Update 12 June.  Current plan is Mt Lyell on Saturday, and Lake Sandra on Sunday.

Update 24 Mar 25.  I have tentatively booked accommodation in Queenstown where we will be staying.  The indicative cost is $80 per person per night, but it does depend on the mix of singles/couples.  If you are seriously interested in this option please get in touch asap.

These are two day walks - neither is overly long, although the West Coast in winter usually means both will be quite long enough!   Last time I was there Lake Sandra was completely frozen over, and Mt Lyell was icy near the summit.

If the weather is unco-operative I will come up with something else, as I will be in Queenstown anyway.

People should aim to arrive in Queenstown the previous night, and to make their own accommodation arrangements.  With enough prior warning and co-ordination it should be possible to book an AirB&B or similar, and share costs.  

So if you are interested in this one, please get in touch. 

We will meet at the Sandfly Community Hall and arrange car pooling if required. The walking track is a gradual incline through trees to the impressive falls. Hopefully some winter rain prior to the walk will give us good viewing. Lunch at the falls before returning to our cars.

We will car pool from the meeting point & drive 2 minutes to the first “plus”. It’s a short and easy walk through the Campania Cemetery to the Campania Bushland Reserve. I’ve seen a large population of Tiger orchids here in previous years (in October). Then it’s a 10 minute drive along Native Corners Road (sealed) & Armstrong Road (unsealed, but well maintained) to the second “plus” - an old hut on private property. After inspecting it, we cross the road to start the main walk of the day. This is at “Campania Springs” (another private property). I have rated this walk as Medium because of the varied terrain - lots of ups & downs, a mix of wide, slashed easy-walking tracks & others narrow& rocky with exposed tree roots. Parts may be muddy. With varied vegetation & changing outlooks, there’s lots to look at. Expect to see views down the valley & to Gunnings & Coal River Sugarloafs, rocky outcrops, caves, ferns, a creek & a dam. The third “plus” is optional- a bonfire with afternoon tea supplied, either at Campania Springs or my place , depending on the weather. The pace will be slow so we can enjoy what’s on offer.

On arrival, we will walk up Mt Adelaide (a hill really - about 1.5 return). Then make our way to a cafe for morning tea. Next we drive a short distance to farmland. We are fortunate to have permission to visit “The Falls of Clyde”. This 18m waterfall is on private property and the walk to it is only a couple of kms. It’s a relatively level walk, but the many rocks are likely to be hidden by long grass, so concentrating on your footing is a must. As we near the waterfall, there is one short steep section (but not too steep!) . After returning to the cars, we go back into Bothwell to do a history walk  (about 2.5 kms). 

This weekend will be a Mentored activity for a potential new Club Organiser  - Tracey Orr. Tracey has organised group accommodation at "The Mt Cameron Field Study Centre". Cost is $25 per person, per night. Payable after the weekend. Members can choose to stay both Friday night and Saturday night, or just one of the nights. The walks will take place on Saturday and Sunday.

The accommodation includes a generator for power, an indoor fire and outdoor fire pit. Dorm style accommodation or communal "drag your mattress" into the lounge room and sleep by the fire after a night of good conversation, board games and maybe a glass of wine! Mattresses and all cooking facilities are provided including stove, kettle, toaster, microwave etc. Just BYO food and maybe utensils. A BBQ Grill is also available.

Even if the weather is poorly we will be toasty warm after our walks! One walk will be Mt Cameron and the second walk to be determined around the weather closer to the time. 

Hopefully the weather will allow a fun off track (though possibly taped) route to Ragged Range, down near SawBack Range. We'll be walking along an old 4WD track and then possibly a marked pad and a rock scramble at the end (460m elevation and 7km distance). I haven't walked this route before however have checked with some folks who have completed it for intel and it took them 7 hours at a nice pace with a summit break.

There is also Becca's blogpost here with some information: https://rockmonkeyadventures.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/ragged-range-20-september-2015/

If you haven't walked with me previously or a new member please get in touch first to have a chat and introduce yourself. This is to make sure folks on the walk know what to expect and to bring for safety.

This will be a shortish walk to celebrate the winter solstice and heading towards longer days and summer

we will start at the gravel carpark at the bottom of Natone street Lindisfarne, ( bottom of Anzac Park and head along the waterfront out to Shag Bay ,for a small afternoon tea, then we will head back towards Natone hill and head up tracks to the trig for dinner and wine.

After dinner we will head back head back down tracks and return to our cars.

This popular walk is part of the Tangara trail in the Sandford area on Hobart's Eastern Shore and has beautiful views of both Mortimer Bay,  Fredrick Henry Bay and Storm Bay. We meet at the Mortimer Bay Coastal Reserve car park ready to start at 9.30am, crossing over Gillibrand Rd to pick up the Emu Track and proceeding on to the Storm Bay View track which means most of the hill walking is done while we're feeling fresh. Morning break will most likely be taken along this part of the track which has a view overlooking Calvert's Lagoon. We then have a mostly downhill section of track that leads us over to our lunch spot at Goats Beach. Our return will include a little uphill section before follow the coastal track around Mortimer Bay back to the parked cars. 

After walk coffee will be available in Lauderdale.

I first visited Mt Hobbs and Split Rock only a few years ago and it was so much fun. On that trip we only went in and out the same way so I would like to include the circuit this time for a bit of added interest.

This will be a fairly straightforward walk with lovely winter views (hopefully!)

We will have an explore and maybe visit Split Rock before lunch so we can squeeze through...

The walk will commence from the carpark at Dru Point, close to the kiosk. Please try to be there at least 15 minutes before start time. We shall make our way to Harts Hill via a variety of roads and tracks. The climb to the summit is a bit steep. Then, after lunch with a view, downwards past the frog pond in Barretta reserve. Then we follow a route back to Dru Point. Note that coming down Harts Hill can be slippery if the ground is wet, good boots or a pole may be useful. There is an alternative track available. Hopefully cafe afterwards at the Margate train!

Our walk begins at the Cremorne Beach Reserve car park. From here we head towards Pipe Clay Lagoon for views acroos to Mt Kunanyi. Following the edge of the lagoon we round the "Spit" and gently stroll along Cremorne beach stopping at the Wreck for a quick pic. We continue along the beach until we reach the end. From this point we pick up the Mays beach track and make our way up a gentle slope until we reach the first gate. From here we turn sharp left and begin our climb up to Calverts Hill. It should take us about 15 min from the gate. Upon reaching the trig point (125m high) and taking in the views we'll continue across farm land and head back to the main track which leads to beautiful Mays Beach for some light snacks or lunch. We should arrive at Mays by 11.30am. The return will be a tad faster as we will go directly back to our cars at a medium pace to take in the plendid views across Frederick Henry Bay to the Tasman Peninsular. We should be back at the cars at about 1pm. By this time a coffee at TCM or Angie Sue"s at Lauderdale will be most welcome I'm sure.

We will meet at the Sorell side of the 2nd causeway on the side of the road just past nursery.  From here we will take paths and some pavements through to Shark Point Road where we will have morning tea.  We then retrace our steps to the cars before heading to the Midway Point Tavern for lunch.

A club member has noticed a patch of Spanish Heath (a declared weed) beside the track to Mount Dromedary and the plan is to get rid of it! The route is mainly on 4wd tracks with all slopes moderate at worst. Shortly after the start we take a sign-posted 15 minute detour on a winding track through forest to avoid private property. After about 1.5 hours walking we will reach the Spanish Heath outbreak which is well before the the final climb to the summit. We will not be continuing onto the summit.

It should take about one hour to remove the plants by hand pulling and they should come out easily in moist soil. We will bring several light mattocks to loosen the soil if needed. This is the ideal time to pull the plants as they are flowering and so are easy to spot and certainly well before seed set so they can be stacked and left on-site. Follow up weeding will be required in subsequent years to remove the seed bank.

We should be finished with enough time for a hot drink in New Norfolk and a pleasant surprise to thank people for participating in this very worthwhile project.

It's the long way round - but not too long! This walk will require a car shuttle from our meeting point in Lenah Valley to our starting point: the roundabout at the top of Mount Stuart Road.

From there we will walk to the summit of Knocklofty, then take the easy gradient shared use track that was recently upgraded to link Knocklofty and Wellington Parks. When we reach the Main Fire Trail we will follow it north. This section will include a steep uphill climb - but not too long. When we reach the valley of New Town Rivulet we will follow it alongside Lenah Valley Road back to our meeting point. There should be time for coffee at Whisk & Co afterwards. 

This trip was originally scheduled for the first weekend of June however I've shifted it to not clash for those who work the usual Mon-Friday roster (I don't!) and want to have a longer trip on the days off.

I provided a shortlist of peaks to the registered participants and the trip has expanded into two day trips with the following schedule: Day 1 (Saturday) to complete Mt Foster and Spion Kop and/or Byatts Razorback.

And then Day 2 (Sunday) will be Mt Nicholas with Blackboy and/or Young (time permitting).

Participants can come for day 1, day 2 or both - just put in the comments when you are registering.

Some folks travelling from afar may wish to carcamp/base camp in the area on Saturday night - this will be up to participants to self organise. There are free camping grounds and AirBNB options in the area. At this stage I will commute each day from Launceston.

If I have not walked with you before please make contact via email to share a bit about your experience and Pandani/other walks you've completed previously. You'll then be added to the Messenger chat where we will organise the final logistics, meeting time etc. for the walk(s).

The Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges National Park is in the far Northern Flinders Ranges and provides stunning gorge walking. The semi-arid conditions can provide challenges with heat/cold and availability of water. At this early stage I am suggesting a 5-6 day walk, roughly Grindells Hut - Junction Waterhole - Streak Gorge - The Terraces - Fern Chasm - Rover Rockhole - Rover Rockhole - Cleft Peak - Wildflower Creek - Mt John Roberts - Bunyip Chasm - Loch Ness Well - Grindells Hut. Two highlights should be climbing into the stunning Bunyip Chasm and watching the sunrise from our camp on Mt John Roberts. I have walked in this area before. Transport arrangements will be organised between participants. Prior participation with me on an Alpine daywalk or bushwalk should be considered as mandatory. Dates may be adjusted to suit whatever transport arrangements the participants select. Walk is dependent on availability of water in the Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges National Park, and road access to Grindells Hut. Register your interest and we'll chat.

We'll start at Malinga Place, just beside Taroona High School, on the beach. While some of us do a car shuffle to leave cars at the end of the walk at Kingston Beach, the rest can have a lazy morning tea at our start point.

I haven't done this walk and am relying on the description on the Greater Hobart Trails website and List map. The walk is approximately 6 km and there appears to be only short sections of elevation gain and fall.

We'll repeat the car shuffle at the end of the walk.

We'll be climbing to the summit of Rosny Hill then through the disused Rosny Golf Course (open to walkers) and on to the summit of Gordons Hill. Then down to the Foreshore Trail and our lunch stop at Montagu Bay (picnic tables and toilets). We then continue on the Foreshore Trail around Rosny Point and back to our starting point. 

Timing is based on the option of taking the 8.40am ferry from Brooke St Pier to Bellerive and returning on the 4.10pm ferry, or taking a bus back to central Hobart . Optional coffee in Bellerive after the walk (perhaps while waiting for the ferry). People driving to the start should allow time to find  unrestricted car parking a few streets away from the ferry wharf.

This walk is graded medium as whilst much of the walk is on paved footpaths there is a short but steep off track section in bushland as well as some uneven bush tracks. Also lots of ups and downs.   

We meet at Cascades Female Factory in Degraves Street, South Hobart at 10am. 

There is parking along the street, also parking close by  at Cascade Gardens if needed.

We then walk down the Rivulet track to Hamlet for morning tea, bring your own or you can buy a nice coffee in Hamlet and support the cafe who are enabling the underrepresented in the workforce.

We return the same way to Cascades Female Factory which takes about an hour and is approximately 3 kms.

For those who would just like to join us for the tour be there before 11.30.

We are doing the Notorious Strumpets Experience at 11.30. Cost is $27.00 for concession holders and $40.00 for Adults. We can all pay separately at the office. The tour finishes at 12.45.

Lunch is at the Cascade Hotel, for those choosing to join us can meet there at 1pm. .  Could you please contact Gail or myself if you’re joining us for lunch.

We will be walking on private property with kind permission from the owners. Hana & Ben Jones. You may have noticed signs near Richmond for accommodation at “Daisy Banks”. This is the property we will be visiting. We’ll be going across paddocks and through dry schlerophyll bush. It may or may not be muddy! Points of interest include the site of a lime kiln & lime quarry, a spring, Daisy Banks Lake and a walk up “Bald Hill” (where we have 360 degrees views). Last year we also went up Longs Hill, but in order to make this an easy- medium walk, we will give this part a miss!

Mostly tracked walk into alpine environment. Exposed. Will be a long day considering it's the middle of winter. Will aim to keep moving with minimal and short stops for gear changes and a bite to eat (ie don't bring a 3 course lunch that takes an hour to prepare and consume!). Expect to be returning in the dark, it's safer that way ;). 

It’s winter, it’s wet, it’s a waterfall, near a river…..bound to be mud, but hopefully the waterfall will be flowing. 

This will be to the first main waterfall with a scurry up a muddy slope to the top for those who like a challenge. Easy medium class is due to mud and possible slip hazards. 

With history in hand, I will regale about the Marriott’s and the bridge that once was over a morning tea break. 

This is basically a wander with friends and fronds, followed by coffee etc at the possum shed to socialise and catch up.

We will start with a short rocky climb before wandering around some lovely tracks near the top. We will then descend down a narrow track to the bottom of the hill. After another short climb we will come onto Conningham Clifftop track which we will follow. This is a beautiful bush track with stunning sea views. We then descend down to a cave for lunch. After lunch a reasonable climb up another side of Sheppherds Hill to gain 360 degree views of the channel while we wander along the top and back out to our cars.

The walk itself: We will start from Fern Tree at 9:45 am and take a route that includes the Fern Glade, O'Grady's Falls, Rivulet and Middle Island Tracks, the Main Fire Trail, Slides Track and the new track linking Wellington and Knocklofty Parks, finishing at the Mount Stuart Roundabout by 2:30 pm.

Transport options: Either: Catch Fern Tree Bus 448 from Franklin Square at 9:20 am, arriving in Fern Tree at 9:40 am and return from Mount Stuart on Bus 540, arriving back in the City at 3:07

Or: Organise with one or more other walkers to meet at Mount Stuart Roundabout at 9:00 am and car shuttle to Fern Tree from there. Let David know of your plan. 

An easy and scenic walk along the Clarence coastal trail. If the tide and conditions are suitable we'll walk along the beaches. From Howrah Beach we'll walk up to Howrah Plaza at the end of the walk to catch the bus back to Bellerive and our cars.

Join me for a winter walk out to Cape Direction with its WW2 Fort. There are splendid views of Storm Bay, North Bruny Island, Betsy Island and of course the Iron Pot. We will walk out to Cape Direction from South Arm Village and have morning tea somewhere en route. On our way back we will detour up Porters Hill and visit the Labyrinth. More great views to the east of the hill, including the South Arm Isthmus. Lunch up here somewhere. We'll follow local roads back to the Village and return to our cars. Coffee in Lauderdale.

A morning paddle to explore the environs of Carlton River Spectacle Island and Isle of Caves. An opportunity for participants to experience 'cold' weather paddling and to refine their clothing choices to cope with this. This activity is wind and wave dependent. Our Plan B will be a paddle on the Derwent River. Please be advised that I haven't paddled in this area before.

Lake Judd is an easy walk on a good track, but likely boggy in parts.  The intent is to introduce members to camping well in wet, cold conditions - but in a spectacular setting.  Lake Judd lies in a deep glacial valley, surrounded by Mt Eliza, Mt Anne, Mt Lot and Mt Sarah Jane.  If we can manage a blue sky day and clear (but cold) night it should be spectacular.  Camping spots at Lake Judd are limited.

If the weather and conditions are suitable we might see if we can summit Mt Sarah Jane on the way out.  Otherwise it will be a leisurely trip.

If the weather is unsuitable in the south-west, but reasonable elsewhere, we might head to the north-east instead.   

Mount Elephant’s name has always appealed to me and what better place to spend a wintery day than the east coast! We will start the day with a 2 to 3 hour off-track walk up Mount Elephant, followed by lunch in St Marys (BYO or check out the bakery) and a 2 hour walk up the Lumeragenena Wuggelena / St Patricks Head track in the afternoon. On Mount Elephant, we can expect somewhat open eucalyptus forest with plenty of ferns and a fair amount of cutting grass as we gain height. The foliage is likely to be wet, full wet weather gear is required. Scrub gloves are recommended for the cutting grass. St Patricks Head will include a decent track with a few small scrambles. Please note I have not completed either of these walks previously, but Simon (mentor) has.

This walk will start at Tolmans Hill near the junction of Woodcutters & Hillcrest Rds. After a short car shuffle to position some cars closer to Mt Nelson, we shall then walk via various tracks from Tolmans Hill to Mt Nelson. After lunch we shall circuit back to the shuffle cars and then drive back to Tolmans Hill. The actual walk should be about 12 kms and take 4-5 hrs including stops.

There is a short car shuttle to Risdon our starting point. The track we take follows the river south with a little climbing involved until we descend to Shag Bay.

After a tea break we continue on to Geilston Bay then cross the highway and proceed up Geilston Creek track (there are a couple more hills to climb but nothing too onerous) to Rocky Tom to take in the views and lunch.

With minor variations we retrace our steps back to the cars in Geilston Bay. Time for a coffee at Spencers afterwards for those interested

We will walk around the streets and some of the parks and pathways of New Town, looking at historic buildings and hearing some of the stories associated with them. (More details later).

PLEASE NOTE: Marie Bates will be the leader of this walk, any queries please ring 0412 034 517.
We will meet at the Southern End of Blackmans Bay Beach for a car shuffle to Draper Road for the start of the walk. We will walk the Wingara Gully, which will be a steep and narrow track in places, before making our way down to the Tinderbox boat ramp where we will pick up the bush  track that will take us out to the old Powder Jetty (built in 1957). Hopefully the tide will be out in places for us to walk some of the beach area with views across to Snug and Coningham. This option will be assessed on the day. Morning tea and lunch will be enjoyed on the track ‘somewhere’, before a short hill climb back to our cars and coffee at Blackmans Bay for those who wish to. Walking sticks are advised.

As I will be in Queenstown regardless, I wanted to find two shortish exploratory walks we could do in limited daylight - but weather permitting.  I've driven past the turn-off to Thureau Hills many times, and always wondered.....what is there?  Let's find out.  Expect scrub, scrambling, no track and possibly no view.  But hopefully, on a good day, we should have good views to the Eldons and the Jukes massif.

On the Sunday I would like to do a very short but scrubby walk to East Jukes Peak.  If there is time I would also like to explore the northern side of the Crotty dam and see if there is a possible route to Mt Huxley from the south.

Please contact me if interested in either or both of these trips.  You will need to arrange your own accommodation in Queenstown, though it should be possible to co-ordinate a group booking somewhere if people are interested.  A group dinner on the Saturday night is also a possibility.

If the weather does not look like it is going to co-operate I will cancel this on the Wednesday, though I am committed to being in Queenstown.

Lets go "hill-bagging" in the Meehan Range this winter. There are many tracks and many hills and I plan on us going up and down several tracks in order to see up to 5 hills on the Meehan Range. The aim is to visit Golden Hill, Simmons Hill, Flagstaff Hill (a Poimena), unnamed "Bonus Hill" and Eagle Hill. The final route will be worked out closer to the time but we will be unlikely to do a circuit due to a number of private properties restricting access and some bike tracks being restricted for walkers.

For those new to this area, it is very dry with lots of gravelly, well formed tracks. We will also take a few less used tracks to avoid mountain bikers.

I have graded this walk medium, mainly due to the distance I am hoping to cover, the likely pace of the group and the amount of hills we will need to ascend and descend. That being said, the majority of the walk is relatively easy so if you would like to give your winter fitness a boost, join us for a fun day out close to Hobart.

This is a walk on private land, off Bow Hill Rd. Mike Howe's Lookout is a steep little hill with commanding views over the surrounding area, chosen by one of Tasmania's most formidable bushrangers for precisely this purpose. We reach the Lookout following farm tracks through paddocks and open country. The sides of the Lookout are wooded and the top clear. Chris can provide information about Howe and the bushranging emergency of the early 1800s. We'll have lunch on top, then return to Oatlands for a coffee or something hot.

A walk around the historic areas of Battery Point stopping a various places of interest. I will bring some old photographs of houses and other buildings which have been demolished. There is the option of a coffee (or whatever) back at Salamanca Place after the walk. Note that we will be walking up Kellys Steps.

South Hobart circuit. 
A 12 km circuit walk starting by using the tracks between Strickland Avenue and Huon Road. We then meander around various tracks returning via  Old Farm Track.  Some paths are rough fire trails but generally a delightful walk through various habitats near and on  the mountain .  Hopefully we will see some orchids 

The plan is to do day walks in the Meander valley area of the Western Tiers, south of Mole Creek.  Those who can will leave Hobart on Friday morning and travel up via the Lake Highway if it is open, and climb Projection Bluff on the way.  If it is closed we might do something in the Midlands, or visit one of the caves near Mole Creek.  There are multiple options for Saturday and Sunday: Mother Cummings Peak, Cleft Rock Circuit, Meander Crag and Falls, and Bastion Bluff are all possibilities.    

We will be based at some rather swish accommodation - The Top Place - which can only accommodate a small number of people but has everything we need for pleasant evenings.  There are four 'cabins', each really set up for couples, but there may be other options......I'm discussing with the owners.  We should be able to share meals in the evenings - that will be arranged later.  We have been given a discounted rate of $300 per room for the two nights, and the option to cancel without charge up to the Wednesday before if the weather looks too grim.

Not everyone will be able to travel Friday morning.  Coming up on Friday night is not a problem, but anyone coming will need to commit to the two nights accommodation and the cost associated with that.

I have walked - or worked, actually - in this area 45 years ago, when it was newly logged.  It has changed a lot in that time.  Most of the walks I have mentioned I have not done, so this will be an exploration for me too.

Climb Mt Murchison, 1278m, via the traditional route  to the summit. From here traverse the ridge south before dropping down to Lake Sandra to camp. Anticipate a classic, rocky, scrubby, exposed ridgeline, that is narrow in places, with some challenges. This may be compounded by cold conditions, snow and/or ice, hence ice grippers will be required. If there is early season snow, snowshoes and walking poles may also be required. I have climbed Mt Murchison, in varied conditions, and visited Lake Sandra, but not traversed the connecting ridge. Competency on rock will be required and preference will be given to Club Members who have previously walked with me in Alpine conditions. This trip is wind and rain dependent.

If we have time after getting back to the car(s) on Sunday, we will transfer essential gear into daypacks and do the short climb to the summit of Julia Peak 918m.

The walk starts at The Springs. We start the walk taking a short diversion along the track through the site of the old Exhibition Gardens (established in the 1930s). Next, we go down the Lenah Valley Track to have morning tea at Junction Cabin. Heading a short way along the Lenah Valley fire trail, we turn off to a less distinct track which leads to some sandstone outcrops. In the 1930s, the Lakins family built a rock wall & fireplace in the one of the rock shelters here. We'll head back via the lower section of the Hunters Track to Junction Cabin for lunch.  The North-South Track takes us back to the cars. Coffee at the Lost Freight for those who are interested.

We’ll start a the Remarkable Cave Carpark, walk to Safety Cove Beach, then follow the coastline to Crescent Bay where we’ll have lunch & maybe a swim.  This first part is along a narrow track that has a few challenging parts on and near the rocky shoreline. Sure footedness is important here. After that we’ll make our way back to the cars along the well formed track. 

 A leisurely winter walk taking in beaches, headlands, coastal scenery. Some road walking may be needed depending on tide.

Tracked walk to start with then largely open button grass climb to two rocky summits of similar height. Exposed.

We will start with a short but undulating walk of around 1.5km in the Tasmanian Bushland Garden near Buckland where we will be able to get a good view of our second walk of around 4.5km in The Three Thumbs Reserve near Orford. Whilst the walks are short there are lots of ups and downs on sometimes rocky tracks. We will take the loop track on our return from the middle of the Three Thumbs. Whilst I have walked this track several times current reports advise that it is overgrown with several fallen trees across the track. Some people may wish to bring secateurs to clear the track (except for the fallen trees).    

This event will involve a car shuffle that will involve cars left at the springs and at the summit. We will start our walk at sea level in Sandy Bay then using a variety of trails, tracks and roads, we will make our way up to the summit of Kunyani/Mt Wellington in hopefully the shortest way possible.  There will be toilet facilities on the way and places to stop, such as The Waterworks, Fern Tree and the Springs where we can have a drink, rest and food. 

We will meet at the carpark at the end of The Esplanade, Seven Mile Beach.  We will then take the track leading towards Single Hill, but branch off staying with the coastal track.  There are a few easy hills along the way, but the beautiful views will make up for that.  We’ll stop along the way for morning tea before retracing our steps to the cars.  Lunch venue TBA

This interesting walk takes us along coastal tracks, beaches, fern gullies and a climb to Boronia Hill Lookout. There is a fair bit of undulation and a little uphill slog but compensated by good views and a shorter than usual distance. We will NOT be walking the countless steps to the Shot Tower. Hopefully we will sight some different orchid species. 

A fun trip we've done a few times now. Launch from the Huonville boat ramp, paddle downstream. In Franklin leave the kayaks to grab a coffee and fish'n'chips. Return upstream to Huonville. Execute a figure 8 around North Egg Island, South Egg Island and the 'Convict Dug' channel. A fun day out.

The Central Plateau area can be stunning in winter (and any time of the year actually) so it's time to explore around Bastian Bluff. This walk will be partially on track, part pad and part off track including some scrub, scree and no doubt some wet sections. It will only proceed with good weather - we'll have a few backup hikes on standby too just in case.

Given the distance to cover and time of year (shorter days) this will be a quick moving hike with minimal breaks to stay warm and complete the distance safely. For those travelling from a far, there are other great hikes in the area to combine as a weekend trip should you wish and some car camping options nearby (I will be doing a day trip only).

If you haven't walked with me before please get in touch via email to introduce yourself and share some of your experience before registering, and also make sure to review the required gear list in the Members handbook to bring along.

Stat's from Beccas blog is: 18.4km, 7.21hrs, 1095m ascent. We will be slower as a group (rather than a solo Rockmonkey jaunt!), and wish to allow time for safe travel home for folks too so allowing 9 hours with an emergency buffer. As with all winter walks or if things don't go to plan, there is always a chance we may need headtorches for the walk out so make sure they are packed.

More info here: https://rockmonkeyadventures.wordpress.com/2014/09/25/bastion-bluff-22-september-2014/

This walk is still being reviewed. It is planned to have a short car shuffle to the Chalet carpark. Then we shall walk down the OHA track as far as the North-South track. We will then walk back to the Springs via Junction Cabin. Hopefully time for coffee afterwards.

Please note new meeting point-Cambridge Park, opposite National Tiles in the car park. This means that we can bypass Sorrell.

Five kilometres from Murdunna Roadhouse we turn into Macgregor Road (signed as Fazakerleys Ranges). Almost 2km along unsealed roads we park in a small parking area to begin our walk.

The steep (rather boring) track heads to a fire tower where we’ll stop for morning tea.. Views by cliimbing to the platform.

The next section of the track has a lot of cutting grass & rocks before we reach the start of the ‘magic forest’ - a beautiful area  full of sassafras, laurel, moss, fungi & plenty of fallen trees & logs to navigate.

Continuing through the forest to Macgregor’s Peak at 591m we will get some fabulous views of the Tasman Peninsula coast from a lookout a few metres further on. We can either have an early lunch here or continue along the ridge and find a suitable spot.

The next section of the walk along the ridge is stunning - full of thick moss, lichen, dense trees, & incredible convoluted tree ferns. There is evidence of past logging, too. Hopefully some fungi to be seen,, although it was quite dry on my recce, so not much around.

We’ll head back to the cars along Schofields Road, (although it’s really only a track), & then a steep up & down trail for another couple of kilometres.

There are several fairly steep sections along the 4x4 tracks with loose gravel at the start & end of the walk.

We will walk along the Derwent Foreshore Trail through parkland and a short section of bush track to Windemere Bay and return the same way after finding a suitable spot for a morning tea stop.

This popular walk has spectacular views all the way, the track is mainly level and mostly a grassy track after starting by walking along Opossum Bay beach. We then follow a circuit around the perimeter of Arm End with a short bit of road walking before taking a set of steps back down to Opossum Bay beach to complete the walk back to our starting point. Coffee at Touch of The Mo can be arranged for after the walk.

Not for the faint hearted. 'Hard' is not an appropriate descriptor, but it was the closest on the list. This is an epic day walk and may prove a bit too ridiculous, but I figure some of us like our fun at this end of the scale. Expect a super long day, ending in the dark, very minimal and short breaks. You'll need to be able to move fast and keep on going even when tired. You will probably want a sense of humour that verges on a little bit mad, but I'm sure it'll be fun!!

I will be in Queenstown this weekend regardless, so something will be on - depending upon reasonably favourable weather.  I am open to suggestions, but among the many options are Mt Darwin, Mt Huxley, Mt Farrell, Mt Murchison, and Mt Zeehan.  Feel free to nominate something you would like to do!

You will need to arrange accommodation, though it is often possible to arrange a group booking somewhere.  Let me know if you are interested in going in with a group, or just want to do your own thing.

And I'll be travelling up late afternoon on Friday, back Sunday night.

This is a popular walk to a beautiful lagoon which is the home of lots of wildlife at numerous times of the year. The walk this year is a little bit earlier in spring so that we don't disturb the resident sea eagles and their fledglings.  It may be wet underfoot if we get some rain over winter so be prepared. 

After car pooling at Sorell, we have a 45 or so minute drive to our starting point on Dares road. The walk is reasonably steep on an old 4WD track . We cross the H road onto a newer 4WD road and proceed uphill. After nearly an hour we reach a tagged turn to the left. This takes us through a lovely grove of pepper berries to a geological feature known as split rock which is reached after about 20 minutes.

The split itself is inaccessible without climbing equipment but we can look at the top relatively easily. The bottom is more of a scramble but an option for anyone interested. 

We will return to the main 4WD road and proceed to the summit for expansive views and lots of telecommunications equipment.

Morning tea and lunch will be taken at appropriate times and places depending on our progress.

We will return the way we came taking 3-4 hours for the excursion.

An easy walk traversing the fire trails and walking tracks in the Peter Murrell Reserve (with some up and down) near Blackmans Bay.  

The meeting place is the carpark off Burwood Drive which is located behind the houses. Crestwood Court is almost opposite the entrance to the carpark.

Most importantly, coffee can be had nearby at walks end.

A weekend with two very different walks. On Saturday we journey to the Ben Lomond plateau, if the snow is deep we may utilise the bus, and snowshoe over to Ossians Throne, 1498m. then over the plateau to Lake Youl, before returning to the Village. Hopefully we can purchase a hot coffee or chocolate. Approximately 14km of snowshoeing. Fingers crossed there is snow. We'll then drive to Scottsdale, and the Lords Hotel, for hot showers, dinner and a good nights sleep. Sunday morning, there's no need for a rushed departure, and we'll climb Mt Scott, 984m, with some stunning forest, before heading home. While I've climbed many of the features of the Ben Lomond plateau, I haven't visited Ossians Throne or Lake Youl before. I have previously climbed Mt Scott.

We will meet at Station Lane Carpark in Sorell and arrange car pooling if required for the drive to Marion Bay. A brisk winter walk along the beach to Marion Narrows, returning along the other side of the Spit.

We’ll follow the Tinderbox Hills track, keeping to the track as it passes through private land.
After a detour to Mt Louis we’ll descend to Tinderbox Road and walk 300m along that to Piersons Point for lunch.
We’ll retrace our steps to return to the cars.
The track is mostly good but parts are a little rough. There is some fire trail and road walking.

We’ll meet at Cambridge Park and carpool to the start of the walk at Acton.  This is an easy walk along the Tangara Trail, taking in rural areas with 2 short road walks.  This is mainly a flat walk with one short slope easily negotiated.  It’s a ’there and back’ walk and once back to the start will head to Cambridge for lunch, having stopped for morning tea on the way.

Pelverata Falls, located in Snug Tiers Nature Reserve, is about 114m length and is quite spectacular with a good water flow (here's hoping!!) The initial part of the track hugs the perimeter of farming properties before entering dense eucalyptus forest. There are also some patches of rain forest understory. After this section the track climbs along a large rock scree before steeply and briefly descending to the Pelverata Falls lookout platform.

This will be an out and back walk in Tasman National Park. After morning tea at Tunnel Bay we will head to Shipstern Bluff for lunch. You will get some lovely views and different interesting terrains on the way around.
We will be mostly on a good track with maybe some muddy patches, depending on the weather in the previous weeks. There is a descent to Tunnel Bay and quite a steep descent on formed stairs to Shipstern Bluff. And of course we have to come back up.

This is a trip I did a very long time ago and the new Poimena book gave me an excellent excuse to visit it again.

In the last program I put Mt Dromedary on and this track is followed again to reach Platform Peak.

It is around 13kms return and follows a series of old forestry roads and the track is reasonalby well marked. There are numerous points with excellent views.

I have marked it as medium due to the length of the walk and the ascent to the flat summit ridge.

This is one of my favourite Tasman Peninsula walking tracks, with a climb through open forest to the cliff edge. The 14km walk is through light forest and heath with stunning cliffs never far away. This is a return walk on the same track with beautiful coastal scenery out to the dolerite cape, Cape Raoul. On a nice day we will be rewarded with stunning views and possibly seals on the small islands and rocks below. We will have a leisurely lunch enjoying the views.

Please note this track is long and may be rough and steep at times.

This walk is still in the making. We will  go up the Pinnacle track and then along it as far as the Chalet. Then down the Hunters track and, after a quick circle of Crocodile Rock,  detour via Lakin's lair to the Chalet. Then return to the cars via suitable tracks for coffee at the Springs.

TBA

We will car share from the meeting place to the top of Nierinna Creek Track and walk down.  Morning tea somewhere on the way, there may be birthday cake for morning tea.  Lunch probably at the dam depending on where we are.  Cross over to the Margate Rivulet Track and walk to the end, Van Morey Road.  Return across Davis Flats and down and across to the Channel Highway and hence to cars.  Drivers will be taken back to their cars.  Possibly coffee at Hopfields Brewery for those who wish.

I've previously attempted this as a group of three as a day trip and we got close - but not close enough. So this time we will get there! We have intel from my previous attempt, as well as Becca's notes (aka Rockmonkey) who went in successfully a couple of weeks after our attempt. 

In the week prior to the trip we'll decide as a group whether to go in as a long day trip or overnight along the way, my preference is a bumper day trip if the weather is good. Regardless we will carcamp the night prior at the start line for an early head torch start. There are two possible routes that we'll review as a team - both have over 2000 elevation - more via Schnells Ridge route which is the way we attempted.

If I haven't walked with you before please get in touch via email in the first instance to chat. Priority will be for those I have walked with before in alpine and off track/scrub hiking and who have a sense of adventure and humour, and who work together well as a team and don't mind a scrub bash and long day adventure.

The numbers will be kept small in case we do camp but also because of the nature of the walk to ensure we have a great chance of success - and also fun while doing so. This will be a fast moving walk where everyone will be expected to take a turn at the front during the scrub bash and contribute as a team.

More information on the walk can be found here (I am one of the PBC folks Becca is referring to this blog - and they were my sunglasses found!): https://rockmonkeyadventures.wordpress.com/2024/05/15/gallagher-plateau-14-may-2024/

We will start at the Tesselated Pavement near Eaglehawk Neck then follow the shoreline for a while before climbing a track that leads up MacGregor Peak directly from the south.  It's a big hill, about 600 m of ascent, with the vegetation gradually changing from dry sclerophyll to amazing low moss forest.  The shoreline and forest are the main attractions, although from the summit there is a spectacular view south to Pirates Bay and the coast beyond.  The descent via a different route also has a wide diversity of lovely vegetation.

This walk is towards the hard end of the Medium-Hard grade.  Although most of the route is on a well-defined track much of the ground underfoot is very rough and there are some very steep climbs and descents.

When we did this walk last year I was very impressed by the number of wild flowers on this cliff top walk, so I thought I'd run it again. After meeting at Sorell, we'll start at the Devils Kitchen car park, a drive which takes about an hour. We then walk along a very well made track with some wonderful clifftop views taking in the spring wildflowers. There are also a range of orchids to be found  - mostly bird orchids. After heading out to Waterfall Bluff, where we'll have lunch, on a somewhat rougher bush track, we return the same way. Coffee at the pop up Coffee van.

Filling in some blanks in the north east of the State.  Mt Stronach overlooks Scottsdale and is an easy walk with good views - on a good day.  Mt Scott has some beautiful old growth myrtle forest, and is worth exploring.  Mt Young is further east adjacent the Blue Tier.  While I walked in all of these areas I have never actually climbed these summits - so if not now, when?

I have half a mind to organise some group accommodation so that the evenings are more pleasant and we can even organise dinner on the Friday or Saturday nights, or self-cater.  Let me know what you would like to do.  Branxholm has some good options, as does Scottsdale and Derby.

I expect some may be able to leave Hobart on Friday morning and do something on the way up, while others will need to leave after work and arrive later on Friday night.  Either should be able to be accommodated.  

After the success of our Pitt Water/Coal River paddle in April, I'm hoping we can undertake a longer paddle that will take us all the way upstream to Richmond. Tidal flow, River flow, 1 or 2 weirs and the possible start of the causeway duplication may all be factors that impact on our plans, and necessitate changes. Will suit paddlers who like the challenge of a longer paddle, where, depending on water levels, opportunities to get out and stretch the legs may be limited. And of cause there's always the fun of wandering into the Richmond Bakery in paddling gear to buy a 'coffee and cake' (or even lunch).

The drive from Hobart is about 2.5 hours. We'll meet at the Granton train carpark to organise cars for a 7am departure. We may have time to stop for a coffee break at Derwent Bridge.

We will start at the old quarry just below the King William Saddle, walking off-track but mostly buttongrass plains to Mt Arrowsmith, Calders Lookout and The Beehive, returning to the vehicles from there. We should accomplish this in 6 hours, including lunch. The overall climb for the day is about 500 metres.

Hopefully, we should be able to drive back to Hobart mainly in daylight.

This walk will follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin who in 1836 visited Hobart in the HMS Beagle.

The walk route between Kangaroo Bay and Howrah follows the coast before heading inland to Waverly Flora Park, then returning to Kangaroo Bay.

The Charles Darwin Trail, a popular trail in Clarence, includes 5 interpretive signs drawing from the observations and notes made by Darwin on his Eastern Shore Day Excursion.

The Walk is reasonably flat on the coastal path, gently graded over Bellerive and Second Bluff, there is some gravel and steeper sections through Waverly Flora Park.

I will be travelling to the start point in Bellerive using the Derwent Ferry from the Brooke Street Pier leaving on the 10.00 am Ferry in the spirit of how Darwin travelled in 1836.

The journey takes approximately 15 minutes to the Bellerive Pier. A Green Card will provide a 20% discount on the fare ($1.92 for a seniors concession). For those driving to the meeting point, we will start walking from the Car Park at the end of Cambridge Road in Bellerive Village.

Pending the walk completion time I will either return by Ferry of Bus to Hobart.

This is an invigorating, mainly out-back walk, on tracks and not so well maintained fire trails.  The walk is basically uphill out and downhill back, with an elevation gain of around 420m.  Walking poles are recommended, if you are a fan.  There are lovely views looking up the Derwent River and out to Pittwater.  We will visit Rocky Tom first, then make our way up Flagstaff Hill where we will have a.m. tea.  Wed should return to the carpark around midday.  There will be the option to go for a cup of something afterwards for those who are keen.

This is a leisurely day to an awe inspiring place. The Grove of Giants was recently saved from logging and showcases the very best of Tasmania's tall trees. We start the day in Huonville where we will partake of morning tea beside the river. If you arrive early check out the op shops which are wonderful.

After carpooling into 4wheel drive vehicles we head on the road to Lake Skinner before which we turn down a marked road for approximately 4 km to a carpark.

We then do a 5km circuit taking in some forest giants including the biggest blue gum in the world! Lunch will be at its base.

This is a mentored walk, organised by Mandy Woolley. Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary is a conservation area near Bagdad. A gold coin donation is encouraged, to help with ongoing costs. There is a donation box at the entrance to the carpark. 
We  will be walking to the Flat Rock Lookout via Browns Caves and Guvy’s Lagoon.  Hopefully we will see some spring flowers and bird life, as the Sanctuary is home to a variety of native birds.

 We will walk via the Winter Track, allowing us to have a look at the caves. We then continue on to Guvy’s Lagoon for morning tea. After morning tea we retrace our steps, and then join the Flat Rock Track. This is a pleasant section involving a steady uphill climb which will take us to the Western Lookout, giving us a view back to the caves. Continuing on, we reach the Eastern Lookout where we will have lunch. 
Return is via the same track until we reach the Caves Track intersection. Then we walk next to the creek, past Eves Bath, back to the cars.

Please note that some sections are rocky and could be muddy. 

Meeting at Geilston Bay Boat Club car park to car pool to New Norfolk 

to start our ramble  along the Derwent River stopping  for morning tea along the river front ,into New Norfolk to have lunch possibly at the park in circle street and back via Lachlan River 

This trip is courtesy of  The Tasmanian Land Conservancy.  Participants will need to fill out a form from the TLC at least a week before the trip to sign a waiver and declaration to agree to all the conditions of visiting the area.  There is a car camping trip and there is a place to gather with some shelter to cook so there is no carrying of a heavy pack with all your gear.  I will be doing a recce sometime in the next couple of months and will have greater details to add after that.  The aim is to drive up and over the weekend walk into and explore Lake Ina, Kenneth lagoon and Skull bone plains.  

If we have late snow, this is a good introduction to overnight snow trips. Drive to Cynthia Bay and sort out car shuffle to Rufus Canal Road. Initially walk up the Gingerbread Track, then transition to ice grippers before finally transferring to snow shoes. Lunch at Joe Slatters Hut. Set up our tents on snow, around Gingerbread Hut. While we may socialise in the Hut, the focus of the trip will be to set up tents on snow and sleep in the tents. In the morning continue up to the Mt Rufus summit, 1416m, then follow the Mt Rufus Track down to Cynthia Bay, first in snowshoes, then ice grippers and finally in boots. Coffee, cake, hot chips await participants at the cafe, while the drivers retrieve any car(s) from Rufus Canal Road. This activity is weather and snow dependent. I have twice organised this activity in previous years.

This delightful walk will start at the National Park Kiosk with our first stop being a Lady Barron Falls followed by a gentle climb through forest past the Tall Trees walk and on to Horseshoe falls before descending to Russel Falls and returning to the cars at the Kiosk.

This will be an out and back walk in Tasman National Park. After morning tea at Tunnel Bay we will head to Shipstern Bluff for lunch. You will get some lovely views and different interesting terrains on the way around.
We will be mostly on a good track with maybe some muddy patches, depending on the weather in the previous weeks. There is a descent to Tunnel Bay and quite a steep descent on formed stairs to Shipstern Bluff. And of course we have to come back up.

We will start from the Walls of Jerusalem car park and walk up past Trappers Hut to the plateau, where we will drop packs and head off on the track to Lake Adelaide for a short distance.  Near Lake Loane we will plunge off into the scrub and wend our way to Howell's Bluff.  It is not too difficult, and not that long, but scrub gloves and long trousers are recommended.  

We will head back to our packs and then head across country to Tiger Lake or preferably down to the Fish River where we will set up camp.  On Day 2 we will do a long day walk to Clumner Bluff, approaching it from the east, and hopefully taking in some of the high points on the plateau.  

Day 3 will see us pack up camp and head back across to Trappers Hut and down to the cars.  

Depending on weather, and the interests of the party, it may be worth reversing the itinerary and doing Howell's Bluff on the way out.  

While I have been to Howells' and to Tiger Lake, I have not explored the country between Tiger Lake and Clumner Bluff.  I do expect scrub, lots of boulders, and a generally interesting time in a part of the plateau not often visited.

Mt Darwin and Darwin South are two HWC peak bagger peaks on the road up to Mt Sorrell. The walk will include some very steep road (which I have walked and driven up previously in a 4WD), some scrub, scree and some off track walking. There are some ribbons on the track and some sections where we will be route finding. This will be a fast moving walk given the amount of daylight hours and distance, and also some steep road sections, with limited breaks if the weather is cool to stay warm.

If there are folks who register who have a 4WD and are comfortable driving on a steep road (and the cable gate is still open). this will cut down some of the walk duration  - if not we'll be walking it (it isn't suitable for AWD cars).

It will be an early start so folks are recommended to drive down the night prior and carcamp or stay nearby. I will be at Darwin Dam Lake Burbury which is 30 minutes outside of Queenstown with no phone range. There is a toilet and a large picnic shelter/under cover area. For those in tents bring a tarp and strong tent pents/hammer, and there are lots of spots for car camping and campfires are allowed. 

Some of us will be completing an unofficial walk on the Sunday to another HWC Peak in the North West and will be staying at Darwin Dam or further along the road towards the NW on the Saturday night. Others may wish to do some day hikes on the Sunday around Queenstown as a private activity also. 

If I haven't walked with you before please get in touch via email to introduce yourself, share some of you hiking experience with Pandani and off track, and to make sure you have the right gear and experience for the walk for safety. 

More info about the hikes here: https://rockmonkeyadventures.wordpress.com/2017/01/26/darwin-sorell-and-south-darwin-2-4-january-2017/

This is a walk on private land. Permission has been obtained. The aim is to drive to the start of the walk on Bow Hill Road and then follow the gorge down river for a couple of hours. We will turn round at lunchtime and return a slightly different way. Please note at this time of year there are likely to be numerous river crossings and wet feet are probably inevitable. Trekking poles will help negotiating crossings. Bring shoes to change into at the close of the walk. The gorge is a pretty, shallow sandstone gorge which contains an old farm track complete with multiple gates, which we'll follow as far as we can in the time available. On the return we follow a tributary creek to where it meets up with the main farm road.