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 PROGRAM
DECEMBER 2023 – MARCH 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.)
3rd December Glenrock SCA - Kahibah Loop Track 8kms Easy/Medium
Contact Colleen 0427 460 069
10th December Avondale Circuit 8kms Easy/Medium
Contact Margaret 0417 252 930
17th December Caves Beach, Salts Bay Trail Swansea Heads – Black Ned’s Bay Loop 7kms Easy/Medium
Contact Carolyn 4942 6729
24th December CHRISTMAS EVE – No scheduled walk
31st December NEW YEAR’S EVE – No scheduled walk
7th January New Year Breakfast and Ramble around City Beaches 8kms Medium
Bring chair, snack/breakfast, morning tea etc
Contact Carolyn 4942 6729
14th January Redhead-Dudley Track Maintenance
Meet 8:30am Ocean St (near Caldwell Ave) Dudley
Contact Carolyn 4942 6729
21st January Stockton Ramble 7-9kms Easy
Contact Carolyn 4942 6729
28th January Wyee Point Reserve 9kms Easy/Medium
Contact Colleen 0427 460 069
4th February Munibung Hill Loops 8kms Medium
Contact Colleen 0427 460 069
11th February Summerland Point Circuit 8kms Medium
Contact Carolyn 4942 6729
18th February Bonnells Bay – Shingle Splitters Loop 8.5kms Easy/Medium
Contact Margaret 0417 252 930
25th February Dora Creek - Eraring Inlet Canal Ramble 8.5kms Easy
Contact Carolyn 4942 6729
3rd March Swansea Channel Galgabba Point Pirrita Island Loop 11kms Easy/Medium
Contact Colleen 0427 460 069
10th March Red Gum Forest 8kms Medium
Contact Colleen 0427 460 069
17th March Tingira Heights Ramble 8kms Medium
Contact Rita 0412 673 165
24th March Hunter Wetlands to Shortland circuit (via Warabrook & University) 10kms Easy/Medium
Contact Sue 0412 019 821
31st March EASTER SUNDAY – No scheduled walk
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
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
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.
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’.
Make sure that the leader is aware that you have returned safely.
Remember to thank the leader.
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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