Beginner Walks

[WanderingMatt]

Hi all,

Long time lurker on the forums, finally signed up!

I'm looking for some advice regarding two types of hikes.

Firstly, I am interested in overnight hikes in namadgi, and was wondering what the rules are in terms of having a small campfire? I prefer camping somewhere that's not a public campsite, as I enjoy the peace and quiet and fun of camping off the beaten track. There's just something satisfying about relaxing in front of a campfire in the evenings...

Secondly, i have a week off in April and am looking for a relatively easy multi day hike, from 4-6 days in the NSW region. Open to any ideas in terms of area but would prefer somewhere not super far away, and again if possible, campfires permitted.

To give you some background -I'm from the ACT, I'm relatively new to thru-hiking so I'm looking for easyish walks, mainly in terms of navigation.

And finally, where would you recommend purchasing topo maps? E.g. For namadgi or kosciuszko np?

Any and all advice appreciated

Matt

[LachlanB]

Hi Matt,
For topo maps, they seem to be expensive wherever you go. Paddy Pallin (I think it was Paddy Pallin anyway) on Lonsdale St in Braddon has a couple of cases full of the NSW LPI topo maps plus a smattering of other miscellaneous maps. It had a pretty good range of maps through Namadgi, the Budawangs, Kosciuszko etc around Canberra, but didn't have such a great range for the parks further north around Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
You can look at the maps online at http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au
Some people on the forum have had a go at generating their own maps too.

No idea about fire restrictions in Namadgi National Park, I've only ever done day-walks there.

[shankspony]

I usually buy maps online too. Going to a shop is too much like hard work! For NSW you can get the real paper version or electronic version at https://shop.lpi.nsw.gov.au/wps/portal/ ... -shop/oss/, not sure about Vic/ACT though.

For your NSW walk, there's always the Great North Walk, or some sections thereof. It ticks the 'close' and 'easy to navigate' boxes. There's fires allowed in the Watagans area, but in my opinion the scenery is not as good there as elsewhere on the walk. It can get a bit urban in places, so not recommend if you're chasing a wilderness experience, on the other hand there are some really lovely bits. Other multi day walks that I can think of eg Kanangra way, or Wild dogs etc are tricky navigation. I don't know many area's in NSW really though so will leave others to suggest more.

[Mark F]

ACT maps are part of the lpi series and can be purchased through the lpi shop (link in earlier post).

See http://www.tams.act.gov.au/parks-recrea ... ional_park for more information including on campfires.

Campfires
All fires in the ACT including campfires are regulated by law. Fire permits are required for campfires all year round except in officially constructed fireplaces. Always ensure fires are fully extinguished on departure. Help protect Namadgi's sensitive environment by observing fire regulations and using fuel stoves. Restrictions apply when Total Fire Bans are in place.

[WarrenH]

Further to purchasing topos here in the ACT, Camping World at 117 Flemington Rd Mitchell (02 6255 0085), stock about 300 different topos, in 1:25000, 1:50000 and 1:100000. They also have a large range of Hema Regional Maps and the Rooftop Adventure Maps.

Requests for out of stock maps are ordered on Mondays and if in stock from the suppliers, they are available by the following Friday. In the past I've ordered topos for Victoria through them but Victorian topos can take a couple of weeks to arrive, I have found.

At Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre (02 6207 2900), they have 1:25000 topos covering the NP and a few of the 1:50000 Rooftop Adventure Maps that take in parts of Northern Kosciuszko NP. MarkF mentioned printouts of walks, the NP visitors Centre also have these maps as pamphlets for the walks to Square Rock, Yerrabie and the Settler's Track, amongst the others. The Visitors Centre is open 9-4 weekdays and 9-4.30 on weekends.

Secondly, I have a week off in April and am looking for a relatively easy multi day hike, from 4-6 days in the NSW region. Open to any ideas in terms of area but would prefer somewhere not super far away, and again if possible, campfires permitted.

How about the Northern Budawangs taking in Quilty's Boro Ground, Mount Sturgiss and Hidden Valley and branch out to explore a bit more from there.

The Caves Creek/Blue Waterholes area on the Frost Plains of the North in Kosciuszko NP is great country. Visit Oldfields Hut and Pockets Hut and Cooleman Homestead. At Easter this area can be a bit busy ... if that coincides with your time off.

Mount Jagungal from Round Mountain, again in Kosciuszko National Park. ... and summit Jagungal for some excellent views of the Western Fall Wilderness. If you're spending a week away heading past Adaminaby perhaps take a day off to swim with the frogs in the thermal pool at Yarrangobilly, when driving down or driving back and the same diversion if going to Cooleman and Caves Creek.

Also, there is the southern ACT. Walk into the Scabby Range, and Split Rock and climb one or two high hills. Maybe even go as far as Oldfield Hut and summit Mount Morgan. Six days in the Southern ACT and just over the Border ... that's a gift. Bushwalking doesn't get much better than that, here in the SE.

Good luck. All the areas mentioned are only a few hours drive and not too far in distance from Canberra.

Warren.

[Supertramp]

Hi all,

Long time lurker on the forums, finally signed up!

I'm looking for some advice regarding two types of hikes.

Firstly, I am interested in overnight hikes in namadgi, and was wondering what the rules are in terms of having a small campfire? I prefer camping somewhere that's not a public campsite, as I enjoy the peace and quiet and fun of camping off the beaten track. There's just something satisfying about relaxing in front of a campfire in the evenings...

Secondly, i have a week off in April and am looking for a relatively easy multi day hike, from 4-6 days in the NSW region. Open to any ideas in terms of area but would prefer somewhere not super far away, and again if possible, campfires permitted.

To give you some background -I'm from the ACT, I'm relatively new to thru-hiking so I'm looking for easyish walks, mainly in terms of navigation.

And finally, where would you recommend purchasing topo maps? E.g. For namadgi or kosciuszko np?

Any and all advice appreciated

Matt

I would suggest getting in touch with the Namadgi Visitors Centre, they can answer any camping questions that you have for camping in Namadgi.
Also, have you thought about a topo map app for your phone?
I know the ACT rangers use an app called memory map, you can buy a detailed topo map that covers the whole of NSW for either $99 or $199 (can't remember exactly) but that works out to be much cheaper. Just keep that as an option.