Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout ClubWelcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout ClubWelcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout Club

Welcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout ClubWelcome to bushwalking with the Hunter Area Walkabout ClubWelcome 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 2023 – NOVEMBER 2023


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.)


30th July     Dutchmans Beach, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Tomaree (Gun Emplacements Level) Loop     8kms Medium

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41    

         

6th August     Mt Sugarloaf Ramble     10kms Easy/Medium

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069 


13th August     Redhead-Dudley Track Maintenance

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


20th August     Telarah Walka Water Works Loop     9kms Easy/Medium

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


27th August ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729

Kahibah Ramble 6-7kms Easy after AGM

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


3rd September     Avondale Circuit     8kms Easy/Medium

Contact Margaret 0417 252 930


10th September     Old Mooney Bridge – Mooney Mooney Creek (return)     11kms Medium

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069 


MONDAY 11th September

HAWCs 53rd ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION     Blackbutt Reserve (Richley Reserve, off Freyburg St, New Lambton)

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


17th September     Raworth – Morpeth Loop     9kms Easy/Medium

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


24th September     Carrington - Port Newcastle Loop     8kms Easy

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


1st October     Dungog – “Sculpture on the Farm” followed by Girriwa Loop Walk     5kms Medium

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069 


8th October     Ash Island Circuit     11kms Easy/Medium

Contact Sue 0412 019 821 


15th October     Gwandalan – Summerland Point - Frying Pan Bay Loop     8.5kms Medium

Contact Carolyn 49426729 

 

22nd October     Booragul – Toronto Lions Park     8kms Easy

Contact Nancy 041 472 087 


29th October     Tanilba Bay – Mallabula Loop     10kms Medium

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


5th November     Blacksmiths – Swansea Ramble     7-8kms Easy

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


12th November     Valentine – Green Point (return)     8kms Medium

Contact Val 0434 510 822


19th November     Awabakal Nature Reserve     8kms Easy/Medium

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


26th November     Christmas Luncheon at Seaview Malaysian Restaurant. 21 Beach Rd, Redhead

Contact Carolyn 49426729


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 2023 - APRIL 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.)


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

 

SEPTEMBER 2023 - WALKS COMMENCE AT 4PM


7th September     Mt Sugarloaf Ramble     5-7kms Medium

Dinner at Minmi Hotel 156 Woodford St Minmi

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


Monday 11th September

HAWC’S 53rd Anniversary Celebration at Blackbutt Reserve


21st September     Dudley Awabakal Redhead Bluff Loop     6kms Medium

Dinner at Royal Crown Hotel Cnr Pitt & Ocean Sts Dudley

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS - WALKS COMMENCE AT 5PM

 

5th October     Charlestown to Kotara (return) via Raspberry Gully     6-7kms Easy/Medium

Dinner at Club Charlestown 5 Lincoln St Charlestown

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


19th October     Belmont Wetlands Ramble     6kms Medium

Dinner at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club 9 Ada St Belmont

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


2nd November     Nobbys Breakwall & Foreshore Ramble     6-7kms Easy/Medium

Dinner at Benjamas Thai Restaurant 100 Darby St Cooks Hill

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Sue 0412 019 821


16th November     Stockton Ramble     5-6kms Easy

Dinner at General Washington Hotel 1 Mitchell St Stockton

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


30th November     Fennell Bay - Bolton Point Ramble     5-6kms Easy/Medium

Dinner at Royal Motor Yacht Club 6 Arnott St Toronto

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


14th December     Swansea – Galgabba Point     5-6kms Easy/Medium

Dinner at Belmont Golf Club 801 Pacific Highway Marks Point

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


28th December     Cardiff – Hillsborough (return) via Winding Creek     6kms Easy/Medium

Dinner at Cardiff Bowling Club 175 Myall Rd Cardiff

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


11th January     Blacksmiths – Little Pelican Ramble     6-7kms Easy

Dinner at Belmont Golf Club 801 Pacific Highway Marks Point

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


25th January     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 Margaret 0417 252 930


8th February     Redhead Ramble     6kms Easy

Dinner at Seaview Malaysian Restaurant Cnr Steel St & Beach Rd Redhead

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 4942 6729


22nd February     Valentine – Eleebana Ramble     6-7kms Easy

Dinner at Valentine Bowling Club 17 Valentine Cres Valentine

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


7th March     Blackbutt Ramble     5-6kms Medium

Dinner at Blackbutt Hotel 80 Orchardtown Rd New Lambton

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Val 0434 510 822


21st March     Wickham to The Foreshore (return)     5kms Easy

Dinner at Wickham Park Hotel 61 Maitland Rd Islington

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Sue 0412 019 821


APRIL 2024 DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS - WALKS COMMENCE AT 4PM


4th April     Toronto Waterfront Ramble     6kms Easy

Dinner at Casa-Nova Italian Restaurant 24 Victory Pde Toronto

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Rita 0412 673 165


18th April     Brickworks Park - Wallsend/Jesmond Ramble     5-6kms Easy/Medium

Dinner at Hotel Jesmond Cnr Newcastle Rd & Blue Gum Rd Jesmond

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


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 

  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 and difficulty of the walk, and the weather
  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 

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

At the end of the walk

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.

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