the view turned out to be better. Then we
slowly descended down a ridge which was quite steep in places to Brumby Pass and on to Green Gully
Hut. Steve again stopped short and wallowed waist deep in water for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile Carmel has spilt a cup of just brewed tea on to her hands and upper thighs. She spent a
long time cooling the burnt skin area in the creek. We were quite worried about her ability to walk for
the next 2 days with such blisters. Suzy and Gail did a great job looking after her after Carmel went into
shock. She was in great pain, but as we were carrying a fully equipped first aid kit, we had the medical
creams to give to her along with Panadol.
She managed to improve to be able to join us around the camp fire later in the evening. We were all
mighty relieved. At times like this you reflect how very vital it is to carry a fully equipped first aid kit. We
were 2 days away from help when the accident happened. Carmel heroically soldiered on with great
courage downplaying her injuries, helped by the medications we possessed. By the end of the trip her
condition had thankfully much improved. Maybe all the wading upstream the following day (Day 3) may
have helped or was it the distraction of removing farmer’s friends by the thousand off her clothing, hair,
backpack and everything else.
All agreed it was so pleasurable wading up the creek. Four of us managed to fall into the water tripping
on slippery rocks. Suzy ended up almost submerged on one such fall. We sighted a pair of rock
wallabies within a few metres of us and there were patches of maiden hair ferns. Seemed such a pity
to tramp through them. Crumbly rocky crags rose like sentinels around every bend.
After hours of creek walking Shane’s GPS was telling him that we were close to Cowells Hut. Steve
disagreed as the 4WD trail needed to replenish the poo paper had not been sighted. Having ditched
the GPS we finally came to the management trail with a sign saying Cowells Hut 4 km! We arrived at
the hut which was so small we put 3 camp beds in the lean to and had a very pleasant night around a
smoky fire with the wind keeping any insects around at bay. We picked out farmers friends all night and
fed the possums – well Shane did. The hut was out of gas. Thankfully we were carrying a backup burner
and gas.
Day 4 saw us climb out of the gully. We did it very easily – not sure what all the fuss was about. Met up
with 3 walkers who were starting out on their walk. Got back to Cedar Cottage where there were bottles
of red wine, cheese and fresh food awaiting us.
Leaving the following morning we all stopped in Walcha for a hearty breakfast (no muesli – hurray!) We
were greeted by the Johnny Cash record “Burning ring of Fire” which Carmel wryly noted was very apt.
11th April, 2015 – Cycle – Leader: Bill - Alstonville / Uralba / Gap Road
Participants: : Lesa S., Ian, P., Gail P., Ruth H., Ruth D., John M., Bob B., Graham P., Heike M.,
Winston L. Helen W., and Bill B.
Despite inclement weather elsewhere in the northern rivers region, Alstonville put on a fine and sunny
afternoon for the twelve club members to enjoy another visit to the Alstonville Plateau -- actually to the
plateau, off the plateau, and back (up) onto the plateau.
The 19km route took everyone south of Alstonville, down the Wardell Road, turning left at Uralba Road,
where everyone enjoyed the downhill descent at their own pace. A short run through the bottom of Duck
Creek valley took us to the Bruxner Highway for a short high-traffic section. Thereafter, it was gravel and up
(and up and up) on the Gap Road, four or so km to test the hardiest of cyclists.
Then on through the back lanes of Alstonville to the Federal Pub, where Kerry and Loretta joined us of a welldeserved drink.
11th April, 2015 – Kayak – Leader: Clancy - Brunswick River/Kings Creek.
Participants: Ruth, Graeme, Mary and Clancy.
This paddle was held as an alternative to the Julian Rocks paddle which was postponed due to heavy
seas and strong winds. We will get there one day!
Our little group met near the Pacific Highway bridge and, shortly after 9am, began paddling upstream
on the incoming tide. Conditions were good – cool breeze, cloud cover and calm conditions. The river
is lined with native forests and the highway noise soon retreated behind us. A number of Azure
Kingfishers and other birds were seen along the way. It was possible in the conditions to make good
time with little effort and the junction with Kings Creek was reached after about an hour.
Here we turned left, unsure just how far we would be able to go. As it turned out, we paddled under
Mullumbimby Road and reached the junction with Pipeclay Creek without any fuss. Here Kings Creek
became narrow, blocked by fallen trees and unable to be navigated any further. So…it was off down
Pipeclay Creek. Here, after two or three km, a fallen tree marked our turn around point.
A morning tea spot was eventually located and we splashed through the mangroves to enjoy a break
on a very pleasant cattle property. Then it was back to Brunswick Heads with the falling tide. We finished
about 1pm. Afternoon tea and lunch was had at the Co-op before all departed.
Thanks to all for a great day.
24th to 27th April, 2015 – Walk – Leader: Jenny C - Anzac Weekend, Armidale.
26 NBRC members signed up for this weekend, staying at the Armidale Tourist Park, which gave us a
variety of options: cabins, camping, caravan, and bunkhouse accommodation. Armidale was an ideal
base to explore the surrounding spectacular gorge country. My report on the 4 day program follows:
Friday 24th April
At 2pm, we drove out to Gara Gorge, 18kms from Armidale. We did the 5.5 km circuit of the historic
Threlfall Walk which commences at the footbridge at the picnic ground; passing the weir and the dam
remains (known as the Blue Hole); and eventually leads to the Gorge, with some of the walk following
the route of the flume. We had afternoon tea at a lookout which gave us magnificent views of the gorges,
with rocky riverbeds, pools and cascades.
Saturday 25th April
We drove to Dangars Gorge, 22kms from Armidale, passing an Anzac ceremony at Perrott’s War
Memorial. Three members opted for a shorter walk with a focus on bird-watching to McDirty’s lookout
on the southern rim of the gorge, while the majority of the group walked to Dangars Falls Lookout, Rock
Wallaby Lookout and Mihi Falls lookout for morning tea, followed by Sarum Lookout. At this junction,
six members opted to do part of the descent to Salisbury Waters.
There was not enough time to do the whole descent….maybe next time! Back at the day use/car park
area, everyone enjoyed the facilities and the shorter walks to the Gorge Lookout and the Gorge Rim
walk. Just a visit to the day use area is well worth the drive! Back at the camp, our group shared
happy hour and an evening BBQ at the Tourist Park cook shed.
Sunday 26th April
We woke up to blustery weather, overcast skies, and a definite wind chill factor that had us keeping our
layers on all day! Despite the change in temperature, we had no rain during the day. As pre-arranged,
we met up with members of the Armidale Bushwalking Club, Kathy, Paul, Peter and Peter – who were
our trip leaders for the day. We drove to Mt Yarrowyck Nature Reserve, where the group walked 3
kms return to see the Aboriginal rock art.
After this, the group divided for two different walks with 7 members choosing the climb to Mt Yarrowyck,
and the remainder to walk along nearby Booroolong Creek. Neither of these walks had designated
tracks, so we were grateful to have local leaders to take us on walks we would not have been able to
experience otherwise.
Booroolong Creek:
We walked along Booroolong Creek, until we came to the junction of the Gwydir River, and then we
followed this, listening to the whispering she-oaks along the banks and chasing away the occasional
cow. Eventually we came to cascades with beautiful pink granite rocks, a perfect place to lunch.
We returned along the other side of the river, passing through a pre-existing orchard from many years
ago. Our walk was approximately 10 kms return, and everyone was pleased to return to the warmth of
cars and eventually our accommodation! An evening meal was had at the St Kilda Pub in Armidale.
Mt Yarrowyck:
Refer to Clancy’s which appears report below.
26th April, 2015 – Walk - Leaders: Cathy and Paul (Armidale Bushwalking Club) - Mt Yarrowyck
(near Armidale).
Participants: Cathy (Armidale BWC), Paul (Armidale BWC), Gail, Ian, Cathy, Bill, Ruth, Louise,
and Clancy.
After the whole party had walked to the Anaiwan cave painting site, the group split into two. One group
returned to the cars for the walk along Booroolong Creek while the above group began the ascent of
Mt Yarrowyck. From the main track we had to climb about 400 metres to reach the trig point at the
summit. The weather was cold (about 8 or 9 degrees) with a very strong breeze (gale?) blowing. The
path was all off-track - initially an easy grade through open bush. Gradually the climb became steeper,
but a reasonable pace was maintained with frequent breaks to catch our breath and to enjoy the views
to the west through the Gwydir Valley. Some removed layers as we worked our way up the slope
towards our morning tea spot.
At about 950 metres we stopped for morning tea on an open granite slope with panoramic views. Layers
of clothing were immediately added to fight the cold wind. We then continued following a gully through
predominantly New England Blackbutt forest. Our path became rockier as we ascended. Towards the
top of the mountain the bush became thinner with grass trees and low growing grasses predominant.
A green hooded orchid was also found and photographed.
We crossed a number of false summits and saddles before reaching the trig point (1200 metres) about
two hours after we started walking. Photos were taken before packs were jettisoned for the 10 minute
walk to a lookout slightly below the summit. Here, the views were superb. We retraced our steps to
collect our packs and descended behind the shelter of a granite outcrop for lunch.
Then the descent began…into the biting gale which was directly in our faces. After walking about 50
metres, the group stopped as one and layers of clothing were retrieved from packs and hurriedly donned
before continuing. We descended into the trees which provided some shelter from the wind. Cathy, our
leader, took us on a different path on the return journey past some stunning granite formations. We
rejoined the main track at the Anaiwan cave painting site we had visited earlier in the day.
After returning to the cars we decided to have afternoon tea on the banks of Booroolong Creek where
the other group had walked. Bill and Ruth produced their award winning fruit cake to the acclaim of all.
Many thanks to Cathy and Paul from the Armidale club for a superb day.
Monday 27th April
We were pleased to have the beautiful sunny weather back again for our day of departure! After packing
up, about 16 members of the group met at 9.30am at Wollomombi Gorge day use area, taking in the
lookouts with dramatic views of Wollomombi and Chandler Gorges. The group did a short 3km walk
along the Wollomombi walking track, crossing the gorge rim of the Wollomombi River, until we reached
a track closure at the next lookout. Morning tea was enjoyed in the sunshine back at the day use area.
All in all, it was a terrific “weekend” with four days of full-day and half-day walks. Different walking
options on some days meant that everyone could participate to their level of fitness or interest….and
then share their stories with everyone in the evenings!
26th April, 2015 – Walk – Leader: Stephanie Christin - Uralba Nature Reserve.
Participants: Karin S., Gillian M., Ian and Di N., Ruth P., Ed and Denise B., Mike H., and
Stephanie C.
A very windy morning greeted us on Sunday and it had a bit of a chilly bite to it as we set off walking
about 10.15am. At the top of the first hill the wind was quite strong but it was otherwise a lovely sunny
day. Once we descended the hill on the other side, and were in the shelter of the trees, we were out of
the wind, and remained so for the most of the rest of the walk.
The blocking of the track off to the right was very prominent leaving us in little doubt that we were
unwelcome there. We suspected however that the intent was to prevent the bike riders continuing to
degrade the track, so will investigate this further with National Parks.
We took the track to the left and when we came to a spot with a pleasant aspect and room to sit we
stopped for morning tea. When we came to the T intersection we decided to turn right and do some
more exploring before coming back to the lookout. We followed the old logging road further along the
escarpment past where the logging chute used to be, and when we reached the end of the track we
turned around and came back.
We then went down another old logging road to a creek crossing and up the other side. Where this track
ended there used to be an old abandoned house, but very little of it is left now. We returned to the creek
crossing to have lunch as it is a very pretty spot.
After toiling back up the hill we went to the lookout where the views across to the sea and back toward
Ballina remain very clear. The majority opted to walk back to the cars along the old logging road and
although it was still windy when we came out of the shelter of the trees, it was not as bad.
We were back at the cars by 2pm and then proceeded to The House With No Steps for an early (usual
sumptuous fare) afternoon tea. Unfortunately, Ruth misunderstood our afternoon tea arrangements and
went home when she couldn’t find us. We’re very sorry Ruth.
Anyway all agreed (including Ruth when I spoke to her later) that it had been a very pleasant walk.
Thank you all for coming.
ATTACHMENTS
The following document was attached to the e-mail carrying this Newsletter:
NRBC Walks/Activities Program May to July, 2015.