Saturday 17/08/2018 Ghost Gum Walk, Ormiston Gorge
West MacDonnell National Park, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Moore
Ormiston Gorge is one of several spectacular gorges along the Finke River which are easily accessible by two wheel drive vehicle from Alice Springs.
Tuesday 14/08/2018 Wangi Falls
Litchfield National Park, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Marranunggu country
Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Moore
This short walk starts at the base of the Wangi Falls where there is a tempting plunge pool. The pool is surrounded by river pandanus which provides food for fish and turtles. Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles inhabit the pools during the wet season. The sun unfortunately was in the wrong position early in the morning for good photos of the falls.
Tuesday 14/08/2018 Tjaetaba Falls
Litchfield National Park, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Marranunggu country
Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Moore
The walk commences at Greenant Creek picnic area which is difficult to spot when driving from Tolmar Falls as there is no sign on the side of the road. Driving back from Wangi Falls there was a sign for the picnic area.
18/4/2018 – 5/5/2018 Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley
NEPAL
Distance: 362km Total Ascent: 35,900m Total Descent: 34,800m Time: 123 hours
NB: The GPS tracking results of distance, ascents and descents on this trek with its very deep valleys and surrounding high peaks is highly exaggerated, see my Track Info!
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Kaka Dural (Porter), Emily Jayne, Prabin Kumar Karki (Guide), Ralston Keyt, Sarah Keyt, Pawan Nepali (Porter), Ravi Phuyal (Porter), Rosan Rai (Assistant Guide), Wendy Young
At 8,163m the impressive Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Meaning “mountain of the spirit” it’s name is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “intellect” or “soul”. This trek is considered to a less crowded alternative to the more popular Everest Base camp or Annapurna circuit treks.
As with most treks in Nepal, it starts and finishes in Kathmandu. It is mandatory to have a guide on the Manaslu circuit, we had a very positive experience with Kathmandu based Himilayan Encounters.
This trek provides geographical and cultural diversity and when also completing the Tsum valley, provides an insight into remote Nepali village life.
The diversity of the scenery was remarkable over the 18 days of the walk, from subtropical jungle to the desolate and cold Larkya La pass at 5,160m. Stunning alpine scenery, unique remote villages and beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monasteries all combine to make this one of the best treks in Nepal.
8/07/2018 – 13/07/2018 Lady Elliot Island
Great Barrier Reef, QUEENSLAND
Darumbal country
Participants: Paul Davies, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
We spent a wonderful five nights at the Lady Elliot Eco resort which is the only accommodation on this small coral cay. The island is accessed by a short scenic flight from Hervey Bay or Bundaberg.
When you first arrive you wonder how you will occupy your time on such a small island. It takes about a day to get into the island rhythm and then you don’t want to leave.
The snorkeling is excellent. On high tide you can snorkel in the lagoon which has an incredible variety of tropical fish, octopus, coral and abundant turtles. Swimming with turtles who appear to be unperturbed by our presence is such a beautiful experience. At low tide you can join a guided reef walk with the marine biologists who are part of the activities team.
Tuesday 17/07/2018 Stanwell Park – Sublime Point
Illawarra Escarpment, Austinmer, NSW
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Mel Brodie, Paul Brodie, Sue Davies (Report)
The walk combines several hiking tracks but is easily navigated. It offers scenic views of the stunning Illawarra coastline and beaches. It is best to have a car at each end making it a pleasant one way walk. Continue reading
11/07/2017 – 12/07/2017 Rifugio Pedrotti, Bocca di Brenta
Madonna di Campiglio, ITALY
Distance: 64km Total Ascent: 2620m Total Descent: 2620m Time: 15 hours
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
This fantastic two day walk starts and ends at the lovely alpine town of Madonna di Campiglio, a summer and winter resort. Expect to be totally immersed and up close to the mighty Brenta Dolomite group, the Italian “Rocky Mountains”. This is one of the most scenic walks we have ever done. Continue reading
Sunday 17/06/2018 Bonnum Pic
Nattai National Park, NSW
Gundungurra country
Participants: Mel Adern (Leader), Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report), Kylie Falconer, Frank Mathey
This varied and enjoyable day walk to Bonnum Pic culminates in a spectacular knife edge ridge. There are expansive scenic valley views, interesting geology and some rock scrambling. It is recommended for the cooler months as there is no reliable water supply. However, it would be best not to attempt it when there is a severe weather warning for damaging winds!
Continue reading
08/04/2018 – 10/04/2018 Hannels Spur – Moiras Flat – Muellers Peak – Dead Horse Gap
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Ngarigo country
Distance: 37km Total Ascent: 2870m Total Descent: 1870m
Time: 18 hours
Participants: Damien Aggio, Stephen Davies (Photos, Report)
Hannels Spur runs up from the Geehi River to the West of the Main Range up to the highest peaks in Australia. This 1,800m climb is the biggest in Australia.
Damien and I had both harboured ambitions to complete this walk for some time. However, heavy regrowth after the 2003 bushfires that devastated the area meant there had been some serious scrub bashing along the route for some time. Fortunately for us we had some inside information that National Parks were planning a work party early in 2018 to clear some of the worst of this regrowth. An opportunity too good to miss had now presently itself. Continue reading
Sunday 20/05/2018 Loftus – Bundeena
Royal National Park, NSW
Tharawal country
Participants: Kevin Abnett, Jocelyn Booth, Ted Booth, Ben Bretag, Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies, Kylie Falconer, Ken Humphries, Mair Humphries, Trish Law (Report), Frank Mathey, Yvonne Rozier, Dave Whitelaw (South Coast Bushwalking Club Trip Leader)
This South Coast Bushwalking Club trip was an undulating amble along bushland tracks from Loftus Railway Station to Bundeena Ferry Wharf. It passes through the northern section of Royal National Park. Early encounters with morning joggers and mountain bike riders near the tramway track were followed by morning coffees and hot chocolates at Audley. Walking the length of Winifred Falls Trail past the non-flowing Winifred and Anice Falls suggested it may be preferable to complete this section soon after some reasonable rainfall! After a short section of walking along the road into Maianbar we crossed over Cabbage Tree Basin on the foot bridge before walking though to the ferry wharf at Bundeena to complete our walk. Continue reading
4/09/2014 – 11/09/2014 Lake Bohinjsko – Krn
Trenta and Triglav region, Julian Alps, SLOVENIA
Distance: 88km Total Ascent: 5600 m Total Descent: 5200m Time: 41 hours
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
This eight day trip through the Julian Alps allows a great overview of this scenic area. Lake Bohinjsko is accessible from Bled by bus but the frequency of these drops off outside of the summer season. Features include beautiful forests, crystal clear streams and waterfalls and majestic mountain views. The Doms (usually larger) or Kocas (offering seasonal bunk style accommodation) provide hearty food and welcoming hosts. Continue reading
5/1/1986 – 15/1/1986 Pokhara – Annapurna Sanctuary – Poon Hill
NEPAL
Participants: Peter Davies, Stephen Davies (Report, Photos), Ram Hari Kndel (Porter), Ram Karki (Guide)
Following our aborted attempt at completing the Annapurna Circuit due to excessive snow fall above Manang we decided to attempt the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, which should take us between 7 and 10 days. Continue reading