Mt William & Mt Cameron
Saturday 17 - Sunday 18 July
Coordinator: Wayne Binns
Grade: PT, B / S, I
This will be a relaxing coastal based bus camping weekend suitable for all comers especially those wanting to gain experience in overnight camping although you can choose to load overnight gear into either large backpacks or travellers bags as day packs are the main requirement for the walks involved.
Drinking water is probably not available at the campsites so extra water carriage arrangements need to be considered, for example, some 10 or 20 litre bulk containers plus wine cask type bladders for personal filling and use.
If feasible, the Mt Cameron walk will be done first on Saturday morning. The harder of the two because of steepness and some rocky surface, it is not lengthy even if a locked gate necessitates walking along the road to the field study centre where the track commences.
On returning to the bus after lunching on or near Mt Cameron, a short drive back to Waterhouse Road should have us on the way to Mt William National Park in good time to set up camp at Stumpys Bay, the northern region of the spectacular Bay of Fires beach lines. Mt William will be Sunday’s destination, probably best visited on the way home as the track is short, the climb minimal, but requiring several kilometres driving from the coast which could be explored in short excursions in the morning before pack up. A wide variety of environments, activities and good company will ensure an enjoyable weekend in this part of Lonely Planet paradise.
Lake Myrtle/Lake Bill
Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 July
Coordinator: Rachael Baylis
Map: Cathedral 1:25000
Grade: T/I
Our destination will be Lake Myrtle, situated at the bottom of Mount Rogoona. It is a great campsite with plenty of room and nice views of the lake. The first part of this walk is uphill so we will take our time and make our way up at a reasonably easy pace. After the first big hill things level out quite a bit and we will make our way towards Lake Bill over a buttongrass plain. It could be wet and may even be snowing so come prepared for all weather. We could have lunch looking over Lake Bill before making our way along the track towards Lake Myrtle where we will set up our tents. The options then, depending on time and weather, will be some exploring or just relaxing. If you have any questions about the walk please contact me.
Meander Falls
Sunday 25 July
Coordinator: Patrick Dickson
Maps: Breona and Pillans 1:25000
Grade: RT/L
Meander Falls is situated in the Meander Forest Reserve and is a regular LWC winter venue as it can be really spectacular.
The walk commences from the Huntsman hut carpark near the hanging bridge and follows the Meander River through rainforest up to the falls where lunch is usually eaten whilst enjoying the view - sometimes the falls are roaring down and we have seen them frozen.
Expect uneven walking surface, a steep climb and it can be very wet underfoot. Bring wet weather gear, plenty of warm clothing, hat and gloves and a bag of dry clothes to leave on the bus.
Wynyard Base Camp Day Walks
Saturday 31 July – Sunday 1 August
Coordinator: Malcolm Pryor
Grade: BT/S
Here are a couple of day walks that are targeted at the easy end of the scale and which offer both a good social outing and some beautiful scenery to walk through. On the first of the two walks we will be starting at Doctors Rocks, just to the East of Wynyard, and following the beach around to the mouth of the Inglis River. From there we will follow the river inland for about 6 km before crossing to the northern side and then returning back to the mouth of the river to finish at Fossil Bluff, where we will spend some time exploring some fossils even older than some of those in the Walking Club! During the walk there will be opportunities for platypus watching, and those with kayaks may wish to paddle up the river rather than walk.
On the following day we will follow the Postman’s Track, starting to the west of Boat Harbour and eventually emerging at Sisters Beach, where we can spend some time looking around walks in the Rocky Cape National Park. If time and inclination permit, we can also visit Detention Falls.
Of course, this is a base camping trip, so walkers are encouraged to bring along the necessary supplies for a good social evening on the Saturday night! Come along – it will be great!
Midday Hill Bike
Sunday 8 August
Coordinator: Janice March
Grade: T2-3
This is a medium to hard ride for mountain bikers in the foothills south east of Ben Lomond. In the middle of winter, this ride should be muddy and cold and not for the fainthearted. There will be plenty of up and down hill, so check your gears and brakes before coming along. I plan to reccy it closer to the time and find out which tracks are rideable so it is not all exploratory. Bring your high energy snacks and lunch and warm clothes and waterproofs. It has the potential to be a great riding area.
Walls of Jerusalem Ski
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 August
Coordinator: Wayne Tyrril
Grade: NT/I
In conjunction with Carolyn's walk/snowshoe, we will most likely have to walk until we hit the snow then hide our walking boots and don the skis, we will ski to Damascus Gate area and decide where to go from there to make camp on the snow. You will need some skis, boots and poles as well as a snow capable tent and sleeping bag.
Walls of Jerusalem Walk
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 August
Coordinator: Carolyn Farrar
Grade: NT/I
I will be coordinating the Walk/Snow Shoe section of this trip. If you are able to hire or have snow shoes for this event it would be of great benefit and may save you from the sinking feeling! The walk will take us up past Trappers Hut, Solomon’s Jewels, through Herod’s Gate and into the heart of the Walls of Jerusalem. We will camp either by the Pool of Bethesda or near Dixon’s Kingdom with the skiers. There are now toilets at Dixon’s Kingdom. The trip will be beautiful, cold and suited to those who have preferably had backpacking experience, or enjoy a challenge in the snow. Please bring a four-season tent, snow pegs (I have some to lend out) and all your winter woollies (ie thermals, gloves, windstopper, waterproofs and groundsheet for tent) as well as a sense of adventure! Please talk to me if you would like to know more about the trip.
Warner’s Track
Sunday 15 August
Coordinator: Anne-Marie Avery
Grade: T/I
We will be walking up the historic Warner’s Track from Jackeys Marsh onto the Western Tiers. Depending on the logistical arrangements of the day, I may make this a through walk on to Liffey Falls as once we are on top of the plateau it is all downhill from Pine Lake. If we can’t logisticise a car shuffle we will explore the top of the plateau and may climb Adam’s Peak and walk out to Projection Bluff and return on the same track. The walk will be mostly tracked and should be suitable for most people with enough fitness to get them up the hill.
Ben Lomond Cross Country Ski
Saturday 21 August
Coordinator: Wayne Tyrril
Grade: NT/I
A day ski up, down and around the hills near the resort. There are some steeps we can carve as well as some flats if your skis are suitable for skating. Skis, Boots and Poles as well as your normal winter bushwalking attire along with sunglasses, sun cream and hat. All skill levels catered for.
Mersey River Latrobe Region Bike
Sunday 22 August
Coordinator: Anne-Marie Avery
Grade: T1
This will be a fairly easy bike ride mostly on paths and roads and will suit beginners and social riders. As I volunteered late to coordinate this trip I haven’t established the route as yet but it is most likely we will ride from Devonport towards Latrobe.
Dial Range Traverse Part 2
Saturday 28 August
Coordinator: Malcolm Pryor
Grade: T/I
Maps: Dial Range
Members may recall that late last year the Club programmed a traverse of the Dial Range from Mt Duncan to Mt Montgomery, but the trip was hindered by a lot of fallen trees following a huge storm. In the end progress was so slow – and the weather so poor – that the trip was called off once we reached The Gnomon. This upcoming walk will finish the trip off!
We’ll commence at the Gnomon carpark, climbing steeply uphill to the summit of The Gnomon where it’s planned to stop for morning tea while checking out the great views from the top of the escarpment. From there we’ll follow the track along the top of the range, stopping at the high point of Mount Dial for lunch. We then descend as we head to the North, before making one final steep climb to the summit of Mount Montgomery, which overlooks Penguin and the ocean.
This is a medium-length walk that should be within the capabilities of most Club walkers. There’s a bit of steep climbing at times but it doesn’t last very long at all. It will be worth the visit because the Dial Range is one of our more underrated areas, with lovely dry sclerophyll forest and sweeping ocean views. It’s worth checking out!
Mount Rufus Ski
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 August
Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott
Grade: NT/I
Our Club hasn't been to Mt Rufus skiing for a while so make sure you don't miss this trip. Plenty of snow has been organised. You will need to be fit and prepared to camp in snow/cold conditions. Contact me early to reserve your place.
Mount Field Ski/Walks
Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 September
Coordinator: Carolyn Farrar
Grade: NT/I
Mount Field is located just north of Maydena in the South of the State. We will leave Launceston on the Friday night and drive down to the National Park. Saturday morning we will drive up to Lake Dobson, don our overnight backpacks and follow the Rodway Range up to K-Col, where Peterson Memorial Hut is located. At this stage the plan is to camp near Clem’s Tarn and do some side trips from here. Mount Field West, Naturalist Peak, Florentine Peak and Tyenna Peak are all in the vicinity, what we climb will depend on the group and the weather! Sunday we will continue north and return via The Watcher, Lake Newdegate and the picturesque Tarn Shelf. We will be walking at over 1,000m in altitude for a majority of the time so please come prepared for all weathers and some backpacking experience is essential. Come along for a great trip in a speccy part of Tasmania.
Lake Adelaide
Saturday 11 September
Coordinator: Kathy Williams
Grade: T/I
Lake Adelaide is situated in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. We will begin this walk by climbing the track to Trapper's Hut which will be the only climbing involved in the walk, roughly 300m gained in height. From the hut it will be about a 5½ km walk to the lake. After Trapper's Hut we will veer right and follow the marked track to Lake Adelaide. We will return via the same route. This is a winter walk so please come prepared for all weathers with plenty of warm clothes and a good raincoat. This is a suitable walk for beginners.
Cradle Ski
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 September
Coordinator: Ian Green
Grade: PT/I
The Cradle Mountain area is possibly the best place in the State for cross country skiing and offers everything from easy touring to extreme downhill terrain. That’s not to mention the spectacular scenery that we already know about. The plan for this trip will be to depart early Saturday morning, then to walk/ski with full packs to overnight stay at Lake Rodway hut or Waterfall Valley hut. Along the way, we can drop packs and do some slope blasting, practice our telemarks and have a really good muck around. If the conditions are favourable, we may consider snow camping to get the most of our available time on the white stuff. Bring all of your extreme cold survival gear and of course your skis, poles and boots. Snow shoes would be an acceptable alternative. This trip will be ideally suited to those who have done a bit of cross country skiing or snow camping before. Should be a lot of fun.
Trevallyn/Kate Reid Bike
Sunday 12 September
Coordinator: Carolyn Farrar
Grade: T2-3
Spring into spring in your own backyard with a mountain bike ride in Launceston! We will meet at the boom gate in the Silverdome entrance in Prospect which is essentially the entrance to Kate Reid at 9am. There are many tracks of varying technical ability for us to explore in the Kate Reid reserve. The ride will then continue onto Trevallyn. Yes there will be mud, hills, log rollovers, descents and much fun to be had! We will cover about 35km. Please bring your lunch, snacks, and bike repair accessories, but hopefully you will not need the latter. As most of the riding will be on rough tracks, off road experience will be helpful, but not essential. A great day out on your bike is assured.
Havelock Falls
Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 September
Coordinator: Clarence
Grade NT, M/L
Map: Breona
This walk was scheduled for last winter but was changed to a shortened day walk version at the last minute due to bad weather. This is a fairly accessible part of the Central Plateau that is not often visited. There are actually two sets of falls (Warners and Havelock) to see. The waterfalls are set in a steep incised gorge cutting through the cliff line above the Meander Reserve. It seems possible to scramble right down into the head of the falls from what we saw last time. There is lots of exploration to be done, which may include Ritters Crag and the conical Johnstones Peak (views?). The walking is all off track and judging from the short section of plateau walking we did last time, a lot of it will be relatively easy going. We will most likely depart from the vicinity of Little Pine Lake and camp near Johnstones Peak. There are some excellent campsites in the vicinity. We may return via Breona Tier for something different on the way back. In the event of very bad weather we will consider an overnight through trip to Douglas-Apsley as the alternative.
Mount Parmeener
Sunday 19 September
Coordinator: Patrick Dickson
Grade: NT/I
Map: Lake McKenzie 1:25,000
Mount Parmeener is a small dome on the escarpment of the Western Tiers just north of Lake McKenzie. Untracked, the walk is over tufty plateau moorland with unexpected holes and water, needing care and plenty of concentration to cover the relatively short walking distance, about 8km return. As this walk is on the Central Plateau, wet and cold weather gear must be carried including hat and gloves.
Deception Point via Little Fisher River
Saturday 25 September
Coordinator: Phil Dawson
Grade: PT/I
Leave at 7am, drive to Little Fisher valley and park near open area below Deception Point. We walk across a plain, ford the river on shingle, water is below ankle deep at low water, maybe step across, bring sandals etc in case it’s up a bit. We then walk up a creek side to find the taped track a short way up (this cuts off 2 kms walk each way and some driving). We follow the track up through very good open rainforest, then some scree and subalpine scrub below the top. Not a long walk, partly tracked, some scree and subalpine scrub, excellent views from the top (we hope). If it’s wet we will explore the valley and not go to the top. There is an excellent gorge downstream. Map - Walls of Jerusalem (old map) 1:25,000 has it all on, or Pillans 1:25,000.
Mt Arthur
Sunday 26 September
Coordinator: Sally Coltheart
Grade: T/S
Maps: 100: St Patricks
Mt Arthur is the first of the line of mountains to the north-east of Launceston. It is located behind Lilydale and the track leaves from a good road off the highway. It is a fairly steady climb all the way to the top, and then a stroll across a plateau towards the actual summit. On a good day you get lovely views and the track passes through some wonderful forest. On a bad day you get some good exercise.
Full winter gear is essential, and providing you don’t mind walking on rocks it is a good walk for newcomers.
Freycinet Day Walks
Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 October
Coordinator: Phil Chalmers
Grade: NT/L
Map: Freycinet NP
The Hazards Traverse, planned for Saturday, starts at Sleepy Bay carpark and consists of four of the five peaks on the Hazards at Freycinet: Mts Parsons, Baudin, Dove and Amos. Apart from the track up to Mt Parsons and down from Mt Amos, the rest is light to medium scrub and at times rough going with walking on granite rock. Good walking boots are a must. A fantastic walk, with 360º views, weathered rocks and many photo opportunities. The walk will take about eight hours.
At this stage the plan for Sunday is to walk from Friendly Beaches (camping there overnight) to Bluestone Bay or climbing Mt Paul depending on the Freycinet circuit walk. More information closer to the walk.
Mount Anne Circuit
Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 October
Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott
Grade: T/L
This is a great place to go for the ‘Show Day long weekend’. Be prepared for a longish steep first day. Alpine camping should be spectacular. Hopefully we can climb Mt Eliza, Mt Anne, Mt Lot and Mt Sarah Jane so peak baggers will be pleased. You need to be fit and have had experience with overnight/alpine camping. The final climb up Mt Anne will not be attempted in bad/icy weather. Contact me if you are interested as this will be a popular trip and places are limited.
Great Gourmet Cycle Trail - Deloraine
Saturday 9 October
Coordinator: Kathy Williams
Grade: T1
This will be a ride along the back roads to the west of Deloraine. We will be riding through some beautiful countryside with the Western Tiers as our back drop. As the title suggests we will have the opportunity to stop and sample some of Tassie's delicious gourmet products along the way. This ride will be suitable for all riders. We can do all or part of this trail depending on how we feel on the day.
West Tamar Family Walk/Picnic
Sunday 10 October
Coordinator: Clarence
Grade: TB?/S
If you have small children or a young family, then join me on an easy walk in the West Tamar area, less than one hour from town.
The venue will depend on the participants and what the weather is like. The walk will be less than two hours and fairly flat. It is possible that it will be pram friendly, but I will see how it goes. Potential sites are Greens Beach coastal walk, Tamar Island bird reserve (an entry fee applies here) or Notley Fern Gorge. The distance will be short, the hills few (or none) and the pace leisurely.
We will have a picnic or BBQ afterwards for those who wish (again this depends on the venue).
Even if you don't have smaller family members, feel free to join us for a relaxing and family friendly outing.
First Basin to Deadman’s Knob
Tuesday 12 October
Coordinator: Clarence
Grade: NT/S
The floods last year did a fair job of opening up the route along the rocky bed of the South Esk River upstream of the First Basin. This walk, of about three hours duration, will take advantage of this, following the river upstream past Duck Reach to the track near Deadman’s Knob.
Even if you have walked the standard trail to Duck Reach before, this is a totally different perspective on The Gorge. It is easy to forget it is only a few kilometres from the centre of town.
The walk is all rock hopping (not unlike scree), with a few small thickets of tea tree etc here and there. There are some nice long rocky slab sections making for easy walking above Duck Reach.
Since the last flood it is now possible to re-cross the river at the Second Basin, making for much easier going to the old Power Station (the old way was painfully slow). We will organise a car shuffle to the Hoo Hoo Hut and for those who don’t want to go the full distance, it is possible to finish at the old Duck Reach Power Station (about half way). I intend to be back before it gets dark, but bring a torch anyway.
2010 Presidents Walk - Rinadeena Falls
Sunday 17 October
Coordinator: Carolyn Farrar
Grade: T/S
Traditionally our Presidents Walk is a ‘recovery walk’ held the day after our Annual Dinner. We will leave Launceston at 9am (note the later start time....) and drive through Mole Creek to the carpark at the start of the Little Fisher Track. We will be walking along a beautiful rainforested track, with many opportunities for photos of rainforest features, fungi, and the Little Fisher River. It will probably take us about 1.5 hours into the falls. We will enjoy lunch at the falls, then saunter our way back. This is a spectacular area of Tasmania and should be a lovely social walk designed to relieve us of the night before’s excesses! A nice place to almost complete my role as President.
Wurragurra Creek to Lees Paddocks
Saturday 23 October
Coordinator: Wayne Binns
Grade: PT/L
Map: Rowallan, Cathedral 1:25, 000
Wurragarra Creek captures its waters from February Plains north of the Arm River Track then flows steeply through mixed rainforest west of Mt Pillinger before merging with the Mersey River after bubbling across the north-eastern grassy flats of Lees Paddocks.
Several distinct terrain types are traversed, firstly on the Arm River Track to a point where a faint trail descends into densely canopied forest to the remnants of a light aircraft which crashed into towering King Billy pine crowns in January 1973.
The untracked section follows the cascading creek line through extremely interesting vegetation types for about 4 kilometres before placating itself at Lees Paddocks. There are a few scrub bands and banks to be faced at the lower end of the forest segment before attaining the well used track back to Pine Hut and nearby suspension bridge across the Mersey River where the road and waiting bus is only a short steep climb away. The distance, about 18 kilometres, and duration of this walk necessitates a reasonable level of endurance capability and confidence of travel through thick forest.
Deloraine to Campbell Town Cycle Tour
Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 October
Coordinator: Malcolm Pryor
Grade: T1/I
Maps: Tasmania Road Map
This may be a two-day cycle tour, but the good news is that we don’t have to carry our overnight stuff, as the bus will be travelling around to meet us at our overnight stop! On the first day we’ll be travelling via the back roads from Deloraine past Cluan Tier and through Bracknell before stopping overnight in the Cressy/Blackwood creek area. The plan is for the overnight location to be a remote one, perhaps with the chance of a campfire. The next day we will take more back roads from Cressy, travelling south at the base of the Western Tiers alongside the Macquarie River. Eventually we’ll turn off east and head into Campbell Town for a tour of the town’s bakeries!
There’s a bit of distance involved but the pace will be gentle, we’ll be riding on asphalt and the terrain is fairly flat nearly all the way. It should be a relaxing, enjoyable weekend and highly recommended to anyone wanting to try their hand at riding with the Club. Those who only wish to participate on one day or the other are also welcome to join in.
Mt Wright & Stepped Hills
Saturday 30 October – Monday 1 November
Coordinator: Dale Lisson
Grade: PT/L
This year’s LWE trip is into the heart of the South West. It will be a challenging walk but with good weather and some luck we will hope to get to climb two magnificent peaks.
Both lie on the Denison Range. The walk will start from the drive in over the Tiger Range and head across the Gordon River (need luck here with river levels) and up the Vale of Rasselas track past the old Gordonvale ruin. Just north of here we will head off track over buttongrass (at 500m level) and head up a minor spur onto the northern ridge of Mt Wright. Weather permitting we will camp on the ridge at the 900m level. Total distance to cover on day one will be 7 km on track plus 3 km off track. If time permits we can then head to the summit a further 2 kms away without packs (1,112m).
Day 2 will be ‘day packing’ out to Mt Wright and the Stepped Hills high point at 1,111m. Distance to cover this day will be about 16kms off track but in open buttongrass terrain. We will have a very early start and with some good navigation I hope to bypass most of the scrub down in the valley between the two mountains (750m low point) The views from the high points will be fantastic. Lake Gordon and The Spires to the immediate west will be very prominent and to the north Reeds Peak and the Denison Range. We will retrace out inward steps and camp up high again or drop back to Gordonvale for our second night. Day three will be back along the track to the car.
I make no apologies, this will be a challenging walk, but for those with a brave heart and strong legs and overnight backpacking experience the memories will be lifelong and the rewards very high!
Mt Jukes & the Darwins
Saturday 30 October - Monday 1 November
Coordinator: Peter Zund
Grade: NT/I
Map: Darwin 1:25000
This trip will involve three day walks in three days in a rugged area south of Queenstown. Leaving Launceston at 7am Saturday, we plan to drive to the start of our first walk, Jukes Range by 11am. Commencing from near the high point on the Mt Jukes Road (800m), we will climb Mt Jukes via the steep, open and scrambly eastern spur of Proprietary Peak (1,103m). After a lunch time break taking in the views on Mt Jukes (1,168m), those who wish can join me in a stroll to the southern end of the range and back the same way. Saturday evening we will camp on the shore of Lake Burbury. Sunday we will pack up our camp, drive south to Purgatory Gap (340m), walk up a disused mining track to Darwin plateau (700m), which will be our camp for the evening, drop packs here and climb Mt Darwin (1,033m). Monday morning we will tackle the small climb from our camp up South Darwin Peak (780m), which is the southernmost peak of the West Coast Range. If the weather behaves, we will have excellent views south to Kelly Basin and Macquarie Harbour and east to Frenchmans Cap. All day walks will be less than five hours in duration. You will need your overnight pack and gear to get from the car to Darwin Plateau on Sunday. Monday we expect to be back at the cars early afternoon for the four hour drive back to Launceston. For more information see the write up on Mt Jukes in ‘Day Walks in Tasmania by Dickenson, Howard and Rubock, p47-48’ and have a look at the Darwin and Engineer 1:25000 maps.
Mystery Daywalk
Monday 1 November
Coordinator: Patrick Dickson
Grade: T/I
Map: Forth 1:100,000
This walk is not quite the mystery of the last one led by me as it is in the same area but this time on Bonneys Tier where we have yet to explore.
Normal day walk gear required.
Devil’s Gullet Bike
Saturday 6 November
Coordinator: Carolyn Farrar
Grade: T2-3/I
Devil’s Gullet is located on the northern rim of the Great Western Tiers, 15km beyond King Solomon’s Caves (near Mole Creek). Our ride will be about 40-50km on a combination of gravel roads and bush off-road tracks in a lovely area of Tasmania. A MTB and some off-road experience and confidence will be needed. Please come prepared for all weathers, pack lunch, snacks, water and basic puncture repair gear. Please call me if you would like to know some more about the ride. See you there for a great day out.
Ben Lomond Traverse
Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 November
Coordinator: Maria Monypenny
Grade: ScNT/L
Maps: Giblin, Stacks, Managana 1:25000
The Ben Lomond Plateau is beautiful at any time of year, but have you walked from North to South and camped up there?
This walk will commence at the ski village and then traverse the plateau by climbing Hamilton Crags and proceeding south over Ossian’s Throne. At this stage we will probably set up camp at Lake Baker which will allow us to explore some of the surrounding peaks.
The next day we will head to Sphinx Bluff and meet up with the day walkers and complete our walk with them.
With the longer days this is a chance to enjoy beautiful alpine walks and collect a few points that you do not yet have. Remember to bring your warm gear along with rain gear and sun protection as the weather could do anything.
Projection Bluff
Tuesday 9 November
Coordinator: Graeme Pennicott
Grade:
The idea is to climb Projection Bluff - 45 min/60 minutes after 70/80 minute bus ride and enjoy the sunset from Great Western Tiers/Kooparoona Nia. There is a well defined track but it could be cold up high so come prepared. We will need headlamps for return to bus and home before midnight. A trip with a difference. Should suit most Club members