For those of us who find ourselves drawn to the rugged beauty and whispering histories of the Australian bush, Andy Macqueen’s “The Frenchman – Francis Barrallier Life & Journeys 1773-1853” is an absolute treasure. Macqueen, a name synonymous with bushwalking in New South Wales, particularly as a former president of Bushwalking NSW and 2024 recipient … Read more
19 km grade 3 walk linking Wentworth Falls to Katoomba Heralded as a ‘new’ walk, the Grand Cliff Top Walk is an easy-to-follow grade 3 track along the Jamison Valley escarpment, on Gundungurra Country, that has been formed by linking old tracks known to us locals (and those who can read maps) for years. Many … Read more
Porters Pass and Colliers Causeway The Porters Pass and Colliers Causeway tracks are part of a network managed by Blue Mountains City Council, as opposed to National Parks. Popular with rock climbers, these historic tracks give you a great view west across the Kanimbla Valley from above and lead you alongside dramatic sandstone faces and … Read more
Centennial Pass to Porters Pass via Colliers Causeway When it comes to things to do in the Blue Mountains, going for a bushwalk or hike is usually somewhere near the top of everyone’s list. Here’s one of the best Blue Mountains hikes of around 3-4 hours and best of all, it’s not affected by the … Read more
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.”… or so Juliet said to Romeo in the 1500’s. Jump to today and think about places around you, your town, your favourite lookout, river, ridge or mountain. Just like Shakespeare’s classic tale, there’s a story behind every … Read more
Last Updated Nov 22, 2019 November 2019 Update: Since moving to the Blue Mountains in 2017, I’ve become aware of a certain understanding that comes from people who’ve been here for many generations, seeing many bushfires come and go. I call it, ‘To hold people tightly and things lightly.’ Over this month, we’ve seen fires … Read more
Episode Intro It was the ABC News that first alerted the outdoors community to Macca’s Big Wall Fall near Blackheath in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. With over 30 years climbing under his belt, including many first ascents and stories, some of which are the stuff of legend, he is one of the … Read more
Episode Introduction My guest in this episode has a long history of working and playing in some of the most rugged and remote parts of NSW. So, with a few days up his sleeve, a bit of research and the right kind of skills and experience behind him, he set off for another steep n’ … Read more
Aussie made ultralight hiking pack At the top end of Katoomba Street, there’s a serious-looking post-war building anchored to the Blue Mountains retail landscape. It’s home to local outdoor retailer, Summit Gear, staffed by trail runners, climbers, and canyoners, it stocks the usual suspects of Icebreaker, Patagonia, La Sportiva, Mont, Outdoor Research, Salomon, etc. At … Read more
4 Day Navigation Retreat Learn to navigate Escape the day-to-day and find yourself in takayna/Tarkine, on lutruwita/Tasmania’s stunning west coast for 4 days learning navigation and connecting with this remote and wild place. Based at Corinna Wilderness Village, we will come together and learn to navigate by traditional map and compass, read and interpret topographic … Read more
The Anatomy of a Search This story is a work of fiction, based on my 19 years of actual search jobs with NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue (BSAR), formerly Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad. It first appeared in Wild Magazine #187 Autumn 2023. Saturday 8.38 am The headlights of the Forester worked hard to cut … Read more
I’ve always enjoyed reviewing Suunto’s sports watches. Over the years I’ve looked at the 9 Peak and Spartan Baro HR and each time they impress me, drawing me closer to jumping ship permanently into the Suunto world. With their latest offering, the Suunto Vertical, they’ve finally convinced me. Why choosing the right watch is important … Read more