Contact Us:
Boroondara Bushwalkers Inc.,
P.O. Box 355,
Kew Vic. 3101
MOBILE: 0403 721 451
Visitors since Feb 16, 2005:
Contact Us:
Boroondara Bushwalkers Inc.,
P.O. Box 355,
Kew Vic. 3101
MOBILE: 0403 721 451
Visitors since Feb 16, 2005:
Boroondara Bushwalkers
| Wed 21 May | CLUB MEETING and AGM |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
| Sun 25 May | ST. JOHN’S HILL | EM |
Walk area: Dandenongs east Max walkers Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 45km E Overdue Walks No
This is a circular walk starting from Herman’s saddle reserve. It is taken from Day Walks by Chapman & Siseman.
I have not previewed it by the time this Vagabond comes out, but will do so, as conditions can change even following the best of directions.
| Sun 25 May | ARTHURS SEAT | M |
Walk area: Arthurs Seat Park & McCrae Foreshore Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 14 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 70 Km South Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A stroll along the McCrae foreshore, then a scenic walk up the first section of the Two Bays Walking track from Dromana to Arthurs Seat (280 m), through the McKellar Flora Reserve to Kings Waterfall and down through the Arthurs Seat State Park and McCrae to the Lighthouse.
| Sat 31 May | CATHEDRAL RANGE SKYLINE TRAVERSE | MH |
Walk area: Cathedral Range State Park Max walkers 10 Walking distance: 15 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 113km E Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
We will be doing the Cathedral Range Skyline Walk unless we have wet weather conditions so look forward to some ascents, Sugarloaf Peak (910m) and The Cathedral (845m) that result in wonderful views of the Acheron Valley and views of the whole Cathedral Range. Please note that this is a challenging walk that involves rock scrambling and walking along a narrow rocky ridge. The walk will be at approx. 15 kms but will take 6 hours of brisk walking to complete due to the ascents/descents and rock scrambling. If we have wet weather conditions the walk will be shortened and we will do the Northern Circuit only. Meet at Kew Library 7.30 am
| Sun 1 June | PUNCHBOWL TO KILKUNDA | EM |
Walk area: South Gipsland Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 13 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 123km SE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Starting from the carpark at the end of Punchbowl road, a wide and well graded track follows the clifftop eastward to Kilkunda. Views across farmland and beach from Cape Woolami in the west to Cape Patterson in the east. Lunch at Killies Pub.
| Fri-Mon 6–9 June | DINNER PLAIN – MT TABLETOP – MAYFORD | M/H |
Walk area: Alpine National Park Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 30 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 300 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk the high plains of the ALPINE NATIONAL PARK south of the Alpine Road. Featuring high plains, deep vallerys of the Dargo River and the old gold mining sitet of Mayford. Commencing and finishing at Dinner Plain. Some off track involved. Whether or not there will be snow remains to be seen. The duration of this walk will be dependent on weather conditions and snow depth. No car shuffle involved. A walk for experienced snow shoe walkers
| Sun 8 June | BIRDS LAND | E |
Walk area: Dandenong foothills Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 40 km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
Starting in Birds Land reserve, the walk passes two lakes and continues along tracks in Lysterfield Park. Pleasant views across the Dandenongs and back to Melbourne. Total climbing 250m.
| Sun 15 June | HURSTBRIDGE AND PANTON HILLS | E |
Walk area: Outer NE suburbs Max walkers Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 25km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Hurstbridge is the end of the train line but we shall be travelling by car as trains are few and far between. The town is of historical interest, with a bridge designed by Monash. Panton Hills is south of St. Andrews where we patronise the market about once a year. There are two reserves belonging to Parks Victoria to be explored.
| Sun 15 June | MT FRANKLIN GORGE | M |
Walk area: Daylesford and Dry Diggings Area Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 18 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 120km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The walk follows part of the great Dividing trail (the Dry Diggings track section) through the dry open woodlands of the Upper Lodden state forest and the Tarilta Creek through the relatively lush Mt Franklin Gorge (really more a narrow rocky valley than a gorge). There is no marked track along the gorge (the walk here is generally on green grassy flats) and some creek crossings will be required. There is a short off track section.
| Wed 18 June | NATIONAL GALLERY & LUNCH |
Walk area: CBD Max walkers Walking distance: 0 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: Overdue Walks Procedure No
Instead of a walk this month there will be a social outing commencing with a visit to the National Gallery, St. Kilda Road, at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at the Occasions Restaurant, William Angliss College at 12 noon. NOTE – THIS IS THE THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH. Final numbers to be advised by 4th June. Meet in foyer of the Gallery 5 minutes before 10 a.m. or at Wm Angliss College, 555 LaTrobe Street, 5 minutes before noon. Note: cost $24.00 per person for 3 course meal
| Wed 18 June | CLUB MEETING |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
Guest Speaker: Rod Flynn, Project Director, DSE will talk about Vicmap Topographic Online. (This is also an opportunity for bushwalkers to provide discuss the replacement of 1:25000 scale maps with 1:50000 maps.)
| Fri-Sun 20-22 June | WILD BASE CAMP NO. 1 |
Walk area: Howqua River near Merrijig Max walkers 12 Walking distance: 20 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 220 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The first Wild Base Camp. Camping at or near Sheepyard Flat by the Howqua River. Plenty of socialising, some walks as determined by the weather. Most importantly we will discuss and compile the WBC program for the rest of 2008.
| Sun 22 June | MCMAHONS CREEK GOLDFIELDS | EM |
Walk area: Yarra Ranges Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 9 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 86 km E Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The walk is in the Yarra Ranges National Park in the upper region of the Yarra River and incorporates some of a little known goldfield including 2 tunnels that were excavated to divert the river. The vegetation is varied with some delightful forest and abundant wildflowers late winter and early spring. The walk is short but there are some steep sections which can be slippery when wet so if you use poles bring them. Total climbing 350 m.
| Sun 29 June | MOGGS CREEK | M |
Walk area: Great Otway NP Max walkers 24 Walking distance: 16 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 124km SW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Beach, forest and fabulous views. Prolific birdlife and Winter flowering plants. Some beach walking otherwise good footpaths and unused roads. Total climbing390m. Car shuffle required.
| Wed 2 July | GREAT DIVIDING TRAIL –Stage 6 | M |
Walk area: Lerderderg Gorge Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 14 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 80 km NW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Continuing on the GDT walks which we began near Creswick three years ago, this walk starts at O’Brien’s Crossing and finishes near Mt Blackwood. Note to get all day parking we meet at Victoria Park at 7.30 AM (corner High St/Adeney Avenue Kew – just down from the Harp Hotel)– to allow for traffic. Enter through archway from High Street.
| Sun 6 July | KURTH KILN | EM |
Walk area: Kurth Kiln Regional Park Max walkers 19 Walking distance: 14 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A guided tour of the historic Kurth Kiln has been arranged. The walk also encompasses Tomahawk Creek, Shiprock Falls mountain ash, shrubby foothill forest and swamp heath. Lots of birdlife. As well as the history, this walk is a must for the ornithologist.
| Sun 6 July | FOUR BROTHERS ROCKS | M |
Walk area: Bunyip State Park Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 14 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 69km E Nearest town: Gembrook
This “strenuous” circuit follows a combination of walking trails and management tracks. Bunyip State Park is known for its wealth of bird life. This walk will take us through fern glades and also offer great views from the high points. A steep climb up a spur to Four Brothers Rocks will get us to our lunch destination.
| Wed 9 July | WARRANDYTE-MT. LOFTY | E |
Walk area: Max walkers Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 30km NE Overdue Walks Procedure No
This walk is by the Environmental Living Zone to the east of the town of Warrandyte, starting with a climb to Mt. Lofty. And then mostly along the river bank. Suggest wear boots. Meet at Victoria Park at 8.45a.m.
| Sun 13 July | CAPE WOOLAMAI FAUNA RESERVE AND CHURCHILL ISLAND | EM |
Walk area: Phillip Island Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 135 km Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
We plan to walk along a spectacular ocean beach, along tracks in the Woolamai fauna reserve and up to the lighthouse approx 110 m above sea level. From here we see panoramic views of Phillip Island. The second part of the walk is around the historic Churchill Island.
| Sun 13 July | GOLDEN GULLIES | M |
Walk area: Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 16km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 120 km Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The walk traverses some of the more interesting gullies in the park, and includes the Glenluce Mineral Springs reserve, a water race, river red gums, mannas and candlebarks and some exotics near the Lodden river, and open box woodlands as well as Butchers and Sailors Gullies. The area is scattered with relics from the 1850’s, building ruins, stone chimneys, dams and mineshafts. The nearset town is Malmsbury.
| Sat – Sun 12 – 13 Jul | MT BOGONG | H |
Walk area: Mt Bogong Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 20 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350 NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A winter ascent of Victoria’s highest from the bottom to the top. We climb the Staircase Spur, camping at Bivouac Hut and climbing to the summit with a day pack. Depending on weather and walking conditions we could press on to Cleve Cole Hut and camp there. Snow shoes, crampons and ice-axe required. Smiles mandatory.
| Wed 16 July | CLUB MEETING |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
Guest Speaker: John Tusa, BBI bushwalkers in Italy
| Sun 20 July | BUNGAL FOREST | M |
Walk area: Bungal State Forest Max walkers Walking distance: 16 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 90km W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk is in a small state forest on the Moorabool River (East Branch) to the south of Ballan. Sections of this walk are off track through open forest with very little undergrowth. Walkers interested in practicing a little navigation should bring a Compass or GPS as a short navigation exercise is planned
| Sun 20 July | DOMINO TRAIL | E |
Walk area: Trentham Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 85 km W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Starting from the picturesque town of Trentham, the trail passes through bushland, which is habitat of the endangered Powerful Owl. We will continue past the end of the marked trail to the Coliban River.
| Sun 27 July | LONG FOREST | EM |
Walk area: Between Melton and Bacchus Marsh Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 50km west Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A rare patch of Mallee close to Melbourne, plus a pleasant walk along the Coimadai Creek where you will find grassy river flats, cliffs, gullies, Blue Box trees and Manna Gums. Some rock scrambling and creek crossings (hopefully with some water but not too much!). Total climbing 140m.
| Sun 27 July | MT JERUSALEM | MH |
Walk area: Kinglake NP Max walkers 12 Walking distance: 19.5km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 60 km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A circuit walk on steep forested mountain slopes, commencing and finishing at Steels Ck north of Yarra Glen. Climbs of up to 400m. Takes in Mt Jerusalem, Mt Beggary and Mt Everard. Early start: Leave Kew carpark 7.30am. (Walk originally advertised for May, but not undertaken because the track was closed for a scheduled burn.)
| Sun 3 Aug | FERNTREE GULLY TO MT EVELYN | M |
Walk area: Dandenong Ranges National Park Max walkers Walking distance: 22.5 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 29km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
The group does not meet at Kew Library car park. Meeting point and time is Ferntree Gully Picnic Area (Melways Ref. 74 H4) at 9.15am. Contact the walk leader if unsure of directions or transport. Discovered when participating in the Oxfam Trailwalker events this is a great walk close to Melbourne. Walk is based on the route of the 2005 Melbourne Oxfam Trailwalker between checkpoint 3 (Ferntree Gully Picnic Area) and checkpoint 5 (Mt. Evelyn Reserve). Walk covers the tall forests of the Dandenong ranges. Please note the walk distance and the fact it has a couple of steep climbs including the 1000 steps at Ferntree Gully Picnic Area. A car Shuffle will be required at the start and finish of the walk.
| Sun 3 Aug | MOONEE PONDS CREEK BIKE RIDE | M |
Walk area: Northern suburbs Max walkers 12 Riding distance: ~50km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 0-25km Overdue Walks Procedure No
We’ll head downstream along Southbank, cross to Docklands then follow the bike path along Footscray Road to the start of the Moonee Ponds Creek path. This runs alongside the creek all the way out to Westmeadows, passing under City Link and the Tullamarine Freeway a number of times, as well as a spectacular railway viaduct and the Western Ring Road. It passes through many pleasant parks along the way. The ride is almost all off-road. BYO morning tea. We’ll have lunch at Westmeadows, where there are picnic facilities but also a bakery and a tavern. The plan is to ride back to Southbank, but if anyone wants to shorten the ride they can catch a train at Jacana, Pascoe Vale or Flemington Bridge. Meet at Southbank, near the arched footbridge 9.30am.
| Sun 10 Aug | BEND OF ISLANDS TO KINGLAKE NP | M |
Walk area: Christmas Hills Max walkers 15 Walking distance: 16 K
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 45 K’s NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Explore newly opened areas including Yanakie, Ironbark , One Tree Hill & Rifle Range Reserves to Kinglake N. P. (Mt Everard & Watsons Cr. Tracks). Includes short on road plus a walk along the Sugarloaf dam wall. Good tracks. Undulating. Car shuffle required. Volunteer needed at Kew Library
| Mon – Fri 11– 15 Aug | TRAVERSE OF BOGONG HIGH PLAINS SNOW WALK | H |
Walk area: Alpine National Park Max walkers 8 Walking distance 65km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350 k NE Overdue Walks Procedure yes
A traverse of the Bogong High Plains, hopefully on snow shoes, beginning and ending at Bogong Village. Peaks, snowplains, rocky ridges and snow gum forests form an everchanging scene. This traverse will cover Mt. Fainter, Mt. Cope, Mt. Nelse down Spion Kopje and back to Bogong Village. Graded by SISEMAN as a 4 day medium walk in summer the duration of this walk may be subject to weather conditions and snow depth. A total elevation gain of 1240 metres. No car shuffle involved. A walk for experienced snow walkers.
| Fri – Sun 15– 17 Aug | REGENT HONEYEATER PROJECT PLANTING WEEKEND | n/a |
Distance/direction: 200km NE of Melbourne Max walkers: n/a Walk distance: n/a
Conservation Activity. This year the planting weekend is part of Bushwalking Victoria’s 75th anniversary celebrations. Join landholders, bushwalkers and other volunteers in a nationally significant project to plant wildlife corridors on properties in the Lurg Hills near Benalla. The sponsors provide dinner on Saturday night, followed by a bush dance or spotlighting; and a BBQ lunch on Sunday. We will stay in cabin accommodation in Benalla. (If you cannot attend on this weekend, alternative planting weekends are on August 2-3, August 30‑31 & September 13-14.)
| Sun 17 Aug | MOUNT DOM DOM & MORLEYS TRACK | M |
Walk area: Yarra Ranges National Park Max walkers Walking distance: 15 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 70km NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk starts at Dom Dom saddle and climbs to the summit of Mt Dom Dom. This is followed by a short distance off track to visit the crash site of a small airplane that went down here in 1974. Walk then returns to Monda Road and then follows Morleys Track down through tall alpine ash forest to Fernshaw Picnic area. A short car shuffle is required to retrieve cars at the end of the walk.
| Sun 17 Aug | MT DANDENONG AREA KALORAMA - DOONGALLA | EM |
Walk area: Western slopes Mt Dandenong Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 40km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
Starting and finishing at Fiveways, Kalorama, this walk skirts the side of the Mt Dandenong formation to Doongalla, then returns via tracks at or close to the top of the Mountain. Total of 310m climbing, much of it in a 1.5km section after Doongalla.
| Wed 20 Aug | CLUB MEETING |
Phyllis Hore room, adjacent to Kew Library, Cotham Road.
Guest Speaker: Helene Rogers, Walking in US national parks
| Sun 24 Aug | BIG PATS CREEK - STARLING GAP | M |
Walk area: Warburton Max walkers Walking distance: 18 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 65 km E Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Return walk from Big Pats Creek to Starling Gap along the Walk to History Trail. It is along an old tramway and passes two hugh sawdust dumps.
| Sun 31 Aug | YARRA VALLEY | E |
Walk area: Bulleen Max walkers Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 10km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
This is an extension of the previous Yarra Valley walk, between Bulleen and Lower Plenty. With luck we may see a platypus again.
| Sun 31 Aug | LITTLE RIVER GORGE | M |
Walk area: Brisbane Ranges NP Max walkers Walking distance: 17 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 80 km W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The walk follows tracks through Brisbane Ranges including the Little River Gorge and neighbouring gorges,. Includes off-track walking , rock-hopping and creek crossings and steep off-track sections to climb in and out of the gorges (250m each). This is Peregrine Falcon habitat so bring binoculars.
| Date TBA | CONDONS TRACK | NA |
Bushwalking Victoria Track Clearing Project.
| Sun 7 Sept | WELSH VILLAGE | M |
Walk area: Castlemaine Max walkers 22 Walking distance: 15 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 114km Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This walk is in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Region. We will see the Garfield waterwheel and remnants of the village named after the Welsh miners from the gold rush days as well as the Expedition Pass reservoir.
| Sun 14 Sept | SHERBROOKE & FERNY CREEK FLOWER SHOW | E |
Walk area: Dandenongs Max walkers Walking distance: km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 35km SE Overdue Walks Procedure No
Visit Sherbrooke in the morning and Ferny Creek Spring Flower Show in the afternoon – small admission fee.
| Sun 14 Sept | MARYSVILLE LOOKOUTS | M |
Walk area: Marysville State Forest Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 14 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 95 km NE Nearest town: Marysvile
A mix of forest and tree fern gully tracks which passes Stevenson Waterfall and four lookouts with views over Marysvile. Overall a climb of 450 m, mostly fairly well graded with one steep sction, and a long descent with one steep section.
| Fri – Sun 12 – 14 Sept | MT.BOGONG VIA GRANITE FLAT SPUR SNOW WALK | H |
Walk area: Alpine National Park Max walkers 8 Walking distance 30km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 350 k NE Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
A roundabout but easier approach to Mt. Bogong can be made via Trappers Creek Gap and Granite Flat Spur. This approach rejoins Eskdale Spur track about a kilometre above Michell Hut and then continues to the summit. The descent track will be decided on the day and will be dependent on weather conditions and snow depth. No car shuffle involved. For those snow walkers who want an easier option to the top of BOGONG.
| Sun 21 Sept | SHERBROOKE FOREST | EM |
Walk area: Dandenong Ranges Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 12 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 40km East Overdue Walks Procedure No
Hills, waterfalls, mountain ash, treeferns, lyrebirds. Plenty of ups and downs!
| Sun 21 Sept | GREEN GULLY BLACKWOOD | M |
Walk area: Wombat State Forest Max walkers 20 Walking distance: 17 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
The walk begins at the Blackwood recreation reserve. Walk to the Garden of St Erth via Skinners Rd and the Great Dividing Trail. Continue west past Fosters and McLaughlins lookout and then north along Green Gulley Track to Lerderderg Rd. Return along Lerderderg river
| Tues - Fri 23 -26 Sept | GREAT OCEAN WALK PC
STAGE 2: AIRE RIVER to GLENAMPLE | M |
''Walk area: Great Otway NP Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 55 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200km SW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes'
Walk No 1 led by Chris Completion of the PC started at Easter. Walk over 4 days starting at the Aire River and camping out for 3 nights. This section has spectacular scenery and visits Johanna beach, Moonlight Head, Milanesia beach, Ryans Den and Glenample Homestead. Waitlist only!
| Fri – Mon 26 -29 Sept | GREAT OCEAN WALK PC
STAGE 2: AIRE RIVER to GLENAMPLE | M |
Walk area: Great Otway NP Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 55 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 200km SW Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
Walk No 2 led by Nick. Completion of the PC started at Easter. Walk over 4 days starting at the Aire River and camping out for 3 nights. This section has spectacular scenery and visits Johanna beach, Moonlight Head, Milanesia beach, Ryans Den and Glenample Homestead. Waitlist only!
| Sun 28 Sept | MT EVELYN to SILVAN DAM | EM |
Walk area: Dandenong ranges Max walkers 25 Walking distance: 10 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 40km E Overdue Walks Procedure No
Walk through mixed eucalypt forest typical of the northern end of the Dandenongs. Start and finish at Mt Eveyyn Reserve. Morning tead at Sylvan Dam probably with other company. Then our only demanding climb for the day (90m in 350m). Rest of the walk is gentle gradients with only very short steep sections.
| Sat – Sun 27 – 28 Sep | THE FORTRESS & CHIMNEY POTS PC | M |
Walk area: Southern Grampians Max walkers 8 Walking distance: 15 km
Distance/direction from Melbourne: 260 W Overdue Walks Procedure Yes
This should actually be a pleasant weekend if you’re comfortable rock scrambling. Spend half a day through the labyrinth of the Fortress cliffs in an area of the Grampians less visited. Wildflowers should be just coming out, not to mention spectacular views of surrounding cliffs. On the way home we’ll take a side-trip to the Chimney Pots. Water may be required to carry in.
