Third Quarter for 2012. See below for
Walk Reports and Photos

Due to logging in part of the proposed walk area, a re-think saw the walk split into two sections. The first section was a return trip exploring the beaches and rocky foreshores of Surfside to the boardwalk along Cullendulla Creek. Next we were off to explore some of the forest right on Batemans Bay’s doorstep.

Parking near the sawmill, we headed up to Round Hill for lunch, before heading downhill along a series of tracks eventually arriving in an area just behind Catalina. The walk took us through some very pretty areas where ferns flourished in cool damp gullies. Naturally, the final part of the walk was a climb back up to the cars.

Always surprising to find these beautiful pockets of bush so close to the urban heart of Batemans Bay.
Mary  

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Tomakin to Barlings Caravan Park
Saturday 22 September 2012

Walking towards Tomakin headland Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob on the beach Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Granite Falls and George Boyd Lookout
Wednesday 19 September 2012

No report received
 

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Durras Mountain up No Name Creek
Sunday 16 September 2012

Durras Mountain on a sunny day Photo by Wayne Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Rock orchid in flower Photo by Wayne Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Group climbs Durras Mountain through rapier sedge Photo by Wayne Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens
Thursday 13 September 2012

New Walk Leader, John Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bev, Jan and Marlene Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Thursday 13 September, 11 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers braved the overcast and cool weather to take a leisurely walk around the Eurobodalla Botanical Gardens.

The walk started from the car park and took us around the bird hide, the sensory garden, and on past a children’s playground. We wandered past the visitors centre and followed the Deep Creek track until we found the forest track which continued on to Deep Creek Dam viewing platform, where we stopped for morning tea. By this time it had started to rain, but we still enjoyed a stop to admire the Dam and the surrounding scenery.

It was soon time to get going again and we followed the track back to the Arboretum, stopping to look at some of the trees which were dedicated to people who once lived, but were now remembered by having their names next to a tree planted in the gardens. As we walked along through the botanical gardens admiring the beautiful trees and shrubs in flower, it was obvious how dedicated and hard working the volunteers are who work there to keep it looking so lovely, even on a wet day.

Thanks go to our leader John who had never led a bushwalk before, and his assistant Joan, for showing us a beautiful part of the Eurobodalla Shire.
Carol  

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Swamp Creek Tracks
Saturday 8 September 2012

The group on one of the overgrown tracks Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The sun was shining and the recent wild winds had abated, allowing 11 walkers to enjoy a brilliant 8 kilometre walk on old tracks near Swamp Creek, Bodalla overlooking the beautiful Tuross Valley.

We passed many Spring wildflowers in bloom including the lovely pomaderris and Bower wattle. Lunch was in a very dry creek bed, while we speculated on when it would rain again.

Many thanks to Bob T for leading us into this scenic area, which is new territory for our bushwalking club.
Bob M  

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Fire Hut and T Ridge Roads
Wednesday 5 September 2012

No report received
 

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Backpack - Goodsell Basin, Corang Arch, Budawangs
4 - 6 September 2012

Large overhangs Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Home sweet home for 2 nights Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	A large pillar against the main cliff Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Sharon under a delicate arch Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lyrebird nest Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Wendy checks out two geological layers Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Goodsell Basin is in the western Budawang Wilderness near Wog Wog. It is almost enclosed by clifflines and there is no track to it. I could find no reference to bushwalkers visiting it although I am sure some have in the past, even miners of the gold rush era. Most bushwalkers bypass the valley as they hurry past on their way to either Corang Arch, Corang Cascades, or further.

On this occasion five Batemans Bay bushwalkers ventured into the basin to discover its secrets. Leaving the main track at 332924 (WGS 84) and heading east, the thickest of the bush bashing was avoided by sticking to the forested country. Some open territory on the lower slopes was a welcome relief to the usual Budawangs vegetation found off track. A cosy, watered, but small campsite on Goodsell Creek at 349923 was quickly established and after a late lunch we explored a one kilometer cliffline around the small basin to the northeast.

Here, the near vertical metamorphic rocks, which also form the many rock rib areas of the western Budawangs, including Corang Cascades, are base to the overlying horizontal Sydney sandstone conglomerates. The distinct line between the two bedrocks within the cliffline was very evident in many places, separated in geological time by a mere 100 million years. It was a sobering thought that the thin junction of rock in front of us occurred about 300 million years ago, at the time of Pangea!

The softer layers in the metamorphics have since eroded and form many slot caves in the area, many of which we explored, some leading into darkness. The overlying conglomerates, littered with small to large, smoothly water worn stones concreted into the sediment, exhibited beautiful sculptures of honeycombing throughout the cliffs.

Next day we began a traverse of the main cliffline to the south, forming the two arms of the head of Goodsell Creek. This cliffline was all conglomerate with extensive honeycombing, some high bluffs, and large overhangs (none of camping quality due to either sloping or stoney floors). The walking was generally open but still tiring due to deep litter, some fern patches and the ups and downs from gully to gully. Rock ramps to the top were scarce.

Warm northwesterly winds picked up speed and reached gale force during the day. The cliffline provided us with grateful shelter. The gully heads were shady and the heads of the branching gullies constricted to cool, shady crevasses, a few with near permanent water holes. It was here the lyrebirds were nesting. One was inspected at close quarters with startling results to peering walkers as a brooding hen made its presence felt with a high pitched shriek of “get lost!”.

A small, delicate arch curved from the cliffline of about 10 metres height and resembled the shape of an animal tail. Nearby, a small overhang contained a long extinguished fire. Among the charcoal was a small collection of Aboriginal stone flakes, reminding us that human activity was here long before we ventured into the basin.

Through lack of time we bypassed about two kilometers of the traverse, the very head of the western arm of Goodsell Creek, and detoured toward camp. Near the western portal, and before descending the ridge, we entered a very sheltered, deep clefted valley where the sun rarely penetrates. The flat valley floor had an open rainforest leading to an atrium with dry waterfall. At the base of the tall cleft in the rock sat a large stone, uncannily looking like a constructed door sill. Standing on the sill, despite many fist bangings and a number of “open Sesame!” calls, we were denied entry to any other world which might have existed beyond. We should have invited Indiana Jones.

On the third day we exited the valley by following Goodsell Creek downstream to the Corang Cascades track, along which we “zoned out” for the slog back to the Wog Wog car park.

This ended a very interesting and rewarding visit to the Goodsell Creek basin. Thank you to my fellow walkers for sharing the exploration – Betty, Sharon, Wendy and Bronwyn.
Ian B  

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Carters Creek Rainforest from Boundary Trail
Sunday 16 September 2012

Carters Creek Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

The Kings Highway and Western Distributor roads provided us 6 adventurers with thrilling vistas and we hadn't even arrived at our departure point.

We dived down, down, down off a very overgrown Boundary Firetrail to the cool, lush, green environment of Carter's Creek. One of our group couldn't stop taking photos, it was so awe inspiring. Lots of plant identification took place that I cannot recall, but I do remember the Coachwood tree.

The long and winding trek back to the cars was made more enjoyable by the wonderful camaraderie shown by all. A big thank you to our 2 leaders, Valerie and Bob, for getting us there and back.
Wayne  

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Little Forest Plateau Wildflower Ramble
Thursday 30 August 2012

Mike Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ainslie Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Min, Helen and Bev Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Bob B and Pigeonhouse Photo by Mike Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

15 walkers assembled at the Benandara Service Station to be signed in by the leaders Ainslie and Mike before driving on to Milton for morning tea, and then inland on Porters Creek Road to the Florance Head Track carpark on Little Forest Plateau.

The wind blew cold from the West, but the day was sunny, and the early spring flowers were a delight. At Florance Head the air was clear of any haze, and the views across Pigeon House Gorge to Pigeon House Mountain, The Castle, and Byangee Walls were lovely.

After returning to the cars the group drove to the Porters Creek Lookout for extensive views of the coast, and then back to highway, stopping for afternoon tea at Yattah Yattah.

We then then drove on to Ulladulla, where an optional short walk (taken by about half the group) in the South Pacific Headland Reserve displayed more spring flowers, with many species including Warratahs and Flannel Flowers not found on the Plateau.
Mike  

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Pooh Corner to Misty Mountain
Saturday 25 August 2012

Betty, Sharon and Bronwyn discuss the old stone wall behind them Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob, Val and Sharon navigate Sugarloaf Creek Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Peter, Betty, Bob and Minh enjoy the rainforest Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

This hard day walk attracted nine BBBW members. Although less than 6 kilometres horizontally, the route also descends and climbs 800 metres. In that short distance it traverses a wide variety of landforms and vegetation.

We departed Clyde Mtn at the King’s Highway summit and made our way southeastward through thick fern under Brown Barrels, Messmate and Peppermint. We navigated to the ridge descending ESE at 251610 (AGD 66) where a small stand of White Ash guards the escarpment. Careful navigation is needed to ensure that other precipitous blind ridges are avoided.

The correct ridge is narrow and moderately steep dominated by Silvertop Ash with an open understorey. An old 10 metre long rock wall was encountered about half way down to the first saddle, perhaps an original cattle blockade?

At 263604 we dived over the side to the southwest descending very quickly on loose scree slopes through large Yellow Stringbarks into the junction of two arms of an unnamed tributary of Sugarloaf Creek. The flat bottomed valley hosts a very good stand of cool temperate rainforest with an open understory making walking through it a real pleasure.

The rainforest contains numerous examples of large Coachwood and Soapy Box trees, the latter up to 2 metres in diameter and hosting prolific circular growths of luxuriant Bird Nest Ferns. In the upper reaches of the creek, even at only 300 metres elevation, some examples of Pinkwood enjoy the cold air drainage features of the valley. Only one Giant Stinging Tree was seen, still in its juvenile stage.

Following the banks of the gurgling creek for a kilometre was very enjoyable. Lunch was taken before leaving the rainforest and joining Sugarloaf Creek, itself a delightful solid, rock bottomed narrow valley which will deserve more exploration at a later date.

Then, crunch time. From 271595 we attacked the steep, warm, western ridge of 240 vertical metres up to Misty Mountain Road through fire scarred Silvertop Ash. The strenuous climb scoured any vestiges of a previous decadent lifestyle from our arteries and veins and reminded our heart there were still many more bushwalks ahead for us all.

It was a very enjoyable day walk where, as usual, hard work brings rewards. The rainforest visit alone was worth the effort.
Ian B  

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Dalmeny Dawdle
Wednesday 22 August 2012

No report received
 

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Coles Creek Cave
Sunday 19 August 2012

Group en route Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Coles Cave Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Taking a break Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Ian, once again, led 11 fellow bushwalkers on what was another very interesting 15 km walk. Commencing in the hinterlandof the Milton area, we parked our vehicles and set off at a brisk pace along the various fire trails snaking through the tall turpentine forest, quickly ascending to the ridge line where the track then undulated until we reached the point of our descent and intent.

As we proceeded downward, the vegetation changed to that of temperate rainforest with verdant cabbage palms and tree ferns along the creek bank. We proceeded a short distance to our lunch spot, replete with a very significant rock overhang completing the tranquil setting. After a reflective lunch we set off briskly once again out of this hidden valley reaching our cars with time to spare, the thoughts of afternoon tea at the pie shop a certainty. Thanks Ian for another excellent walk.
Lynne  

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Tracks on Cockwhy Ridge
Thursday 16 August 2012

No report received
 

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Downfall Fire Trail
Saturday 11 2012

Patrick, Betty, Ian, Lin, and Kay Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Glider Feeder Tree Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Stock photo of yellow bellied glider Stock Photo Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Six Batemans Bay Bushwalkers enjoyed a 13 kilometre walk along both the crest and the southern base of the Downfall Ridge within Currowan State Forest. The ridge is a part of the Moruya granite batholith and supports a beautiful forest of Spotted Gums and Burrawangs with some patches of Yellow Stringybark and Maidens Blue Gum.

By using the Downfall and Spring Creek Fire Trails with a short steep descent connecting the two at their western ends, the walkers were able to complete a five hour circuit back to the Kings Highway.

As well as enjoying walking over massive granite slabs on the ridgetop, the walkers found an unusual form of Yellow Bellied Glider feed tree more typically found on the north coast.
Ian  

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Annual Rogaine
Thursday 9 August 2012

The start Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Ian, Bob, Brian and Ian's Team Photo by Chris Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob, Jan, Ainslie and Mike's Team Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Lesley, Ann, Margaret and Karen's Team Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob, Charles and Stan's Team Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mary, Chris, Sharon and Karen's Team Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Thursday 10th August, 21 bushwalkers met at 8am to compete in our Annual Rogaine. To get there we travelled north on the Princes Highway, turned left onto The Old Highway to the spot in the South Brooman State Forest where Len had set up a day camp and spent many hours organising the Rogaine.

Len supplied each group with a sheet of clues, topographic map and we had a GPS. The idea was to get to where the control points were placed and for each one, we would be awarded points. Five teams set off in different directions after studying the map to find the best way to attack and end up being the winning team. We had to be back at the base camp by 3 pm.

What a fun day this was, really added to our bushwalk, we learnt to read a topographic map and the GPS. The weather was perfect and the bush was showing signs of spring.

All teams managed to arrive back by 3 pm and, after having our scores added up, the team of Ian C, Ian B, Bob M and Brian won Gold. Silver to Charles, Bob C and Stan. The Bronze went to Karen C, Mary, Sharon and Chris.

This was one of the best days and all members are able to participate as you can walk your own pace with your team and go as far as you want. Arriving back at base camp, Len had the kettle on and Margaret and Karen C supplied cakes, which was very much appreciated. Thanks must go to Len and his assistant Geoff, who put so much effort into getting the day ready for us to participate.
Lesley  

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Cullendulla Creek, Square Head and Long Beach
Wednesday 9 August 2012

Leaders Marlene and Rob with the group Photo by Lesley Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

A splendid winter day saw an early (8.30 am) getaway from the car park, in the direction of the heights over Long Beach, where cars were left. A second lot of cars proceeded to Long Beach, as the walk required a car shuffle. The actual walk started with a descent to the shores of the Cullendulla Creek, which was was picturesque, through young regrowth of spotted gums. Viewed 2 black swans and plenty of evidence of kangaroo activity. Extensive views of calm reflecting waters in the direction of Batemans Bay.

We proceeded along the shore, then found a climbing track equipped with steps to take us to the heights of Square Head. Descent in brilliant sunshine to the beach at Square Head for morning tea. Another climb took us back up Square Head, and then we descended to the shore of Long Beach. Followed the beach to view two interesting houses in the newer section of Long Beach – one with antique lighthouse, and a huge imported palm tree.
John M  

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First Aid Course
Saturday 4 August 2012

Helen and Instructor Bob Photo by Karen C Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lesley, Elizabeth, Denise and Karen Photo by Karen Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No walk was held by the bushwalking club on the weekend of 4th & 5th of August. Instead club members participated in an educative event which was to be a full weekend of First Aid training. This was made available to us by the kindness of the Eurobodalla First Aid Training Group, administered by Learning & Development Officer Andrew Gray, and led by his team of stalwart volunteers: Bob & Heather Cox, and Judee Bryant. This team sacrifice many more weekend hours to training members of the Rural Fire Service.

The club was able to make a generous payment to them of money gained from a grant provided by the NSW Department of Sport & Recreation. More educative equipment, including a practice mannequin for CPR will be able to be purchased. The criteria and intention for the receiving of the grant, was to have as a minimum, one person on every walk able to administer first aid. With 23 participants at the course, from varying walking grades, this should be easily achievable.

With the correlation of the Rural Fire Service working in both more urban areas and isolated bushland, and the bushwalkers frequenting much the same terrain (albeit for far more pleasurable reasons), the course was well geared towards our needs. Requirements needed to administer first aid have to be light and basic.

Our educators were brilliant, keeping us enthralled and enthusiastic. So much so, that instead of the course running over the two intended days, we were able to compact it into one extended day.
Kay  

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Wamban Fire Trails - South
Thursday 2 August 2012

Ian, Bob, Wayne and Brian at Wamban Creek Ford Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Twelve Batemans Bay Bushwalkers braved the steep terrain off Little Sugarloaf Road in the Moruya State Forest on Thursday for a 10 kilometre walk. The walk destination was lunch at Wamban Creek Ford, and to get there they navigated around several hilly fire trails. Fortunately it was a cool, sunny day and perfect for strenuous walking.

The walk finished off with a leisurely afternoon tea at the Walk Leaders' home.
Karen M  

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Sugarloaf and Paradise Roads
Saturday 29 July 2012

Betty and Karen Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

As we left the cars, several horses came to the fence, including three Shetland ponies. Each was a fine specimen, and we debated which was most beautiful. My choice was the light tan one, with a blonde mane, but the pinto with a longer blonde mane, and the black one were also cute.

On over Paradise Creek to the sound of many birds, and up Sugarloaf Road, we 14 fortunate walkers enjoyed lunch with spectacular views of coast and mountains on the top of Sugarloaf Hill. Reluctantly forced by our leader to leave these vistas, we found another hill to climb, before the long descent to the creek, the ponies and with the usual pleasure, the cars.

Another day in Paradise, thanks again to Karen C.
Bob T  

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Beach & Cliffs of Guerilla Bay and Rosedale
Wednesday 25 July 2012

Carol Photo provided by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Mike Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Murramarang and Fire Break Roads
Sunday 22 July 2012

Joan, Bob, Mary & Stan Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Heather, Val & Kay with local dog Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Merry Beach, East Face of Durras Mountain and Return
Thursday 19 July 2012

Geoff, Ann and Ian Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob and Geoff Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

14 fellow bushwalkers started on an 11 kilometre bushwalk which commenced at Merry Beach. They traversed up a steep track to the top of a rocky headland with surrounding native bushes and views of the ocean. We continued on from here, stopping briefly at a very scenic lookout to look at the sea views and rocky outcrops and then on to Pretty Beach where morning tea was had.

From there we came to steep bush track heading up the Durras Mountain and eventually at the top we veered off the main track to make our way down the east face of the mountain to an overgrown track which was once an old road. It was quite interesting going through there – it would have been a lovely road to travel on many years ago. It was quite overgrown and we had to scramble over fallen logs at times as well as an old barbwire fence which was quite a stretch for the legs to get over.

We eventually made it to the coast and walked along the beach and rock shelves, stopping to have lunch along the way before making our way via the coast to Pretty Beach and back to Merry Beach and the cars. What a lovely day it was today and thanks goes to Geoff and Elizabeth for taking us on this very scenic walk.
Carol  

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River to Ridge
Saturday 14 July 2012

Karen and Pat Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Kay, Mary and Lesley Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	River Road Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Clyde River Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Pigeonhouse Mountain Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Group photo Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

On Saturday 14 July, thirteen bushwalkers set off on a walk out from Nelligen on a dirt road which followed along a ridge. There was plenty of up and down hills thrown in, so that gave us a good workout. We passed by tall spotted gums, wattle and iron bark trees, some with orchids dangling from them. We glimpsed the ocean from the top of the ridge and there were scenic views of the surrounding mountains with the well-known bush walking destinations such as the Castle and Pigeon House standing out in the distance.

After a lunch break we came to a pretty gully with ferns and burrawangs scattered throughout. We continued our walk along River Road beside the Clyde River, which was glistening in the sun light on this beautiful winter day. We finally arrived back at the cars after a very enjoyable day. Thanks go to Mary and Stan for leading this walk.
Carol  

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Potato Point & Blackfellow Point Road
Wednesday 11 July 2012

Relaxing by Tuross Lake Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Lesley Photo by Carol Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Spotted gum forest Photo by Donna Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

No report received
 

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Bolaro Mountain North
Sunday 8 July 2012

Bronwyn, Bob, Pat, Ian, Val, Wendy, Lin Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Sharon and the view Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Boulder garden Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Views from one of the many outcrops Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Descending through granite boulders, spotted gums and burrawangs Photo by Ian Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo	Bob sporting some serious first aid Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo

Under clear, windless skies, ten Batemans Bay Bushwalkers climbed and descended the 650 metre high Bolaro Mountain in an eleven kilometre walk within Buckenbowra State Forest.

Bolaro Mountain is the highest remnant of the Moruya granodiorite belt, more often observed in the Moruya farmlands and across the Kings Highway between Nelligen and the Cabbage Tree Creek bridge. By walking the Old Bolaro Road and its associated fire trail to the top of the mountain, the descent of its steep and very rocky northern face produced a number of surprises.

The descent of the rocky northern slopes severely challenged even the sure footed but the exploration brought its rewards. Visits to large granite bedrock slopes and boulder outcrops produced marvellous views of the upper Clyde River valley toward Pigeon House Mountain and beyond. Features of the Budawang Range to the west could also be easily identified. Between the rock outcrops and on the lower slopes, an open and pure Spotted Gum forest with an understory of many luxuriant Burrawangs made for a very picturesque route.

After six hours of solid walking the party was satisfied with a most enjoyable day on one of the most interesting mountains near Batemans Bay.
Ian

A tribute to the spirit of our club. . . . . . .On the walk north of Bolaro Mountain, I slipped and fell, tearing a leg muscle. In some pain, I found myself surrounded by caring companions who applied expert first aid. I could not have asked for better help. Their support encouraged me to get moving and they gave me every possible assistance out of a difficult situation. I feel privileged to be a member of such a capable and caring group, and wish to thank all concerned for their generous assistance.

Incidentally, it was, as is usual for Ian B, a very interesting walk; his knowledge is fascinating, and the injury only served to enhance the experience.
Bob T  

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