CHRISTMAS BBQ

Next activity Summer Walk -12th January 2025 - see program

8th December

The year was completed with our traditional social event, the end of year BYO Christmas BBQ. Attemdees whole-heartedly embraced the chance to relax and chat about recent activites and plan for the year ahead. Lunch was capped off by a wide variety of fabulous desserts brought to share, followed by a leg-stretching walk around Ian's beatiful and interesting property.

Thanks to Ian for so generously hosting the event.

GREAT VICTORIAN BIKE RIDE

Next Activity: Christmas BBQ - 8th Dec. 

23rd November - 1st December

This 9 day event, comprising 2600 people, saw riders pushing their pedals 500km from Wodonga to Healesville through picturesque countryside and the towns and villages of Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Alexandra and Marysville to complete the 40th, and the last of the Great Vic Bike Rides. With changing conditions of heat, humidity, rain as well as muddy campsites many challenges were faced but overall a wonderful and rewarding trip was had. Bike routes were varied; mostly on quiet roads with police and ranger escorts, along the Goulburn River with views of the Cathedral Ranges, a long 113km ride and a 77km day on rail trails passing Lake Eildon and crossing the spectacular Glad Phillips Bridge to the beautiful last day's ride up the Black Spur and down the twists and turns among towering mountain ash trees and ferns. Many enjoyable post ride get-togethers, live music each evening and shared meals enhanced the experience for all.

ERRINUNDRA CAMP

 Next activity: Great Vic Bike Ride - 23rd November - 1st December

15th - 17th November

This camp explored parts of the very special Errinundra National Park in Victoria. Wilson's Hut campground provided a great base. With no other campers to have to share the space, the group was able to spread out and make the most of the generous area surrounded by magnificient forest. The full schedule included an evening spotlight walk, Delegate River Tunnel walk, Old Growth Forest Walk, Errinundra Rainforest Boardwalk, Mount Morris Walk and a circular walk down the Rooty Trail, Coast Range Road and Goonmirk Rocks Road. This series of short walks provided great variation with some spectacular flora and an impressive view from the top of Mount Morris. An alternative walk on the Sunday, saw a select group embarking on the arduous cross-camp 50m walk to Wilson's Hut. Some of the particulary memorable vegetation were the Shining Gums, Victorian Christmas Bush, Alpine Daisy-Bush, Sassafras, Gippsland Warratah and some fabulously great old massive trees. This was again a most enjoyable trip, despite the nightmarish number of leeches and threatened rain cutting the day short on the Sunday.

Thanks to Sam and Ian, the leaders of the camp

WEST OF THE LAGOON

 Next activity: Errinundra camp - 15th-17th November - fully subscribed

3rd November

The Mimosa National Park never disappoints. This walk starting at Gillards Beach took the track to Middle Lagoon where the group enjoyed mprning tea and savoured the beautiful view. Continuing on, skirting the edge of  the lower section of Sandy Creek, the group was so engrossed in the unique landscapes and scultural vegetation they forgot to take any photos of this part of the walk. After lunch in open forest, the route continued through the magnificent forest and the promised hot weather began to be felt. The forest, however, ensured the walkers were protected from the sun's full force. This off-track route passed some intersting lesser known water bodies on the way back to the cars.

Thanks to Peter, our leader of the day.

SUNRISE WALK TATHRA

Please Note: Errinundra Camp - 15-17th November is now fully subscribed.

Next activity: West of the Lagoon - 3rd November - see program.

20th October

The very early start was certainly rewarded with the moon still lingering in the west, a bright sunrise over the ocean and whales breaching in close view as the group enjoyed this spectacular setting for breakfast. The walkers then continued along Tathra Beach, through Ford's Farm, scrambled down to Moon Bay, enjoyed views at Wajura Point Lookout and then headed down to Nelson Beach and across the sand dunes to overlook Nelson Creek for second breakfast. On return to Mogareeka there was a well attended morning tea which completed a lovely walk. 

Thanks to leader Ann for the walk and providing the delicious morning tea.

BOURNDA

 Next activity: Sunrise Walk Tathra - 20th October - see program

22nd September

The group returned to Bournda National Park to walk in the area to the south of Wallagoot Lake. From Scotts Bay, the long, steep climb up towards the Bournda Trig Was tackled. At the high pont of the walk some settled down for morning. Several walkers, however, continued a short way up the track to check out the trig. They then headed down though the fiekd studies camp, via the rocky out crop overlooking Bournda Lagoon, to Bournda Beach. After liunch the group carried on to skirt Bondi Lake, on through Hobart Beach Campgound and back to Scotts Bay. Wildlife was a feature of the day. A whistling kite soared overhead during lunch and a shy echnida was only spotted by a lucky couple of tail-enders. Most memorable were two red-bellied black snakes on the path which whose appearance caused Mark to breakout in some fancy dance moves in surprise! Another most enjoyable walk on a beautiful spring day.

Thanks to the leaders of the day, mark and Marie.

EAST MOGAREEKA WALK

 Next activity: Bournda - 22nd September - see program

8th September

East Mogareeka proved to be a fun and highly varied walk on a most beautiful spring day. Highlights included: the flowering rock orchids up on the cliffs of Salt Water Lagoon as the group skirted the edge; a visit was made to Baronda (also known as Yencken House and gifted to National Parks by Peter Yencken); the fabulous views of Nelson Bay; lunch on secluded Paspalam Point Beach and exploring the remaining evidence of the old Ford Farm. The walk took the group, along the edge of the lagoon, along dirt roads and tracks and off-track including some challenging climbs and negotiating some more bushy areas. However, most fun of all was the rope climb down to, amd back up from Paspalum Point Beach. A great day!

Thanks to Robert for leading and providing interesting historical insights..