Bushwalking
Newcastle Ramblers Bushwalking Club
The Newcastle Ramblers Bushwalking Club’s objectives are to promote bushwalking, camping and related recreational activities, increase the knowledge of members in the art of safe bushwalking, develop leadership skills and foster an appreciation of the environment and cultural considerations.
Established in 1961, the Club is affiliated with the N.S.W. Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs and adheres to their Code of Ethics, which includes minimal impact bushwalking.
The Club welcomes new members and they are encouraged to attend club meetings (see later) and to develop the necessary skills for the activities they wish to undertake. Tuition in fields related to bushwalking is regularly included in the program.
ACTIVITIES PROGRAM
The Club offers a varied programme including day, weekend and extended walks, twilight walks in summer, liloing, canyoning, still water canoeing, abseiling and extended holiday trips. Most trips are in the Hunter Valley and Central Coast regions, with some extending to the Blue Mountains, Wollemi and Goulburn River NPs, the Upper Hunter, Barrington Tops and further afield. Sample programs showing the range and timing of activities at different times of the year can be downloaded here. A copy of the current walks program is available at meetings, at various bushwalking and camping shops, and from the Secretary by post or by e-mail.
Meeting places and times for walks and other activities are decided at the club meeting prior to the activity. People who wish to join an activity are required to give the leader reasonable notice, by signing a walks form at the meeting or by phoning the leader several days in advance. It is essential that the leader knows that you wish to attend, as arrangements can change at short notice. If you decide not to go on an activity, it is also essential to advise the leader to avoid any inconvenience and unnecessary concern.
The Club provides a grading for every walk, but check with the leader if in any doubt. Select walks that you believe are within your ability but keep in mind that some walks may be exploratory or there could be unexpected changes due to track closure, weather conditions, etc.
Visitors may attend a maximum of three walks after which they are expected to apply for membership. Visitors are covered by the Club's personal accident insurance policy.
Important
• Walk leaders may decline to accept any person.
• Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and remain that person’s responsibility during the walk.
• All participants have an 'individual responsibility' for their own wellbeing and safety.
• They must have appropriate fitness, ability and adequate equipment for the activity.
• They must notify the walk leader if they are unsure of their ability, are taking medication or have any physical or other limitation that might affect their participation in the activity.
• Participants must obtain the leader’s permission before bringing any other person on an activity or leaving the activity early.
• All participants are required to sign an ‘Assumption of Risk’ (waiver) form prior to undertaking any Club activity.
EQUIPMENT FOR DAY WALKS
Day walks require a minimum level of essential equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Special safety equipment may be required for some activities.
• Small backpack - it doesn’t have to be expensive; an old school pack will get you started.
• Raincoat - even if it doesn't look like rain.
• Sturdy, comfortable and enclosed footwear.
• Sun hat/sunscreen.
• Warm jacket/jumper - even in summer.
• Small First Aid Kit (must contain a long snake bite compression bandage).
• Whistle and torch.
• Most important - a screw-top plastic or metal bottle of water (1 litre - more in hot weather).
• Lunch & snack food.
• Recommended - map, compass, camera.
WALK GRADING SYSTEM
All trips have a grade of difficulty represented by three numbers: the terrain, the distance and the altitude gain. It will appear as G3/12km/200m.
The terrain is represented by a Grade Number:
Grade 1 (G1) On tracks or roads, mostly flat.
Grade 2 (G2) Mostly on tracks, low gradient, relatively flat terrain.
Grade 3 (G3) Mostly on tracks, some hilly sections/rougher terrain.
Grade 4 (G4) Steeper, rougher terrain; may be off track.
Grade 5 (G5) Mostly off track; difficult terrain.
Grade 6 (G6) Strenuous off track walks.
The distance is the number of kilometres to be covered.
The altitude gain is meant to tell people how much uphill there will be. This is the total of all the separate climbs in the walk.
MEETINGS
The Club meets on the first and third Monday of each month (except public holidays and the first Monday in January) at the Uniting Church Hall, 24 Milson Street, Charlestown (map). A short business meeting begins at 7:30 pm and is followed by a training talk, then a guest speaker, trip reports or other activities. Supper and chat round off the evening.
A highlight of the year is the annual photographic competition for photos taken on Club trips. Winners of the last competition can be viewed here.
To improve social opportunities amongst members, dinner is held before the meeting on the third Monday of the month. The venue is Central Charlestown Leagues Club, Bula Street, Charlestown, down towards Whitebridge (map). The suggested starting time is 6pm, but feel free to arrive whenever is convenient.
SHARED TRAVEL
On club travel, petrol and other costs such as park entry fees, etc will be shared amongst the passengers. The owner will bear the cost of providing the vehicle only or as agreed.
GEAR HIRE
It is a good idea not to rush out and buy new equipment until you discover what type of equipment best suits your needs. The Club has a supply of bushwalking gear which may be hired by new members for use on Club activities. This includes backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, etc. Ask a committee member for details.
LIBRARY
The Club has a library of books, maps and magazines available to members. See the Librarian at a club meeting.
MEMBERSHIP
We are always keen to have new members as they provide new skills and experiences. Membership of the Club is $30.00 per annum plus $10.00 joining fee. Financial members are covered by Personal Accident Insurance whilst participating in Club activities and the Club holds Public Liability Insurance as required by law. Application forms may be obtained from the Secretary, from the web site, or by e-mail request.
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit http://www.bushwalking.org.au/newcastleramblers, write to PO Box 719 Charlestown NSW 2290, e-mail Newcastle_Ramblers@yahoo.com.au, come to a meeting, or ring one of the people below to find out more. The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs site http://www.bushwalking.org.au also has useful general information on bushwalking.
Membership and other forms, club newsletters, sample programs and other documents may be downloaded here.
Office Bearers
President: Lois Simpson (4959 5863)
Vice-President: Bob Clifton (4929 1543)
Secretary: Peter Farley (4958 4629)
Treasurer: Glenn Bird (4945 1028)
Walks Officers: Robyn Rye (4954 7858), Robyn Cole (0418 485280)
