Second Quarter for 2010. See below for
Walk Reports and Photos

Party time Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Six of the Bobs Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Founders Meriel, Betty, Dennis & Val with Betty Photo by Ron Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Founder members Meriel, Grant, Jean, Ruth and Val Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	New Life Member Len with new President Kay Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Presidents Mike, Hugh, Grant, John, Ruth, Paul, Kay, Barbara, Bev, Len, Meriel, Ainslie Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	New Committee Geoff, Bob T, Lyn, Bob B, Kay, Ainslie & Len Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

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Murramarang and Firebreak Roads
Wednesday 30 June 2010  

Sixteen walkers and one dog happily joined Jill and John for a ramble through State Forest north of Batemans Bay. The dog was a large, very friendly local resident of a home near our parking spot. He brought his own message stick asking he be allowed to accompany us. We advised him of the rules that indicate dogs are usually not allowed, but he was undeterred and happily led the way through the paths of the area, joining us for lunch and any other fun thing we did. We obviously filled in an otherwise lonely day for him.

Various large eucalyptus trees were seen in the gullies and hills surrounding a very interesting walk. Weather wise it was very cool and the sun decided to shine as we left the area.
Bob B  

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Working Bee - Clearing Burrewarra Point Track
Sunday 27 June 2010

Betty with loppers Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

About 20 bushwalkers joined forces with the Guerilla Bay Landcare Group to clear and realign the track around Burrewarra Point and behind the Guerilla Bay settlement. Armed with mattocks, saws and hedgeclippers, and under the supervision of Landcare members, we clipped and sawed our way along the existing overgrown tracks in record time.

Guerilla Bay and Burrewarra Point has such a beautiful coastline and wonderful views, both north and south and the day was picture perfect. The red and green Correa reflexa was in flower and we were careful to clip around them.

After about 2.5 hours, we gathered on Trish and Paul's verandah in the sun and enjoyed a sausage sizzle. Thanks to Trish and Paul for their wonderful hospitality, Bob T for organising the day, and Guerilla Bay Landcare for their help in clearing one of our favourite bushwalking tracks. See our next Program for the walks taking in that track.
Karen M  

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Creeks South of Hawdons Road
Thursday 24 June 2010

Walk cancelled due wet weather. Watch out for it on the next Program.
 

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Roads and Forest West of Termeil
Saturday 19 June 2010

Leigh, Dianne, Carol, Pat & Jenny Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob at burned out, but still live tree Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Fourteen cheery souls ventured into North Brooman forest with leader, Sharon, and were almost hypnotised by the majestic trees reaching for the sky - mostly spotted gums, turpentine, Sydney blue gums and stringy bark varieties, some with very high orchids growing in their canopy.

At intervals during the walk and especially while sitting on a log for lunch we were all highly entertained by the calls of lyrebirds nearby, possibly eight different birds were heard along the walk.

Sharon was keen to show us the location of a luminous fungus seen earlier in the week when exploring this walk, but sadly it could not be found - had she seen a magic mushroom?

Thank you to all who organised such a beautiful walk.
Joan  

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Bushtracks of Bergalia
Wednesday 16 June 2010

Carol and Leigh with sunshine wattle Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joe at morning tea Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lesley and Carol Photo by Karen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Fifteen walkers set out on the Bergalia bush tracks, to the west of Moruya. We did a circuit walk, undulating for 14 kilometres round ridges and gullies, stopping in dappled forest shade under beautiful blue skies for morning tea and lunch.

On return, leaders Bob and Karen provided a veranda afternoon tea at their nearby home, with panoramic views of the western mountain ranges . Thanks, Karen and Bob.
Joe  

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Around Pollwombra Mountain
Thursday 10 June 2010

Three wise Bobs Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Helen Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Merv and Carol Photo by Karen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The Mogo morning was fine and cool when 20 walkers met in the carpark for a 15km ramble around Pollwombra Mountain just north of Moruya.

Our leader, Karen C took us on shady forest tracks which occasionally crossed creeks which were actually flowing! At the morning tea stop we were serenaded by a lyrebird whose impressive repertoire included a kookaburra, black cockatoo, whipbird, rosella, currawong - and many more other birdsongs.

We were very lucky to see closeup two glossy black cockatoos with red tails feeding on casuarina cones beside the track. We don't often see these birds in our area, and when we do, it's difficult to get close.

The walk after lunch took us along a high ridge from where we could look down through the forest to the ocean. A great way to spend a sunny winter's day.
Bob M  

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Bawley Point and Willinga Lake Stroll
Saturday 5 June 2010

Gaye and Karen with bracket fungus Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Joan adds to the cairn Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob, Bob and Joan marvelling at the surfers Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

We walked. It did not rain. (There was sunshine!) However it was also a day of mystery. The original walk was blocked by rushing streams and our little lot of 17 walkers were not keen to get their feet wet, so we diverted. Our leader Karen decided that walking in circles might be our best bet. So, we did. Along the rocks and beaches of Bawley Point, poking our noses into nooks and crannies, and staring at board riders riding wild waves of seemingly immense size, particularly at a section of rocks known as Guillotine Point, because if anyone fell off their boards onto the rocks........

A wonderful leisurely walking day, and we actually travelled further than initially intended.
Bob B  

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Source of the Buckenboura
Saturday 5 June 2010

Walk cancelled due wet weather. Watch out for it on the next Program.
 

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Bombay Area West of Braidwood
Wednesday 2 June 2010

Walk cancelled due to wet weather
 

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South Durras Coast
Sunday 30 May 2010

Walk cancelled due to wet weather
 

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Bolaro Mountain and Hanns Road
Thursday 27 May 2010

Walk cancelled due to wet weather. Watch out for it on the next Program.
 

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Durras Lake and The Discovery Trail
Saturday 22 May 2010

Walk Leader Claudia Photo supplied by Claudia Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Durras Lake is a mirror Photo supplied by Claudia Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Olive collapses on a handy spotted gum Photo supplied by Claudia Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Claudia's walk starting on Mt Agony Road took us first through open forest and then down into rain forest. We followed Durras Lake for a good part of the walk and then across an arm of the creek before entering the Discovery Trail.

All were enthralled by the majesty of the trees the shapes and forms and size of them were just stunning. Even saw the bright red fruit of the Burrawang.

Thanks Claudia for a very enjoyable walk.
Denise  

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Long Beach to Beyond Reef Point via Beaches and Cliffs
Wednesday 19 May 2010

Six walkers started the day at the western end of Long Beach, and picked up two more "lost" people at the civilised part of the beach. The sun shone, a light breeze kept it cool enough to enjoy a beach walk along one of the pristine areas of the Bay, and included sighting of porpoises, black sooty oyster catchers and pied oyster catchers.

Morning tea at the western end of Maloneys Beach was followed by walking along the beach and around the rocks and beaches of Chain Bay to Yellow Rocks not far from North Head. A return route was in the bushland behind the beaches through Murramarang National Park and back to join the two short walkers (one 5 foot 6 inches and one five foot six inches), waiting to walk after lunch back to Long Beach.
Bob B  

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Upper Shoalhaven Camp NSW
Saturday 8 May 2010  

Tuesday 18th, the first day the Upper Shoalhaven Camp, on a brilliant autumn day 14 club members met at Berlang Camping Area south of Braidwood. We commenced our walk by crossing the Shoalhaven River via the stepping stones. All made it across with no mishaps, much to the disappointment of the photographers waiting for an action shot.

After leaving the river, the path follows a gentle upward slope for 2 km to the Big Hole for morning tea. This remarkable feature is thought to have formed when the overlying Devonian sandstone collapsed into a subterranean limestone cavern, creating a chasm some 96 metres deep and 50 metres wide. A viewing area lets one look into its depth to see the umbrella shape of Tree Ferns growing in the base.

Crossing the Shoalhaven River Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Track to Big Hole Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Platform at the Big Hole Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	The Big Hole Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

From here the track undulated through dry forest for about 3 km and then plunged down 331 steps into the Marble Arch Gorge. Lunch was postponed in our eagerness to explore. Armed with cameras and torches we entered the dry rocky creek bed that wound its way into the gorge. The whole site is amazing, the marbled walls, astounding rock formations, sparkling crystal stalactites, ferns and vines, it’s a must-see locale that words alone cannot describe.

After lunch we headed back up those 331 steps and back to our cars. Here the 6 day walkers drove home and the other 8 to Wyanbene where they planned to camp for two nights. Thanks Lynne & Michael for a fabulous walk.
Karen C

Lesley in Marble Arch gorge Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Kay in Marble Arch gorge Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Val and Lynne at Marble Arch Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Karen, Kay and Donna in cave at Marble Arch Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On the 2nd day of the camp we did a short walk to the Cascades where National Parks have constructed steps, a walkway, and a viewing platform. From there we could see the water rushing down the granite outcrops. We then set out to look at the Tuross Falls. The walk was very pleasant, we passed by many granite boulders and through a very attractive forest.

We returned to the car park and were provided with a gourmet lunch, sausages, home grown capsicum, tomato and onion sauce, fried onions and later banana cake, carrot cake and tea or coffee.

Later in the day we explored Wyanbene Caves near the campsite. A great day was had by all.
Betty

Morning at Wyanbene Camp Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Did someone mention -3 degrees? Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Tuross Cascades Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mike, Lynne, Bob, Betty, Joe, Kay on track to Tuross Falls Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Leaders Mike & Lynne with Joe, Betty & Kay at BBQ Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mike at Wyanbene Caves entrance Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Spiderweb in forest mist Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Donna, Joe, Betty, Cliff, Mike, Lynne & Kay Photo by Bob Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On day 3 and in forest mist, we rock-hopped the nearby river, walked north through low scrub, then east over a wide plain of minature heath, tussock, and native grasses, where kangaroo and wallaby grazed, and wombat holes fairly peppered the ground by clumps of stunted eucalypts.

The plain gave way to a dry ferny valley, which quickly changed to a steep sided shallow ravine. Here, shrouded by tree fern, a small underground torrent gushed directly from the mountain wall of limestone rocks, to chatter merrily away into the depths of the gorge below.

We sidled into the upper gorge onto a rocky vantage point with views out over the wild country below, lunched in the shade of an errant camphor laurel tree, then retraced our steps, over a slightly different path, passing an old gold mine, and disturbing a bunch of wild pigs on the walk back. Thanks, Lynne and Michael, for a great day.
Joe  

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Dalmeny to Narooma
Sunday 16 May 2010  

Jean Photo by Lyn Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Peter and the Pacific Ocean Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Views south to Narooma Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

More views Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Scenic rest stop Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Dalmeny coastline Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Sunday the 16th May a group of Batemans Bay Bushwalkers went on a walk along the pathway from Dalmeny to Narooma. The walk began at the Dalmeny Bowling Club. While the drivers organised a car shuffle the members left to wait were entertained by the local Croquet Club practising their moves. After getting an idea how to play the game it was soon time for us to set off on our walk when the others returned.

This day wasn’t our usual bush bash through the forest or climb up a steep mountain, but it proved to be very relaxing as we strolled along the pathway checking out the views across rock shelves and beaches to the ocean. After a short time some members decided that a cappuccino at a coffee shop might be a good idea – why not, we don’t often find coffee shops out in the bush! Others chose to sit on a grassed area near the Dalmeny Camping Ground to enjoy the view which overlooked the sea to have their morning tea break.

When we all came together again we continued on, passing Josh’s & Yabbarra Beach. One member decided that the rock shelves seemed a bit more exciting than the pathway so he strode along the rocks keeping an eye on the rest of us from below. After passing through Lions Park and across the bridge over Kianga Lake we were nearing the end of the walk. To top the day off most of the members had decided that lunch at Anton’s Restaurant would go down well. Thanks go to our leader Lesley for very delightful day.
Carol  

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Durras Mountain and Down the East Face
Thursday 13 May 2010

Group on Durras Mountain Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Track down the east face Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Return along the coast Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Our walk started at Pretty Beach, and headed up the track to the summit of Durras Mountain. We then turned east and followed a very old, but still discernible track down the east face of the mountain which took us past a long abandoned dam and through a couple rotted gates. We guessed that the track we were following was a farm road for the property which once stood on the top of the mountain.

The track descends along a ridge flanked on both sides by deep sided gullies full of magnificent rainforest. It peters out well short of the coast and we we bush bashed our way through to the beach. From there it was just the usual amazing scenic route back along the cliffs and beaches to our start point at Pretty Beach. Thanks Geoff and Elizabeth for finding yet another magic walk on Durras Mountain.
Karen M  

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The Dingo Hole and Whittakers Creek
Saturday 8 May 2010

Dry creek bed Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Surprised yabby Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lunch Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Creek walking Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The sun shone brilliantly on Saturday morning as a group of 10 enthusiastic bushwalkers met by Moruya bridge. The mob drove to the start of a newly minted 14 km walk called The Dingo Hole and Whittakers Creek, a few kilometres south of Bodalla. Our intrepid leader Bob T led us, secateurs to the ready, on an interesting and varied course.

We started off on minor forest roads, crossed through the Dingo Hole which was a deep but dry hole in a creek, presumably where dingos gathered to drink, then onto overgrown tracks culminating in a descent to Whittakers Creek (secateurs country). We walked along the mostly dry creek bed, admiring the many pools and a colourful yabby which was even more surprised than we were. We were also entertained by a raucous choir of black cockatoos whose shrill cries echoed off the sides of the creek. Thanks to Bob for a great walk.
Bob M  

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Belowra Creek Mine
Wednesday 5 May 2010

Visiting old abandoned gold mines and seeing bits of associated machinery in the middle of nowhere were the main aims of the day, and seven Batemans Bay Bushwalkers achieved that on the recent walk led by Lynne.

The deep open-shaft mines had very clean cut sides and some had a bend in their shaft - but either way you wouldn't want to trip anywhere near them! The overgrown old track wound up and over and around a hill and after viewing a number of these open mines, the small group pushed through undergrowth down to the tiny little Belowra creek which mostly trickled underground with a few pools on the pebbly, nearly dry creek bed. There were also plenty of tree fern stands. There we saw the remnants of some old rusty boilers from the area's former mining days.

Along the overgrown track we saw some epacris impressa shrubs which were a nice splash of red in the bush, some pale wattle and bottlebrush that had delightful little lemon flowers with brown stamens on the outside of the bloom. Overall it was an interesting day where everyone imagined the long-gone mining activity in the area.
Author not credited  

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Cullendulla Creek Boardwalk
Sunday 2 May 2010  

Fifteen walkers and a baby assembled to enjoy the surrounds of Surfside and Cullendulla Creek Nature Reserve. It was a most beautiful Indian Summer morning as we set out from the car park. The route took us in front of the Easts Riverside Holiday Park and along Surfside beach where we joined the boardwalk which wended its way along the shore of Cullendulla Creek.

Then back through a bush track to rejoin the beach at Surfside. Environmental Information Boards provided details of the area and its original inhabitants. The baby, safely ensconced in a back carrier, thoroughly enjoyed it all as did the walkers, noting the sparkling sea and the proliferation of bird life. What a great start to the day!
Trish  

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Potato Point Beaches and Bush
Thursday 29 April 2010  

Twelve walkers set off from Potato Point on a perfect bushwalking day. We walked south along a pleasant track and were surprised to see 2 emus in the bush (not indigenous, but brought to Horse Island many years ago). Further along kangaroos were spotted - we were certainly off to a good start! Jamieson's Point was an ideal spot for morning tea with a clear view of Montague Island and Mt Dromedary.

We then headed north again back into Potato Point with a creek crossing at the boat ramp providing interest (shoes off and refreshing water). After Potato Point Beach and via Blackfellows Point, we walked through a lovely woodland of spotted gum and burrawangs, some with bright orange/red fruit on show, and down to Tuross Lake edge for lunch. As well as the view being enjoyed, a heron, swans and sea eagles were spotted.

After lunch we meandered along the lake edge and "wattle bashed" on the sand spit, and over sand dunes, finally emerging at the ocean - a welcome and beautiful sight. A brisk beach walk brought us back to the cars.
Marilyn  

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An Adventure in the Buckenboura Wilderness
Wednesday 21 April 2010

Report not received
 

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