Walks every Wednesday and Saturday SEE PROGRAM BELOW

Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc.

Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc.Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc.Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc.

Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc.

Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc.Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc.Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc.
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About Us

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

  • To organise bushwalking through day walks on a regular basis
  • To foster an appreciation of and respect for unspoiled bush land, natural scenery and wildlife and to enjoy the  social aspects of bushwalking
  • To operate within the scope of the Club’s Risk Management Policy


DAY WALKS

The Club meets Saturday and Wednesday for day walks. The walks program, available below, indicates

  • the scheduled walk
  • walk grade (degree of difficulty for each walk)
  • the name of the walk leader and contact  details


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.

Current Walks Program


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


NOTE CHANGE

Wednesday 16th July (Lake Macquarie)

Seahampton

Grade 3, 8-10kms

Pam and Bob – 0431 811 540


NOTE CHANGE

Saturday 19th July (Newcastle) 

Lambton Heritage Meander

Grade 2/3, 10kms

Maria – 0448 126 196


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

*Conditions of participation in walks*

  • Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell in any way, or have cold-, flu-, or Covid19-like symptoms.
  • The Walk’s Leader can ask any intending participant not to start the walk, should the intending participant appear or present unwell.
  • All intending participants should ensure they follow recommended personal hygiene practices and provide their own personal hygiene products. Neither the club nor leaders can supply hygiene products (e.g. hand sanitiser)

 


*Walk Grades*

*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.



Bushwalking Equipment



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.

Guidelines for Walkers

Prior to the walk

Prior to the walk

Prior to the walk

  

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. 

During the walk

Prior to the walk

Prior to the walk

  

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.

After the walk

Prior to the walk

After the walk

   

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.

  

  

Downloads

2025.05.06 membership application (pdf)Download
2023.08 LMBW Constitution (pdf)Download

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