LWC Events Program

Both Coordinators have hiked into the Western Arthurs, 3^rd time lucky, hoping for better weather conditions to reach all three summits. PWS booking system is limited to 6 persons per booking, hence Pending Approval required due to having only four members spots available.

Day 1: Exit time from Launceston mid-afternoon on Friday 13^th. Our 4h drive to Huon Campground for our first night.

Day 2: Saturday 14^th – approx. 18km with 1000m elevation. After a side trip to Mt Hesperus, our track will lead us down to Lake Cygnus to set up camp.  11+/- h day.

Day 3: Sunday 15^th – We will hike to the furthest Abel, being Mt Sirius, then across to Mt Orion with Mt Hayes being our last Abel. Heading back down to our campsite at Lake Cygnus to celebrate our adventure.

Day 4: Monday 16^th – Early rise to pack up our tents, then it’s all downhill - 1000m descent. Early start also eliminates the midday heat of McKays Trail (approx. 5h). Then the 4 hour drive home.

Alerts: Rainfall leading up to our trip may create concerns of Junction Creek levels. This event will not proceed if high wind gusts and/or rain is predicted. We have a Plan B if needed.  

Transport: 2 x cars required + 2 passengers per car.

Please bring $55 cash for your driver.

Gear: If you have hiked with me before, you should all know what to bring! Definitely wearing hiking-in shorts!

Tents: Some campsites have rubber holed matting style floor mats that I found really awkward to use with tent pegs. I am yet to research those “fishbone pegs”. There are a couple of regular camp platforms, however our last trip into Lake Cygnus noted many revegetation areas with no camping signs. No camping permitted beside the lake.

Toileting: It is essential to follow Leave No Trace Principles; you must bring your Poo Tube or suitable container to bring home your waste matter. Junction Creek and Lake Cygnus have drop loos, however being the end of summer hiking season… you wouldn’t want to use them!

Food: 3 x breakfasts, 3 x lunches, 3 x dinners, bring along a Saturday & Sunday night treat!

Cheers

Karen

This adventure to our capital city will include a visit to Salamanca Market for breakfast, summit track walk from the Springs to Kunanyi / Mt Wellington for lunch with views and afternoon tea at Sandy Bay Beach (some may like a swim) before finishing back in our city with pizza at Du Cane Brewing. It will be a longish day but with a difference. The return walk from the summit to the Springs will be via the Organ Pipes Track. We could make it even more of an adventure for those wanting to, by bringing your bikes and riding down from the Summit to the Springs.

Event Cancelled Monday 9th due to bad forecast and I was delayed in Europe due to having to reroute away from Dubai. Forecast is excellent for Saturday 14th March so lets give it a try. The URQs loop road takes us up the mountain to a car park 2 kms short of the old one, where the well cleared and graded track starts. This takes us between the two prominent Bluffs visible from Mole creek to the Summit, 1.5 kms south of the gap. After lunch we will head easily north along the cliff edge to the top of the westernmost bluff looking down at Mole Creek. Then just a little scrub to descend to the track and out inward route.

It has been some time since our Club has visited the Tasmanian Arboretum near Devonport. This event should suit most Club members. LWC is a member with a couple of memory trees to honour our former LWC Life Members. Some other Club members have memory trees for some of their family. It is a very pleasant environment with a range of tree species from around the world, some of them critically endangered. There is a prominent lake with platypus and birds. Bring a picnic and be very pleasantly surprised by this gem not far from our third city.

The plan is to ride from the Steppes to Oatlands vià Interlaken. Expect about sixty kilometres of undulating gravel roads. We will lunch close to Interlaken. This is spectacular highlands country. Any hills can be negotiated on the bus.

Michael Higgins Photography Competition is now open.

Please refer to 15th April events page for description of photography competition guidelines. 

Bring your USB to tonight's club meeting. 

A great 20-minute presentation from Dale showcasing a prequel of his first two trips and his most recent trip to Nepal in November 2025. 

Regions will included Kathmandu, Annapurna, Langtang and Everests Gokyo Lakes. 

A great opportunity for those currently planning or considering travelling to Nepal. Tonight's the night to ask questions re: gear, transport, food, tea houses etc. or come along a reminisce of your own Nepalese adventure.  

When: 18th March - Wednesday night. 

Where: Newstead College, Cypress St, Launceston

Time: 7pm for light supper and catch up with old mates and make new friends. *Gold coin donation.

Meeting starts: 7:30 pm 

Meeting closes: 9pm 

At 1188 metres Mt Arthur is mountain number 109 on the Abels list. Starting at the end of Mountain Road near Lilydale, the walk is approximately 10km with a climb of 642 metres and should take 5-6 hours. There is an interesting cairn at the summit which was built in the 1800s as a survey marker for north-east Tasmania. On a clear day there are stunning all-round views from the top.

We will ride the easy/beginner MTB trail on Valley Pond Branxholm Derby Link both ways, and have time for coffee in Branxholme.

Valley Pond Branxholm Derby Link introduces features such as easy berms and rollers, and it follows the Ringarooma River. There are giant manferns along this shady trail and the opportunity to spot a platypus at Valley Ponds. In Derby we will do a loop trail of the lake.

Finish at the lake for a relaxing swim at the beach.

Note - the floating sauna was already booked out, so sorry, no sauna this trip. 

I like to make the most of a weekend and I am hoping to cover off three Abels in the one standard weekend. Leaving Launceston at 5pm on the Friday night we will drive to the start of the Arm River Track. We will arrive at Pelion Hut about midnight and quietly set up camp. Saturday morning we will head up the Overland Track with day packs to Pelion Gap the climb Mt Ossa, the highest mountain in Tasmania at 1617m. Confidence on rocks is important for this mountain. Given that we still have daylight savings we will return to the Hut then embark upon Mt Oakleigh at 1286m. After a comfortable evening in the vicinity of Pelion Hut we will hike out the Arm River Track and climb Mt Pillinger on the way out at 1270+m. A reasonable level of fitness is required for this two Abels in a weekend adventure and please come prepared for all weather eventualities. I look forward to your company.

Join me on a 6km return day walk to Quamby Bluff, which sits at a height of 1227m with 360 degree views of the surrounding area. We leave from the car park at the Fairy Glade on the Highland Lakes Road and walk across farmland before entering the forest. The walk includes a 100 metre boulder field, a steep rocky section through a saddle, around rocks, and across low growing vegetation to reach the trig point. We will enjoy our lunch with extensive views. Expect a height gain of 511m and around four hours of walking. Come prepared for all weather conditions - it can be very exposed on top.

The Long Marsh Probation Station and Dam is located off McKays Road, which branches off the Lake Leake Road. We will explore the Long Marsh Dam, built by convicts in the 1840s on the Macquarie River. The incomplete dam, nearby Convict Probation Station ruins, a weir, and a grave all make for an interesting exploration in a beautiful forest. On our return to Launceston, we will have time to stop at Campbell Town for an afternoon tea stop. Join me for a special day out.

This picturesque midweek walk along the Wilmot River will follow Lucy's Track along the eastern side as far as Ellis Flats, at which point we cross the river and then return via Dooleys Track. Hopefully the weather will be warm enough for us to stop for a swim of two on the way!

Join me for a walk in the fantastic Cataract Gorge right on the door step of central Launceston. Meet at the Alexandra Suspension Bridge on the pool side of the First Basin for a 9:30am start. Be prepared for steps and uneven ground. Bring a drink and check the weather forecast prior to the walk. We will have morning tea at the First Basin Café at the conclusion of the walk.

Map: Getting Around the Gorge

We will take the 9 am ferry from Lake St Clair to Narcissus (please note the current fare is $55 each way). From there the plan is to head north on the Overland Track for a short way to the Bowling Green (this is permitted as we are not going past a second node) where we will head up onto the Traveller Range. We will find somewhere nice to camp near Orion Lakes. From here we will explore the nearby lakes and climb The Gatepost. We will have Sunday morning to explore before we pack up and descend back down to The Overland Track and back to Narcissus where we will catch the 3.30 ferry back to Lake St Clair.

This should be a lovely relaxing weekend with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a dip.

Ben Nevis is a classic day walk in our North East. It will be a leisurely start time of 9:30 am from Newstead College. It is consistently uphill to the plateau for views towards Flinders Island. This is where we will have a late morning tea before a leisurely one kilometre alpine plateau walk to the summit. The views are extensive and hopefully the weather will allow us a leisurely lunch break before returning to our vehicles. Parts of the track nearing the plateau are starting to become overgrown so there are a couple of scrubby sections making this an easier Grade 3 rather than a harder Grade 2 adventure.

Join us for this out-and-back 16km (in total) walk with gentle undulation on a good track, around the charming Southern Midlands' Lake Dulverton. Our walk heads to the town of Parattah with its historical hotel and railway station, where we'll enjoy lunch.

You'll see lots of historical sites on the way as well as the beautiful Lake Dulverton and her birdlife.

On this walk, you'll need a day pack with cold/rain weather gear (just in case, as Oatlands can get quite chilly). Bring your lunch to enjoy at the railway station and water for the day.

We may finish the day at Oatlands for a weather appropriate refreshment.

This will be more of a skills event focussing on paddling strokes and bracing with a short around the reservoir in an anti clockwise direction. There are usually plenty of birds to view as we explore.If you need to borrow a kayak please contact me BEFORE registering.

This ride will start at Hawley and follow the shared path to Squeaking Point. Then we will be on the Frankford Highway before turning onto the Bakers Beach Road to Narawantapu National Park. Before we reach the Park we will detour to Eagle Point Beach. If the weather is suitable a swim to finish is an option. Expect about 50 km on mostly sealed roads.

The Lake Rodway Memorial Hut was officially opened on April 3rd,1966. We will commemorate the 60th Anniversary of this event with an overnight stay. This year, the anniversary is on Good Friday. There will be a short, low key Commemorative Reflection at about 2:00 pm at the Hut. Parks have resupplied the coal so we will have a cosy evening. Some surviving members of the Riverside High School Group from 1965, former R.H.S. students and members of the Kilvert family will be joining us.

The Scott-Kilvert Tragedy of 1965 and the construction of the Lake Rodway Memorial Hut are very significant events in our Club history.

Ewan Scott was an active and respected Club member at the time of his tragic but heroic death at age 26. David Kilvert's eldest sister, Daphne Longman and her husband Peter have been respected and endeared long time Club members.

The construction of the Hut began in September 1965 with a public appeal following the tragedy, raising $3000. Members of the Riverside High School community, our Club and the North West Walking Club devoted 15 weekends and a week in January 1966 for a total of 10 000 work hours and 38 work days to complete the Hut. It was designed by Arnold Rowlands, a member of the N.W.W.C. He was related by marriage to Ewan Scott. His wife, Mavis survives him. The work site was supervised by builder and keen bushwalker, Stan Brodziac. About 300 people ventured to Lake Rodway for the Official Opening by Riverside High School Principal, John Walker on the April 3rd,1966.

It will take us 2.5-3.0 hours to the Hut. Bring some treats. On our return there is a chance to climb Little Horn if the weather is favourable.

The classic The Never Never – Lees Paddocks Circuit that every walker should do at least once (but of course once is Never enough). It’s AKA “The Waterfall Walk” as it provides the opportunity to view at least 13 waterfalls. Once the initial climb of the Moses Creek Track to above Chapter Lake is complete the rest is relatively straightforward as the majority of the trip involves following the Mersey River downstream (take note Steve G) from its headwaters at Junction Lake to Lees Paddocks and back to the Mersey Forest Road. There will be some patches of scrub but these should not be extensive.

Here’s the likely itinerary:

• Day 1 – Moses Creek Track to Junction Lake via Chapter Lake and Cloister Lagoon. Optional side trip to the Never Never Lookout.
• Day 2 – The trip’s highlight: The Never Never – a lovely combination of forested and open areas along the riverbank. Campsite somewhere along the river.
• Day 3 – A short ascent to the Overland Track which we’ll follow for about 4.5 km NW to Kia Ora before picking up the Kia Ora Creek Track and re-joining the Mersey River that will guide us to Lees Paddocks for our final camp between the mountains.
• Day 4 – A relaxing walk back to the Mersey Forest Road but with visits to Devils Cauldron and Oxley and Lewis Falls to add interest.

If Friday 3 April is likely to be particularly wet I’ll consider delaying the trip by one day.

Attempt 3 for Zion Hill, hoping the weather is better this time! Walk into the main chamber of the Walls of Jerusalem and divert to Pool of Bethesda then up on to Zion Hill. Some light scrub and a few rocks. Then down the north slope into Zion Vale for some more light scrub and less rocks and out via Golden Gate which is open going with pads and a track out to Trappers Hut.

Mother Cummings Peak offers great views. It is steadily uphill with some scree towards the summit. It usually takes 1.5-2 hours up and a bit less back. Hopefully the weather will allow us a leisurely lunch break to take in the views.

At 485m Mt Dove is the highest of The Hazards range at Coles Bay. Many people are unaware that there is a track up Mt Dove, albeit one that is little used by tourists or advertised to them either. We will be tackling this track and will be rewarded by great views in all directions. Those familiar with the climb up Mt Amos may expect similar conditions.

Since daylight saving will have finished a few days earlier, we have to make an early start to ensure that we don’t run out of daylight at the end of the walk. At least your body clock may still be on summer time so the 6.30 start should be achievable.

Please note that if the forecast is for rain on the actual day then alternative arrangements may be made since walking on wet granite is a treacherous exercise!

Located at Gipps Creek, this is an easy 8 kilometre walk through open eucalypt forest on a well-marked track, with gentle gradient. Features include granite cliffs, a cave, a spectacular viewpoint and an exciting climbing gully. A fantastic shorter day out.

Planning with Parks TBC

The plan is to base camp at Circular Head and explore East and West Inlet and maybe Black River and Detention River estuaries. Expect about 12-15 km of leisurely paddling each day.

We'll start this bike ride at the Train Park at Deloraine and will ride via Reedy Marsh to Brushy Lagoon (the road is no longer accessible by car or bus, but we can get bikes through). The bus will come around to meet us at Brushy Lagoon and from there we will proceed to Birralee. From there the plan is to ride almost into Glengarry (including about 5km on the Frankford Highway, which some people may wish to jump on the bus for) and then branch off to Winkleigh before a finish at Exeter. Plan B from Birralee, should the group prefer it, is to head into Westbury via Selbourne.

Brushy Lagoon is a lovely place and well worth the ride!

Bluff River Gorge is inland from Buckland on the East Coast. In my opinion it has the best sandstone formations in Tasmania and is an area which I have not been disappointed in visiting many times. We follow the Bluff River down the east side and then return along the west side, which covers most of the formations in the gorge. There is no drinkable water on the circuit so you will need to carry all you require. There could be stinging nettles so it would be a good idea to carry suitable gloves. It's a great walk and I am sure you will take many photos.

I have started this walk at 6.30am due to the shorter days to allow extra daylight to get back to the transport

Join us for a leisurely coastal heathland walk to Copper Cove with a short off-track side trip to explore the treasures of Vic's Secret Cove, which is quite steep with some loose gravel in places.

Only those confident on loose gravel and rocks should undertake the side trip, but walkers with a preference for Grade 2 trips can do the main Copper Cove track

Bring bathers if you're keen for a swim at Copper Cove.

We will leave from Badger Head so it will be a there and back adventure, with time for a coffee in Beaky.

Lady Lake is located at the top of the Higgs Track on the Great Western Tiers. The track climbs 350m in elevation over 3.5km and winds through rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest, taking approximately 2 hours to reach the plateau. Higgs Track was originally cut as an access route to graze cattle up on the plateau and was upgraded in 2014 using traditional Scottish stone-pitching techniques. We will have morning tea at Lady Lake Hut (1130m). The hut is a good example of early pioneering European history. After morning tea, we will walk around to Lady Lake and then off-track to the Lobster Rivulet, where we will find a magnificent stand of pencil pines in the gully leading off the plateau. We will enjoy lunch and then continue our off-track walk across to Nells Bluff (1180m) and down to Lady Lake. We will then walk back down Higgs Track to our commencement point. Expect a fairly long day in our beautiful Great Western Tiers.

TMt Field has a wealth of walking tracks with wonderful views, vegetation and natural features, so to make the most of a visit there we have booked the Hobart Walking Club hut for Friday and Saturday nights for a social weekend. Depending on the weather and the group we may have time to see the waterfalls at National Park on Friday afternoon and on Saturday tackle a longer walk such as out to Mt Field West. On Sunday we can choose a shorter walk so as to be back in town before dark. The trip is graded as 3 but a walk over the Rodway Range (ie to Mt Field West or K Col Circuit) involves a boulder field traverse, which would be a Grade 4 section. 

We will travel in private cars so as to be flexible with departure time from town and so that we can do a car shuttle if we choose to do a through walk. If you are happy to use your car, and have a Parks Pass, please let us know at time of registration the sort of vehicle you have and whether you can leave town in the morning or evening (if working Friday).

There is an accommodation cost of $40pp* payable to LWC, so registration is 'pending approval', awaiting your payment. Having paid, there will be no refund if you cancel, unless you are replaced by someone on the waitlist who can reimburse you. * Members of Hobart Walking Club have a discounted rate of $20. 

Please make your payment to the Launceston Walking Club bank account, Bendigo Bank, BSB 633-000, account number 1465 18931 and use your surname MTF as the reference.

The hut is located by Lake Dobson and is basic but has -

• Two living/sleeping areas 
• Gas cookers
• Kitchen utensils
• Woodheating
• Lighting
• Cold running water
• Composting toilets

More information about what to bring will be available closer to the time, but it includes your sleeping bag, liner, pillowcase and food, in addition to your bushwalking gear. (Don't forget full wet weather gear, warm jacket, beanie and gloves etc, as we'll be spending the weekend at over 1000m).  NB Everything will have to be carried the 15 minutes from the car park to the hut!

If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch.

The biennial Bushwalking Tasmania (BWT) brings together all bushwalking clubs in Tasmania. This year the “All Clubs” weekend is on 18^th-19^th April at Rocky Cape National Park.

A great social weekend meeting and hiking with other likeminded bushwalking enthusiasts in the comfort of your own tent, caravan, pop up trailer. **Camping fees apply.

BBQ to be held on the Saturday night.

Historically, LWC has provided a coordinator for a suggested day hike for many events soon to be listed on the weekend program.

Accommodation: https://crayfishcreekecoaccodation.com.au/

Email: carolynwall@gmail.com for booking and to request BWT 10% discount.

More information to come from BWT closer to the date.

Previous event was held on Bruny Island and we had a fantastic weekend. Looking forward to your company. 

This bus assisted ride is a classic. We start at the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre and finish at Turners Beach. We will have short regroups at Moina and Forth and lunch at Wilmot. It is downhill from the mountains to the sea but a steep uphill section out of Wilmot that is best done on the bus. Expect about 80 km on sealed roads.

This is LUFT number 9 in reverse order, to follow on from my reverse order LUFTs 10 and 11. The distance is 7km. It is hilly with an ascent of 552m and a descent of 551m. Our walk commences in Peel Street West adjacent to the Havelock Reserve and will finish on the corner of Rowsphorn and Eccelstone Roads. The walk takes us from the suburbia of Summerhill, past the Duck Reach Power Station, up the steps, through the Trevallyn Reserve and into Riverside West suburbia. I am hopeful we will have the bus to drop us off and pick us up. I look forward to your company on this section of the LUFT.

Join me for a walk in the fantastic Cataract Gorge right on the doorstep of central Launceston. Meet at the Alexandra Suspension Bridge on the pool side of the Gorge for a 9:30am start. Be prepared for steps and uneven ground. Bring a drink and check the weather forecast prior to the walk. We will have morning tea at the First Basin café at the conclusion of the walk.

Map: Getting Around the Gorge

This is a short but challenging walk that will offer great views over Yingina/Great Lake and the central highlands. It shouldn't take us all that long to reach the high point of the tier so we may go for a stroll along it and grab some alternate views before heading back down.

Members should only participate in this walk if they are comfortable with scree and boulder-hopping, because this is what you will be doing for the majority of the walk.

This walk in the Projection Bluff, Meander Forest area features spectacular sandstone cliffs and deep dark rainforest. At around 8 kilometres it will take us approximately 5 hours. The walk is partially tracked with some easier off-track sections. We will take time to explore the cliffs and once on top we can admire the views over Quamby Bluff and Lake Huntsman. Wow factor 10!

Mt Dundas and Mt Jukes are 2 Abels on the West Coast of Tasmania near Queenstown. This base camping weekend will leave Launceston at 6am Saturday to travel to the start of our Mt Dundas (1143m) walk off Howards Road near Farrells Rivulet. The walk is about 6 hours and commences along an old track lined with overgrown rainforest, before reaching an open plateau covered in low alpine vegetation. Near the summit a small King Billy pine forest is reached prior to the dolerite summit. The walk is graded as medium in the Abels and 3 hours are needed to reach the summit. If the day is wet, wearing waterproof pants can be useful as the undergrowth does hold the water. Great views will be gained from the summit if the day is clear. We will stay the night in Queenstown most likely at the Queenstown Cabin and Tourist Park. We may have a beverage or a meal at the pub but do come prepared to cook your own dinner if necessary. Sunday morning we will walk Mt Jukes (1169m) which is 18km from Queenstown. This walk is on open terrain and has some cairns to follow as well, visiting Proprietary Peak (1109m) which has a fantastic beehive cairn. The walk starts in some scrub before opening up onto bare rock and is a steady steep climb. The Abels state 3 hours to the summit where more great views will be gained. This weekend would be for walkers with some experience who enjoy a couple of steep, longish days out. Come prepared for all conditions, particularly as it is the West Coast of Tasmania which can bring any weather. Please talk to the coordinator if you have any queries regarding the trip.

Anzac Day takes us to one of my favourite day hikes, Mt Kate. Hopefully we will have blue skies and a little bit of snow.  We will park the club bus at the Ranger Station and hike the approximately 5km along the Cradle Valley Boardwalk. Options to stop for morning tea along the way or at Ronny Creek tables.

A well-marked track to Mt Kate, with only 330m elevation, has many spectacular views plus the opportunity to photograph Cradle Mt from a different angle. Although Mt Kate is an Abel, there is no exposed cliff face but there is a very small section of scree prior to reaching the summit. This 7km in/out track should take us 4 hours with brief time to explore and eat lunch on the summit. A thermos of tea/coffee is always a good decision on a cold day!

Total distance for the day: approximately12km.

Our return: Let's catch the blue Cradle bus back to the Ranger Station then our long commute home should have us back to Newstead at 6-7pm.

*Note: No bus ticket/bus pass required to be purchased to exit the NP.

Gear: Please refer to your LWC Gear List as per the website if you do not have a printed copy. It's essential that you bring wet weather gear inclusive of a Gore-Tex style jacket, gloves and beanie. Hiking poles are always a great option. Reminder that there are no toilets therefore I recommend a Poo Pot/container to bring home your waste matter to support Leave No Trace Principles. Please bring a bag with a change of warm clothes for the bus ride home.

Encourage our new members to register. Please phone if you have any questions, concerns, or you require guidance with your gear options.

Little Swanport is a great place to explore on water. The plan is a through trip from the Great Eastern Drive Road to the ocean. Expect about 15 km of estuary paddling with hopefully an outgoing tide.

This trip had been planned for last Christmas but got altered due to the snow forecast, so here it is for another attempt. It is quite a long circuit, starting at the Smoko Road car park, up Smoko Creek, crossing twice and up to the old Ironstone Track which goes up onto the plateau. Here the track becomes vague/stops and there is scrub and rocks to negotiate to get onto the higher Ironstone Plateau. On top there is open walking following the edge or a sidetrip option to go over and visit the summit/trig point for anyone who hasn't been and is keen. We then descend off Ironstone/Bastion Bluff down a very steep and loose scree shoot which leads down to the Dell. Here we join the Dell Track and follow it back to Smoko Creek, completing the loop. Expect between 7 to 9 hours depending on the group. Please bring all the gear necessary for exposed conditions on the mountain and get in touch if you have questions.

Some of the walking tracks at Meenamatta / Blue Tier have recently been upgraded. It is a relatively long bus trip but we will have the chance to complete several of the shorter adventures. This is a spectacular area of our North East. This adventure should suit most Club members.

This walk is for club members who are keen to try, or are getting back into, overnight walking, and so I have made registrations pending approval for this reason. On day one we will walk to Shadow Lake from Cynthia Bay and set up camp. We could then walk to Forgotten Lake, and possibly Little Hugel, in the afternoon with day packs. On day two we will climb Mt Rufus as a day walk and back to our camp at Shadow Lake. Day three we will pack up and walk back to Cynthia Bay. There is the possibility of climbing Bedlam Wall before returning to Launceston. This walk is in one of our most scenic areas of Tasmania and not to be missed. 

This ride will be mostly on gravel roads starting at Rawlinna at Lake Leake. We finish at Pontypool near Little Swanport. Expect about 60 km of undulating riding in our eastern highlands as we make our way to the coast.

We will travel to the end of the Mersey Forest Road then walk the Moses Creek Track to Chapter Lake. It's quite steep in places and slippery underfoot but passes through some delightful rainforest. A rough taped route will then take us to the top of Grail which is a great spot for lunch and the creek feeding into that is lined with fagus which should be in full golden autumn colour. Bring lunch, and snacks along with warm clothes, waterproofs and good boots. It's a long day out, but rewarding.

We will leave Launceston and travel to the John Skemp Field Centre, Myrtle Bank. The John Skemp Field Centre is owned and operated by the Launceston Field Naturalist Club. There are a total of 17 trails to choose from on the 62 hectare property. In the morning we will walk three shortish routes on the western side of the property and then back to the Field Centre for a BYO picnic lunch. After lunch we can go for a longer walk at the eastern part of the property. This will be a lovely day out and the cost is $9.00 per person for the day use of the property. Come along for the day and either return to Launceston or stay for the Social Retreat through until Sunday morning. You may provide your own transport or travel by the club bus. The driver and club members travelling on the bus, will determine whether the bus returns to Launceston on the Saturday or Sunday.

Join us for a fabulous weekend of fun at our annual Walking Club Social Retreat!
This year we’re heading to the John Skemp Field Centre near Myrtle Park — just a scenic 35-minute drive from Launceston.

There are bunk rooms available for up to 12 people, plus plenty of room to camp or park your campervan on a lovely flat area. If you’d like a bunk, let me know when you book — you’ll need to bring your own pillow, sheet and sleeping bag. Bunks will be allocated on a first-paid, first-served basis once the trip levy is received. The fee to stay overnight is $30p/p (this is separate to any transport levy that might apply to a walk in the area that leaves from Launceston). The fee if you just want to stay for the day, not overnight is $9.00.  Please pay the fee into the club bank account:

• Bank: Bendigo Bank
• BSB: 633-000
• Account: 146518931
• Reference: Your name and “social retreat”.

Food & fun:

BYO meat and drinks for a relaxed BBQ dinner, plus a salad/veggies/dips or dessert to share. Musical instruments, camp chairs, and a good sense of humour are highly encouraged — especially if we’re lucky enough to enjoy a bonfire under the stars.

Sunday plans:

We’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast, followed by a quick communal tidy-up of the facilities.

It promises to be a relaxed, laughter-filled getaway — great company, great food, and plenty of time to unwind. Don’t miss it!

Transport:

There is a club trip to Skemps on the Saturday. This trip will utilise the bus (please read the preview for complete details). Others may wish to drive themselves as it is not very far from Launceston. If you are car pooling the suggested club levy is $25 for your driver.

Other things you might want to know:

• Mobile reception is very unreliable at the field centre.
• Directions: your GPS is your best friend, 23 Skemps Road will get you there. The property is 35 kilometres east of Launceston just off the A3 Tasman Highway (the road to Scottsdale). Take the first left just after the hairpin bend at Myrtle Park Campground, Targa onto C828 Targa Hill Road and travel uphill 2 km. Turn right onto Myrtle Bank Road at the old Fire Shed at the top of the hill. The entrance to SKEMPS ROAD and boom gate is about 50 metres along on your right (easy to miss this turn). Google map.
• There is only one shower in each bathroom.

This day walk should suit most Club members. It is a road walk to a not that often visited peak for extensive views of our north east. It takes about an hour each way to the summit and back to the vehicles. The start time will allow those at the social retreat to have a bit of a 'sleep in'.

Join me for a morning walk in the Gorge. We will meet on the First Basin side of the Alexandra Suspension Bridge at 9:25 ready for a 9:30 walk. Be prepared for steps and some uneven ground. Bring a drink and check the weather forecast prior to the walk. After our walk we can have morning tea at the First Basin Cafe.

Map: Getting Around the Gorge

We will escape the crowds and continue to drive past the Cradle turnoff for another 10km arriving at the high point sign on Belvoir Road (C132). 

An opportunity for those keen to hike an Abel, experience open alpine hiking with a chance of hiking in snow. Let’s hope our sky is clear to enjoy a dramatic skyline with 360 degrees views. From this angle, you can actually see the cradle shape of Cradle Mt! 

Following a well-used section of the Penguin Cradle Trail, you will encounter mud… then muddier sections! Gaiters are a must!

Having Cradle Mt, Barn Bluff and all the other familiar Overland Track peaks to your left, we will explore some spectacularly shaped sandstone formations. There are no sheer cliffs or exposed rock climbing required; 130m elevation in our last push to the summit plateau. 

Following the same return track, we will take a side trip up Rocky Mt (worth 1 point) which will require pushing through knee high heath to a rock cairn. This side trip is optional; however, I do encourage all to have a go. Easy exit back to our cars. 

This Grade 3 hike is suitable for those wanting to experience open track hiking at a medium pace with no boulder fields. If there are excessive amounts of snow, the coordinator will contact you if we have not hiked previously together to discuss experience. 

Gear: We will be open and exposed to the elements! All participants must have a full wet weather gear inclusive of a Gore-Tex style jacket. Please refer to the LWC Gear Checklist if you do not have a hard copy. 

Toileting: There are no toilets on this track. I strongly recommend following Leave No Trace Principles and bring your Poo Pot or suitable container to bring home your waste matter. 

Stats: Approx. 12km, approx. 500m in elevation, allowing 6hrs, a comfortable paced day.

Please call me if you have any additional questions. 😀

We will head west to bag three Poimenas this base camping weekend. On the Saturday we will climb Newton Peak and Sticht Range. Newton Peak is mainly a walk along a 4wd road. We will walk for 3km along the road before heading off-track for the final 600m climb. The climb is described as steep but it does zig zag up to the saddle. There may be a bit of scrub on this section but hopefully we can avoid it. We then retrace our steps back to the 4wd road and we will continue along the road to climb the Sticht Range. Again we will head off-track. There will be some scrubs and small cliffs to negotiate before we reach the summit. We will then retrace our steps back to the car. Expect about 6 hours of walking, including breaks.

On Sunday we will climb our final Poimena for the weekend, Mt Julia. This is a short 1.5 to 2 hour return walk. It does involve brief sections of scrub and 320m of ascent. We should get fantastic views once on top. The aim is to be back at the cars before lunch.

At this stage I'm not sure where we will camp - probably Tullah at the Lake Roseberry campsite. This will enable us to have a very relaxing and social evening with all the base camping luxuries.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. More details of the walks can be found in the Poimenas book.

This trip combines a morning walk to Lobster Falls with a 4km walk to Westmorland Falls, and is suitable for prospective members or beginners.

Lobster Falls are 11km west of Deloraine. We will follow the Lobster Rivulet through pleasant forest, rich in birdlife, where there are a series of nice waterfalls and cascades leading to Lobster Falls. The track can be quite steep, slippery and rough at times, so care needs to be taken. We walk out on the same track. 

Then a short drive to Westmorland Falls, under Kooparoona Niara / the Great Western Tiers where we will do the leisurely 4km return walk (about 2 hours) on a good track. Crossing and following the river upstream through fern and rainforest, walking mostly uphill to a 20m high picturesque waterfall.

There should be time for a refreshment stop on the way home.

Four Springs has plenty of wildlife and is a great place to explore by kayak. Expect about 8-10 km of leisurely kayaking as we circumnavigate either clockwise or anticlockwise depending on the wind direction. If you need to borrow a kayak please contact me before registering.

We will ride from Sheffield to Railton on the 'Railton Rattler' Rail Trail. Then we will head to Sassafras via Mersey Lea. The next section through farmland with views will take us to Squeaking Point. Then we will take the shared pathway to finish at Hawley.

Tumble Tor is a remarkable pyramid shaped mountain, which fails to classify as an Abel by just 7 metres. Located to the east of Sandbanks Tier above Poatina, it stands 1372 metres tall. We follow the old Hydro road up 27 switchbacks to the plateau edge, before turning easterly, off-track through light scrub to reach the final climb. This climb is on rock scree but not too challenging, views are amazing. It’s 17 kilometres return and around 800 metres of climbing. 

The plan is to base camp at Fortescue Bay for the Saturday night. We will paddle around Fortescue Bay on Saturday. On Sunday we will explore Port Arthur from Stewarts Bay, checking out Denmans Cove, Carnarvon Bay and Isle of the Dead.

Axfords Hill is located on the Central Plateau, west of Little Pine Lagoon. The walk begins from Lake Ada and initially we follow an old 4wd track to reach O'Dells Lake. Off-track now we follow lakes O'Dell and Flora before the climb of Axfords Hill, 1220 metres, a climb of 80 metres for the day. I am hoping for minimal scrub and a pleasant day of around 14 kilometres. 

Mt Cameron is a 551m high granite peak in North-East Tasmania. We will complete a circuit walk taking in the summit and exploring some interesting rock features. The walk is about 5 hours and involves some walking on loose ground and open granite slabs. Please contact me if you have any questions.

This trip will be on the 61st anniversary of the 1965 tragedy that claimed the lives of David Kilvert and Ewen Scott.  It will be 2.5-3 hours to the Scott-Kilvert Memorial Hut for lunch. Then we will return via the Truganini Track. It will be a longish but rewarding adventure.

Details to be confirmed. 

Breona and Pine Lake Tiers are two adjacent highpoints to the north of Great Lake and are both featured in The Poimenas, Part B. Doing them together as a through walk makes for an interesting journey. Travelling along the Highland Lakes Road we’ll leave a vehicle at the Pine Lake carpark and then proceed for a further 4km to just north of the lookout where we’ll leave the other cars at a pull-off bay. The walking is immediately off-track and stays that way throughout the day: we'll be following animal pads and open leads as much as possible. Initially, we’ll be heading NW, through the pleasant Mickeys Creek valley but will then travel more westerly to reach the summit of Breona Tier at 1257m after about 1.5h and an ascent of 120m. After a break here we’ll traverse the largely flattish, open country in a NE direction for about 3km to arrive at an unnamed highpoint of 1320m that The Poimenas refers to as “Pine Lake Tier”. Descending from here over areas of rock scree we’ll reach the northern end of Pine Lake before returning to the carpark.

This walk provides a great opportunity for people to practice their navigation skills. It’s only about 11km in distance but we’ll definitely encounter some areas of scrub and boulders, so be warned. Should be a great day out for those that enjoy more challenging walking.

This will be a shortish adventure so that we can be back in good time for the Walking Wild Tasmania Show. We will complete a through trip from Cressy Dam to the Longford Boat Ramp. Please contact me before registering if you need to borrow a kayak.

Drys Bluff has a height gain of 1000m, so this is a very STEEP and unrelenting walk. We'll start at the Liffey River behind the old Bob Brown house up Deans Track which rises sharply straight up to the plateau. Passing through bush, sandstone cliffs, short bits of scree and 2 bits of awkward clambering up rocks with provided ropes that aren't too bad with a helping hand. Once at the top and only if there is clear visibility, we will go ca. 2km off-track to reach the southern summit which is the highest point at 1340m (the Abel). Then retrace our steps back down the same way with an optional short sidetrip to the northern trig point if anyone's still interested by that point. Expect between 6 to 9 hours of walking depending on the pace. It's not a long distance but the large height gain and off-track section will take a while as a group. Please come prepared with all the gear necessary for exposed conditions on the mountain.

Join in on this local favourite, Quamby Bluff, a 6km return, 500m elevation walk. Quamby Bluff starts with beautiful rainforest, before emerging to a scree field which elevates us to myrtle forest, more scree and boulders and then, if we're lucky, a delightful view for lunch!

The summit of Quamby Bluff is 1250m so make sure to bring your warm clothes and wet weather gear just in case. And do be prepared for scree, there's a fair bit of it!

We will ride the Coastal Pathway from Ulverstone to Latrobe with stops at the Berry Patch at Turners Beach for morning tea and lunch at the Devonport Bluff.

Molly Yorks Nightcap is located in the far east of the Great Western Tiers, overlooking Campbell Town. We will be approaching from Lake Sorell from the south. The usual day walks to Molly involve scrub but also a lot of rock scree plus very steep climbing. The aim of this walk is to enjoy the sub-alpine scenery whilst making a gentle approach, setting up our base camp and campfire. So it's all about the journey not just the destination. Day 2 with daypacks we will summit then return to camp. Our local guide will be John Whiteley. To complete a small circuit we may walk out via a different route. Total distance with packs: 21 kilometres, with daypacks: 18 kilometres, total elevation gain: 300 metres. Return to Launceston should be as early as coffee shops allow, but potentially 3pm. Should be a lot of fun.

Located in the Walls of Jerusalem, Solitary Mans Hut is a special location built near Tiger Lake. It is an A-frame hut which is in a secluded location and was built illegally in 1984 by a fellow who walked in from Mole Creek to carry in supplies to build his Hut and was known as Solitary Man. Our walk will be 16km in length, at least 6 hours and starts from the Walls of Jerusalem carpark (743m) up the steep track to Trappers Hut. We will then head easterly to George Howes Lake (1158m) then onto Tiger Lake. The Hut is a lovely place for lunch and is well worth an explore. We will then return to the tip of George Howe Lake and follow Wild Dog Creek cross-country on a vague pad across to the main Walls Track just east of Wild Dog Creek campsite. We will then follow the track past Solomons Jewels and the turn-off to Lake Adelaide back to Trappers Hut. We will then descend back to the carpark. Please come prepared for all weather as we will be out all day and in an alpine area of Tasmania on the edge of the Walls of Jerusalem. If you have any questions regarding the trip please contact the coordinator. I look forward to your company. 

This ride will commence in Exeter and we will ride to Beaconsfield alongside the Tamar River via Gravelly Beach, Deviot and Rowella. After a lunch break in Beaconsfield we will head inland and return to Exeter via Flowery Gully, Rookery Road and Supply River church. The total ride will be about 53km and although there are a few hills on the way it will be achievable by all the club's regular riders. It should be fun!

Depending on the tide, it may be a downriver trip from Forth, exploring the estuary and finishing at Turners Beach or we may start at Turners Beach and explore upriver as far as we can. Contact me before registering if you need to borrow a kayak.

We will meet at the Aquatic Point at Lake Trevallyn ready for a 9:30am departure. Our walk will take us along the Aquatic Point Track to the Trevallyn Dam and then along the South Esk Track to the Hoo Hoo Hut area, where we will have a morning tea break, and then return the same way. The return walk is 6.2km on an undulating and sometimes rocky track. I look forward to your company on the walk.

A short day walk in the Narawntapu National Park, we will follow the trail to the summit of the Knob at 120m high where there are great views over Bass Strait. We will descend to the beach where we will have lunch, then do the 4km approximate beach walk back to the car park. The coast is mild at this time of year but bring jumpers and windproofs just in case as well as plenty of water and a packed lunch.

Bruny Island is an amazing 64km long island south of Hobart. It is accessed via a ferry from Kettering which will accommodate the LWC bus. We will leave Launceston on Friday night and drive down to Kettering and camp near the ferry terminal. We will take the first ferry on Saturday morning across to the North
Island. Once on the Island, our itinerary will include a visit to the classic cheese factory and the honey shop. Walks include Cape Queen Elizabeth (3 hours), Fluted Cape (2.5 hours), Mt Mangana (1.5 hours), and a 5-hour day walking the circuit of the Labillardiere Peninsula on Sunday. Further details will come out closer to the trip. The chance for the odd coffee will be on the agenda too. Our camping on the Island will include the Neck and potentially Adventure Bay Caravan Park if the weather is looking a little interesting. Please come prepared for some great day walks, all weather, goodies for gourmet camping, and a sense of adventure. I look forward to your company and exploring this beautiful Island. For those who came to Bruny with me a number of years ago, please be assured that I will not be cooking a lamb roast on the Saturday night, all catering will be independent!!

A long weekend in winter is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Cooks Beach without the crowds. This time of year is usually sunny with no wind and much milder than the mountains.

On the Saturday we will drive down to the start of the walking track and make our way to Cooks Beach via Hazards Beach. This will take 4 to 5 hours depending on whether anyone wants a swim. Once at Cooks Beach we will set up camp and enjoy wandering round the beach. Although it will be dark early we should be able to enjoy dinner outside - just remember to bring warm clothes and your puffer jacket. I am not sure what the moon will be doing but walking along Cooks Beach in the dark is always a lovely way to finish the day.

Sunday will see us head off to Bryans Beach. There will be plenty of time to explore and swim at the beach. We will continue around to Passage Beach which is a lovely little beach. For those that want to there will be the opportunity to continue along the coast over the rocks to Passage Rock where we will have great views of Schouten Island before retracing our steps to camp and enjoying a second relaxing evening.

On Monday we will pack up and return to the carpark via the Isthmus Track and Wineglass Beach and Lookout. This should be a very relaxing weekend but please remember to bring all your warm gear. 

This is a practical "hands on" training event to teach the key aspects of land navigation using a map and compass. Subjects covered in training will be as follows:

• The differences between True North, Grid North and Magnetic North.
• Grid references, grid lines and map interpretation, including map scale and reading contours.
• Orientating a map to the ground with and without a compass.
• Taking a bearing from a map (grid bearing).
• Converting a grid bearing to a magnetic bearing.
• Estimating/measuring distance to an objective.
• Moving on a bearing to a selected objective, using the principle of "aiming off".
• Counting paces and estimating movement time in open country and close country.

The basic theory will be covered in the first hour at the Apex Hut. We will then spend 3-4 hours moving on a compass bearing from point to point, reading the ground and estimating distance. As members gain confidence with using a compass, they may wish to break into groups of two or individually and navigate on their own route back to a finish point.

Equipment: Bring a daypack, chair or stool, notebook and pencil and an adjustable dial compass (sometimes called a baseplate compass - examples include such brands as Silva and Suunto). Maps will be provided. A number of club compasses will be available to use if you do not have a compass for this training.

Transport: Own vehicle to Apex Hut, Lake Trevallyn Road, Trevallyn Nature Recreation Reserve.

This event would be useful for Prospective and New Members. All Members are welcome. At the end of this training, you will have the basic knowledge to continue developing your navigation skills by map reading (reading the ground) while participating in club walks. This event will finish at or about 3 pm.

I’ve taken multiple trips from Low Head to Beechford and from Lulworth to Weymouth but never the 16 km gap in between, so this is an opportunity to rectify this. The direction we take will most likely depend on the prevailing wind. From Beechford there’s a long beach to a short rocky headland that we will walk around to the hidden Maitland Bay with its beach. Then it’s a combination of rock and sand around Stony Head and then Black Point Rock before we enter Tam O’Shanter Bay and arrive at Lulworth. To really enjoy this walk you’ll want to be comfortable traversing coastal rock forms. The reward: a day out with a difference.

Low tides on 7/6/2026: Beechford - 10:11 am, Lulworth: 10:09 am.

This long-weekend holiday day walk will be a through-trip from Cramps Bay, on the eastern side of the Great Lake, to Tods Corner, on its south-eastern corner. Most of the walking will be on an old disused 4wd track but there will be sections where we have to walk along the edge of the lake, where there may be quite a few rocks to negotiate. The bus will come around and meet us at the end of the walk.

Most of the walk is very flat and at lake level so that should suit most members who may wish to attend. However, remember that this is up on the Central Plateau and in winter, so warm and waterproof clothing is essential. Contact the coordinator if you require advice on what to bring.

Planning with Parks TBC, Western Bluff.

We will travel to New Norfolk on Saturday and explore the Derwent River above and below New Norfolk. On Saturday night we will stay at Base Camp Tasmania either @ $45 per person in the bunk house or $15 per person in your tent. Our Club has stayed there before and it is a quiet bushland setting with showers and a great communal camp kitchen. On Sunday we will paddle from Sandy Bay Beach to near MONA. Numbers are limited to ten in the bunkhouse. Registration approval will occur when you pay for your bunkhouse accommodation.

This is a close-to-home walk connecting some of our local delights into a day walk. We'll start close into The Gorge on the Trevallyn side, making our way to Kings Bridge and then via the Zig Zag track to the First Basin and onto Duck Reach (and the ruins of the hydroelectricity station). Then it's up all the stairs and through the beautiful sheoak forest towards the Trevallyn Dam. This will be a great spot with a view for lunch. After lunch we make our way back towards the First Basin, passing many of the area's mountain biking tracks.

This track is about 14km and includes about 400m elevation for the day. We'll be walking on a well-defined path, uneven gravel and beside the road.

Bring morning tea and lunch, and appropriate walking gear for the weather on the day.

Map: Getting Around the Gorge

Our Coordinator Training Day is to be held at Newstead College on Sunday 14th June from 9-3pm. This day will be facilitated by experienced LWC coordinators and will cover the skills and resources needed to become a Coordinator for our great club. Further details will be provided closer to the time. We look forward to a good day of learning. 

Lees Paddocks is a historical grazing area located alongside the Mersey River, with access from the Mersey Forest Road. We commence our walk on a foot bridge spanning the Mersey River to Pine Hut Plain. The walking track meanders through rainforest and small plains and crosses two small creeks before emerging onto an extensive plain in the Upper Mersey River Valley. The bridge enables us to cross Wurragarra Creek before reaching Lees Hut. The view up to Bishops Peak and Cathedral Mountain is magnificent and well worth the walk into the Paddocks. Our return walk is 14km and will take around six hours, with the opportunity to visit Lewis Falls and Oxley Falls, which are located off the track on the Mersey River. There is a limit of eight walkers per group allowed into Lees Paddocks, and permission has been granted to access the Paddocks. However, we have been requested not to have any social media posts of the walk.

Climbing Wulinantikala / Cradle Mountain in winter is usually an unforgettable experience. We will need to be prepared for cold weather and slippery rocks near the summit. Some may choose to come and avoid the final rocky scramble. It will be an early start. Expect about 3-4 hours up and 2-3 hours back with us taking 5-7 hours to complete our mission.

Meander Falls is a classic and a fairly easy day in the forest, walking up and down the river. We start at the Meander Falls carpark and walk upstream, the track is easy to follow but does go uphill quite a bit and has a lot of twisty roots and rocks. Hopefully there will still be lots of fungi at this time of year. Bring all your warm and wet weather gear but we should be sheltered in the forest. Expect 4-6 hours duration depending on photos, breaks etc. A good day for new members.

The Old Pub Road is located at Gipps Creek and was the original route between Deddington and Mathinna. Used by early landholders and later by the miners exploring and seeking their fortunes. We will walk a short circuit today past many old tin mining sites and building sites. We utilise old aqueducts, an open ridge top and the road itself to cover about 7 kilometres. Fingers crossed the waterfalls may be flowing. 

We will start from Scottsdale and ride the Rail Trail to Legerwood for lunch. Then it will be a short road ride to Branxholm. Expect about 40 km of leisurely riding.

The winter solstice is a time to celebrate the shortest day of the year and I cannot think of a better manner to do this than a Solstice Walk in the Gorge followed by a Swim in the First Basin!  We have made this a regular annual event now and have quite a following. We will meet at the First Basin carpark on the West Launceston side of the Gorge at 6pm. We will enjoy a walk up to the Duck Reach Power Station, then back across the suspension bridge, up to Kings Bridge, then back to the First Basin for some supper. After supper and some Fireball to warm us up from the inside the swimmers will get changed into their swimmers, then time for the plunge! After the swim we all don our warm gear and swiftly return to the warmth of our cars. This is an experience you will not forget and I am looking forward to your company.

Map: Getting Around the Gorge

On this Overland Track winter experience, we will walk north to south, over six nights, seven days. After arriving at Cradle Mountain, we will catch the bus from the Visitors Centre to Ronny Creek ($15.00 each or $45.00 annual bus pass). Day one walk covers a distance of 10.7km via Crater Lake, Marions Lookout and across the alpine plains, with our first night at Waterfall Valley; a total of 4-6 hours walking. Day two we will walk the 7.8km to Windermere Hut, with the chance of a side trip to Lake Will and later a wander around Lake Windermere. The next day our walk takes us to New Pelion Hut covering a distance of 16.8km over 5-7 hours. Along the way we will walk across Pine Forest Moor, view the Forth Valley lookout, cross the Forth River (lowest point on the Overland Track at 730m above sea level), before arriving at New Pelion Hut. Day four sees us walking to Kia Ora Hut with a potential side trip to Mt Doris, Mt Ossa or Mt Pelion East. The walk without side trips is 8.6km and takes 3-4 hours. The following day we follow the track to Windy Ridge, overnighting at the Bert Nichols Hut, a distance of 9.6km, taking 3.5-4.5 hours without side trips. We will have the opportunity to visit D'Alton and Ferguson Falls and then Hartnett Falls further along the track. On day six our walk takes us to our overnight stay at Narcissus Hut, a distance of 9km over 3-4 hours. On day seven, our final day, we will walk around Lake St Clair, lunching at Echo Point, before reaching our final destination of Cynthia Bay, a distance of 17.5km over 5-6 hours. Alternatively, we can skip staying at Narcissus and camp at Echo Point Hut, making a shorter day out to Cynthia Bay. The ferry does not generally operate in June, hence the walk around the shores of Lake St Clair. I will register our trip with Parks, via the booking system, as soon as it opens. I am hoping we will have the LWC bus to transport us to Cradle Mountain on the Wednesday and to pick us up at Cynthia Bay, Lake St Clair the following Tuesday. Be prepared for cold and potentially wet or snowy weather and short days. Registrations open on 1st May. Join me for an adventure.

Mount Henry and Leipzig Bluff are located east of Royal George. We will be walking mostly off-track as we complete this walk. Interesting peaks and well worth the climb and a good workout.

The plan is to paddle from Musselroe Bay to Deep Creek or Larapuna / Eddystone or the other way around if the weather is favourable and vehicle base camp at Deep Creek. The second day will be an explore of Ansons Bay, most probably from the weir, down the river and across the bay to Policemans Point.

The Asbestos Range is the most northerly feature in the Briggs Regional Reserve. Departing from a start point on Bowens Road we will follow a fire trail then cross country through a mixture of scrub and open forest onto the southern end of the range before heading north along the ridge to the highest point. From this location we will follow fire trails back to our start point. There will not be many views, but it should be a good bushwalk on a winter's day. The distance will be roughly 12 km and will take roughly six hours.

This is a classic ride. We will start at the Cressy Bakery and finish at the Ross Bakeries. It is mostly sealed road with a gravel section a few kilometres before Ross. Expect about 55-60 kilometres of leisurely riding through mostly scenic farmland.

Join me on this walk to enjoy stunning scenery, excellent waterfalls, magnificent cliff overhangs and small caves all in the rainforest. We will use the Stone Hut Track as well as exploring off-track so expect some steep climbs and scrambles.

Bastion Cascades is a series of waterfalls and cascades that flow along Bastion Creek in the Meander State Forest Reserve. The creek flows between magnificent cliffs providing spectacular views throughout the walk. There is a fair bit of uphill on marked tracks to get to the falls, but it is well worth the effort.

This trip will be an adventure into Bass Strait either starting at Penguin and finishing at Ulverstone or the opposite depending on the wind. It will be a leisurely paddle exploring the coastline of Three Sisters and Goat Islands. We will have a couple of beach stops on the way. Expect about 12-15 km distance.

Andersons Creek, at the western side of Beaconsfield, is a part of Tasmanian history. A place of the first discovery of iron ore and asbestos in Australia as well as being the first place in Tasmania where dynamite was used. It was also an area where yellow ochre was found (An Iron Will by Simon Burch).

We will start from a point on Tattersalls Road and follow various tracks as well as a little cross country movement to see an ochre pit, walk over the Ironstone Hills and finish at an old mine site near Mount Vulcan. A good walk through, mostly open, low land forest and along fire trails. Total distance 10-12 km and suitable for new members.

Join me for a walk in the fantastic Cataract Gorge, right on the doorstep of central Launceston. Meet at the Alexandra Suspension Bridge on the pool side of the First Basin for a 9:30am start. Be prepared for steps and some uneven ground. Bring a drink and check the weather forecast prior to the walk. We will have morning tea at the First Basin Cafe at the conclusion of the walk.

Map: Getting Around the Gorge

This is a moderately easy walk, following a track through coastal heathlands from Badger Head to Copper Cove where we will have lunch on the beach before returning the same way. There are great views out over Bass Strait most of the way and the weather is usually mild here in mid-winter.

Located on the edge of the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Nescient Peak lies close enough to the Lake Myrtle Track to make for an interesting day walk during the shorter winter days. The Abels book describes it as a "moderately adventurous target for walkers", though the walk to the summit and back is quite straight-forward. From the car park off Mersey Forest Road, the well-marked Lake Myrtle Track initially climbs steeply through eucalypt forest before emerging onto Blizzard Plain. From there, cairns will lead us to the summit. If we are lucky, there may be some snow cover on the higher elevations of this walk. The walk is graded as 4 mainly due to expected winter conditions, otherwise it is a grade 3 walk in summer. The walk involves round 550m of elevation gain (and descent) and most of the walking is either on good steepish track or pad in open bush. 

We will vehicle base camp at Lime Bay with hopefully three days of exploring the water ways of Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula. Expect about 12-15 km of leisurely paddling each day. Some may like to only participate for the Saturday and Sunday or any other combination.

This trip to a beautiful part of the East Coast will be 4 days of exploring Maria Island with an emphasis on walking in the southern part of the island. Travelling by ferry to the Darlington township in the north, our group will walk or bike ride to Chinamans Bay camp on the southern end of the northern peninsular and climb some nearby hills, riding and swimming if the weather is fine. More details will be provided as we get closer to the event. We may book our last night in the penitentiary accommodation back in Darlington if there is interest in this. It should be a very pleasant mid-week trip in any case.

LWC Monthly Meeting with a presenter and trip reviews.

Supper at 7pm for the cost of a copper coin.

The Quoin is a distinctive square feature roughly 30 km east of Ross and is set in the catchment of the Macquarie River. The feature is surrounded on all sides by slopes 200-300 m high. At the southeastern corner of the feature the Quoin Cliffs dominate the surrounding area. We will leave our transport on the side of Honeysuckle Road and venture onto this conservation property now controlled by the Wedgetail Foundation, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of Tasmanian flora and fauna. On climbing the slopes, we will arrive on a plateau of grassy woodland with a forest of mainly white and black peppermints. We will complete a 10 km circuit walk of the feature, stopping at the Quoin Cliffs along the way. This will be a walk of roughly 4-5 hours and would be suitable for beginner walkers.

Coles Bay is a great place to explore by kayak. Expect about 12-15 km of leisurely paddling. Some may choose to vehicle base camp at River and Rocks Road on Saturday night for the bike ride on the Sunday. Please contact me before registering if you need to borrow a kayak.

Mt Arthur is a nice short local mountain, also an Abel with a height of 1187m. We'll start from the Mountain Road side which starts lower through forest. There is a fairly good track up, but it is steep and it can be slippery on the rocks in cold, winter conditions. There is also a bit of overgrown vegetation on the track up top which can be wet and a short "off-track" section to the actual big summit cairn. So please bring gear for exposed winter conditions even if this is a nearby destination. We can race up and down in 3 hours or take it more leisurely: up to 6 hours depending on who's interested in coming along and the mood of the group.

The purpose of this adventure is to explore some of the fire trails in the Freycinet National Park. This trip will suit mountain or hybrid bikes. We will ride to Friendly Beaches and explore some old mine workings and may even venture to Bluestone Bay, White Water Wall and Cape Tourville. Expect about 25-30 km of gravel riding. Please note that this is NOT a bus-supported trip.

This is a two-day base camp, staying overnight at our shack at Swansea. The idea is to visit up to six Central East Poimenas over the two days.
The Poimenas are a collection of day walks to amenable hills and knolls throughout Tasmania as described and published by Bill Wilkinson. The Central East Poimenas are contained in The Poimenas Part A Groups 1 to 5. 
On the way to Swansea, we will have the chance to walk up Hobgoblin at a height of 769m, a walking distance of 6.6km return and an ascent of 170 metres. Our next destination will be Snow Hill at a height of 971m, a walking distance of 700m return and an ascent of 40 m. Our third Poimena for the day, depending on how long it takes to walk the previous two Poimenas and travel time, will be Bald Ridge at 651m, a walking distance of 1.86km return and an ascent of 90m.
At Swansea we have two spare bedrooms and plenty of grassed area and a garage for tents.
The remaining three Poimenas are Roundhead at a height of 560m, a walking distance of 2.8km return and an ascent of 160m, Moaners Tier at 742m, a walking distance of 2.8km return and an ascent of 140m, and Breasted Sugarloaf at 640m, a walking distance of 520m return and an ascent of 60m.
I have not explored any of these Poimenas and am keen to share the exploration with club members. There is a distinct possibility of exploring only some of the six Poimenas.
Bring along something for the barbecue and a salad or sweet to share. I look forward to your company.

This is an interesting combination walk. We start from the Mersey River at East Devonport and follow the 3 km Heritage Walking Track around Frederick Head to Pardoe Beach. Here we pick up the 3 km John Palmer Track around the perimeter of the Devonport Airport to Pardoe Point. Now we’re back on the Heritage Walking Track for a further 2.5 km along Moorland Beach to Moorland Point. Finally we’re on our own – following the 7.5 km long Northdown Beach to Eagles Lookout and then onto Point Sorell. Some rock-hopping will take us around the point with views to the Carbuncle rock and then to Hawley Beach. With a total distance of 22 km this walk should help to keep you warm on a winter’s day.

Low tide on 25/07/2026: Northdown Beach & Point Sorell - 2.00 pm.

Our Prospective Members / New Members Day is a great opportunity to learn more about the LWC. Held at Newstead College the day will run from 9am-4pm. Topics covered include clothing to wear, packing techniques, map reading, compass use, navigation, how the LWC operates, dealing with challenging situations and an opportunity to review the day. Run by experienced LWC members the day will be enjoyable and educational and help to enrich your experience as an LWC member. Please wear robust shoes, pack your lunch, snacks, a drink, raincoat, pen and paper and enthusiasm. More detailed information will be sent out close to the event.

The plan is to walk from Carr Villa to the Plains of Heaven and find some snow to try out snowshoes, use a snow shovel and build a snow shelter. There may even be enough snow to try some XC skiing.

LWC 2026 AGM

As all positions are declared vacant, the Committee welcomes and encourages all our members to participate in our club Annual General Meeting.

For our club to continue to be successful in providing club activities, safe transport, social events, a safe environmental footprint, IT support, historical legacy, encouraging and supporting new coordinators, we need you, a club Member, to become actively involved on the Committee and sub-committees. 

This AGM will require multiple nominations as several familiar faces who have volunteered for numerous years will be stepping aside to allow a new and fresh Committee to implement new ideas. 

With the support of your fellow Committee Members, can you volunteer your time for 12 months? 

Please contact any of our existing Committee to discuss what the role description entails in the role that you would like to be nominated.