Walks every Wednesday and Saturday SEE PROGRAM BELOW
Walks every Wednesday and Saturday SEE PROGRAM BELOW
Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc. has been engaged in bushwalking since 1998. The club walks primarily in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and occasionally in the Sydney Area, and is a member of Bushwalking NSW Inc.
CLUB OBJECTIVES
DAY WALKS
The Club meets Saturday and Wednesday for day walks. The walks program, available below, indicates
Visitors should phone the leader at least two days before the scheduled walk.
Please familiarise yourself with the walk grading descriptions, the guidelines for walkers and the equipment advice sections on this web site, for further information.
Saturday 14th June (Central Coast)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 9
Staples Lookout – Mooney Mooney Creek
Grade 3/4, 14kms
Nardi – 0438 731 684
Wednesday 18th June (Central Coast)
NOTE CHANGE
Katandra Reserve
Grade 3, 11kms
Nardi - 0438 731 684
Saturday 21st June (Northern Sydney)
NOTE CHANGE
GREAT NORTH WALK - Section 7
Cowan - Brooklyn
Grade 4, 13kms
Clay - 0400 109 020
Wednesday 25th June (Newcastle)
NOTE CHANGE
Minmi Loops
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Ilona – 0491 703 508
Saturday 28th June (Central Coast)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 10
Mooney Mooney Creek – Somersby
Grade 3/4, 13kms
Brian C - 0427 888 966
WALKS PROGRAM 3, 2025
Wednesday 2nd July (Sydney)
Taronga Zoo to Balmoral (with optional fish and chips)
Grade 3, 10kms
Margaret - 0407 078 563
Saturday 5th July (Northern Sydney)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 2
Macquarie Park - Thornleigh
Grade 3, 11.5kms
Leonora – 0408 559 168
Wednesday 9th July (Sydney)
NOTE CHANGE
Meadowbank to Parramatta
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Brian S - 0404 094 048
Saturday 12th July (Central Coast)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 11
Somersby – Forest Road, Kulnura
Grade 4, 14.5kms
Colleen – 0427 460 069
Wednesday 16th July (Newcastle)
Lambton Heritage Meander
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Maria – 0448 126 196
Saturday 19th July (Lake Macquarie)
Seahampton
Grade 3, 8-10kms
Pam and Bob – 0431 811 540
Wednesday 23rd July (Maitland)
Walka Water Works and Maitland Levee
Grade 2/3, 12kms
Ilona - 0491 703 508
Saturday 26th July (Central Coast)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 12
Kulnura – Yarramalong Store
Grade 3/4, 12kms
Jutta – 0405 033 550
Wednesday 30th July (Lake Macquarie)
Wyee Point Reserve
Grade 2/3, 9kms
Colleen – 0427 460 069
Saturday 2nd August (Lake Macquarie)
AGM, Belmont Senior Citizens Centre
followed by a short local walk
Ingrid – 0400 601 694
Wednesday 6th August (Lake Macquarie)
NOTE CHANGE
Woods Point, Morisset Peninsula
Grade 3, 12kms
Nardi – 0438 731 684
Saturday 9th August (Lake Macquarie)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 13
Cedar Bush Track Head – The Basin
Grade 4, 10kms
Ilona – 0491 703 508
Wednesday 13th August (Sydney)
Canada Bay Walk
Grade 2/3, 11kms
Brian S - 0404 094 048
Saturday 16th August (location?)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Spare day in case it’s needed
Alternate walk will be added if a GNW day is not required
Wednesday 20th August (Lake Macquarie)
Awaba to Dora Creek (bring Opal card)
Grade 3, 10-12kms
Pam and Bob – 0431 811 540
Saturday 23rd August (Watagans)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 14
Basin Campsite – Watagan Creek
Grade 4, 17.5kms
Colleen – 0427 460 069
Wednesday 27th August (Central Coast)
Rumbalara Reserve
Grade 3, 12 kms
Jutta – 0405 033 550
Saturday 30th August (Dungog)
Girriwa Loop Walk and Sculpture on the Farm ($10 entry to sculptures)
Grade 3, 5kms plus sculpture trail
Colleen – 0427 460 069
Wednesday 3rd September (Sydney)
Barrenjoey Lighthouse (with optional club lunch)
Grade 3, 9kms
Margaret - 0407 078 563
Saturday 6th September (Watagans)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 15
Watagan Creek – Congewai Valley West
Grade 4, 13kms
Brian C – 0427 888 966
Wednesday 10th September (Maitland)
Maitland Historic Meander
Grade 2/3, 12kms
Maria - 0448 126 196
Saturday 13th September (Lake Macquarie)
Shingle Splitters
Grade 2/3, 12kms
Nardi – 0438 731 684
Wednesday 17th September (Sydney)
Rhodes to Cabarita, with optional lunch
Grade 2/3, 12kms
Brian S – 0404 094 048
Saturday 20th September (Watagans)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 16
Congewai Valley East – Georges Road
Grade 4, 16kms
Jutta – 0405 033 550
Wednesday 24th September (Lake Macquarie)
Glenrock SCA - Scout Camp Loop
Grade 3, 12 kms
Ilona 0491 703 508
Saturday 27th September (Watagans)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 17
Watagan H/Q – Heaton Gap
Grade 4, 12.5kms
Sandy – 0401 199 472
*GRADE 1 (Very Easy) Short walk with flat even surface, no steps or steep sections. Walk should not exceed 5kms.
*GRADE 2 (Easy) Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be too steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km
*GRADE 2/3 (Easy/medium) Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km
*GRADE 3 (Medium) Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20km
*GRADE 4 (Medium/hard) Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners
*GRADE 5 (Hard) Off-track or difficult terrain. Opportunity for walkers with advanced outdoor knowledge and skills to find their own way along often indistinct tracks or off track in remote locations. May include steep sections of unmodified surfaces. There may be rock scrambling, creek walking & crossing involved. Distance covered is unlimited, but may be short & difficult. Only for experienced walkers and not suitable for beginners.
FOOTWEAR
This is the most important part of your equipment. Whether shoes or boots are your personal choice, footwear needs to be comfortable, closed and have effective tread.
CLOTHING
Should be loose and comfortable and preferably constructed from a strong fabric. Long sleeves and long trousers are recommended for sun protection and walking through thick scrub. A wide brimmed hat is essential for sun protection.
WET WEATHER GEAR
Many types of wet weather gear are available, from more expensive waterproof jackets and pants to inexpensive light plastic raincoats and ponchos and even umbrellas. Whatever you choose, it is wise to take along some wet weather gear to all walks.
BACKPACK
A backpack is required to carry your gear as it leaves your hands free.
WHAT YOU MUST CARRY
Ø Ensure you carry enough water for the expected conditions, length of walk and personnel preferences. It is recommended that a minimum of 1-2 litres is required for a bush walk.
Ø Sufficient food for your needs.
Ø Adequate supply of required medication. Advise the walks leader if your medical condition is likely to affect your walking.
Ø First Aid Kit. The kit should include adhesive strips or Elastoplast for blisters. A snake bandage, triangular bandage, safety pins and antiseptic lotion. Paracetamol for personal use can also be useful.
The walker must contact the leader 1-2 days before the walk to confirm and check the walk details, weather conditions, start time etc. The Leader has the right to decide an upper limit regarding the number of participants for a walk, taking into account factors such as terrain, safety and organisational difficulties.
Ensure that you are fit enough for the degree of difficulty of the walk. If in doubt discuss with the leader prior to the walk. The leader has the right to refuse participation to any persons they consider may present a risk to themselves or other participants or who do not have the necessary skills for the activity. Walks by temporary members will be grade 3 or below, unless approved by Walks Leader after they have assessed the capability of the temporary member.
Arrive at the starting point at least 10 minutes before the starting time provided by the Leader.
Carry sufficient water for the conditions of the walk. Generally, a minimum of 1-2 litres is adequate, but more is required in hotter conditions.
Ensure you are suitably equipped with a first aid kit and completed Member Emergency Contact and Medical Information Form, sunscreen, hat, food, rain gear, whistle, torch and appropriate clothing and footwear. A map and compass or tracking app may also enhance your enjoyment of the walk.
Ensure you complete the Sign on Sheet after reading the Risk Waiver and noting any risk warnings.
Although it is not compulsory, all members are encouraged to obtain and keep up to date, training in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Remember to bring a sense of humour and adventure. Our Leaders are all volunteers so please remember to be patient and kind.
A walker must accept that a walk can be cancelled or varied for many reasons and that the Leader’s decision is final.
If you have a medical condition that may affect your capability during the walk, ensure that you inform the Walks Leader and if medication is required ensure you carry enough for the duration of the walk.
Pets or children under 18 are not allowed to participate in walks.
Follow the Leader’s instructions and remember your Leader has your welfare at heart. Be courteous, co-operative and helpful to other walkers in the group. Follow the Bushwalker NSW Inc. Bushwalker’s Code of Conduct https://www.bushwalkingnsw.org.au/bushwalkers-code/
Generally, you should not leave the walk early, unless pre-arranged, but if it is necessary, you must advise the leader and sign off on the activity Sign on Sheet. If the Leader deems it necessary, you must accept their decision to send someone with you to accompany you out.
Do not allow yourself to become separated from the group. If experiencing any difficulty such as pace, blisters, shortage of water, advise the leader immediately. Participants should maintain a line of sight with people in front and behind them.
Car-pooling is recommended. Contribute to car costs if you are a passenger in another member’s vehicle.
It is your responsibility to allow sufficient distance between yourself and the walker in front so that you are not injured by branches flicking back.
Do not leave the track, if on a track walk, or fall behind the person appointed ‘tail’ for any reason without advising the ‘tail’.
During the walk you should always have visibility of the Walks Leader and if in front you should stop at junctions until given directions from the leader on correct path.
Keep Australia beautiful, take all rubbish home.
Ensure the leader is aware you have made it to the end.
Remember to thank the leader.
If you had an accident or incident during the walk ensure that the Walks Leader is informed (preferably during the walk), and that paperwork for the accident/Incident including witness statements are completed.