Millers Bluff Day Walk, Saturday 3 December, Coordinator: Janice March, Grade:RT/I
Millers Bluff is in a spectacular location on the edge of the Great Western Tiers south of Cressy. It will require a key to access the walk which starts on private property well up the mountain. It will proceed uphill to the top of the Bluff at 1,210 metres and there are lovely views from some spots out over the Midlands and along the Tiers. This trip should be suitable for all walkers, and remember to bring all your weather protective gear as it is quite exposed. There is the option to stop at JJs Bakery at Longford on the way home.
Liffey Falls Night Walk, Wednesday 7 December, Coordinator: Sally Coltheart, Grade: T/S
Liffey Falls is a wonderful set of falls and cascades below the Western Tiers, inland from Deloraine. Rescheduled due to a clash in the last program, this walk is about 8km, and has a climb of approximately 150m. It should take a couple of hours as there are lots of photographic stops along the way. As this is an evening walk I will ask the driver to drop the group off at the bottom car park and drive the bus around so that when we arrive at the top car park our food will be waiting for us, and we can make good use of the BBQs. Come prepared. The walk is suitable for everyone. A headtorch will be desirable as will the usual warm gear, but with a bit of luck we should have a stroll through the wonderful rainforest in a long Tasmanian dusk.
Wild Dog Tier Backpack, Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 December, Coordinator: Reg Green, Grade: PT/I/Sc
Wild Dog Tier is on the Central Plateau due south of Meander and west of Great Lake at the Northern end. The high point is about 1,390m and there will be great views over the plateau to the lakes, such as Lake Augusta and the Great Lake. We will access the Plateau from Bessells Road, and Dunnings Rivulet or thereabouts. This area is easy walking, however it is a very short walk and would be most suitable for new walkers and overnighters.
Blooming Waratah Walk – Parsons Track, Saturday 17 December, Coordinator: Rod How, Grade: PT/I
Starting at an altitude of 380m, we will head up Parsons Track and at about an altitude of 670m we turn up an overgrown logging track on a new route to the plateau. This track runs out and we will continue on a taped route through steep rainforest and begin to encounter masses of waratah in bloom at the 1,000m level. We will continue up through more patches of waratah, finally emerging on the plateau. A short walk takes us to a view of Lake Mackenzie, which is about a kilometre to the south, and views of the mountains in the centre of the Cradle Mountain National Park. Heading northwest, we pick up Parsons Track and return via Haberles Hut. It’s a long day (over six hours) with a decent climb and we need to have warm clothes, gloves etc for the unpredictable plateau weather conditions
Tyndall Range Backpack, Saturday 17 – 18 December, Coordinator: Carolyn Farrar, Grading: PT/I
The Tyndall Range is located towards Tasmania’s West Coast and provides great views of Mt Murchison and the Cradle Mountain National Park. This is a beautiful area which I have enjoyed with the Club a few times before. The eastern side of the range descends into dramatic cliffs with cirques and lakes below. We will leave Launceston at 6am Saturday morning to allow for a good first day’s walking. The commencement of the walk is quite steep and sharp up the western aspect of the range before we reach the plateau. The plateau is dotted with tarns and provides some lovely campsites. Once we set up camp we will attempt to summit MtTyndall (1,179m). According to The Abels II Mt Tyndall is walking ‘over grassy benches, past delightful alpine plants and numerous small tarns to a trig point and spectacular views’. On a good day The Eldons and Frenchmans Cap can be viewed from the summit. On Sunday we will head to the southern end of the range to climb Mt Geikie (1,193m). Mt Geikie sits 400m above Lake Margaret. We will then don our packs and return to the cars. Being close to Christmas some pre-Christmas goodies may make their presence known. This trip would be suitable for anyone who has had some backpacking experience. If you have never backpacked before please have a chat to me first as the track can be a bit scrubby and steep at times. I look forward to your company.
Devonport to Penguin Bike, Sunday 18 December, Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott, Grading: T1/I
We will be riding from Penguin to Devonport with vehicle support. The old coast road to Ulverstone is relatively flat and very scenic. We will have a break at Ulverstone Beach and then proceed to Forth. There is a hill from there to Braddon’s Lookout but the descent to Don will be worth the effort. We will follow the Don River to Devonport Bluff where we will finish. This ride should suit most Club members.
Summer Solstice Overnight – Ben Lomond, Wednesday 21 – 22 December, Coordinator: Andrew Pitt, Grade: PT/S
The aim of this expedition is to celebrate the solstice by watching sunrise from Ben Lomond, with the added challenge of being back in town to clean up and get to work on time. We’ll head up early evening on Wednesday 21st and find somewhere to camp within an hour’s walk of the ski village carpark. We’ll rise before dawn (ie freaking early) and walk to a viewpoint for sunrise. If the weather is dodgy, we could look at heading up to Lady Lake and staying in the hut. Either way, expect to be a bit bleary eyed and caffeine dependent at work on the Thursday.
Rats Castle Day Walk, Saturday 24 December, Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott, Grading: NT/I/Sc
Rats Castle is a prominent peak to the west of the Great Lake and is an Abel. This walk is off track with small bands of scrub but the views from the summit will be worth the effort. We will be back in Launceston early so walkers can have Christmas Eve with family and friends.
King David’s Peak Day Walk, Monday 26 December, Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott, Grading: PT/L/Sc
Looking for a Boxing Day adventure? King David’s Peak is in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. This will be a longish day walk following the traditional way into the Walls. It is a steady climb to Trappers Hut but the track through Solomon’s Jewels is spectacular. If the weather is warm there will be opportunities to swim. Those who don’t want to do the final steep climb to the peak may like to explore around Wild Dog Creek or Herod’s Gate. We will return by our inward route.
Mt Ossa Backpack, Monday 26 – Wednesday 28 December, Coordinator: Phil Dawson, Grade: PT/I/Sc
Leave Launceston 6.30am, walk in to camp on the lovely alpine plateau among the pencil pines below Mt Doris (away from all the tourists on the overland track!). Day trip over Ossa to Ossa West, and diversion to Ossa South ridge. Might be time to climb Doris/Pelion East as well. Plenty of dolerite boulder hopping, no scrub. If forecast is bad, I won’t cancel, just relocate.
Mid-Overland Track Peakbagging, Monday 26 December – 2 January, Coordinator: Steve Griffin
A challenging undertaking, especially when carrying heavy backpacks. However, with the time available, and the short distances to be covered each day, I feel our targets for this walk are very achievable. We will start by walking the Arm River Track before taking to the scrub for the direct climb up Pelion East. Camp will be somewhere in this area. Day two we will summit Pelion East before crossing Pelion Gap to Mt Ossa’s summit and camp number two. Descending the northern ridge, we will top Paddy’s Nut and Mt Thetis before camping at Leonard’s Tarn. The escape route for the walk descends to Pelion Plains from Thetis Saddle and this is passed during day three. Weather conditions will play a large role in day to day progress on this walk but hopefully day four should see us standing atop Perrin’s Bluff. We will climb this peak with day packs either from Leonard’s Tarn, or a high base camp on the Achilles Ridge. The ‘serious’ part of the adventure comes on day five with the traverse of Pelion West’s southern approach ridge, and the final ascent of Pelion West from the south-west. Unknown territory for me and I am yet to discover any walkers who have been this way. Descent and camp at Old Pelion Hut site or the new hut depending on both weather and our desire for some comforts. The final day is a stroll back out the Arm River Track. The walk may be completed in six days (five nights), but if more time is required an extra two days are programmed. Serious all-weather, high mountain equipment will be needed and thought will need to be given to exactly which foods and quantities to carry to ensure self-sustainability. Talk to me if you are interested.
Cradle Mountain Day Walk, Friday 31 December, Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott, Grading: T/I/Sc
Our Club hasn’t been to this iconic peak at this time of the year for a long time. We will go via Marion’s Lookout and Kitchen Hut and return via the Face Track and Lake Wilks with the option for peak baggers to climb Little Horn. The final climb to the peak involves boulder hopping and scree. Those walkers who don’t feel comfortable will still be welcome and may choose to stop at the scree. Expect a longish day!
Ben Lomond Day Walk/Bike, Sunday 2 January, Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott, Grading: NT/S/Sc/T2
This New Year Walk will have a difference – Bike descent of Jacob’s Ladder! Views will be superb. The scoparia will be magnificent. Those who don’t want to participate in the ‘adrenalin charged’ descent will be able to have a leisurely descent in the bus. This will be popular so get your name down early.
Lake Nameless Backpack, Saturday 7 – 8 January, Coordinator: Malcolm Pryor, Grade: PT/I
After a couple of false starts when the trip didn't go, we hope to be able to complete the walk to Lake Nameless this time. This trip is ideal for those with little experience of overnight backpacking, as it is only a comparatively short and flat walk from Lake Mackenzie via Explorer Creek and Lake Pitt to Lake Nameless. We will set up camp in or around Lake Nameless Hut and then spend the rest of the day exploring the area, perhaps with a walk up Forty Lakes Peak. We can spend a social evening in the hut – bring your gourmet delights! – and we will retrace our steps back to Lake Mackenzie the following morning. This is planned to be a fun weekend and won’t require a great deal of experience, but remember that we will be walking at high altitude and we need to be ready for all eventualities weather-wise. We also need to do a crossing of the Fisher River on the way there and on the way back, so be prepared for a couple of wades in what could be very cold water!
Castle Cary Walk, Sunday 8 January, Coordinator: Steve Griffin, Map: Stanhope 1:25000, Grade: PT/I
Castle Cary is a spectacular rock feature, located just north of Avoca in the Fingal Valley, so travel time is just over an hour. We have two options. The first is the easiest – a walk of around five hours including lunch and totalling only 5km. The second is a through-walk, requiring a car shuffle, is a little harder, very satisfying and would still suit beginners (9-10 kms, 6.5 hours). Our biggest challenge will be the necessity to carry all of our water (2-3 litres minimum). No water is available on the route. The walk is mainly through dry, mostly open sclerophyll forest with frequent rock outcrops. Views are fantastic at times. Contact me if you are interested.
Mt Direction Night Walk, Wednesday 11 January 6.00pm, Coordinator: Astrid Ketelaar, Grade: T/S
At the top of Mt Direction is the reconstructed semaphore station which was an intermediate station between Low Head and Windmill Hill in Launceston for communication. There is a good track constructed by Green Corp and some interesting ruins to explore on the top.
Tamar Twitch, Saturday 14 January, Coordinator: Andrew Pitt, Grade: PT/S
The contribution of birds to quality of life in humans is often undervalued. Today provides an opportunity for LWC to give birds the nod that they deserve. The plan is for a series of short birding walks in and around the Tamar Valley. An early start at Tamar Island will cover wetlands, reed beds, river and some bush. Notley Fern Gorge will take us through a variety of forest types. We’ll finish up on a farm at the mouth of the Tamar looking for birds that like grasslands and bush margins. Points will be given for Tasmanian endemics and anything out of the ordinary. Plenty of options for lunch but the Exeter Bakery springs to mind. Bring binoculars, a bird book and a scope if you have one.
Franklin Tarns Backpack, Saturday 14 – 15 January, Coordinator: Ian Green, Grade: PT/I, Maps: Rufus / Olympus 1:25000
This is the actual head waters of the Franklin River and is situated at the northern end of the Cheyne Range and is rarely visited. Our walk will start from Lake St Clair follow the very good track to Shadow and Forgotten Lakes, then a rough steep track up onto the Hugel Range. Then it will be untracked down off the Hugels through some scrub to the Franklin valley then to the Tarns where we will camp in hopefully, a speccy spot. There is a high point nearby at 1,140m which should offer some good views. This should suit fit walkers who have done some overnight wilderness walking before.
Mole Creek Bikes With A Difference, Sunday 15 January, Coordinator: Rod How, Grade: T1/S
We will be riding a 16km circuit starting and ending at ‘The Crick’ Mole Creek. Bring torches and rubber gloves as there are a couple of interesting caves along the way. You might want long trousers in the caves as we briefly have to get on hands and knees, but you won’t need overalls as we are not getting dirty or wet. We will use bike helmets in the caves so try to attach a small hand torch or head torch to your helmet with cable ties or rubber bands. We will be riding on sealed roads and good gravel roads but we may have to lift the bikes over fallen logs in one place. Come along for a bike ride with a difference.
Doggy Day Walk, Sunday 22 January, Coordinator: Malcolm Pryor, Grade: PT/S
Over the past few years there have been frequent suggestions that we should have a walk where the Club's dog owners can bring their four-legged friends, so we have decided to give it a go. We will be conducting our doggy walk on John Roebuck's property at Merseylea, and our walk will include both a bush section and a section alongside the Mersey River where the pooches (and their owners, if it's hot) can have a swim. The day is intended to be informal and relaxed, but please note that your dog must either be well enough behaved to walk close to you at all times or must be walked on a leash. We don't want any of our best friends racing off and attacking any of the other local fauna. Please note also that sniffing of each other's backsides is permitted, but only by the dogs!
Lake Thor Backpack, Saturday 21 – Sunday 22 January, Coordinator: Steve Griffin, Grade: PT/I, Map: Pillans and Walls of Jerusalem 1:25000
This walk is a circuit of some 22 km, more than half of which is tracked and it is graded as intermediate. You will visit at least eight different and beautiful lakes, and the perfect campsite is beside one of these large, un-named lakes. The walk begins at the Walls carkpark and so the yucky part is the initial climb to Trappers Hut. This climb is 450m, and will be followed by morning tea break at the hut. The only other climbs and descents for the whole walk are all less than 60m. We have two short patches of scrub to negotiate, which I am hopeful of finding relatively easy pads through. The photographic opportunities will be endless and there are lots of swimming places for the enthusiasts. This is all within a stone’s throw of the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. If you dislike scree/boulders this is the walk for you, and is quite suited to the less experienced overnight walker. However you will still need to be fit and have good winter gear. Don’t hesitate to contact the leader for more details.
Parson and Clerk Day Walk, Thursday 26 January, Coordinator: Dale Lisson, Grade:PT/L/Sc, Maps South Esk 1:100000 or Millers 1:25000
On Australia Day 2012 the Club will be returning to visit this attractive corner of the South East plateau. Several years ago the Club had a very successful trip here and one of the highlights was the many native animals that were seen during the day. Access will be from a route on the western side of the ridge. We will be following some old trails but there is an amount of off track walking through scrubby and rocky terrain. There are two high points to climb with about a kilometre distance between both. The highest point is 1,210m making it an Abel. Total height gain will be 400m. This walk will be suitable to members who are able to walk off track and can cross boulder fields. Some experience prior would be helpful. But let me know if you have any queries closer to the time. I would like a 7am start from Launceston on the day.
Mt Massif Backpack, Thursday 26 – 29 January, Coordinator: Sally Coltheart, Grade: PT/I, Map: 1:25000 Du Cane
This trip is intended to complete some unfinished business for a number of members, but we will be very happy to share the experience with others who would like to climb this mountain or others in the area. It is not intended to be a fast trip but will be heavy going as we will climb from 700m at Lake St Clair to about 1,100m on the first day and another 400m to the summit. The total distance of the walk is about 30km, with some very steep sections. It is Tasmania’s 8th highest mountain at 1,514m. The start of the trip will be via the 9am boat up Lake St Clair, ($80 return) and the walk up to Pine Valley. We will then head up Cephissus Creek past the climbers camp, and hope to establish ourselves near Lake Selene. On Friday the plan will be to head up through Big Gun Pass to Mount Massif with daypacks, and return to the same campsite. Sunday will provide opportunities for people to climb other peaks in the area, possibly Mts Eros and Hyperion, or Du Cane Range. A lot of this will depend on the weather and the group, but the main target is to go to Mt Massif, so if Friday’s weather is unsuitable, we will try for Saturday. Saturday afternoon might also see us re-locate to Pine Valley hut area. On Sunday we will retrace our steps to Narcissus, to catch the 3.30pm ferry back to the bus and home. Even though this trip is timetabled for the end of January, participants will still need their wet/cold weather gear as things can change very quickly in this part of our world. Talk to the coordinator if you are unsure if this is a suitable walk for you.
Mt Ironstone Day Walk, Sunday 29 January, Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott, Grading: PT/L/Sc
The plan is to go to Mt Ironstone via the Western Creek Track as the vehicular bridge damage makes for too long a road walk to go via Syds Track. This is a longish day walk but the views will be worth the effort.
Tamar Kayak – Windermere to Deviot, Saturday 4 February, Coordinator: Andrew March, Grade: K2
Starting at Windermere boat ramp near the old church will be a boat trip up the best part of the Tamar River. We will be travelling with the outgoing tide to somewhere in Deviot with no ricegrass and a tap to hose down the boats. There will be a few stopping points along the way for morning tea and lunch as we paddle past Gravelly Beach and Hillwood. You will need a kayak or sit on top that you can paddle for about 20km, and of course your PFD and paddle. Not as much chance to use the sails as the last leg because the prevailing wind could be against us. If the day is fine and not too windy, we should have a great trip up the river - otherwise change to plan B. Plenty of possible afternoon tea places along this section of the river too.
Tassie Trail – Devonport to Deloraine Bike, Sunday 5 February, Coordinator: Carolyn Farrar, Grading: T1-2/L, Map: Tasmanian Trail Booklet Edition 2
This ride comprises of the first 85.5km of the Tasmanian Trail, a trail that runs north to south from Devonport to Dover. This long day ride will commence in Devonport and pass through Latrobe, Railton, Sheffield and the Gog Ranges, finishing at Deloraine. The terrain involves a combination of well-made, marked tracks and some quieter secondary roads. The ride is relatively flat for the first 15km, then gradually undulates to Deloraine with some steeper sections encountered near the Mersey River. This is not a trip for road bikes but hybrids and MTB will be suitable. Riders will need to be fairly confident that they can handle 85.5km (as the bus will not be able to follow us!) and be prepared for a great day out on the bike. Do pack your lunch, snacks, water, raincoat, gloves, sunscreen, a well-maintained bicycle, helmet, a spare tube and bike pump. The Club covered the whole of the Tasmanian Trail over a series of weekends a few years ago and we hope this ride will commence a series of day and weekend bike trips which aims to traverse the Trail again. This is a great piece of infrastructure which is well-worth our exploration. Do have a chat to me if you would like to know more about this adventure.
Old Coach Road/Spring Bay Base Camping, Saturday 4 - 5 February, Coordinator: Malcolm Pryor, Grade: PT/I, Maps: Orford 1:25000
On a walk last January we investigated the Old Coach Road from Orford, but turned back when we thought that the track had petered out. A subsequent reccie has revealed that the track did keep going, and could be followed back to the Prosser River and then alongside the river most of the way to Buckland. On this trip we will attempt to complete the full journey but will most likely do it in the reverse direction to last time - that is, we will travel from the Buckland end into Orford. On Saturday night we will stay in Orford on the private block that the Club has used a few times before - a campfire with lots of yummies to eat is planned - and then on Sunday we will complete a walk around Spring Bay which is basically just a tour along all of Orford's best beaches, connected together by tracks over each headland. Naturally in early February swimming is a definite option and everyone is encouraged to bring along their bathers and sunscreen as well as their walking gear!
Bike – Carolyn Farrar, Grade: T1/S
This Seaport Saunter component often involves more speed than a saunter especially as we ride down the hills, saying that it is suitable for all members who can ride a bike. We will commence our ride at the Tailrace carpark at 6pm and ride along the banks of the Tamar past Seaport and in the direction of Inveresk and Mowbray. We will explore Heritage Forest and Ravenswood and finish at Seaport Fish n Chips to have dinner with the kayakers and walkers. It will be an idea to pack some bike lights with you as the ride back to the cars is often in fading light. This is a good social evening so pop your name down!
Kayak – Graeme Pennicott, Grading: K1/S
We will launch kayaks from the Tailrace and paddle towards Launceston and explore the South Esk under Kings Bridge before heading into the North Esk possibly past the Tamar Street Bridge. We will meet up with the walkers and bikers for our annual ‘fish n chips’ pig out! Bring headtorches as we may be returning to the Tailrace on dark.
Steppes to Tunbridge Bike, Sunday 12 February, Coordinator: Sally Coltheart, Map: 1:100000 Shannon and Lake Sorell, Grade: T1/I
On a recent day trip to Table Mountain we realized that this part of the Central Plateau would provide a good opportunity for people on road/hybrid bikes to experience a new part of the world. The surface will be mainly gravel but on the whole it shouldn’t be too busy and it only undulates gently. We will ride a couple of km on the last section of the sealed Highland Lakes Road, probably mounting our bikes at Cider Marsh. At the junction with Interlaken Road we will follow it through the Steppes area, probably stopping to investigate the old hall and a series of sculptures in the area. We will continue on this road to Interlaken. The road passes through very interesting highland scenery and depending on the weather we should have a pleasant day, although all the usual high country gear will be needed just in case. The bus will more or less follow us along so we will not be in the wilderness unassisted. The ride will be about 30km, unless some brave souls decide that they would like to do the descent to Tunbridge, which is a bit of excitement I won’t be sharing.
Mt Picton Backpack, Saturday 11 – 12 February, Coordinator: Reg Green, Grade: PT/L, Map: Picton/Huon 1:25000
Mt Picton is in the South West about 25km west of Geeveston. Drive the Arve Road from Geeveston to a small carpark where the track begins. There will be a ‘little bit’ of up and down, three creek crossings and a couple of hours of huff and puff to the ridge above Lake Riveaux. We will camp further up at Stearnes Tarn which will still require a 250m climb. The view will be spectacular, weather permitting. The total climb will be about 1,000m, with the top to the summit being rather boulder strewn. Depending on the day we will either climb the summit on Saturday evening for a lazy day on Sunday, or Sunday morning with the hope it’s not ‘clagged in’.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic – Tamar Island, Sunday 19 February, Coordinator: Rebecca Way, Grade: T/S
The Teddy Bear’s Picnic is an event for children and their carers to enjoy a few hours on Tamar Island for lunch and some fun games. If you have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or young friends bring them along to enjoy an exploration of the island and get to know other children and their teddy bear friends. The Tamar Island walk starts from the West Tamar Highway, just past Riverside. We will meet at the carpark at 11am. Adults will need to pay a $3.00 entry fee to the reserve. Children need to bring along a teddy bear. Please bring your own food, drinks and clothing appropriate for the weather and a picnic rug or seats if you prefer. There is a BBQ on the island if you wish to use it and toilet facilities. We will be finishing up early afternoon.
High Yellow Bluff/South Arm Base Camping, Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 February, Coordinator: Malcolm Pryor, Grade: PT/I, Maps: Murdunna 1:25000; D’Entrecasteaux, Derwent 1:100000
On this trip we will again be enjoying the hospitality of Barb Hart and Peter Sugden at Dodges Ferry on the Saturday night, in between a couple of interesting walks in south-east Tasmania. On the first day we will be visiting High Yellow Bluff, which is on the eastern side of the Forestier Peninsula near Cape Surville. The track was destroyed by a bushfire a few years ago but has since been restored, and the climb to the top of the bluff's very sheer cliffs offers the opportunity for some superb coastal views. On the second day we will be completing a number of shorter walks in the South Arm area, at the eastern entrance to the Derwent River. One of the walks will be around Gellibrand Point near Opossum Bay, and another will be a coastal circuit overlooking Black Jack Reef. This is an area that the Club has not been to for more than a decade and is the chance for many members to go somewhere that they haven't walked before. See you there!
Blue Tier Bike, Saturday 25 February, Coordinator: Janice March, Grade: T3/I
Starting at Weldborough, this technically challenging ride will involve a lot of riding up hill at the start of the day and then we get a super hoon back down to the start of the ride at the end of the day. We will be riding up to Poimena on this classic mountain bike trail which is full of roots and large granite boulders but is so much fun that it is part of the course for the annual Blue Dragon Mountain bike race. We will do a flatter loop called the Wellington Creek circuit as well as the old road up and down the hill so there will be beautiful rainforest to appreciate and a fair bit of mud is possible. There are a few creek crossings, some of them rideable, and some other parts which everyone will need to get off and push across. This section takes me about 3-4 hours without stops so I'd imagine we will take about 5-6 hours including lunch. Make sure your bike is in good condition especially the brakes and gears as it will be a long push if anything breaks. Bring spare parts if you have them and spare clothes so you don't have to wear the muddy ones home.
Fisher Bluff Day Walk, Sunday 26 February, Coordinator: Pat Dickson, Grade: PT/I, Map: Lake Mackenzie 1:25,000
Fisher Bluff is located on the Central Plateau south west of Lake Mackenzie and is reached via a 4WD track and a cross country walk over undulating country and a climb up onto the bluff proper. The views from this bluff cover the Mersey Valley, the plateau down to the Walls of Jerusalem and the Cradle Mountain National Park. As this walk is on the Central Plateau and is very exposed to strong winds and all types of weather, ‘all-weather’ gear must be carried.
Wylds Craig Backpack, Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 February, Coordinator: Reg Green, Grade: PT/I
Firstly, check with Forestry (or Phil Dawson) to ensure the access is open. We will go over the Great Lakes and turn South on the Lyell Highway onto the Wayatinah Road, Florentine Road and onto Tiger Road. The Wylds Craig track starts along Tiger Road Spur at about 650m. A steady climb to a tributary of Coles Creek will probably see a lunch break. Another 200m climb to Goodwins Moor where the going will be more open. A lovely high altitude campsite was found on the mountain the last time I went. Wonderful views from the summit will enhance sunset and/or sunrise photo sessions. We should be home in good time on Sunday as about three hours should see us back at the vehicle.
Arthur River Day Walks, Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 March, Coordinator: Malcolm Pryor, Grade: PT/I
This base-camping trip offers the chance to spend a weekend in Tassie's wild north-west corner. On one of the days we will be walking on the historic Balfour Track, which is an old packhorse trail through some impressive rainforest. Since this is a flat and relatively short walk, we will most likely do a second walk on the same day. On the other day we will probably do a beach walk on the west coast between Arthur River and Temma, although as an alternative we are attempting to get permission to walk on the Woolnorth property. Come along and enjoy one of the more remote locations in the state - it will be worth it!
Arthur River Kayak, Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 March, Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott, Grading: K1
We will be travelling with the bus camping group to Arthur River. The plan is to paddle up river and find a campsite on Saturday. Sunday will be a leisurely paddle back down stream to meet the walkers before the long trip back to Launceston. This is a taster into the Tarkine for anyone who hasn’t been there.
Snowy North via Woolley’s Tarn, Saturday 3 – 4 March, Coordinator: Ian Green, Grade: PT/L/Sc
Snowy North is part of the Snowy Range which lies on the edge of the Southwest National Park and is not visited very often. We will access the range via the Woolley’s Tarn track which is steep and slippery but passes through some superb rainforest with some of the best pandanii in the state. After the tarn, the track becomes rough and fades out above the bushline. The rest of the walking is then off track in mostly open and alpine terrain. The plan will be to then head north over Wetpants Peak and Scrivens Cone to eventually camp near Snowy North. The views of Mt Anne and the South West from the tents should be awesome. This is the ideal time of the year to do something mildly tough so come along.
Clean Up Australia Day, Sunday 4 March, Coordinator: Steve Griffin
HELP! We still don’t have anywhere to clean up. This is a really positive thing, but I really need you all to start looking a little harder. Clean Up Oz Day was well supported in 2011 and is a great social outing and not just work. Riverbanks, roadsides, camping areas, old hut sites, lots of possibilities (sorry but no – not your backyard!). So let me have all your ideas so that I can check them out soon
King William Range Backpack, Saturday 10 – Monday 12 March, Coordinator: Phil Dawson, Grade: NT/L
Drive down Friday night and camp on the King William plains, walk in from north to the plateau for base camp. Day trip over King William II out to III and back. Open plains to foot of range, 1km moderate scrub to access the plateau, then open alpine walking.
Liffey Bluff Walk, Saturday 10 March, Coordinator: Astrid Ketelaar, Grade: RT / I
Liffey Bluff is one of the dolerite outcrops which form part of the Great Western Tiers escarpment. We will tackle this from the main Liffey Falls carpark and we will attempt to do this as a circuit walk. There could be some off track walking along the top of the escarpment. On a good day there will be stunning views across the lowlands.
Tooms Lake Bike and Kayak, Sunday 11 March, Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott, Grading: K1/I/T1
The idea is to ride from near Oatlands to Tooms Lake and then explore the lake by watercraft or if you want to be involved in one discipline only while the ride is on you will be able to kayak. This may be your opportunity to venture into Club activities other than walking. Please contact the coordinator early as there are a few bikes and kayaks that may be borrowed.
Skittleball Hill Walk, Monday 12 March, Coordinator: Pat Dickson, Grade: PT/I, Map: Miena 1:25,000
Skittleball Hill is situated just north west of Little Pine Lagoon on the Central Plateau. The walk starts at the lagoon shack area and follows the edge of the lagoon north and west, crosses the Little Pine River via a bridge and then climbs the contours to the top at 1,200 metres. This would be a good walk for new walkers. Suitable clothing for Central Plateau walking should be carried.