Activities
Activity Filters

Summer Activities Program01-Dec-2024 to 28-Feb-2025

Sat - 22-Feb-2025
5 - Day Walk
East Creek Glories
Find out why this part of the Gardens of Stone must be better protected for the future generations. Park near spot height 1057 at GR 427 060. The walk will start by coming down into East Creek Galleries, then visiting a spectacular side ravine. We will move on to the West Side Falls and West Side Chamber; continue to East Creek Falls; then exit on the eastern side to visit the top of the falls. About 8 km.
Map: Cullen Bullen
Sat - 22-Feb-2025
4 - Creek
Upper Bell Creek
Beautiful creek deep pools, some rocky climb overs. Wet suit essential as water is cold and there are some long swims
Map: Mt Wilson
Sat - 08-Feb-2025
4 - Creek
Upper upper Wollangambe
Wet suit compulsory a swim/float/walk down the upper Wollangambe . Canyon sections, deep pools very scenic. Longish walk in and out.
Map: Wollangambe
Mon - 03-Feb-2025
4 - Day Walk
Edenderry Falls
Edenderry Falls Evans LO - descend Horse Track - Govetts Creek - Gorge - Edenderry Falls (great pool for swimming) - return (350m ascents)
Map: Katoomba
Mon - 03-Feb-2025
4 - Day Walk
Monkey Ropes Creek plus Swimming Hole
Monkey Ropes Creek is a pleasant rainforest creek, cool and shady on a hot day. From near the start of the Nepean Lookout fire trail, we make our way down a side creek to the "y" in Monkey (Penrith map 745551), then down stream, ending at the big pool on Erskine Creek for a leisurely lunch and swim. Return via the Pisgah Rock track - about a 170 meter ascent. Note: involves some mildly exposed rock scrambling that most people find manageable. Not a long walk. About 5 kilometers if we leave a car at the Pisgah Rock parking area
Map: Penrith
Sat - 01-Feb-2025
4 - Creek
Victoria Creek explore
We'll walk in via the track from behind the truck checking station at Mt Boyce, and descend into Victoria Creek opposite the Rientz Mine for a swim/explore. Exit to be decided on the day. Steep descent into the creek.
Map: Mt Wilson
Sat - 01-Feb-2025
4 - Creek
Wollangambe Two
Swim/float/walk and scramble down this scenic gorge. Side forays into Serindipity and Whungee Wheenge Canyons. Must be able to swim well. Lolo flotation devices and wetsuits are recommended. Bring dry bags. Helmets are mandatory. About 10 km.
Map: Wollangambe
Sat - 25-Jan-2025
4 - Day Walk
Ethereal Canyon
Beautiful Creek off the Wollangambe Fire Trail. Wet feet but wading only. All off track
Map: Wollangambe
Sat - 25-Jan-2025
4 - Creek
Hat Hill Canyon in Reverse and Bald Head
Walking to Bald head, dropping packs at junction to walk out to Bald Head and returning to packs. Then we descend to the creek and to the end of Hat Hill Canyon which has awesome views over the Grose Valley. We then head up stream through probably the best part of the canyon, which includes swims and wading to the exit point where we walk up onto the ridge line and returning back to cars. Around 9km in distance. Wetsuits are recommended and canyoning helmets are mandatory.
Map: Mt Wilson
Fri - 24-Jan-2025
3 - Canyon
Water Dragon Canyon
This is very short notice but the weather since Christmas has been fairly wet and finding a good day for a canyon has been tricky. Currently Friday is looking good and hopefully the weather gods will be good to us! This is a fun canyon and has a long and impressive constriction that in places is very dark - you should see a few glowworms. It also has a couple of good abseils including the last one down into the final long constriction. Despite the canyon's alternative name of Kelvinator, the swims are fairly short. However, there is a longish swim (500m) down the Wollangambe after exiting Water Dragon to get back to the entry/exit track. The total walk is about 8km with around 500m elevation gain. There are 4 abseils of up to 15m. The total trip time should be around 8 hours.
Map: Wollangambe
Mon - 20-Jan-2025
4 - Day Walk
Edenderry Falls Deferred
Evans LO - descend Horse Track - Govetts Creek - Gorge - Edenderry Falls (great pool for swimming) - return (350m ascents)
Map: Katoomba
Sun - 19-Jan-2025
5 - Day Walk
Kedumba Valley-Jamison Creek-Wentworth Falls Cancelled
Off track exploratory walk. A suggested missing link mentioned by Jim Smith in his book to complete a grand traverse of the Jamison Valley "www.jamisonproject.org/tracks/jamison-creek-track". We will do a car shuttle from Wentworth Falls and go to the Kedumba Pass Gate. We will follow Kedumba Pass down to the junction with Sublime Point Ridge Track. Then follow that to the junction of Jamison Creek, which we will follow back to Wentworth Falls.
Map: Jamison
Sat - 18-Jan-2025
4 - Day Walk
Middle upper Wollangambe River Cancelled - Weather
We will park cars to the end of the Wollangambe Fire Trail and follow an un-tracked ridge down to the river, at a point that is not far downstream of the exit from Kate Girdwood's excellent Upper Upper Wollangambe River trip. The river is quite small at that point but it has some long, steep-sided pools. We will wade, swim and float down the river for 3-5 km. Confident swimmers only. Some may wish to use wetsuits and/or small flotation devices (lilos not recommended). This trip is exploratory for the leader.
Map: Wollangambe
Tue - 14-Jan-2025
5 - Day Walk
Nirvana Caves, Byzantine Chamber and Kaleidoscope Caves
Limited numbers. A rare opportunity as I am re-visiting these caves for a project. Park at GR 725 932 on Mountain Lagoon Road. Walk north along Nirvana Ridge on an old logging trail, then off track to Nirvana Caves. Next, traverse underneath the cliff line to the south west, then south, visiting Byzantine Chamber and Kaleidoscope Caves. Exit back to Nirvana Ridge and follow it back to the cars. About 10 km. Scrambling and exposure.
Map: Mountain Lagoon
Mon - 13-Jan-2025
3 - Day Walk
Lost City, Gardens of Stone Conservation Area.
All on new walking track. NPWS have spent a lot of time and money creating new roads, walking tracks, steps and guard rails. Lost City at the moment is only open till February then the area is closed for more infrastructure work. Walk will start from the Lithgow side of State Mine Gully Road.
Map: Lithgow
Mon - 13-Jan-2025
4 - Day Walk
Pierces Pass to Mt Banks
A scenic bit of the northern Gross Valley with challenges. We will do a car shuttle and start from the Mt Banks Picnic Area, then walk towards Wongarra Hill. Then walk up to the top of the "Mirror Ball" abseil site. Then go down the Oronga Canyon exit track and head round to Oronga Walls. We will walk along an exposed cliff ledge at Oronga Walls. Great views. Then head out a scramble exit using a handline. Not a long walk but some challenges. This is not a beginners walk, but great for members who want to see some great scenery and not overwrought by exposed ledges. Should bring a helmet due to walking near cliff edges.
Map: Mt Wilson
Sat - 11-Jan-2025
4 - Day Walk
Box and Mimosa Falls Kanagra
Impressive red granite falls, unfortunately now usurped by abseilers but still worth a visit.. Mimosa Falls are charming and upstream. We would visit Mimosa Falls then Box Creek; walk to the bottom and come back up the steep slope back Long drive into Kanangra
Map: Kanangra
Sat - 11-Jan-2025
5 - Day Walk
Edmund Falls, Carne Creek Gorge and Devils Throat
Find out why this part of the Gardens of Stone must be better protected for the future generations. Park one car near the end of FT 2 and another at GR 427 095 on FT 3 off Glowworm Tunnel Road. From the second car, descend the pass at GR 427 092 and explore Edmund Gully and Falls from the bottom. Find a way down into Carne Creek and walk south and then east up a tributary to visit Devils Throat. Exit at GR 427 073, walk to the Altar and then to the parked car. Wet feet and more. Partly exploratory. About 6 km.
Map: Cullen Bullen
Sat - 04-Jan-2025
5 - Creek
Wollangambe Minus One
Limited numbers. Early start. Leave some cars at the Mount Wilson Fire Station car park. From Watertrough Hill, follow a series of ridges north east and get into the Wollangambe River at around GR 526 916. Swim/float/walk/scramble down the gorge to either the Big Bend or, if time allows, to Wollangambe One entry. Must be able to swim well. Flotation device and helmet are mandatory. Bring dry bags. Wet suit is strongly recommended. About 13 km. Scrambling and exposure. Exploratory.
Map: Wollangambe
Fri - 03-Jan-2025
4 - Pack Walk
Dargan's Arch to Dumbano Cave, Wollangambe Crater Cave, Bell Station.
Day 1: 10.4km, Dumbano Cave via Dargan's Arch and Gooches Crater, staying in cave overnight. Day 2: 11km, Dumbano Tunnels in the morning then walking to Wollangambe Cave, staying in cave overnight. Day 3: 8.5km, Bell Station via Centre of the Universe Pagoda. On track and off-track walking.
Map: Wollangambe
Mon - 30-Dec-2024
5 - Day Walk
Tootie Island
Park a few cars on Long Ridge Trail, GR 788 992 and drive the others to the start of Tootie Creek Trail. Walk down the trail to Tootie Creek at GR 763 987, then climb a saddle to the north west to the base of an island-like mountain. Walk clockwise and explore under the cliffs till GR 765 996, then descend into Tootie Creek and climb on the other side to Long Ridge West. Walk to the parked cars. About 10 km. Scrambling and exposure. Mostly exploratory.
Map: Mountain Lagoon
Sun - 29-Dec-2024
3 - Abseiling
Ropes Practice and Canyon
A practice day to experience abseiling on a variety of different canyoning ropes, try out different descenders, abseil using a munter hitch, self belay with a vt prusik, communication with hand and whistle signals. Abseilers will be belayed from the top during the ropes practice. In the afternoon we may do some short and wet grade 3 canyons nearby. Suitable for grade 3 canyoners and above. Grade 2 canyoners may apply to join however a safety ratio will need to be reached before accepting grade 2 canyoners.
Map: Mt Wilson
Sat - 28-Dec-2024
3 - Day Walk
The River Caves
The River Caves is a short but spectacular walk-through canyon in the upper reaches of Budgary Creek. Water is knee deep in places. Walking distance is about 3.5km return.
Map: Rock Hill
Tue - 24-Dec-2024
5 - Day Walk
: Wheeny Gap Pool and the Gorge Upstream
Park at the locked gate on North Wheeny Trail and walk down to Wheeny Gap and Pool. From there, follow Wheeny Creek upstream, to a tributary at GR 778 916. Walk up that tributary, exploring for caves and other points of interest. Exit near the trail and return to the vehicles. About 15 km. Wet feet and more. Scrambling and exposure. Mostly exploratory.
Map: Mountain Lagoon
Sun - 22-Dec-2024
2 - Abseiling
Ropes Practice
A day to practice self rescue techniques using prusiks, abseiling on ropes of varying thickness, basic knots etc. If there is interest we may also do the nearby short Centennial Glen Canyon to avoid the afternoon heat. This activity is suitable for canyoners at grade 2 or higher.
Map: Katoomba
Sat - 21-Dec-2024
5 - Canyon
Bowens Creek Canyons
Two canyons in the Bowens Creek area. A full day with 10 abseiling pitches up to 28 meters, swims and scrambling. Suitable for fit canyoners at grade 5. Grade 4 canyoners may apply, however a safety ratio will need to be reached before accepting grade 4 canyoners.
Map: Mt Wilson
Sat - 21-Dec-2024
4 - Day Walk
Ethereal Canyon, Gardens Of Stone SCA.
This is a circuit walk along a creek which we access from Waratah Ridge Road. There are interesting canyon sections and even a grotto that I hope we can find. You will get wet feet and possibly even up to the thighs in a couple of places. There is even the opportunity to swim if you so desire! Only about 4km so the late start will not be a hindrance. Meeting place will be Mt Victoria station in case anyone is coming by train. For anyone wanting to meet at the start, please do so on Waratah Ridge Road at 446E010N on the Wollangambe 1;25000 map
Map: Wollangambe
Sat - 21-Dec-2024
4 - Day Walk
Stupendous Slot and the lot
Some walkers may have done the Double Arch Cave, Miracle Slot, Rain Cave circuit on the W side of Carne Creek. However, to the south of this is a long slot passing through some impressive slots. After completing this section we will return to the vehicles via the Rain Cave area. Please don't make bookings until 12th December
Map: Cullen Bullen
Fri - 20-Dec-2024
3 - Day Walk
Grand Canyon Evening Walk
The Grand Canyon is a classic Blue Mountains walk situated at the end of Evans LO Rd, Blackheath. Walking the canyon usually takes two hours. The walk is about 3 km, all on track with plenty of steps. We will commence around 6.30 pm and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the canyon. Bring a head torch because we may finish in the dark. This walk is suitable for less experienced walkers.
Map: Katoomba
Wed - 18-Dec-2024
5 - Day Walk
Middle Creek and Long Ridge West
Private property access has been arranged. Park at GR 790 997 on Long Ridge Trail. Get down to Cabbage Tree Creek at around GR 793 012 via Long Ridge Knife-edge. Walk down to Tootie Creek and continue up Middle Creek. Exit at GR 779 013, climb south to a saddle, then descend into Tootie Creek. Walk up to around GR 773 007, then sidle counterclockwise to about GR 771 996. Find a way up to the top Long Ridge West and walk back to the vehicles. About 10 km. Scrambling and exposure. Partly exploratory.
Map: Mountain Lagoon
Mon - 16-Dec-2024
3 - Day Walk
Erskine Creek
Explore a section of the Erskine Creek and depending on the weather as to whether we do lots of walking or more relaxing near the water.
Map: Penrith
Sun - 15-Dec-2024
3 - Canyon
Sleeper Canyon
Sleeper is a beautiful, compact canyon which presents a variety of abseiling challenges that would typically be encountered in bigger canyons, but there are no drops greater than 15m. The activity is suitable for canyoners at grade 3 or higher, and preference will be given to those who missed out on the 24th November trip. You will get wet - there are compulsory short swims and wades – so you may choose to wear a wetsuit, but on a hot day it may be nice just to cool down.
Map: Mt Wilson
Sun - 15-Dec-2024
4 - Day Walk
Valley of the Dinosaurs Cancelled - Weather
The Valley of the Dinosaurs is a spectacular gorge in Mugii Murum Ban SCA, near Capertee. See why this spectacular area needs to be protected for the future. We will visit the Ultimate Slot first, then enter the Valley of the Dinosaurs gorge from its entrance, then follow it up and exit via an easy side slot. Then view the gorge from the top and visit the top of the Ultimate Slot, nearby. If the gate on the 4WD trail is open, we will drive to the top in my 4WD in 2 trips if no other 4WD is available. Otherwise theres a 1.8 km each way walk from the bottom. The walk is partly off-track with a 4 (MH) grade. About 7km, 6 hours and 200m elevation gain. Add 3.6km and 200m if we walk from the bottom. There is some easy rock scrambling and no difficult parts. There is a description of a variation of the walk in the book Mugii Murum-ban SCA by Keats, Fox and Bolotin.
Map: Glen Alice
Sat - 14-Dec-2024
3 - Abseiling
Christmas Lights - Grand Canyon by night
Grand Canyon at night sparkles with glow worms! If you haven't done it by night it is worth stumbling over wet rocks in the dark to see them. And for those that have done it, it is always a great trip. There is only one 17m overhanging abseil at the start but after that there is a lot of wading, scrambling and a few swims with the extra challenge of being dark. Despite being summer it gets cold at night in the canyon, particular after the first swim. Wetsuits and all the usual abseiling gear is needed, as well as a waterproof torch. We will start a bit before sunset meeting around 6:30 pm but won't be back at the cars until late, probably around 11:00 pm. Like previous years, we will bring a bit of Christmas fare and have a late night feast at the end of the canyon before climbing back up to the cars.
Map: Katoomba
Sat - 14-Dec-2024
3 - Abseiling
Jugglers Canyon and Rodriguez Falls
Despite its name Jugglers Canyon is more of an abseil trip with 4-6 abseils the last being a nice 20m overhang. We will then proceed down Greaves Creek a short way and abseil the spectacular Rodriguez Falls which has a great outlook down the upper Grose Valley. The canyon is fairly dry, although you will get a bit splashed down a couple of the waterfalls. It is not a long trip and should be back at the cars by early/mid afternoon. So for those going on the Christmas Lights Grand Canyon trip that evening there will be plenty of time for dinner between canyons.
Map: Katoomba
Tue - 10-Dec-2024
5 - Day Walk
Wheeny Gap and Green Scrub
Co-leader John Kennett. Early start. Park some cars at GR 813 962 on Mountain Lagoon Trail and drive other cars to the locked gate on the North Wheeny Gap Trail. Walk to the end of the trail and descend to Wheeny Gap and pools. After a quick swim, find a way through the cliffs to the north, aiming at GR 803 930. If time permits, explore a couple high points for views, then follow a north-trending ridge through Green Scrub and to the parked vehicles. About 14 km. Scrambling and exposure. Mostly exploratory.
Map: Mountain Lagoon
Mon - 09-Dec-2024
3 - Day Walk
Mt York
About 9 km loop walk descending from Mt York by the original Cox Road and ascending via Lockyers Road (about 250 m climb)
Map: Hartley
Sun - 08-Dec-2024
5 - Canyon
Butterbox Canyon v4a2 IV
Butterbox Canyon v4a2 IV Date: Sunday 8th December Time: 7am Meet Point: Front of Sparrows Café Leura – to check everyone's gear Leader: Tim Hewatt (0478 686 775) No Participants: dependant on skill level. The canyon involves: -longer abseils -exposed anchors -off track approach and exit -abseiling in waterfalls and into pools -negotiating difficult overhangs -dark narrow slots -swims -negotiating cliff lines -extended creek walking with wading. Risks - Additional to the usual canyon risks -Abseiling in flowing water -Long day (8hrs+) ending in long ascent (potentially hot) requiring good fitness -Small top roped climb (12m grade 12) -Steep eroded loose rock gully – significant rock fall risk -Exposed traverse Equipment - Additional to usual canyon gear -2 l water carrying capacity -Map and track log on your phone -Wetsuit required Skills - Additional to usual canyon skill -Abseil with a 3rd hand (back up prusik) Limited or no bottom belays will be used – top belays maybe used in some places - good fitness More Information https://ropewiki.com/Butterbox https://ozultimate.com/canyoning/track_notes/mt_hay.htm https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14.5/150.3986/-33.6271&pubLink=HCGbHlVN6oI89Bnz34psI0ft&folderId=5899e8eb-16df-426d-ba89-e7190f47af06
Map: Katoomba
Sat - 07-Dec-2024
4 - Day Walk
Dalpura Ridge and Dalpura Creek circuit.
We will be starting and finishing on Bells Line Of Road not far from Bell. The walk is only about 5.5km and has great views into The Grose Gorge from along Dalpura Ridge. There will be wildflowers, and we will of course visit the stunning canyon section with the waterfall through the roof. There will be sections of creek walking where you may get wet up to the waist so suitable footwear such as volleys is needed. You may wish to change into and out of footwear. We will walk the circuit in the clockwise direction. Plenty of opportunity at the finish to change clothes. We will meet at Mt Victoria Station carpark at 8:40am.
Map: Mt Wilson
Sat - 07-Dec-2024
4 - Abseiling
Ropes Practice and Centennial Glen Canyon
Suitable for grade 4 or grade 5 canyoners, working towards leader and leaders.
Map: Katoomba
Sat - 07-Dec-2024
5 - Day Walk
Upper Bungleboori Creek and Ravines South of Waratah Ridge
Find out why this part of the Gardens of Stone must be better protected for the future generations. Park vehicles on a side road off Waratah Ridge Road at GR 455 010. Follow an old trail south till GR 461 005, then descend a gully to the south to a tributary of Bungleboori. Follow it downstream to Bungleboori. Climb out on a spur at GR 469 994, head north to the trail and then visit the Five Ladies Lookout. If there is time, we will also visit the Midsummer Nights Grotto. Walk back to the vehicles. Wet feet and more. Bring dry bags. Scrambling and exposure. About 7 km.
Map: Wollangambe
Fri - 06-Dec-2024
3 - Canyon
Fortress Canyon
Fortress is a fun little canyon, the lunch spot's views are breathtaking (and as it is a Friday shouldn't be too busy), and the walk out across the open plateau with views on both sides across the Grose Valley is outstanding. The canyon itself only has one 6m abseil. but makes up for it with a few very attractive swims. Although in December it will still be a tad chilly, so a good wetsuit IS recommended. The canyon isn't one of the most spectacular but taken with the lunch spot and the walkout it it is a great trip and one always worth doing again. And for those who are going to the club's Christmas Party that evening we will be back in plenty of time as it is not a long day out.
Map: Katoomba
Fri - 06-Dec-2024
Meeting
UBMBC Social Night - Blackheath Golf Club
Come along and enjoy some social interaction with other club UBMBC members, commencing at 6pm with drinks on the terrace. Normal bar and bistro operations in place plus Fri night raffles. Other activities include local history and geography trivia, a pool table and a darts board. All indoors and suitable for all fitness levels. RSVP to Jim or Ruth by 1st Dec.

43 Activities