Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

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

Sunday Walks & Thursday Twilight Walks Programs

Sunday Walks Program

SUNDAY WALKS PROGRAM

AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2024

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.

4th August Belmont Wetlands and Lagoon Spit Walk. 8kms Easy/Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069

11th August Hunter Region Botanic Gardens Ramble. 8kms Easy. Contact Rita 0412673165

18th August ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING followed by lunch. Contact Carolyn 4942 6729.

25th August Telarah - Walka Waterworks Loop. 9kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 4942 6729

1st September Raworth to Morpeth Loop. 9kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 4942 6729

8th September Wangi Point Circuit. 9kms Medium. Contact Margaret 0417 252930

15th September Tanilba Bay – Rookes Point Loop. 9kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 4942 6729

22nd September Track Maintenance Awabakal Nature Reserve. (** Starting at the Redhead end - approximately 1½ hours). Contact Carolyn 4942 6729

29th September Adamstown – Charlestown via Fernleigh Track and GNW (bus return). 9kms Easy/medium. Contact Sue 0412019821

6th October Mount Sugarloaf Ramble. 10kms Easy/Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069

13th October Lemon Tree Passage Loop. 8kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 4942 6729

20th October Strickland Forest. 10kms Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069

27th October Shelly Beach to Wyrrabalong Lookout (return). 10kms Medium. Contact Margaret 0417252930

3rd November Carrington – Port Newcastle Loop. 8kms Easy. Contact Carolyn 4942 672

10th November Budgewoi-Halekulani Loop. 8kms Medium. Contact Margaret 0417 252 930

17th November Awabakal Nature Reserve. 8kms Easy/Medium. ContactColleen 0427460069

24th November Christmas Luncheon at Seaview Malaysian Restaurant. 21 Beach Rd, Redhead. Contact Carolyn 4942 6729

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 2024 - APRIL 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.)

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

5th September Swansea-Pirita Island Circuit 5-6kms Easy. Dinner at Swansea Workers Club, Cnr. Rawson & Galgabba St, Swansea. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

19th September Bar Beach to Newcastle Beach (return). 5-6kms Easy. Dinner at Merewether Bowling Club, (Fireflies Restaurant), 23 Caldwell St, Merewether. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Sue 0412019821

3rd October Foreshore, Nobbys, Newcastle Beach Ramble. 5-6kms Easy. Dinner at Benjamas Thai Restaurant, 100 Darby St, Cooks Hill. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Sue 0412019821

DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS - WALKS COMMENCE AT 5PM

17th October Dudley-Awabakal–Redhead Bluff Loop 5kms Medium. Dinner at Royal Crown Hotel, Cnr. Ocean & Pitt Sts, Dudley. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

31st October Valentine Ramble 5-6kms Easy. Dinner at Valentine Bowling Club, 17 Valentine Cres, Valentine. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Rita 0412673165

14th November Stockton Ramble 6-7kms Easy. Dinner at Club Stockton, 29 Douglas St, Stockton. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

28th November Ash Island (Kooragang Wetlands) Loop. 6-7kms Easy. Dinner at Hexham Bowling Club, 290 Old Maitland Rd, Hexham. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

12th December Booragul, Marmong Point, Awaba Bay (return). 5-6kms Easy/Medium. Dinner at Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd, Argenton. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Margaret 0417252930

2nd January Kahibah – Leichhardt’s Lookout (Glenrock State Conservation Area) return. 6-7kms Easy/Medium. Dinner at Kahibah Sports Club, Cnr. Kahibah Rd & Kenibea Ave, Kahibah. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

16th January Blacksmiths Ramble. 5-6kms Easy. Dinner at Belmont Golf Club, 801A Pacific Hwy, Marks Point. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

30th January Argenton - Cockle Creek - Speers Point Park Loop. 6-7kms Easy. Dinner at Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd, Argenton. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Margaret 0417252930

13th February Belmont Wetlands Circuit 6kms Easy/Medium. Dinner at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, Ada St, Belmont. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

27th February Adamstown Circuit. 6-7kms Easy. Dinner at The Gates Hotel, 660 Glebe Rd, Adamstown. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Val 0434510822

13th March Redhead Ramble 6-7kms Easy/Medium. Dinner at Seaview Malaysian Restaurant, 21 Beach Rd, Redhead. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Carolyn 0477047741

27th March Wickham, Foreshore, Carrington Boardwalk and Honeysuckle Circuit 5-6kms Easy. Dinner at Wickham Park Hotel. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Sue 0412019821

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS -WALKS COMMENCE AT 4PM

10th April Rathmines Ramble. 6-7kms Easy/Medium. Dinner at Club Catalina Rathmines BC. 1 Stilling St, Rathmines. Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Colleen 0427460069

24th April Avondale Circuit. 6kms Easy. Dinner at Marg’s place. $25/person (wine included). Book with leader for walk and/or dinner. Contact Margaret 0417252930

WALK GRADING

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 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.

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

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.

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.

Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

About Us

Sunday Walks & Thursday Twilight Walks Programs

Sunday Walks Program

Thursday Twilight Walks Program

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

Personal Equipment

Contact Us

Drop us a line!