Saturday 12/07/2025 Honeysuckle Falls Road – Evans Crown Nature Reserve Carpark – Evans Crown Track – Evans Crown 1103m
Evans Crown Nature Reserve, NSW
Wiradjuri Country (Wiradjuri people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
A cool mid-winter’s day set the scene for our circuit in Evans Crown Nature Reserve. Departing from Honeysuckle Falls Road, we parked beside the reserve entrance, where the air was crisp and the ground firm underfoot after a run of dry weather. The temperature hovered around 6 °C, never reaching higher than 11°C during our time on track, which made for comfortable walking conditions.
Tuesday 28/10/2025 Kidman’s Camp – PV Jandra – Darling River – North Bourke Bridge – The Big Billabong
Darling River Cruise
North Bourke, NSW
Ngemba Country (Ngemba people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
The PV Jandra—a replica of a classic paddle steamer—evoked the era when riverboats shaped regional life and trade. As we glided out from the wharf, our guide shared stories about early river explorers and the crucial relationship of the Darling River to Aboriginal Ngemba people. The backdrop of centuries-old red gums and gnarled coolibahs reflected the enduring life of these waters.
Friday 31/10/2025 The Sydney Peppermint Walk – Orchid Rock – Camel Rock
Ferntree Gully Environmental Reserve, Rylstone, NSW
Wiradjuri Country (Wiradjuri people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
Beginning within the leafy bounds of Ferntree Gully Environmental Reserve, the walking track weaved steadily east towards the sandstone features that define this distinctive loop. Over a distance of about 4 km, the path led across a mix of open woodland and moist gullies, never gaining more than 72 m in elevation. Severe gradients were avoided, with the track winding over gradual rises and short-sided gullies that divide the reserve’s plateaus.
Friday 31/10/2025 Ferntree Gully Walking Track – Ferntree Gully – Norm King Lookout – Ted Daniels Lookout – Gully Walk
Ferntree Gully Environmental Reserve, Rylstone, NSW
Wiradjuri Country (Wiradjuri people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
The Ferntree Gully circuit begins near the Ferntree Gully Environmental Reserve entrance, following the main walking track into the heart of the sandstone gorge. Over 5 km, the walk meanders through shaded gullies, past fern-lined moist slopes, and up to panoramic lookouts on the escarpment rim. Total ascent for the loop is 178 m, with steady climbs out of the gully and onto ridge tops punctuated by well-placed stone steps and graded track.
Thursday 30/10/2025 Cudgegong River – Quarry Lake – Turtle Island
Mudgee, NSW
Wiradjuri Country (Wiradjuri people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
The circuit through Putta Bucca Wetlands begins at the edge of the Cudgegong River, where a well-maintained path traces the water before curving towards Quarry Lake. Over a total distance of 2km, the route winds through a tapestry of restored wetlands, tall reeds, and open woodland, offering clear sightlines across open water and floodplain. The walking is comfortably flat, gaining only 8 m in elevation across the loop.
Monday 27/10/2025 Yappa (Mulgowan) Aboriginal Art Site
Gundabooka National Park and State Conservation Area, NSW
Ngemba and Paakantji Country (Ngemba and Paakantji people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
The track to the Yappa (Mulgowan) Aboriginal Art Site begins at the signed carpark within Gundabooka National Park. It follows a well-marked trail of firm red earth and occasional stony patches, gently winding through open woodland before reaching the art site.
Sunday 26/10/2025 Dry Tank Campground – Little Mountain Walking Track – Little Mountain Lookout
Gundabooka National Park, NSW
Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji Country (Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
Departing Dry Tank Campground, the Little Mountain Walking Track quickly enters classic Gundabooka country—broad flats of red earth and sand, broken by low rises and rocky outcrops. The route is straightforward, tracing a mostly direct course for over 2.8 km each way, with just enough undulation to keep the walking lively without straining the legs. Continue reading
22/04/1989 – 28/04/1989 Manatee Glacier – Polychrome Ridge – Obelia Peak – Wahoo Tower – Oluk Peak
Pacific Ranges (Coast Mountains)
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Distance: 70km Total Ascent: 8000m Total Descent: 8000m
Participants: Stephen Campbell, Simon Coates, Peter Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies, Colin Evans, Rienhart Fabish, Simon Gabbot, Klaus Haring, Craig Hollinger, Mike Thompson (Report), Tim Webb, Christina Williams, Doug Williams
Aussie Contingent: Stephen Campbell, Peter Davies, Stephen Davies, Sue Davies
Climbers and Skiers: Colin Evans, Rienhart Fabish, Klaus Haring, Craig Hollinger, Christina Williams, Doug Williams
3-day tour of Lilloet and Dalgleish Mountains: Tim Webb, Simon Coates, Simon Gabot, Mike Thompson
Monday 27/10/2025 Bennetts Gorge Picnic Area – Bennetts Walking Track – Mount Gundabooka – Valley of the Eagles Walk – Ngana Malyan
Valley of the Eagle (Ngana Malyan) Walking Track
Gundabooka National Park, NSW
Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji Country (Ngemba and Kurnu Baakandji people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
We aimed to head out early on this walk to beat the heat, but by the time we prepared for the walk and drove from Dry Tank Campground to the trailhead, it was 8:00am.
Saturday 25/10/2025 Mount Grenfell Art Site Walk – Mount Grenfell Historic Site – Nglyampaa Walking Track – Mount Grenfell 361 m
Mount Grenfell Historic Site, NSW
Ngiyampaa Country (Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
After completing the Cobar parkrun and visiting the Sound Chapel, we decided to spend the afternoon in the Mount Grenfell area, about a 50-minute drive west of Cobar.
Tuesday 21/10/2025 Borenore Access Road – Veranda Cave Track – Boree Creek – Tunnel Cave – Verandah Cave – Borenore Picnic Area – Arch Loop Track – The Arch
Borenore Karst Conservation Reserve
Orange, NSW
Wiradjuri Country (Wiradjuri people)
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
We aimed for an early start for this walk with forecast high temperatures for the day. It was a 25-minute drive from Orange, and we arrived just after 8:00am to a locked gate! After a quick search of the website and a call to NPWS, it was clear that the gate would be open at 9:00am. We decided to walk the 1.2km to the start of the walk. It would be too hot to wait until 9:00am to start.