2022 Program

For enquiries on individual walks and other activities listed in this Program, email BVBW. If you are uncertain about the experience and fitness required for a particular walk/activity, contact the leader also.

  For information on walk grading, refer to ‘Walk Gradings’ in the Guidelines section of this website. You will also find listed there; ‘Guidelines for Walkers’, and other important information relating to our organisation.

  Besides the activities listed in this Program, the club also walks on Wednesdays. These walks are advertised through the club’s membership mailing list, in the week prior to each walk.

There is a downloadable program HERE, but please email BVBW to confirm details as there may be adjustments depending on weather etc.

The 2022 Program:

16 January - Summer Walk - Picnic Point
Day event
Walk Coordinator: Peter Guthrey
Meet: 9.30am at Intersection Tathra Bermagui Road & Wapengo Lake Road
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 5km
Description: Walking north of Picnic Point camp ground along the beach, climb
up to Ginns Lookout for morning tea and views of the surrounding area. We will
then walk further north along a ridgeline then descend into a beautiful
rainforest gully. From here we will make our way to the coast for lunch and a
swim. We will return to the cars via the shoreline (beaches and rocks).
 

2 February to 5 February - Wallaga Lake Adventure
Base Camp
Walk Coordinators: Ann Wykes and Jo Thorpe
Meet:  at See description
Grade: See Description
Description: Please let Ann know if you are staying at the park or have any questions: 0418-951-403.
DATES: Wednesday 2nd February (arrival) - Saturday 5th February (departure)
CAMPING: BIG4 Wallaga Lake BIG4 Holiday Park. If the line is busy ring again as there is no answering service.
Each day is a stand-alone event so come for one day or all days.
ITINERARY:

Wednesday 2nd February: ARRIVAL AT BIG 4 WALLAGA Camping and setup.   

Thursday 3rd February: PADDLE BERMAGUI RIVER (Easy to Moderate)
Meet (and launch): Boat ramp on SW side of Bridge over Bermagui River. If coming from Bermagui township take left turn (Lamont Street) just before bridge. If coming from Wallaga Lake cross the bridge then first turn on the right.
When: 8:30am. Please be ready to be on the water 9:00 am.
Route: We are paddling up the Bermagui River to The Crossing Land Education Camp on Nutleys Creek. 14km Return
Extra info: We will be assisted by an incoming tide. We plan to have lunch at  The Crossing, then return back again assisted by the tide.
Bring: Morning tea, lunch and snacks for return trip and plenty of water.

Friday 4th February: CYCLING
Meet: Central Tilba at car park on corner of Punkalla- Tilba Road and
Blacksmiths Lane near the ABC Cheese Factory at 9:30am.
Route: We are cycling the back roads around Tilba to Mystery Bay and then to
Little Lake. There are a couple of short sections on the highway but there is a good shoulder. This is a very scenic ride with some moderate uphills. There will be opportunities for swimming. Distance approx 35 kms. Easy to Moderate. For more details: check the Cycle Narooma website Rides No 8 & 9.
Bring: Morning tea and lunch. For those interested we can have a drink at the Dromedary Hotel at the end.

Friday 4th February: DINNER
Meet: Camel Rock Brewery
When: 6pm.
NOTE: I have booked for those who are staying at the Big 4 Park. Please let me know if you are staying elsewhere and would like to attend.

Saturday 5th February - Mystery Bay to Akolele  PHOTOS
Meet: Mystery Bay Lookout
When: Meet at 9:30am
Grading: Moderate
Distance:12km
Route: Mystery Bay to Akolele
This coastal walk begins with a meander through enchanting pittosporum and spotted gum forest on the top of the Mystery Bay Cliffs.  After wandering on a secluded beach, we climb atop high dunes to a spectacular view of Gulaga to the west and the ocean on our east. Skirting around remnant rain forest above Tilba Lake, the next challenge requires a waist-high (depending on your height) estuary crossing, so bring your swimmers if you don’t want to get wet (you may also want a sturdy garbage bag to float your pack…but we just held our above our heads!). From there, a spectacular cliff-top and beach walk up to the
historic Tilba Cemetery for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue south along the beach to the southern end of the Bobundara Swamp where we join a clear but muddy track back to the cars.
This is an off-track but generally easy walk.  The estuary crossing and a steep-ish but short climb leans towards the moderate.
Info: If you’ve joined the group on the previous couple of days of cycling/kayaking, caravans and campers can be left at the top car park at the BIG4 holiday park.  A car shuffle will also be required at the start and finishof the walk.
 

9 February - Picture Night
Day event
Walk Coordinator: Jeff Holmes
Meet: 6.00pm at Club Sapphire, Merimbula.
Grade: Easy
Distance: 20m to the bar km
Description: Food/drinks available for purchase. Due to the lack of recent overseas trips, please bring
some pix. from a favourite journey from the past. Up to 80 images on a USB. If nothing to bring, just turn up, enjoy the show, and reflect on how things used to be!  Will try to kick off early, then break for food. You can eat in the Meeting Room.
Due to possible changes in Covid restrictions reducing the number who can attend, please contact Jeff to reserve a spot, also indicating if you intend to show some of your travel-photos.  Any rules regarding vaccinations, mask-wearing, check-in procedures, etc. will need to be followed.
 

13 March - Mimosa Rocks NP  PHOTOS
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Marie Oakley and Mark Oakley
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 10 km
Description: A circular walk from Mogareeka Inlet to Moon Bay, Wajurda Point and Nelson Beach and return, on NP roads, paths and fire trails, including steps at Moon Bay and some bush near Nelson Lagoon.
 

26 March to 27 March - Merrica River  PHOTOS
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Phil Kendall and Lyn Evans
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 10 km
Description: The day walk will be on the Sunday 27h March and will include a
car shuffle.
To access the start of this walk, turn off the Princes Highway on the Wonboyn Road, turn left at the village store and after leaving the lake follow the dirt road to Greenglades. It was a bit rough after rain in late 2021 so 4WD or AWD vehicles would be best. We will be walking to the Merrica River Entrance and crossing at low tide (knee deep) for lunch and a short side trip along the coast before heading to the former Merrica Ranger Station via the Merrica fire trail and walking trail. The walk is mainly on trails which vary in standard from good to faint and possibly a bit overgrown as a result of post-fire regrowth. Gaiters may be an advantage. The walk will involve a car shuffle after the walk.
The former site of the ranger station makes a pleasant free campsite near the Merrica River so there will be an optional camp on the Saturday night and longer if you prefer. There is a pit toilet at the site but no other facilities. Those intending to camp should contact the leaders a few days before to let us know when you are arriving and to help us work out the car shuffle. Come during the day on the Saturday if you want to explore the river and maybe bring a lilo. Those camping will take a few cars and drive around to Greenglades prior to the start of the day walk on the Sunday.
 

17 April - Apple Tree Farm Waterfalls
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Jo Thorpe and Tony Postlethwaite
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.  

Grade: Hard
Distance: 10-12 km
Description: A delightful boulder hop up a gorgeous gorge, onto some intriguing stone ruins with views to Jingera, across a couple of picturesque cascading granite creeks, through some fire re-growth and back on a fire trail.This property was fire affected and the route will be determined based on the level of regrowth.  The gorge itself is accessible regardless and if we have to change things, it will drop the grading to Moderate/Hard.   Don’t be put off by the bouldering…on a previous reccie, my favourite guinea pigs (Ann, Kerrie & Delma) managed it with style!  For some who may have heard the stories, the “gecko hold” will not be required!
 

24 April - Severs Beach to Haycock Point
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Kerrie Dean and Heather Bond
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.  

Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 13 km
Description: Walking at low tide on sand and climbing some rocky sections along the shore from Severs Beach to Barmouth Beach. Then follow the steps and tracks to Haycock Beach for lunch. Return to Severs Beach along a short section of dirt road and then through the bush with some steep sections along the ridge and finishing at Severs Beach and maybe a swim!
Directions: From Pambula drive approximately 10 kms south along the Princes Highway and turn left at Haycock Rd (which is signposted). Drive 4 kms to the Severs Beach sign on your left. Follow the track down to Severs Beach.
 

1 May - Old Hut Creek
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Phil Kendall and Lyn Evans
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details. 

Grade: Moderate/Hard
Distance: 11 km
Description: We are repeating this walk from 2019 for the benefit of those who missed out and those who wish to go again to see this attractive gorge country west of Eden, in South East Forests National Park. Fortunately, the 2019-20 border fire stopped just short of the area we will be walking through.

The highlight is a spectacular rhyolite cliff-lined gorge along a remote ection of Old Hut Creek. We will be following the creek through this and a second gorge. There will be a variety of terrain including forest fire trails and off-track along cliff tops, rocky gorges, creek crossings, open forest and some steeper scrubby forest sections.
 

May 15 – Apple Tree Farm Waterfalls
Walk Co-ordinator:          Jo Thorpe
Meet: 8.30am – please call Jo for start point
Grade: Moderate-Hard
Distance: 8-10km
Description:
A delightful boulder hop up a gorgeous gorge then across to a picturesque, cascading granite creek.  All the rain has made the waterfalls in this system truly wonderful….feel free to bring you swimmers for a “fresh dip” at lunch.  There’s a short section through fire re-growth that’s very manageable and a reasonable amount of fire trail. Don’t be put off by the “Hard” part of the grading – this relates to the biggish boulders on the route and the steep, scrambling exit out of the gorge.  Ann, Kerry & Delma were my guinea pigs for the reccie and handled it without issue. Please let me know if you’re coming (and the type of car you’re driving) as we’ll need to carpool in AWDs to get to the start point.
Ph: 0427 656878
 

22 May - Gulaga Summit - PHOTOS
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Mark Oakley and Marie Oakley
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details. 

 Grade: Moderate
Distance: Abt 13 km
Description: An iconic walk to the Summit of Gulaga (Mt Dromedary) and return on the Tilba Tilba walking track.
 

5 June - Desert Creek - PHOTOS
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Peter Guthrey and Tony Postlethwaite
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.  

Grade: Moderate
Distance: 7 km
Description: A beautiful walk along a section of Desert Creek, returning through the adjacent bush. The creek has its challenges, with its water holes, rocky sections and vegetation, the combination make it very picturesque. Prepare for wet feet and some rock hopping, you will enjoy.
 

19 June - Scotts Bay, Bournda  PHOTOS
Day event
Walk Coordinator: Helen Turton
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.  

Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 14 km
Description: We will follow tracks through the bush to Bournda Lagoon. Then we will walk around the lagoon via Bournda Island and Sandy Beach Creek, which is very scenic with a variety of terrain. We will return to Scotts Bay via the beach and the track on the south side of Wallagoot Lake. There could involve a small wade across Sandy Creek and possibly across the mouth of the lagoon.
 

3 July - Around Frogs Hollow
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Peter Guthrey and Tony Postlethwaite
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.  

Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 11 km
Description: A lovely circular walk across open farmland and along Frogs Hollow and Wolumla Creeks. A few fences will be our biggest obstacles. We will pass the first concrete bridge built (1927) in the area and visit the local airport.


17 July - Queensland Adventure
Walk Coordinator: Jeff Vaughan
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.  

Grade:
Description: I am proposing a trip to Northern NSW, Queensland taking in some of the best National Parks in the region. The plan is still evolving and may include, Border Ranges, Girraween, Lamington, Scenic Rim possibly further north to Bunya Mountains, Glasshouse Mountains, Great Sandy or Noosa National Park.
There would be possibilities for even extending it further to Carnarvon NP or the Capricorn coast.
I am looking at about a three week period now for the club walks but hope to extend my own trip to include these regions to the North and some people may wish to join me there. I am open to suggestions and expressions of interest if you are considering coming.
There may be possibilities of overnight walks, as well, in some parks, eg the Scenic Rim.
 

31 July - Mimosa Rocks NP   PHOTOS     

Day event
Walk Coordinators: Marie Oakley and Mark Oakley
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details. 

Grade: Moderate
Description: About 12km.  A circular walk in Mimosa Rocks National Park from Gillards along Middle Lake throughPenders to Bithry Inlet. Return along the coast. Tracks, beach and low rocky headlands.Generally easy waking with one steep hill on track and some rock scrambling between the beach sections.

14 August - Murrah River Walk   PHOTOS   

Day event
Walk Coordinators: Jo Thorpe and Miriam Wong 
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.  

Grade: Easy Moderate
Description: Distance about11km.  This is a circular walk on undulating forest trails. We will walk a short distance to see the "Man in the Mountain" rock face of Mumbulla Mountain where we will have an early morning tea. After crossing a few hurdles of fallen trees we will descend to the Murrah River for lunch.  From here we will ascend Loop Road (Ngaral Road) to return to the cars.   

 

28 August - Annual Snowshoeing Extravaganza  PHOTOS
See description.
Walk Coordinator: Jo Thorpe
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.  

Grade: Easy
Description: The annual Snowshoeing extravaganza is building a reputation for taking bushwalkers to a special world of winter snowgums, piercing blue alpine skies and marsupial tracks on an arctic white carpet. Put simply, if you’re a bushwalker, you can snowshoe. Just ask recent participants, most of whom have had limited or no experience in the snow.  The only special gear you need, is snowshoes (which you can hire) and some waterproof gloves (of which Jo has thousands of pairs!). Other than that, you just need your usual winter bushwalking gear (boots, rainjacket/pants, warm  layers and a beanie…gaiters if you’ve got them). Bring a stove/thermos for tea/coffee/hot chocolate/noodles/ cupasoup for lunch. You never know, some mulled wine maybe on the menu.
Route dependent on weather but will be around Perisher or Thredbo trails.
Pre-walk nibblies/dinner on the Saturday night at Jo’s house at Lake Crackenback Resort (please bring something to share) from 5pm. Book your own accommodation depending on your preference but you can do it as a daytrip if you’re happy to drive. Best to stay in Jindabyne because the starting point is yet to be determined.
 

18 September - Pambula Beach, forest, beach and river PHOTOS

Day event
Walk Coordinators: Jan Porter and Neil Porter
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.

Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 12-14 km

Description: From the Aquatic Centre, we’ll cross the road and walk wide tracks to the Scout Camp.  From there we’ll head south along the beach, around the Pambula Beach headland track and along the river trail.  After a short off-track climb, we’ll take the “water tank” road then head down through the bush to the edge of the Pambula River (time permitting) before climbing back up the steepish track, and retracing our tracks back to PB.  Finally we’ll take a bush track back to the Aquatic Centre.

 

25 September - Pigeon Box Mountain  PHOTOS

Day event
Walk Coordinator: Jeff Holmes
Meet: please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade: Moderate/Hard
Description: Mainly on 4WD tracks, but very steep in a few places.  Last section off-track, will be recceed closer to date to assess post-bushfire regrowth.  Fires have improved views of surrounding terrain.  Ascent almost 800 metres.  Possible side-trip to Indian Head on way back if time allows.

9 October - Apple Tree Waterfalls
Day event
Walk Coordinator: Jo Thorpe
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade:
Description: A delightful boulder hop up a gorgeous gorge, onto some intriguing stone ruins with views to Jingera, across a couple of picturesque cascading granite creeks, through some fire re- growth and back on a fire trail.  This property was fire affected and the route will be determined based on the level of regrowth. The gorge itself is accessible regardless and if we have to change things, it will drop the grading to Moderate/Hard. Don’t be put off by the bouldering...on a previous reccie, my favourite guinea pigs (Ann, Kerrie & Delma) managed it with style! For some who may have heard the stories, the “gecko hold” will not be required!

 

13 October to 21 October - Warrumbungles  PHOTOS
Base Camp
Walk Coordinators: Lyn Evans and Phil Kendall
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade: See Description
Description: Grade: Easy to Moderate-Hard but all on walking trails or park management trails. Some trails are rocky and partly eroded but many are a good standard and there are lots of ups and downs.
This former volcanic landscape is one of the best bushwalking areas in the State and offers excellent facilities for camping. Over the week we will have avariety of half-day and full-day walks covering most of the main tracks and circuits in the park. There will be time to relax or do walks in the vicinity of the campground and to visit the nearby Siding Springs Observatory. We will also be attempting to organise a private stargazing session with a local astronomer, if people are interested.

Camp Blackman is a complex of several campgrounds which caters for all types ofcamping from tents to caravans. There a few powered sites which will require early booking and there are good amenities with hot showers. Further details will be advised to those interested in a series or emails. For inclusion on our email trip list please contact the leaders preferably by end of March so we can help you with booking of campsites, which will need to be done online well in advance.

Because of its location in northern NSW, it will take 1 to 2 days each way to do the drive so allow for this in your planning. There are many options to extend the trip to take in other areas, including the Blue Mountains.
 

23 October - Mt Imlay Balawan Summit
Day event
Walk Coordinator: Kerrie Dean and Heather Bond
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade: Hard
Description: This is a challenging walk through grassy woodlands and dry eucalypt forests. The track climbs steeply rising 600m and has a rough and uneven surface. Your effort will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding area.

 

6 November - Magical Mystery Tour
Day event
Walk Coordinators: Jo Thorpe and Delma Bennett
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade: See Description
Distance: TBA km
Description: Indeed, this will be a Magical Mystery Tour because at this stage, we have no clue where we’re going….but don’t worry!  It’s sure to enchant!  Watch this space for more details.
 

7 November to 10 November - Shoalhaven Paddle Adventure  PHOTOS
Base Camp
Walk Coordinator: Robert Lewin
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 50 km
Description: 7/11  Drive to Tallowa Dam car park and paddle LakeYarrunga to campsite.

8/11  Explore Rotten Creek. (bring gold detectors)
9/11  Explore further. (and/or go fishing)
10/11 Return to car park with further exploration of the
lake on the way.

This is not car camping. Everything has to be taken to the campsite by water vessel.
A booking needs to be made and could participants contact the leader before the end of September.


20 November - Aragunnu  PHOTOS
Base Camp
Walk Coordinators: Peter Guthrey and Jeff Vaughan
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade:
Description: Details to be finalised with property owners.
 

25 November to 27 November - Mt Howitt  PHOTOS
Base Camp
Walk Coordinators: Robert Lewin
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details.
Grade:  Easy/Moderate
Description: Distance 30km. 

Day 1 - Drive to Howitt car park and walk for two hours to the Vallejo Gantner Refuge Hut at Macalister Springs. (This is almost car camping) We will camp (tents) there for three nights. Short walks in the afternoon.

Day 2 - Crosscut Saw and Mt Buggery.

Day 3 - Mt Magdala etc.

Day 4 - Walk out and drive home or explore further.

Most people will stay at Licola Caravan Park on Thurs 24 Nov. Contact 03 5148 8786

Camp - $32 site; Unit - $70 for 2 then $15 ea in bunks (frig and stove)

Bunkhouse- $100 (8 bunks and kitchen) - those are approx. prices.

Http://www.licolacaravanpark.com.au/rates.html

Contact Robert lewinr1@gmail.com TRIP FULL

Last time a couple took a unit and the remainder shared a bunkroom.

Licola is beyond Maffra and Heyfield.Turn W off Princes Hwy a few km W of Stratford. (W of Bairnsdale).

 

4 December - Christmas BBQ
Day event
Walk Coordinator: Ian Burns
Meet:  please contact walk coordinator for meeting place/time details. .
Grade: Easy
Description: Ian has graciously  opened his home to us again.BYO lunch, BBQ available. Maybe a cake or slice to share.
Short walk after lunch.