An 8 to 9 day seakayaking trip on the iconic Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour.

Day 1: drive to Strahan and embark on the yacht StormBreaker across Macquarie Harbour and up the stunning Gordon River to Sir John Falls. Disembark our seakayaks and gear and set up camp.

Day 2: a daytrip upstream to the confluence of the Franklin and Gordon Rivers. Continuing upstream on both Rivers as far as possible, before returning to our camp at Sir John Falls.

Day 3: paddle down stream to Eagle Creek, checking out any points of interest along the way.

Day 4: paddle down stream to Pine Landing, checking out any points of interest along the way.

Day 5: paddle down stream into Macquarie Harbour, and follow the coast north to the old town of Pillinger, checking out any points of interest along the way.

Day 6: continue paddling north, following the coast to Braddon River, checking out any points of interest along the way.

Day 7: continue paddling north, following the coast to Pine Cove, checking out any points of interest along the way.

Day 8: continue paddling north, following the coast to Strahan.

Day 9: an extra day, just in case.

The distances to be paddled each day aren't excessive, allowing time to have lazy starts, early finishes, time to explore, and the opportunity to make changes to the itinerary. I have packrafted the Lower Franklin River into the Gordon River and up the King River, but haven't paddled the lower Gordon River or Macquarie Harbour. Strong winds on Macquarie Harbour will present a challenge, and may necessitate staying put for a period of time and maybe combining two days paddling into one. I would anticipate that the rough outline above might be changed by the participants as plans are discussed prior to the activity, plus during the activity. The focus each day will be on the journey and not on the destination.

SouthWest Expeditions have quoted $300 per person to transport us, with our seakayaks and gear from Strahan to Sir John Falls. Payment of this will be required to confirm your registration for this activity. Preference will be given to Club Members who have previously paddled with me on a Club Activity. Note: the Club has a seakayaking activity roughly every four weeks. I also have two 5.2m rota-moulded seakayaks available if a member would like to attend but doesn't have a suitable seakayak.

Full details of accommodation is still in discussion with NTAC, however we will be staying in a couple of Fred Smithies cabins. Each one can easily accommodate 4. I’m not sure of the room/bed configuration yet.
Cost is $100 pp for the two nights. More details to follow.

Meet at Northern Tasmanian Alpine Club on the evening of the 16th for drinks & chat about the walks. Legges Tor summit is 1575m high-the second highest in Tasmania & is also an Abel!!

Tuesday morning we drive down to Carr Villa, to the start of the walk. (It’s possible to walk from the Alpine village to Legges Tor, but that makes it a very short walk).

Initially a steady, steep climb along a well marked path on to the plateau where the views are excellent. Plenty of mountain flora, rocks and lots of water (both on the ground & from the sky when I did the walk in December ‘23.) 
The track is well marked with ski trail markers. We walk past the Summit Hut, built in 1937, and on to the summit which is about 500m further up, rewarded with great views & another bagged Abel. Return the same way.

Day 2 will be a varied walk across boggy terrain, boulder hopping and anything else in between. Primarily a cross country ski route from the village following a circuit of 4.5km, but could take up to 3 hrs due to the mixed landscape. I haven’t done this walk, however reviews state that it can present a few challenges with boulders and a lot of water on the ground.
Poles, gaiters & boots will be needed and we will have morning tea on track, return to the huts for lunch & then home.

The walk starts on a fire trail on the left side of the parking area, we then through the forest. After approximately 700m turn right and follow a taped pad with some fallen trees that takes you to the coast.

Follow the coast eastwards (left) to Stinking Bay beach which is flat and suitable for morning tea. Views to Port Arthur, Arthur’s Peak and Mount Brown. Explore lagoon and beach. Walk along the sandy beach and then go up where the beach ends to follow a well-defined track. Cross Simmonds Creek where there is a rope to help with negotiating rounded boulders.  Continue to Denmans Cove and explore start of the Three Capes Walk and entry sculpture.  Sheltered sandy beach suitable for lunch. Return same way.

If we are back in time, coffee at the Lavender Farm.

We will meet at the Black Buffalo Hotel from 10.30 for morning tea.  At approximately 11.00 Callan Birkmann-Little will talk to us about forensic anthropology.  There will be a $10.00 charge for the room hire fee, biscuits, tea, coffee and a gift for our presenter.

We will start in Peter Murrel reserve and do a circuit in this reserve, with a stop for morning tea. From there we cross over road into Stinkpot Bay area and walk to the river for our lunch . We return to main road and then back to our cars. There is no water on track, so please bring enough especially if hot.

We shall meet at Goringes Beach carpark & walk the Dirty Bridge Tangara Trail to Delphis Drive. Return will be mostly via different roads & tracks to the ones as we used to walk in. Because of the warm weather expected, I hope to keep the time inc stops to approx. 4 hrs. Distance probably about 10km. My recces indicated all the tracks we shall use are in good or reasonable condition. Perhaps a cool drink at a cafe on the way home?

We meet at near the entrance to Tolosa Park at 9:30, there is plenty of parking outside the park.

We head  up the Mountain Bike track and onto the Beginner’s loop then continue onto the Merton Track. Then we head onto the Native Cherry Track and take a slight detour into a pretty bush area , then onto to a lovely small rivulet that runs into the dam. Lunch is at Merton Ruins with plenty of time to wander through the ruins. Unfortunately not much has been recorded about this area, but I do have some information on its history. We head back to Tolosa Park via  several tracks and view the new alterations to the park. Walk distance approx 9 kms, height gain 300 meters, walk time 4 hours. Time for coffee afterwards.

Start from Lower Springs overflow car park andf follow the Lenah Valley Track to Junction Cabin, from there we make our way down to New Town  Falls, which I think pretty spectacular, if  'water' allows we view the falls from below.  Rather than clambering back up the Lenah Valley Track we make a short detour to the Old Hobartions Track up to the North South Track back to the Springs.

We start at Kenmore Road, Glenora, and walk with permission on private farmland to the north. After an easy hill, farm tracks provide spectacular hilltop views of surrounding crop and grazing land, hopfields, nearby villages and the hills and mountains beyond. We will circle along the hilltop and descend to follow the picturesque Derwent river bank, deciding our direction depending on the weather and on-farm activity  The hope is to organise an afternoon tea stop in New Norfolk on the way back.  

Gingerbread Hut is located near the summit of Mt Rufus in the Cradle Mt-Lake St. Clair National Park.  It was built by members of the Mount Rufus Ski Club who were mainly employees of the Hydro Electric Commission based at Bronte Park and Tarraleah.  It was constructed with the intention of using it as a ski tow hut, however the tow was never built.

We will be accessing this track via the Rufus Canal. The track is usually very muddy in parts across the button grass so if you normally use hiking poles, please bring them for extra stability.

There is a reasonably long drive (5 hours return) so be prepared for a long day out with plenty of food and water for the trip. Do not book if you need to be back in Hobart for any dinner plans as we may be later than the 7pm expected return time due to conditions on the track.

As parking is limited we will car pool to the start of the walk at Bracken Lane.  From there we’ll cross the road and make our way to Silver Falls, and then to the park at Fern Tree where we have morning tea.  Then taking a different track we will head back to our cars.  Lunch will be at the Fern Tree Tavern.

After meeting at the Springs car park , we’ll walk along the North South Track towards Junction Cabin. We’ll spend some time here enjoying an early dinner before walking back along the Lenah Valley Track towards Sphinx Rock.  We’ll have time  to sit and enjoy the sun set and enjoy the lights turning on over Hobart. The walk back is special as it should be dark so ensure that you have a light and walking poles for safety. 

We will meet at Sandfly hall to car pool and drive down almost to Cockle Creek.  We will drive along a rough old forestry road to the carpark at the start of the walk.  This is a mainly flat walk but it is quite long and there will be some rock hopping for about 300-400 metres at the end of the beach near the mouth of the lagoon, good balance will be required.  We will walk out to the beach across the plains on an old 4WD track which is becoming overgrown in places.   When we get to the beach the circuit route, we take, will depend on the tide as to whether we walk along the lagoon side first towards the mouth of Southport Lagoon and back around the rocks and home via the ocean side or vice versa.  Lunch will hopefully be at the lagoon mouth.  With a bit of luck there will be lots of bird life to see and maybe a seal or 2!

A pleasant Sunday ramble on our gorgeous mountain. Views, plants, trees & good company!

Meet at the end of Lenah Valley road, at the parking area (limited parking, so car pool beforehand if possible).

We head towards New Town Falls for a fairly early morning tea, as it’s the perfect spot.
We then follow the Lenah Valley track to Junction Cabin & continue to Sphinx Rock via Lone Cabin. We’ll have lunch at the rock, looking out over the river & beyond before heading back to Junction Cabin.

We return to the cars on the North South track & the Old Hobartians track.

I've been mildly obsessed with Deep Glen Bay after listening to an interview with the sole remaining survivor of the Blythe Star shipwreck.  This bay is where they came ashore after many days drifting but still had to find their way out to civilisation.  For bushwalkers the route is a lovely but long, steep and rough gully.  For the exhausted crew it must have been one hell after another.

We will approach by traversing MacGregor Peak first.  That involves some additional climbing but offers a lovely extended cloud forest.  Then back onto a vehicle track before the descent down the gully.  Once we've climbed back out of the gully the return route is entirely on vehicle track.

There is about 800 m total ascent.  Walking conditions vary from vehicle track (about half the total distance) to a reasonably well-worn route to a more-or-less trackless gully including boulders and fallen trees..  You should be comfortable with very uneven terrain.

There is an option for people who want a slightly easier alternative to walk via the vehicle track both ways, lead by Robyn, with both groups converging where the MacGregor Peak track descends to the road.

We will meet at the War Memorial Park at 10.30 to carpool to Tasmanian Botanics where we will be taken on a tour of the medicinal cannabis facility.  This is a 1 1/2 hour tour with no options for sitting along the way so you will need to be prepared.

There is a maximum participant number of 15, and no charge for the tour.

If people wish lunch can be booked at the Pontville Pub but I would need numbers in advance.

We will car pool from Tynwald Park at New Norfolk (with a travel time of approx 1 hour to the track start at Lake Fenton along the Lake Dobson road). A steady uphill climb from Lake Fenton takes us through light forest to Windy Moor (which is now board walked).  A rocky scree slope needs to be climbed to reach the summit of Mt Field East at 1274 metres above sea level (this is steep in some sections). We will have lunch on the top to take in the views and then return to the cars via the same route.  I have allowed 6 hours to complete the walk so can go at a leisurely pace but I anticipate closer to 5 - 5.30 hours return. The elevation gain over the walk is approx 260 metres.  

-Please note:

 - this is a longer and harder walk then the Lake Nicholls walk which is on the program for 26 March  

 - walkers will need a good level of fitness, be sure footed with good balance as the track is uneven, maybe muddy and a couple of scree slopes need to be negotiated (both up and down)

 - Windy Moor and Mt Field East are very exposed so ensure you have appropriate gear (could be warm, could be cold) 

 - please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions

This little expedition is planned entirely around me wanting to be on Mt Rugby, Saturday 21st March, but also a long desire to walk the Southwest  Cape circuit and the availability of flights to/from Melaleuca. The final details will be thrashed out by the participants, as is appropriate for this type of expedition. But in broad brush strokes - Friday fly to Melaleuca, Saturday to Thursday walk the Southwest Cape circuit, Friday to Sunday climb Mt Rugby, back at Melaleuca Sunday night, Monday fly out of Melaleuca 10:00 Monday morning.

Because seats on the plane are already limited, I've pre-booked and paid for 6 seats, $707 return each, so hopefully 5 other people will want to join me.

From the Cathedral Rock car park at the end of Betts Road at Lesley Vale, we will follow the North West Bay River until we meet the switchbacks which takes us up to a track junction. From here the track becomes narrow, steep and rocky until the summit of Cathedral Rock is reached. After this we will head along an exposed ridge with short, steep drops and climbs to reach Montagu Thumbs. 
The next couple of kilometres is relatively level and sheltered and takes us past Mount Montagu (which we may climb depending on the group wishes). 
Just past the junction to Mount Montagu we drop down to just above Wellington Falls which we cross. From here we drop down to the pipeline track, turn off and drop very steeply on a slippery gravel track to rejoin the river, which is then crossed with approximately 2km of level walking  back to cars. 

This walk will take us along well-made tracks as we ascend Knocklofty and take the recently-built Knocsofty track to the west. Then we'll follow tracks between Knocklofty and the McRobie's Gully tip, and back to the Car Park. Gradients are easy to moderate. 

These details may change after a recce on Feb 17.  Basically, it is about an hours driving time from the meeting point to the start of the track at Braslins Rd, Magra.  The majority of the walk follows a 4WD track, with a short section that skirts some private property early in the walk, including some uphill walking.  The mainly flattish 4WD track take us all the way to the short but steep ascent to reach the summit of the two peaks that make up Mount Dromedary.  We will climb the higher peak first, then drop to the lower peak for our lunch spot and hopefully, enjoy beautiful views over the Derwent River and valley.  The elevation gain is around 750m.  We return via the same route.

This walk is intended for people who love to take pictures in the bush but may not be very confident to do so. We’ll walk up the Ferny Glade track to The Springs for morning tea, then back down other side of the mountain probably via the Rocky Wheel’n track and other tracks. The walk will be slow and we’ll take every opportunity to find interesting things to photograph and to help each other work out shots, angles and techniques to capture what we see. You may be surprised what your phone or small camera can do. I hope that everyone will end the walk with at least one picture they wouldn’t previously have thought of taking. The group size is small to give everyone a chance to participate. If demand is high and people miss out, I’ll put it on again. We might follow up with a show and tell event or share pictures at post-walk coffee at Ferntree Tavern.

Drive to Lufra Hotel at Eaglehawk Neck to start the walk. Quick car shuffle of one car to Pettmans Rd, the end of the walk.

We walk across the tessellated pavements, & take a left turn up the side of the beach looking down to Clyde’s Island. Some very steep ups & downs to a lovely beach for morning tea before tackling the ascent to Macgregor Peak.

The track is very steep in parts & requires some rock scrambling, but we are walking through lovely forest whilst doing so.

Lunch on the peak with a spectacular view of Pirates Bay and beyond.

We then descend towards the fire tower through the forest, lots of cutting grass and views north. Instead of heading down to Macgregor Road, we take an alternative route to the car at Pettmans Rd, through dry forest & past a hollow tree, once thought to be of historical significance.

Car shuffle back to Lufra Hotel.

Meet at the lower Springs car park at 9am and after a car shuffle we will begin the walk from there 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.  Approx 7k 5 hrs 670 M, we would grade the walk at a medium plus.  

After a short drive from our meeting point we will commence our walk of around 5km which will be for a couple of kilometres along Seven Mile Beach in an Easterly direction before taking an inland loop back to the start. (or vice versa).  We will be walking close to the end of the Hobart Airport runway so good for plane spotters. More details will be provided once a recce has been done. Optional coffee stop afterwards at Tidal Coffee near the corner of Surf Road and Grueber Ave Seven Mile Beach.   

This is a repeat walk that I led in November 2023. takura limuna (Sheoak Walk) is accessed via the Shag Bay Track, the 700m track sits along the Bedlam Walls and has five interpretive panels, a viewing platform, and a central firepit for cultural use by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community. The interpretive panels are embedded with QR codes that allow participants to listen in Tasmanian Aboriginal Language. The Mumirimina people's culture, stories & history is honored by this trail.

Shag Bay has a more recent Colonial History with farming, a Bone Mill and the wreck of the Nelson.

This will be a leisurely day exploring the area and learning about its cultural significance to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community.

To fill the day we will continue on the Shag Bay Heritage Trail and complete a loop walk in the East Risdon State Reserve. The track is dry however does have some tree roots and rocks in places, expect some undulation with the track taking us up and down. Walking poles will be useful and we will walk at a slow and steady pace as needed.

Our starting point is at Geilston Bay Recreation Area accessed from De Bomford Lane of the East Derwent Highway. There is parking at the playground/toilets, additional parking can be found near the Community Centre/Tennis Club and on the foreshore. Please note that parking at the Geilston Bay Boat Clubis their members only.

This will be an in and out trip. It is a fantastic way to experience the easier part of the Western Arthur Range and enjoy the magic of camping on top of one of one of the best ranges we have to offer. 

Day one will be driving to Scott’s Peak, then walking to Junction Creek for first night camp. This part can be very muddy if there has been rain. 
Day two will be Junction Creek to Lake Cygnus. This will involve a substantial climb of approx 800 metres, on a good track to the top of Moraine A. From here we will follow a well defined, sometimes rocky track and probably take a short detour to climb Mount Hesperus, before descending into Lake Cygnus, setting up tents on tent platforms. 
Day three we will day walk and explore. I aim to climb up from Lake Cygnus with day packs and possibly climb Mount Hayes and maybe even continue on till Square Lake. 
Day four will be determined by general consensus. We will either walk back to Junction Creek for the night, or we may decide to walk  to the car park from Lake Cygnus. 

This will be a very leisurely stroll along the almost flat Lenah Valley Track to Sphinx Rock where we will stop and admire the view. We'll then go down the Lower Sawmill Track for about 500 metres until we reach the North/South Track. Some people may find walking poles helpful on this fairly steep downhill section. Then back to the The Springs via the North/South Track. People wanting to avoid the steep downhill Lower Sawmill Track can instead return to The Springs by retracing their steps (with a leader appointed) and be first in line for a coffee at Lost Freight. After our coffee break we'll take the short flat return walk to a lookout point behind the lower carpark for another view to admire.  

This walk starts approximately 9.5km up Lake Dobson Road (Park Pass necessary). it is a short walk about 4.5k with an initial steepish climb. There is a side track to Beaties Tarn followered 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.

Will have to think about vehicles for the Lake Dobson Road.

Parking is limited at the start of the track.

We continue our exploration, started last summer, of the February Plains with guest Ian Hayes, Mountain Huts Preservation Society (MHPS) Secretary.

We will visit both of the northern February Plains huts built by legendary bushman Basil Steers and renovated and preserved by MHPS.

The plan will firm up closer to the time, but at this stage we will aim to meet in Mole Creek at around 10.30 on Friday and drive to the Borradaile Plains Hut for an early lunch.
After lunch we will travel to the parking area close to Basil Steers Hut #1 and walk through to Hut #2 where we will set up a base camp for 2 nights.

We should be able to use the hut for cooking and for storing gear, but please bring everything needed for self sufficient camping as this hut is available for use by all members of the public.

On Saturday, ably lead by Ian, we will visit historic areas of the February Plains and listen to many interesting stories about Basil and his time on the Plains. We may also try to find a secret waterfall yet to be discovered by Ian!

Sunday will be packing up and walking back to the cars and home to Hobart.

Our last stay in Derby was so enjoyable we've decided to do it again - but at the end of summer.  So I have booked the Mine Manager's House again.  The BBQ and outside fire pit may well get a work out.  Rough cost for two nights in very comfortable accommodation is $200 per person.  Cost will come down if we have a full house - which will mean sharing some bedrooms.

For those who can, a walk on Friday up Mt Stronach, or perhaps Mt StJohn, and maybe even adding in a canter up Mt Horror and a visit to the Mt Paris dam.  On the Saturday the aim is to walk to the smaller peaks on the eastern edge of the Ben Lomond massif - Whymper, Hamilton's Throne and Ossians Crag - plus Legges Tor, of course.  On Sunday I'd like to investigate the tunnel at Derby, before heading to the delightful Mt Scott and then heading home.  There are other possibilities too - if you have something you would like to do in the north-east, let me know.   

Some scrub and boulders, particularly on Ben Lomond, but overall nothing too difficult or arduous.  A slackers weekend, really.

This walk has been rescheduled from January when it was cancelled due to an adverse weather forecast. Hopefully the weather for this walk will be more accommodating.. Walking will comprise both the beaches named as well as roads and tracks as appropriate. Time will be longer if we walk to end May's Beach. Optional cafe afterwards (possibly TCM or Driftwood, suggestions welcomed).

This is a pleasant walk, mainly on an old mining trail, through superb rain forest and button grass plains to a landmark which flanks the Saw Back Range. From Granton we travel for 1.5 hours to just past Frodsham's Pass and park beside the road. We start along the old road to Adamsfield which ambles along flatly for around 3 km before going uphill through beautiful myrtle forest.

The track emerges into more open countryside a short distance to the west of Ibsens Peak. The track crosses a saddle and climbs gently to Welcome Rock. This conglomerate outcrop is 25 m off the track and can be climbed for views of the Southwest. We have lunch here and return the same way.

Tba

This is a fairly short, easy walk before Easter.  We will follow sections of the Tangara Trail between farmlands and properties on easy flat tracks, having morning tea along the way.  Heading back the same way we will then head to Beaches at Seven Mile Beach for lunch.

We will begin our walk by heading off along the shared walking/bike path heading towards Rosny. TasWater are currently working in the area but the sections of closed track are easily bypassed. Pleasant walking alongside the river until we reach the Rosny Bowls Club where we leave the track to head up and across Bastick St to the right of way up onto Rosny Hill, this is a steepish climb up concrete steps. Morning tea will be enjoyed wherever we are at 11am! Once on the hill we walk the track in a clockwise direction to return to Montagu Bay enjoying fabulous  views over Bellerive, the river, CBD, Mountain and Bridge. When we leave the hill track we have a short section of road walking to return us to the Reserve. I plan to be back there between 12-12.30pm for our shared lunch, hopefully in the shelter there. 
If you are walking please book in, if you are joining us for lunch just turn up - all welcome. Easter bonnets or bunny ears are optional!

This is an area I have not visited for a very long time, and I have never made it out to the Cheyne Range itself.  Weather permitting, that is the goal.  If the weather forecast is poor I will opt for a Plan B, most likely on the East Coast somewhere. 

There are lots of ways the Cheyne might be done, which I need to investigate further.  A circuit, going in via Mt Rufus and out via Mt Hugel is one I am keen to explore, but going in and out via Little Hugel and Lake Hermione is also on the cards.  

Some walking on tracks, but also a lot of off-track walking.  Expect plenty of scrub, and boulders.  

You will need to be fit and up for some long, hard days walking.  If you have not walked with me before, please get in touch before registering.

Some people may be able to start earlier (on the Thursday), or finish later (on the Tuesday), or both.  That would give us additional flexibility, including being able to adjust if the weather forecast is poor at either the start or end of the trip.  So let me know if you can do that.

We will start at fern tree carpark. Climb up through fern glade track, continue on up Radfords track, then onto pinnacle track, then onto organ pipe track. We will then descend down the Sawmill track to Lena’s Valley Track, then back to springs, and then down to Fern Tree. 

We will meet at the C3 carpark and walk the Hobart Rivulet walk towards Molle Street, then return and continue along the rivulet path to the end of the linear park just before the Female Factory.

It will be a slow wander, trying to spot a playpus or two.

Sunset on this day is 5:50pm, so we should have light for the whole walk, albeit twilight for the latter part of the walk.

If you wish to try to spot a playpus using your torch, please bring a red filter for it (red cellophane held on with a rubber band should do) - it is better for the health and comfort of wildlife.

Following consultation with Tas Parks, I have changed the dates to 9 to 14 April, but this all still needs to be confirmed.  This is intended to be a Work While You Walk activity on the Cuvier Valley Track, based at Lake Petrarch.  We will be liaising with Parks and other Clubs to see if there can be additional support so that a serious track maintenance effort can be conducted.  Parks have said they are supportive of this approach, but a lot still needs to be worked out and agreed.

Importantly, we need enough volunteers to make this worthwhile.  So if you are interested, and want to make a contribution of your time and effort to support our natural environment, please contact me or register for this.  It does not need to be for the whole time period - but three days is probably a sensible minimum.

This is an historic track through a beautiful valley to a wonderful campsite among ancient Pencil Pines at Lake Petrarch.  It needs substantial work to be restored to its former usability.

More to follow. 

A pleasant autumn amble around historic Richmond and environs. We'll start with a walk along "David's Way" to the top of Brinktop reserve : a few kms east of the village. Morning tea at the Reserve and then return to the village where we'll do a circuit taking in some historic sites snd autumn colours with lunch on the Coal Riverbank. There are a few options for coffee afterwards - but the Bakery is always popular!

The Thursday walkers have asked for this event to be put on. This is a leisurely day to an awe -inspiring place. The Grove of Giants has been temporarily saved from logging and showcases the very best of Tasmania's tall trees. We start the day in Huonville beside the river, in the big shelter (turn left before the bridge), where we will partake of morning tea and listen to a short talk about tall trees.

After carpooling into 4 wheel drive vehicles we head for around an hour towards Lake Skinner, before which we turn off down a side road for approximately 4kms to a car park. We then do a 5km circuit taking in some forest giants including the tallest blue gum in the world! We have lunch at its base.

As always with kayaking the weather will dictate the ultimate plan but the aim will be to launch from the Prince of Wales boat ramp, explore the recreational marina and the Industrial areas around the Bay, then paddle out onto the Derwent River, inspect Incat from the water, paddle under the Bowen Bridge, inspect the wrecks of the barque Otago and the river steamer Westralian. Other areas as time and interest permits. Note: I have paddled Prince of Wales Bay before.

If participants are interested we could visit one of either 'Spotty Dog Brewery & Taphouse' or 'Brewlab Craft Beer' after our paddle for a debrief and discuss future paddles.

TBa

Many of us will recall that the climb to the top of Gentle Annie Falls included some steep bits. This recently opened new section of the Pipeline Track has is genuinely gentle. From Hut 9 carpark in the Waterworks Reserve it will take us past the previously obscured Pipe Head Well to the bottom of Gentle Annie Falls, then via some more zig-zagging to the lookout at the top. We can return the same way or via McDermott's Fire Trail.

We will meet at Lewis Park (which has public toilets and picnic/bbq facilities) and walk from there.  We will walk east along the beach for about 5 km.  The pace will be gentle and low tide will be around midday, if I have read the tide charts correctly. So there will be opportunities for beach-combing and generally appreciating the surrounds. We will stop for morning tea.

After lunch, we will return the same way, also at a gentle pace.

Last time I did this walk and tried to make it a more interesting route, without being too long, gates and unfriendly signs suggested my plans be amended.

I am sure coffee afterwards can be arranged for those feeling in need.

The 2026 Bushwalking Tasmania Weekend, co-hosted by Northwest Walking Club (NWWC) and Circular Head Walking Club (CHWC).  Based at the Crayfish Creek Caravan Park https://crayfishcreekecoaccommodation.com.au/ with walks (already) planned in Rocky Cape National Park on Saturday and a walk to Detention Peak on Sunday. With a communal BBQ on the Saturday evening. 

This weekend will be a little more complicated than our normal weekend trip in that Pandani participants will need to Register on the Pandani Website,  book their own accommodation (phone Carolyn at Crayfish Creek Caravan Park, 0419302354 or (03)64434228 to arrange a 10% BWT discount), and (possibly) arrange their own transport.

Joe & Simon will liaise with BWT (NWWC & CHWC) re total Pandani participation and may be able to assist with limited coordination of PBC transport. We will also ask PBC participants to indicate what walk(s) they would like to join as we get closer to the date.

This will be an ideal opportunity to meet members of Tasmania's other Walking Clubs (Bushwalking Tasmania represents eleven (11) Walking Clubs) and to participate on walks in the Northeast of Tasmania - where Pandani have the least experience. Note: other walks may be added to the weekend's program

Maybe have a chat while on your next Club walk, arrange a carload, then Register and book your accommodation. 

This is a walk through pleasant bush with outstanding views and wonderful mid century architecture.

We will begin at Lambert Ave and walk to the Signal Station for morning tea. We then continue on to Porter Hill to view the famous Dorney house and have lunch nearby, Return will be by the Troglodyte and Signal Station tracks.

Height gain approx 500m.

We will meet in the car park in front of National Tiles at Cambridge.  We will then head out to a private property in Campania.  We will have a leisurely walk around a large dam on the property stopping at one of the many sitting areas.  We will then head off for another easy walk around the property.  After our walk we will either have lunch prior to leaving or call in at the Flourmill Reserve in Campania.  There is a short walk around a reserve in Campania but that will depend on time and people's preference.

This will be my second (and final) attempt at Nereus - I have hiked to the base of Urquarts Mesa two years ago. The hike includes lots of elevation, scree, a very large boulder field off the back of Walled Mountain and skirting around Macs, and then plenty of scrub and a cliff line to negotiate near Nereus.

There will be a dry camp the night prior to summiting Nereus and water sources can be scare or not at all on the summit day so large water carrying capacity is required (and a suitable sized pack & fitness to carry this). There will be long days (12-13 hours) and a very high chance of walking by head torch.

We will meet at Narcisuss at 930am so participants will be required to make their own way to the hut, either by booking a spot on the ferry, kayaking or walking along the Lake side track the day prior.

Priority will be given to folks I have hiked with before on off track alpine and scrub adventures, as this sort of trip is only a success and safe with good team work and the right mix of experience. This is a group activity and everyone will be involved in the scrub bashing, leading & route finding. 

If I haven't walked with you before please make sure to make contact with me prior to registering to discuss the trip requirements and your experiences etc.

Please contact me via email to register for the event and/or join the waitlist. Numbers will be kept small to align with PWS Group size recommendations and LNT principles.

Our first walk, after organising a car pool, will be to Handsome Caves. We drive through Magra, park at the bottom of Handsome Caves Rd and walk up it til we reach private property. Fortunately we can traverse this property on a right of way, remembering that it is very important to be respectful of this privilege.  We then follow a somewhat overgrown track through the bush until we reach the caves themselves, with their spectacular sandstone rock formations and colours. We'll have morning tea here, taking in the beauty of the area and then retrace our steps. We'll return to Tynwald and have lunch down at the River. After lunch, we'll follow a track along the  river foreshore and eventually make our way up into town to the Central Square. Coffee somewhere round here. We'll complete a small circuit and return to our cars. The autumn colours on the banks of the Derwent should be at their best. Both walks take approx 2.15 hours. The number limit on this walk is dictated by the limited number of car parks at the start of the Handsome Caves walk. 

We will start at Lake Dobson car park and head to K Col. From here we will make our way up over to a plateau, drop our packs to then climb Florentine Peak.  After picking up our packs we will walk down to the tarns where we will camp. After setting up and some snacks I am hoping to do a late afternoon trip to Tyenna Peak. If this fails we can try the next morning. Expect plenty of rocky, big boulders to climb and some off track work. Also some steep but short climbs, and potentially a very long but rewarding day on Saturday. 

An ambitious plan to combine a great short daywalk with a Gin/Whisky tasting. We set out from Fortescue Bay Road, along the Old Cape Pillar Track and transfer to the old Arthurs Peak Track, before the final climb on the 3 Capes Track. Anticipate some light scrub (nothing heavy), nice tracks & pad, some mud, some rock hopping to cross water, some exposure at 2x lookouts with fantastic views. I'm hoping this will attract members who are lovers of daywalking and Whisky & Gin, who are willing to maintain a reasonable pace so we finish in time to visit Dunalley Distillery for a tasting, chat and maybe purchase a bottle or two. I hope this will be the first of a series of daywalk/Distillery activities. Note: I have walked to Arthurs Peak via the old track and visited Dunalley Distillery before.

A circuit walk on Mt Wellington

Meet coordinator at Margate Train at 9.30

Drive  to Eggs and Bacon Bay ready to walk by 10.30. 
we walk along coastline past Mickey’s Beach and Randall’s Bay, with morning tea along the way. 
then head up Sugar Loaf Hill via the circuit track with lunch on the top. Complete the circuit (downhill) and retrace our steps. Travel time from Margate approx. 1 hour.

A three day trip, based on our successful trip to Mt Olympus in 2025, with the focus of this trip being on photography. There may be an opportunity to climb Olympus North 1472m and Olympus South 1447m, plus I'm curious to see the feature 'Seven Apostles', 1435m, but the focus all day Saturday and Sunday morning will be photography. Some night walking and rock scrambling by head torch maybe required, as dictated by the photography. The seeds for this trip were sowed while Sohee and I chatted and climbed Mt Mueller in December.

The broad plan will be to catch the midday ferry from Cynthia Bay to Echo Point on Friday, then climb 450m, sometimes steeply up a poorly defined pad to Lake Oenone. This is not a straight forward climb, with some gymnastics required, and team-work with pack passing.....important to have everything inside the rucksack or securely attached to prevent loss. Saturday will be dictated by group discussion and could involve any of, but not limited too, getting up pre-dawn, a daywalk, moving camp or leaving camp at Lake Oenone, climbing to 1472m, 1447m or 1435m, scoping out suitable places for photography and coming back later when the light is right, still walking after sunset. After the opportunity to take more photographs Sunday morning, maybe pre-dawn, we will break camp and make our way down to the Overland Track, repeating the gymnastics to descend. Walking north along the Overland Track we will make our way to Narcissus and catch the afternoon ferry back to Cynthia Bay. 

The focus will be on photography, not Peak Bagging, with a preference to Club Members who have supported the Club Photography Competition and publish photographs on the Club's Facebook Page. Using a PooTube, WAG Bag or similar will be required to preserve this delicate environment. I will pre-book passage on the ferry and reimbursing me for the cost of the ferry will be required to finally confirm your place on the special trip.

We shall meet at Seven Mile Beach & walk via the waterside trail to Lauderdale Yacht Club. May do some beach walking on the way. Return is via various Tangara tracks. It is intended to go over Single Hill but from the "easy" side i.e. we shall walk down the steep side using the new track or, if some individuals prefer, part of the old track (optional).  The total duration including stops should be approx. 4 to 4.5 hrs i.e. we shall probably return to our cars around 2.00 pm.  Most of the tracks are in good condition. Remember to bring sun protection.

This walk is near Orford. We'll car pool from Cambridge Park. Drive to the start of the walk at Orford (approx 63 kms each way).

The first part of the walk is on part of the Convict Road. It's fairly easy & reasonably level. Upon arrival at the ruins of Paradise Gorge Probation Station, we'll have morning tea.

Continuing on, we'll make our way to Burnt Gully Bridge. Some of this section of the walk is on TLC property & I'll arrange for permission to access this land beforehand. The condition of tracks from here on varies. Part of the walk is on the Messenger Track. Last time I did this, the Track was overgrown and progress was very slow, but as it is on public land, we can do a bit of pruning, so bring your secateurs. Our lunch spot will be at Burnt Bridge Gully Then we retrace our steps going back up the Messenger Track, probably a little further than where we intersected it before. Then, we go cross country & rejoin the unnamed track & back to the cars. At Paradise Gorge, if time allows, we can do a bit of exploring and look at The Probation Station Ruins.

Optional coffee at Orford.

Tba

Starting from the Mornington Bike Park we join a short but reasonably steep track to the ridge top.

We then take a track which detours around the clifftops overlooking the highway, and can take in the views during a rest break here. Next there is a multiuser track heading north which continues on up to the top of Flagstaff Hill, our lunch spot with great views of the Derwent and surrounding area.

The track then winds its way back down to the ridge top, where we take a circuit route back to the cars.

We have a 2.5 hour drive to the start of the walk at Serpentine Dam. From the dam we climb steeply, with roughly 800m elevation gain to the summit. The track is steep and slippery in places but if we are lucky we will be rewarded with wonderful views of the southwest (or the inside of a cloud!)

This lovely out-and-back foreshore walk regularly features on the Pandani Program and will be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

The route follows a trail along the Derwent River between Berridale and Windermere.

It is an easy path with acacias and she-oaks with views along the length of the trail.

Will walk from the car park to the start of the track, proceed up there and across to Brook Lane, then return, maybe morning tea in the creek at Davis Flats or continue across to Burnaby Drive to the dam.  Will walk some way up the Nierinna Creek Track then return, lunch perhaps somewhere there or back at the dam.  Coffee at the Margate Train for those who wish.

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.

We will start uphill on a fire trail to get the legs warmed up, and then we’ll be walking on all terrains, including rough.  Expect some extended steep pinches, some slippery sections (vegetation and loose rock), some over and under. On the way we’ll visit some of the huts documented in Maria Grist’s book “The Huts of kunanyi/Mount Wellington”

Meeting place TBA

Walk details TBA

This is a pleasant day walk that has previously been led by other walk leaders. Thanks to Lynne Maher for providing her map of the route and permission to use her event notes.

The meeting point is at the roundabout at the top of Mount Stuart Road. We will walk up onto the Knocklofty Reserve via the Fiona Allen Track. We will then walk along the northern side of the summit loop track and cross fire trails to trails that will lead us to Noah's waterhall for morning tea. We will pick up the fire trails from Noah's Waterhole to the head of McRobie's Gully to join the Main Fire Trail for a short time and then walk along another fire trail along the southern side of McRobie's Gully. Lunch will be at Cascade Gardens, which we will access from the hill above. We will then walk up McRobie's Road to access a fire trail that will link us to the top of Forest Road. From here we will be back in the Knocklofty Reserve and enjoy views from the picnic area, past the 'Frog Bog', and fingers crossed we will see the Tawny Frogmouths. We will then follow the fire trail back to Weerona Avenue and back to the start of the walk.

This activity is dependent on access to Clark Dam and the key to the Dam Wall Gate.

We will park near the end of Butlers Gorge Road and start our walk crossing the Dam. Then follow an old 4WD track south for about 5-6km, before locating a pad that will take us through forest to the Mt Hobhouse Ridge. The summit of 1222m will, weather permitting, afford us extensive views of Lake King William, and numerous small lakes bordering the King William Range, which form the headwaters of the Gordon River. We will return to the cars via the same route.

 I have previously climbed Mt Hobhouse. Anticipate some boggy sections, mud, Bauera, fallen logs and a rocky ridgeline.

Meet at end of Lenah Valley Road at 8.30 to Organise our cars for a shuffle to Mount Stuart. We start up the Fiona Allen track, through Knocklofty Reserve to Noah’s Saddle for morning tea. Continue up to Main Fire Trail and then up Breakneck track with a stop off at Madison Square Waterfall( it is one of the hidden huts).

Then back to the breakneck track with detour left onto Wiggins Track and up to Junction Cabin for lunch.

head down the Lenah Valley track to our cars at Lenah Valley.

please note: Breakneck track is fairly steep but we can take it slowly, it’s 1.2 kms

We will car pool from the Kettering Oval to catch the Bruny Is ferry around 9am (cost is approx $53 per car) and once on Bruny drive to the walk start near the airstrip. We walk down to the beach along an old 4 wheel drive track, along the beach and out to Cape Queen Elizabeth for great views and lunch. Return is the same way. Hopefully the tide will be in our favour and we can walk around Mars Bluff on the way out - but likely have to go over Mars Bluff on the return (this is steep in sections). Back to Kettering on the ferry. 

We will consider the Minutes of our 2025 AGM, then the 2025/26 Committee will present their reports for the previous 12 months, after which there will be a discussion on suggested changes to the Club's Constitution (these will be circulated to all Members prior to the AGM). At the conclusion of this and any resultant discuission, our Public Officer will declare all positions vacant and the Club will be tasked with electing a new Committee for June 2026 to May 2027(nominations will be called for prior to the AGM).

We are advising the date early to allow Organisers to plan around the AGM and to allow the Committee to organise a venue.

Please pop the date in your diary/calendar and ponder who you might like to be on your 2026/27 Committee.

Tba

Woodvine Nature Reserve is near Forcett. It was left to the PWS by its owner, Mr Ernie Shaw, who wanted to protect the animals and birds of the area. Much of the former farm is untouched and contains a variety of vegetation including some soaks and a small button grass plain.  We can spend time wandering round this area of the reserve which contains some early dwellings in various stages of disrepair, as well as assorted outbuildings, and which gives us an insight into the hardship of farming life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Once we've had a wander around, we will climb Mother Brown's Bonnet (420m). This is not on track, but there is a cairned and taped route which takes us up to the double summit of the Bonnet, a fairly gentle 150m climb. Please note though that the ground is stony and rough underfoot and climbing the Bonnet requires a degree of sure footedness. Please ring me if you are uncertain of your capacity to complete this walk, and I'll try to help. I highly recommend trekking poles for this walk. There are views of the Carlton River area from the top.  I plan to have lunch up here, taking in the views. We return the same way.

Chimney Pot Hill is around 500m high and surmounted with a tall tower. On a clear day there is an excellent view of Kunyani/Mt wellington on its northern side. The Ridgeway area surrounds the Ridgeway dam and has many tracks. It is adjacent to Chimney Pot Hill. It is intended to link these two features together in one walk which may go through the Ridgeway township. There will be a minimal amount of off-track walking. Possible cafe afterwards at Fern Tree Tavern or at South Hobart. The Ridgeway section may include a visit to the local nursery.

We will start with a short climb up the fern glade track, to reach Milles track. This can be a bit muddy and rocky for a short while. We will then head onto Snake Plains which can be muddy after rain but it is only a short section, with great views. . From here we will head down to reach the pipeline track for an easy flattish walk back to the cars. 

After meeting at Sorell we will carpool to start of walk, possibly regrouping at Orford.

If road from Copping is much improved we can take that route which is considerably shorter 40km V  70 km via Orford, 15km gravel on both routes

We will walk from the remnants of the old timber town.(Weilangta =Tall Trees) where there is a grave of a small child killed in an explosion . The timber mill operated from 1911 to 1924  with cut trees carted on trams to the coast at Rheban.

The walk passes through some beautiful rain forest and ferns then climbs   to more open forest near the Sandspit Reserve picnic area (toilets!) where  we will have morning tea (or lunch).

There will be an easy creek crossing.We will return to cars by the same route. There is an optional short walk through a fern forest near the picnic area-this track is not well maintained,

As it is quite a short walk we may have time to drive to Earlham ( on the way to Orford) for short beach and lagoon walk where we may see swans, pelicans, dotteral, terns, gulls, oystercatchers etc etc

Coffee at ?Earlham or Orford or Sorell???

The walk will take us through to Churchill Ave and up the Mt Nelson track to the top of the bends on Mt Nelson Road. A short road walk until we join the reserve again to walk varies tracks through to Mt Nelson lookout for lunch and back to our cars. This walk is steep in places and quite a few steps coming back down which can be slippery when wet. Walking poles are advised

A biannual bit of silliness, why not walk to the southernmost point of the Tasmanian mainland on the shortest (day light) day of the year? Start walking with sunrise and finish well after sunset, 26km return to Southeast Cape, with 10 to 12 hours of walking and not a lot of time for long rests. Sunrise is 7:41a., sunset is 4:42pm, with 9:00:50 of daylight, plus some twilight. We'll definitely be walking by headlight as we return to our cars from South Cape Bay along the South Coast Track. I have done this walk twice before.

TBA