Activities Program

The main club activities are day walks and take place in a large number of different areas ranging from suburban parks to the nearby mountains. Historic walks around the suburbs of Melbourne are also on offer.
Basecamps, cycling and a range of social events are also offered. Trips within Australia, overseas and locally are also undertaken periodically.

Grading of Walks

It is most important that before you consider going on any walk, particularly those graded medium or more strenuous, you should consider whether you are sufficiently fit and experienced and have the necessary equipment.

Easy  Walking on gently undulating terrain, mostly on formed tracks. Suitable for most people. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 6 to 12 km.

Easy/Medium  Gently undulating terrain, mostly on formed tracks with some short climbs. Walking time 4 to 5 hours, 10 to 15 km.

Medium   Some of the walk not necessarily on formed tracks, with some sustained climbs (1km or more). Walking time 5 to 6 hours, 10 to 20 km.

Medium/Hard   As for medium but includes rougher terrain, ie. heavy scrub, rock scrambling or longer climbs or descents. Walking time 5 to 6 hours, 10 to 20 km.

Hard   Consistent walking in difficult terrain, rock scrambling, thick scrub, steep ups and downs, creek crossings. Experienced and fit walkers only. Walking time 6 to 10 hours, 10 to 20 km

Activity Booking  - Once you have registered as a visitor or prospective member (which is free) you can use our online booking system to book. Click Membership or Visitors for more information.

These are our upcoming activities:

We will meet at KG cemetery Mel 271 J8 at 0920 for a 0930 start.

Leaving KG cemetery we will carefully cross the Eltham-Yarra Glenn Road and walk into the valley on the bridle path, up to Nicholas Lane.  We will walk down Nicholas Lane to the Aqueduct (1200m), and walk along the Aqueduct for about 900m to where it goes under a hill.  We will divert left up that hill and follow the track alongside a private property until we reach a fence.  There we will turn left and follow another bridle path downhill and cross a dry water course.  The bridle path runs uphill to a private access road which we will follow a short distance back to Nicholas Lane.  From there we will retrace our steps back to KG cemetery.  While this is hilly they are neither long nor steep.

Should be finished by 1230.

Don't forget, morning tea, sturdy shoes, hat and water.

Activity Date Wed 09 Sep 2026 9:20 am
Finish Date/Time Wed 09 Sep 2026 12:35 pm
Bookings OK until Tue 08 Sep 2026 4:30 pm
Capacity Unlimited
Bookings 26
Distance KM 8
Carpool or Activity Location Kangaroo Ground Cemetary
Activity/Grade SHORT WALK, Easy, Easy/Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Wombat State Forest will offer a delightful morning adventure with two walks.

Meetup at 8.50am for a 9.00am start

We begin on the Whipstick track, traversing an open forest with low heath.  The path then transitions into a dense ‘wet sclerophyll’ forest, home to towering trees, vibrant ferns and moss-covered logs.  The formed track loops around Whipstick Creek, eventually leading us to the Lerderderg Heritage River walk.

Lerderderg Heritage River trek is relatively flat, track-based walk crosses several small creeks via bridges, navigates obstacles and meanders through a diverse range of trees. It’s the perfect bushwalk of 13kms before enjoying a classic pub meal at the historic Blackwood Hotel.

Bring along morning tea and I have a lunch booking for 1.30pm - we may even get there ealier. 

Please email or message me to confirm your lunch booking  -  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or mobile 0411 881 260 

If you would like to view the Blackwood Hotel menu please click on this link Main-Menu-june26-1.pdf

Hiking poles are always welcomed and Marg has offered to assist with carpooling arrangemets - thank you.

Activity Date Sat 12 Sep 2026 9:00 am
Finish Date/Time Sat 12 Sep 2026 3:00 pm
Bookings OK until Fri 11 Sep 2026 12:00 pm
Capacity 14
Bookings 14
Available places 0
Waiting List 2
Carpool or Activity Location The Garden of St Erth - overflow carpark
Activity/Grade WALK, Medium

Sorry, fully booked

Panton Hill Wattle Walk

Lovely 9kms circuit through Boomers Reserve and Bulwidj Reserves along bush tracks and quiet dirt roads.  The Wattle is out at the moment and it looks fantastic and for those with sharp eyes there are probably orchids out too.  Only a 3 hour walk with a coffee and muffin at the Smiths Gully Store for morning tea.  But bring your own morning tea just in case.  Easy relaxed walk but there are some steep hills.  Love to have you join me

 

Activity Date Sun 13 Sep 2026 9:00 am
Finish Date/Time Sun 13 Sep 2026 12:30 pm
Bookings OK until Sat 12 Sep 2026 4:00 pm
Capacity Unlimited
Bookings 12
Distance KM 9
Carpool or Activity Location Boomers Reserve
Activity/Grade WALK, Easy/Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Local walk.  Starting at Hurstbridge Hub, walking via Cherrytree Road to Panton Hill, through country roads and trails to Wattle Glen, if the timing is appropriate lunch at Peppers Paddock and back via DC bike track.  Approx 13ks.

Please bring morning tea and lunch.  Poles optional.

Please park in car park next to the Hub carparking area.

Activity Date Wed 16 Sep 2026 8:45 am
Finish Date/Time Wed 16 Sep 2026 2:00 pm
Bookings OK until Tue 15 Sep 2026 5:00 pm
Capacity 25
Bookings 22
Available places 3
Distance KM 13
Carpool or Activity Location Hurstbridge Hub
Activity/Grade WALK, Easy/Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Capital City Trail

The Capital City Trail circles the city centre including sections of the Inner Circle, Moonee Ponds and Main Yarra Trails. We will only do the ride if the weather is good. Distance 30km and bring morning tea and lunch.

Activity Date Wed 16 Sep 2026 9:30 am
Finish Date/Time Wed 16 Sep 2026 2:00 pm
Bookings OK until Mon 14 Sep 2026 6:00 pm
Capacity 12
Bookings 2
Available places 10
Carpool or Activity Location Yarra Bend Road
Activity/Grade BIKE RIDE, Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Social Luncheon -Eltham Hotel Bistro

Club Social Lunch , all welcome, join friends and fellow walkers.  Please book  as the  hotel needs to reserve us table.

Activity Date Thu 17 Sep 2026 12:00 pm
Finish Date/Time Thu 17 Sep 2026 2:00 am
Bookings OK until Wed 16 Sep 2026 12:30 pm
Capacity 15
Bookings 4
Available places 11
Carpool or Activity Location Eltham Hotel
Activity/Grade SOCIAL EVENT

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Churchill National Park (walk 3)

Joint Walk with KBC.Newly recce'd walk in the area where we take in Army, Channel, Bayview, Wallaby tracks, and the delightful Woodland Walk. 1st couple of kms are vey easy walking. From Woodland there are ups and downs here and there. After rain there could be a couple of sloppy areas. Mostly very good wide gravel tracks, interspersed with some single file tracks. Approx. 200mtr of accent. Sighting of kangaroos & wallabys are common along the way. We visit the Trig Point where there are amazing views. Approx. 200 mtrs of accent. Bring morning tea and lunch provisions. 2 ltrs water, sunscreen, poles and suitable clothing. There are no toilet facilities on this walk as unfortunately the toilet block has been demolished. Meet at 9.15am for 9.30 departure

Car pooling from Mullum Mullum and pay driver $5.00

What 3 Words - button.arrow.treehouse

Melways map 82 C10

Activity Date Sat 19 Sep 2026 9:30 am
Finish Date/Time Sat 19 Sep 2026 2:00 am
Bookings OK until Thu 17 Sep 2026
Capacity 15
Bookings 15
Available places 0
Waiting List 3
Carpool or Activity Location Carpool-Mullum Mullum Reserve, Melway 34H7
Activity/Grade WALK, Medium

Sorry, fully booked

Punty Lane - Red Hill South Walk

Punty Lane - Red Hill South Walk

Walkers wanting to car pool should meet at Mullum Mullum Reserve, Melway 34H7 ///alive.part.sheet at 7:45am.

The walk starts at The Epicurian, 165 Shoreham Road, Red Hill - Melways Ref: 191 17 ///awakening.defections.legacy at 9:00 am.

There is a carpark behind the shops, but more importantly there is a restaurant 'Epicurian' where you can enjoy a  great coffee before the walk - toilets available.

It is a circular walk, 15km, undulating - one steep hill, a small distance off track, but mostly on quiet roads, and in some instances walking on horse tracks alongside some main roads.

The walk traverses through picturesque farmlands and vineyards.  Punty Lane is filled with majestic old pine trees with a short distance of off track and a creek crossing (with bridge).

This takes us to Shoreham Road when we will stop at Montalto Vineyard where they have an interesting sculpture park.  We will also have lunch here and there is an option for anyone interested to have a Montalto lunch in the garden (see menu: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0761/5702/6608/files/Piazza_Menu_2.07.pdf?v=1783216618 ) - sharing pizza is a good option.

We will return to the Red Hill Centre along Shoreham and Baynes Roads.

Whilst it is quite a distance from the Diamond Valley area it is worth the drive!

Bring trekking poles, morning tea, lunch (if you choose not to 'dine out') and water.

Click here to see map of walk

Activity Date Wed 23 Sep 2026 7:45 am
Finish Date/Time Wed 23 Sep 2026 3:30 pm
Bookings OK until Tue 22 Sep 2026 12:00 pm
Capacity Unlimited
Bookings 16
Distance KM 15
Carpool or Activity Location Carpool-Mullum Mullum Reserve, Melway 34H7
Activity/Grade WALK, Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Glynns Reserve, North Warrandyte (2)

This is a joint walk with Koonung BWC  in Yarra Valley Parklands.  We start in Glynns Reserve before heading down to the river and walking past the Pound Bend Tunnel (seen from the other side of the river) through to Laughing Waters (morning tea) and Caitlins Retreat. 

The walk is undulating with some single file bush tracks and a steepish hill to walk out. It is likely to be slippery if recent rains.

Lots of birdlife, kangaroos and beautiful river views.

No need to bring lunch.  You will be back in plenty of time to see the Grand Final.

Please be ready to start walking by 9.30.

Activity Date Sat 26 Sep 2026 9:30 am
Finish Date/Time Sat 26 Sep 2026 11:45 am
Bookings OK until Fri 25 Sep 2026
Capacity Unlimited
Bookings 5
Distance KM 6.5
Carpool or Activity Location Gate at end of Glynns Road
Activity/Grade SHORT WALK, Easy/Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Three Creeks Walk Brisbane Ranges (4)

A roller-coaster walk through box-ironbark woodands 14Km of very varied tracks with a very rocky track along Grahams Creek to wide four wheel drive tracks passing though several camping grounds including Old Mill Camp ground and Fridays Picnic camp ground. The tracks are very well shaded with several decent climbs but overall a really lovely walk which will not disappoint. The thee creeks are Grahams Creek, Yankee Gully and Sutherland Creeks. Meeting for car pooling at back of KFC car park Greensborough at 7.30am cost will be $23.00

Activity Date Sun 27 Sep 2026 7:30 am
Finish Date/Time Sun 27 Sep 2026 2:00 pm
Bookings OK until Sat 26 Sep 2026 12:00 pm
Capacity Unlimited
Bookings 10
Distance KM 14
Carpool or Activity Location The Crossing Picnic Area
Activity/Grade WALK, Easy/Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Northern Pauls range (2)

Starting from Toolangi, walk down and do a loop through Pauls Range then back. The middle bit covers some of the same tracks as the southern Pauls Range walk but you miss out the dreadful hill at the beginning of that walk. 

There is still a steep hill in this one, but not as bad. 350 metres ascent/descent. Distance 14km.

Carpool from ELT, leaving at 8am so be there a few minutes before. $8 to drivers

If not carpooling, meet at the Castella Central car park, cnr Melba Hwy and Healesville-Kinglake Rd at 8.35. We'll convoy from there.

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Bunyip State Park (4 brothers rocks)

Lovely circuit walk through mountain-ash and stringy bark forests with tree ferns and grass trees.

Starting at the picnic ground we head east to Reids Track then steeply down Two Dams track for morning tea. Continue uphill along Helmet Track to Burgess Road and walk along the ridgeline for 3kms until we arrive at 4 brothers rocks for lunch. Go down Rankins Track which is fairly steep in parts. Through creek gully, open forests and helipad area back to the cars.

Mainly good open walking tracks.  Some steep sections with loose stones. Can be muddy and slippery if recent rain.  Mainly up before lunch and down after.

Joint walk with Koonung.

Meet at 9.15 for 9.30.  Driving instructions will be supplied. what3words--retailers.rely.necessarily

Those wanting to car pool meet at Mullum Mullum at 7.45 for 8.00 departure. $15 to drivers please.

Activity Date Sun 04 Oct 2026 9:15 am
Finish Date/Time Sun 04 Oct 2026 3:00 pm
Bookings OK until Fri 02 Oct 2026
Capacity 10
Bookings 10
Available places 0
Waiting List 2
Distance KM 18
Carpool or Activity Location Carpool-Mullum Mullum Reserve, Melway 34H7
Activity/Grade WALK, Medium

Sorry, fully booked

Federation Walks 2026

Federation Walks this year will be held in Portland,Victoria. The walks will take place along the 'Great Southern Walk'. Information on time, meeting hub and walks will be provided by the organising clubs in the Bushwalking Victoria website once it is all decided. Check the link below to see a video on the area the walks will take place. It's stunning!

Bushwalking Victoria Website

I'm not organising walks. I'm publishing this activity for interested members to see who's planning to attend and for them to organise accommodation, car pooling, etc. with other DVBC members. If you're sure you'll be attending, try to book accommodation early not to miss out of places closer to Portland. The booking in our website will show expressions of interest for this purpose so that you can contact each other.

Check the Bushwalking Victoria website to see when detailed information is uploaded. Don't be discouraged by the 'Bookings Closed' sign.

I've participated in several Fed Walks and have had a great experience sharing with members from different clubs in Victoria. It's something like getting out of our comfort zone; different places and different pleople but an unforgettable experience.

 

 

Activity Date Sat 10 Oct 2026
Finish Date/Time Sun 11 Oct 2026
Capacity Unlimited
Bookings 15
Activity/Grade BASE CAMP

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Westerfolds Park - Plenty River return

Meet at Westerfolds Park (Mel 33 EF3 - same location as Christmas Picnic - toilets) at 0920 for a 0930 start. 

Our walk will begin by walking 1250m towards the Yarra River.   Then we will cross the bridge and follow the Main Yarra Track (with a small diversion to the left after crossing the bridge) to the mouth of the Plenty River.  From there we will retrace our steps to Bonds Rd and take the diversion behind Odyssey House to rejoin the Main Yarra Track.

Don't forget, morning tea, sturdy shoes, hat and water.

Activity Date Wed 14 Oct 2026 9:20 am
Finish Date/Time Wed 14 Oct 2026 12:30 pm
Bookings OK until Tue 13 Oct 2026 4:30 pm
Capacity Unlimited
Bookings 10
Distance KM 8
Carpool or Activity Location Westerfolds Car Park 2 Playground
Activity/Grade SHORT WALK, Easy, Easy/Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Heidelberg Art and Architecture (2)

Meet at Ivanhoe Station at 09:05 (08:40 from Eltham arrives 09:01). Walk up to the Ivanhoe (Banyule) civic centre.

Tour accessible parts of the old Heidelberg Town Hall (1937), which is a heritage-listed building claimed to be one of the best examples in Australia of an Art Deco public building.

View the current exhibition in the Centre's Gallery 275. This will have paper-based artwork on Heidelberg School themes from the Council's biennial $10,000 acquisitive competition. Eight Heidelberg School original paintings on loan from the NGV will also be on display.

Walk into Eaglemont, passing a significant Heidelberg School house and other domestic architecture of interest. See some outstanding home gardens in their Springtime glory.

Continue via The Boulevard to the Yarra and follow the Artist's Trail to Warringal Park (lunch, toilets). Visit St John's Anglican church (1850), said to be the oldest intact suburban church in Melbourne. FInish at Heidelberg Station.

Activity Date Wed 21 Oct 2026 9:05 am
Finish Date/Time Wed 21 Oct 2026 2:30 pm
Bookings OK until Tue 20 Oct 2026 5:00 pm
Capacity 25
Bookings 23
Available places 2
Activity/Grade WALK, Easy/Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Pyrete Range off track creek crossing adventure

Lynda and Steve Parker are leading a circuit walk through the wilds of the Pyrete Range, about two thirds of this walk is off track and requires around 20 river crossings.  There are a couple of shortish but steep hills to start and then we're into the off track through pretty bushland and some grassy meadows before we hit the creek and the going gets quite tough, its rough under foot, there's a lot of pushing through native grasses, if there's water in the creek crossings will be more difficult, poles and gaiters are a must.  The offtrack section is mostly flat or gently undulating but mentally and physically the going is hard as you are always watching your feet. We'll pass the old antimony mine ruins on our way out and of course we finish with a small hill before its downhill back to the cars

Bring hat, sunscreen, poles, gaiters, 2lt water, high energy lunch and trail snacks, maybe some hydrolyte.  

Meeting at 8.30am for a 8.45am start.

Location: parking at the end of Antimony Mine Rd, Coimadai 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5yyxnt7CbqYjcTrp6

Carpooling will be organised from KFC Greensbough as normal - cost $15

Activity Date Sat 24 Oct 2026 8:30 am
Finish Date/Time Sat 24 Oct 2026 3:00 am
Bookings OK until Thu 22 Oct 2026 6:00 pm
Capacity 11
Bookings 9
Available places 2
Distance KM 14.5
Carpool or Activity Location drive to the end of Antimony Mine Rd Coimaida
Activity/Grade WALK, Hard

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

First Aid at Westerfolds

The course will cover basic first aid to HLTAID011 standard plus some additional material tailored at our request to bushwalking needs, such as leeches, ticks, and severe haemorrhaging.  Weather permitting, some parts of the course will be conducted outdoors under simulated incident conditions.The provider is the Australian Red Cross. 

The course will be held in and around the Parks Victoria Meeting Room, Westerfolds Park. Enter by the main (south) entrance off Fitzsimons Lane and turn north until you reach the parking area below the Parks Victoria buildings. MEL 33 G1; awards/slows/unwanted. Please arrive no later than 09:15 and come prepared for a full day with notepad, lunch and light outdoor gear.

Preliminary online work on the Red Cross website needs to be completed if you want a certificate at the end (and to get the full benefit of the course). This will take three to four hours. More details to follow when available.

Cost will be $120. Please pay this into the club's account BSB 083 232, account number 0276 15451 on registering for the course. Don't forget to identify your payment with your name. Participants who complete the course and receive a certificate will be eligbile for a $40 rebate from Bushwalking Victoria, paid through our club account.

For issue of a certificate, the Red Cross requires registration of participants prior to the course, including their Unique Student Identifer (USI) code. If you don't have one or have forgotten it, please visit https://www.usi.gov.au. If you don't care about a certificate, you don't have to provide a USI. Further details on registration will be provided closer to the time of the course.The certificate will relate to the basic course and the additional information will be provided for information and guidance.

Activity Date Sun 25 Oct 2026 9:15 am
Finish Date/Time Sun 25 Oct 2026 4:00 pm
Bookings OK until Fri 25 Sep 2026 5:00 pm
Capacity 20
Bookings 16
Available places 4
Distance KM 5
Carpool or Activity Location Westerfolds Meeting Rom
Activity/Grade SHORT WALK, Easy

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Mt Little Joe Circuit

Joint walk with KBC. Start and finish at MIllgrove, next to the CFA Fire Station & toilet block. Arrive at 9.15 for 9.30am start at Millgrove. Walk along bike path and turn right onto Scotchmans Creek Track, which continues as a steady climb for 2kms (ascending 340 mtrs). Morning tea at the top, then follow an unnamed fire break track for 4.5kms which can be muddy and slippery following rain. There is now a mountain bike course in this area which to be aware of. After the junction with Banksia Crt we have a steep climp (ascending 280 mtrs). Lunch will be at the top. Afterwards it is all downhill, through Westburn and back to the cars via the totally flat Warburton Trail. Weather permiting there are great views of the Warbutron Ranges. 

Carpooling at Eltham Little Theatre pay driver $13

What 3 Words - trickled.shutdowns.exacted

Note: As this walk is being offered to 2 clubs, depending on the uptake from KBC, I may be able to extend the DV numbers later.

Activity Date Sat 31 Oct 2026 9:30 am
Finish Date/Time Sat 31 Oct 2026 3:00 am
Bookings OK until Thu 29 Oct 2026
Capacity 10
Bookings 10
Available places 0
Waiting List 5
Carpool or Activity Location Carpool-Eltham Little Theatre, Melway 22H1
Activity/Grade WALK, Medium/Hard

Sorry, fully booked

Beasley's – Tikalara LO Return

Meet at the car park near Beasley’s (Mel 34 F3) at 0920 for a 0930 start.  Mel Map 22 B-F11 covers most of the area to be walked.

This walks takes us to Sanctuary Place and then through the Domain Wetlands (left off the Parkway) and then up the Templestowe Hill climb (modest slope).  Next we head towards the power lines via Arlunya Place and then proceed down to the bank of the Yarra opposite Killeavy (avoiding Kearney Lane). We then follow the river to Tikalara lookout via the bridge over Mullum Mullum Creek at Tikalara Homestead.  Morning tea will be taken before we cross the bridge. Return to Beasley’s via Main Yarra Track, and Sanctuary Place..

Don't forget, morning tea, sturdy shoes, hat and water.  Poles optional.

Opportunity for Coffee/Tea snack at Beasley’s at end of walk. 

Activity Date Wed 04 Nov 2026 9:20 am
Finish Date/Time Wed 04 Nov 2026 12:15 pm
Bookings OK until Tue 03 Nov 2026 4:30 pm
Capacity 24
Bookings 6
Available places 18
Distance KM 7
Carpool or Activity Location Beasley's Nursery
Activity/Grade SHORT WALK, Easy, Easy/Medium

To book for this activity, register as prospective member or visitor and login

Canberra & Namadgi NP Basecamp

Canberra & Namadgi NP Basecamp

25 April 2026: Update email sent to "Booked List" and "Wait List". See text of this email at the end of this description.

This is our first exploratory basecamp to Canberra, the Namadgi National Park, and the adjoining Brindabella National Park, and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Although Cathy & I have visited Canberra a couple of times in recent years, we are not familiar with the rest of the ACT to the south.

 We will be car/tent/camper-trailer camping (although carry on reading to the end of this paragraph if this doesn't suit **). The campgrounds unfortunately don't have cabins. We will use at least two camping locations in the park, depending on the walks that we choose to do. Some camps in the park have only basic facilities. It is likely that we will use Honeysuckle Creek Camp (50km south of Canberra) and Cotter Camp (24km west of Canberra). Maybe Mt Clear Camp in the south (80 km south of Canberra). It’s a bit of a balance between being close to our walks/minimising distance versus minimising relocations. More details to follow. ** You would be welcome to join us if you found more suitable alternative accommodation. You would either meet us at camp and car-pool to the start of the walk, or meet at the start of the walk. Some walks will be further from Canberra compared with the campsite.

 All walks will be day walks, and most will involve a drive from camp. We will not be doing multi-day pack carry hikes. There will be a mixture of walking grades so that we can enjoy some easier days. There may be a car shuffle. Some of the walks will be rated medium-hard. Expect conditions such as: steep hills; exposed rocky paths; light rock scrambling; cliffs; no shelter; poor visibility; sustained ascent; walking along steep exposed ridge.

Expect to encounter unsealed roads. However , we will not be driving on 4WD tracks.

Here is a selection (from a large list) of walks available (in no particular order). In some cases the walk is only recommended for fine weather due to navigation difficulties. The walks range in grade from easy to ‘hard’ (depending on which source you use). I would like to ‘tick-off’ some peaks and visit the Brindabella and Tidbinbilla Ranges in particular, along with visiting the southern edge of the park (and ACT), and maybe the Tinderry Mountains.

  • Mt Tennent Fire Trail 13.7km 740m^ elevation gain 5hrs (according to AllTrails) *HARD*
  • Grassy Creek Loop 14km 334m^ elevation gain 4hrs 
  • Yankee Hat Rock Art site 6km 168m^ 
  • Tidbinbilla Ridge 19km 7.5hrs *HARD*
  • Murrumbidgee River/Kambal Pool easy/medium (close to Canberra)
  • Orroral Valley 12km 4hrs
  • Camels Hump (Tidbinbilla) 12.5km 540m^ 5hrs
  • Gibralter Rocks/Devils Gap (Tidbinbilla) 10km 3.5hrs
  • Black Mountain 4km 200m^ (combine with visit to Australian National Botanical Gardens)
  • Mt Gingera 14km 312m^ 6 hrs (Brindabella Range)
  • Tinderry Twin Peak 13km 760m^ 6hrs *HARD*
  • Mt Coree 6km 263m^ 2hrs
  • Bendora Arboretum walk (Brindabella Range)
  • Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
  • Cooleman Ridge to Mt Arawang 8km 229m^ 2hrs (close to south-west Canberra)

 There are lots of walks to enjoy closer to Canberra. Cathy & I are going to extend our stay and visit the attractions of the city at the end of the basecamp. You would be welcome to join us. We may end up relocating again to a “holiday park” closer to the city.

  • Googong Dam (short Canberra walk)
  • Lake Jerrabomberra (short Canberra walk)
  • Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve (short Canberra walk)
  • Lake Tuggeranong Circuit (short Canberra walk)
  • Cotter Discovery Trail (near Cotter Camp)

In summary, more details to follow. Final choice of walks to be decided.

Final location of accommodation and dates to be decided. Accommodation will be located in remote National Park campsites, and we may relocate at least once to suit the walks we would like to do. Camping equipment required. Expect some road conditions to be unsealed. 

More details to follow.

As always, please feel free to comment, make suggestions and ask questions.

 

25 April 2026 - Email update

 

Camping
 
Thank-you for your responses to my WhatsApp message regarding camping. I have now decided where we will be staying.
 
I have considered all the available campsites in the Namadgi NP. Although some of them will accommodate camper-trailers, unfortunately it is on a “first-come first-serve” basis, and can’t actually be booked. Because of  this, I have decided that we will stay at Cotter Campground for the entirety of our trip (from Sunday 8th to Sunday 15th (7 nights). This will mean that on at least two days we will have to drive for at least an hour (each way) to reach our walk, but it does mean that we will save time and not have to relocate mid-week. Cotter Campground does have the luxury of hot showers and flushing toilets. Cathy & I have now booked.
 
 
At the end of the basecamp, Cathy and I will relocate to a ‘holiday park’ campsite, and stay at least another 3 nights. This will probably be at Capital Country (G’Day Parks). I will confirm at a later date should you wish to join us. We will be doing touristy things, and have a couple of family visits to enjoy. Here is a summary of parks in the Canberra city area:
 
 
Cotter Campground - Flush toilets / hot showers / unpowered
 
Alivio - (never stayed) great location for central Canberra but expensive
 
Discovery Park (G’Day Parks) - (never stayed) on NE edge of Canberra / new park but soulless/no trees. Powered slabs and grass.
 
Capital Country (G’Day Parks) - (stayed twice) Further out of Canberra compared with Discovery Park. A classic quiet park. Powered and unpowered campsites.
 
Queanbeyan Riverside (Big 4 partner) - (never stayed) - Not your normal Big4 holiday park. close to shops - no campsites/only villas/cabins/caravans
 
Queanbeyan Crestview (Big 4 partner) - (never stayed) - Not your normal Big4 holiday park. no tent campsites/only villas/cabins/caravans
 
 
Walking
 
As per the basecamp description, I have mentioned that some of the walks will be rated medium-hard. However, depending on the source of information that you use, in our club rating system we would rate them as hard. Expect conditions such as: steep hills; exposed rocky paths; light rock scrambling; cliffs; no shelter; poor visibility; sustained ascent; walking along steep exposed ridge. You need to be able to maintain a moderate pace, particularly on sustained ascents. Some of the walks require an ascent of at least 740m (Mt Tennent Fire Trail (hard) & Tinderry Twin Peak (hard)). Some of the walks will find us out on the trail for 8-9 hours. As a comparison, if you have ever done Mt Difficult (Gar) in the Grampians, this is 17km with 626m of ascent (as a group we did this recently in 8¼ hours). If we are feeling up to it, and the weather is fine, we may attempt Tidbinbella Peak Loop (Alltrails rated hard 15.1km 990m ascent). I am going to edit the description of this basecamp so that there is no ambiguity. Apologies. We won’t be tackling “hard” walks everyday.
 
 
Travel
 
Cathy and I will be leaving Melbourne probably around the 4th November. We are going to take a few days to get to Canberra, and are thinking of driving up the Monaro Highway. This starts near the border with NSW. No specific plans. We will probably drive back to Melbourne along the Hume.
 
Kind regards,
Chris
Activity Date Sun 08 Nov 2026 12:00 pm
Finish Date/Time Sun 15 Nov 2026 12:00 pm
Bookings OK until Sat 20 Jun 2026 3:15 pm
Capacity 12
Bookings 16
Available places 0
Carpool or Activity Location Canberra (Meeting Point TBD)
Activity/Grade BASE CAMP, Medium, Medium/Hard, Hard

Sorry, fully booked

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