Walk: Ben Bullen & Moffitt Trail to Baal Bone Gap – Ben Bullen Precinct of the Gardens of Stone. (Garden of Stone National Park)
Please RSVP: to Elly berands@bigpond.com (by Thursday prior to the walk), for your name to be added to the list.
Meet: Lovejoy Street carpark (Douro Street near playground
equipment) for registration and/or carpooling. (At your own discretion)
Meet Time: 8:00 am
Re-meet: 9:00 am (after
a brief nature stop at Capertee) to then
Travel
a further 9km along the Castlereagh Hwy to intersection Hutchinson road (Left
hand side of Hwy), (safe parking area), just over the railway line at the
hairpin in the road, total driving distance 92km.
Walking Distance: 6-8klm – more if desired. Grade: Easy to medium with some challenging inclines and declines.
Details: Vehicles (4wd or with vehicle with a high clearance), drive along fire trail, to the area known as “Moffit Pagodas lookout,”- for a shared morning tea, from here vehicles can journey along this well used fire track until 4klm from the Gap. Here we will leave the vehicles and walk the 4klm to the Gap & marvel at the view and lunch and return. Arranging a 4wd support vehicle to be available to the Baal Bone Gap & return to vehicles (if needed).
Info: Ben Bullen Trail from start of Hutchinson Road to Gap is 12.8km. The trail is well used, near the last 3 km from Gap there is several boggy sections, hence we are leaving vehicle(s) before this point, however a 4wd will do the trick and continue to the Gap. Members are welcome to walk full distance & return for those training up, or options, to suit your walking abilities.
The plan is to drive to a nominated area; then walk, and explore and admire the pagodas along the way, enjoy your packed lunch at Baal Bone Gap (picnic table) before returning the same way.
4WD required as support vehicle. * Great area for birdwatching so remember the binoculars. Travel Driving Distance: Mudgee to Capertee: allow 1 hour; 83km,- Capertee to Ben Bullen meeting area: 6 mins; 9km
What to see description: We will be visiting the jewel in the crown of Gardens of Stone and marvel the magnificent rock pagodas, sheer cliffs and endless scenic views of Baal Bone Gap.
What to bring: Morning tea to share, Lunch to eat, Water to drink, Hat to wear, Sturdy walking shoes and walking poles. Don’t forget your enthusiasm.
Map Ref: 8931 -4S Leader(s): Joby Mitchell & Elly Rands Contact: Elly Rands
Please RSVP: to Elly berands@bigpond.com (by Thursday prior to the walk), for your name to be added to the list.