SBW Magazine & History Project

User Tools

Site Tools

Trace:
198506

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revisionBoth sides next revision
198506 [2019/02/25 16:15] – tyreless198506 [2019/02/26 13:21] – tyreless
Line 58: Line 58:
 ---- ----
  
-S.B.W. WALK ON WOLGAN RIVER OCTOBER LONG WEEKEND 1941 +[ Photo titled "S.B.W. walk on Wolgan River October Long Weekend 1941" with Reg Alder, Hilma Galliott, Tim Coffey, Bill Hall, Dot English, Laurie Raynor, Elsa Isaacs, Norm Hillyer, Bill Whitney, Betty Isaacs, Rolley Cotter, John Junter, Joan Atthill, Beryl English, Irving Calnan. ] 
-Reg. Alder, Hilma Galliott, Tim Coffey, Bill Hall, Dot English, Laurie Raynor, + 
-Elsa Isaacs, Norm Hillyer, Bill Whitney, Betty Isaacs, Rolley Cotter, +[ Photo titled "Sydney Bush Walkers at Government House" with Paul Barnes, O.A.M., Dot Butler, Frances Colles, Alex Colley, O.A.M. ] 
-John Hunter, Joan Atthill, Beryl English, Irving Calnan. + 
-SYDNEY BUSH WALKERS AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE +---- 
-Paul Barnes, 0.A.M., Dot Butler, Frances Colley, Alex Colley, O.A.M. + 
-Page 3 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1985. +===== Mittagong To Katoomba, Easter 1985. ===== 
-MITTAGONG TO KATOOMBA, EASTER 1985. +
 by Peter Miller. by Peter Miller.
-Leader: Walkers: + 
-Peter Miller. +__Leader__: Peter Miller. 
-Barry Wallace, Jan Mohandas, Hans Stichter, Ainslie Morris, Mike Reynolds, JOhn Newman, Herb Lippmann, Elka Rebeach, Tim Rannard, Fazeley Read, Ray Hookway, Barbara Bruce, David Rostron. + 
-Total distance: 100 kilometres. +__Walkers__: Barry Wallace, Jan Mohandas, Hans Stichter, Ainslie Morris, Mike Reynolds, John Newman, Herb Lippmann, Elka Rebeach, Tim Rannard, Fazeley Read, Ray Hookway, Barbara Bruce, David Rostron. 
-Total climbing: 2, 860 metres. + 
-Maps: (all 1:25000) - Hilltop (HLT), Nattai (NAT), Bindook (BIN), +__Total distance__: 100 kilometres. 
-Yerranderie (YER), Kanangra (KAN), Bimlow (BIM), + 
-Jenolan (JEN), Jamison (JAM), Katoomba (KAT).+__Total climbing__: 2,860 metres. 
 + 
 +__Maps__: (all 1:25000) - Hilltop (HLT), Nattai (NAT), Bindook (BIN), Yerranderie (YER), Kanangra (KAN), Bimlow (BIM), Jenolan (JEN), Jamison (JAM), Katoomba (KAT). 
 "Barry," I said, "there has to be an easier way to get a drink at Aroneys than this." Barry and I along with ten of the walkers listed above had just finished a five-day walk from Hilltop and were approaching the hot chocolates and cool drinks that had been luring us on over all those kilometres of track, fire trail, river bank, and rocky mountain top. "Barry," I said, "there has to be an easier way to get a drink at Aroneys than this." Barry and I along with ten of the walkers listed above had just finished a five-day walk from Hilltop and were approaching the hot chocolates and cool drinks that had been luring us on over all those kilometres of track, fire trail, river bank, and rocky mountain top.
-BUt perhaps I should begin at the beginning. Good Friday. Distance 20 km. Climbing 400 m. + 
 +But perhaps I should begin at the beginning. 
 + 
 +=== Good Friday. Distance 20 km. Climbing 400 m. === 
 Fourteen of us got off to an eight o'clock start from our camp spot on the fire trail fourteen kilometres past Hilltop on the Nattai Road (HLT 597047). We had driven out the night before by bus and station waggon and my son Robert stayed the night with us. We had gone to bed late after watching the almost full moon make the rain drops on the gum leaves glow like diamonds. Fourteen of us got off to an eight o'clock start from our camp spot on the fire trail fourteen kilometres past Hilltop on the Nattai Road (HLT 597047). We had driven out the night before by bus and station waggon and my son Robert stayed the night with us. We had gone to bed late after watching the almost full moon make the rain drops on the gum leaves glow like diamonds.
-aut it was now early morning and we had all that stern walking business ahead of us so we set off down the fire trail at a good pace. We followed the trail down to where it meets the river (NAT 559093) and after three crossings we walked along the true left bank and bisected Travis Gully (NAT 569128). The weather was hot and very humid and the packs were heavy so it was hard going up the gully with the rocks slippery after the recent rain.  We were heading for Beloon Pass which Barry, Bill Capon, Bob Milne and I had located on an exploratory walk some weeks before. + 
-We made reasonable time up the gully and stopped for lunch at the creek junction just below the pass. We had a heavy shower of rain so +But it was now early morning and we had all that stern walking business ahead of us so we set off down the fire trail at a good pace. We followed the trail down to where it meets the river (NAT 559093) and after three crossings we walked along the true left bank and bisected Travis Gully (NAT 569128). The weather was hot and very humid and the packs were heavy so it was hard going up the gully with the rocks slippery after the recent rain.  We were heading for Beloon Pass which Barry, Bill Capon, Bob Milne and I had located on an exploratory walk some weeks before. 
-I came in for the usual leg pulling for not arranging better weather. We walked up to the pass (NAT 549130) and had an excellent view of the country we were going to cross on the way to Katoomba. The weather looked decidedly unpromising with grey clouds and rain ahead but it cleared away and we had a fine afternoon. + 
-The western side of Beloon Pass drops down quite steeply so we zigzagged down in small groups to avoid injury from falling rocks. The hillside levelled out and we continued down to a fire trail which led us to-4 ford across the Wollondilly River (NAT 511135). When we tried to do this trip in 1984 the Wollondilly had been over three metres deep and uncrossable but this time it was only up to our calves.+We made reasonable time up the gully and stopped for lunch at the creek junction just below the pass. We had a heavy shower of rain so I came in for the usual leg pulling for not arranging better weather. We walked up to the pass (NAT 549130) and had an excellent view of the country we were going to cross on the way to Katoomba. The weather looked decidedly unpromising with grey clouds and rain ahead but it cleared away and we had a fine afternoon. 
 + 
 +The western side of Beloon Pass drops down quite steeply so we zigzagged down in small groups to avoid injury from falling rocks. The hillside levelled out and we continued down to a fire trail which led us to a ford across the Wollondilly River (NAT 511135). When we tried to do this trip in 1984 the Wollondilly had been over three metres deep and uncrossable but this time it was only up to our calves. 
 Two rivers down and four to go. We followed the fire trail to the Jooriland River and thankfully put the packs down (NAT 497138). We were tired but happy with our first day's walk. It was the night of the full moon and as we were camped on a clear grassy spot we really appreciated it. Two rivers down and four to go. We followed the fire trail to the Jooriland River and thankfully put the packs down (NAT 497138). We were tired but happy with our first day's walk. It was the night of the full moon and as we were camped on a clear grassy spot we really appreciated it.
-Saturday. Distance 21 km. Climbing 720 m.  + 
-We set off across the river and followed Sheepwalk Drive up to +=== Saturday. Distance 21 km. Climbing 720 m. === 
-Page 4 + 
-June, 1985. +We set off across the river and followed Sheepwalk Drive up to NAT496167, then headed west along a faint track that climbed a delightful open ridge which gave us good views back across the Wollondilly to Beloon Pass, Bonnum Pick and the Burragorang Walls. The track led up towards Southern Peak and then down to the abandoned town of Twin Peaks where we had a short pause before heading off to Yerranderie. On the way we saw numerous four-wheel drive vehicles and their exhaust fumes rather spoiled that part of the day. 
-THE SY14,3USHWALKER  +
-15.A1496167, then headed west along a faint track that climbed a delightful open ridge which gave us good views back acros6 the Wollondilly to Beloon Pass, Bonnum Pick and the Burragorang Walls. The track led up towards Southern Peak and then down to the abandoned town of Twin Peaks where we had a short pause before heading off to Yerranderie. On the way we saw numerous four-wheel drive vehicles and their exhaust fumes +
-rather spoiled that part of the day.+
 As another storm was approaching we opted for an early lunch. We quickly lit a fire and rigged two tent flies so by the time the storm struck we were quite dry if rather cramped for space. As another storm was approaching we opted for an early lunch. We quickly lit a fire and rigged two tent flies so by the time the storm struck we were quite dry if rather cramped for space.
-After lunch we continued on to Yerranderie, where we stopped to sign the visitors book, and then down across the Tonalli River and up the road to Byrnes Gap. At this point Herb decided to leave the party as he had to get home early, so he set off along the Scott's Main Range road. By + 
-now it was 3.00 and too late to go up onto the Axe Head Range, so we kept +After lunch we continued on to Yerranderie, where we stopped to sign the visitors book, and then down across the Tonalli River and up the road to Byrnes Gap. At this point Herb decided to leave the party as he had to get home early, so he set off along the Scott's Main Range road. By now it was 3.00 and too late to go up onto the Axe Head Range, so we kept going until we found water and a bearable camp site at YER 406247. Barry found a much better camp site at about YER 411247 but it was some distance away and there was little enthusiasm for walking any further, so we made do where we were near the road. 
-going until we found water and a bearable camp site at YER 406247. Barry found a much better camp site at about YER 411247 but it was some distance + 
-away and there was little enthusiasm for walking any further, so we made +And that night we had our accident. A billy of near boiling water had been left a couple of metres away from the fire and John accidentally stepped into it and scalded his foot. The recent graduates from the St. John's Ambulance first-aid course did all the right things with cold water and dry dressings, and doped up with Panadois John spent a fairly comfortable night but it was obvious that he could not continue the walk. 
-do where we were near the road. + 
-And that night we had our accident. A billy of near boiling water +=== Easter Sunday. Distance 19 km. Climbing 400 m. === 
-had been left a couple of metres away from the fire and John accidentally stepped into it and scalded his foot. The recent graduates from the St. John's Ambulance first-aid course did, all the right things with cold water arid dry dressings, and doped up with Panadois John spent a fairly comfortable night but it was obvious that he could not continue the walk. + 
-Easter Sunday. Distance 19 km. Climbing 400 m.  +John and Hans left early and walked back to the four-wheel-drive hut at Byrne's Gap and organised a lift for John back to Yerranderie. After a cup of tea and a talk the rest of us headed tip towards Gander Head on the Axe Head Range. Ray was not feeling well so he went back to Yerranderie with John. They were given a lift by the Ranger to Penrith station. On the way they saw some beautiful country not normally accessible to walkers. 
-John and Hans left early and walked back to the four-wheel-drive hut + 
-at Byrne's Gap and organised a lift for John back to Yerranderie. After +The walk along the Axe Head Range was really the highlight of the trip. It was a bright, sunny day and David led us along the top in his usual competent manner. We could see right back to Beloon Pass to the south-east and north to Katoomba, which was just a hazy mark on the farthest horizon. We were surrounded by the most spectacular mountain scenery, we had perfect weather and I thought how lucky I was to be able to walk in such a wonderful place with the best of companions. 
-a cup of tea and a talk the rest of us -headed tip towards Gander Head on the -Axe Head Range. Ray was not feeling well so he went back to Yerranderie With JOhn. They were given a lift by the Ranger to Penrith station. On the way they saw some beautiful country not normally accessible to walkers. + 
-The walk along the Axe Head Range was really the highlight of the trip. It was a bright, sunny day and David led us along the top in his usual competent manner. We could see right back to Beloon Pass to the south-east and north to Katoomba, which was just a hazy mark on the farthest horizon. We were surrounded by the most spectacular mountain scenery, we had perfect weather and I thought no lucky I was to be able to walk in such a wonderful place with the best of companions. +But, magnificent though the views were, time was pressing and we had to move on. We headed north-east along the range and down the ridge running to Butcher's Creek which we reached in time for lunch at 12.30, (YER 432302). After a welcome swim we climbed up to that horrible, hard and boring but rather useful Scott's Main Range road and pounded along it for nearly five kilometres to Sandy Creek Ridge (RAN 456352). With Barry and David navigating we followed the ridge down to the Kowmung and camped beside the dry Sandy Creek. Again we had a welcome swim and another delightful camp spot. 
-But, magnificent though the views were, time was pressing and we had to move on. We headed north-east along the range and down the ridge running to Butcher's Creek which we reached in time for lunch at 12.30, (YER 432302). After a welcome swim we climbed up to that horrible, hard + 
-and boring but rather useful Scott's Main Range road and pounded along it for nearly fie kilometres to Sandy Creek Ridge (RAN 456352). With Barry and David navigating we followed the ridge down to the Kowmung and camped beside the dry Sandy Creek. Again we had a welcome swim and another delightful camp spot. +=== Monday, 8th April. Distance 14 km. Climbing 460 m. === 
-Monday, 8th April. Distance 14 km. Climbing 460 m. +
 We had a 7.30 start and set off down the Kowmung passing several walkers either still in bed or cooking breakfast. We went down to the Ti-willa Creek junction and filled up for the dry climb over Mt. Wonga to the Cox. We had a 7.30 start and set off down the Kowmung passing several walkers either still in bed or cooking breakfast. We went down to the Ti-willa Creek junction and filled up for the dry climb over Mt. Wonga to the Cox.
-We left the Kowmung at BIM 467424 and climbed up a very steep track + 
-Page 5 +We left the Kowmung at BIM 467424 and climbed up a very steep track to Mt. Wonga. The track, aptly named Hell Hill by Bert Carlon, was for taking cattle between the two rivers and, though steep, it saves hours of river walking. On the top of Mt. Wonga we walked through an interesting patch of turpentine forest which was quite lush and damp compared with the barren ridge we had just climbed. 
-THE SYTAiT Eri TOALKER June, + 
-to Mt. Wonga. The track, aptly nsc HELL HITAL by Bert Carlon, vas for taking cattle between the two "j'79'S end, though steep, it saves hours of river walking. ON the top of Mt. Wonga we walked through ar 'interesting patch of turpentine fr'rest whio.b was quite lush and damp compared with the barren ridge we had just climbed. +Ogee again the weather was very still and we perspired copiously. An old blazed trail leads across the area BIM 467453 to the track running down Bungalooloo ridge which begins at about BIM 463457. Tim and Ainslie had been across the track before but it was new country to most of us. 
-Ogee again the weather was very still and we perspired copiously. + 
-An old blazed trail leads across the area BIM 467453 to the track running down Bungalooloo ridge which b,?g-In -;:yit BIM 463457. Tim and Ainslie +Down on the Cox we had another swim and baked in the hot sun while we had lunch. Out came the maps again as we pondered on the alternative ways of getting back to Katoomba. David took off after lunch as he had to get back to Sydney that evening. We briefly toyed with the idea of climbing up Spotted Dog Ridge to Splendour Rock but the hot, sultry weather and an approaching storm put an end to that suggestion. We took the soft option of going down the Cox to (JEN 453487) and camping on a lush green area beside the river. 
-had been across the track befo-e but. 7,T'-'2 new country to most of us. + 
-Down on the Cox we had another baked in the hot sun while +We pitched the tents and hurried inside for shelter as a violent electrical storm crackled and boomed overhead. David had a nail-biting time as he was on Mt. Debert near the power lines while the lightning was striking. After the storm we emerged from the tents and spent the evening around the fire fighting off enormous ants which were at least one metre between the eyes with nippers to match. 
-we had lunch. OUt came the maps &;=' ) FS we pondered on the alternative + 
-ways of getting back to Katoomba rd ccJok off after lunch as he had +=== Tuesday. Distance 26 km. Climbing 850m. === 
-to get back to Sydney that evel. ''1-7-efly toyed with the idea of + 
-climbing up Spotted Dog Ridge 7,c) Rock but the hot, sultry weatha: +We were up at 5.30 and away by 7.00. I rose to a cool, misty morning to see Hans by the fire which was sending a long plume of smoke into the air, the trees looming out of the mist in the half light and the moon hanging low in the sky - superb. We moved off into the mist and crossed the Cox (river number six and only knee deep) and started the long climb up White Dog ridge, JAM 458485. 
-and an approaching storm put an end. suggestion. We took the soft + 
-option of going down the Cox to (JEN 453487) and camping on a lush green area beside the river, +The Cox valley was filled mist and the ridges stood out in rows. Each side creek was also filled with white mist which was shining in the early morning sun. After a rest at Medlow Gap we went over Mt. Debert to Tarro's Ladders and so on to Narrow Neck. It was a glorious day and between the columns of mist rising out of the valley we could see back to the south over some of the country we had covered in the last four days. 
-We pitched the tents and hurr: + 
-electrical storm crackled and  +The walk along Narrow Neck was enjoyable with bright sunshine and large tumultuous clouds adding to the beautiful views. Ray was waiting for us with a bag of oranges and these were very welcome to the remaining ten grubby, thirsty walkers plodding back along the road. 
-time as he was on Mt. Debert 7eLa.r. + 
-striking. After the storm we eTlerge around the fire- fighting off-enorn +And so we got to Aroneys. Please if anyone knows an easier way to get there - do let me into the secret. 
-metre between the eyes with flippY;F;oc + 
-Tuesday. Distance 26 km. J-7 We were up at 5.30 and avey +=== Thoughts on the Trip. === 
-morning to see Hans by the fire f- -- into the air, the trees IconiDg L moon hanging low in the sky - crossed the Cox (river numbey climb up White Dog ridge, JAM + 
-The Cox valley was filled 1,1ri Each side creek was also filled +Mittagong (all right, Hilltop) to Katoomba is one of the most enjoyable trips I have done. It is fairly long and a bit tiring in places but with early starts five days are ample. Next time I will plan a route which does not include Yerranderie as road bashing and sharing your air-space with four-wheel drive vehicles detracts from the wilderness experience. 
-early morning sun. After e + 
-to Tarro's Ladders and so on ,t between the columns of mist ri.sir; to the south over some of the c-Joi, +Most importantly - go with a good group. I would like to thank:- Barry, for help with the exploration of Beloon Pass and general navigation; Jan for sharing the tent load and in generous good humour; Hans for laughs and companionship; Ainslie for photography and first-aid; Mike for quiet good humour and trust in the leader; John for conversation and being a good patient; Herb for organising the bus; Elka for staying with us; Tim for quiet, sensible conversation and help with navigation; Fazeley for her refined jokes and unfailing good humour; Ray for his vintage jokes; Barbara for singing and general chit-chat; and last but by no means least David for help with navigation, sound advice and being unfailingly good company at all times. 
-- The walk along Narrow Neck large tumultuous clouds adding for us with a bag of oranges and + 
-ten grubby, thirsty walkers plocii7 +[ Map ] 
-ide for shelter aS a violent + 
-David had a hail-biting +---- 
-lines while the lightning was + 
-rom the tents and spent the evening 7-:C.1 ants which were at least one +===== Hinchinbrook Island National Park. ===== 
-121, +
-)u, I rose to a cool, misty +
-.-e) sanding a long plume of smoke mist in the half light and the -Noved off into the mist and +
-knee deep) and started the long +
-iad the ridges stood out in rows. +
-1-2-1.5t which was shining in the +
-T-ao we went over Mt. Debert +
-It was a glorious day and he valley we could see back +
-covered in the last four days +
--Tith bright sunshine and 1,3201 views. Ray was waiting +
-'szy welcome to the remaining +
-Jng the road. +
-And so we got to Aroneys, anyone knows an easier way +
-to get there - do let me into the +
-Thoughts on the Trip.  +
-Mittagong (all right, anto, ' trips I have done. It is fairly early starts five days are ample. not include Yerranderie as road four-wheel drive vehicles detract +
-Most importantly - go with. Barry, for help with the exploratiol Jan for sharin the tent load and and companionsh44 Ainslie for +
-Ita is one of the most enjoyablc., = , bit tiring in places but with +
-will plan a route which doe: +
-5haring your air-space with +
-fllerness experience. +
-would like to thank:- +
-con Pass and general navigation; +
-good humour; flAhs for laughs -..r.d first-aid;.Nike for +
-Page 6 +
-June, 1985. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER +
-quiet good humour and trust in the leader; John for conversation and being a good patient; Herb for organising the bus; Elka for staying with us; Tim for quiet, ,ansible conversation and help with navigation; Fazeley for her refined jokes and unfailing good humour; Ray for his vintage jokes; Barbara for singing and general chit-chat; and last but by no means least David for help with navigation, sound advice and being unfailingly good company at all times. +
-41- * 3i- * * * * * +
-Eas +
-5 cal 1'4.41 k. vv. +
-R.evA'  ecx p A +
-o Z 4 to Po, +
-I 111 I41Mtk4 +
-HILLTOP +
-to +
-KATOOMBA +
-NNA P +
-Page 7 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1985. +
-HILLTOP toKATOOMBA +
-se4142- 44''''t +
-kov '-'4P  +
-Ca- W010 A +
-2. 4 6 t +
-LI' I  ' +
-ZihiNto LA-i< +
-M P , +
-Page 8 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER  June, 1985. +
-HINCHINBROOK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK.+
 by Reg Alder. by Reg Alder.
 +
 Hinchinbrook Island first sighted by Captain Cook was so mountainous that it was thought to be part of the mainland. This illusion was dispelled some seventy years later with the discovery of the Hinchinbrook Passage, a narrow strait lined with mangroves separating its 42 km length from the Queensland coast between Ingham and Cardwell. The backbone of the island is capped with precipitous peaks of up to 1121 metres within 3 km of the Barrier Reef side of the island. The 1:50 000 map Hillock Point and the 1:100 000 map Cardwell are essential for finding your way along the island and for locating possible sources of water. Hinchinbrook Island first sighted by Captain Cook was so mountainous that it was thought to be part of the mainland. This illusion was dispelled some seventy years later with the discovery of the Hinchinbrook Passage, a narrow strait lined with mangroves separating its 42 km length from the Queensland coast between Ingham and Cardwell. The backbone of the island is capped with precipitous peaks of up to 1121 metres within 3 km of the Barrier Reef side of the island. The 1:50 000 map Hillock Point and the 1:100 000 map Cardwell are essential for finding your way along the island and for locating possible sources of water.
 +
 I had been invited to join a party comprising Tim Coffey, Dot Butler, Paul Howard, Ron Knightley and Alex Colley. It was going on a combined yachting and walking holiday of seven weeks' duration, but I declined as seven weeks seemed too long to be away and I was not particularly enamoured of the idea of a yacht cruise. Later, circumstances changed, and the period away was shortened to five weeks as Alex Colley had to return to Sydney for the investiture of his Order of Australia Medal for services to conservation and the cruise in Peter Levander's yacht was reduced to getting to and from Hinchinbrook. I had been invited to join a party comprising Tim Coffey, Dot Butler, Paul Howard, Ron Knightley and Alex Colley. It was going on a combined yachting and walking holiday of seven weeks' duration, but I declined as seven weeks seemed too long to be away and I was not particularly enamoured of the idea of a yacht cruise. Later, circumstances changed, and the period away was shortened to five weeks as Alex Colley had to return to Sydney for the investiture of his Order of Australia Medal for services to conservation and the cruise in Peter Levander's yacht was reduced to getting to and from Hinchinbrook.
 +
 Transport from Sydney was in a Range Rover and we travelled with some diversions because of floods over inland roads to Rockhampton and then by the Bruce Highway to Cardwell, arriving with a day to spare and the thought of whether the yacht would be able to keep its rendezvous for 8 am on August 10. There were some misgivings as it could not be sighted at the moorings at Cardwell but by 8.30 a distant mast was recognised as possibly belonging to Arrow. By nine it was alongside but with provisioning and taking on water it was mid-morning before we set sail, and motored when the breeze became too light, down the very picturesque passage on a gorgeous day. Transport from Sydney was in a Range Rover and we travelled with some diversions because of floods over inland roads to Rockhampton and then by the Bruce Highway to Cardwell, arriving with a day to spare and the thought of whether the yacht would be able to keep its rendezvous for 8 am on August 10. There were some misgivings as it could not be sighted at the moorings at Cardwell but by 8.30 a distant mast was recognised as possibly belonging to Arrow. By nine it was alongside but with provisioning and taking on water it was mid-morning before we set sail, and motored when the breeze became too light, down the very picturesque passage on a gorgeous day.
 +
 Our landing point was on the southern end of Picnic Beach, opposite Lucinda, the sugar port of Ingham. A 6 km jetty juts out to sea for ships to be loaded with sugar. Disembarking from the yacht was by a small rubber raft which could take only one person and two packs, or vice versa. It took some time to off-load the party of six and their packs. Water had to be carried as we had no knowledge of its availability on that end of the island. Feeling somewhat like Robinson Crusoe, but with no signs of any footprints, we set off along the long beach, committed to our fate to walk the full length of the island. Our landing point was on the southern end of Picnic Beach, opposite Lucinda, the sugar port of Ingham. A 6 km jetty juts out to sea for ships to be loaded with sugar. Disembarking from the yacht was by a small rubber raft which could take only one person and two packs, or vice versa. It took some time to off-load the party of six and their packs. Water had to be carried as we had no knowledge of its availability on that end of the island. Feeling somewhat like Robinson Crusoe, but with no signs of any footprints, we set off along the long beach, committed to our fate to walk the full length of the island.
 +
 Permits are needed to camp on the island, and are issued for seven days only, they may be obtained from Cardwell. Camping is not permitted for more than one overnight stay in any one place. By the nature of the island I cannot see how these conditions could be regulated as there are virtually no tracks, and access to the various beaches is only easily achieved by sea. Permits are needed to camp on the island, and are issued for seven days only, they may be obtained from Cardwell. Camping is not permitted for more than one overnight stay in any one place. By the nature of the island I cannot see how these conditions could be regulated as there are virtually no tracks, and access to the various beaches is only easily achieved by sea.
 +
 When we were looking from the beach into the rain forest for a campsite our feeling of isolation was broken when we sighted a picnic table through a break in the trees. A beach 6 kms long and one isolated table and a national parks sign both almost hidden except from almost immediately opposite them. The particular spot must have been well known to locals since there were no natural features to guide you to it. The clearing in the rain forest was made use of and we made our first camp. To conserve our fresh water the vegetables were cooked in salt water but the result was rather salty for discriminating palates. Most water bags had leaked and from this we learnt that they will only hold water if they are pre-wetted and kept damp all the time. When we were looking from the beach into the rain forest for a campsite our feeling of isolation was broken when we sighted a picnic table through a break in the trees. A beach 6 kms long and one isolated table and a national parks sign both almost hidden except from almost immediately opposite them. The particular spot must have been well known to locals since there were no natural features to guide you to it. The clearing in the rain forest was made use of and we made our first camp. To conserve our fresh water the vegetables were cooked in salt water but the result was rather salty for discriminating palates. Most water bags had leaked and from this we learnt that they will only hold water if they are pre-wetted and kept damp all the time.
-June, 1985 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 9 + 
-The next day after 5 kms we came to an estuary which required swimming our packs across. As I landed over oyster-covered rocks I was surprised to find two of our party about to climb into a launch for the crossing. Two men had been up the estuary to a waterfall and on coming around the bend were probably as surprised as we were to see each other. The beach +The next day after 5 kms we came to an estuary which required swimming our packs across. As I landed over oyster-covered rocks I was surprised to find two of our party about to climb into a launch for the crossing. Two men had been up the estuary to a waterfall and on coming around the bend were probably as surprised as we were to see each other. The beach was now finished and with a heavily indented coastline it was obvious from the map contours that a coastal walk besides being longer was out of the question. A straight-line ridge and sidling walk of 5 kms across to Zoe Bay seemed the logical route even though it meant a 200 metre climb. It was our first experience of rain and open forest on the island, and any thoughts of easy progress were soon dispelled for in seven hours we had only advanced some 2.5 kms. A fortunate twist of a creek as we finished sidling around a ridge before coming to the watershed saddle gave us water for the night camp. The site had to be cleared of debris to provide the minimum of space needed for our tents. 
-was now finished and with a heavily indented coastline it was obvious from the map contours that a coastal walk besides being longer was out of the question. A straight-line ridge and sidling walk of 5 kms across to Zoe + 
-Bay seemed the logical route even though it meant a 200 metre climb. It +Michael Morcombe's "Australia's National Parks" in its descriptive summary variously describes walking activities in the national parks as nature trail walks, hiking, walking, bush walks, bushwalking, rough bushwalking and rugged bushwalking. The walking activities on Hinchinbrook are the only ones he describes as 'extremely rugged bushwalking into a largely unexplored trackless mountainous interior'! It was little use to read this on my return. 
-was our first experience of rain and open forest on the island, and any thoughts of easy progress were soon dispelled for in seven hours we had only advanced some 2.5 kms. A fortunate twist ofa creek as we finished sidling around a ridge before coming to the watershed saddle gave us water + 
-for the night camp. The site had to be cleared of debris to provide the +The next day the saddle was fairly level for a while and as is always the case we found a beter campsite within a short distance. The ease of advance ended there as we encountered a mat of swamp grass which seriously hindered progress. The ground was solid underfoot but the grass was over my head and the only way through it was to push until you could go no further, stand back, push it down with your hands until your feet could complete the operation. Then push in once more and start all over again. Being the youngest of the party I was given this job which had to be continued until we could enter the creek bed. Monsoon rains scour the creek beds clear and if one lies on your route it is the best way to walk. Soon we were happily rock-hopping all the way down past a waterfall and tempting pools to Zoe Bay. On the way down we met Margaret Butler, who had come to Zoe Bay in Peter's yacht with Wade and the children, walking up the creek to climb a nearby spur. Yesterday's distance was all over in a couple of hours. 
-minimum of space needed for our tents. + 
-Michael Morcombe's "Australia's National Parks" in its descriptive summary variously describes walking activities in the national parks as nature trail walks, hiking, walking, bush walks, bushwalking, rough bush- walking and rugged bushwalking. The walking activities on Hinchinbrook are the only ones he describes as 'extremely rugged bushwalking into a largely unexplored trackless mountainous interior!! It was little use +We could now see the yacht with its sail up but apparently stationary on the far side of the bay. On arrival we found it had stranded trying to make the estuary for shelter from the chop of the bay. By lunch time it was well and truly careened by the 3 metre tide and had to wait until evening to be refloated in the light of a full moon and gain an anchorage in the deep lagoon. This cast doubt on whether it could pick us up at the northern end of the island unless it could escape before the next extreme high tide in a week's time. As it happened, by marking the channel an earlier sailing was possible and we met on time. There are however regular daily launches from the northern end of the island. 
-to read this on my return. + 
-The next day the saddle was fairly level for a while and as is always the case we found a beter campsite within a short distance. The ease of +[ Map of Hinchinbrook Island. ] 
-advance ended there as we encountered a mat of swamp grass which seriously +
-hindered progress. The ground was solid underfoot but the grass was over +
-my head and the only way through it was to push until you could go no further, stand back, push it down with your hands until your feet could +
-complete the operation. Then push in once more and start all over again. +
-'Being the youngest of the party I was given this job which had to be continued until we could enter the creek bed. Mensoon rains scour the creek beds clear and if one lies on your route it is the best way to walk. Soon we were happily rock-hopping all the way down past a waterfall and temptin pools to Zoe Bay. On the way down we met Margaret Butler, who had come to Zoe Bay in Peter's yacht with Wade and the children, walking up +
-the creek to climb a nearby spur. Yesterday's distance was all over in a couple of hours. +
-We could now see the yacht with its sail up but apparently stationary +
-on the far side of the bay. On arrival we found it had stranded trying +
-to make the estuary for shelter from the chop of the bay. By lunch time it was well and truly careened by the 3 metre tide and had to wait until evening to be refloated in the light of a full moon and gain an anchorage in the deep lagoon. This +
-cast doubt on whether it could pick us up at the northern end of the island unless it could escape before the next extreme high tide in a week's time. +
- BAY As it happened, by marking the channel an earlier sailing was possible and +
-we met on time. There +
-are however regular daily launches from the northern +
- Picnic Beach end of the island. +
-Page 10 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1985+
 While at Zoe Bay Wade Butler and a crew member attempted to climb Mt. Bowen from the southern flank but met cliffs and returned at 10 pm, without torches. It was a harrowing experience of 13 kms for the yacht man as it took him some three days to recover. The island is not won easily. While at Zoe Bay Wade Butler and a crew member attempted to climb Mt. Bowen from the southern flank but met cliffs and returned at 10 pm, without torches. It was a harrowing experience of 13 kms for the yacht man as it took him some three days to recover. The island is not won easily.
-We went on to the next bay with Peter, hoping to climb Mt. Bowen from the northern side. One look at the mountain and its adjoining peak + 
-The Thumb ruled out any possibility of an easy climb up their side flanks. +We went on to the next bay with Peter, hoping to climb Mt. Bowen from the northern side. One look at the mountain and its adjoining peak The Thumb ruled out any possibility of an easy climb up their side flanks. The rest of the party opted out except for Dot and Peter. I was particularly shy of the possibility of any rock climbing since on that same day as I came around a small headland I dropped some 3 metres down a cleft into the sea. I was wearing Dunlop walking boots which have the much publicised jogger tread. On a cursory examination this tread would appear to offer an excellent grip. In practice, however, the wedge-shaped pattern has no grip at all if only part of the foot is placed on a slope where the lower edge of the boot cannot grip. Making a simple stretch step, my landed foot suddenly broke away and down I went, pack and all. No damage to myself except for a scratched arm and a sore elbow. A lucky escape. 
-The rest of the party opted out except for Dot and Peter. I was particularly shy of the possibility of any rock climbing since on that same day as I came around a small headland I dropped some 3 metres down a cleft into the sea. I was wearing Dunlop walking boots which have the much publicised jogger tread. on a cursory examination this tread would appear to + 
-offer an excellent grip. In practice, however, the wedge-shaped pattern +Our climbers soon found that their proposed route was impossible and took to the creek which led up past the mountain to the saddle behind it. This proved negotiable but time-consuming, and they spent the night, food and tentless, alongside a fire just below the summit. A direct descent from the summit without ropes was out of the question and they returned by the same route, arriving back at noon. They had only travelled 12 kms from the previous morning. By this time we were expecting to have to mount a rescue party and it would have been quite a problem as their proposed route as drawn on the beach was well away from their actual one. 
-has no grip at all if only part of the foot is placed on a slope where the lower edge of the boot cannot grip. Making a simple stretch step, my landed foot suddenly broke away and down I went, pack and all. No damage to myself except for a scratched arm and a sore elbow. A lucky escape. +
-Our climbers soon found that their proposed route was impossible and took to the creek which led up past the mountain to the saddle behind it. This proved negotiable but time-consuming, and they spent the night, food and tentless, alongside a fire just below the summit. A direct descent +
-from the summit without ropes was out of the question and they returned by the same route, arriving back at noon. They had only travelled 12 kms from the previous morning. By this time we were expecting to have to mount a rescue party and it would have been quite a problem as their proposed route as drawn on the beach was well away from their actual one.+
 We were now in a section which was used by walkers and were able to follow rudimentary tracks for most of the time up to Ramsay Beach. Here launches bring tourists across Missionary Bay 6 kms through channels in the mangroves almost to the frontal dunes of the ocean. At this point we met a party of James Cook University walkers who advised us there was little possibility of water on the peninsula at the end of the 8.5 km Ramsay Beach. We were now in a section which was used by walkers and were able to follow rudimentary tracks for most of the time up to Ramsay Beach. Here launches bring tourists across Missionary Bay 6 kms through channels in the mangroves almost to the frontal dunes of the ocean. At this point we met a party of James Cook University walkers who advised us there was little possibility of water on the peninsula at the end of the 8.5 km Ramsay Beach.
-Filling up our water buckets we set off for what appeared to be an easy day. The beach took 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours to walk and we settled down to swim and lunch before attempting the 3 km walk across a low saddle through which there was supposed to be a track. If there ever was one it had long since disappeared and we had to bush bash again through the forest up to the saddle. This took 3 hours and then we had to find water in some pools of the creek and a small fresh-water lagoon at the beach. Pushing through scrub and balancing while carrying a full water budket is no easy task and we were wet through with the afternoon's exertions.+ 
 +Filling up our water buckets we set off for what appeared to be an easy day. The beach took 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours to walk and we settled down to swim and lunch before attempting the 3 km walk across a low saddle through which there was supposed to be a track. If there ever was one it had long since disappeared and we had to bush bash again through the forest up to the saddle. This took 3 hours and then we had to find water in some pools of the creek and a small fresh-water lagoon at the beach. Pushing through scrub and balancing while carrying a full water bucket is no easy task and we were wet through with the afternoon's exertions. 
 The map showed possibly beach along the next stretch. There may have been at extreme low tide but it was 3 hours of rock-hopping for us, with some very large ones to go over or under. We then had a stretch of beach walking until we joined up with the made tourist tracks of the northern end. The map showed possibly beach along the next stretch. There may have been at extreme low tide but it was 3 hours of rock-hopping for us, with some very large ones to go over or under. We then had a stretch of beach walking until we joined up with the made tourist tracks of the northern end.
-And so back to civilisation and improvements. The bare road and excavations for the unimaginative fibro cabins of the resort, the tinsel of the dining room and the bar, canned music, the pumped water in the swimming pool and the hum of generators soon brought us back to what can happen in the name of development. A barge was being loaded with six weeks' accumulation of bottles and cans. At least they were not dumped + 
-on the island!+And so back to civilisation and improvements. The bare road and excavations for the unimaginative fibro cabins of the resort, the tinsel of the dining room and the bar, canned music, the pumped water in the swimming pool and the hum of generators soon brought us back to what can happen in the name of development. A barge was being loaded with six weeks' accumulation of bottles and cans. At least they were not dumped on the island! 
 Hichinbrook is true wilderness, nature is in equilibrium and must remain so. Hichinbrook is true wilderness, nature is in equilibrium and must remain so.
-eastwood + 
-cam ng +---- 
-ce + 
-1CAMPING EQUIPMENT Large Tents  Stoves  Lamps-  Folding Furniture. +=== Eastwood Camping Centre. === 
-DISTRIBUTORS OF: + 
-F'addymade  Karrimor  Berghaus  Hallmark  Bergans  Caribee  Fairydown  Silva  Primus  Companion  and all leading brands. +__Bushwalkers__. 
-BUSHWALKERS + 
-1 Lightweight Tents  Sleeping Bags  Rucksacks  Climbing & Caving Gear  Maps  Clothing  Boots  Food. +Lightweight Tents - Sleeping Bags - Rucksacks - Climbing & Caving Gear - Maps - Clothing - Boots - Food. 
-Proprietors: Jack & Nancy Fox Sales Manager: David Fox + 
-EASTVVOOD CANVAS GOODS & CAMPING SUPPLIES 3 Trelawney St Eastwood NSW 2122 Phone: 858 2775 +__Camping equipment__. 
-Rutledge Street + 
-Rowe Street +Large Tents - Stoves - Lamps - Folding Furniture. 
-Page 12 THE SYDNEY BUSWALKER June, 1985.+ 
 +__Distributors of__: 
 + 
 +Paddymade - Karrimor - Berghaus - Hallmark - Bergans - Caribee - Fairydown - Silva - Primus - Companion - and all leading brands. 
 + 
 +Proprietors: Jack & Nancy Fox. Sales Manager: David Fox. 
 + 
 +Eastwood Canvas Good & Camping Supplies. 
 + 
 +3 Trelawney St., Eastwood, NSW, 2122. Phone 858 2775. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 TWO TRACKS - A CENTURY APART.  TWO TRACKS - A CENTURY APART. 
 by Ainslie Morris. by Ainslie Morris.
198506.txt · Last modified: 2019/02/27 13:06 by tyreless
Donate Powered by PHP Valid HTML5 Valid CSS Driven by DokuWiki