BEGA VALLEY BUSHWALKERS20th ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME for 2008
PLEASE NOTE:ALL PERSONS JOINING ANY WALK OR ACTIVITY DO SO AS VOLUNTEERS IN ALL RESPECTS AND THEREBY ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE INCURRED TO OR BY THEMSELVES, OR FROM ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ARISING FROM ILL HEALTH, OR ADVERSE CONDITIONS AT ANY TIME. BEGA VALLEY BUSHWALKERS ORGANISERS AND APPOINTED LEADERS ARE ABSOLVED FROM ANY LIABILITY WHAT-SO-EVER FROM ANY PARTICIPANT AT ANY TIME.Again this year there will be one meeting point only for each walk so if in doubt about its location, please contact the walk leader for directions and the departure time from that point. All walks will proceed upon the decision of the walk leader for that day. No dogs or small children please. Each walk is graded for degree of difficulty (easy, moderate, hard or a combination) and approximate distance of the walking route is stated. The term terrain is used as an indication of the main type of ground and vegetation which the walk covers. Please note different departure times for each walk.
Enquiries regarding general matters can be made to either of this year's walk organisers, Peter Guthrey or John Henshaw via this blog. For details of individual walks, enquiries should be made to the relevant walk leader(s) - again via a comment on the blog.
Phone numbers available by emailing Bev or John or myself (Neil).
Levels of difficulty:
EASY - think of it as a straightforward stroll - but note the distance involved.
MODERATE - some parts may involve climbing or walking through thick vegetation. Reasonable levels of fitness required.
HARD - Good fitness essential - may involve climbing or rough stretches. Not advised for your first walk.
30 March HIDDEN COAST AND HINTERLAND EastLeader: Bev Koellner
Distance: 12 km
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Forest trails, footpaths and beach
Meeting Point Tathra Public School, Bega Street, Tathra
Time 9.00 am
This lovely circular ramble includes everything a good bushwalker wants, from spectacular coastal scenery to delightful remnant rainforest with giant trees. Much of the district's early history is seen and explained along the way. It's a great start to this year's programme.
13 April THE SCENIC BEACHES WALK SouthLeader: John Henshaw
Distance: 8 km
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Sandy beaches and rocky foreshore
Meeting Point: Outside Service Station just past Eden Roundabout on Princes Highway
Time: 9.30 am
On this great little walk we visit six different beaches, each with its own appeal and all within easy reach of each other. If you like exploring hidden places, this is for you.
27 April PALM VALLEY AND THE RIDGE TO NOWHERE NorthLeader: Delma Bennett
Distance: 6.km
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Bush, tracks and beach
Meeting Point: Cnr. Aragannu Road turnoff on the Tathra/Bermagui Road
Time: 9.30 am
Another great circular walk in Mimosa Rocks National Park up through a lovely palm filled valley to a high ridge overlooking the coast. Our return journey passes through both open woodland and thick rainforest to eventually emerge onto the golden sands of Arragannu Beach. It really is worth the effort.
11 May "THE STRANGEST PLACE" WestLeader: John Henshaw
Distance: 6 km
Grade: Moderate/hard
Terrain: Steep fire trails and bush
Meeting Point: Opposite Bemboka Pie Shop, Snowy Mountains Highway, Bemboka
Time: 9.30 am
A journey into Wadbilliga Wilderness to a place of unusual rock formations which seem to distort the senses with strange sensations and a touch of unreality. It's not Hanging Rock – but experience it for yourself.
25 May JOURNEY TO DORL BAY EastLeader John Henshaw
Distance 8 km
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Lakeside tracks, forest and beach
Meeting Point: Cnr. Haighs Road and Tathra/Bermagui Road, 10 km north of Bega River Mouth Bridge
Time: 9.30 am
Magnificent scenery awaits us on this circular walk in Mimosa National Park as we journey along winding lake and bush tracks between two coastal lake systems. Delightful lakeside vistas, lovely coastal forests and unusual formations are all a part of this great day out.
8 June A VISIT TO MALLACOOTA SouthLeader: Deb Nerrie
Distance: 7-8 km
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Beach, tracks and coastal pathways
Meeting Point Cnr. Princes Highway and Mallacoota Road (over long bridge
on left hand side opposite Genoa township)
Time: 9.30 am
Any visit to Mallacoota is a guarantee of maximum enjoyment and on this delightful circular walk around the lake foreshore extra interest will be added by Deb's considerable knowledge of our marine environment. A variety of accommodation is available so consider staying overnight to explore and enjoy more of this long weekend. Phone Deb for further details.
22 June YAMBULLA GOLDFIELDS SouthLeader: Ian Nerrie
Distance: 6-8 km
Grade: Moderate/hard
Terrain: Tracks and bush
Meeting Point: Pambula Post Office, Pambula
Time: 8.30 am
Ian takes us on an investigation of the old Yambulla Goldfields south of Mt. Imlay which in its heyday in 1896 provided 1,000 oz of gold from 1,200 tons of ore – some relics remain hidden in the bush but will not escape Ian's keen eye on this fascinating journey into Australia's gold mining past. Don't miss it.
6 July RIVER AND SEA SouthLeaders Helmut Kerkhoff and Fay Wellard
Distance: 8 km
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Terrain: Tracks, bush and beach
Meeting Point Pambula Post Office
Time: 9.00 am
Another lovely circular walk in Ben Boyd National Park taking in delightful scenes along coastal forest trails and hidden tracks. Bird and wildlife abound in this area and pods of dolphin can be seen inshore from time to time. Another great day out.
20 July THE OLD SOUTH COAST ROAD NorthLeader: Martin Kotvois
Distance: 12 km
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Old roadway
Meeting Point: Cnr.Dignams Creek Road and Princes Highway
(10 km north of Cobargo)
Time: 9.30 am
A most interesting historical ramble along the old convict built south coast road by Reedy Creek taking in the delightful forest scenery. Martin has a fund of amusing stories and historical happenings that occurred along the way, which will undoubtedly add to the enjoyment of the day.
3 August ON TO MIDDLE LAGOON EastLeader: Ian Burns
Distance: 8 km
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Forest tracks, bush and beach
Meeting Point: Cnr. Dr. George Mountain Road and Tathra/Bermagui Road
(near Tanja Bridge)
Time: 9.30 am
Another of Ian's lovely circular walks through coastal forest to Middle Lagoon. Plenty of beach and lakeside scenery to enjoy and a variety of bird life to please all who want to explore this beautiful area. A similar visit last year had a record attendance.
17 August AROUND BEMBOKA WITH LEN WestLeader: Len Gazzard
Distance: 8 km
Grade: Easy/moderate
Terrain: Forest tracks, bush and open areas
Meeting Point: Opposite Bemboka Pie Shop, Snowy Mountains Highway, Bemboka
Time: 9.30 am
Len knows this area very well and will take us on a most enjoyable walk along winding tracks and pathways through farmland and forested areas to scenic lookouts over the Bega Valley. Expect a most enjoyable day.
31 August ON TO GULAGA 2008 NorthLeader: Robert Lewin
Distance: 10 km
Grade: Moderate/hard
Terrain: Tracks and bush
Meeting Point: North side of Dignams Creek Bridge, Princes Highway
(10 km north of Cobargo)
Time: 9.15 am
Another of Robert's challenging exploration adventures as we tackle the south face of Mt. Dromaderry and descend down the eastern slope. There is much to see of interest on this trek, which involves a car shuffle.
14 September MI MIMOSA EastLeaders Ian Bovill and Ulli Groiss
Distance: 9 km
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Terrain: Forest tracks, bush, beach and road
Meeting Point: Cnr. Nelson Lake Road and Tathra/Bermagui Road
(1.5 km north of Bega River mouth Bridge)
Time: 9.00 am
Saunter through the scrub, wave at the wallabies, exclaim over the eagles, clash with the crabs, stroll along the sand – this one has it all. A variety of vegetation and heaps of habitats will keep your interest as you enjoy Mimosa National Park. Bring sturdy boots, as there may be some wet patches and unstable track surfaces.
28 September ON TOP OF BIAMANGA EastLeader: Peter Guthrey
Distance: 8 km
Grade: Hard
Terrain: Bush and rainforest creek
Meeting Point: Greendale Bridge, Princes Highway
Time: 8.30 am
A challenging walk with beautiful forest vistas and magnificent rainforest on Mumbulla Creek. Experienced walkers only please.
6 to 9 October HISTORIC CURRANGO West(4 days/3 nights) Kosciuszko National Park
Leaders: Lynne Evans and Philip Kendall
Walks: A programme of full and half day walks to the Cooleman Plains, Blue Waterholes, Old Currango Homestead and the Upper Murrumbidgee Valley.
Grades: will be advised by the leaders each day
Meeting Point: "The Big Trout" Adaminaby, Snowy Mountains Highway, Adaminaby
Time: 10.00 am on Monday 6 October
Accommodation: Cottage style shared accommodation (limited numbers) must be prepaid to Philip or Lynne – phone them for details and bookings.
Gaiters or leg protection from grass seeds is recommended on all walks.
What a wonderful opportunity to explore part of Kosciuszko National Park over four days with
experienced leaders like Lynne and Phil. Both have strong connections with the National Parks Service and will bring you the very best of walking pleasure during this once only visit. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience.
19 October WALLAGA LAKE NATIONAL PARK NorthLeader: Robert Lewin
Distance: 10 km
Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Fire Trails and bush
Meeting Point: Cnr. Rileys Road and Cobargo/Bermagui Road
(10 km from Cobargo and 10 km from Bermagui)
Time: 9.45 am
This is Robert's special area and on this walk he takes us into the National Park and through private property to reveal the lovely scenery between Narira Creek and Dignams Creek.
2 November MURRABRINE MAGIC NorthLeader: Peter Guthrey
Distance: 6 km
Grade: Moderate/Hard
Terrain: Trails, bush and open farmland, steep in parts
Meeting Point: Quaama General Store (just off Princes Highway)
Time: 9.00 am
Our last full day walk for this our 20th Anniversary year. Peter will take us up and over the Murrabrine Ridge in a circular walk of much interest with several stops at lookout points along the way. There may be a surprise or two as well. Don't miss this special occasion, which will be well remembered.
16 November END OF SEASON BARBECUELocation Lions Park, Tathra, just south of Bega River mouth Bridge
Time: 12 noon
B.Y.O. Everything. A short walk will follow the BBQ
IMPORTANT MESSAGEBoth John Henshaw and Peter Guthrey will retire as walk organisers for Bega Valley Bushwalkers at the end of this year's programme, after 20 years of jointly arranging the very best of walking pleasure for all to enjoy and remember.
If you would like to become walk co-ordinator in future years, please contact John for all the details. This is a voluntary community service position recognised by Centrelink and the New South Wales State Government as such and operates under the requirements of the Department of Sport and Recreation for insurance purposes. It is not a great deal of work and has its own rewards.
And, as always, sincere thanks and appreciation to all our walk leaders for their collective voluntary efforts in bringing us another great year of memorable experiences – have an enjoyable Christmas and a safe and happy New Year – and – keep those feet moving!
