Here's details of a few Namadgi footpads which can quickly get you places. Use the details carefully - all guides (be they man-made or even natural) change. Always be equipped with map and compass (and know how to use them) and know where you're coming from and where you're going to.
If anyone would like to contribute information to this resource, they'd be most welcome. Email me to open discussion.
NB Click on any thumbnail map or photo for a larger version
Index
1 AAWT from Namadgi Visitors Centre to Murrays Gap
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| AAWT in ACT - overview 1 | AAWT in ACT - overview 2 |
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| AAWT in ACT - map 1 | AAWT in ACT - map 2 | AAWT in ACT - map 3 | AAWT in ACT - map 4 |
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| AAWT in ACT - map 5 | AAWT in ACT - map 6 | AAWT in ACT - map 7 | AAWT in ACT - map 8 | AAWT in ACT - map 9 |
General description: This route commences at the Namadgi Visitors Centre and finishes at Murrays Gap on the NSW/ACT border . It uses footpads and management trails. There is little signage in the Bimberi Wilderness west of the Cotter Hut Rd.
Start: Namadgi Visitors Centre at UTM 55H 687284-6066083 (GDA94) (outer car park at UTM 55H 687292-6066198 (GDA94))
Finish:
Murrays Gap signage at UTM 55H 662591-6049795 (GDA94).
Distance: 45.4km
Climb: 2000m
Time: 2 days.
Detailed description:
Park in the outer car park if you're starting early or finishing late and go round the side of the Visitors Centre. Cross the bridge over the pond. Cross the Naas Rd. A well defined and benched track climbs through Cypress Pine Lookout to a T-intersection (UTM 55H 684540-6065630 (GDA94) on the N spur of Mt Tennent. (Here the S track goes to Mt Tennent.) Follow the AAWT signage to the N (right), the track U-turning to the S and descending to Bushfold Flats. It joins the main N-S Bushfold Flats track at UTM 55H 683678-6065209 (GDA94). Note the realignment of the section of the AAWT between Cypress Pine Lookout and N Bushfold Flats since the 2003 bush fires - the actual track differs from the 2nd edn 1:25000 Williamsdale topographic map. Continue S along Bushfold Flats to the AAWT marker at UTM 55H 683653-6063797 (GDA94), where the AAWT veers SW. Head for the dam at the top of Georges Creek. The AAWT enters timber and climbs to the Booroomba Rocks car park at UTM 55H 680579-6062193 (GDA94), arriving near the toilet. Note the realignment of the section of the AAWT between S Bushfold Flats and near Booroomba Rocks car park since the 2003 bush fires - the actual track differs from the 2nd edn 1:25000 Williamsdale and Corin Dam topographic maps. The AAWT leaves the Booroomba Rocks car park to the W and roughly parallels the Booroomba Rocks road. At a sign-posted T-intersection at UTM 55H 678600-6060758 (GDA94), a short link track leads to the Honeysuckle Creek camping ground, whilst the AAWT skirts to the SW of the area.
Distance: 15km.
Starting from the Honeysuckle Creek camping ground, go onto the Orroral Ridge Rd, otherwise continue along the AAWT SW of the camping ground to join the Orroral Ridge Rd at UTM 55H 678745-6060151 (GDA94). Climb to near the crest of the Orroral Ridge, but turn SE onto the Link Track at UTM 55H 677267-6058192 (GDA94). Continue on the Link Track, a well formed management trail, steeply down. Cross the Orroral River bridge. Continue on to an AAWT sign-posted junction at UTM 55H 676335-6056146 (GDA94). The Orroral Valley tracking station car park is ~1km down the valley, either across the valley floor or via the Cotter Hut Rd.
Distance: 10km.
Starting from the Orroral Valley tracking station car park, go ~1km up the valley, or via the gravel walking track near the toilets and the Cotter Hut Rd, to the AAWT sign-posted junction at UTM 55H 676335-6056146 (GDA94). Follow the footpad/mown route up the valley, crossing the board walk over James Creek, to the AAWT sign-posted intersection at Rowleys Orroral Hut site at UTM 55H 675499-6057387 (GDA94). Follow the curving old vehicle track SW to join the Cotter Hut Rd. Plod the Cotter Hut Rd, using the short cut from the bottom at UTM 55H 674361-6057364 (GDA94) to the top at UTM 55H 673967-6057322 (GDA94) to reach the AAWT footpad intersection at UTM 55H 673297-6057167 (GDA94). This is the edge of the Bimberi Wilderness and there are very few AAWT signs from this point on. Turn W (left) onto this very pleasant footpad, following it across Sawpit Creek and up to Cotter Gap. From Cotter Gap below Split Rock, follow the AAWT footpad down parallel with Pond Creek, crossing another arm of Pond Creek. Note the realignment of the section of the AAWT between the Cotter Hut Rd and Pond Creek since the 2003 bush fires - the actual track differs from the 2nd edn 1:25000 Corin Dam and Rendezvous Creek topographic maps. Continue along the AAWT SW towards Cotter Flats, skirting around the N side of the little soggy pond just after crossing Pond Creek. With the tall poplar tree in view on the side of Cotter Flats, jump the fence and head to it, then onto the Cotter River ford at UTM 55H 665801-6053521 (GDA94), else continue to follow the AAWT as it U-turns S to N. Ford the Cotter River. After ~250m turn S (left) onto Yaouk Trail and follow it to Cotter Hut at UTM 55H 665772-6053234 (GDA94).
Distance: 15km.
Leave the Cotter Hut precinct S on Yaouk Trail. Cross Bimberi Creek. At the intersection with the Murray Gap Trail at UTM 55H 665718-6051929 (GDA94), turn SW (right) onto the Murray Gap Trail. Cross Little Bimberi Creek. A steep 350m climb towards Murrays Gap, crossing the drainage line flowing E from Murrays Gap. The AAWT on this leg is used, then unused, management trail. Leaving the tree line, follow the footpad up a grassy/damp area to the sign at Murrays Gap at UTM 55H 662591-6049795 (GDA94).
Distance: 6.5km.
Recent use: Parts of it on 8 May 12, 24 Mar 12, 15-16 Oct 11. Most of it on 4 Feb 12.
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2 Bimberi Peak footpad from Murrays Gap
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| Bimberi Peak footpad from Murrays Gap track |
General description: This route commences on the N side of Murrays Gap and ascends to Bimberi Peak via a heavily cairned footpad.
Start: A small cairn just on the edge of the tree line on the N side of Murrays Gap at UTM 55H 662563-6049866 (GDA94)
Finish:
Bimberi Peak quadruped trig UTM 55H 662077-6052360 (GDA94)
Distance: 3.1km
Climb: 390m
Time: around 1hr 30mins (up); 1hr (down) on 4 Feb 12.
Detailed description: The footpad is heavily cairned. It climbs gently through open forest from the timbered N edge of Murrays Gap from 1520m to 1600m, then more steeply to 1800m. Some portions of the footpad are stony. The pad generally follows the ACT-NSW border. At around 1800m it swings from generally N-ish (going up) to NW-ish and climbs more gently via a lovely open, sub alpine spur through Snow Gums to Bimberi Peak at 1911m. The trig can be seen from a few hundred metres away.
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| Corin Dam to Stockyard Spur track |
General description: This route commences opposite the Corin Dam toilet block and ascends a spur to join the Stockyard Spur track at a set of small cairns.
Start: Step up the little bank on the other side of the road down to the picnic area from the Corin Dam toilets UTM 55H 666341-6066179 (GDA94)
Finish:
2 small cairns, one near and one on the Stockyard Spur track UTM 55H 664548-6066035 (GDA94)
Distance: 2.2km
Time: around 1hr (up); best 52mins; 58mins on 28 Jun 11.
Detailed description: Step up the little bank on the other side of the road down to the picnic area from the Corin Dam toilets. After a couple of metres climb over a large tree trunk across the footpad. There are a few tapes and the footpad zigs then zags up through patches of tall pea regrowth, including along an old benched road. Be careful of the next turn - after around 40m on the zag, turn right up a steep incline. There are a couple of old fuel stove only and track signs on posts in the bush. Turn right again onto the footpad. It rises in a further 3 steep pinches. The start is at 940m and the top at 1490m, so that's a climb of 550m over 2.2km. The footpad is quite well used and clearly defined. Where it joins the Stockyard Spur track, there is a small rock cairn beside the footpad and another in the middle of the Stockyard Spur track.
Comment: Around 2006 a lone bush runner was lost and presumably died in this area. There are plans to clear 5m each side of this footpad to make an escape route for firefighters.
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| 2010 06 12 Marker cairn at top of footpad from Corin Dam | 2010 06 12 Marker cairn at top of footpad from Corin Dam |
Recent use: 28 Jun 11, 5 Feb 11, 12 Jun 10, 11 May 10, 10 Apr 10, 5 Sep 09, 19 May 09, 18 Apr 09, 14 Apr 09, 24 Mar 09, ...
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4 Cotter Hut Road corner shortcut
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| Cotter Hut Road corner shortcut |
General description: This route cuts the sharp corner in the Cotter Hut Road around 4km NW of the Orroral Tracking Station car park
Bottom of shortcut: Gully at UTM 55H 674361-6057364 (GDA94). Watch for the large blackened stump. Small rock cairn against stump.
Top of shortcut:
UTM 55H 673967-6057322 (GDA94). When coming down the Cotter Hut Road, look for the rock on the left, the tree on the right. Two old, small pink tapes.
Distance: 0.42km
Time: 10mins (up).
Detailed description: Follow the footpad - it's quite distinct.
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| 2010 05 22 Bottom of Cotter Hut Road shortcut | 2010 05 22 Top of Cotter Hut Road shortcut |
Recent use: 13 Nov 10, 19 Oct 10, 1-4 Oct 10, 22 May 10, 11 Aug 09, 11 Oct 08, ....
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| New Grassy Creek fire trail |
General description: A realigned portion of the Grassy Creek fire trail extending from near Westermans Hut, generally paralleling the border, to the NW-NE bend at the Scabby Range Nature Reserve.
Start: Near Westermans Hut
Finish:
At the intersection of the short leg of fire trail which enters the Scabby Range Nature Reserve at UTM 55H 673409-6030014 (GDA94)
Distance: Approx 8km
Time: 1hr 30mins.
Detailed description: The new Grassy Creek fire trail must diverge from the original near Westermans Hut. I've joined it by continuing up the slope from the Westerman graves. It climbs SW up a drainage line towards the border, swinging NW to parallel it. There is a fire trail link of a few tens of metres which joins a fire trail on the NSW side of the border, at the NSW Portion Survey reference tree at UTM 55H 676597-6026461 (GDA94). The new Grassy Creek ft continues, dropping away from the border for a time, then looping to join it N of SH1314. Drop log fencing can be seen a little further on. It continues NW along the border and there is a junction with the original Grassy Creek ft (the junction is marked) at UTM 55H 674302-6029061 (GDA94). From here it continues generally NW until the NW-NE turn in the original Grassy Creek fire trail. At this end point of the realignment, there is a short section leading to a gate into the Scabby Range Nature Reserve.
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| 2010 04 13 NSW Portion survey reference | 2010 07 20 Old Grassy Creek ft junction with new Grassy Creek ft | 2010 07 20 ACT border marker survey blaze at top of fire trail leg to New Grassy Creek fire trail - no BM in middle of ft |
Recent use: 15 Mar 11, 20 Jul 10.
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| Footpad to Gudgenby saddle |
General description: This route commences at the Yankee Hat car park and follows the Old Boboyan Road, then fire trails and finally an open feeder creek to an arm of Bogong Creek to the tree line. A taped footpad goes generally SW to the saddle SE below Mt Gudgenby
Start of footpad: an old yellow tape (fallen to the ground, I think) and new blue tape at the top of an open lead above a Bogong Creek drainage line UTM 55H 675386-6039269 (GDA94)
Finish:
Small cairn at E end of Gudgenby saddle UTM 55H 673316-6038571 (GDA94)
Distance: 4.5km Yankee Hat car park to tapes + 2.4km of footpad = 6.9km
Time: 1hr + 1hr = 2hrs (up) - going pretty flat out, up in 1hr 30mins on 14 Sep 10; around 1hr 30mins
(down).
Detailed description: Follow the Old Boboyan Road SW from the car park for 1.4km. Turn W (right) at UTM 55H 677634-6040078 (GDA94) onto a fire trail which is not marked on the Yaouk 8626-2N 1:25000 Second Edition 1:25000 map (but it is marked on the First Edition map). Follow the fire trail W and SW to near Bogong Creek. Cross the fire trail coming from near Frank and Jacks Hut and heading across the more recently made Bogong Creek culvert (the bridge crossing marked on the First Edn map does not exist any more). Follow the fire trail above the SE side of the top of Bogong Creek to a bend at UTM 55H 675854-6039615 (GDA94). This is where you leave the fire trail, crossing old fencing lying on the ground and a large roll of old netting. Make your way generally SW down across the drainage line and gently up through the open lead to the tapes at the top of the cleared area at UTM 55H 675386-6039269 (GDA94).
The footpad heads generally SW up 260m over the 2.9km. It is marked by new (around Jul09) blue tapes, older pink tapes, the occasional small cairn and one or two yellow tapes. At UTM 55H 673878-6038750 (GDA94), head hard left up the hill following a line of close pink tapes (this is where I used to loose the pad, so I put an extra cairn there on 14 Sep 10); this change in alignment is not so noticeable coming down.
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| 2010 05 08 Tape at start of Gudgenby saddle footpad | 2010 05 08 Small marker cairn on the footpad to Gudgenby saddle at around the 1130m contour | 2010 05 08 Pink tape on the footpad to Gudgenby saddle at around the 1130m contour | 2010 05 08 Blue tape on the footpad to Gudgenby saddle at around the 1160m contour | 2010 05 08 Small marker cairn on the footpad to Gudgenby saddle at around the 1220m contour | 2010 09 14 Extra marker cairn constructed on footpad to Gudgenby Saddle at 'hard left up the hill following pinks' | 2010 03 09 Cairn on E end of Gudgenby Saddle showing top of footpad |
Recent use: 3 Sep 11, 30 Aug 11, 14 Sep 10, 12 Jul 10, 8 May 10, 9 Mar 10, 19 Sep 09, 21 Jul 09, ...
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7 Gudgenby Saddle to Sams Creek fire trail
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| Gudgenby Saddle to Sams Creek fire trail |
General description: Starts at the saddle SE of Mt Gudgenby and follows a drainage line WSW down to cross the Naas Creek and join the Sams Creek fire trail
Start of footpad:
Small cairn at E end of Gudgenby saddle UTM 55H 673316-6038571 (GDA94)
Finish: Double blue tape (positioned 2009) at an indistinct intersection with the Sams Creek fire trail UTM 55H 672344-6038251 (GDA94)
Distance: 1.1km
Time: 35mins (down).
Detailed description: The footpad (indistinct in places) starts at the Gudgenby Saddle (taped from the starting cairn across the saddle, then the tapes stop) and follows a drainage line on its SE side down to the Naas Creek (I tend to stay high going down and close to the drainage line coming up). A drop of around 60m. Cross the Naas Creek and continue WSW a further 100m to intersect the indistinct Sams Creek fire trail at the double blue tapes.
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| Cairn on E end of Gudgenby Saddle |
Recent use: 3 Sep 11, 30 Aug 11, 28 Sep 10, 14 Sep 10, 12 Jul 10, 19 Sep 09, 21 Jul 09, 8-9 Jul 06, 2-3 Jan 06, 16 Oct 04.
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8 Footpad to Hospital Creek Hut
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| Footpad to Hospital Creek Hut |
General description: This footpad commences from the Old Boboyan Road and goes generally ESE to the Hospital Creek Hut
Start of footpad: intersection of old vehicle track and Old Boboyan Road UTM 55H 677481-6037749 (GDA94)
Finish:
Hospital Creek Hut UTM 55H 677760-6037548 (GDA94)
Distance: 0.4km
Time: 15mins.
Detailed description: The route begins at the E side of the Old Boboyan Road, around 1.9km S of the turnoff to Frank and Jacks Hut, at UTM 55H 677481-6037749 (GDA94). Initially an faint old vehicle track, soon deteriorating into a footpad. Comes in at the side and back of Hospital Creek Hut.
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| 2010 03 09 Lazing about at arvo tea at Hospital Creek Hut |
Recent use: 3 Sep 11, 9 Mar 10.
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| Leura Gap E fire trail on 2nd edn map | Leura Gap E fire trail on 1st edn map |
General description: This management trail commences at Leura Gap and goes down to join the Mt Franklin fire trail
Start of trail: Leura Gap and around UTM 55H 661204-6055305 (GDA94)
Finish:
Joins Mt Franklin fire trail at around UTM 55H 662532-6054995 (GDA94)
Distance: around 1.5km
Time: 25mins.
Detailed description: The route begins at Leura Gap and generally follows the line of the fire trail on the 1st edn map. It is not shown on the 2nd edn map. (There is also a management trail going W into the Bimberi Nature Reserve.)
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| 2009 01 09-10 Fire trail heading E from Leura Gap |
Recent use: 9-10 Jan 09.
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| Maurice Luton fire trail | Fire plan area of walk |
General description: The Maurice Luton fire trail runs from its intersection with Sams Creek fire trail (S of Mt Gudgenby and at the top of the Naas Creek/Boboyan Valley) generally SW and W to the ACT-NSW border. It continues on in the NSW Scabby Range Nature Reserve and heads NW to the Rowleys Hut at Yaouk.)
Start of fire trail: Intersection with Sams Creek fire trail at UTM 55H 672877-6036825 (GDA94)
Finish: At ACT-NSW border UTM 55H
Distance: 2.2km
Time: 35mins.
Detailed description: The start of the fire trail is well signposted at a cleared area. The Maurice Luton fire trail is a well made construct, climbing 100m beside a drainage line to the ACT-NSW border.
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| 2009 07 21 Junction of Sams Creek, Grassy Creek and Maurice Luton fire trails | 2009 07 21 Junction of Sams Creek, Grassy Creek and Maurice Luton fire trails | 2009 07 21 Maurice Luton fire trail crosses Sams Creek |
Recent use: 30 Aug 11 (from junction with Sams Creek fire trail to ACT-NSW border), 14 Sep 10 (from junction with Sams Creek fire trail to ACT-NSW border), 21 Jul 09.
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11 Namadgi Visitors Centre to Mt Tennent
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| Namadgi Visitors Centre to Mt Tennent |
General description: This route commences at the Namadgi Visitors Centre and climbs 800m to Mt Tennent using a combination of AAWT (realigned in places), old vehicle track, footpad and Mt Tennent Fire Trail
Start of footpad: Namadgi Visitors Centre UTM 55H 687176-6065974 (GDA94). If you are returning after the (inner) gates are closed at 4pm, park in the area between those inner gates and the road
Finish:
Mt Tennent UTM 55H 685219-6063853 (GDA94)
Distance: 7.3km
Time: 1hr 45mins (up, quick); 1hr 30mins (down, slower); 1hr 5mins (down, at a trot).
Detailed description: Starting from the Namadgi Visitors Centre, the AAWT goes 600m along over the wooden bridge and up through the woodland via formed gravel tracks to cross the Naas Road (watch out for vehicles!). A further 1.9km and 160m climb along well-worn track and footpad gets you to Cypress Pine Lookout. From here, 2.4km and 340m climb along the AAWT brings you to a T-intersection on the NW ridge to Mt Tennent. There are sections of stone staircases, which are beautifully framed by wildflowers in Spring. Note that the AAWT has been fairly significantly realigned since the publication of the Williamsdale 8726-4N 1:25000 second edition map.(From here, the AAWT on its new alignment continues to the right (NW), swinging around and going down to Bushfold Flats.) Go left (generally S, but actually SW then SE) along footpad and old vehicle track for 1.3km, first descending then ascending around 100m. This finally brings you through a clearing (at the top of Tong's sheep yard site) and to the intersection with the Mt Tennent Fire Trail at UTM 55H 684681-6064529 (GDA94). Turn half left onto it and trudge uphill for 1.1km, climbing a further 160m.
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| 2010 05 15 Cypress Pine Lookout | 2009 09 08 Hardenbergia on Mt Tennent staircase | 2010 05 15 T-intersection with Mt Tennent left and AAWT right | 2010 05 15 Footpad from old AAWT alignment meets Mt Tennent fire trail |
Recent use: 28 May 11, 19 Feb 11, 15 May 10, 8 Sep 09, 16 Dec 08, 27 Dec 07, 31 Jul 07, 21 Oct 05, 17 Apr 04, 15 Mar 04.
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| Orroral River left bank |
General description: This route commences by crossing the Orroral River down from Rowleys Orroral Hut site, then follows an old vehicle track downstream, around 140m up from the river bank. It clears the light tree cover near the huge boulder, within sight of the Orroral River bridge carrying the Link Track (AAWT).
Start: Cross the Orroral River via the remnants of the old footbridge (W-G site OR12), which has been washed downstream to UTM 55H 675680-6057508 (GDA94). The crossing can be found 200m from Rowleys Orroral Valley Hut site on a bearing of 42°M.
Finish:
Orroral River bridge carrying the AAWT Link Track at UTM 55H 676697-6056367 (GDA94)
Distance: 1.9km.
Detailed description: After crossing the Orroral River, head up from the river bank, then turn downstream. Animal pads lead to an old vehicle track (if you're fortunate enough to strike it); if not found, just continue SE through the generally open going. The last third of the route is through light timber, coming out into the open within view of the huge boulder and the Orroral River bridge and Link Track. It may be difficult to find the old vehicle track when traversing this route in the upstream direction.
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| 2011 12 14 E side of Orroral River from W-G OR12 Footbridge site showing bridge remnants washed downstream |
13 (Orroral Valley) Nursery Creek to Rendezvous Creek
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| Nursery Swamp Walking Track to Rendezvous Creek |
General description: This route commences at the Nursery Swamp car park on the Orroral Road and initially follows the Nursery Swamp Walking Track. I always leave the track above Nursery Creek, cross Nursery Creek and pick up the footpad which goes West to the saddle then down to Rendezvous Creek.
Start: Major bend in Nursery Swamp Walking Track above Nursery Creek UTM 55H 676433-6051856 (GDA94)
Finish:
Fireplace on West bank of Rendezvous Creek UTM 55H 674054-6051198 (GDA94)
Distance: 2.8km.
Detailed description: After climbing to the high point above Nursery Creek, the Nursery Swamp Walking Track takes a turn to the South. There is a burnt and blackened marker post on the NW side of the turn. A few tens of metres down the track, leave it to the SW and go down to cross Nursery Creek. Head for a large pig trap at UTM 55H 676270-6051646 (GDA94). Round the finger of bush to its W and continue heading SW across the pig-rooted flats. You need to find a blue painted branch down near ground level marking the start of the footpad at UTM 55H 676146-6051529 (GDA94). It's hard to see the blue paint in the wet. The footpad heads West, paralleling Nursery Creek to the saddle between SH1424 and SH1373. It is marked by blue paint and old and new tapes. I can still manage to lose the pad several times each journey. From the saddle it descends to Rendezvous Creek, passing through a large patch of pea regrowth and following a zig-zag down the slope. You can see the remains of a bridge over the creek, just the bearers remaining. Cross the Rendezvous Creek flats to a well defined fire place on the West bank.
Comment: Around 2007 a lone and poorly equipped walker was lost in this area for 3 days. The footpad was additionally taped soon afterwards. The route follows an old bridle track from Orroral to Rendezvous Creek and is W-G site OR22.
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| 2010 10 26 Blue paint on the log marks the start of the footpad to Rendezvous Creek | 2009 12 22 Remains of bridge over Rendezvous Creek |
Recent use: 22 Feb 11, 26 Oct 10, 22 Dec 09, 24 Nov 09, 3 Oct 09, ...
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14 Mid Rendezvous Creek vehicle track
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| Mid Rendezvous Creek vehicle track |
General description: This route commences at the fire place on the W side of Rendezvous Creek and heads generally parallel SSE down the W side of Rendezvous Creek. And further.
Start: Fireplace on West bank of Rendezvous Creek UTM 55H 674054-6051198 (GDA94)
Finish: At a little creek flowing down from the SW UTM 55H 674439-6050369 (GDA94) - it actually goes on further S of the creek (15 May 12, 26 Oct 10)
Distance: 0.95km. And further
Detailed description: An old vehicle track which starts at the fire place on the W side of Rendezvous Creek. It parallels the creek for around 1km to the edge of the open flats. The track ends at a little creek flowing down from the SW. There must have been another little bridge here, as the creek bottom is packed with a number of cross logs. The track goes a lot further S, indistinct in places. It may cross Rendezvous Creek arount UTM 55H 675206-6049458 (MGA94). We were on it at UTM55H 675657-6048761 (MGA94). In May 12, there was tape marking the exit from/entry to timber at the N end of the Rendezvous Creek cleared valley at UTM 55H 675873-6048433 (MGA94).
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| 2010 10 26 Old bridging timbers in creek towards end of mid Rendezvous Creek track | 2012 05 15 Tape marking the old vehicle track at N end of Rendezvous Creek clearing |
Recent use: 15 May 12, 26 Oct 10, 22 Dec 09, 24 Nov 09, 28 Jun 06.
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| Towards Mt Domain |
General description: This route commences at Fishing Gap and climbs to the SE nose of the ridge through SH1402 which approaches Mt Domain.
Start: Fishing Gap. First pink tape just in the tree line at UTM 55H 669905-6071059 (GDA94)
Turn at: UTM 55H 669974-6071667
(GDA94)
Finish: Around UTM 55H 670282-6071831 (GDA94), on the nose of the ridge which approaches Mt Domain through SH1402
Distance: 1.1km
Detailed description: The route was taped on 17Jul10 and takes a sensible line towards Mt Domain. The first pink tape is just in the tree line at Fishing Gap and the route proceeds generally N. Instead of climbing the spur through large granite and regrowth, it continues N up the flank of the ridge. It eventually turns NE and climbs to the nose, including across a small scree slope. The last tape is just SW of the crest of the ridge.
I've heard polarised views on taping routes, but I think this pink taping from Fishing Gap to the top of the first rise, around the flank to avoid heavy granite and regrowth, was a good move. Whether others do will be signaled by whether the tapes stay and a useful footpad develops, or they are removed. In addition, the taping doesn't spoil all the fun - there's plenty of navigational challenges and regrowth along the ridge to SH1402 and from SH1402 to Mt Domain.
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| 2010 07 17 First pink tape | 2010-07-17 Climbing Scree Slope towards Mt Domain (pink tape behind Stephen's right shoulder) (photo courtesy of Mike Bremers) |
General description: Sams Creek fire trail begins at a bend in the Old Boboyan Road and extends generally NW through a variety of going and in various conditions to a nominal end point at the Kelly saddle.
Start: Bend in the Old Boboyan Road UTM 55H 676822-6033138
(GDA94)
Finish: Kelly saddle UTM 55H 670421-6045773 (GDA94)
Distance:
The track can be broken into 3 sections:
1 Old Boboyan Road (UTM 55H 676822-6033138 (GDA94)) to junction with Maurice Luton fire trail (UTM 55H 672899-6036814 (GDA94))Detailed description:
2 Junction with Maurice Luton fire trail (UTM 55H 672899-6036814 (GDA94)) to intersection with footpad from Gudgenby saddle (UTM 55H 672344-6038251 (GDA94))
3 Intersection with footpad from Gudgenby saddle (UTM 55H 672344-6038251 (GDA94)) to to Kelly saddle (UTM 55H 670421-6045773 (GDA94))
1 Old Boboyan Road (UTM 55H 676822-6033138 (GDA94)) to junction with Maurice Luton fire trail (UTM 55H 672899-6036814 (GDA94))
Sams Creek fire trail - Section 1 - Old Boboyan Road to junction with Maurice Luton fire trail The 'junctions area' at the beginning is a little different to the 1:25000 Yaouk topo map, as Sams Creek ft has been slightly re-routed SW to a junction with the new Bulls Flat ft (not shown on the map). It continues on to a junction with the Grassy Creek ft and past Lutons Crutching shed. A very pleasant route up the Naas Creek open valley to the junction with the Maurice Luton ft.
Distance: 6.4km
2010 07 13 Old Boboyan Road marker at the junction with Sams Creek ft 2010 07 13 Junction Sams Creek ft and Bulls Creek ft 2010 07 13 Junction Sams Creek ft and Bulls Creek ft
2010 07 13 Junction Sams Creek ft and Grassy Creek ft 2010 07 13 Junction Sams Creek ft and Grassy Creek ft 2010 07 13 Junction Sams Creek ft and Grassy Creek ft 2010 07 13 Junction Sams Creek ft and Grassy Creek ft 2010 07 13 Junction Sams Creek ft and Grassy Creek ft
2010 07 13 Signage at the junction of Sams Creek fire trail and Maurice Luton ft 2010 07 13 Signage at the junction of Sams Creek fire trail and Maurice Luton ft 2 Junction with Maurice Luton fire trail (UTM 55H 672899-6036814 (GDA94)) to intersection with footpad from Gudgenby saddle (UTM 55H 672344-6038251 (GDA94))
Sams Creek fire trail - Section 2 - Junction with Maurice Luton fire trail to double blue tapes at intersection with route to Gudgenby saddle From the junction, Sams Creek ft enters eucalypt forest and deteriorates a little, but in parts of this section is still a benched vehicle track. The start is actually blocked by a fallen tree. Around 400m N there are (July 2010) some white cloth tapes. Around 300-500m before the double blue tapes marking the intersection with the route to the Gudgenby saddle there are several pink tapes marking the indistinct way through a wet area.
Distance: 1.7km
2010 07 13 Sams Creek fire trail heads N from its junction with the Maurice Luton ft 2010 07 13 A few cloth white tapes on Sams Creek fire trail around 400m N of the junction with the Maurice Luton ft 2010 07 13 A few pink tapes on Sams Creek fire trail around 300-500m S of the double blues 2010 07 13 Double blue tapes at intersection of footpad from Gudgenby saddle and Sams Creek fire trail 3 Intersection with footpad from Gudgenby saddle (UTM 55H 672344-6038251 (GDA94)) to to Kelly saddle (UTM 55H 670421-6045773 (GDA94))
Sams Creek fire trail - overview Sams Creek fire trail - 1 Sams Creek fire trail - 2 Sams Creek fire trail - 3
This section consists of the major part of Sams Creek fire trail starting near the Naas Creek S of Mt Gudgenby and going NW and N up Sams Creek to the Kelly saddle. Sams Creek fire trail can be seen on the Scabby Range Nature Reserve Draft Fire Operations Map 2007. The start is marked by double blue tape (positioned 2009) at the indistinct intersection with the route from Gudgenby Saddle. The first kilometre or so of the fire trail is more a footpad, but as it crosses the watershed between the Naas Creek and Sams Creek, along the ACT-NSW border near SH1373, it becomes better defined. Sams Creek is forded after 2.4km (use the fallen Black Sallee log a few metres upstream from the ford). A further 2.2km of the route follows Sams Creek up on the SW bank. On 19 Sep 09, we crossed to the NE bank, then back to the SW bank. The old vehicle track deteriorates into a footpad. Towards the top of Sams Creek, the footpad peters out and the best going is just by reading the lie of the land. The Kelly saddle is an arbitrary end point
Distance: 9.1km
Time: 3hrs 30mins (incl 20min break).
2009 09 19 Walking Sams Creek fire trail - here a footpad 2009 09 19 SH1733 above Sams Creek 2009 09 19 Mt Kelly from the upper reaches of Sams Creek 2009 09 19 Upper reaches of Sams Creek
Recent use: 3 Sep 11(double blue S to Maurice Luton fire trail junction), 30 Aug 11 (double blue S to Maurice Luton fire trail junction; return), 28 Sep 10 (double blue NW to leave the ft just N of SH1373 to go to BM N83), 14 Sep 10 (double blue S to Maurice Luton fire trail junction; return from near BM Rb83 S to double blue), 13 Jul 10 (Sams Creek ford S to Old Boboyan Road), 12 Jul 10 (double blue N to Sams Creek ford), 19 Sep 09 (double blue N to Kelly saddle), 8-9 Jul 06 (Sams Creek ford S to double blue), 2-3 Jan 06 (double blue N to Kelly saddle).
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17 Scabby Range Nature Reserve old fire trail towards Sentry Box
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| SRNR old fire trail towards Sentry Box |
General description: This route commences at the gate into the Scabby Range Nature Reserve (near the W extent of the Grassy Creek Fire Trail) and heads generally NW up the spur towards Sentry Box Mountain until petering out just N of SH1357.
Start: Gate into the Scabby Range Nature Reserve UTM 55H 673403-6030017 (GDA94). Reach this gate from the 130m long link fire trail which joins it to the W-most extent of the Grassy Creek fire trail at UTM 55H 673508-6029979 (GDA94).
Finish:
Peters out at UTM 55H 672348-6030791 (GDA94)
Distance: 1.6km
Time:
around 30mins (down).
Detailed description: An old fire trail, in NSW, which parallels the border up the gentle spur towards Sentry Box Mountain through unburnt eucalypt forest. Around 160m in from the gate, at UTM 55H 673260-6030092 (GDA94), there is a junction. Going up, take the right (North) leg here; coming down, take the left (East) leg here. There is fallen timber across the fire trail in several places. Look up and see the gap in the large trees to follow it.
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| 2011 03 15 Can in Scabby Range Nature Reserve near Grassy Creek fire trail |
18 The Spinnaker approach footpad
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| The Spinnaker approach footpad |
General description: This route commences at a bend in the fire trail to the tanks above Honeysuckle Creek camping ground and goes S for 600m to an open frost hollow..
Start: Footpad leaves the fire trail at UTM 55H 679065-6059893 (MGA94)
Finish:
Peters out onto an open frost hollow. There is a stone ringed fireplace at UTM 55H 679078-6059329 (MGA94) and a nearby pyramidal-shaped rock.
Distance: 0.61km
Time: 15mins.
Detailed description: A well-worn footpad.
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| 2011 10 08 Start of footpad towards The Spinnaker | 2011 10 08 Camp site and fireplace |
19 Stockyard Spur track - down
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| Stockyard Spur track - down |
General description: This route commences at a set of small cairns at the intersection of the footpad coming up from Corin Dam and heads NNE down the spur until petering out.
Start: 2 small cairns, one near and one on the Stockyard Spur track UTM 55H 664548-6066035 (GDA94)
Finish:
Peters out at UTM 55H 665459-6068224 (GDA94)
Distance: 2.6km
Time:
around 40mins (down).
Detailed description: An old vehicle track, this segment starting at the cairns and heading generally NNE down Stockyard Spur until it peters out. Varies between reasonably well defined and poorly defined.
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| 2009 03 24 (one of the) Marker Cairns on Stockyard Spur | 2010 04 10 Stockyard Spur track - pea regrowth |
Recent use: 10 Apr 10, 24 Mar 09, 15 May 07.
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| Stockyard Spur track - up |
General description: This route commences at a set of small cairns at the intersection of the footpad coming up from Corin Dam and heads SW up the spur to meet the Mt Franklin Road.
Start: 2 small cairns, one near and one on the Stockyard Spur track UTM 55H 664548-6066035 (GDA94)
Finish:
Marker pole at the intersection with the Mt Franklin Road UTM 55H 661572-6063906 (GDA94)
Distance: 4.4km
Time: around 1hr 15mins
(up); best 56mins.
Detailed description: An old vehicle track, this segment starting at the cairns and heading generally SW up Stockyard Spur to meet the Mt Franklin Road at a marker pole. Well defined and a lovely walk through snow gums. A 40m climb to SH1532, down through a saddle, a 120m climb to near SH1615, a further 90m climb, then a 60m descent.
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| 2010 06 12 Marker cairn at top of footpad from Corin Dam | 2010 06 12 Marker cairn at top of footpad from Corin Dam | 2009 03 21 Stockyard Spur marker at junction of track and Mt Franklin Road |
Recent use: 28 Jun 11, 5 Feb 11, 12 Jun 10, 11 May 10, 5 Sep 09, 19 May 09, 21 Apr 09, 18 Apr 09, 14 Apr 09, 21 Mar 09, ...
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This page last updated 16May12
