Walks resume 2022
About Us
Lake Macquarie Bushwalkers Inc. has been engaged in bushwalking since 1998. The Club is a member of Bushwalking NSW Inc. and undertakes walks primarily in the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, and occasionally in the Sydney Area.
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.
DAY WALKS
The Club meets Saturday and Wednesday for day walks. The walks program (below) indicates:
- the scheduled walk
- grade (degree of difficulty for each walk)
- the name of the Leader and a telephone contact
Intending participants are required to contact the leader before the scheduled walk. Please view the walk grade descriptions, walker guidelines and equipment advice sections of this web site (below) for further information.
Walks Program will resume in 2022
Conditions apply (but not limited to)
- participation number limits may apply (first-in basis, no extra groups)
- members must be COVID-19 fully vaccinated
- vaccination certificate must be sighted by the walk leader
- carry a mask
Upcoming walks ...
Saturday December 4
Christmas Party
Hunter Wetlands Centre
Shortland
Walks program will resume in 2022
*Conditions of participation in walks*
- Members will no longer be required to handle the sign on sheet or pens.
- The Walk’s Leader will complete the sign on sheet with participant’s details before the start of the walk, read out the risks' waiver and the conditions relating to the walk, including Covid-19 requirements, to the group and complete a roll call.
- Please do not attend if feeling unwell in any way or have cold-, flu-, or Covid-19-like symptoms.
- The Walk’s Leader can ask an intending participant not to start the walk, if they look or present unwell.
- On tracks we should walk single file, and on fire trails can walk non single file. At all times social distancing should be observed while walking and having breaks.
- All intending participants should ensure they follow recommended personal hygiene practices and provide their own personal hygiene products. Neither the club nor leaders will be supplying any hygiene products (hand sanitiser or gloves).
*Walk Grades*
*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
1. FOOTWEAR This is the most important part of your equipment. Footwear needs to be comfortable, closed in (shoes or boots) and have effective tread.
2. BACKPACK A backpack is required to carry your gear as it leaves your hands free.
3. CLOTHING Should be loose and comfortable and preferably constructed from strong fabric. Long sleeves and long trousers are recommended for sun protection, insect bite protection, and for walking through thick scrub. Also, a wide brimmed hat is essential for sun protection.
4. WET WEATHER GEAR Light plastic raincoat or poncho are common items found in a walker’s backpack.
5. WHAT YOU MUST CARRY.
- A minimum of one litre, or two litres or more of water in hotter conditions
- Sufficient food for your needs
- Insect repellant
- If you require medication, ensure you carry adequate supplies. Advise the walk's leader if your medical condition is likely to affect your walking.
- First Aid Kit. The kit should include adhesive strips or Elastoplast for blisters, a triangular bandage, safety pins. Antiseptic lotion and paracetamol are also useful additions.
