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.
WALKS PROGRAM No 2 - 2025
Saturday 5th April (Northern Sydney)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 4
Hornsby - Crosslands
Grade 4, 14kms
Colleen - 0427 460 069
Wednesday 9th April (Port Stephens)
Lakeside Leisure Centre, Raymond Terrace to
Medowie via Grahamstown Dam
Grade 2/3, 11kms
Margaret – 0407 078 563
Saturday 12th April (Port Stephens)
Anna Bay to One Mile
Grade 3, 7km (one way) 14km return
Jutta - 0405 033 550
Wednesday 16th April (Newcastle)
Raspberry Gully
Grade 3, 11kms
Jutta – 0405 033 550
Saturday 19th April (Newcastle)
Wallsend Heritage and Old Tramway return
Grade 2/3, 12kms
Ilona – 0491 703 508
Wednesday 23rd April (Lake Macquarie)
Point Wolstoncroft
Gade 2/3, 14kms
Seppo and Therese – 0412 410 253
Saturday 26th April (Port Stephens)
Fingal Bay to Samurai Beach Loop
via Jump Rock and inland tracks
Grade 3, 13kms
Jutta - 0405 033 550
Wednesday 30th April (Lake Macquarie)
Wyee Point Reserve
Grade 2/3, 9kms
Colleen 0427 460 069
Saturday 3rd May (Northern Sydney)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 6
Berowra – Cowan
Grade 4, 13kms
Colleen - 0427 460 069
Wednesday 7th May (Lake Macquarie)
Belmont, Belmont Lagoon, Pelican Loop
Grade 2/3, 14kms
Margaret - 0407 078 563
Saturday 10th May (Lake Macquarie)
Cardiff, Hillsborough, Myall Rd Bushland
Grade 3, 10kms
Colleen - 0427 460 069
Wednesday 14th May (Lake Macquarie)
Redhead Surf Club to Dudley return
Grade 3, 11kms
Ilona – 0491 703 508
Saturday 17th May (Northern Sydney)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 5
Mount Kuring-gai - Berowra
Grade 4, 10kms
Pam and Bob – 0431 811 540
Wednesday 21st May (Sydney)
Meadow Bank to Parramatta
Grade 2/3, 11kms
Brian S - 0404 094 048
Saturday 24th May (Port Stephens)
Tin City
Grade 3/4, 10.5kms
Jutta - 0405 033 550
Wednesday 28th May (Watagans)
Cooranbong Bush Circuit
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Nardi – 0438 731 684
Saturday 31st May (Central Coast)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 8
Patonga – Staples Lookout
Grade 4, 14 kms
Gordon – 0476 463 875
Wednesday 4th June (Central Coast)
Shelly Beach to Forresters Beach return
POSSIBLE WHALE SIGHTINGS
Grade 3, 12 kms
Margaret – 0407 078 563
Saturday 7th June (Hunter Valley)
Corrabare and Watagan State Forest nr Millfield
Grade 4, 16kms
Sue – 4990 2320
Wednesday 11th June (Lake Macquarie)
Tingira Heights Reserve
Grade 2/3, 11kms
Colleen - 0427 460 069
Saturday 14th June (Central Coast)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 9
Staples Lookout – Mooney Mooney Creek
Grade 3/4, 12kms
Nardi – 0438 731 684
Wednesday 18th June (Newcastle)
Minmi Loops
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Ilona – 0491 703 508
Saturday 21st June (Northern Sydney)
GREAT NORTH WALK - Section 7
Cowan - Brooklyn
Grade 4, 13kms
Clay - 0400 109 020
Wednesday 25th June (Lake Macquarie)
Woods Point, Morisset Peninsula
Grade 3, 12kms
Nardi – 0438 731 684
Saturday 28th June (Central Coast)
GREAT NORTH WALK – Section 10
Mooney Mooney Creek – Somersby
Grade 3/4, 13kms
Brian C - 0427 888 966
*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.