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
APRIL - JULY 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.)
7th April DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS Raworth to Morpeth Loop. 9kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 49426729/ 0477047741
14th April Charlestown, Kotara, Kahibah Circuit (via Raspberry Gully, Fernleigh & GNW tracks). 10kms Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069
21st April Telarah - Walka Waterworks Loop. 9kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 49426729/ 0477047741
28th April Avondale Circuit. 8kms Easy/Medium. Contact Margaret 0417252930
5th May Wangi Point Circuit. 9kms Medium. Contact Margaret 0417252930
12th May MOTHERS DAY – NO WALK SCHEDULED
19th May Paterson Ramble. 7kms Easy. Contact Carolyn 49426729/ 0477047741
26th May MID-YEAR LUNCHEON – NOVA CRUISES Hunter River Discovery Cruise. Contact Carolyn 49426729/ 0477047741
2nd June Caves Beach –Wallarah Coastal Track Circuit. 9kms Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069
9thJune Ash Island Circuit. 11kms Easy/Medium. Contact Sue 0412019821
16th June Budgewoi-Halelulani Loop. 9kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 49426729/0477047741
23rd June Metford to High St, Station Maitland (via Green Hills). 8kms Easy/Medium. Contact Carolyn 49426729/ 0477047741
30th June Track Maintenance Awabakal Nature Reserve (NB Starting at the Redhead end). (Approximately 1½ hours). Bring gloves, secateurs, morning tea. Meet 8:30am at Track Entrance 1A Collier St, (near Ocean St) Redhead. Contact Carolyn 0477047741
7thJuly Mt Sugarloaf Ramble. 10kms Easy/Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069
14th July Ourimbah Creek to Tuggerah Lake, Chittaway Point (return). 8-10kms Easy/Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069
21st July Blackbutt Reserve to Jesmond Park & return (via John Hunter Hospital). Contact Sue 0412019821
28th July Catherine Hill Bay (South & North) 8kms Medium. Contact Colleen 0427460069
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 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
SEPTEMBER 2024 - WALKS RESUME IN SEPTEMBER
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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