Up and Downers Bushwalking Club
Next Walk
Date: Saturday 23 November 2024
Description: CHANGED SINCE VERSION 2 OF THE WALKS PROGRAM AND CHANGED AGAIN DUE TO PLANNED INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY NSW TRAINS
Hunters Hill loop - forest, riverine views, wetlands and NO OPAL CARD.
Grade: Medium
Distance: 16km
Risks: a bit of road walking
Ascents and Descents: None of note
Meeting Point: end of Magdala Road North Ryde
Meeting time: 8.30am
Leader: Garry and Julie
Walkers: Garry and Julie,Iren, Pragati, Chris & Effie, Robyn
Description: CHANGED SINCE VERSION 2 OF THE WALKS PROGRAM AND CHANGED AGAIN DUE TO PLANNED INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY NSW TRAINS
Hunters Hill loop - forest, riverine views, wetlands and NO OPAL CARD.
Grade: Medium
Distance: 16km
Risks: a bit of road walking
Ascents and Descents: None of note
Meeting Point: end of Magdala Road North Ryde
Meeting time: 8.30am
Leader: Garry and Julie
Walkers: Garry and Julie,Iren, Pragati, Chris & Effie, Robyn
Last Walk
Eastwern double drumme: Thopha saccat
Red Hands Gully
Glenbrook: Causeway - Euroka Clearing - Red Hands Cave November 16, 2024
After various adventures with car parks (a warning for future walks that you now need to pay whether you park in or out of the national park), 15 walkers set off along the track to Euroka Clearing. We first walked gradually upwards using very eroded steps, not yet refurbished by NPWS (as many other parts of the track have been). The weather was cool and overcast, really perfect conditions for walking. There were a few wildflowers along the track, some of them a brilliant purple against the red earth and burnt sticks still on the ground from a past fire (possibly the Gospers Mountain fire). After following a creek for some time, we crossed a fire trail before descending more steeply into Euroka Clearing. We had an early morning tea here, spreading out over three picnic tables. There were also plenty of amenities for us to use. A few people were camping in the various campsites in the clearing, all enjoying the green grass and shade.
After a relaxing morning tea, we headed off towards the road along Woodford Range. After a short walk along here, we branched off left, through the bush, heading for Camp Fire Creek where it meets Red Hands Gully. There was some tricky manoeuvring through here, as we needed to scramble down some rock ledges and keep to the ridgeline. There was then a steady climb up stone steps newly laid by NPWS. This section of the walk involved walking beside a creek with wonderful ferns everywhere. Near the top of the gully, we admired Red Hands Cave and read the information provided.
We elected to have an early lunch on the leech-free rocks above the cave and enjoyed the cool breeze and shade, as well as a few sprinkles. Towards the end of lunch, we spied multiple cicadas emerging from their shells. This provided an unplanned lunch entertainment, as we watched cicadas emerge and pump up their crumpled wings until they were fully dry. Over almost half an hour we were able to observe the whole process and look at the holes in the ground that they had come from. There was much chat about the type of cicada (still unresolved) and the life cycle of cicadas. We will all probably be much better informed about them than we were before.
We reluctantly tore ourselves away from this engrossing sight to retrace our steps back down Red Hands Gully and then onto the lower reaches of Camp Fire Creek, eventually reaching the cars after a short climb out of the creek. The ferns in the creek were no less stunning on our return. After the walk we enjoyed drinks (and crisps) at the Lapstone Hotel.
Thanks to everyone for an enjoyable day with good company.
Jenny.
Link to Peter’s Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SERCRwB4Dk1yunXb8
After various adventures with car parks (a warning for future walks that you now need to pay whether you park in or out of the national park), 15 walkers set off along the track to Euroka Clearing. We first walked gradually upwards using very eroded steps, not yet refurbished by NPWS (as many other parts of the track have been). The weather was cool and overcast, really perfect conditions for walking. There were a few wildflowers along the track, some of them a brilliant purple against the red earth and burnt sticks still on the ground from a past fire (possibly the Gospers Mountain fire). After following a creek for some time, we crossed a fire trail before descending more steeply into Euroka Clearing. We had an early morning tea here, spreading out over three picnic tables. There were also plenty of amenities for us to use. A few people were camping in the various campsites in the clearing, all enjoying the green grass and shade.
After a relaxing morning tea, we headed off towards the road along Woodford Range. After a short walk along here, we branched off left, through the bush, heading for Camp Fire Creek where it meets Red Hands Gully. There was some tricky manoeuvring through here, as we needed to scramble down some rock ledges and keep to the ridgeline. There was then a steady climb up stone steps newly laid by NPWS. This section of the walk involved walking beside a creek with wonderful ferns everywhere. Near the top of the gully, we admired Red Hands Cave and read the information provided.
We elected to have an early lunch on the leech-free rocks above the cave and enjoyed the cool breeze and shade, as well as a few sprinkles. Towards the end of lunch, we spied multiple cicadas emerging from their shells. This provided an unplanned lunch entertainment, as we watched cicadas emerge and pump up their crumpled wings until they were fully dry. Over almost half an hour we were able to observe the whole process and look at the holes in the ground that they had come from. There was much chat about the type of cicada (still unresolved) and the life cycle of cicadas. We will all probably be much better informed about them than we were before.
We reluctantly tore ourselves away from this engrossing sight to retrace our steps back down Red Hands Gully and then onto the lower reaches of Camp Fire Creek, eventually reaching the cars after a short climb out of the creek. The ferns in the creek were no less stunning on our return. After the walk we enjoyed drinks (and crisps) at the Lapstone Hotel.
Thanks to everyone for an enjoyable day with good company.
Jenny.
Link to Peter’s Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/SERCRwB4Dk1yunXb8
Click to view Peter' photos
Spring 2024 Walks program
Lyrebird on Grand Canyon Track, Blue Mountains
Please find attached our updated walks program for the next 6 months. See you on the track soon!
This is a guide only. Always check walk write up for final arrangements. 2024_SpringV3.pdf
Factsheet for new members Appendix_B_Factsheet_for_new_members.pdf
Member Updates
Thanks to everyone for making our weekend away a great success. Dave C.
