Benalla Bushwalking Club (2024)

16/06/2024

Cleo's Track - Strathbogie Forest - 16 June.

It may have been a cool start but the skies were blue as Jean and 4 enthusiastic walkers made the journey down Cleo's track to the Sevens Creek. The track down provided the opportunity to admire a fern gully and the tall eucalypt trees in the area. The track joins the Mt Piper Track and then goes uphill to the Bonnie Doon Road. Lunch was enjoyed sitting on a fallen tree in the sun and then it was a steep uphill section for a bit and then up and down walking between the pine plantation and the forest back to the vehicle. During the walk we did see some interesting looking fungi. It was then back home for a cup of tea after a very enjoyable walk. Thank you Jean for the day out.

Thanks to Jean and Judy for sending the details and pics through for the walk.

10/06/2024

Stanhope To Girgarre Walk Postponed - Wed 12 June

The 5km walk that was set for Wed 12 June will now be postponed to a later date primarily due to low walker numbers along with a pretty average weather forecast indicating that the wind chill could be quite testing as there is very little protection for the length of the rail trail.

04/06/2024

O’Reilly’s, Lamington National Park, May 2024

Campsite with a view of the scenic rim!!
Community campfire pit, including Brian’s magic fire colours.
Feeding the white browed scrub wrens, yellow robins and whip bird. Views of the Lost Valley from Pat’s Bluff, Python Rock lookout, Luke’s Bluff.
Wishing Tree
Whip birds with the females replying
Buttress roots on the Booyong trees, Strangler figs, Moss, Ferns, Fungi. Stinging trees, Hoop pines.
Hanging moss/ ferns- like fairy land.
Plunging creeks.
Lunch by the Blue Pool, mist rising off the water.
Black snake.

02/06/2024

June Activities

The following activities are listed for June. Contact details are listed in the newsletter, with the exception of the recent addition of the Cleos Track walk that Jean will lead, hence the walk description listed below (thank you Jean). To the best of my knowledge we still have a gap on either 22 or 23 June to fill so feel free to let us know if you have walk that you would be happy to lead on either of those days.

Tuesday 4 Committee Meeting 5.00pm (this month only)

Tuesday 4 General Meeting 7pm Uniting Church Hall

Wednesday 12 Stanhope to Girgarre Gary Mac

Sunday June 16th Cleos track in the Strathbogie forest
Walk down Cleos track to the Sevens creek and along to Mnt Pipers track. Then up to the Bonnie Doon road. We will then walk between the forest and pine trees back to the start.This walk is on tracks all the way.
Jean Lightfoot

Saturday 29 June Whroo Forest Gary Mac

01/06/2024

Dorrigo National Park -
Sky walk with an awesome view
Rainforest +++
Waterfalls+++ Tristania, Crystal Showers, Dangar
Lyre birds
(Old trains +++)

29/05/2024

Reminder that the next General Meeting is this Tuesday 4th June at 7pm.
Our guest speaker will be Richard Godden. Richard has restored weapons for 30 years. He will talk about the restoration process for antique fi****ms. There will be two antique fi****ms on display that can be held and inspected. All welcome.

26/05/2024

The Boat Hole To Falls Walk

The weather was just perfect for this walk along the banks of Hughes Creek. As there was not defined foot pad it was a case of picking the best line through the sometimes quite thick reedy grass that was sometimes hiding damp boggy conditions or making sure of your footing on the high sloped dry sections as we moved through the area. We did manage to disturb a large deer and a very quick moving wombat (once he realised we were there).
This walk was a first for a number of the walkers in the group and by all accounts one that the club has not done before. Thanks to Jean for placing it on the program. It definitely is an intermediate level walk (given the terrain) and one that you may not want to do in the summer months.

21/05/2024

Tomaree Coastal Walk, 27km, Tomaree Head to Birubi Point.
Over three days, the total kilometres were higher with all the detour tracks! Weather was varied- sunshine, overcast, windy, showers. Managed to time the walks well. This walk has it all- beaches, rocky viewpoints, amazing varied forests, flowers and fungi. A really good track to do :)

19/05/2024

Mt Buffalo A Taste Of 3 Walk

It was 11 walkers that made the journey to the Cresta carpark to experience the cool conditions of the mountain for 3 short walks that John had arranged. Starting with the walk across the grassed alpine plain to Dickson's Falls and a view into the valley below. It was then back to the cars and a short drive got us back to the start of the track for The Cathedral and Hump, a short walk that is all up and then a short scramble for those who wanted tackle the granite outcrop. It was then a downhill walk to the cars for lunch and onto the Old Galleries. A short 1km circuit that had us walking under and through the granite outcrop.
Thanks go to John for showing us some of the fantastic sights on his preferred mountain

09/05/2024

Six members took a leisurely walk yesterday up in the Warby Ranges. First stop was Pangarang Lookout where we admired a magnificent stand of grass trees enroute to the lookout. We enjoyed extensive views across the western and southern plains across to mountain ranges.
After lunch at the Pine Gully picnic area we then walked the 2km Pine Gully Nature Trail. The Warby's are very dry at the moment, as such there was no water in the Creek or over the falls. Albiet, the walk was still interesting and a new area to discover for most of the walkers.

08/05/2024

The May Activity Listing

There are a few gaps in the listing for this month so make the most of what is currently listed for the club. If any members would like to help fill the gaps for this or future months please let a Committee member know. Remember we are keen to assist any member in being a leader of an activity, so if interested please ask.
Sat 18 Getting To Know Violet Town Bev T

Sun 19 Mt Buffalo - A Taste of 3 John B

Sun 26 Boat Hole to Falls Walk (Strathbogie Tablelands) Ruffy Jean L

All contact details are available in the latest newsletter on the website

30/04/2024

With the 40th Anniversary of the Club's first walk coming up in September, we have long term member, Doug Kneen, speaking at next Tuesdays (7th May) General Meeting.
Doug will speak on some of his memorable adventures with the Club, special ancedotes and he will certainly keep us entertained. Meeting starts 7pm at the Uniting Church meeting room . All welcome.

28/04/2024

Today Jean led us on a very interesting walk throughout the gold mining area of Tallangallook in the Stratbogie Ranges. Mining shafts, tunnels and big 'holes' were all explored by the intrepid walkers. There were quite steep down tracks followed by steep up tracks, however, with Jean knowing the area like the palm of her hand, there was never an issue of losing our way.
The Strathbogie forest is majestic and precious. We are very fortunate to live so close to it.
It was wonderful to have many new faces join in on the walk today. Silvia, Noel, Judy, Kath, Rob and Fiona were made to feel most welcome. We hope to see you again soon.
Thanks Jean for leading the walk.

27/04/2024

A great ride from Everton to Beechworth and return, and a gorgeous autumn day. Spectacular treed cuttings, vineyards in autumn colours and the deciduous trees of Beechworth. Lunch in the Chinese Gardens. A lovely group of seven (+ 1) with stories and chats in the sun. The downhill return was fun. Someone was disappointed he could achieve only 43 km/ hour 😉
Rider of the day had to be Kelly- with her bike having no battery assist!

17/04/2024

Today ten walkers enjoyed the wonderful views from The Paps (700m) near Mansfield. Although there was much smoke haze, it did not block the views of the Eildon Weir waters or the views to Mt Samaria and Lake Nillahcootie.
It was great to have some visitors join us. With young William being very patient waiting for us 'slow coaches'.
Thanks Fiona for your enthusiastic leadership.

16/04/2024

A few more photos from our wonderful adventure down past Licola. Thanks to Gill and Brian for organising. Gotta love the High Country!

13/04/2024

Our adventure week in the mountains up from Licola was based on walks from the Federation Walks event in 2022. The weather was challenging (included snow) but the walks were fantastic.
After a drive up Howitt Road as far as the airport to see the snow cover and throw a few snowballs, we walked at a slightly lower altitude into Moroka Gorge’s first waterfall. A great spot for lunch.
It was a clear sunny day for our Bryce’s Gorge circuit. We visited Guy’s Hut, walked through a forest of hakeas and lunched at the top of Conglomerate Falls. It was spectacular looking out over Bryce’s Gorge. Five yellow tailed black cockatoos flew across and there was an eagle in the distance. Walking along the escarpment to Pieman Falls provided expansive views of the gorge.
Dimmick’s Lookout gave amazing clear views of the mountains with the usual peak naming/ guessing!
Neilson’s Crag was also a clear view and stunning.
Our Mt Wellington drive caught views across Wellington Plains and the Moroka River, to Dunsmuir Huts and Spion Kopje before the cloud closed in a bit.

05/04/2024

The following activities are listed for April. A great time of the year to get out and about so why not contact the leader of the activity that is of interest to you. Descriptions and contact details are listed in the newsletter located on our website.

Remember if you have a suggestion for a activity to be listed on our program please contact any of the committee.

Mon 8 to Fri 12 Adventure Week Licola - Gill & Brian
Sat 13 Mt Major Naming peaks with maps - Helen
Wed 17 The Paps - Fiona
Sat 20 Beechworth to Lake Kerferd -James
Sun 21 Moonlight Spit Walk - Wendy
Thur 25 ANZAC Day
Sat 27 Beechworth Cycle - Gill
Sun 28 Tallangalook - Jean

31/03/2024

Just a reminder..Bushwalking Club meeting this Tuesday 2nd April, 7pm at the Uniting Church meeting room.

Rowhan Marshall will be our entralling speaker....

Rowhan trekked the Gokyo 3 passes in October 2019. Just before CV19. In the Khumbu region around Everest. It was his 4th trip to Nepal. Namche Bazaar is the main Sherpa settlement in the area. Highest pass crossed 5600m.

16/03/2024

Mt Stirling is a delightful place to walk in any season. Fiona led us on ski trails up from Telephone Box Junction to come out at Kings Saddle and then to Razorback Hut where we had an early lunch. The day was still and not hot, the trees were magnificent and we found a dark purple bluebell. Back at TBJ, home baked goods appeared for afternoon tea. Wendy thought the young cyclists looked hungry, and offered them some of her muffins! It was great to meet our new members and chat.

16/03/2024

Postponement of Mt Buffalo Walk Next Weekend (Sunday 24/3)

Due to the 'Mt Buffalo Stampede' happening next weekend the walk from Mackays Lookout to the Mt Buffalo Chalet has unfortunately been postponed.
It has been decided it is best not to be sharing the Big Walk track with up to 1200 trail runners!. A revised date will be advised later.

13/03/2024

One of my favorite walks is to the summit of Mt Timbertop. Thanks to John for leading a group of 10 on the 5.5km hike.
After quite a steep climb through the forest we made the open area to enjoy beautiful High Country views.
Then after a short but steep rock scramble we made it to the ridge of the summit for lunch. We dined in the company of stunning snow gums and more views.
We then headed down via a different route, completing a short circuit before heading back down through the forest.
It was lovely to have new member Tracey and visitor, Rob, along for the day.
Thanks John for leading us on a wonderful, sometimes challenging hike.

09/03/2024

A fun and interesting morning was had, before the days heat set in, out at the Winton Wetlands today. Bev had a list of 20 questions we were to discover answers for around the Hub and Woodlands area. It was a great way to learn more about the Wetlands, its ecology, history and art work. Also, importantly for some, the brand of coffee used at the Cafe!
We walked the Sculpture Trail, Lotjpatj Natjan Danak, and the 540m Woodland Walk. Did you know 14 species of Raptors have been sighted out there and that the Wetlands System is made up of 33 individual wetlands?
It was great to have two new members join us, Andrew and Glenda. Also lovely that Bev organised special treats, in particular the very yummy, passionfruit cheesecake!
Thanks Bev for a well planned and interesting orienteering morning.

08/03/2024

March Activities - The following is a listing of walks for the first month of Autumn.

Sat 9 March - Winton Wetlands Orienteering Walk - Bev T

Wed 13 March - Mt Timbertop - John B

Sat 16 March - TBJ To Razorback Hut - Fiona T

Fri 22 To Sun 24 March Goldfields Trail Blackwood - Adele R

Sun 24 March Mackey's Lookout To The Chalet Mt Buffalo - Wendy B

Leader contact details can be found in the club Newletters via the link on the website.

03/03/2024

Just a reminder that the next General Meeting is this Tuesday 5th March at 7pm in the Uniting Church Meeting room. Wendy will be the guest speaker where she will take us on a journey around the Eyre Peninsula. You will hear about Giant Cuttlefish, explore wonderful National Parks and other interesting sites. A much under journeyed part of Australia. All welcome.

29/02/2024

We enjoyed a perfect day exploring the Ovens Lagoons from Cameron's Bend, near Bundalong. It's so peaceful paddling leisurely through the forest. Birds included swans, cormorants, kingfishers, ducks, kookaburras, cockatoos, corellas and even a whistling kite.

28/02/2024

My Dunn Walk
Walk with Benalla Bushwalkers on Sunday started at Lake Catani on Mt Buffalo. Along the Long Plain track which is a narrow path through Snow grass plains and Snow gum woodlands, ending with a steep climb to the rocky summit of Mt Dunn. It was a perfect day for the 9.5km walk. Thank you to John for organising and leading an enjoyable walk.

Thanks to Kay for text and pics

18/02/2024

Lake To Lake Walk - Beechworth
This was a 7.00am meeting time in Benalla for the gang of 7 to beat the heat of the day. The 2 cars were ready to go but unfortunately James struck a problem with his car and decided to remain in Benalla to call the RACV, it was then a gang of 6, so the walk leader duties were delegated to Janice and Gary.
Luckily Janice knew where the start point was and had walked some of the track before. The walk makes it way through the forest on a path that is shared with the mountain bike riders. It is well signed and in good condition with a few very slight up sections. You do walk along a well formed road arriving at Lake Kerferd where we had a morning tea break then returned via the same track.
The group had lunch under the Pines in the main street of Beechworth after a visit to the Bakery and were back in Benalla by early afternoon.
Total distance walked approx 12km and the early start worked well on a day that just kept getting warmer.

PS James did get his car going and could just run this walk again later in the year.

14/02/2024

It was one of those gorgeous mornings today- warm sun with a cool breeze- and we explored Reform Hill in Myrtleford. Lots of gold mining history, the remains of the original reservoir for the town and many mosaics of local birds and animals. The views from the top, over the town and towards Mt Buffalo, were lovely. After lunch by the Ovens River, we walked the Myrtleford Mosaic Trail. This is a gem. A shady path that winds alongside the river (for about two km) and a large number of mosaics, sometimes in almost hidden places. Animals, fish, birds, insects, toadstools and even some tiny ‘doors’ into rocks. It was fun to try and find them and we spoke to a couple of locals who told us some of the history of these works of art. A very satisfying and enjoyable day with a great group of walkers!!

Benalla Bushwalking Club

16/06/2024

10/06/2024

04/06/2024

02/06/2024

01/06/2024

29/05/2024

26/05/2024

21/05/2024

19/05/2024

09/05/2024

08/05/2024

30/04/2024

28/04/2024

27/04/2024

17/04/2024

16/04/2024

13/04/2024

05/04/2024

31/03/2024

16/03/2024

16/03/2024

13/03/2024

09/03/2024

08/03/2024

03/03/2024

29/02/2024

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