24/10/01

First and foremost, I must state that these publications should be in the library of all outdoor clubs and other organizations that seek knowledge on the Sydney’s Bush Tracks.

The book, which is to large and heavy for backpacking, measuring 170 x 250mm with 162 pages, includes 81 large page maps and track notes covering 93 walks. There are 11 blank pages at the rear for "Log of Walk" notes. The maps are aligned True North with the magnetic variation shown for compass alignment. The authors have edited the notes on several of the sampled tracks to include changes, such as new parking areas and locked gates. The only major difference between this publication and the first edition is that the rivers and creeks are now drawn in blue ink making them more users friendly. The map scale is 1:25000 and appears to be a direct copy of the relevant L.I. C. Map, but there is no mention of that in the "Introduction." The recommended retail price is $21.95 and is excellent value for money, (My first edition cost $12.95 about 10 years ago.) It is interesting to note that "Most of the walks in this book are intended for walkers with some experience" though they do not state which ones which is somewhat confusing for the inexperienced. Their disclaimer reads, "Every care has been taken in ensuring that the track notes and the maps are correct, but no responsibility is taken for inaccuracies." But I am not sure whether this removes their liability at law, as it has not been written in the legal jargon now required by the courts.

To examine the accuracy of the maps and notes I selected two walks I am very familiar with, and which are situated in a declared remote wilderness area. Between 1984 and 1988, as a private Bi-centennial project, I surveyed, cleared and used blue markers to indicate the intended Ensign Barrallier Track. This route, starting at Mittagong, wanders down the Nattai River Valley and then crosses the Wanganderry Plateau at Beloon Pass. (This was several years prior to being declared a Wilderness Area and National Park.)

No 82 Nattai N.P. Starlights Track – Middle Nattai River – Russels Needle (Base)

The track on Map 71 and the notes state "The track crosses the Nattai River 1.8 km before Rocky Waterholes Creek enters." In fact the track does not cross the river and never has at this point. The worn track continues on the eastern side, and quite close to the rivers edge, up to and over Rocky Water Holes Creek before crossing the Nattai River. I have actually found bewildered walkers who find a worn track going off in a different direction to the track notes; they tend to say some very nasty things about authors. The name "Needle Creek" is my invention, as I have deliberately created names for features so that I can discover whether other authors have copied my work without acknowledging the source, or getting permission to copy, though I noticed that the NPA publishers claim it under their copyright in the introduction.

No 83 Nattai Rd – Lower Nattai River - Colleys Flat – Vineyard Flat – Travis Gully – Beloon Pass.

Maps 72, 73 are fairly accurate, though it does indicate that the bridge on map 72 is over the wrong creek The track notes are well written and should be easy to follow, but could be a little more explicit on the need to be very careful navigating at the top of Travers Gully. The track from the junction of the two watercourses is often obscured by ferns and flood debris obliterating the point where walkers must leave the creek bed and is not obvious, resulting in several search and rescues. (The rescue personnel did not mention whether a guidebook was involved.)

One of the greatest problems facing authors of bushwalks is that land managers may make changes to tracks and trails that can create difficulties or confusion in navigation. As an example Map 73 notes state "From Vineyard Flat, find an Old 4WD track heading up a ridge alongside and north of Travis Gully. " The old trail was ripped up and seeded with native plants in 1997, so it is no longer noticeable. Fortunately a large sign was erected in 1999 by Sydney Water to direct walkers and a well worn foot track is now appearing. I was lucky, when revising my guide to the Nattai Valley I walked the Beloon Track just after it had been ripped up.

It is obvious that the compilers of this book have had to rely on the memory of their contributors, and as a result minor difficulties are going to occur. Then on the other hand are you more likely to remember and talk about a walk that led you up shit creek, especially if the weather was rotten, than one on a NPWS built up track with a perfect day.