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- | MONUNDILLA. | + | =====Monundilla.===== |
By Alex Colley. | By Alex Colley. | ||
- | Should any hikers ever became lost in the Northern Blue Mountains the journalists would at last be right when they described the terrsif | + | |
- | We started our trip from the Post Office at Putty, and on the first day did about 8 miles on a road Which led us up the valley and started us an the ridge to Kindarun. As we followed up Putty Creek we could see nothing beyond the law hills rising only a couple of hundred feet above the creek. The valley would have been pleasant enough if it hadn't been for the scars of stream erosion. The creek bed was filling with sand, and, as it became shallower, the water of successive floods was cutting into the silt banks and carrying them away. Many acres of valuable flats - the farmers' | + | Should any hikers ever became lost in the Northern Blue Mountains the journalists would at last be right when they described the terrain |
- | The last farmer up the valley, a Mr. Coberoft, directed us to a road which followed a ridge in the direction we wanted to go. He warned | + | |
+ | We started our trip from the Post Office at Putty, and on the first day did about 8 miles on a road which led us up the valley and started us on the ridge to Kindarun. As we followed up Putty Creek we could see nothing beyond the law hills rising only a couple of hundred feet above the creek. The valley would have been pleasant enough if it hadn't been for the scars of stream erosion. The creek bed was filling with sand, and, as it became shallower, the water of successive floods was cutting into the silt banks and carrying them away. Many acres of valuable flats - the farmers' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The last farmer up the valley, a Mr. Cobcroft, directed us to a road which followed a ridge in the direction we wanted to go. He warned | ||
Mr. Cobcroft told us where to find water in a couple of miles but as the light started to fade we found some a little earlier and camped, glad to be in the bush at last after a day on roads. Next day we followed the bush track, which led us almost to Kindarun, our first objective. It proved to be a volcanic knob commanding a very extensive view, including most of the high points we planned to climb. | Mr. Cobcroft told us where to find water in a couple of miles but as the light started to fade we found some a little earlier and camped, glad to be in the bush at last after a day on roads. Next day we followed the bush track, which led us almost to Kindarun, our first objective. It proved to be a volcanic knob commanding a very extensive view, including most of the high points we planned to climb. | ||
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- | _41, ... , 1..,, . '100 iii.4 i,.. 40,' | + | To the west was Monundilla, looking very close - it was, in fact, only 8 miles away - though we didn't anticipate it would be easy to attain. Actually it took us two full days to reach it. Most of the ridge was easy to follow, but the country had been burnt out fairly recently and dead bushes were plentifully strewn |
- | ...r.,, ''' | + | |
- | r ,,,o. ,,, , e ft . g'" | + | By the end of the first day's walk, i.e. after we left Putty Creek, the narrow cleared valley below us, which was the only settled land in a vast expanse of bush, was no longer visible. For a time we could see some cleared land at Howe's valley some ten miles to the North-east, and this, with the exception of glimpses of Uraterer, was the only cleared land visible. Though we were less than 60 miles from the densely populated coast, here we could see only range upon range of bush-clad mountains. The distant view was as it had been for centuries before Captain Cook, and it was hard to believe that an industrial civilisation lay hidden below the ranges. |
- | :;"' | + | |
- | ', <.- C 7. .. ''"" | + | Our ridge wound about a lot - probably enough to double the direct distance. Once we completed three-quarters of a circle. In half a day's walking round it we came only a mile nearer to Monundilla. Water was always a problem, because the gullies dropped away steeply without shelving. We used to start looking for water gullies early - about 3.30 p.m. When we found one that looked promising we would take our packs down as far as it was practicable to camp. Then we would go down with water bags, usually finding water 100 to 200 feet below the top of the ridge. We did this nearly every night, and only once did we have to come back and move on to another gully. Though we never missed out altogether, even for lunch, it was seldom that we found anything that looked like a permanent spring. |
- | .1, tkeep. ,,-j | + | |
- | , | + | From Kindarun, along the ridge to Monundilla, we had extensive views from the higher, northerly aspected points. Barrington Tops and the Mount Royal Range were to be seen across the Hunter Valley (itself hidden) to the North. Mounts Yango and Warramalong were prominent to the East, while to the South there was a maze of gullies described in our 1906 geological survey map as "rugged Hawkesbury sandstone country deeply intersected by precipitous |
- | 'N. | + | |
- | 6. | + | Monundilla itself was a disappointment. Timber partly obscured our view, and though there was a clearing |
- | To the west was Yonundilla, looking very close - it was, in fact, only 8 miles away - though we didn't anticipate it would be easy to attain. Actually it took us two full days to reach it. Most of the ridge was easy to follow, but the country had been burnt out fairly recently and dead bushes were plentifully strewn | + | |
- | By the end of the first day's walk, i.e. after we left Putty Creek, the narrow cleared valley below us, which was the only settled land in a vast expanse of bush, was no longer visible. For a time we could see some cleared land at Howe's valley some ten miles to the North-east, and this, with the exception of glimpses of Uraterer, was the adly cleared land visible. Though we were less than GO miles from the densely populated coast, here we could see only range upon range of bush-clad mountains. The distant view was as it had been for centuries before Captain Cook, and it was hard to believe that an industrial civilisation lay hidden below the ranges. | + | From Monundilla our ridge led south into the maze of gullies. We did more talking than walking for the next half day or so. But it paid off. By a process of elimination we discovered the outlet to each gully below without losing more than a quarter of an hour or so on a couple of false leads, and at last found ourselves on the key saddle, hidden a thousand or more feet below Monundilla. Looking at the impassable walls on either side of our saddle, we realised that this few yards of ridge was almost certainly the only negotiable route south. As we climbed the other side the Kekeelbons came into view, and an hour or so later we acclaimed the first cow manure, a portent of pastures and track ahead. The Kekeelbons - two volcanic cones alongside a third high point composed of sandstone - proved to afford the bast views of the trip, as we had an unobstructed view from the central cone, which we climbed. Most of the country we had seen from Monundilla was below us, while the sun illuminated the great Capertee cliffs to the south. Blackwater Creek too was interesting, |
- | Our ridge wound about a lot - probably enough to double the direct distance. Once we completed three-quarters of a circle. In half a day's walking round it we cane only a mile nearer to Monundilla. Water was always a problem, because the gullies dropped away steeply without shelving. We used to start looking for water gullies early - about 3.30 p.m. When we found one that looked promising we would take our packs down as far as it was practicable to camp. Then we would go down with water bags, usually finding water 100 to 200 feet below the top of the ridge. We did this nearly every night, and only once did we have to come back and move on to another gully. Though we never missed out altogether, even for lunch, it was seldom that we found anything that looked like a permanent spring. | + | |
- | From Kindarun, along the ridge to Monundilla, we had extensive views from the higher, northerly aspected points. Barrington Tops and the Mount Royal Range were to be seen across the Hunter Valley (itself hidden) to the North. Mounts Yango and Warramalong were prominent to the East, while to the South there was a maze of gullies described in our 1906 geological survey map as 'rugged Hawkesbury sandstone country deeply intersected by piiecipitous | + | Cattle grazed on the lush grass of the Kekeelbons, and we soon picked up a fairly clear track, recently used by the stockman. After three days without a track we appreciated stretching our legs and being able to watch the scenery instead of the obstacles. |
- | Monundilla by the fifth day, but I wculdn' | + | |
- | Monundilla itself was a disappointment. Timber partly obscured our view, and though there was a clearing | + | As we neared Coricudgy the angry whirr of buzz-saws tearing into the remainder of the rare eucalyptus globulus trees that were once the glory of the mountain, became |
- | From Monundilla our ridge led south into the maze of gullieS. | + | |
- | We did more talking than walking for the next half day or so. But it paid off. By a process of elimination we discovered the outlet to each gully below without losing more than a quarter of an hour or so on a couple of false leads, and at last found ourselves on the key saddle, hidden a thousand or more feet below Monundilla. Looking at the impassable walls on either side of our saddle, we realised that this few yards of ridge was almost certainly the only negotiable route south. As we climbed the other side the Kekeelbons came into view, and an hour or so later we acclaimed the first cow manure, a portent of pastures and track ahead. The Kekeelbons - two volcanic cones alongside a third high point composed of sandstone - proved to afford the bast views of the trip, as we had an unobstructed view from the central cone, which we climbed. Most of the country we had seen from Monundilla was below us, While the sun illuminated the great Capertee cliffs to the south. Blackwater Creek too was interesting, | + | We had our lunch on the clearing called "The Ovens", |
- | Cattle grazed on the lush grass of the Kekeelbons, and we soon picked up a fairly clear track, recently used by the stockman. After three days without a track we appreciated stretching our legs and being able to watch the scenery instead of the Obstacles. | + | |
- | As we neared Coricudgy the angry whirr of buzz-saws tearing into the remainder of the rare eucalyptus globulus trees that were once the glory of the mountain' | + | Next day we forced the pace a little to reach Uraterer by lunch. Though the track is seldom discernible over this stretch the ridge is broad and easier to follow in this direction than in reverse. From Uraterer Jim was our guide, being the only one who had been over Wirraba. If he hadn't remembered the general trend of the track we mightn' |
- | 8. | + | |
- | this timber would be saved, but it hasn't worked out that way. Passing by the stumps and scraggy tree-ferns that remained on the rich volcani, | + | After Wirraba traces of the old track could still be seen. For the benefit of future parties the vicinity where we lost sight of it is marked on the accompanying map. I feel almost certain that it follows a well defined spur a little north of the ridge we followed. This spur, we could plainly see, has no pronounced saddles, nor anything to prevent a stockman from following it down to Wirraba Creek and continuing over the low hills between Wirraba and Putty Creeks. The last three miles of the ridge we followed is a series of mountains connected by low saddles and liberally |
- | We had our lunch on the clearing called "The Ovens", | + | |
- | cross had we had to find the way. Towards evening we came to a volcanic neck where there had been water on the last trip, but it was further down the gully now, so, in the last of the remaining daylight we made a dash for Davis' Hole. Luckily we found the track leading down to it just before dark, and were probably the second party of bush walkers to camp in thi s delightful spot (Max Gentle and party camped there several years ago). The track to Uraterer drops several hundred feet as it passes between David' | + | Wirraba Creek itself was a scene of destruction. As in Putty Creek the banks had carried away leaving a broad swathe of mud and sand. On this creek there are no clearings, but the remains of a timber road along the creek, and huge stumps supported on branched pedestals of bared roots, many feet above present ground level, tell the tale more clearly than any conservation report. A broad river of sand is being gradually carried down these creeks |
- | Next day we forced the pace a little to reach Uraterer by lunch. Though the track is seldom discernible over this stretch the ridge is broad and easier to follow in this direction than in reverse. From Uraterer Jim was our guide, being the only one Who had been over Wirraba. If he hadn't remembered the general trend of the track we mightn' | + | |
- | After Wirraba traces of the old track could still be seen. For the benefit of future parties- the vicinity where we lost sight of it is marked on the accompanying map. I feel almost certain that it follows a well defined spur a little north of the ridge we followed. This spur, we could plainly see, has no pronounced saddles, nor anything to prevent a stockman from following it down to Wirraba Creek and continuing over the low hills between Wirraba and Putty Creeks. The last three miles of the ridge we followed is a series of mountains connected by low saddles and liberclly | + | The rest was road walking, which we didn't mind after that abominable ridge. Our trip ended, as it had been throughout, in fine weather. When we arrived back at our transport we found that betting in the valley during |
- | Wirraba Creek itself was a scene of destruction. As in Putty Creek the banks had carried away leaving a broad swathe of mud and sand. On this creek there are no clearings, but the remains of a timber road along the creek, and huge stumps supported on branched pedestals of bared roots, many feet above present ground level, tell the tale more clearly than any conservation report. A broad river of sand is being gradually carried down these creeks | + | |
- | The rest was road walking, which we didn't mind after that abominable ridge. Our trip ended, as it had been throughout, in fine weather. When we arrived back at our transport we found that betting in the valley during | + | Looking back on our trip we realised that it included some features which are the accepted lot of the walker in new country. There were fairly long stretches with nothing much to recommend them. Water and camp sites were hard to find. But when you know the tracks, the pleasant volcanic outcrops, the permanent water and the interesting high points, there is good camping and good walking to be enjoyed. The Southern Blue Mountains is better walking country, but this is partly because we know, or can find on the map, the tracks, water, camp sites, etc. In the Northern Blue Mountains careful |
- | sandshoes, dirty but intact, were a source of wonder. | + | |
- | Looking back on our trip we realised that it included some features which are the accepted lot of the walker in new country. There were fairly long stretches with nothing much to recommend them. Water and camp sites were hard to find. But when you know the tracks, | + | ---- |
- | the pleasant volcanic outcrops, the permanent water aid the interesting high points, there is good camping and good walking to be enjoyed. | + | |
- | The Southern Blue Mountains is better walking country, but this is partly because we know, or can find on the map, the tracks, water, | + | For those planning trips in the Northern Blue Mountains the following magazine articles will be of interest. |
- | very interesting week's walk. And if any members have ambitions I | + | |
- | offer a suggestion of something which, to my knowledge has never been done. Kevin Ardill and other explorers have crossed the Blue Mountain_ | + | * "The Northern Blue Mountains", |
- | from east to west, and venturesome motorists have driven round them, | + | * "Round About the Hunter Range, by " |
- | but nobody has crossed them from North to South, from the Hunter to the Cox. | + | * "Wilderness of the Colo", |
- | Imaecamaimm.M.1.1%.71YoMemoml.c.. | + | * " |
- | For _those | + | * " |
- | "The Northern Blue Mountains", | + | |
- | UThe First Walk Down the Colo", by Max Gentle, January 1948. " | + | |
- | Glen Alice7, by Cerberus", | + | |
Several other articles have appeared in earlier issues. | Several other articles have appeared in earlier issues. | ||
- | OUR COMPLIMENTS TO Victorian Search and Rescue for their successful work-in the recent search near Mt. Donna Buang (reported as Mr. Donna. Buang in one Sydney paper - we all do it). | + | |
- | 10. | + | ---- |
- | Summer is A' coming in Again... for the months | + | |
- | and with it the WALKS PROGRAMNE | + | Our compliments to Victorian Search and Rescue for their successful work in the recent search near Mt. Donna Buang (reported as Mr. Donna. Buang in one Sydney paper - we all do it). |
- | This includes the cr=cal-Fa.iod reluctant to commit themselves | + | |
- | After an absence of (it was said) 14 year-,1, Wilbur Morris | + | ---- |
- | appeared in the club Room on Friday,. August 2lst. All unwittingly, | + | |
- | he perched himself on one of the new tables, which promptly folded up, taking with it the two tables adjoining. It says much for the durability- of walkers (no, not that he survived the fall) but that he found many familiar faces. | + | Summer is A' |
- | It has been suggested by some people | + | |
- | 00 | + | ---- |
- | CORROBOREE | + | |
+ | After an absence of (it was said) 14 years, Wilbur Morris appeared in the Club Room on Friday, August 2lst. All unwittingly, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | It has been suggested by some people that there was a misprint on Page 7 of our August issue. These people are evidently unaware that the name of Blue Gum Forest has been changed since the Working Bee of April last when many workers toiled up to the waist in cold water. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | Corroboree | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
- | The Colour Slide Exhibition | + | The Colour Slide Exhibition |
- | POD | + | |
- | "And now I11 show you on the map just where you are" quoted the leader of a recent Sunday walk back of Hornsby, as his party downed rucksacks and gathered around him. And was his face red as | + | ---- |
- | he carefully unfolded the KIAMA Military District Map. We are pleased to report a prospective member was able to produce the Broken Bay map, and save the day. | + | |
+ | "And now I' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Searching.===== | ||
- | SEARCHING. | ||
By Malcolm McGregor. | By Malcolm McGregor. | ||
+ | |||
Search and Rescue was called out on the weekend of 19th June to assist the Katoomba Police to look for Mrs. Mary Lewis, who had been reported missing on Wednesday 17th. | Search and Rescue was called out on the weekend of 19th June to assist the Katoomba Police to look for Mrs. Mary Lewis, who had been reported missing on Wednesday 17th. | ||
- | This job had none of the glamour and none of the uaccess | + | |
- | IF YOU ARE GOING PLACES CONTACT | + | This job had none of the glamour and none of the success |
- | SCENIC MOTOR TOURS, | + | |
- | RAILWAY STEPS, | + | For the search itself there is little to say: the work was hard and uninteresting, |
- | KATOOMBA. | + | |
- | Awl | + | The bright spot of the weekend was Saturday night. You have to be as tired and cold as we were to appreciate the small comfort the Court House offered. Two large fire places and the necessary fuel were provided and in a flash wet clothes and boots, cooking gear, food and what-not littered the place. To describe the chaos is impossible; but if you imagine a row of boots along the Court bench, a dozen black billies before each fire, and food and clothes strewn about the floor, dock and other available furniture, you can get some idea of the scene that met the gaze of a small-ish gent in civvies when he opened the door to see what was going on. The roar he uttered could be heard miles away. It was "The Beak" himself, and it took our friend the Sergeant some time to pacify his outraged dignity that his Court House should be so used. |
- | DAILY TOURS BY PARLOR COACH TO TIT3 WORLD FAMOUS JENOLAN CAVES AND ALL BLUE MOUNTAIN SIGHTS. | + | |
- | TRANSPORT BY COACHES FOR PARTIES OF BUSH- WALKERS TO KANANGRA WALLS, GINKIN OR OTHER SUITABLE POINTS BY ARRANGEMENT. | + | Without doubt, this was not the type of work for which S & R is best suited, but the call had been made, and we must answer, because there is no group of the community better fitted to move in the bush than we are. There are some people who regarded the search as useless from the outset: as it turned out they were correct, but, if this was the reason for their non-attendance, then let them think of Mrs. Lewis as one of their own kin to see whether their actions were justified. I was most disappointed that only two of our members were present for the whole weekend, plus one for the Sunday and two for part of Saturday. |
- | FOR ALL INFORMATION | + | |
- | WRITE TO P.O. BOX 60, KATOOMBA TELEPHONE 60, KATOOMBA. | + | ---- |
- | For the search itself there is little to say: the work was hard and uninteresting, | + | |
- | The bright spot of the weekend was Saturday night. You have to be as tired aid cold as we were to appreciate the small comfort the Court House offered. Two large fire places and the necessary fuel were provided and in a flash wet clothes and boots, cooking gear, food d.nd what-not littered the place. To describe the chaos is impossible; but if you imagine a row of boots along the Court bench, a dozen bladir | + | =====Railway Hikes.===== |
- | Without doubt, this was not the type of work for Which S & R is best suited, but the call had been made, and we must answer, because there is no group of the community better fitted to move in the bush than we are. There are some people who regarded the search as useless from the outset: as it turned out they were oorre0t, but, if this waEthe | + | |
- | 12. | + | (Notes made on observations by a hiker who was there.) |
- | RAILWAY HIKES | + | |
- | (Notes made on observations by a hiker who was there.) Clarence - Old Zig Zag Lithgow. | + | ===Clarence - Old Zig Zag - Lithgow.=== |
- | The train consisted of 5 coaches. Excellent detailed map of the route with notes on the trip supp lied. At least one guide and a member of the Railway Historical Society travelled with the party. | + | |
+ | The train consisted of 5 coaches. Excellent detailed map of the route with notes on the trip supplied. At least one guide and a member of the Railway Historical Society travelled with the party. | ||
On the trip to Clarence, passengers inquired why our observer wore heavy boots. On the previous Friday, heavy snow had fallen on the Blue Mountains and when the party arrived at Clarence, deep drifts were still lying in shady places. The track was slushy in parts and those who had wondered about stout footwear soon realised how desirable this type of walking gear can be as they sank, ankle deep, in mud. No high heels were reported, but rather inadequate bootee types of feminine footwear with crepe rubber soles, and casuals, were evident. | On the trip to Clarence, passengers inquired why our observer wore heavy boots. On the previous Friday, heavy snow had fallen on the Blue Mountains and when the party arrived at Clarence, deep drifts were still lying in shady places. The track was slushy in parts and those who had wondered about stout footwear soon realised how desirable this type of walking gear can be as they sank, ankle deep, in mud. No high heels were reported, but rather inadequate bootee types of feminine footwear with crepe rubber soles, and casuals, were evident. | ||
+ | |||
Numerous friendly snowfights occurred, but when the loutish element began to make themselves evident, they were severely reprimanded by the guide. Scenery was good and interesting. Lunch near Mt. Sinai (3,800 ft.), then down the track of the old Zig Zag to Zig Zag Signal Box where the train was waiting. | Numerous friendly snowfights occurred, but when the loutish element began to make themselves evident, they were severely reprimanded by the guide. Scenery was good and interesting. Lunch near Mt. Sinai (3,800 ft.), then down the track of the old Zig Zag to Zig Zag Signal Box where the train was waiting. | ||
- | Almost total absence of ruc-sacs and cape groundsheets, | ||
- | Bundanoon - Grand Canyon Lookout - Toothfs Lookout - Fairy BowerBundanoon. | ||
- | Train consisted of 7 coaches of even better dressed hikers than attended the Zig Zag excursion. Another excellent map and notes supplied. Bundanoon was a stopping place known as Jordan' | ||
- | Weather conditions dry and fine. Some hikers went golfing for the day, others went to horse, some into the 'pub h and the rest went walking with the guide. Lunch was at Grand Canyon Lookout, where local Legacy Branch had set up a stall. Ample time was allowed for sightseeing and meals. | ||
- | The observer reports that both excursions were very well organised and conducted. However, as the next excursion is reported to be to Blackheath, then bus to Evans Lookout, walk to Govettfs Leap Lookout, then bus to Mt. Victoria to join the train, the observer does not intend to attend as he wants to walk. | ||
- | 13. | ||
- | "TEE BUSHWALKER" | ||
- | Federation is Publishing again this year THE BUSHWALKER" | ||
- | Material required: Storiet describing walks, incidents on walks, canoeing, climbing, skiing, caveing, etc. - and photographs. (Closing date - September 20th). | ||
- | Advertisements: | ||
- | Material to be sent to: Wie Hon. Editor,''' | ||
- | REPO R`t ON " | ||
- | In this month' | ||
- | the July and August magazines. We would call attention to the thought of a great Alpine Park mentioned in this part. We like it - and will have something to say about it next month' | ||
- | IMPORTANT TRANSPORT NOTICE. | ||
- | n | ||
- | BUSHT LKERS REQUIRING TRANSPORT | ||
- | FROM BLACKHEATH ANY HOUR | ||
- | RING, WRITE OR CALL | ||
- | OOOOO | ||
- | | ||
- | .M.r.01.11..10, | ||
- | 116 STATION STREET BLACKHEATH. | ||
- | 2 4 HOUR SERVICE | ||
- | ..nrom=lma...r.=v100.1 | ||
- | BUSHWALKERS arriving at Blackheath late at night _without transport booking can ring for car from Railway Station or call at above address - ITTS NEVER TOO LATE! | ||
- | TPHONE BTHEATH 81 OR 146. | ||
- | LOOK F. CARS TC5210 or TV270 | ||
- | OR BOOK AT MARK SALON RADIO SHOP - OPP. STATION. | ||
- | 4. | ||
- | Victorian Nati..0: | ||
- | Cowes and San Remo are the Hhot-spotsu of the holiday traffic with the " | ||
- | The advertised " | ||
- | Not far away is " | ||
- | we saw dead penguins killed I presume, by passing traffic. The sanctuaries appear to be miserably small and settlement is proceeding on the surrounding land .. some of this land appears to have been out up for a " | ||
- | I would think that the position is so bad as to be hopeless, | ||
- | but should the authorities wish to save the situation, immediate action to cut off the south-western end of the Island, the gradual elimination of all permanent human habitation in that area, access to the Rookeries to be by foot alone, would seem to be the only successful policy. | ||
- | And what of the Koala? Well, we saw a number, generally in trees that were suffering defoliation .. anyhow, there did not appear to be a great number of food trees .. and the great exposure of the Island would prevent great growths of trees. The extensive development of the land would militate against the whole Island becoming a " | ||
- | I couldntt help feeling very depressed about the whole matter of the Penguins, Mutton Birds and Koalas as we left Phillip Is.. According to the much blazened contention, the hordes of people who saw these animals should by now, have been influenced to proteot them and yet I hear no public outcry to correct this misuse of our Native Faunal | ||
- | 1 ti | ||
- | Victorian National Parks ,u | ||
- | From San Remo we went on through Wonthaggi .. Victoria' | ||
- | The area of the Park is 102,000 acres and is the most southerly point of the mainland of Australia. It is a magnificent pen- | ||
- | insula of granite with beautiful coastline scenery originally named " | ||
- | Flinders. road is being cut up Mt. Oberon .. some of us followed to the top and obtained a wide panorama of sandy beaches and dented coastline. | ||
- | But the real story of "The Prom." is a sad one. Some eighty | ||
- | thousand acres were again burned out early in 1951, this time apparently destroying permanently, | ||
- | grey mass of dead trees. Everywhere I could see the terrible | ||
- | change since my last visit. It seems obvious that some plant | ||
- | species have become extinct in some places; striking and undesirable ecological changes have occurred and there is an advancement of exotic and unwanted plants. | ||
- | The history of "The Prom." has been one of disappearing species and recurrent fires. The toll is now becoming fully apparent. Where do the fires come from? There are many opinions .. but one thing is certain .. the 1951 fire burned for many days before it "got away" when the hot northerlies drove it south, ravaging and consuming to finally burn part of the lighthouse, itself! It is significant also, that His Honour, Judge Stretton (June 24th, 1946) reported as Royal Commissioner on matter concerning forest fires ..." | ||
- | cause of Porest fires. The extent of the relationship | ||
- | between grazing and forest fires may best be expressed by stat- | ||
- | ing that wherever grazing has been practised in mountain forest, | ||
- | it has been one of the major and most frequentcauses of fire." A scientific fire-protection plan for National Parks should be formulated. Grazing of domestic stock is completely prohibited in many National Parks throughout the world, including those in Switzerland. and Tasmania. | ||
- | Two small National Parks Tarra Valley (200 ac.) and Bulga | ||
- | (91 ac.) are located in the etreziecki Ranges, a most interesting mountain chain rising to a couple of thousand feet and standing between the Latrobe Valley and the coastline. Extensive | ||
- | 16 | ||
- | Viotor1al-1 No.tit,nnl | ||
- | development of the Range has tnken place but it is obvious that at one time tremendous forests of Ash and Beach existed here. Our route took us through Welshpool on to the Grand Ridge Road .. certainly an adequate name .. to the Tarra Valley Road. The park entrance is situated about two miles down this road. There is an attractive parking area and entrance gate and a small but delightfully situated camping area amongst tall gums and tree ferns. | ||
- | The walks through the park are splendidly arranged to give adequate inspection of the excellent Rain Forest which includes the Victorian Antarctic Beech or Myrtle (Nothofagus Cunninghamiana). This is a smaller leafed variety than the northern species (N.Moorei) but shows the same capacity for long life, some specimens apparently having withstood natural erosion sufficiently to expose the root systems to a depth of about 12 feet. The party was able to stalk and observe a Lyre Bird for a considerable time. | ||
- | A short distance away is Bulga enclosing a valley packed with enabling the visitor to go out to the tangle of ferny leaves. of rare and distinctive beauty fifty feet in height. | ||
- | National Park, the smaller area tree ferns, a suspension bridge over the valley and look down in- | ||
- | Both Parks embrace ferneries .. some specimens exceeding | ||
- | The attractiveness of both Parks, but in particular that of Tarra Valley, tends to cloud ones realisation that both are ludicrously small. They are but National Monuments and both are extremely vulnerable to the effects of development. If | ||
- | these parks are to retain their primitive beauty, their lyre birds and the other natural charms that justly attract the cultured citizen, an adequate belt of protective bushland must be reserved all around them giving the closed environment discussed at the outset of this Report. There is still to be consid- | ||
- | ered if that is possible, the steps that may be taken to enlargen these Parks into the true dimensions of a National Park | ||
- | perhaps, coalesce them where the feeling of being "lost in | ||
- | the vastnesses of Nature could be adequately appreciated. | ||
- | North from the Strezlecki Ranges and into the Valley of the Latrobe at Traralgon .. the drop is steep and the ridges are trimmed almost bare. Here too, Nature has answered Man in Her | ||
- | own language, with landslips in exchange for reduction of cover. The coastal slopes of Gippsland must be rich judging by the extensive settlement and in addition, to the Latrobe Valley has come the brown coal mining of Yallourn and Morwell. Much public money has gone into these undertakings to save Victoria from the embarrassment of irregular supplies of black coal from New South Wales. | ||
- | 17. | ||
- | Victorian National Parks | ||
- | Mt. Erica and the Beg Bag Plate z,L dominate the northern landscape from here and we know that as our route lies over the Main Divide there is some climbing ahead. The scars of many fires, but in particular those of '39, are to be seen on the side of the flaw flaws .. groves of white ghosts, fire-eaten mountain ash. The | ||
- | Tyers, The Thomson, Walhalla (now further along the road to extinction since the tragic floods last year) pass and there is a | ||
- | 0 terrific climb over and down to camp on a swift flowing tributary | ||
- | of the Thomson. Next day we made Matlock (4500 ft) officially | ||
- | recorded as the highest township in Victoria and right on the | ||
- | Divide. Ohce this was a town of 20,000 persons, but the only | ||
- | evidence to-day, of this population is the extensive area of cleared land from Where we enjoyed a magnifioent panorama embracing a vast expanse of Victoria' | ||
- | By the way of Woods Point, Jamieson, Mansfield and Whitfield we finally skirted around Mt. Buffalo into the Oven's Valley .. possibly the richest valley in Victoria, not to mention the interesting appearance of Hop and Tobacco growing and the mighty gold dredge at Harrietville .. reputed to rank amongst the biggest in the world! But to Mt. Buffalo National Park .. a | ||
- | great granite monadnocic.... "a western outpost in the Australian Alps, with its elevation above sea level varying from 4,000 to 5,600 feet" .. a reservation of some 43 square miles (about | ||
- | 27,000 acres). This must be Victoria' | ||
- | times. Its snow gums and little plains, granite tors and look- | ||
- | outs are grand and satisfying. NO grazing cattle were seen, the | ||
- | scars of past fires are well hidden and the destructive activities of the tourist are largely concentrated around the chalet. Fortunately perhaps, we cannot see the results of past abuses and we revel in the beauty of summer flowers and the splendid views from the Horn, the Monolith and other viewpoints. | ||
- | From Buffalo we looked out towards the Bogong High Plain and the peaks of the immense Alpine Regions of Victoria and New South Wales .. and next day we were in the Alps: amongst the mists at Hotham, looking out over the Barry Ranges again, the overlapping of range upon range from Higginbottam .. and on to Omeo. | ||
- | It is in the Alps that we should leave our sojourn and dwell upon the splendour of them. Victorian snow country is magnificent: | ||
- | flaw flaws 6.. Mt. Wellington and all the Middle Alps .. the Bo- | + | Almost total absence of ruc-sacs and cape groundsheets, |
- | gong High Plains. This is indeed an Alpine Parkland already made .. and why not contiguous with the Kosciusko State Park? .. the whole range from Mt. Erica to the northern limit.of the Brindabellas planned for the people for all time: Tracked for | + | |
- | walkers and trail riders, adequately fitted with contact points, huts and some roads, this would be a feature fitting our nation | + | ===Bundanoon - Grand Canyon Lookout - Tooth' |
- | Victorian National Parks ... | + | |
- | Although we did not see all the Victorian National Parks on this trip, the records of The Caloola Club indicate that we have visited about 14 of the 16. The State like most of the Australian States is not well off for National Parks .. 0.6V0 of the total | + | Train consisted of 7 coaches of even better dressed hikers than attended the Zig Zag excursion. Another excellent map and notes supplied. Bundanoon was a stopping place known as Jordan' |
- | area of Victoria has been set aside compared with Tasmaniass | + | |
- | Although the following summary by the Victorian Town and Country Planning Association is intended to drive home the moral to 'Victorians, it is as well applied to many another State that we know | + | Weather conditions dry and fine. Some hikers went golfing for the day, others went to horse, some into the " |
- | "One thing stands out clearly, and it is that National Parks in Victoria have occurred without plan, and may be described as a collection of individual park areas unrelated to any master plan for the State. Only in a few in- | + | |
- | stances | + | The observer reports that both excursions were very well organised and conducted. However, as the next excursion is reported to be to Blackheath, then bus to Evans Lookout, walk to Govett' |
- | " | + | |
- | least in the majority of national parks .. at governmental level by the provision of funds is almost non-existent. Where funds are -provided, these are not adequate for the proper development and maintenance of the areas, and are allocated on a spasmodic basis, without regard to any established policy of progressive and regular development and park management, | + | ---- |
- | "Down the years it was not unusual for Governments to carry out the formality of reserving a National Park area and then remaining almost wholly inactive in the proper planning and orderly development of the parks .. a policy of " | + | |
- | "The potential wealth hidden in National Parks throughout the world, by way of their health-giving values to the | + | =====" |
- | people of the respective countries, and as attractions to tourists from other lands, is fully realised by the control- | + | |
- | ling governments. It will be seen that a high standard of | + | Federation is Publishing again this year "The Bushwalker" |
- | park development and management is set in Overseas countries, where a strong financial policy is recognised as an essential factor in National Park planning." | + | |
- | As in Victoria, the citizens of New South Wales would welcome a special enquiry into the care, management, development of exist: | + | __Material required__: Stories describing walks, incidents on walks, canoeing, climbing, skiing, caveing, etc. - and photographs. (Closing date - September 20th). |
- | a | + | |
- | PHOTOGRAPHY ! ? | + | __Advertisements__: |
- | You press the button, we'll do the rest ! | + | |
- | 3_9. | + | Material to be sent to: The Hon. Editor, "The Bushwalker" |
- | Finegrain | + | |
- | Developing | + | ---- |
- | Sparkling | + | |
- | Printz' | + | =====Report On " |
- | 1 Perfect | + | |
- | ' | + | In this month' |
- | Your | + | |
- | Rollfilms | + | Cowes and San Remo are the " |
- | or | + | |
- | Leica films | + | The advertised " |
- | deserve the 1 | + | |
- | best SERVICE' | + | Not far away is " |
- | LEICA PHOTO SERVICE | + | |
- | 31 Macquarie Place | + | I would think that the position is so bad as to be hopeless, but should the authorities wish to save the situation, immediate action to cut off the south-western end of the Island, the gradual elimination of all permanent human habitation in that area, access to the Rookeries to be by foot alone, would seem to be the only successful policy. |
- | SYDNEY N.S.W. | + | |
- | FEDERATION NOTES - AUGUST MEETING. | + | And what of the Koala? Well, we saw a number, generally in trees that were suffering defoliation... anyhow, there did not appear to be a great number of food trees... and the great exposure of the Island would prevent great growths of trees. The extensive development of the land would militate against the whole Island becoming a " |
+ | |||
+ | I couldn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | From San Remo we went on through Wonthaggi... Victoria' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The area of the Park is 102,000 acres and is the most southerly point of the mainland of Australia. It is a magnificent peninsula of granite with beautiful coastline scenery originally named " | ||
+ | |||
+ | But the real story of "The Prom." is a sad one. Some eighty thousand acres were again burned out early in 1951, this time apparently destroying permanently, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The history of "The Prom." has been one of disappearing species and recurrent fires. The toll is now becoming fully apparent. Where do the fires come from? There are many opinions... but one thing is certain... the 1951 fire burned for many days before it "got away" when the hot northerlies drove it south, ravaging and consuming to finally burn part of the lighthouse, itself! It is significant also, that His Honour, Judge Stretton (June 24th, 1946) reported as Royal Commissioner on matter concerning forest fires... " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Two small National Parks... Tarra Valley (200 ac.) and Bulga (91 ac.)... are located in the Streziecki Ranges, a most interesting mountain chain rising to a couple of thousand feet and standing between the Latrobe Valley and the coastline. Extensive development of the Range has taken place but it is obvious that at one time tremendous forests of Ash and Beach existed here. Our route took us through Welshpool on to the Grand Ridge Road... certainly an adequate name... to the Tarra Valley Road. The park entrance is situated about two miles down this road. There is an attractive parking area and entrance gate and a small but delightfully situated camping area amongst tall gums and tree ferns. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The walks through the park are splendidly arranged to give adequate inspection of the excellent Rain Forest which includes the Victorian Antarctic Beech or Myrtle (Nothofagus Cunninghamiana). This is a smaller leafed variety than the northern species (N.Moorei) but shows the same capacity for long life, some specimens apparently having withstood natural erosion sufficiently to expose the root systems to a depth of about 12 feet. The party was able to stalk and observe a Lyre Bird for a considerable time. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A short distance away is Bulga National Park, the smaller area enclosing a valley packed with tree ferns, a suspension bridge enabling the visitor to go out over the valley and look down into the tangle of ferny leaves. Both Parks embrace ferneries of rare and distinctive beauty... some specimens exceeding fifty feet in height. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The attractiveness of both Parks, but in particular that of Tarra Valley, tends to cloud one's realisation that both are ludicrously small. They are but National Monuments and both are extremely vulnerable to the effects of development. If these parks are to retain their primitive beauty, their lyre birds and the other natural charms that justly attract the cultured citizen, an adequate belt of protective bushland must be reserved all around them giving the closed environment discussed at the outset of this Report. There is still to be considered if that is possible, the steps that may be taken to enlargen these Parks into the true dimensions of a National Park... perhaps, coalesce them... where the feeling of being " | ||
+ | |||
+ | North from the Strezlecki Ranges and into the Valley of the Latrobe at Traralgon... the drop is steep and the ridges are trimmed almost bare. Here too, Nature has answered Man in Her own language, with landslips in exchange for reduction of cover. The coastal slopes of Gippsland must be rich judging by the extensive settlement and in addition, to the Latrobe Valley has come the brown coal mining of Yallourn and Morwell. Much public money has gone into these undertakings to save Victoria from the embarrassment of irregular supplies of black coal from New South Wales. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Mt. Erica and the Baw Baw Plateau dominate the northern landscape from here and we know that as our route lies over the Main Divide there is some climbing ahead. The scars of many fires, but in particular those of '39, are to be seen on the side of the Baw Baws... groves of white ghosts, fire-eaten mountain ash. The Tyers, The Thomson, Walhalla (now further along the road to extinction since the tragic floods last year) pass and there is a terrific climb over and down to camp on a swift flowing tributary of the Thomson. Next day we made Matlock (4500 ft) officially recorded as the highest township in Victoria and right on the Divide. Once this was a town of 20,000 persons, but the only evidence to-day, of this population is the extensive area of cleared land from where we enjoyed a magnificent panorama embracing a vast expanse of Victoria' | ||
+ | |||
+ | By the way of Woods Point, Jamieson, Mansfield and Whitfield we finally skirted around Mt. Buffalo into the Oven's Valley... possibly the richest valley in Victoria, not to mention the interesting appearance of Hop and Tobacco growing and the mighty gold dredge at Harrietville... reputed to rank amongst the biggest in the world! But to Mt. Buffalo National Park... a great granite monadnock.... "a western outpost in the Australian Alps, with its elevation above sea level varying from 4,000 to 5,600 feet" | ||
+ | |||
+ | From Buffalo we looked out towards the Bogong High Plain and the peaks of the immense Alpine Regions of Victoria and New South Wales... and next day we were in the Alps, amongst the mists at Hotham, looking out over the Barry Ranges again, the overlapping of range upon range from Higginbottam... and on to Omeo. | ||
+ | |||
+ | It is in the Alps that we should leave our sojourn and dwell upon the splendour of them. Victorian snow country is magnificent! That a wealth of beauty and satisfaction in contemplation the Baw Baws... Mt. Wellington and all the Middle Alps... the Bogong | ||
+ | |||
+ | Although we did not see all the Victorian National Parks on this trip, the records of The Caloola Club indicate that we have visited about 14 of the 16. The State like most of the Australian States is not well off for National Parks... 0.6% of the total area of Victoria has been set aside compared with Tasmania' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Although the following summary by the Victorian Town and Country Planning Association is intended to drive home the moral to Victorians, it is as well applied to many another State that we know... | ||
+ | |||
+ | "One thing stands out clearly, and it is that National Parks in Victoria have occurred without plan, and may be described as a collection of individual park areas unrelated to any master plan for the State. Only in a few instances | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
+ | |||
+ | "Down the years it was not unusual for Governments to carry out the formality of reserving a National Park area and then remaining almost wholly inactive in the proper planning and orderly development of the parks... a policy of " | ||
+ | |||
+ | "The potential wealth hidden in National Parks throughout the world, by way of their health-giving values to the people of the respective countries, and as attractions to tourists from other lands, is fully realised by the controlling | ||
+ | |||
+ | As in Victoria, the citizens of New South Wales would welcome a special enquiry into the care, management, development of existing | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Federation Notes - August Meeting.===== | ||
By Allen A. Strom. | By Allen A. Strom. | ||
- | DEEWHY LAGOON: Improvements planned for the Deewhy Lagoon will del-El-OTT-large portion of it as a Bird Sanctuary. The Federation will support the National Trust in protests to a number of authoritative bodies. | ||
- | BUSHWALKER BALL: Members of affiliated clubs are asked to rally to the support of the Federation for the Ball to be held at Paddington Town Hall on Monday, September 14th. Tickets 17/6d. News to hand would indicate that the Federation stands to lose heavily. Duplicated handbills and posters are available for advertisement. John Cotter wants to know how many are going in order to arrange for decorations and catering. The orchestra End other matters are in hand. | ||
- | THE BUSHWALKER NO.12: Editorial cony, stories, photographs, | ||
- | 'be-6 . | ||
- | , r | ||
- | rrop | ||
- | e40010' | ||
- | EAT t.3 IN. A NAME? | ||
- | 4.1 +. | ||
- | For many years we have been proofing tents with a mixture of waxes recommended by a chemist knowledgeable in such things. Any old wax wonit do to proof a tent of course. The wax must be highly water repellent and not harmful to the fabric of the tent. It must not be so stiff that it makes the tent bulky. It must have a range of plasticity so that it remains pliable in freezing cold and yet not melt to an oil under summer sun. It must be colourless and odourless. Such | ||
- | a paragon of waxes was achieved by judicious blending of several waxes. The proofing service became very popular and on day John suggested that we sell the wax so that Bushwalkers could proof their own tents and jackets. Then arose the question of the name. "Think up a good name I said to John and the next thing I knew the jars of wax were labelled uDrumstick" | ||
- | Well, said John, eyes atwinkle, "I said to myself, Paddy Wax - Paddy whacle - Paddy whack t the Drumstick!" | ||
- | | ||
- | PA Y ALIA | ||
- | Lightweight Camp Gear | ||
- | 201CASTLEREACH St SYDNEY | ||
- | M2678 | ||
+ | ===Deewhy Lagoon:=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Improvements planned for the Deewhy Lagoon will destroy a large portion of it as a Bird Sanctuary. The Federation will support the National Trust in protests to a number of authoritative bodies. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Bushwalker Ball:=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Members of affiliated clubs are asked to rally to the support of the Federation for the Ball to be held at Paddington Town Hall on Monday, September 14th. Tickets 17/6d. News to hand would indicate that the Federation stands to lose heavily. Duplicated handbills and posters are available for advertisement. John Cotter wants to know how many are going in order to arrange for decorations and catering. The orchestra and other matters are in hand. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===The Bushwalker, No.12:=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Editorial copy, stories, photographs, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Paddy Made.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===What' | ||
+ | |||
+ | For many years we have been proofing tents with a mixture of waxes recommended by a chemist knowledgeable in such things. Any old wax won't do to proof a tent of course. The wax must be highly water repellent and not harmful to the fabric of the tent. It must not be so stiff that it makes the tent bulky. It must have a range of plasticity so that it remains pliable in freezing cold and yet not melt to an oil under summer sun. It must be colourless and odourless. Such a paragon of waxes was achieved by judicious blending of several waxes. The proofing service became very popular and one day John suggested that we sell the wax so that Bushwalkers could proof their own tents and jackets. Then arose the question of the name. "Think up a good name" I said to John and the next thing I knew the jars of wax were labelled " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Well, said John, eyes atwinkle, "I said to myself, Paddy Wax - Paddy whacks - Paddy whacks the Drumstick!" | ||
+ | |||
+ | Paddy Pallin. Lightweight Camp Gear. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 201 Castlereagh St., Sydney. M2678. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- |
195309.txt · Last modified: 2016/11/22 15:32 by tyreless