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/

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!!

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.

Meet at the lower Springs car park at 9am.  After a car shuffle to Big Bend car park, we will begin the walk at 9:30am.  The plan is to take the North South track to Junction Cabin for Morning Tea.  Then the Hunter's track then the old Hobartian track to the New Town Rivulet, where we will have a good rest and lunch before the steep boulder scramble up to the Lost World.  We will emerge at the Big Bend where we left 2 vehicles to transport us back to the other cars at the Lower Springs Car park.  We would grade the walk at a medium plus.  

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.
We’ll detour to the Tinderbox Nature Reserve for morning tea then rejoin the main track a bit further along.
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 (without the detours) to return to the cars.
The track is mostly good with many ups and downs. Some parts are a little rough and trek poles could be useful. 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.

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.

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.

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 Junction Cabin. Then return to the cars via suitable tracks for coffee at the Springs.

We will car share from the meeting place to the top of Nierinna Creek Track and walk down, for those who are not keen on down, there are a few little steep ups.  Approximately half an hour some logs for morning tea and there may be birthday cake, or if people wish a little further on some steps to sit on.  Lunch probably at the dam depending on where we are.  Cross over to the Margate Rivulet Track and walk to Brook Lane.  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.

Entries for the annual PBC Photography Competition will close on Friday 22nd August. This will allow time to print, mount and judge the entries in our seven Categories.

* Bush & Mountain Scene 

* Water Scene.

* Snow & Ice.

* Pandani People 

* Mushroom, Fungi, Lichen or Moss 

* Flora.

* Pandani, Richea pandanifolia. 

Note, no Fauna category in 2025.

The run sheet for the Exhibition evening will look something like;

* 6:30pm doors open

* 6:30 - 7:30, chat, check out the photos and cast your People's Choice vote.

* 7:30 - 8:00, continue to chat while the People's Choice votes are collated. 

* 8:00 - 8:30, announce the Awards.

* 8:30 - 9:00, continue chatting and socialising. 

* 9:00 - 10:00, clean up and vacate the Hall.

This is the second biggest Social event in the Club year and we look forward to you entering photographs and attending this fun evening. A great chance to catch up with Club members you may not have seen for a while, and reminisce about past activities. 

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 month or so after our attempt. 

This will be a full day trip starting and ending in head torch and quick moving. There is some track at the start, and then all off track including scree/rock, and plenty of scrub to push through up and down hills. 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 and another group 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 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 ibecause of the nature of the walk to ensure we have a great chance of success and 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: 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.

We will meet at the Black Buffalo Hotel from 10.30, where Simon will give us an understanding of the role of ballistics in forensic science.  The talk will start at 11.00.  Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.  Should you wish, lunch can be had at the hotel after the talk, but I would like to know numbers beforehand. 

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.

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 is south of Scottsdale and has some beautiful old growth myrtle forest, and is worth exploring.  Mt Victoria and Mt Albert are behind Ringarooma and if we are ambitious it is possible to do both in a day, but if one is preferred it might be Albert as I have never had a view from there.  Mt Blackboy is a point of interest near Mathinna Falls - I've never been so now is the time.  I am open to suggestions as to what peaks people want to do, though Mt Scott and Mt Blackboy are top of my list.  Expect some off-track walking and some scrub and scrambling - but not too difficult.

I have organised accommodation at the old Mine Managers house in Derby.  It is suitable for a large group and comes very well reviewed.  Cost should be either side of $200 per person for the two nights - it will depend on final numbers.  We have the option of cancelling five days out if the weather forecast is too miserable.  As the house is well equipped I think we could arrange to eat there - there is a BBQ and a fully equipped kitchen. 

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.  

Any questions please email me.

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).

Tas Police will be holding a statewide SAREX and wish to extend an invite to our club to attend in a volunteer bushwalking/education capacity. Interested members are asked to read the Club's Search and Rescue Information on our website for more details about what being a SAREX volunteer is all about. This will be a great opportunitu for club members to have a behind the scenes look at how a live search is conducted.

https://www.pandani.org.au/documents/Search%20and%20Rescue_Information%20for%20Volunteers.pdf

This exercise will be held at Wayatinah Lagoon and the accommodation and forward command post will be at the Wayatinah Caravan park.

Park fees will be covered by police and accommodation will be at the caravan park, attendees can stay in their own tents, swags, rooftop tents, caravans etc (at their own discretion) and powered sites will be available for use.

Basic food will be provided in the form of rolls for lunches, bbq for dinner and a breakfast on the 21st.

The Exercise will have 2 stages, stage 1 will commence with a briefing at Wayatinah Caravan Park at 10.00am (suggest getting their and setting up prior to this). Day 1 will involve a day search in the area practicing Navigation, teamwork, communications, search techniques, exhibit handling, leadership and patient management. It is expected this will conclude prior to 6pm where dinner will be provided and a chance to socialise with police and other volunteers around firepits at the licenced communal area will be available. There will also be roping operations in the area conducted by police and Ambulance Tasmania.

Day 2 will begin after breakfast at approximately 9am with 3 rotating 1 hour sessions focusing on hypothermia treatment, patient movement, advanced navigation and possibly access to the Westpac rescue helicopter for familiarisation. This is expected to conclude about 1pm after lunch.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with this, it is an opportunity to train police Search and Rescue members and some new Mission Coordinators in management of search teams in the field and also an opportunity to meet some of the volunteers we rely upon operationally in a lower pressure environment. Mounted Search and Rescue, Ambulance Tasmania, the entire state police SAR teams and the SES SAR teams have also been invited so it should be quite the exercise.

We are looking for approximately 10 – 15 members to attend. They will need warm clothes, snacks, a head torch and packs for off track day walking in bushland.

Please contact me with any questions.

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.

Note: I have changed this walk to Sunday to fit in with the SAREX at Wayatinah. I will attend the SAREX on Saturday.

The drive from Hobart is about 2.5 hours. Walkers leaving from Hobart will need to arrange travel together to meet at Derwent Bridge at 9am for a quick coffee and then proceed to the start of the walk. We can look at that at close of booking.

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 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. 

We start by walking along the beach to the track leading to an elevated lookout. After taking in the views we join the track which follows the cliffs north to private property. This will be our lunch spot with great ocean views to Sloping Island.

On the return we pick up a diverse and pretty bush track which will emerge at the coastal reserve (North Clifton). From here we head back to our start point around the edge of Pipe Clay Lagoon.

This trip is the first one of 2 seperate weekend trips 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 farm called Strathayr is the home of Strathayr Instant Lawn. We will check this out after the walk.

This is on private property, permission granted on 4.08.2025 when I did the recce.

We will meet at the carpark at Richmond Gaol carpark and car pool from there.

Travel to Back Tree Road and park our cars in a paddock near the Back Tree Road on private property.

Will start the walk from there and walk across a paddock until we pick up a farm track to the top of the ridge.

This is uphill most of the way with a steady climb until we reach the ridge line and will walk along the ridge line to a fence line. Then we will will drop off the ridge line and pick up the main farm track to retrace our footsteps to our cars. Whilst on top will see beautiful views to the North East and surroundings. We will also check out a little diversion to a cleared area before we get to our cars.

 Height gain is 350 metres from where we leave the cars.

More details for this event will be published in the next program, for now I’m just saving the date!

This trip is the second of 2 separate weekend events 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.  

We will make our way up to and over Tolmans Hill. Then possibly via Hobart College to return to Ridgeway and take an alternative route back (maybe Sixpence Cave) to our cars.

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.

Tba

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/

On a previous Pandani walk to Mt Connection we were admiring the view to Collins Bonnet and came up with the idea of walking from Big Bend to Collins Bonnet as an alternative to the more commonly used route up Myrtle Forest.

We will start on the fire trail from Big Bend and take the Mt Connection track where we will have morning tea before heading off on the East West trail to pick up the summit track to Collins Bonnet. Here we will have lunch, catch our breath and then head back the way we came.

I have graded this medium as it is a long walk over mixed terrain.

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.

Tba

Meeting at millbrook boat ramp car park . 1 km south of new Norfolk , large red no caravan park sign on entrance to area..toilets here.

Starting our ramble up and around Miilbrook rise along the cliff, past Tyndall Park ,then  along the esplanade of the Derwent River stopping  for morning tea 

Then into New Norfolk to have lunch in the sun at the square next to banjos, where you can purchase a great coffee from the retro coffee shop across the road to have with lunch.

Then heading out towards Lachlan past lots of historical buildings which formed part of original asylum.

Back to the cars via Lachlan river track and Tyndall Park and various tracks.

More information after Annie and I have done a reccie

Join us on this walk with the primary aim to climb Mt Bobs, our secondary goals will be Bobs Knobs and The Boomerang.

If the  group decision is to only climb Mt Bobs (Abel) we will probably aim at a three day trip. Day 1 walking into Lake Sydney. Day 2 a scrubby climb onto the ridge, locate the highpoint and return to camp. Day 3 walk out to the cars. 

If we opt to try for all three highpoint, we will be doing a four day trip. Day 1 walk I to Lake Sydney. Day 2 and 3 will involve a scrubby climb onto the ridge and one or two nights 'camping high' and climbing Mt Bobs, Bobs Knobs and The Boomerang. Day 4 will be returning to the cars.

Either way, we will be scrambling around the rock and scrub lined edge of Lake Sydney. Then pushing up through heavy scrub to the ridge. Dexterity and perseverance will be required, along with a willingness to 'take the lead' in the scrub. The ridge will be exposed to the weather, with rock and patches of scrub.while this trip will not focus on 'speed', the exposed nature of the area may necessitate maintaining a constant pace. 

Anticipate some heavy scrub, rock, mud, possible wet conditions,  possible navigation in poor visibility and maybe walking by headtorch.

Preference wiĺl be given to Club Members who have previously walked with me in an Alpine Environment. Please note I have previously climbed Mt Bobs but haven't visited Bobs Knobs or The Boomerang. 

It has been a very long time since I have been out in this area, and it is overdue for a visit.  The intent is to climb Little Hugel and Mt Hugel, which I have done before, but then to explore further west to the Cheyne Range - which I have not visited.

I hope to camp high on at least one night, assuming the conditions are suitable.

There will be considerable route-finding and scrub, which ever way we go, and very likely some creek crossings.  The exact route I am still pondering, and we could well make different choices on the day. 

We will meet at Coningham Beach (at the main carpark with public toilets) and will then circuit the Reserve in an anti clockwise direction to take advantage of the views. There is approx 1km of walking uphill on a gravel road (not much traffic) before we re-enter the Reserve at Shephards Hill.  I have included the classification of Medium as there are a couple of steep sections as we traverse up and down Shephards Hill and over the course of the walk we gain an elevation of around 200 metres.  But overall nothing too onerous for regular Thursday walkers.

Meet at Station Road car park,Sorrel at 8.30 to arrange car sharing.
Drive to Buckland & turn left onto the C318, just before the Shell garage. Continue for 11.6 km, & about 600m past the Cutting Grass Road intersection there is a small car parking area & the start of the walk.

We will start the trail on the eastern side of the gorge & cross the river early. Climbing up the gorge side, we will follow the contours for a few kilometres, before crossing the river again to complete the circuit on the western side of Bluff River gorge.

We will stop for morning tea at a beautiful spot on the track, and lunch at another beautiful spot on the track a bit later, when we get hungry again. I have a couple of places in mind.

The track is steep in many places, not particularly well marked, there are river crossings x 2, a fair amount of scrub bashing, but well worth it for some fabulous rock formations & scenery. 
It’s a gorgeous walk.

Last time I did this trail was roughly a year ago, in Spring, & the whole group was affected by pollen being blown in the wind at a specific spot. I will be taking antihistamine tablets in my pack, as a precaution, but suggest that allergy sufferers take their preferred brand too. 

We will meet at the boat ramp at the end of Jetty Road, Old Beach.  We will walk the riverside track to the end where we will have morning tea.  We then return the same way picking up our cars and head to Karen and Kens’ to eat our lunch.  This is an amazing garden that we are lucky enough to be able to share.

This walk starts approximately 9.5km up Lake Dobson Road (Park Pass necessary). It is a short walk about 4.5km with an initial steepish climb. There is a side track to Beatties Tarn followed by a walk on a glacial moraine ridge to Lake Nicholls. Time permitting we may follow later with a walk to Russell Falls and beyond. Tony and I will take our vehicles and we will need a further person to offer their vehicle for the drive up Lake Dobson Road. Parking is limited at the start of the track.

We will meet at Sandfly Hall 7.45 for a car shuffle. We will start our walk at Cockle Creek. We will wander through light, ferny forest, followed by duckboarded marshlands. After a short, steep climb, we will come out onto a clifftop with spectacular views across South Cape Bay, the Southern Ocean and Lion Rock. If weather is good we will walk down some steep stairs to the beach and have our lunch there, and maybe a wander to Lion Rock. 
track can be muddy at the start, also a little rough in places and have a few ups and downs, but generally easy going. 

Ryton Hills are part of the Prosser Tasmanian Land Conservancy Reserve near Orford. This will be a ramble rather than a “walk”. The pace would be best described as ambling so that we can examine the expected wonderful array of wildflowers.

Elevation gain of about 200 m. The terrain of this dry schlerophyll site is mostly open grassy woodland, but rocky in parts.

We will meet at the beach carpark at the end of the canals at Lauderdale.  We will take a walk along the beach until we reach the start of the track to Mays Beach.  We will head along there as far as we feel able before heading back to our cars.  We’ll be having morning tea along the way.  

We will then head down to Angie Sue’s for lunch.

WHY WALK TO FRASER CREEK HUT? 

The location provides an opportunity to:

- be immersed in the rugged beauty of the West Coast

- experience staying in a mountain hut

- see first-hand the remains of some of the early logging and mining sites in the area

WALK OPTIONS: Fraser Falls (4⁺ hrs. RTN); Fraser Falls/Montezuma Falls circuit (7-8 hrs. RTN); Moores Pimple (4-5 hrs. RTN); Calendar Tree (1½ hrs. RTN). ALL WALKS ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT.  

The hut is located approx. 13 km east of Zeehan, in the foothills behind the historical mining town of Dundas.  From the car parking area, the walk to the hut is just over 4km, with an elevation of around 600m and takes 2½-3 ½ hours, depending on fitness and track conditions.  The in-out walk initially follows a 4WD track and then traces the Carbine Track, an old horse drawn sledge track which, as well as being steep, is washed out in places.  It then follows a short section of what was Wallace’s tramline.  Bear in mind the location is only a stone’s throw from Mt Read and the ground underfoot, whether uphill or downhill, is usually wet in varying degrees, all year round.

The overall walk is rated as medium – hard, as the initial walk into the Hut, although steep and rough under foot in places, is reasonably easy to follow.  However, the track condition of the optional walks, baring the Calendar Tree, are considerably overgrown in places and with some more challenging up and down sections.   

You will need to bring the usual multi day bushwalking requirements, minus crockery, cutlery and tent (unless you are keen to sleep in the rainforest under a likely cloud covered sky).  Three butane gas stoves are available but you would need to carry in a butane gas canister.  A variety of billy’s and saucepans are also available.  Some people prefer to take their own cooker and pans to avoid waiting. 

There is a wonderful fire, but all participants need to be prepared to carry wood, on a daily basis, from pre-stacked piles a short distance up the track – in all weather conditions!

Both the hut and bunks are small and so for comfort, numbers for this trip are limited to five. Additional information about the hut, including a shared hut fee, will be forwarded to participants upon registration.

Travel arrangements will be made once attendees are known.

After meeting at Sandfly Hall we will car pool to start of walk at Huon Bush Retreat where there is limited parking  and quite a steep climb up final section of unsealed road.

From the picnic area (toilets available)  we will take Tall Trees Track to viewing platform, then 3/4 hour climb up escarpment to sub-alpine heathland plateau.

Morning Tea at Flat Rock   (360 degree views)   then about one hour along  plateau to top of Mt Misery  for lunch and views (and Jack Jumpers!)

After returning along the same track there are some short diversions to a beautiful little waterfall (sometimes with water!!) and past a tree which has suffered a massive lightning strike.

Several short walks possible after completion of circuit-well worth the effort.

Afternoon tea at Summer Kitchen?

Gold coin donation is appreciated for ongoing maintenance of the track and facilities.

Craigow Hill in the Meehan Range area is a beautiful flat summit with gorgeous views and interesting vegetation. We will start this walk in the Meehan Range before venturing onto private property that the owner permits entry for respectful users.

The trail there is mostly on formed gravel 4WD tracks and bike tracks so be prepared with hiking poles for the slippery downhill sections.

The final route is yet to be fully explored but might require a few off track and scrubby sections where the old roads have been left to regrow and a number of fallen trees may also need to be crossed. At this stage it is likely to be an in and out rather than a circuit due to a new landowner not allowing the old circuit to be used.

This is a long walk but with relatively easy conditions which is why it has been graded medium. There are a number of steep and long inclines and declines on gravel surfaces.

Please note that if a full circuit is done the total walk distance is approx. 18km

This walk is in the Three Thumbs State Reserve, near Orford. The recce for this was done a few years ago, so things may have changed a bit. The walk starts along an old forestry track. After about 5 kms, we head into the bush & to the most challenging part of the walk. Here, we carefully descend steeply through scrub and slippery, moss-covered rocks to the Griffiths Rivulet. Things become easier after this as the vegetation is more open from now on. After lunch at the Falls, we retrace our steps till we're about a third of the way along the forestry road. Then we take a slightly shorter route back to the cars. Total ascent is about 800m. 

Growling Swallet is a large limestone cave in a rain forest below Mt Field West. A creek flows into it and if there is sufficient water and you are inside the cave it makes a loud growling noise. We will drive out to the trail head and wander up a forestry road which leads into a mercifully unlogged rain forest within the borders of the National Park. The forest is very beautiful and peaceful and contains some enormous ancient trees. After visiting the Swallet, we'll drive back into Maydena and out to Junee Cave.The creek that enters the Swallet emerges in Junee Cave, which is in very pretty wet forest and is accessed by a short and well constructed track. Around 4 hours walking. Lunch will probably be at the start of the Junee Cave track. Coffee afterwards in Maydena.

Clear Hill provides extensive views of the Southwest after a relatively short walk (only about 2.5 km each way) but a 550 m climb and a rather long drive to get to the start.  It's surrounded on three sides by Lake Gordon and allegedly also provides views of the upper Gordon gorge.

We have not done this walk before.  However it seems to be moderately popular and the information here is from online sources and "The Abels" book.  The first section of the track appears to be very steep and it should be assumed that the track as a whole is fairly rough.  That plus the 500 m climb is the reason for the Med-Hard grade although the pace will be relaxed.

After a car shuffle at new Norfolk, the walk starts from Mount Field East Carpark. We start with a gradual uphill climb past Lake Nicholls and onto open moorland. This can be very exposed. From here there is a short scramble over some large boulders to the Summit, where hopefully we will see the magnificent views available at the top. We then continue along the moor and descend the boulder fields to Lake Fenton. We may take a short side trip to Seagers Lookout, depending on how everyone feels. After this there will be a short trip down the road before heading back onto a bush track which brings us to cars. Bring morning tea and lunch maybe some afternoon nibbles as well. 

Book your campsite at Mt Gnomon Farm.

Enjoy sundowners together in the evening as the campsite has great views of the area.

Meet up the following morning at 8.30 to drive to the Mt Duncan/Mt Montgomery car park, about 3 minutes away to commence our walk.

The track commences on a 4x4/MTB trail before turning off onto the Tall Trees Track after about 10 mins. It is well marked, taking us through beautiful forest, however there are plenty of steep sections both up & down. Heaps of shade, & the Dial Creek runs close to the track for a couple of kilometres. After crossing the creek the path becomes steeper & we soon start walking the Mt Duncan Track, reaching the summit at 681m, the tallest peak in the Dial Range. 

Fabulous view across the coast, ranges & towns of the north west. 

We then have a choice of either returning the same way or being a bit more adventurous & taking the circuit track around Mt Duncan. On our recce we took the adventurous route which I would classify as somewhere between ‘tricky’ & ‘quite difficult’ in parts, so please take note! I would prefer to take this route again as the alternative return route would be a very steep descent, but it would be weather/conditions/group dependent.

The final couple of kilometres to the car park is along a 4x4 track which makes a complete circuit of 11km. We spent almost 6 hours on the walk, but only 4 hours moving (food, views & locating the circuit track required a lot of downtime).

Day 2 - Leven Canyon Floor OR Leven River

Pack up camp & drive for 1 hr to Leven Canyon.

I haven’t recce’d this walk, but it’s one I’ve wanted to do for ages. 

We will drive to the Leven Canyon main car park & walk out to Cruikshank’s Lookout, Fern Walk & Edge Lookout to view the canyon from above. Morning tea somewhere here.

We’ll then drive on a couple of kilometres to begin the main walk of the day.

A short, flattish start & then a steep descent into the canyon floor & head to a bridge. From there we walk to Devils Elbow, apparently only about 1 hr return, but considered ‘challenging’.  We’ll have lunch at a beach by the rivers edge, then return the same way. 

Expect a steep trek down to the canyon floor, some great scenery & rock formations along the Leven river, some scrambling over rocks, & possibly wet feet! 

it’s only about 2km, but I expect the whole walk to take over 2 hrs (including lunch).

Our alternative would be a considerably less challenging walk along the Leven River, following an old haulage track. It’s the first few kilometres of the Penguin/Cradle Trail, and we would walk about 8km return. A much easier alternative, very lovely, & dependant on weather & conditions. 

Return home later in the afternoon. 

This urban/suburban ramble will mostly follow paths through parklands and reserves, but there will be some pavement and street walking. 

From our meeting point we will cross the Brooker Highway and follow pathways to the point that overlooks Cornelian Bay, then along the foreshore track to the Botanical Gardens for our morning tea break. We’ll climb to the Domain summit, then follow the Soldiers Memorial Walk to the Cenotaph. After traversing Sullivans Cove, lunch will probably be at Battery Park, before we move on via Battery Point streets to the UTas Sandy Bay Campus, arriving at Churchill Avenue in time to catch the 1:55pm bus back to New Town. Alighting at Creek Road, we will follow the rivulet path back to our cars. For those interested, coffee or tea at a nearby cafe will be an option. 

We will climb four HWC peaks during this three day trip - McCall, Propsting, Mcutcheon and Cracroft Hills. Expect a road bash, scrub bash, button grass and a mix of all of the above with varied West coast weather and some long days. Both will be long days of hiking, with Cracroft Hills to be approximately 12 hours. More info here: https://rockmonkeyadventures.wordpress.com/2023/03/15/mccall-propsting-and-cracroft-hills-11-13-march-2023/

All cars will need to be clean and washed as per the requirements for the key and permit being issued (your permit may be declined if not clean and will be checked), to prevent disease and weed spread before commencing on the track.Please note, McCall track will require AWD minimum, and preferably 4WD (the last few km's are 4WD only). 2WD will not be suitable.

All Leave no Trace principles including carry out waste (poo pots/wag bags/other) will be required and we will be camping out with no facilities. Please make sure to bring plenty of water in your vehicle for the duration.

We will car camp on Friday night at Darwin Dam - Lake Burbury to allow a very early start on the Saturday morning, and drive out on late Monday night. 

If I have not walked with your previously, please get in touch via email to introduce yourself including your hiking experience, any Pandani trips you've completed and to confirm what gear you have to meet the trip safety requirements. 

Because of limited parking at the start of the walk we will car pool for the short trip to the start.  We will then head off along a fire trail to the Betts Vale track.  Depending on time and conditions from the top of the track we will head to either Loan or Junction Cabins.  From there we head back to the Springs and down the Fingerpost Track and back to our cars.  We will find suitable spots along the way for morning tea and lunch.

We will meet at Sorell and carpool out to the Lavender farm,

Once at Lavender farm we will explore the lavender fields and a possible talk of the owners Claire and or Brendon. Then have morning tea and afterwards explore their farm.

Then we will travel to the reservoir and have lunch. After lunch we can walk around the reservoir and check out the wildlife.

Return to Sorell to our cars and have coffee etc if you wish

Pandani members did work on the Mt Bowes track earlier this year (with Park's permission).  So this should be the payoff - a reasonably trouble free walk to Mt Bowes itself, and hopefully excellent views of the South-West.  

Last time I was on the summit you could see all of about 5 metres - so this will be a new view for me - hopefully!

The walk is on Marsden's track, aka the Old Port Davey track, from just near Frodsham's Pass.  For the most part it goes though lovely old growth rain forest - myrtle, celery top and horizontal.  We reach a button grass saddle on the east side of Mt Bowes and then turn right, and go sharply uphill.  It is not difficult though there will still be the odd patch of downed trees to negotiate on the track itself.

Waratah and other summer wildflowers should be spectacular. We will meet at the Lower Springs car park, then car pool to a car park near the Chalet or the start of the Panorama Track. We will decide whether to walk clockwise or anticlockwise, taking in the Organ Pipes Track, the Zig-Zag Track to the summit and the Panorama Track. Morning tea and lunch will be taken at appropriate points along the way. If the weather for high altitude walking is unsuitable an alternative walk may be offered.

Cruise on board ML Egeria then lunch back at Motoar Yacht Club

We will start this walk from the Cascade Silos in South Hobart and make our way to  the Cascade Gardens and walking up behind the gardens and making our way onto various  tracks behind the Brewery, before joining up with the Cascade Track. Please Note: There maybe a Creek crossing which could be muddy and slippery. At some stage we will cross Old Farm Road walk up as far as the Myrtle Gully Falls before retracing our steps back to the Middle Island Fire Trail, where we will join the Crosscut Track back down onto the Cascade Track. Some track are very rocky and uneven so walking sticks are advisable. Morning Tea and Lunch will be enjoyed on the way

We will meet at the fern tree carpark at the start of the Fern Glade Track. We will continue past the Springs up to Miles Track. From here another climb on the icehouse track to South Wellington. We will then loop around to the potato fields and back onto Milles Track, passing disappearing tarn.  We complete the loop by heading back to the start of Milles track, then back to cars at Fern Tree. 
This is quite a rocky track at times and includes a descent over some decent size boulders. 

The walk starts from The Chalet so we will need a short car shuttle to there. From the Chalet we head up to the start of the Panorama Track with a little bit of climbing which will eventually lead us to the summit of Mt Wellington. After a break we make our way along the South Wellington Track to the Icehouse Track junction and, depending on time, we can visit  Smiths Monument. 

Our return is down the Icehouse track back to the cars, possibly a coffee at Lost Freight.

Details to come

The Christmas Party is the Club's biggest Social event of the year. A chance to meet up with friends old and new. And reminisce about the year's activities.  Fingers food, drinks and 'Christmas cake' will be provided. At some stage during the evening Awards, both humorous and serious, will be presented. The Committee look forward to welcoming Club members to the Christmas party. 

This activity has been added to the Program in consultation with Club members Ai-Ming, and is envisaged as a [P] plate Ramble around the Mt Anne circuit. Our focus will not be on climbing Peaks per say, but enjoying the country and developing skills to safely traverse Alpine environments. Any or all of Mt Eliza, Eliza Bluff, Eve Peak, Mt Anne, Lot, Lots Wife and Mt Sarah Jane may be available to climb - but not assured.

Participants should anticipate some big ascents & decent, scree, rocks scrambling, exposure, variable weather, challenging tent pitching at Shelf Camp and possibly mud in areas without 'track hardening'. 

Priority will be given to Club Members who are developing their bushwalking skills (rather than Peak Baggers) and who are up for a bit of a challenge. As such the pace will be possibly a little slow and attention to thermal laying will assume a higher priority than normal. Pack hauling will be required at The Notch.

I have climbed Mt Anne twice and participated on a number of different walks on the Anne circuit. 

Update 12 February 2025.  I have decided to reschedule this walk to next summer, with a prospective start date of 13 December.  More daylight, and water (at both the Collingwood and Rocky Hill) less likely to be an issue.  Apologies to those who have flagged their interest, and I will not be in the least offended if someone wants to proceed regardless.  Otherwise, stay tuned for next summer.

Tramontane is an elusive, well hidden peak, and there is no easy way.  There are two options: from the south over the Collingwood River and via Pigeon House Hill, or from the east via the Cuvier Shelf and Mt Manfred.  My preference is the former, but the Collingwood River can be a formidable obstacle.

My intent is to set aside the period Thursday 3 April to Sunday 13 April, and to go with the best six-day weather window - flexibility gives us the best chance of success.  

If all goes well it may be possible to do it in five days (either option); if we go in via the Collingwood and there is heavy rain we will not exit until the river drops.

Going in via Pigeon House also gives us a shot at Rocky Hill and Camp Hill; going in via the Cuvier Shelf gives us a shot at Mt Byron, Cuvier and Manfred.

Several members have already been in touch with me about this trip - they will have first preference.  If you are interested please contact me beforehand - I need to know people's preferences in terms of the route, and you need to be flexible about the dates.  This is a seriously hard trip, and there is no guarantee we will finish in six days, particularly if we go in via the Collingwood.

Our route begins with a vehicle track through forest for the first few km, then a couple of km of rough foot track before emerging on the shoreline of Norfolk Bay close to Tinpot Island.  Unless the tide is very high it should be easy to hop across the rocks to this little island.  The return is different - we follow the shoreline most the way.  It's quite rocky in places so you need to be comfortable with some rock-hopping but that's the price you pay for the lovely coastal location.

We meet at the end of Lenah Valley Road for a car shuffle to Lumeah Avenue at 8.30

more info coming shortly