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
I’ve been a massive fan of Sonya Muhlsimmer’s book, Xtreme Gourmet, for years. As a qualified chef, food scientist and experienced canyoner, bushwalker, back-country skier and all round adventurer, she understands the value of not just nutritious food, loaded with all the good stuff we need to fuel our bodies, but also making it lightweight, … Read more
Dom, dom, DOMS… Have you ever found yourself questioning your bushwalking or hiking choices about two days after an adventure? It usually hits me when I try to sit down (on the loo) or stand up after sitting at my desk for a while. Mostly, it’s not a big deal, but every now and then … Read more
It was 4c when I woke up in the Blue Mountains today. Not exactly the kind of morning that makes you want to pull on your hiking shoes and head out onto the track. But I want to change your mind on that. Most people plan their bushwalking around the summer holidays. Fair enough — … Read more
Choosing the best bushwalks for kids Think back to what you loved as a kid. For me, it was Enid Blyton: the mystery and excitement of discovery, problem solving and finding what’s at the top of the Faraway Tree. The access into the bush wasn’t a smooth, easy path; it was broken up with things … Read more
When you’re in the market for a 1 person ultralight tent, the tech specs only tell part of the story. What matters is how it performs when you’re actually out there, setting up in fading light after a long day, dealing with condensation on a cold morning, or trying to sleep in torrential rain… and … Read more
Why aim for a lightweight backpack? When you’re heading out for four days in one of NSW most remote and rugged Wilderness areas, every gram counts. In Kanangra-Boyd National Park—with its steep n’ deep gorges, breathless ascents and weather that can change in a heartbeat—doubly so. After years of tweaking and experimenting, I was stoked … Read more