Walking for pleasure for 60 years

This will be the fourth consecutive year I’ve run this trip and hopefully it will be as successful as the others.  Some of the highlights are -- three rides on quiet back roads through our spectacular rural countryside (52km, 75km & 45km), lunch at the Raspberry Farm, two relaxing nights at Quamby Corner, one evening meal at a pub and a guaranteed fun time. Accommodation options range from tenting to cabin hire and if you intend going you need to book your own.  You are welcome to come for any combination of days that suits you.  Just about any bike will do; touring bike, road bike, mountain bike, ebike or gravel bike.

Meet 9.30am Deloraine Train near toilets.  We will be walking from here so park safely. We will follow the River Road towards Wadleys Rd and return to the British Hotel at 80 Emu Bay Road for lunch at 12.30pm.  kms walked should be about 6+ The Hotel was originally established in 1859.  So come for a fun days outing on a British walk to the British Hotel (aka Home of the Little Green Men Brewing Co) and we will see if we can find a little green Man anywhere! Limit of 12 Walkers!

A long day. Wonderful scenery of the western mountains . Includes walking on tracks, untracked & an old 4wd track.

text me on 0428 451 528. Will be an early start.

An easy little walk to Montana Falls with object of the walk to find and photograph orchids. The waterfalls are a bonus.

The Mt Hugel circuit starts and finishes at Lake St Clair.

It is about a 2 hour 40 minute drive from Gawler to Lake St Clair.

The Hugel circuit contains a long and challenging rock scree, which is very steep in places.

A long day with plenty of rock hopping. I plan a very early start and anticipate a late finish. Text me 0428 451 528

Mt Dial – Mt Gnomon and return

It is always a delightful day in the Mighty Dial and this walk will have all the elements that allow for some challenge, views and lots of fresh air.  We will meet at the Mt Montgomery Carpark at 12pm. The track up to Mt Dial is a little huff and puff.  After a bite to eat, we will continue along the saddle to Mt Gnomon.  Even though it is a return trip, there is always more to see and experience.  I expect that walking time will be around 3 hours of up and down.  The usual applies - good walking boots, hat, rain jacket, food, water and a smile.

To the best of my knowledge its been sometime since we summitted Cradle with  many of us having been happy to watch the tourists from Kitchen hut.

Be assured this walk is a distinct leg stretch and all walkers must carry an extra warm layer as well as the usual coat etc.

In the event of unfavourable weather , walk will be moved to another date.

Club Meeting and Christmas break-up with Reviews and the possibility of Victoria Bruce and daughter Emilie as Guest Speakers. They are planning to be walking in Tassie and Victoria is an award winning author “Adventures with Emilie”  about their long-distance six-month hiking adventure along New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail. Walker Out.

Meeting will commence at 6.00pm, bring a plate of finger food to share and we will celebrate our Christmas break-up.

We will meet at 9.30am at the Narawntapu Visitors Centre car park. A pleasant stroll across spring lawn, then up to the top of Archers Knob for morning tea. Then along the beach and up to the Copper Cove camp site for our lunch break. We will attempt to find the steep track above the camp site back to the track and re-trace our steps along the beach and back to the cars via the coastal track. Hopefully we will have a beautiful sunny day in this great coastal area. Time permitting, afternoon tea in the day shelter at the car park.

This is a reasonably solid grade 4 walk. The Jukes traverse is quite a scenic traverse of the (you guessed it), Jukes Range down near Queenstown. Reasonably speccy in good weather – and we’ll only be doing it of course if the weather behaves itself. It is a through trip requiring a car shuttle. I’m planning to drive down the day previous to the walk to camp at the Queenstown caravan park. Do the walk the next day, before returning to the caravan park that evening (hot showers). I’m putting the trip over a four-day window to give us the best chance of getting a good day for the walk. My preference will be to do the walk on either the Saturday or Sunday but that will be determined by the weather in the week leading up to the walk. It may turn out to be on Monday. The current rates for a tent site at Queenstown are $15 pp/night.

The walk itself is in the order of 16kms and took us about 11 hours last time. The ascent to the top of the range is in the order of 500m or so and there is a cairned route up to the top. The walk along the range is relatively open and quite pleasant going - mostly. No track though. The drop off the range – which is an interesting exercise from memory – is a tad scrubby and quite steep in parts. We'll then pick up the Mt Jukes track for a 5km or so road bash to the cars.

The "Plus" part. Whilst down in the area we'll look at doing another walk. Weather, time & enthusiasm permitting. May be a hill, may be a waterfall, may be nada. I'll make it up as we go along. 

The Leven Falls are located near the southern end of the Leven Canyon. We’ll travel along the Loongana Road before commencing walking for 500m along the Leven Canyon Floor Track to the steel pedestrian bridge over the river at The Splits. At this point we’ll join the Penguin Cradle Trail as it heads north into the magnificent canyon before climbing steeply to the top of Griffiths Ridge on Loongana Range, where we’ll get the brilliant views back down into the canyon from the Patricia Jukes Scenic Lookout. Then it’s down the other side under some imposing cliffs until we reach the signposted turnoff to the falls. Most of the route is still marked with orange triangles but it’s a steep, rough, slippery and occasionally scrubby descent to the large river basin just downstream of the lower set of falls with its large pool, in which swimming is a possibility. The falls are truly brilliant and well worth the effort in getting there. After having lunch we’ll return by the same route.

The whole trip is less than 10km in total but it involves a steep climb and descent of about 300m which is repeated so that’s about 1200m of elevation change for the day. Expect about 7h of walking.

Please confirm on the evening of Thursday 5 December – I probably won’t be contactable on the Wednesday.

We will be based at Craggy Peaks where the accommodation options range from tenting to fully self-contained upmarket units.  You need to book your own accommodation but note that there are only two powered sites so if you need power, get in early!  Even though I put Grade 3 for this trip, walks of grades 1 to 4 will be on offer.  The easy walks are around the 'resort' with the more challenging walks being to destinations such as Castle Cary Ridge, Sphinx Bluff and Stacks Bluff.  I might not do the grade 4 walk(s) but if there is a suitable group who want to tackle them then that should be okay.  A day's sightseeing in the Storys Creek area is also an option.  You are welcome to attend for how ever many days suits you.

Early start from Farmhouse Creek on Saturday, aiming to camp near Mt Hopetoun's base. Visit Crest Range on the way out. Expect rough camping and creek crossings.  Expect long days. 

This is an easy walk.Leave the boom gate carpark and stroll along the boardwalk to Ronny Creek, then onto Dove Lake. After a wander around we’ll return by bus back to the carpark 

Leven River via Keddies Creek and return

We will meet and commence this walk at the Montgomery Carpark at 12 noon and walk the PCT (Penguin Cradle Trial) to the Leven River or thereabouts.  Depending on the group and available time, we may continue our walk along the old tramway track which follows the Leven River.  Please, note it is a return trip. Remember to bring rain gear, water and food with you.  It will an all afternoon walk.

This is another attempt at Brewery Knob following the cancellation earlier in the year as a result of the weather. We will disembark the bus at Ronny Creek, then head up the road to the track behind the old Waldheim Chalet which leads onto Hounslow Heath. The final climb onto Brewery Knob is offtrack, but an easy scramble through low scrub. Lunch on top, then return via the Maryland Track.

With summer and longer days it is a nice time to explore the PCT and see what damage repair is needed. Come along for a pleasant day in the bush …. or maybe even a mountain view.

Joint trip with HWC. Coordinator Paul Geeves from HWC. This is a challenging walk suitable only for members in hard off track walking. The White Monolith Range sits to the north of the Western Arthurs and consists of some very green looking areas with dramatic white monoliths sticking out the top. The plan is ascend up to Sculptured Mountain and head west across the range to Corner Peak where we will day walk out to Mount Maconochie. The return route will be via the path of least resistance.

The plan is to ride the relatively new coastal pathway from Burnie to Wynyard, returning to Burnie for lunch at the Boardwalk Café.  It’s a very flat ride and basically any bike will do.  By the law of averages, we could have a nice tailwind for the return journey!

Meet Cam Park Toilets Murchison Hwy Somerset (turn left at Bridge) at 10am.  Follow the Murchison Hwy on a path next to the main road up through the deviation turn right into Old Cam Rd and walk up to Cardigan St.  Turn left here and follow UP to Malakoff St, turn right at Pelissier St and continue down a Path to Simpson, on to Lyons to Beaufort onto Mackenzie Drive to Bass Hwy.  Follow on verge past The Engineering Co to the Seabrook Hotel very short distance. Settle in for a $22 Seniors meal of main, dessert and drink!  Cross the Bass Hwy to the Coastal Pathway, follow till we find a gate down onto the Beach and follow back to the Surf Club, where we will cross to our Cars.  Come for a loop walk around Somerset, my former home for 20 years and this loop i have run and walked many times!  A fun days outing!

It's quite a few years since I've done this circuit so it's definitely time for a re-visit.  It's a longish but rewarding day.  From Herods Gate we ascend King Davids Peak then follow the skyline of the West Wall all the way to Solomons Throne.  It is a spectacular traverse!  We normally have lunch about halfway along where we enjoy a stunning 360° panorama.  From Solomons Throne we descend to Damascus Gate where we engage autopilot and follow the highway back to the cars.

This is an enjoyable, easy 12-15 km paddle, but can be a shorter trip depending on paddler's experience and weather conditions.

The plan then is to paddle up Panatana Rivulet (approx 5 km rtn) then head to Browns Creek (approx 9 km rtn) finding a nice sunny lunch spot on the way. Then after lunch head back to the boat ramp. This should leave time to finish with a coffee in Port Sorell.

This is of course weather dependent

 (High tide is 1204, 3.1m)

We will meet at Sheffield, in the Town Car Park near the toilets.

To travel to February Plains you will need a vehicle with good under clearance, eg 4WD or SUV, as the roads are very rough.

We will walk to Basil Steers Hut number 2, then make our way to Hut number 1.

Come prepared for all 4 seasons as this is a Tasmanian Highland area and it can snow even in January!

Ring or text me before Sunday 12th Jan. 2025. 

Last summer I led a walk from lake Ada (on the central plateau ) via lakes O'Dells and Flora to Lake Fergus and on to Little Pine lagoon but only had two takers so gave the homestead a miss.  This time it will be a fairly flat day walk to the homestead only.  If anyone wishes to go fishing they can drop down to O'Dells which we pass on the way in.

Stretcher Lake is in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Starting from the Walls carpark we'll walk up to Trappers Hut and soon afterwards head south on the Junction Lake Track, passing Lake Loane and continuing on a little further until we reach an unnamed tarn. At this point we leave the track and head SW over open country to arrive at the beautiful Stretcher Lake, which is edged with pencil pines in places. Expect about 11km of walking.

BBQ at Otto’s Grotto, Ulverstone. Please bring your own food and drink. Wood fired BBQ available with indoor and outdoor seating. Bring to show your favourite pack and why it is good for you.

Ferndene to Dial Range Saddle or Mt Dial itself

We will meet at the Ferndene Carpark at 12 noon.  It is a glorious walk through ever-changing terrain.  The initial part of the walk is through a beautiful forest of tree ferns and moss with a babbling brook to add to the atmosphere.  Once leaving the Ferndene area we enter some uphill open bush which continues until once again we enter more rainforest type vegetation. Depending on the group once the saddle is reached, we may take a short walk up to Mt Dial. This walk consists of lots of ups and then lots of downs on our return journey. Please bring a rain jacket, water and food as we will be away for several hours.

This is another walk which doesn't seem to have been on the program for a while. 2018 as far as I can tell. This Abel is in the Walls of Jerusalem on the escarpment looking west over Lake Rowallan. It's a walk of about 11 to 12 klicks and up to about 8 hours. The climb up to the escarpment is in the order of 800m or so. Great views up there as you'd expect. All off track but hopefully following a taped/cairned route. There will be a boulder field in the mix. 

A nice asy ride from Devonport to Ulverstone with lunch.

This is an out and back coastal walk which meanders in and out of coastal vegetation and across scenic high points. The trail has opportunities for bird spotting, beach walking and a swim. The overall distance is reasonably long (17 k) which is probably why it is a grade 3 than 2. There is a total of 366 metres of vertical change. The track itself is clear and well made. There is a possibility of seeing snakes as there is fresh water nearby, so gaiters and boots are recommended. 

Relaxing paddle on Lake Rowallan to the top end of the lake camping overnight near Old House Creek Falls.

Meet Gutteridge Gardens Wynyard 9am.  Commence on the pathway past the old cemetery and following the Inglis River to the Flowerdale Bridge.  We will stop for morning tea on the way.  Crossing over the bridge and continuing on the other side of the river back to Table Cape Bridge and following the pathway out to the lookout above Fossil Bluff before heading down to the beach for lunch. Return to our cars and drive to Bruce's Cafe for afternoon tea.  Join in for an old favourite.

An easy stroll visiting Dick Lowe's historic bridge and then a walk to Redwater Creek Falls for lunch 

Long Tarns is a beautiful area with plenty to explore. On Saturday we will climb Mersey Crag and Turrana Bluff. Both these walks will be offtrack through low alpine vegetation.

With summer and longer days it is a nice time to explore the PCT and see what damage repair is needed. Come along for a pleasant day in the bush …. or maybe even a mountain view.

Special General Meeting (the Club is updating our Constitution – more details to come via a bulk email). Reviews, extended / favourite trip or members images. Counter Meal.

Advance notice: The plan for this trip will be to focus on the Eastern Side of the Lake over 5-6 days, with at least a half-day climb for a great view. Keep the day before-hand free in case of a better weather window and perhaps two days after- i.e. we need some flexibility. The plan is to drive down to Scotts Peak Dam area and camp in the PWS site, then commence paddling the next morning. I have a rough flexible plan, probably going as far as mid-lake and looking at a few places many of us haven’t seen.

Numbers limited, experienced paddlers only; any conditions can be expected.

We will head up the Walls track to Trappers Hut, turn off and go on the track past George Howes Lake, down to Golden Gate and through to the Valley of Hinom where will set up camp at an unnamed tarn under Mt Jerusalem. We then have the option to climb Mt Jerusalem or take in the scenery around the campsite. The following day the plan is to climb Solomons Throne or The Temple or both.

We will then walk back to the car park via the main track. 

Circling Mt Duncan

We will meet at the Gnomon Carpark at 12 noon.  From there we walk the road up to and past the Mt Duncan track sign, continuing down the road until we met a track off to our left which will eventually bring us back to the road at the Mt Duncan track sign.  From here it is just another 30 minutes back to the cars.  All in all, it is about 2.5 hours of walking not including any breaks.  What you can expect from the tracks in the Mighty Dial, is up and down, just so you are prepared.  The usual applies - good walking boots, rain jacket, hat, warm clothes, lunch and snacks plus water.

This is a fairly easy Abel. It is 1107m. There is a track all the way to the summit. It is steep in places and the last part of the walk is very open so it could be windy across the top but with good views.  It should be about a 5hr return walk.

Information day for club members with prospective status.

The morning will start at Apex House, Ulverstone, and after lunch we will move outdoors, probably to the Dial Range, for a short walk. Please bring a pack suitable for a day walk as this will be useful when we talk about equipment. The day will focus on an introduction to bushwalking in Tasmania and the club. There will also be opportunities to talk about topics of interest to more experienced walkers. Participants should be club members before they attend. 

More details will be sent to registered club members before the event.

Utilising a car shuffle, the plan will be to ascend via the relatively gradual route then give the brakes a workout on the descent.  We'll start from O'Neills Road carpark and climb gradually through the nice forested slopes to the open plateau where we can immediately enjoy the extensive 360° views.  We then head north and after about an hour's easy walking we should be lunching on the 1234m summit.  From here we continue further east along the plateau before reaching the top of the face track; a steep and badly eroded gully that delivers us to Kings Road carpark.

Committee Meeting

We will start the walk at the Ranger Station car park and head south to Ronny Creek on the Cradle Valley boardwalk for 5.6 km (1.5 hrs, easy walking).  We'll enjoy a break at Mount Kate Hut before walking up to the cairn on Mount Kate where we will have lunch and take in the sights of Cradle Mountain.  After lunch we will take a short stroll over to the summit of Mount Kate before returning to Ronny Creek (6.8 km, 4hrs) where we will catch a bus back to the cars.

Come and join me for an enjoyable walk in the lovely Cradle Valley!

(P.S: A valid Parks Pass will be required)

 Although a relatively short walk, this delightful circuit in the Meander Forest Reserve is one of my favourites.   It offers a smorgasbord of fascinating features to discover including The Arch, the Rabbit Warren and Holey Rock.  If you like rainforest, waterfalls, sandstone caves and perhaps some of the best sandstone overhangs in Tasmania, then this is the trip for you.  It's a bit of a grunt for the first hour but after that the gradient is far more agreeable although there are a couple of steepish downs. 

The Penguin Cradle Trail has been in existence for 45 years. It has been traversed by many thousands of bush walkers who have enjoyed its variety and challenges. So what is the PCT all about … well come along and find out.

Meet at Marrawah Inn (formerly Pub) at 11.30am in time for Lunch at noon.  After lunch drive down Green Point Rd and commence walk towards Mt Cameron West (Preminghana) as far as comfortable. I haven't done it before. Retrace and have a bit of a look around the area before driving the back gravel Harcus River Road for 23kms back onto the Montagu Rd at the Woolnorth Gates and opposite Robbins Is Rd.  From here on the bitumen it's a short 8kms to the Montagu Campground.  We are booked in for the night only - 10 persons $20 for 2 - payable to caretaker by cash or eftpos when we arrive. Campers and Tents under trees with only a toilet available so bring everything!  Settle in or have a fish before a relaxing evening.  If the weather is good and the fish are biting we might even stop another night!! Drive to Smithton 11kms on the way home and have a look at Duck River Pavilion V.C.  Come for a relaxing time at the mighty West Coast area.  LIMIT 10.

A walk that is rewarded with 360 degree panoramic views across the Great Western Tiers, as far as Launceston and Devonport on a clear day. There are some steep sections with rock scrambling. We will lunch on the plateau and enjoy the views.

Mt Lorymer is the most southerly mountain in the Dial Range and I haven’t led a walk to this part of the Dial before so it's time I did.

Mt Lorymer’s summit is interesting in so much as I don’t really know where it is.  It isn’t like Mt Duncan or the others with a distinct summit, but it is still a worthy mountain and not to be taken lightly.

The plan is to drive to Fabers Road Riana.  There is a parking area of sorts which will allow for a few cars so it might be a good idea to carpool. 

We basically follow the fire trail up then take a side fire trail to access the PCT around Adit Creek.  From here we enjoy a climb through quite a lovely rainforest.  We eventually end back on the original fire trail just further along.   We then follow this fire trail back to the cars.

Please call me if you aren’t certain about attending this walk – there is a reasonable amount of up, followed by the corresponding down, which may not be what you are looking for.  As always wear good shoes/boots, bring a rain jacket, water, lunch and snacks.  

With summer and longer days it is a nice time to explore the PCT and see what damage repair is needed. Come along for a pleasant day in the bush …. or maybe even a mountain view.

Mt Montgomery – Mt Dial return

Mt Montgomery is the most northerly mountain in the Dial Range.  We will ascend a less used (steep) track to the summit then return by the conventional track to the PCT.  From here we will continue along the PCT to Keddies Creek where we will leave the PCT and climb up to Mt Dial.  Our return will be on the PCT along the beautiful banks of the Myrtle Creek.  It is a delightful walk through varying landscapes and well worth the effort, well that is what I think.  I do love the Mighty Dial.  The usual applies – rain jacket, sturdy footwear, water, lunch and snacks.