Walk Grades

Grade 1:	Easy terrain and gradients, typically 10km or less, on good tracks, fire trails or paved surfaces
Grade 2:	As for Grade 1 plus could involve slightly more difficult terrain, ascents/descents up to about 300m and/or distances up to about 15km
Grade 3:	Could involve more difficult terrain, eg rock hopping in creeks, ascents/descents up to about 500m and/or distances up to about 20km
Grade 4:	As for Grade 3 plus could involve a bigger proportion of more difficult terrain, ascents/descents up to about 700m and/or distances up to about 25km
Grade 5:	Typically could involve walking largely off track in dificult terrain, ascents/descents over 700m and/or distances over 25 km
Bike:	bicycle rides over varying terrain and distance
Snorkel:	snorkelling in sheltered or exposed locations
Kayak:	canoeing or kayaking in streams and harbour coves
Car camp:	driving to a camp site for overnight stay in tent and short walks
Social:	social activity such as restaurant, theatre or parlour games

What to Bring

Always bring:

• Backpack (both hands should be free during a walk);
• Walking boots or sneakers (comfortable and soles with good grip);
• Water (at least two litres and more on hot days or strenuous activities);
• Food (couple of sandwiches at least and some fruit. Walking takes energy!);
• Light clothing for hot weather (walking makes you sweat);
• Wet weather gear (against rain and cold which can occur at any time);
• Warm clothing for cooler weather (the Blue mountains can be much colder than Sydney).

Recommended:

• Broad brimmed hat;
• Sunglasses;
• Sunblock;
• First Aid kit;
• Torch.

Car Pooling

The car pool cost is 25c per kilometre for all cars plus any other reasonable costs (e.g. National Park entrance fees). This cost is shared equally between all participants and all drivers so that a driver with one passenger not require their passenger to pay the same amount that may be spread over 3-4 passengers in another car.

Example: if there are 3 cars - a car with a driver plus 1 passenger and two cars, each with a driver and 3 passengers - and the cars make a total round trip of 160km, the cost is computed as follows:

• 160 km x 3cars = 480km (total distance travelled by 3 cars) x 25c/km = $120;
• There are 10 participants (including drivers) therefore $120/10 = $12.00 paid by each participant;
• Due to each driver: (total cost of $120 / 3 cars) less own contribution of $12.00 = $28.00.

The most straightforward way to divide the money is for each person (including drivers) to pay their share into a pool and then the drivers take equal shares. This is easier in practice than it sounds and ensures fair payments. Rounding at any stage of calculation to nearest whole dollar is customary to simplify amount of change owing.

Non-members

If you're not a member, you're still welcome on most of our activities. You can come along 3 times before you're expected to join the club (which costs only $35 per year).

Please contact the walk leader a few days before the walk and tell him or her that you are not a member.

There is a $7 visitor contribution for each activity (which helps in running the club). Please pay this to the activity contact. However, if you join right after the activity, there is no need for the contribution Instead give the membership form and membership fee to the leader.

Charging for Personal Gear

If club members supply personal gear for use by other members on a club activity, they may charge for its use if they wish. The proposed fee must be approved by the committee first.

Safety Precautions

A Last Person is appointed by the leaders on all walks.

Walk together, as a group. Start together, walk together, finish together. Clearly notify the Leader and/or the Last Person in the event a comfort stop is needed.

Search and Rescue Contacts

For any activity emergency, telephone '000' in the first instance. 

 HOME