Walks every Wednesday and Saturday, starting again in February 2025
Walks every Wednesday and Saturday, starting again in February 2025
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.
NEW PROGRAM FOR 2025 COMING SOON!
Upcoming walks ...
WALKS PROGRAM No 4 - 2024
Wednesday 2nd October (Hunter Valley)
Kurri Kurri Murals
Grade 2/3, 12.5kms
Jim 0422 209 832
Saturday 5th October (Hawkesbury)
GNW, Cowan to Hawkesbury River Station, Brooklyn
Grade 3/4, 14kms
Brian C - 0427 888 966
Wednesday 9th October (Lake Macquarie)
Awabakal Nature Reserve
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Colleen - 0427 460 069
Saturday 12th October (Central Coast)
Elephant Rock
Grade 3, 10kms
Jutta - 0405 033 550
Wednesday 16th October (Sydney)
Four Ferries Walk
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Brian S – 0404 094 048
Saturday 19th October (Newcastle)
GNW, Warners Bay to Merewether
Grade 3, 14.5kms
Clay – 0400 109 020
Wednesday 23rd October (Newcastle)
Newcastle Regional Botanic Garden & Raymond Terrace River Foreshore - $5 entry to Botanic Gardens
Grade 2, 11kms
Jim – 0422 209 832
Saturday 26th October (Central Coast)
The Entrance Circuit Walk
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Brian S – 0404 094 048
Wednesday 30th October (Sydney)
Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach - Sculptures by the Sea
Grade 2/3, 9kms
Ilona – 0491 703 508
Saturday 2nd November (Lake Macquarie)
Bonnells Bay – Lake and Bush
Grade 2/3, 10kms
Nardi – 0438 731 684
Wednesday 6th November (Lake Macquarie)
Croudace Bay – Rocky Point - Warners Bay
Grade 2/3, 11kms
Nerida – 0402 531 993
Saturday 9th November (Lake Macquarie)
Fassifern to Toronto Return, Lake and Rail Trail - Public transport
Grade 3, 10kms
Sandy – 0401 199 472
Wednesday 13th November (Central Coast)
Norah Head Lighthouse, Jenny Dixon Beach,
Soldiers Point Loop
Grade 3, 9kms
Margaret – 0407 078 563
Saturday 16th November (Central Coast)
Red Gum Forest, followed by optional swim at Norah Head Rockpool
Grade 3, 10kms
Jutta – 0405 033 550
Wednesday 20th November (Lake Macquarie)
Three Creeks Walk – Morisset to Cooranbong
Grade 2/3, 10-12kms
Nardi – 0438 731 684
Saturday 23rd November (Lake Macquarie)
Glenrock SCA – Dudley
Bush, Beach and Rock Platform
Grade 3, 8-10kms
Colleen – 0427 460 069
Wednesday 27th November (Lake Mac / Newcastle)
Redhead to Merewether
Grade 3, 12kms
Ilona – 0491 703 508
Saturday 30th November (Newcastle)
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Hunter Wetlands Centre
1 Wetlands Place, Shortland
TBA
*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
Light plastic raincoats or poncho and umbrella are recommended.
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 do not have the necessary skills for the activity. Temporary members’ walks 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, or more in hotter conditions.
Ensure you are suitably equipped with a first aid kit and completed medical form, sunscreen, hat, food, rain gear, whistle, torch and appropriate clothing and footwear. A map and compass 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.
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.
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.
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