MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK - COWDRY'S/BARONDA HEAD

Next activity: 19th to 23rd September - South Beowa National Park Day Walks and Camp (Light to Light) - see program for details

7th September

This was a wonderfully relaxed walk in the Mimosa National Park. The looped route explored tracks and firetrails in the Nelson's Lagoon/Cowdry's Beach area. Early spring flowers added to the enjoyment of the magnificient open forest. The off-track section out to Baronda Head provided some glimpses of humpback whales for a lucky few who made the journey. The return route, along Cowdry's Beach with its impressive colourful rocks, returned to walkers back to their cars.

Thanks to our leaders of the day, Mark and Marie

SNOWSHOEING - SCHLINK HUT TRACK

Next Activity: 7 September – Mimosa Rocks National Park. See program for details

19th - 22nd August

This Multi Day Event began with dinner, accommodation and a delicious breakfast at the Jindabyne Hotel. Excitement and concerns were shared as walkers packed, repacked, discussed, jettisoned bits and pieces and tried to make the best decisions for lightening their packs, but still making sure that they had everything that was required for three days walking and camping in the snow!

An early morning drive to Guthega Power station, the group loaded up and was off, snowshoes strapped to packs as they climbed the gravel road as it zig-zagged steeply up hill. After morning tea there was sufficient snow to don snowshoes and continue walking - up and up. A beautiful 10km walk in clear conditions passing some of the oldest snow gums in the park, cascading streams, heath and boulder fields - home to rare mountain pigmy possums. It was with relief when White's River Hut came into view, home for the next two nights. Soon tents were erected, water collected from a nearby stream, a fire started and the group enjoyed the warmth and comfort of the hut for a well earned dinner and drinks before retiring to tents for a cosy night's sleep in the snow.

A leisurely start was had the next morning, but soon the group was on its way. It was upwards again for 1.5km to Schlinks Pass, at 1800m this was the highest point of the walk. Next it was 1.5km downhill to Schlinks Hut, also known as the Hilton because its size, built in 1961 for maintenance workers. Lunch was enjoyed in the comfort of the hut and then the trip back to camp was made. Grey skies closed in and mist climbed up the valley as the group took a scenic return trip winding in and out of trees and boulders through the enchanted snowy landscape. Another warm and cosy night was had huddled around the fire enjoying dinner and conversation until it was time to retire to the snow and tents.

The following morning dawned blue and bright, a sparkling winter wonderland. Tents were packed, backpacks filled and the hut was cleaned. The group was once again kitted up, traversing the snow bridge and back down the valley. The Aqueduct Track was the group's alternate route back, a stunning trek winding around the valley's side with many ups and downs. A little side track took the group steeply downhill to Horse Camp Hut where lunch was had. Soon after this, the diminishing snow cover meant snowshoes off and again strapped to backpacks. A tired group made their way back, crossing a creek, climbing up until finally the steep descent back down the valley and the welcome sight of waiting cars. 

A very rewarding and exciting adventure.

Many thanks to leader Jo who went above and beyond with a pre trip packing meeting, ideas and suggestions for preparing for the trip and the sourcing of specialised equipment for many of the group to borrow.

NARIRA GORGE

 Next activity: 19th-22nd August 2025 - Snow Shoeing Kiandra - see program for details

10th August

Despite a wet start to the day and a further minor shower, a wonderful walk in the Bermagui State Forest area was enjoyed. The route, wound through magnificient forest, along roads and tracks, and included some off-track walking. Most memorably however, was the section along the very beautiful creek. A number of calf-deep water crossings ensured wet lower extremities when the showers had stopped . The complete walk described two connected loops. To top the day off, Robert provided a delicious afternoon tea back at his house, where the walk had started and finished.

Thanks to our leader of the day Robert, with extra thanks for the afternoon tea

MIMOSA ROCKS NATIONAL PARK – MIDDLE LAKE/PENDERS

Next activity: 10th August - details to be confirmed

27th July

There was a large turnout for this leisurely walk in the Mimosa Rocks National Park starting from the Middle Beach Carpark. There was much to be savoured on this suprisingly mild winter's walk including picturesque views, remarkable forests and trees, and some notable wildlife activity. Morning tea was enjoyed at Bithry Inlet where excitingly a Bush Stone Curlew was spotted. In that general area the nest of a Sea Eagle was also admired. Exploration continued taking in the Penders area and back to Middle Beach. After lunch a favourite large tree, out around Middle Lagoon, was visited and embraced.

Thanks to leaders of the day, Mark and Marie

WARWICK FARM / MUMBULLA

Next activity: Mimosa Rocks National Park - 27th July - see program

13th July

Another stunning walk in excellent weather conditions. The group was led over manicured farmland leading into a rainforest, thick with lush foliage, ferns, vines and some huge ancient sandpaper figs with their endless multi trunks, aerial roots and low, twisting branches. At morning tea views over the Bega Valley and across to Bemboka Peak were enjoyed before heading up the steep climb which eventually lead to the Mumbulla Mountain fire trail. After lunch was a descent through thick vegetation, moss covered granite boulders, streams and some lovely birds nest ferns. Finally the group once again traversed farmland back to the cars negotiating streams, mud and electric fencing! 

Thanks to the leader of the day, Peter, and to the land owners for allowing access to this special place.