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WALKS
Sunday July 4th 2010
Stringybark Creek, Lane Cove.
A short walk along one of the reserves of Lane Cove.
Meet at the end of Karilla Ave. Lane Cove at 10-00AM for a walk along Stringybark Creek.
Expected to take about two hours. Bring some morning Tea.
This is a relatively short and easy walk.
Please let Cotter know if you are coming so we can arrange a car shuffle at the end. E-mail to wepa@wepa.org.au
Last minute changes of plan will be on this website.
Sunday November 17th 2009
Blue Mountains National Park, Medlow Bath
Something a a bit different. This exploration of the environs of the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath promises both historical interest and some magnificent Blue Mountains scenery. When the "Hydro" was in its prime, there were several tracks and other facilities for the guests. These are now mostly abandoned, but the tracks are still there - even if they are a bit hard to follow in places.
The walk is not long, but it is challenging in places. The old tracks don't see much use these days and are a bit overgrown in places. Although there are no long hills, this is mountain country and there are a couple of steep bits. Some of the track is quite wet, so expect a bit of mud on your feet. But the rewards are well worth it, with the view from some of the lookouts being absolutely outstanding. Have a look at a couple of photos to give you the idea.
Meet at the Hydro Majestic Hotel (currently closed for development) at 9-45 for 10-00 AM start on Sunday November 17th. Bring good shoes that don't mind a bit of mud. The undergrowth is a bit thick in places, so leg and arm protection is recommended. Bring something to eat and drink, and don't forget your camera. I expect the walk will take between two and three hours, depending on which bits of it we end up doing.
If
you have any questions or would like a lift from Sydney, call Cotter on
9412 2967 or e-mail wepa@wepa.org.au Check this web page on the day if
it looks like bad weather.
Sunday June 21st 2009
Garigal National Park - Bantry Bay
This walk is one of the hidden treasures of Sydney. Whilst parts of the park, particularly the watercourses, have been degraded by weeds the majority of the native bushland is in superb condition. It has everything from sandy heath to rainforest like grottos. all set against the backdrop of Middle Harbour.
Expect the walk to take between 2 and 3 hours. Bring your morning tea, and wear good shoes. Track conditions are generally good, though there will be a little bit of walking up and down hills and it is a bit rough in a couple of patches. You might get wet feet if there has been recent rain. Meet at the locked gate on the right hand side of the road (South side) near the end of Currie Rd Forestville at 9-45 for a 10-00AM start. (Note - this is not the gate at the end of Currie road, there is a small NPWS gate half way down the final hill.)
WALKS from PREVIOUS YEARS
Sunday June 1st 2008
North Arm Walking Track and Explosives Reserve. Pictures
Originally this was to be a walk in the Explosives Reserve only, but Willoughby Council has closed off part of the reserve due to burning. To make the day more interesting, rather than just looking at the lower section of the Explosives Reserve, we will also take in part of the North Arm track and explore the ruins of the old Dance Hall, and some of the less used tracks down to the water
Expect the walk to take between 2 and 3 hours. Bring your morning tea, and wear good shoes. Track conditions are generally good, though there will be a little bit of walking up and down hills. Meet at the entrance to the North Arm track at the bottom of Cammaray Rd, Castle Cove, 10-00AM.
Check this page for updates, more details and last minute advice if the weather looks bad.
Sunday August 31st 2008 Postponed due to rain. New date to be advised
WEPA's Watergate Walk.
The leader is Matthew Keighery. Meet at 9-45 for 10-00AM start at the turning circle in The Redoubt, off The Rampart, Castlecrag. This is an easy walk of 11/2 to 2 hours (plenty of time to look at and photograph plants). There is an optional, short, uneven section to Sailors Bay.
Bring Water, morning tea, wear good walking shoes, hat and sunscreen. If weather is doubtful check the WEPA website www.wepa.org.au before 9-15 on the day or phone Matthew on 9967 2682.
The Watergate Reserve is part of Castlecrag's Griffin Reserve System linking Castlecrag and Northbridge. The reserve was originally proposed as the site of an alternative entry road into Castlecrag. Fortunately, this didn't happen and now this area of intact bushland runs all the way down to Sailors Bay, providing wonderful habitat for flora and fauna. The walking track is the latest addition to Council's walking track system.
Sunday October 19th 2008
Gooches Crater, Newnes Plateau. Pictures of Gooches Crater.
Gooches Crater isn't actually a crater, but a trapped lake at a bend in a small river. It is an amazing place, typical of the spectacular country in this part of the Blue Mountains. Apart from the lake, there is a gigantic overhang cave to explore, and pagodas to admire.
Depending on where we can park, the walk is about 6 kilometers return. There is a bit of a climb on the way back, but not anything too onerous. This walk is in rugged country and although it is not particularly remote, it is still some distance from civilisation. Talk to Cotter if you have any concerns about your fitness to participate. Expect this walk to take up most of the day, bring some lunch and your camera.
More details and some photographs to whet your appetite as we get closer to the date.
Walks from previous years:
Sunday 29th July 2007
Blue Gum and Ferndale Parks West Chatswood. Pictures
Meet at Ferndale Park, West Chatswood, in Dalrymple Ave. opposite the kindergarden. 9-30AM.
We will do a car shuttle across to the start in Blue Gum park, so you can also start at about 10-00AM at the Scout Hall, Kooba Ave. West Chatswood. Our walk will take us down Blue Gum creek to the Lane Cove National Park for a break and a late morning tea. From here we will come back up Swaines Creek through Ferndale Park. The track is a little rough in places, so wear strong shoes. If you are at all concerned about the difficulty of this walk, call Cotter on 9412 2967 or e-mail cerickso@iinet.net.au for more information. Walk should take about 3 hours all up. This will be an interesting mixture of natural areas, regenerated areas and heavily weed infested areas.
Walk will be on unless it is really raining hard. If unsure, check this website at 9-00AM on the day.
Monday 24th April 2006
Botany Wetlands Excursion.
Following on from his wonderful talk last year, Dr. Nimal Chandrasena has kindly agreed to take us on an excursion to the Botany Wetlands. Unfortunately this cannot be organised for a weekend.
The tour will take approximately 3 hours. Nimal is particularly keen that we should be there at dusk.
Coming up:
Saturday 22 July 2006. Visit to Michael Mobbs house. (Tour fully booked at this stage) Meet at 2-00PM at the house, 58 Myrtle Street Chippendale.
Sunday 13 August 2006. 10-00AM to 12 noon. Harold Reid Reserve. Walk to look at the regenerating species after previous ecological burns. May also drive across to Sunnyside Cresc. to view regeneration on the Northern Escarpment after last year's burn. Meet 9-45 for a 10-00AM start. Rembrandt Drive entrance, Middle Cove. Wear walking shoes , hat, etc. and bring some water.. Phone Gay on 9958 8569 up to 9-30 AM on the day for last minute weather queries. If it's wet it will be off.
Sunday 24th September 2006. Warriewood Wetlands. Bird walk with Andy Burton. Meet at Katoa Close, Narrabeen. 8-00AM sharp. Distance is relatively short, and it is flat. Expected to last until about 11-00AM. Numbers limited to 20 max. Please phone Virginia, 9958 8377 to book. Walk will be on if there is light rain, but may be cancelled if it is pouring.
Andy will be presenting a talk - Birds in your Backyard, at the WEPA meeting September 19th. 8-00 PM, Artarmon Library.