Three days notice must be given to the Leader if you want to participate in any of the events.

Club cycling events are held on many days each week. See the Cycling Page for further details. See the Qigong Page for details of regular Qigong sessions in Byron Bay and Ballina.

Wednesday February 26 to Tuesday March 17 2020 NZ Cycling Itinerary FULLY BOOKED

The event starts on 26th February at noon at Auckland Airport where we collect a 12-seater minibus and bike carrier from Maugers Rentals. It is anticipated that all participants will take a turn at driving. Copies of driving licences will be needed to be sent over before the trip. The option is to bike hire from Natural High at the airport who will also store the cycle boxes from Australia for those who ride their own bike. The cost of hiring is $335 for the 20 days. The bike recommended is an Avanti Discovery 3.

After picking up the vehicles and bikes, we drive to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. The stay here for three nights has optional activities including a cruise, a cycle to Waitangi Treaty Grounds followed by a walk to Haruru Falls, or a walk or cycle on Russell Island. We then cycle to the west coast on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail via Horeke and a ferry to Rawene. Then it's part of the Kauri Coast Cycleway to Dargaville via the Waipoua Forest. From Dargaville, we drive to Thames, staying four nights, where we cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail and do some sight-seeing/walking in the Coromandels. We then move on to Rotorua for two nights where the Thermal Trail will be enjoyed by all. The next trail is The Timber Trail which will last for two days and we will stay for one night at the Timber Trail Lodge. Staying three nights in Turangi, we hope to walk the Tongariro Crossing if weather permits, regarded by many as the best one day walk on the planet. Our last two nights (with a visit to Taupo on the way) will be spent closer to Auckland at the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park near the black sand beach where we will continue with some walking or cycling before returning to the airport on March 17th.

Ron L. is organising the cycling, Ruth D is organising the accommodation. Ian P is organising the transport and bike hire. To register, contact Ruth D 0427846372. Once registration is confirmed please transfer a $250 non-refundable deposit to the club trip away account, Northern Rivers Bushwalkers Club BSB 062565 Account No. 10869944. Please reference your payment by NZ followed by your surname. Should you wish to hire a bike please email Ian with your height measurement

Sunday March 1- Sphincter Falls abseil Mt Jerusalem NP

Short walk / scramble then 5m drop to a ledge then 70m to the bottom . On the way down you will get wet and experience aerial roots and a big sloping rock slab. The climb out is pretty easy and picturesque. Wetsuit not necessary. Leader Shane abseiling.nrbc@gmail.com 0427557823

Wednesday March 4 Tyagarah morning walk

The walk is on land next to Tyagarah airport. Michael Howes, who has beekeeping rights to the 100ha property between the airport and the beachside National park, will lead the walk with Brian. He also leases a building, where he processes and sells honeys.

A mix of plant communities will be seen, from coastal heath, Banksias, Scribbly gums and Grass trees up to 800 years old on the sand dunes, to a basaltic red soil ridge. This has ocean views and a ‘castle’ built from local columnar basalt. Back at the premises for a cuppa and Michael will show how he processes the honey and his range of varieties. These include pharmaceutical grade Jellybush. Grade 2. Finish by 11am. Leader Brian S briansundstrom13@gmail.com (bookings after 24 Feb)

Sunday March 8 Mt Jerusalem

The climb starts at Huonbrook with a steep climb up to Jerusalem Mountain Road. There are various lookouts and a Flying Fox platform to inspect on the way to the summit. Distance 9 km Grade 2 Map Huonbrook

Leader Heike K. 0438 218 201 or email heikekerber@yahoo.com.au

Saturday 8 or Sunday 9 March Mackays #3 Abseil Terania.

The usual climb up the track to the top and we will go down doing the small waterfalls on the way to the escarpment. At the escarpment there is a 20m to a ledge enough room for say 6. From there it is 80m to the rock and boulder pile at the bottom. There is a gorge up to the left and a ridge line to the right. The walk out is similar to Mackays #4. Leader Shane abseiling.nrbc@gmail.com 0427557823

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March - Iron Pot Abseiling Camp POSTPONED as Toonumbar NP Closed

Changed to Kinnanes on Carney's Creek, Main Range NP QLD. Fully Booked.

Saturday we will revisit the Lower Eden Creek Falls that we missed last time Sunday At Smiths Creek we will go down steam to a known waterfall.

Leader Shane abseiling.nrbc@gmail.com 0427557823

March 15 Nymboida River whitewater Grade 2, Nymboida to Buccarumbi Bridge

This is a fun day trip on Grade 1 and 2 rapids. There is one Grade 3 rapid, which can be portaged. There is a compulsory portage at the weir. Distance is 22km and the Guide suggests 6-8 hours. Suitable craft are:

- inflatable kayaks, double or single, rated to Grade 3 whitewater

- river kayaks

- canoes with at least one experienced whitewater paddler

This section of the reach is not usually suitable for flatwater kayaks or sit on tops, though I have seen a standup paddler with a dog attempt it! There may be one or two spaces available on double inflatables, so please ring if you would like to come but do not have a suitable craft. Apart from the usual safety gear, it is essential to have spare paddle, a rope and good dry bags, securely attached to your craft. Meet at Nymboida hotel carpark. There is a 35km car shuttle which will take up to 1.5 hours to complete, so we aim to be in the river before 10am. The trip is dependent on suitable water levels (see Guide) on the day.

Leader Norrie S 0428 918 959

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 March- Stag's Head Canyoning ( AKA Burnett ) CANCELLED

Meet in Woodenbong Saturday morning , then drive 4WD Dead Horse Mountain Road to the rabbit fence. Setup bush camp. Do the Canyon on Saturday. 7 pitches all in water with a few slides thrown in. Wetsuit required can get cold in the caves. Possibly the best drops in our neck of the woods. Bush party Saturday night. Sunday perhaps do again or explore upstream of Stag's Head Creek. Leader Shane abseiling.nrbc@gmail.com 0427557823

Sunday 22 and 28/29 March Paddling from Eltham to Moonem over 5 days in 4 weeks CANCELLED

In years gone by, there was an annual 4-day 90km paddle from Lismore to Ballina called the Paddle for Life which raised money for a couple of local charities. This trip invokes memories of that event while making a couple of exciting improvements. Who knows - in time, this could become an annual event too. All trips will be one-way so car shuttles will be required. Scott will be able to assist with this for some drivers but car-pooling will be beneficial. It is not necessary to commit to all days. Just one is fine if that is all you can make.

Day 1 - 22/3: Eltham to Boatharbour via Wilsons River (this will be contingent on a reccy Scott will do the week before to make sure there is a clear run). There will be some moving water and at least one rapid. We will have snacks on the water and lunch at the Eltham Hotel afterwards. Distance 22 km, grade hard.

Day 2 - 28/3: Boatharbour to Lismore via Wilsons River including a peek inside Coopers Creek. There is a short section of moving water at the start. Otherwise, the river is tidal and the tide will be on our side for most of the way. BYO lunch for a picnic in the park adjacent to the Lismore boat ramp after the paddle. Distance 13-15km, grade medium.

Day 3 - 29/3: Lismore to Wyrallah via Wilsons River including a peek inside Lilli Pilli Creek (my name for a waterway for which I am unable to find any other name). These waterways are tidal and the tide will be on our side for most of the way. BYO lunch for a picnic in the park adjacent to the Wyrallah boat ramp after the paddle. Distance 16 to 18km, grade medium.

Leader Scott R. Email scott@globalpaddler.com.au or text 0413 756 414

Friday to Sunday March 27 to 29 Tyalgum Showground Camp CANCELLED

Saturday Cycle options tbc include: The Tyalgum Ridges or Chillingham carrot cake and waterholes or Byrill Creek and return with a side trip to Mebbin Loggers camp and nearby waterhole. Most riding is on sealed roads with little traffic.

Walk: The Three Tops - Wollumbin National Park from Carilla Place. A grade 5 off track walk (there is scrambling required on steep loose rock). It takes about to 6 hours with plenty of time to admire the spectacular views north to Springbrook and south to the face of Mt Wollumbin. There is opportunity for a waterhole swim at the end of the walk.

Birdwatching walk from Cutters Camp, Mebbin NP with options later in the day to explore Limpinwood Valley. Interested people should bring their binoculars. Leader Linda B

Sunday Cycle options to be confirmed from the list above.

Walk: Brummies Lookout - Wollumbin National Park

We will drive, or cycle, up Tyalgum Ridge Road to the locked gate at the boundary of the National Park. From here, the walk up to Brummies lookout comprises a 3 km walk on a fire trail & then a short, steeper walk on an obscure & rough track to the edge of a cliff face with attendant fantastic views of the south west face of Wollumbin, Mt Warning. The elevation gain for this walk is about 350m. We will then retrace our steps back to the locked gate.

Campground bookings:

Richard, the caretaker is expecting a group from the NRBC. Please pay as you arrive: $10.00 per site + $5.00 per person + $5.00 for power if you require it. The phone number is: 0490 780 181, if you need further information.

Campground Facilities: Generous grassed area, new toilet and shower block, well equipped camp kitchen, (hotplate, toasters, kettles, microwave) an undercover eating/ meeting area. Fire braziers if desired.

Other accommodation: There is the Tyalgum Hotel and various B&B’s.

Leaders Cecily and Cam, please phone Cecily on 0467 607 825 to register

Saturday March 28 Shaws Bay to Lennox Head CANCELLED

Walk Shaws Bay, Ballina to Lennox Head – past Boulder, Sharpes, Angels, Shelleys, Lighthouse beaches and over 2 headlands. There is a rocky section at Boulder Beach – bring walking poles for this section if you wish. 12 km Grade 1-2. Group size limited to 16. Meet at Lennox Head to catch 4.05pm bus to Shaws Bay ($2.50 concession; $5 adult). At the end of the walk, we will have dinner at Lennox Bowls Club (optional). Contact Jenny jbcobden@gmail.com

Monday March 30 from 6.30pm Club AGM

The Annual General Meeting will be conducted as an online meeting using Zoom software. The AGM will be followed by online slide shows of two club trips: Bara Bhangal trek in Himachal Pradesh Sept 2019; Cycling in NZ March 2020

To Join the Zoom Meeting, click on the link (anytime from 6pm onwards) that was sent in an email message to all members at 7am on 30th March.

To learn more about Zoom, go to the Zoom Meetings page

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