Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

Personal Equipment

1 . FOOTWEAR.This is the most important part of your equipment. Footwear needs to be comfortable, closed (shoes or boots) and have effective tread.

2. CLOTHING.Should be loose and comfortable and preferably constructed from a strong fabric. Long sleeves and long trousers are recommended for sun protection and walking through thick scrub. A wide brimmed hat is essential for sun protection.

3. WET WEATHER GEAR.Light plastic raincoats or poncho and umbrella are common items found in a walker’s backpack.

4. BACKPACK.A backpack is required to carry your gear as it leaves your hands free.

5. WHAT YOU MUST CARRY.* A minimum of one litre or two litres or more of water in hotter conditions * Sufficient food for your needs * If you carry medication, ensure you carry adequate supplies. * Advise the walk leader if your medical condition is likely to affect your walking. * First Aid Kit. The kit should include adhesive strips or elastoplast for blisters. * A triangular bandage, safety pins, antiseptic lotion and paracetamol are also useful additions.

Sunday Walks & Thursday Twilight Walks Programs

Sunday Walks Program

SUNDAY WALKS PROGRAM

AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2025

It is the participant’s responsibility to check whether the walk will proceed in the event of inclement weather (eg. rain, strong winds, high temperatures, bushfire danger etc.)

3rd August Telarah – Walka Waterworks Loop. 9kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

10th August Hunter Wetlands Loop via Shortland, University and Warrabrook Wetlands. 10kms Easy/Medium. Contact Sue 0412019821

17th August Blackbutt Reserve Ramble 7kms Medium. Contact Val 0434510822

24th August ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. Meet 10:00am at Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd, Argenton for AGM. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

31st August Dungog – “Sculpture on the Farm” ($10 entry fee) followed by Girriwa Loop Walk. 5kms Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069

7th September Dora Creek – Eraring Inlet Canal Ramble. 8.5kms Easy. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

14th September Charlestown – Warners Bay. 9.5kms Medium. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

21st September Islington – Carrington – Port Newcastle Loop. 10kms Easy. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

28th September Track Maintenance Awabakal Nature Reserve. (** Starting at the Redhead end. Approximately 1½ hours). Bring gloves, secateurs, morning tea. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

5th October **DAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS** Avondale Circuit 8kms Easy/Medium. Meet 8am Speers Point Park (behind Swimming Pool) or 8.45am 70A Avondale Road, Cooranbong. Contact Margaret 0417252930

12th October Awabakal Nature Reserve. 8-10kms Easy/Medium. Contact Colleen

0427460069

19th October Carrington – Nobbys (option to include Nobbys Breakwall). 8-10kms Easy. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

26th October Valentine - Green Point (return). 8kms Easy/Medium. Contact

Rita 0412673165

2nd November Charlestown, Kotara, Kahibah Circuit (via Raspberry Gully, Fernleigh & GNW tracks). 10kms Medium. Contact Val 0434510822

9th November Norah Head Lighthouse, Jenny Dixon Beach, Soldiers Point Loop 9kms Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069

16th November Wangi Point Circuit. 9kms Medium. Contact Margaret 0417252030

23rd November Toronto – Fassifern (return) 10kms Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069

30th November Christmas Luncheon - Venue to be advised. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

Walk Gradings

EASY Opportunity for large number of walkers, including those with reduced walking ability to walk on well marked and even tracks. Tracks are man made and may have a few steps. Should not be too steep. Suitable for beginners. Distance should not exceed about 10km.

EASY/MEDIUM Easy walk, mostly on tracks of low gradient. Opportunity to walk easily in natural environments on well marked tracks. Tracks should not be steep. Distance should not exceed about 15km.

MEDIUM Medium walk with some hilly sections and/or rougher terrain. Opportunity to walk on defined and distinct tracks with some steep sections requiring a moderate level of fitness. Suitable for fit beginners. Distance should not exceed about 20km.

MEDIUM/HARD Steeper, rougher terrain and may have off-track sections (no more than one quarter of the walk) or a longer distance track walk. Opportunity to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments mostly along defined and distinct tracks. Tracks can be steep. There may be short sections of rock scrambling involved. Leaders should have map reading abilities and/or ability to use a compass. Distance depending on circumstances. Not suitable for most beginners.

Ask the leader for advice regarding the grade, experience and fitness required.

Basic Requirements for a Walk

1. Please notify your contact of your intention to attend a walk and remember the leader is in charge

2. Do not separate from the main group without the agreement of the leader

3. Wear appropriate clothing ie. Comfortable shoes which provide support to your feet and have effective tread on their soles. Wet weather gear (even the humble umbrella) is wise on a short walk and essential on an extended walk. Hat and sun block are also necessary

4. Have sufficient food and fluid for your trip (one to two litres of water depending on the length of the walk)

5. Advise the leader of any health problems or special medication

6. Always leave details of your walk with somebody at home and advise them of your estimated time of return

Thursday Twilight Walks Program

SEPTEMBER 2025 - APRIL 2026

It is the participant’s responsibility to check whether the walk will proceed in the event of inclement weather (eg rain, strong winds, high temperatures, bushfire danger, etc.)

PLEASE NOTE THAT A MINIMUM OF 3 PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE WALK TO PROCEED. PLEASE RING THE LEADER THE DAY BEFORE THE WALK TO BOOK IN FOR THE WALK AND/OR DINNER

WALK COMMENCES AT 4PM

2nd October Green Point Ramble. 6kms Easy/Medium. Meet 4pm Green Pt. Foreshore Reserve (opposite 16 The Shores Way, Belmont). Dinner at Belmont 16’ Sailing Club, The Parade, Belmont. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS - WALKS COMMENCE AT 5PM

16th October Jewells – Belmont Wetlands Loop. 7.5kms Easy/Medium. Meet 5pm Jewells Car Park, Railway Cres. Jewells. Dinner at Seaview Malaysian Restaurant, 21 Beach Rd, Redhead. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

30th October Wangi Waterfront Walk. 6kms Easy/Medium. Meet 5pm Dobell Park, (Off Kent Place), Wangi Wangi. Dinner at Bunsom’s Aussie Thai Restaurant, Shop 1/226 Watkins Rd, Wangi Wangi. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Margaret 0417252930

13th November Wallsend to Edgeworth (return). 8kms Easy/Medium. Meet 5pm Near 99 Cowper St, Wallsend (opposite Wallsend Diggers Sports Club). Dinner at Fire Station Hotel, 22 Devon St, Wallsend. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Val 0434510822

27th November Newcastle Beaches, local streets and Foreshore ramble. 5kms Easy. Meet 5pm at Horseshoe Beach Car Park, Horseshoe Bend Rd, (off eastern end of Wharf Rd), Newcastle. Dinner at Benjamas Thai Restaurant, 100 Darby St, Cooks Hill. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Sue 0412019821

Sunday 30th November Christmas Lunch at Seaview Malaysian Restaurant, Redhead.

11th December New Lambton – Broadmeadow Ramble. 5-6kms Easy. Meet 5pm Car Park Tauranga Rd, New Lambton (behind West Leagues Club). Dinner at West Leagues Club. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

Sunday 4th January New Year Breakfast at King Edward Park

8th January Mt Sugarloaf Ramble. 6-7kms. Easy/Medium. Meet 5pm Top Car Park Mt Sugarloaf (off George Booth Drive), West Wallsend. Dinner at Minmi Hotel, 156 Woodford St, Minmi. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

22nd January Caves Beach - Swansea Heads Loop. 6-7kms Medium. Meet 5pm Car Park (off Mawson Close. Turn left behind Caves Beach Hotel). Dinner at Caves Coastal Bar & Restaurant, 3 Mawson Close, Caves Beach. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

5th February Bar Beach to Newcastle Beach (return). 5-6kms Easy. Meet 5pm Top end of Bar Beach Car Park (off Memorial Drive). Dinner at Merewether Bowling Club, 23 Caldwell St, Merewether. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Sue 0412019821

19th February Toronto Waterfront Ramble. 6 kms Easy. Meet 5pm Car Park opposite Royal Motor Yacht Club, 6 Arnott St, Toronto. Dinner at Royal Motor Yacht Club. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

5th March Carrington – Throsby Creek Ramble. 6kms Easy. Meet 5pm Carrington Bowling Club 1C Cowper St, Carrington. Dinner at Carrington Bowling Club. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

19th March Swansea – Pirrita Island Circuit 5-6kms Easy. Meet 5pm Swansea Workers Club, Cnr. Rawson & Galgabba St, Swansea. Dinner at Swansea Workers Club. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

2nd April Rathmines Ramble. 6-7kms Easy/Medium. Meet 5pm Club Catalina BC, 1 Stilling St, Rathmines. Dinner at Club Catalina Bowling Club, Rathmines. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS - WALKS COMMENCE AT 4PM

16th April Wickham Park Loop 6-7kms Easy/Medium. Meet 4pm Car Park (off Tighes Terrace) Maitland Rd, Islington (opposite TAFE). Dinner at Wickham Park Hotel, 61 Maitland Rd, Islington. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

30th April Charlestown – Glenrock SCA (return). 6-7kms Easy/Medium. Meet 4pm Central Leagues Club, 8 Bula St, Charlestown. Dinner at Central Leagues Club. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

Walk Gradings

Ask the leader for advice regarding the grade, experience and fitness required.

Basic Requirements for a Walk

1. Please notify your contact of your intention to attend a walk and remember the leader is in charge.

2. Do not separate from the main group without the agreement of the leader.

3. Wear appropriate clothing i.e. Comfortable shoes that provide support to your feet and have effective tread on their soles. Wet weather gear (even the humble umbrella) is wise on a short walk and essential on an extended walk. Hat and sun block are also necessary.

4. Have sufficient food and fluid for your trip (one to two litres of water depending on the length of the walk.

5. Advise the leader of any health problems or special medication.

6. Always leave details of your walk with somebody at home and advise them of your estimated time of return.

Ask the leader for advice regarding the grade, experience and fitness required.

Basic Requirements for a Walk

Please notify your contact of your intention to attend a walk and remember the leader is in charge
Do not separate from the main group without the agreement of the leader
Wear appropriate clothing ie. Comfortable shoes which provide support to your feet and have effective tread on their soles. Wet weather gear (even the humble umbrella) is wise on a short walk and essential on an extended walk. Hat and sun block are also necessary
Have sufficient food and fluid for your trip (one to two litres of water depending on the length and difficulty of the walk, and the weather
Advise the leader of any health problems or special medication
Always leave details of your walk with somebody at home and advise them of your estimated time of return

About Us

The Hunter Area Walkabout Club Inc. has been engaged in bushwalking activities since 1970. The club is affiliated with Bushwalking NSW Inc. and conducts walks in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley, Central Coast and occasionally in the Sydney Areas.

DAY WALKS

Sunday - full day walk each week. Usually a bush walk within comfortable travelling distance.

Summer Months - twilight walk Thursday evening once every fortnight followed by dinner at a pub or other inexpensive venue.

The walks program (below) indicates the scheduled walk, grade (degree of difficulty for each walk), the name of the leader and a telephone contact. People who wish to join the Sunday walk are required to phone the leader at least two days in advance.Please view the Walker Guidelines and Equipment Advice sections of this web site for further information.
Visitors are always welcome and can participate in up to three activities prior to joining the club.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

The club usually has a one week summer excursion each year to Kosciusko National Park, with ski-lodge accommodation. The lodge is used as a home base whilst the group walks in the surrounding areas.

Excursions to other regions are conducted occasionally with a home base and day walks in the surrounding areas.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Annual luncheon

Christmas function

New Year Breakfast

Walker Guidelines

Prior to the walk

At the end of the walk

Prior to the walk

Ensure that you are fit enough for the degree of difficulty of the walk. If in doubt, discuss with the walks leader prior to the walk.

It is important that you notify the contact person of your intention to attend at least two days before the activity.

Arrive at the meeting place at least 15 minutes before the advised meeting time (to complete paperwork).

Carry a minimum of one litre, or two litres of water or more in hotter conditions.

Carry sufficient food for the day’s activity.

Wear appropriate clothing particularly comfortable shoes which provide support to your feet and have effective tread on the soles.

Wet weather gear is wise on a short walk and essential on an extended walk. Hat, sunblock and a first aid kit, are also necessary. (See the section below regarding ‘Personal Equipment’)

Ensure that you complete the sign-on sheet after reading the Risk Waiver statement and any risk warnings.

Leave advice at your home base of the intended walk area and expected time of return.

Remember to bring your sense of humour and adventure. Club leaders are all volunteers so please be patient and kind.

Advise the walks leader if you have a medical condition that is likely to affect your walking. If you carry medication carry adequate supplies.

During the Walk

At the end of the walk

Prior to the walk

Follow the leader’s instructions. Remember your leader has your welfare at heart. Be courteous, co-operative and helpful to other walkers in the group.

Generally you should not leave the walk early unless pre-arranged. If it is necessary, you must advise the leader and if requested, sign off on the activity form. You must accept a leader’s decision to send someone with you to accompany you out.

Do not allow yourself to become separated from the group. If experiencing any difficulties such as pace, blisters or shortage of water, advise the leader immediately. Participants should maintain a line of sight with people in front and behind.

Car pooling is recommended. Contribute to car costs if you are a passenger in a vehicle.

Do not leave the track or fall behind the person appointed ‘tail’ for any reason without advising the ‘tail person’.

At the end of the walk

Make sure that the leader is aware that you have returned safely.

Remember to thank the leader.

Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

Personal Equipment

Sunday Walks & Thursday Twilight Walks Programs

Sunday Walks Program

Thursday Twilight Walks Program

About Us

Walker Guidelines

Prior to the walk

At the end of the walk

Prior to the walk

During the Walk

At the end of the walk

Prior to the walk

At the end of the walk

At the end of the walk

At the end of the walk