Namadgi National Park: Bushfold Flats and the Australian Alps Walking Track

General information

Distance:  18 kilometers
Total climb:  unknown, but probably 250-400 meters
Time taken:  4 hours 30 minutes
Maps:  Williamsdale 8726-4N; Corin Dam 8626-1N
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  48 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  55H FA 83475 60752

Destination map grid reference:  55H FA 83643 66350

End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

This hike started at a point on the Apollo Road a few hundred meters past the Mt Tennent Firetrail, where there is a reasonably wide carpark on the side of the road. From here we walked to the Mt Tennent Firetrail and through the locked gate down to a ford on Honeysuckle Creek which can be easily walked across. From there the trail heads steadily upwards, gaining about 250 meters in elevation over 2.4 kilometers, until it reaches the Bushfold Flats Firetrail at map reference 55H FA 83667 62737. We followed the Bushfold Flats Firetrail, quickly reaching Bushfold Flats hut where we took a break.



Continuing along Bushfold Flats Firetrail the terrain was very open, affording views of the surrounding peaks.




We continued along the trail until we ran out of trail to follow at map reference 55H FA 83643 66350, at which point we turned back. At map reference 55H FA 83655 66795 the Australian Alps Walking Trail heads off the Bushfold Flats Firetrail to the west. We followed the Walking Trail through light forest, eventually reaching Booroomba Creek where we stopped for another break.



Continuing to follow the trail we eventually passed Deadmans Hill to the south, and at this point we left the trail and headed through the forest south towards Apollo Road. The scrub was thick in some places, but we passed through it easily until we reached Honeysuckle Creek. The creek banks were very steep and rocky, so we wasted a lot of ti9me finding a suitable crossing point. Eventually we crossed, reaching Apollo Road almost immediately after, and walked back down Apollo Road to the car.

Although long, and initially quite steep, this was a very enjoyable walk through some diverse terrain. 

Nightcap National Park: Minyon Falls (2)

General Information

Distance:  6.9 kilometers
Total climb:  approximately 150 meters
Time taken:  3 hours
Map:  Huonbrook  9540-1N 1:25 000
Guide: link
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  1,120 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  56J NP 38937 34069
Destination map grid reference:  56J NP 38182 34813
End Point:  same as start
Note:  Refer to previous Minyon Falls walk on 22 April 2016.

Route

Description

The last time I walked to Minyon Falls, almost a year earlier, I was unable to loop around to the top of the falls due to roadwork on Minyon Falls Road north of Minyon Grass. No such problems this time.

I started the walk again at the Minyon Grass picnic area and followed the walking trail down to the base of the falls (for detailed description, see my 22 April 2016 blog entry). I then took the trail across Repentance Creek and started to climb up the western side of the valley, heading steadily south through thick forest, climbing all the time.



Near the sothernmost point of the trail there are glimpses of Condong Falls to the west.



At the top of the escarpment the trail hooks back northward and some views of the surrounding countryside to the south start to be glimpsed through the trees as the trail follows the escapment.





Eventually the top of Minyon Falls itself becomes visible.



At the top of Minyon Falls there are spectacular views of the Repentance Creek valley, although the view of the falls themselves is naturally quite limited this close up.





From the top of the falls I returned to my car along Minyon Falls Road: a hard-surfaced, dusty and largely uninspiring finish to a very beautiful walk.

This was a fantastic walk through some very beautiful scenery, although if you have the time and energy it may be improved by avoiding Minyon Falls Road and returning from the top of the falls back along the trail. It was the Easter weekend when I did this walk, meaning that the trail was quite crowded. Disappointing that most people I saw on the trail had no basic necessities such as water or even rudimentary maps. One couple I met had walked over a kilometer past the base of the falls without realising they had missed it.

Billinudgel Nature Reserve

General information

Distance:  3 kilometers
Total climb:  negligible
Time taken:  1 hour
Map:  Pottsville 9641-3S 1:25 000
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  1,058 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  56J NP 52461 48001

Destination map grid reference: no planned destination

End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

This hike started in Banool Circuit Ocean Shores, where I was staying for a few days to attend Bluesfest. I walked up the steep hill to Flinders Way, and from there on to the Optus Trail which I followed to the north, initially through dry forest.

Before long the terrain on both sides of the trail became swampy, as expected based on the map.







Reaching Yelgin Creek and finding it a bit wide, deep and muddy (thanks to recent flooding) for my inadequate footwear, I decided to head back the way that I had come. Reaching the beginning of the Optus Trail once again, I followed the less distinct track to the south towards Shara Boulevard. This track was wet and muddy, but passed through some nice forest. At the end of it I followed Shara Boulevard back to my starting point.

This was a very pleasant short walk. Next time I'll be better prepared and walk the Optus Trail all the way through to Crabbes Creek Beach.