Following the Upper Lane Cove Valley walk on 19 April 2009 we agreed to continue our walk down the western bank of the river at a future date.  That's why this walk is labelled Part 2.

We will walk from Macquarie University Station to North Ryde Station via the western bank of the Lane Cove River.

We can enjoy or condemn the “park” part of the Macquarie business parks in a relatively quiet Sunday ambience before entering Lane Cove National Park.

Along the way we can witness a number of examples of how our car-centric RTA has neglected its obligations to pedestrians.  Acknowledging our old friend Earnest de Burgh (“Working on Water” walk, 30 March 2008) and Mr Fidden for his wharf, we finish with coffee in the company of Johnny O'Keefe, Sir John Kerr, Billy Hughes and Ted Noffs, although they won't be saying very much.

Our preferred train (front car, upper deck) will depart Strathfield (platform 5) at 8.50, Central (platform 16) 9.05, Town Hall (platform 3) 9.08, and Chatswood 9.30, arriving Macquarie University station at 9.41.  We will commence the walk from the corner of Herring and Waterloo Roads at 9.45.

Bring the usual – 2 litres water, morning tea, lunch, hat, sunscreen.

Grade – Easy – about 7km, 3 to 4 hours, depending on how we feel and which route we choose to take out of the valley.

Catch 9.06am South Coast Line train from Central Station (Country side Platforms) down to Waterfall arriving 09.53 (for those coming by car).

Then off onto a track that leads to Kangaroo Creek for morning tea. Then a rough track to Karloo Pool and our exit onto a main track as we head towards caves and waterfalls There will be numerous opportunities for a swim.

Bring lunch, plenty of water, particularly if it is a hot day, sunscreen and a hat.

This walk is in the Medium/Hard bracket.

There is no need to book but any questions to Rogo on (02) 9632 6284 before 7pm

Train travellers from Sydney: board the last carriage of the Wyong train leaving Central at 7.45am (remember to buy a return trip ticket to Woy Woy).

Train travellers from Newcastle/Central Coast: join the train scheduled to arrive at Wondabyne at 8.30am and wait for the Sydney contingent to arrive 20 minutes later. Notify the guard that you need to disembark at Wondabyne, as the train will only stop on request.

The Great North Walk is one of Sydney's bushwalking icons, stretching all the way from Sydney to Newcastle through a wide range of landscapes, some suburban, most relatively remote. The walk was conceived as a Bicentennial project 20 years ago and amalgamates a number of pre-existing tracks to form one continuous trail. In the last three years year we have walked sections along the upper reaches of the Lane Cove River south from Thornleigh to Chatswood, followed by the Thornleigh-Hornsby section heading north. We have also covered sections  from Asquith to Mt Kuring-gai, Mt Kuring-gai to Berowra and Cowan to Brooklyn.

We commence today's 18k walk from tiny Wondabyne station on the upper reaches of Mullet Creek, a tributary of the Hawkesbury River north of Brooklyn. We start with a short sharp climb to the ridge, then walk north along a fire trail for a couple of kilometres, before branching off to the east. After about 30 minutes of pleasant ridge walking we descend to pretty Myron Brook, then continue for a few minutes to a spectacular waterfall and pool on Kariong Brook, one of the most beguiling sights along the whole of the Great North Walk. After a swim and snack we climb up to another fire trail, which leads us inexorably towards Mt Wondabyne, our halfway point. During this section we cross over the top of the railway tunnel between Wondabyne and Woy Woy.

At 247 metres the Mt Wondabyne trig is the highest point in the area and affords 360 degree views out to sea  and back to our starting point. It's a great place to eat, drink and catch our breath. But it is only half way!

After descending Mt Wondabyne we have to watch for the signs that lead us across three linked plateau features until we are in sight of the Gosford rubbish tip. The track leads us down to a tiny creek, then up again to another fire trail that eventually comes out at the road between Pearl Beach and Patonga. We walk down the road towards Patonga for 200 metres, then swing left along the dirt road that leads to the Warrah trig on a small promontory that is much less imposing than Mt Wondabyne. We follow a well crafted track to join the main walking track from Pearl Beach, then clamber down the hill to arrive on Patonga beach, ready for a cool ale at the local pub, and even a swim if there's time. There is a bus back to Woy Woy at 4.15. If we miss that we will organise a taxi shuttle which will cost a little more per person.

This is a solid day's walk, so you will need a moderate level of fitness. It traverses some lovely country -  the Kariong Brook water hole and Mt Wondabyne are two very memorable sights along the way.

There is no need to confirm your attendance, but if you must, or you want further details, the contact details are below. Remember to bring food and at least 2 litres of water, even if it appears to be cloudy and cool. You will also need a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Medium/hard
Murray 0411 405 086 (from 7pm Monday-Thursday, all other
times Friday-Sunday)

We will be travelling with our bikes off Peak on the 10.02am train from Central (Underground Side, platform 25) down to Loftus (Buy return to Waterfall), alighting at Loftus. (10.48. for people joining there).

We then cycle into the Park along the old railway track across from the main road. We continue on a track down to Audley for morning tea down by the riverside,

Then dirt tracks the length of the Hacking River, a lunch spot at a convenient shaded place then a short climb up on the bikes to the Main road and up to Waterfall for the return train journey. Medium/Hard of approximatly 15k in length. Bring the usual things ie water, food sunscreen and hat.

Phone before 7pm, to have an idea of numbers. If nobody home leave a message. (02) 9632 6284

12km, half on a track and half off track, bushbashing.

We meet at Windsor railway station, so arrive by train or by car.  Then drive up the Putty road to Colo Hts.  The walk begins on a firetrail for 3km, then 3km following a ridge bushbashing out to Mt Townsend.  This is a prominant peak, squeezed between a huge tight loop of the Colo river which lies deep in its gorge,surrounded by clifflines.  Great views of endless wilderness. 
   
Next stage is a 1.5 km bushbash downhill towards the river, meeting the track for the final clamber down to the Colo river.  Swim, lunch and explore this clean wild river.  Bring an airbed if you feel the urge to float of explore by water.

The return is 4km via a track, with a steep clamber up the first section.

Contact the leader beforehand to allow for organising cars from Windsor onwards. Train travellers catch the Richmond train leaving central suburban station at 8 06, arriving Windsor 9 19.  There is a carpark right outside the station, north side. 

Are you going to the Gay Games in Cologne this July/August?

If you would like to join me in a day walk after the games in a national park.

You will see some of Europe's forrests as well as some history in the form of a famous bridge.

Contact me for more information and take a look at the Gay Games Web Site