LWC Events Program

Some Club members requested this adventure after our recent Ulverstone to Penguin Trip. We will be paddling in Bass Strait so this trip is not for beginners. Expect about 15 km of leisurely paddling. We will have a stop at Turners Beach. Remember to contact the coordinator before registering if you need to borrow a kayak.

We will drive to Fortescue Bay on Thursday morning (Launceston Show Public Holiday) for our three-day backpacking and one day walk trip on the Tasman Peninsula. From Fortescue Bay we will be walking along the original Cape Pillar Track. From this track we will turn off and walk along the old Arthurs Peak Track in a south-westerly direction around Crescent Mountain, across some marshland and button grass and up onto Arthurs Peak. We will continue along the very well made Three Capes Track to our camp site for two nights at Bare Knoll. On Friday we will day walk out to Cape Pillar, again on a well-made track. We will view Tasman Island and Cape Raoul from the Chasm Lookout and the Blade. Retracing our steps, we will return to our camp site at Bare Knoll. On Saturday we will walk up to Mt Fortescue on the Three Capes Track back to Fortescue Bay, with a possible side trip to Cape Huay. On Saturday night we will camp at the Port Arthur Caravan Park for the night. On Sunday we will travel to the Cape Raoul carpark and commence our 5-hour return, 14km walk to this magnificent cape. Note there are steep sections of track, but the views are well worth the effort. Please join me for these fantastic walks over four days on the Tasman Peninsular.

This is quite a spectacular little gorge near Mole Creek that is rarely visited. It is a through walk of about 2.5 hrs but is highly dependent on our bus driver doing a drop off at one end and a pick up at the other end. It is rough and rocky in places and requires some scrambling, but has some great waterfall features and grand old myrtles. If time permits, we can visit Alum Cliffs as well. A worthwhile adventure and not too far from home.

The plan is to bus base camp and explore our southern-most bays over three days. Bring some luxuries. This will be popular and spaces are limited so get in early.

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

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.

This trip was original scheduled for last autumn but was called off due to a forecast of wet weather – which never eventuated! We’ll have another go but as was the case last time the trip won’t go ahead on the scheduled date if the forecast is for rain – because the risk of walking steeply on wet granite is not a risk worth taking.

This will be a rare opportunity to explore Goat Island as it can only be accessed at low tide. It will be low tide at 10.00am, so we will start there, then follow the shoreline paths and beach to Ulverstone wharf area, have lunch then continue along to Buttons Beach to the east. Grippy low hiker shoes for the rock hopping along with plenty of water recommended and a light day pack. Lunch and spare clothing can be carried on the bus. It will be a leisurely day of coastal walking, finishing with a coffee or icecream at Turners Beach.

The aim of this trip is to locate Nuttings Cross, a memorial to stockman Bill Nutting, who went missing and died at that site in July 1927. It's at a spot about 1.5 km east of (the incorrectly named) Lake Nutting in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Bill's remains weren’t discovered until November of that year, by George Ritter, son of the farmer Charles, who created the nearby route that bears his name: Ritters Track, in about 1913. And to add to the historical intrigue, one of the two people that carried and erected the cross in 1986 was Reg Dixon, the builder of Dixons Kingdom Hut.

We’ll be walking in via the Little Fisher River valley, visiting Rinadena Falls along the way and ascending to Long Tarns on the plateau. From the southern end of the tarns we’ll head further south and off-track (more navigation practice opportunities 😉) to the memorial site and possibly also look for some of the remaining Ritters Track cairns. Camping will probably be at Long Tarns, Lake Nutting or Daisy Lakes – depending on our progress. On the Sunday a visit to Mersey Crag might be in order. Come along for an adventure with a difference and to learn more of the stories of Bill, George, Charles and Reg.

Mt Saddleback lies to the north-west of Mathinna and offers good ‘bang for buck’ in terms of the views you get from its summit versus the amount of effort required to get there. It has huge cairn at the top and from this point you can appreciate the Ben Lomond plateau and escarpment, along with many of the peaks in the Fingal Valley.

Reaching the top involves a fair bit of rock negotiation on the way up the gullies on the mountain’s eastern flank, but eventually we reach a flat mountain top and follow that to the western side. All in all, the walk is only moderately challenging and well worth the day out.

Join us for a full day to commute south to Lake St Clair, utilising a full bus of hikers. We will split into two groups as per the event you have registered for.

Mt Rufus is a Grade 4 - 19km - approx. 7 hr day hike. On a clear day this mountain has stunning views of surrounding peaks and of course, a historical Sprent Cairn.

Recent track work completed by PWS and volunteers make this track very enjoyable; there is no exposed rock face to negotiate.  

Glorious open plateau, no scrub to negotiate, however you will be exposed to the elements.

Gear: All participants must have full wet weather gear inclusive of a Gortex-style jacket. Please refer to the LWC Gear Checklist if you do not have a hard copy.

Toileting: There are public toilets available at Lake St Clair. There are no other toilets on this track. I strongly recommend following Leave No Trace Principles and bringing your Poo Pot or suitable container to bring home your waste matter. 

Stats: Approx. 17km, approx. 770 in elevation gain, allowing 7hrs, a medium paced day.

Join us for a great day hike with an early commute south to Lake St Clair, utilising a full bus of hikers. We will split into two groups as per the event you have registered for.

Shadow Lake Circuit is a Grade 2 day hike suitable for all members. A perfect hike to enjoy putting the boots on and an easy track often with boardwalk, myrtle forest and stunning eucalypts. Our plan will be to enjoy lunch at Shadow Lake then walk around the lake a little further to Forgotten Lake if time permits.

This will be relaxed paced day hike allowing 5-6 hrs to ensure we are back at the bus before our Mt Rufus group.

Gear: All participants must have full wet weather gear inclusive of a Gortex-style jacket. Please refer to the LWC Gear Checklist if you do not have a hard copy.                          

Toileting: There are public toilets available at Lake St Clair. There are no other toilets on this track. I strongly recommend following Leave No Trace Principles and bringing your Poo Pot or suitable container to bring home your waste matter. 

Stats: Approx.14km – 470 m elevation gain – all easy track and boardwalk.

The plan is to ride from Scottsdale to Derby. We will initially ride to North Scottsdale and then head towards Branxholm on gravel roads. There will be the option to detour to Konewongener - Mt Horror.

The final section from Branxholm to Derby will be on the single track.

Expect about 50 km of leisurely riding, mostly on gravel roads.

This is a chance to have a mid week beach adventure in our Northeast. It will depend on the wind direction on the day as to whether we walk from east to west or in the opposite direction. Expect about 12-14 km of leisurely walking. There will be an opportunity to have a swim for those interested..

2026 George Perrin Photographic Competition opens today.

Competition rules and prizes

Please bring your USB to tonight's club meeting or email to karenprince@launcestonwalkingclub.org.au

This is a bike base-camping weekend with a difference because we will be staying overnight at a house in Rosebery that is owned by a club member. The first in to register will most likely get to sleep in a bed, and the next few can sleep indoors on the floor with the help of an air mattress. Late registrants may have to bring a tent or vehicle to sleep in.

Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of food and drink to help make this a great social event as well as a great ride.

Our first day’s riding will begin at the start of the Montezuma Falls Track and head west to emerge on to the Murchison Highway just near Melba Flats. If there is time, we may continue on into Zeehan. There is some superb forest in the Montezuma Falls area and it is a very attractive ride, to say nothing of the fact that the falls themselves are spectacular. Be aware, however, that upon reaching the falls, riders will be required to wheel their bikes across the swing-bridge just downstream. This may seem daunting to some, but plenty of help will be available and this is something we have achieved successfully in the past.

The remainder of the riding for the weekend will be determined closer to the event, but will definitely include a journey through the Spray Tunnel just near Zeehan (so bring your bike headlamps!).

Please note that a mountain bike is very strongly recommended for this trip, or at the very least a sturdy hybrid. Some of the riding may be a bit rough in places.

Please note that the bus for this trip will depart at 3pm on the Friday, so if you are one of the working fraternity you will need to take Friday afternoon off or travel down separately.

This is a 3-day trip conducted over a weekend. We will leave Launceston at 6pm on the Friday night and drive to the start of the Arm River Track. With head torches we will walk into Pelion Hut via the Arm River Track and set up camp at the Hut. Saturday morning with day packs we will be away by about 8.30am and walk up to Pelion Gap and hike up the summit of Mt Ossa, 1617m, the highest mountain in Tasmania. After enjoying the views we will hike back down to Pelion Gap and then hike up to Pelion East at 1461m. We will then return to the Hut for a social evening. Sunday morning we will pack up and retrace our steps in the light on the Arm River Track to the Mt Pillinger turn off. We will enjoy the hike up Mt Pillinger, 1270m, and enjoy the Lees Paddocks views. We will then walk out. This is a full programme for those with backpacking experience. I look forward to a fun weekend and that evening/night walk is one of my favourites.

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.

This is always a smashing way to get some of the closer highlights of Cradle Mountain in a day walk - plus you get to do the start of the Overland Track (with the joy of only carrying a day pack).

The plan is to start at Ronny Creek and proceed to do a clockwise circuit of Crater Lake, including visiting Crater Peak along the way.

We'll park the bus at the Visitor Centre car park, and take the shuttle bus from the visitor centre to Ronny Creek to the start of the walk.

Please note that we all will have to have a current National Parks pass with us (or purchase one on the day) and need to purchase a shuttle bus ticket (cost $15.00) unless you have a current Cradle Mountain shuttle bus annual pass.

After departing from Ronny Creek along the board walk to Crater Lake, the track proceeds up and over Marions Lookout following the first section of day 1 of the Overland Track towards Kitchen Hut. Please note there is an elevation of approximately 300m up to Marions Lookout, including climbing up a short steep rocky section assisted by chains. We then proceed towards Kitchen Hut and take the turnoff to complete the circuit by returning down the Horse Track to Ronny Creek, after enjoying the view from Crater Peak along the way. Depending on time and conditions, we may pop up to Kitchen Hut.

There are some exposed sections on this walk, and being in an alpine environment please bring appropriate gear ie rain jacket, layers etc since the weather can be unpredictable and can change at short notice.

There are toilets at the Cradle Mt Visitor Centre as well as an opportunity to fill your water bottles/bladders. Please ensure that you carry sufficient water for the day since there are very limited opportunities to fill up on the track.   

The walk is likely to take approximately 5-6 hours including any breaks. 

This adventure is mostly on gravel roads with more downhill sections than uphill. We will have morning tea at Waddamana and check out the Power Station Museum. The uphill section out of the village will be on the bus. The last part to Bothwell will be on the sealed Highlands Lake Road. Expect about 60 kilometres of leisurely riding with bus support.

The plan is to walk up the Truganni and Face Tracks and have lunch on the summit of Little Horn. We will  then complete the clockwise circuit by descending to Lake Wilks, Ballroom Forest and Boatshed.This  is a classic walk, rated an easy Grade 4 . It is about 20 minutes from the Face Track to the summit. Some may like to join this adventure and not go up to the summit.We will be able to take our Club bus to Romney Creek carpark.

Join me for a walk in the Punchbowl Reserve and surrounding area. We will meet in the Punchbowl Reserve carpark for a 9:30am start. This is a lovely area to explore. Bring a drink and morning tea to eat along the way.

Join us for a full day to commute south to Collinsvale, utilising a full bus of hikers. We will split into two groups as per the event you have registered for.

This event is a Grade 3 – due to distance of 16km.

An opportunity for those keen to hike an Abel, endurance is needed for the 16km day hike. From the carpark it’s an open track to Myrtle Forest Falls, then walking up the East West Trail, to a fire trail. The Mt Marian Track does have some easy solid boulders close to the summit to step up and over but nothing near a sheer cliff. The hike will have a total ascent of 780m and plenty of photo options to catch your breath! Fingers crossed for a clear sky for spectacular views of Trestle Mt, Collins Cap and other peaks of Wellington Range. 

A great hike for new and prospective members. 

Gear:  All participants must have full wet weather gear inclusive of a Gortex-style jacket. Please refer to the LWC Gear Checklist if you do not have a hard copy. 

Toileting: There is a public toilet with one cubicle, 1km from the carpark. There are no other toilets on this track. I strongly recommend following Leave No Trace Principles and bringing your Poo Pot or suitable container to bring home your waste matter. 

Stats: Approx.16km, approx. 780 in elevation, allowing 6hrs, a comfortable paced day.

Please call me if you have any additional questions. 

Karen 

Join us for a full day to commute south to Collinsvale, utilising a full bus of hikers. We will spilt into two groups as per the event you have registered for.

This event is a Grade 4 due to rock scree.

This being the harder of the Wellington Range day trips, this option will have us continuing on past Myrtle Forest Falls Track onto Collins Bonnet Track. Meeting up with East West Trail until the sign for Trestle Mtn.

Trestle Mtn is an Abel involving some negotiating around/up and over mid-size boulders, approx.11km total trip. Being a small group, weather and time permitting, retracing our steps back we may have time for a Collins Bonnet summit. This is a short and sharp track up to the summit, and yes there are rocks to tackle. The coordinator will decide on the day.

Gear:  All participants must have full wet weather gear inclusive of a Gortex-style jacket. Please refer to the LWC Gear Checklist if you do not have a hard copy. 

Toileting: There is a public toilet with one cubicle 1km from the carpark. There are no other toilets on this track. I strongly recommend following Leave No Trace Principles and bringing your Poo Pot or suitable container to bring home your waste matter. 

Stats: Approx. 11km, approx. 740 in elevation gain, allowing 6hrs, a comfortable paced day. * This is not inclusive of Collins Bonnet stats.

Please contact the coordinator if you have any questions or concerns. 

This has been rescheduled from March and will now be a 3-day walk to allow us to have a whole day on the plateau.

We will take the 9 am ferry from Lake St Clair to Narcissus (please note the current fare is $60 each way and needs to be booked by participants via the Lake St Clair ferry booking page - https://lakestclairlodge.com.au/lake-st-clair-ferry-service/). For those who wish there is the option to go down the previous day and walk into Narcissus Hut and meet us off the ferry on Saturday morning and to walk out on the Monday if you wish. 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 for 2 nights. From here we will explore the nearby lakes and climb The Gatepost.  Depending on the group and the weather we will have several options for our time on the plateau.

We will have Monday 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.

Participation will be set at pending until ferry booking is made. Please advise me once you have booked your ferry or if you are planning to walk so I can adjust your status. Please note that if someone registers later than you but book their ferry before you they will have their status upgraded first.

This should be a lovely relaxing weekend with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a dip. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

The Pieman is a beautiful deep river flowing through thickly forested hills which drop right to the water's edge. On a still day the reflections are magnificent. The Pieman River forms the southern border of the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area. It's 6 years since the club's last trip here, so time to return!

We will travel in private cars and meet at the Corinna boat ramp at 10 am and proceed to prepare kayaks for launching. We'll have an early lunch before launching. Depending on the tide there are few if any landing spots to get ashore during the paddle. We may be doing 15 of the total 19kms without stretching the legs. Strong westerlies funnel up the river valley in the afternoon so the last few kilometres may be a bit choppy and windy if the wind is up.

At the Pieman Heads there is a shack village, but we will pass this to camp at the small Parks and Wildlife campsite just behind the dunes for both nights. It is rough ground and the only facility is a toilet. Numbers have to be restricted to available ground for tents, so the limit will be 8 tents, but there can be more paddlers if there are double kayaks or people share tents.  The site cannot be booked - it's pot luck! There is no fresh water source, so we will carry all our water for the weekend from Corinna. Being a long weekend the shackies will be in residence, possibly some vehicle noise etc. It's not wilderness!

Sunday will be an easy day walk to the nearby spectacular Conical Rocks to the south. On Monday we will pack up early for the return paddle. If time allows we can explore the Donaldson River or Savage River on our way back. The aim is to be back at Corinna around 4pm.

Please refer to the K2 packing lists for required kayaking and safety equipment and the kayaking guide on the website. Participants should be able to transport their kayaks on their own vehicle or with a friend. I will be doing my travel on Friday afternoon and camping at Corinna that night. You are welcome to join me. This should be a great relaxed trip so book in early for this adventure!

Mt Weld is an Abel surrounded by several well-known peaks including Mt Anne, Snowy South and Mt Picton. The plan involves driving early from Launceston to the start of the track and then hiking to a campsite just below the summit. We will aim to leave Launceston by 05:00am on Saturday as we have to drive a long distance to the starting point around 36km past Judbury. We then have a walk of around 7hrs to the campsite. After pitching our tents near an unnamed tarn below the peak, we may either aim for the summit in late afternoon or in the morning next day before returning to our cars and Launceston on Sunday. Please note that the coordinators haven't done this walk before. Please also come prepared for cutting grass and scrub. The final ascent involves some scrambling over boulders.

Ritters Plain is located to the west of Lake Mackenzie. It has a Poimema on it and we will visit this as we complete a circuit around the cliff edge of Devils Gullet, southern side. Fantastic views and an area not often visited but well worth the trip. If time permits we can visit Parsons Falls on the way out, hopefully the Fisher River has plenty of water in it.

The weather has thwarted us in the past so hopefully we will get to paddle this adventure. The wind will dictate whether we start at Reynolds Neck and finish at Breona or do it in the opposite direction.

Expect about 15 kilometres of leisurely paddling.

A previous attempt at Mt Dromedary in late 2025 saw us fail to reach the summit of Mt Dromedary, not least because a misfiring bus (at the time) saw us start the walk far too late. As a result, we’re going to have another attempt, but this time we’ll make it a base-camping trip to allow us plenty of time to complete our objectives.

The plan this time, rather than walking from Black Hills like we did last time, is to get a key from Sustainable Timber and begin our walk much closer to the Dromedary summit. This should allow us enough time to climb Dromedary and also visit the summit of Platform Peak on the same day. On the Sunday, we will visit Collins Cap and then cross the river to Risdon Vale and do the short stroll up Mt Direction. All four peaks are Poimenas and all offer superb views of the Derwent and the area to the north of Hobart.

Registrations will open two months before the trip so appropriate arrangements can be made for accommodation. Hopefully, we will be able to stay at Base Camp Tasmania (either @ $45 per person in the bunk house or $15 per person in your tent) - a quiet bushland setting with showers and a great communal camp kitchen - but this will depend on availability and numbers.

This event will be on about half gravel and half sealed roads. Expect about 50 km of undulating riding with spectacular views. From Bothwell to Hamilton there are a couple of hills that we will avoid on the bus.Register early as this will be a popular ride.

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

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

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

Finish at the lake... it may be warm enough for a refreshing swim at the beach!

Mt Tor is just an Abel in terms of height at 1110+ m but it is certainly a good challenge and is linked to the Black Bluff Range. The walk starts 13.5km from the Leven Canyon turnoff. It is best to bring river shoes with you as from the outset there is water to be encountered. The Dempster Creek is crossed then the track is followed for 400m to the Leven River. Hopefully there will not be too much water flowing to allow a safe passage. The track follows the river, crosses Tor Creek and then steepens into a forest. The walk follows pads uphill, through buttongrass, tea tree, gums, and bauera is to be avoided. Buttongrass slopes and tea tree is encountered before a rocky ridge line of boronia, scoparia and boulders at the summit of Mt Tor is reached after 3 hours. The whole walk is approximately 6 hours and great views will hopefully be gained from the summit, including Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff. This is a harder walk for experienced walkers. Please talk to me if you have any queries. Please come prepared for all conditions. 

Please note that this walk involves a 4 km paddle across Lake Crescent and a 12 km return walk to the summit. It is a 4 km paddle back to the bus. If you need to borrow a kayak please contact the coordinator BEFORE registering.

Remarkable Rock reserve is located alongside the Ouse River, south of Miena and features Basalt Rock formations amidst a lovely subalpine environment. The walk involves two crossings of the river, possibly wet feet and cancellation of the walk if the river is too high. If we need to cancel we will visit Skittleball Hill and Lake Fergus which are nearby, instead. Remarkable Rock is an amazing destination and more than worthy of its reserve protection. Ten kilometres maximum and little over 100 metres of altitude gain/loss.

The plan is to put in at the northern end of the lake near the dam wall. We will explore south to where the Dove River enters and then return to our starting point. Expect about 15 KMS of leisurely paddling.

The plan is to ride the Hobart Cycleway from MONA to Salamanca. We will have lunch there and then ride back to MONA.There will be the option to check out the new library at MONA before we head back to Launceston on the Club bus.

Expect about 40 km of leisurely riding. If there is interest, we could catch a ferry from Salamanca to Bellerive and ride across the Tasman Bridge and then to MONA. Let me know if you are interested in this option.

We all take plenty of photos of our adventures, but did you capture that "bang for buck", sharp, great composition and colours!

This is the competition for you!

Club members are encouraged to submit a single Tasmanian image taken in the past three years. 

• Photos must not have been entered in any previous club photographic competition.
• No watermarks/signatures.
• Only 2026 financial club members are eligible to enter.
• Maximum of three (3) entries per member.
• 2026 judge to be announced closer to the date. 

 Prizes

• 1st prize: $100
• 2nd prize: $75
• 3rd prize: $50
• Entries close Friday 6th November.  USB stick can be dropped off at the October club meeting or upload and email photos to karenprince@launcestonwalkingclub.org.au

When: 18th November

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 

We will commence at George Town and follow the path to Low Head. After lunch we will walk the beaches to Bell Buoy Beach. Our bus driver will pick us up there, making this a mostly flat, through trip.

Now I don't want to tempt fate, but with 'summer just around the corner', let's hit the East Coast for a spectacular coastal walk and optional dip in the ocean. The walk is about 12km with around 400m elevation over the day.

We'll follow the track up to the look out and over to Wineglass Bay (the steepest part of the day) before crossing at the isthmus. The walk will then take us back along Hazards Beach and through beautiful she-oak forest before we're spoiled with a magnificent display of xanthorrhoea (grass trees).

Bring your lunch and a day pack with plenty of water and sun protection as we aren't under tree cover for a lot of the walk. 

I'll never forgive myself for the sad faces when last time I said not to put your togs and towel in your day pack and the day opened up to be hot and sunny when we popped out at Hazards Beach*, so this time pack them just in case!

* Conditions may vary from last time and not be hot and sunny, although may still be perfect for a quick dip at lunch.

Southern Ranges 

This location is rarely visited by our club and it's been on my radar for a long time (the 2024 and 2025 trips were cancelled). Moores Bridge is named after the well-known explorer and track builder, Thomas B Moore. It’s accessed just off the Moonlight Ridge Track into the Southern Ranges. The area is very beautiful and wild.

Three days are required for this trip, starting with the 4-hour drive on the Saturday morning to the start on the Lune River Road. Our party will walk up the hill on the Moonlight Ridge Track (8-9 km with about a 900m climb) to our base camp at Moores Bridge or nearby.

Sunday, we will carry day packs out to Mt Alexandra (930 m) over undulating open moorlands past Moores Gardens and numerous pools and tarns. This will be a pleasant walk of 12km return in total, off-track but there won’t be much climbing as we are starting the day at the 900m level. The last small climb is only about 90m.

Monday, we will retrace our steps to the vehicles and drive home. Come and join me for a great long weekend. (Let's cross our fingers for good weather.)

We will put in near Hagley and finish at Hadspen. Expect about 16 km of leisurely paddling with a couple of easy Grade 1 rapids to add a bit of adventure. Longer sea kayaks will not be suitable.

The club rode this course only a few years ago and the ride is back by great popular demand, with only a few small changes to the route. We’ll begin in Sheffield and ride north towards Nook before looping around to Barrington. We continue south via Nowhere Else and West Kentish and then through backroads down to Claude Road. From there we follow Claude Road from Claude Road (no, really!) into Sheffield to finish.

The ride is only 35km long but it features a few challenging hills – although it’s very much worth it because we’ll be riding through some of the most spectacular rural and mountain scenery the state has to offer. Hi-vis clothing is absolutely essential because we may encounter a bit of traffic, particularly in the final section from Claude Road to Sheffield.

This adventure will be about 8-10 km of leisurely paddling. We will have tea at the boat ramp and then explore. There will be plenty of wildlife on the water and on the shoreline.

Bring a head torch as it will be getting dark when we finish.

We tackle Mother Cummings Rivulet Track, marking areas that need it and track clearing no doubt using all our equipment. Parks will provide more information when they have gone through their workload, this will be nearer the time. 

This will be a not too difficult weekend trip that will be all about the enjoyment of backpacking and camping beside a lake with your tent in an idyllic location. There will be plenty of opportunity for swimming, fishing and enjoying the sunset over a slow camp dinner. There is plenty of scope for wandering different routes in this central highlands area.

We will meet at the Lake Trevallyn Beach. Bring a wetsuit and change of clothes. The plan is to skill up on paddling, experience capsize and re-entry, both assisted and individual. Some may also like to try rolling.

A visit to the Boobyalla River Tract, located south of Tomahawk and just north of Little Mt Horror, provides a rare opportunity to experience a forest that still contains Eucalyptus ovata (swampgum) –and Eucalyptus obliqua (stringybark) – the remainder of a landscape that was much more common before clearing for farming. The 7km walk takes us along both sides of the Boobyalla River, is mostly flat, on a marked but not formed track and involves three river crossings: two on logs and one on stepping-stones. There are some patches of scrub in places. We’ll encounter two water races: White Rock Race and Wares Race. We’ll stop at Billy Bank and view the "Truganina Tree" – two features visited by George Augustus Robinson and his largely aboriginal entourage (including Truganina) on his 1831 journey through the North East. As the walk will probably take about 4 hours I’ll plan another short one in the area for later in the day – TBA.

The plan is to ride from Beer Barrel Beach to the Gardens. Expect about 40 kms of leisurely riding with several detours in to beaches. There will be the opportunity to swim.

It will be mostly sealed roads but some gravel and the off roadway cycle path around Georges Bay at St Helens. If there is interest we could detour to the St Helens MTB Park and complete one of the easy green tracks.