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

DECEMBER 2022 – MARCH 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.)


4th December     Awabakal Nature Reserve, Track Maintenance

Meet 8:00am Ocean St (near Caldwell St), Dudley. Bring Morning Tea, Gloves, Secateurs etc

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


11th December     Bonnells Bay – Shingle Splitters Loop     8.5kms Easy/Medium

Contact Margaret  0417 252 930 


18th December     Booragul – Toronto Lions Park     8kms Easy

Contact Nancy 0418 472 087   


25th December      CHRISTMAS DAY – NO WALK SCHEDULED  


1st January     NEW YEARS DAY – NO WALK SCHEDULED 


8th January     New Year Breakfast & Ramble around City Beaches     7kms Medium

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


15th January     Glenrock SCA – Dudley (bush, beach & rock platform)     8kms Medium

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


22nd January     Dora Creek Ramble     9kms Easy

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


29th January     Belmont Sth – Pelican – Blacksmiths Circuit     10kms Easy/Medium

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


5th February     Glenrock SCA – Kahibah Loop Track     8kms Medium

Contact Rita 0412 673 165


12th February     Swansea Channel, Galgabba Point, Pirrita Island Loop     11kms Easy/Medium

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


19th February     Budgewoi - Halekulani Circuit     8kms Medium

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


26th February     Shelly Beach – Wyrrabalong Lookout (return)     10kms Medium

Contact Margaret 0417 252 930


5th March     Red Gum Forest     8kms Medium

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


12th March     Catherine Hill Bay to Fraser Park (return)     10kms Medium

Contact Val 0434 510 822


19th March     Tanilba Bay – Mallabula Loop     11kms Easy/Medium

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


26th March     Islington, Carrington, Port Newcastle Circuit     10kms Easy/Medium

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


WALK GRADES


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 i.e. 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 2022 - APRIL 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.)


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


8th September     Kotara Parks     6kms     Easy/Medium

Meet 3pm Kotara Station car park (off Park Ave, near the Tennis Courts)

Dinner at Blackbutt Hotel 80 Orchardtown Rd New Lambton

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


22nd September     Jesmond Park Bushland & Brickworks Park     6kms     Easy/Medium

Meet 3pm Hotel Jesmond car park cnr 182 Newcastle Rd & Blue Gum Rd Jesmond

Dinner at Hotel Jesmond

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS - WALKS COMMENCE AT 5PM


6th October     Nobbys - Breakwall & Foreshore Ramble     6-7kms     Easy/Medium

Meet 5pm Horseshoe Beach car park Horseshoe Beach Rd Newcastle East

Dinner at Benjamas Thai Restaurant, 100 Darby St Cooks Hill

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Sue 0412 019 821


20th October     Fennell Bay to Bolton Point Ramble     5-7kms     Medium

Meet 5pm Toronto Lions Park off Anzac Pde Fennell Bay

Dinner at Royal Motor Yacht Club, 6 Arnott St, Toronto

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


3rd November     Charlestown to Kotara (return) via Raspberry Gully     6-7kms      Easy/Medium

Meet 5pm near 50 Powell St Charlestown

Dinner at Charlestown Bowling Club, 5 Lincoln St Charlestown

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


17th November     Avondale Circuit     6kms     Easy

Meet 5pm Cooranbong Shopping Centre cnr Freemans Drive and Alton Rd Cooranbong

Dinner at Margaret’s residence $15/person (wine included)

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Margaret 0417 252 930


1st December     Stockton Ramble     5-6kms     Easy

Meet 5pm at Stockton Ferry car park Mitchell St Stockton

Dinner at General Washington Hotel 1 Mitchell St, Stockton

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


15th December      Blackbutt Ramble     5-6kms     Medium

Meet 5pm Cnr Queens Rd & Mahogany Drive, New Lambton

Dinner at Blackbutt Hotel 80 Orchardtown Rd New Lambton

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Val 0434 510 822


29th December     Rathmines Ramble     6-7kms     Easy/Medium

Meet 5pm Club Catalina Rathmines Bowling Club car park 1 Stilling St Rathmines

Dinner at Club Catalina Rathmines BC

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


12th January     Carrington - Throsby Creek - Honeysuckle Ramble     5-6kms     Easy

Meet 5pm near The Criterion Hotel 81 Bourke St Carrington

Dinner at The Criterion Hotel

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


26th January     Teralba - Boolaroo - Speers Point Loop     6-7kms     Easy

Meet 5pm Teralba Bowling Club car park 2A York St Teralba

Dinner at Teralba Bowling Club

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


9th February     Dudley Bush - Dudley Beach and Rock Platform Circuit     6-7kms      Easy/Medium

Meet 5pm Royal Crown Hotel cnr 94 Ocean & Pitt Sts Dudley

Dinner at Royal Crown Hotel

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Colleen 0427 460 069


23rd February     Belmont Lagoon/Fernleigh Track Ramble     6-7kms     Easy/Medium

Meet 5pm Lake Macquarie Yacht Club car park 9 Ada St Belmont

Dinner at Lake Macquarie Yacht Club

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


9th March     Toronto - Blackalls Park (return)     7kms     Easy

Meet 5pm Car park opposite Royal Motor Yacht Club, 6 Arnott St, Toronto

Dinner at Casa-Nova Italian Restaurant 24 Victory Pde Toronto

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Rita 0412 673 165


23rd March     Glenrock Ramble Circuit     6-7kms     Medium

Meet 5pm at Burwood Colliery Bowling Club 70 Burwood Rd Whitebridge

Dinner at Central Charlestown Leagues Club 8 Bula St, Charlestown

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Carolyn 0477 0477 41


DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS - WALKS COMMENCE AT 3PM


6th April     Bar Beach Coastal Walk to King Edward Park (return)     4-5kms     Easy/medium

Meet 3pm at Bar Beach Bowling Club car park cnr 29 Kilgour Ave & Memorial Drive Bar Beach

Dinner at Bar Beach Bowlo

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Sue 0412 019 821


20th April     Wickham to The Foreshore (return)     5kms     Easy

Meet 3pm at Wickham Park Hotel 61 Maitland Rd Islington

Dinner at Wickham Park Hotel

Book with leader for walk and/or dinner

Contact Sue 0412 019 821


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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