BVBW 2024 Archive

 

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.

Saturday, 7 December 2024

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.

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

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

Monday, 4 November 2024

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.

Monday, 21 October 2024

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.

Monday, 23 September 2024

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.

Monday, 9 September 2024

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..

Sunday, 25 August 2024

BROGO WALK

 Next activity: East Mogareeka Walk - 8th September

25th August 2024

This moderate/hard walk was on a fabulosly scenic Brogo private property. The steeply hilly route was highly varied: across paddocks, through massive granite boulder fields, into open woodland and more dense bushland, along the delightful Brogo River and down a boulder filled gorge. Appropriately for a walk led by a geologist, the rocks were a focus of attention. Rock orchids were spectacularly in bloom, many of the boulders were spectacularly entangled with ancient figs, some formed a 'room' decorated by one of these figs, and one boulder appeared to be kissing a neighbouring gum. In addition, negotiating the boulder filled gorge, to a part known as 'the slit', provided some challenging going. The walk was only estimated to be around 7km but it was filled with great diversity.

Thanks to our leader of the day, Jeff and to the owners of the property.

                               

Thursday, 22 August 2024

MURRAMARANG SOUTH COAST WALK

 Next activity:25th August - Brogo Walk - see program

15th - 19th August

This very scenic multi-day walk was undertaken as a very civilised base-camp staying at the Murramarang Beach Front Caravan Park. This elminated the need for carrying heavy packs and ensured hot showers along with warm comfy beds for the less hardy of the group.

The 34km walk, with a few side explorations and an out-of-curosity back track, was tackled over three days. The longest day was the first day, starting at Pretty Beach and finished back at the base camp at South Durras. The easier second day started at the base camp and finished at Richmond Beach. The third day then rejoined the walk at Richmond Beach to the southern end of the walk at Maloneys Beach. The route wound its way along undulating tracks through some amazingly beautiful coastal forests, into palm-filled gullies, along fire-trails, over rock platforms and along several beaches. Particularly memorable were the magnificient spotted gum forests often with a considerable understorey of Burrawang cycads, a pair of very protective plovers (lapwings) at Depot Beach, a very slippery section of rock which was like ice and a particularly long section of beach, past Durras Lake, on some soft sand towards the end of the first day. All part of the fun!

To round things off, an additional walk was undertaken along the Bingi Dreaming Track, from Congo to Bingi Bingi Point. This was another extremely beautiful coastal walk with some outstanding coastal rock formations. The final cherry on the cake was a breaching whale as lunch was enjoyed at the end of the walk. 

Thanks to Jeff for leading the trip and also to Jeff, Dianne, Olivia and Graeme for the car shuffles that enabled it all to happen.

Wednesday, 7 August 2024

PANBULA GOLDFIELDS

 Next activity: 15th to 19th August, Murramurang South Coast Walk - see program

4th August

The weather gods were on our side once again for the walk postponed from March. The walk had to be rescheduled because of control burning in the area at that time. The fire activity was evident throughout the walk, with much of the undergrowth having been cleared. Some features, previously overlooked, became apparent with the more open vegetation. The magnificence of this forested area, south of Pambula, was still apparent. The route visited a number of the old mine workings left from the goldrush around the turn of 19th Century into the 20th. Our walkers reflected on what the area would have been like during these times and marvelled at the depth and size of some of the workings.  

Thanks to leaders Donna and Dianne and also to Jeff for interesting historical information.

Tuesday, 30 July 2024

SNOW SHOEING

Next Activity: 4th August Pambula Goldfields- see program

24th-26th July

Due to challenging weather conditions, Thursday's activity was changed to a walk instead of snow shoeing. After a morning coffee around a cosy fire overlooking Crackenback Lake the group set off from Bullocks Flat on a beautiful walk through snowgum forests along the banks of Thredbo River. After morning tea they encountered snow on the track and then after some time the weather began to close in and the decision was made to turn back. Then it began to rain and by the time they had returned to Crackenback everyone was pleased to change into warm dry clothes and to retire to Jo's for welcome hot drinks, schnapps (thanks Fran) and chocolate.

Friday dawned clear and fine with lovely blue skies. After another morning coffee around the fire to allow the overnight ice topped snow to soften a little, the hardy group then headed off to Cascades car park. From there they snowshoed up and up through stunning scenery of trees and granite tors and enjoyed views of ranges near and far. The conditions were excellent and a wonderful day was enjoyed by all.

The accommodation at Buckley Crossing Dalgety was comfy and inviting and everyone enjoyed dinners together at the end of each day.

Thanks to the leader of the event, Jo - awesome effort.

Tuesday, 16 July 2024

BOURNDA WITH THE OPTION OF AN EASY HALF DAY WALK

Next activity: 24th-26th July Snowshoeing - see program

14th July

This activity provided the opportunity to rake part in a shorter walk in our beautiful Bournda National Park. The group headed out along the Sandy Creek Track in the morning. They braved the ,oh so cold. water crossing, stopped for morning tea overlooking the creek and Bournda Lagoon, before returning to the cars parked at North Tura Beach. Around two-thrids of the party continued on the second part of the walk in the afternoon: a loop out to Dolphin Cove. Both part of the walk took the group through magnificient forest and had plenty of opportunites for spectacular ocean views with some wild surf.

Thanks to leader of the day, Donna, and original walk planner, Helen.

Monday, 1 July 2024

UPPER NELSON WALK

Next activity: 14th July, Bournda - with option of an easy half day walk - see program

30th June 

This moderate/hard walk explored the forest in the Tanja area by Doctor George Road. Much of the walking was along on roads and trails but did involve some bush bashing. The hardest part of the day was scramble/climb down to, and back out of, the idyllic lunch spot by Nelson Creek. Well worth the effort.

Thanks to leader of the day, Robert.

WALKING IN AUSTRIA

Next activity: 30th June, Upper Nelson Walk - see program

20 June to 27 June 

A lucky few members ventured further afield to Austria to enjoy a week of hotel based day walking. The walks around the Ehrwald and Zugspitze arena were dramatic in scenery with sheer slopes and challenging ascents. The area provided plenty of variety and fun - including single peak ascents, circumnavigating Ehrwald arena, crossign into Germany to walk Hell Valley (Hollentalklamm), a circuit of 3 lakes and huttes - plus kaiserschmarrn, strudel, schnapps and tinkling cowbells.

Thanks to the leader, Ann.

Tuesday, 18 June 2024

BROGO DAM WALK

Next activity: 30th June, Upper Nelson Walk - see program

16 June

This walk explored some of the fire trails and magnificent forest around Brogo Dam. The very steep up and downs, plus a small amount of off track walking, kept things interesting. Lunch was enjoyed from a beautiful spot overlooking Nelsons Creek.

Thanks to our leader for the day, Robert, who very ably stepped in to lead the walk. Thanks, also to Helen for her original plan and Jeff for a tasty afternoon tea at the end of the walk.

Monday, 3 June 2024

AROUND BARRAGGA BAY

 Next Activity: 16th June Brogo Dam walk - see program

2nd June

Starting at South Cuttagee Beach this varied and interesting walk explored the Barragga Bay area. The walk included visiting a coastal cave inhabited by cute horseshoe bats, walking through the grounds of a  couple of private properties of local historical interest (with permission) and lunch at the 4 Winds area. Possibly the most memorable highlight was the descent down to a rock formation that forms a magnificient window to the ocean (sometimes known as the Golden Gate) which proved most refreshing for some of the walkers. Weather wise the day turned out to be glorious. Promised rain did not eventuate, due to, it seems, the leader being on excellent terms with the weather gods.

Thanks to our leader of the day, Robert

Monday, 20 May 2024

BERMAGUI

Next activity: 2nd June, Around Barragga Bay - see program 

19th May

On a fabulous late autumn day, this easy walk just outside Bermagui took our walkers along fire trails, forest roads and bush tracks. The route though beautiful spotted gum forest, vistied Black Lagoon and Narira Creek, included wonderful views of Meads Bay and Gulaga. Back at the cars, the leaders suprised the group with a delicious afternoon tea, rounding off the day beautifully. 

Thanks to leaders of the day, Di and Eric

Sunday, 5 May 2024

GENOA PEAK

May 5th

Next Activity: 19th May, Bermagui - see program

Two stage event; climb Genoa Peak and later have a short river walk. It was a beautiful day for walking and for having lunch at Genoa Waterfalls. T-shirt and sunglasses weather!

Thanks to leader of the day, Michael and to Vicki for her assistance.

Wednesday, 24 April 2024

TANJA RAMBLES- BITHRY TO COWDROYS

21st April

Next activity: 5th May Genoa Peak - see program for updated information

This walk explored the bush tracks and intlets of this wonderful part of the coast, stopping to take in the stunning views. 12 people came along, the weather was perfect for walking and everyone was lucky to have a brown snake sighting.

Thanks to leader of the day, Ian 

Sunday, 7 April 2024

MOGAREEKA WALK

 7th April

Next activity: 17th April - 13th May, Multi Rail Trail Cycling Trip (Victoria) - see program

This moderately hard walk had a bit of everything: roads, trails, rocks, bush bashing and ropes. Because of the previous day’s rain, the muddy section was postponed to another day. 

Thanks to leader of the day, Robert

Monday, 25 March 2024

SOUTH EAST FORESTS WEEKEND CAMP

 22nd - 24th March

The weekend camp in South East Forests National Park (Coolangubra Section) didn't quite go as planned. Last minute circumstances meant Lyn and Phil had to pull-out of leading the weekend. Delma, however, gallantly stepped up to take the reins. 

The diminished party, now just a group of three, met at Waratah Gully Campground to enjoy a relaxing time around the campfire on Friday evening. On Saturday, the  group headed out to White Rock River Picnic Area on the Imlay Road to start the walk. Following (roughly) a route that aims to follow the ancient Bundian Way, planned but as yet unmarked, the walk passed around a disused quarry and headed into the bush. The anticipated 'fairly open forest' appeared to have grown up considerably. Much of the walk involved negotiating some thick vegetation. Balance was also tested by several creek crossings on top of fallen tree trunks. Nevertheless, the group was up to the challeneges and possibly enjoyed the walk all the more because of them. After a short rest back at White Rocks Picnic Area, the group headed back to camp via a detour to see the Nalbaugh Falls.

Sunday's walk started from the campground and headed up to Pheasants Peak. This walk made use of firetrails but also included cross-country walking (much easier to negotiate vegetation than the previous day) and a short, steep rocky section to the peak. From the peak views, through the open forest and across the surrounding area, were enjoyed.  The group explored more of the surrounding country, finding some beautiful lush areas dominated by ferns. A couple more rocky peaks proved too tempting not to scale.

Thanks to leader of the weekend, Delma and also to Lyn and Phil who had done all the preparation and planning. Phil was a constant virtual companion, assisting Delma, via the GPS data he had sent. Lyn and Phil are hoping to reschedule the weekend for later this year or possibly next - keep an eye out for program updates.

Next activity: 7th April - Mogareeka Walk - see program

Thursday, 21 March 2024

SNOWY MOUNTAINS OVERNIGHT WALK – WHEELERS HUT AND PRETTY PLAIN HUT

 16-18th March

This three-day walk in the north end of Kosciuszko National Park visited arguably the two prettiest huts in the Snowy Mountains. Due to a lack of use of some of the trails navigation was more challenging than anticipated. In addition, harder parts of the walk proved to be easier than expected and the easier parts harder.

The first day's walking was along the Snakey Plain Trail, near Tooma Dam, to Wheelers Hut. The next day, from Wheelers Hut to Pretty Plain Hut, was mostly on a single track but included some off-track walking. The relatively flat route followed the Tooma River through Pretty Plain to the hut. The last day was the longest, about 17km, from Pretty Plain, crossed the Tooma River and visited Paton's Hut on the way out before heading back to the head of the track at Tooma Dam. 

Thanks to overnight walk leader, Ray

Next activity: 22nd March-24th March - South East Forests Weekend Camp - see program

Sunday, 10 March 2024

PAMBULA TO EAT MERIMBULA

March 10th

It was quite a different kind of day for the BVBWs. However, the late revision to the program proved to be a good decision. Walking from Pambula via the bushland corridor to Fishpen in Merimbula, the smoke from the ongoing control burns could be seen hanging over the hinterland.  

Some great food was enjoyed at Eat Merimbula including wagyu beef sandwich, lobster salad, bug and prawn cocktail, duck confit, ceviche and gelato - with many, many more wonderful looking and smelling goodies on offer. 

There was also time for a refreshing swim or to relax by the water. A breeze had built up which was welcome in the midday heat. While several of the group took advantage of being able to walk just oneway, some returned, mostly along the beach, assisted by a tail-wind. 

Thanks to leaders of the day, Donna and Diane. 

Next activities: 15 March to 17 March (alt 16-18 March) Snowy Mountains Walk

22 March to 24 March - South East Forests Weekend Camp - see program

Wednesday, 6 March 2024

CHANGE OF PLANS FOR SUNDAY 10TH MARCH

PAMBULA GOLDFIELDS RESCHEDULED

Due to controlled burns currently being conducted in the Pambula Goldfields area, but also the high temperatures forecast for this coming Sunday, We have decided to change the walk for this week - which we hope might be more suited to the conditions and be a bit of fun.  The Goldfields is being rescheduled for Sunday 8th September. 

Sunday March 10th is now Pambula to Eat Merimbula - see program

Monday, 26 February 2024

KAYAKING/CANOEING SKILL DEVELOPMENT EVENT

 25 February

This week BVBWs had the opportunity to have fun on the water and improve their kayaking skills. Launching from Pambula Beach the group followed a route up Pambula River, past Broadwater and into the Yowaka River. Leader Wendy, a qualified and experienced instructor and kayaker provided excellent instruction along the way. Paddling and safety skills were worked on which included: hand placement, different stroke types, deep water entries and eskimo rolls. The beautiful location and warm sunny weather made for an enjoyable day, despite the challenging headwind getting back to the mouth of Pambula River.

Thanks to our leader of the day, Wendy.

Next activity: 10 March - Pambula Goldfields - please see program

Sunday, 18 February 2024

CANOEING BLACKFELLOWS LAKE & BEGA RIVER

18 February 

A fine day paddling. Exploring Blackfellows Lake, Zecks Lagoon and Bega River. A downstream course between the islands was taken until lunch time, returning back upstream via Humbug Reach to Blackfellows Lake. 

Thanks to leader of the day, Dick.

Next activity: 25 February - Kayaking/canoeing skill development event - please see program.

Thursday, 8 February 2024

2024 SUMMER WALK

 21 January          

To start the year several members met at the Lions Park Mogareeka for a leisurely BBQ lunch. After lunch a few enjoyed the easy walk to Moon Bay, a few went for a dip and the others relaxed and enjoyed the lovely warm day.

Thanks to the leader of the day, Peter.

Next activity: 18th February 2024 - Canoeing Blackfellows Lake & Bega River - please see program