NPA Events

Pasting of word document

• Initially pasted in sections from formatted word doc table for 2025 — there were mini tables within the bigger word table which meant each section needed separate pasting. This was a bit fiddly / time ocnsuming.
• I have since created the word 2026 document based on 2025, and as it did not have any mini tables within I was able to paste more readily
• Most of the word table could be copied so long as the selection was not to the very end of the table.
• Formatting in general did not carry over suitably from word document, ie bold generally carried over but not colour or heading levels.
• Ian, in your word document, the months were nicely underlined, which I cannot do (or don’t know how to do) in WordPress

Current formatting

• Text only within February & March is formatted, as no point doing the whole lot if it is not going to be used
• On this website there are predetermined colours — I’m sure a predetermined NPA colour/s can be included

On the web page, accordions can group by month as you will have seen

• advantages ~ not a huge daunting list, easily move around
• disadvantages ~ to see one disadvantage, go to Activities heading before monthly headings. Here is a list of initial Forward planning campouts/accommodations.
  • some are linked to an individual web page where it exists (eg Barrington, Ettalong, Mudgee)
  • others are linked to jump to internal page further down where there is no web page.
  • If you try Wollemi and/or Blue Mts, you automatically jump to those as the events are not yet put into the accordion, but will be, just want to demo jumping in the doc.
  • However if you try Coolah1 Tops it jumps there (to April#) but cannot open the April# accordion, so that is unsatisfactory.
  • If you click on Coolah2 Tops, you will see it jumps to the green subheading with the coolah2 information under the month but technically outside of the monthly accordion, so its heading will appear when all accordions are closed (as it will have its own accordion)
  • All this depends on whether you see accordions as desirable ~ the disadvantages can be worked around.
  • ON REFLECTION, I think putting the campouts / accomodation events as I have for Coolah2 Tops in green is the best way to go and then there is no need to have the forward planning activities at the top as they’ll all be apparent.

Activities hosted by other organisations may be listed from time to time. They are subject to the requirements of the host organisation.

Contact the leader in advance to register and obtain details of where to meet and any special requirements. A brief guide on what to bring on a typical day trip is included at the end of the program listing. 

Special thanks to all leaders who volunteer their time and local knowledge. If you’d like to lead or suggest a walk or other activity, please contact the Activities Coordinator John Simpson 0400 364 080. Trip reports welcome. 

Day walk: all day – bring your lunch 

Short walk: morning or afternoon (as indicated)

Night walk: twilight or evening – bring dinner 

Overnight walk: 2 or more days – carry gear + tent 

Camp: stay in camping area NOTE SUGGESTED CHANGE

Accomodation: stay in huts, cabins or other with varying facilities

Cycle tour: sealed or unsealed roads (road bike sufficient)

MTB tour: rough tracks (mountain bike required) 

Field survey: investigate flora, fauna, fungi, etc 

Bushcare: carry out weed control or conservation works 

Clean-up: remove litter and rubbish 

Event: lecture, workshop, field day, festival, film, dance, performance, etc.

Family friendly: activity is aimed at family groups with children.

Please pay careful attention to grades and descriptions. They are designed to help you to match activities with your capability. 

①    Easy: well-made tracks, no steep hills, possibly a few steps. Distance up to 10km. Suitable for beginners. 

②    Easy-medium: well-made tracks, some hills. Distance up to 15km. Suitable for most beginners. 

③    Medium: defined tracks with hilly or rougher terrain. Distance up to 20 km. Suitable for fit beginners. 

④   Medium-hard: steep or rough terrain, may be partly off tracks, possibly minor rock scrambling. Not suitable for most beginners. 

⑤   Hard: difficult terrain or vegetation, mainly off-track, may involve rock scrambling, creek walking or river crossings. You must be suitably fit and experienced. 

⑥   Extreme: very strenuous or challenging. You must be suitably fit and experienced. 

NP National Park  NR Nature Reserve  CL Conservation Lands  

SCA State Conservation Area  SF State Forest  SP State Park

↔ distance (km) ↕ vertical relief (metres) 

All distances and elevations are approximate

•   View the NPA Statewide program

•   Place an activity: login online or contact Samantha Newton

•   Subscribe or unsubscribe to weekly Bushwalking Bulletin: contact Samantha Newton

Our 8 bush regeneration sessions, at four locations stretching between the northern to the southern tips of Tomaree NP, go for about 2 hours. We also have community events.

You are sure to find a location and time to suit you. We welcome participants casually or regularly at any one of more of our locations. See here for session locations, dates & whom to contact for each.

• North Tomaree:1st Tue, 2nd Sat and 3rd Thu each month
  Contact Sue Olsson 0488 440 733
• Fingal South: 3rd Sat, 4th Fri each month
  Contact David Moore 0413 370 695 
• Central Tomaree (Kingsley, Boat Harbour and One Mile): 1st Sat and 3rd Mon each month
  Contact Sue Olsson 0488 440 733
• South Tomaree (Fishermans and Anna Bay): 1st Sun each month
  Contact Josephine O’Brien 0429 225 921.

28 Jan Wed | Port Stephens foreshore

Morning walk (am) ②-③ | ↔ 9 km | on tracks, paths, beaches
Start the year with a foreshore walk, from Nelson Bay (near Diggers RSL) to Wanda Village, Salamander Bay. Bush, beach and footpaths. Several shady parts. Optional Thai lunch at Wanda Village. Return by bus, or walk (double distance) and swim if weather suitable.  More information.
Map: Port Stephens
Contact: Sue Olsson 0488 440 733 [NPA PS]

Bushcare | am only | Tomaree NP

North: 3 Tue, 14 Sat, 19 Thu | Fingal South: 21 Sat, 27 Fri | Central: 7 Sat, 18 Mon | South 1 Feb Contact for each location and date

10 Feb Wed | Barrington Tops NP 

Day walk (optional accommodation) ③ | ↔ 9 or 14 km | on tracks, swimming holes
Williams Top Picnic Area vis Rocky Crossing to Barrington Guest House
Enjoy the Rocky Crossing Trail, perfect for a warm day — shady trails, tall rainforest, opportunities for a refreshing dip. Gradual decline from Williams Top. Parking & afternoon tea (donation $5+) at the Barrington Guest House. Optional accommodation if you would like to extend your stay. More information
Map: Barrington Tops
Contact: Barb Boundy (walk booking only) 0459 761 459 [NPA PS]

7-22 Feb | Mambo-Wanda Wetlands 

Short walks (am/pm) ③ | ↔ 2-3 km | on sandy tracks
Mambo Walks & Talks  
A variety of short guided walk each weekend; wetland diversity, from angophora and swamp forest to samphire beds, mangrove and marine sanctuaries. Ecosystem threats and restoration. Birding walks for beginners suitable for primary aged. Talk, birds of Mambo’s coastal forest
Map: Port Stephens
More information & registration

15 Feb Sun | Tomaree NP 

Short walk: (am) ③ | ↔ 8 km | on sandy tracks
Fingal hinterland trails to magnificent views. 
Walking from Fingal Recreation Club along fire trails with views into the park and to Fingal Bay, to reach a lesser-known natural rock outlook with panoramic views. Undulating tracks and a one steep uphill. Enjoy morning tea. Return via mostly shady trails.
Map: Port Stephens
Contact: Sue Olsson (book via email) 0488 440 733 [NPA PS]

19-22 Feb Thu- Sun | Barrington Tops NP | Bushcare | Car camp 

Scotch Broom Control camp – Polblue (2WD)
Remove Scotch Broom and seedling recruitment. Scotch Broom is one of the major weed threats to the alpine and sub-alpine areas of Australia. You can choose which days you attend. Organised by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. 
Map: Barrington Tops
More information & registration pdf [NPWS]

25 Feb Wed | Myall Lakes National Park

Day walk ③ | ↔ 10 km | on sandy tracks

Johnsons Beach and Johnsons Hill

Walk from Boomeri Campground to historic Johnsons Hill then Johnsons Beach. Drive to Mungo Brush Campground for lunch, optional swim and short rainforest walk at Mungo Brush Campground.
Map: 
Contact: Jutta Bradley 0405 033 550

Bushcare | am only | Tomaree NP

North: 3 Tue, 14 Sat, 19 Thu | Fingal South: 21 Sat, 27 Fri | Central: 7 Sat, 18 Mon | South 1 Feb
Contact for each location and date

8 Mar Sun | Murrays Beach area

Murrays Beach to Galgabba Point return
Short walk (am) ③ | ↔ 10 km | tracks and pathways

Walk along the lake, around the south side of Murrays Beach, up along the eastern ridge to Galgabba Point and return via the Old Pacific Hwy and the northern side of Murrays Beach. There will be time to relish the native gardens at Murrays Beach.
Map: 
Contact: Karen Nicoll 0408 617 728 [NPA PS]

11 Mar Wed | Tomaree NP

Tomaree Coastal Walk: One Mile to Anna Bay
Short walk (am) ③ | ↔ 8.5 km | on tracks

Take the bus from Anna Bay shops to One Mile, then walk south from One Mile along a scenic section of the Tomaree Coastal Walk. Option for a cooling bevvy and food fortification at the Anna Bay Tavern. 
Map: Port Stephens
Contact: Hazel Diver 0425 257 873 [NPA PS]

22 Mar Sun | Newcastle

National March in March for Forests
Short walk (am) ② | on paths/roads

March for Forests is a vital public show of support to end native forest logging, as right now it is tearing apart wildlife habitat across New South Wales. Walk with the NPA banner, lending support to NPA’s campaign for the Great Southern Forest NP
Map: 
Contact: Hazel Diver 0425 257 873 [NPA PS]

29 Mar Sun | Burning Mountain NR + Towarri NP

Burning Mountain walk + picnic lunch
Short walk (am) ② | ↔ 6-8 km | includes low tide sand spit crossing

Easy morning walk to interesting Burning Mountain, north of Scone, followed by a picnic lunch at the Washpools in nearby Towarri NP. Possible swim at the Washpools 
Map: 
Contact: John Simpson 0400 364 080 [NPA UH]

Bushcare | am only | Tomaree NP

TO BE UPDATED North: 3 Tue, 14 Sat, 19 Thu | Fingal South: 21 Sat, 27 Fri | Central: 7 Sat, 18 Mon | South 1 Feb Contact for each location and date

1 Apr Wed | Cooranbong 
Day walk ② | ↔ 10 km | bush tracks

Cooranbong Circuit
Starting at Beauty Point, we will follow Dora Creek, crossing a suspension bridge before entering a bushland track leading to the Avondale University campus. We re-join Dora Creek, tracing it back to the Swing Bridge from the opposite direction.

Map: 
Contact: Jenny Shaw 0408 161 909 [NPA PS]

IS THIS HAPPENING & WHEN? 

6 Apr Sun                                        Chichester SF 

Field survey | Short walk ①-② | ↔ 1 km | on tracks | Family friendly

Upper Allyn Fungi Foray. Short walk to explore and learn about the unique and world-class fungi of the Upper Allyn Valley. Group limit: 20 persons. Organised in association with the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub. 

Map: Barrington Tops

Contact: Martin Fallding 6571 1208 [NPA UH]

8 Apr Wed | Soldiers Point 

Day walk ③ | ↔ 10 km | sand walk, bush tracks

Soldiers Point foreshore circuit + Stoney Ridge Reserve

Starting at Bob Cairns Reserve, we will explore the bayside beaches along the foreshore before going around the point and through the mangroves of Cromarty Bay then returning through Stoney Ridge Reserve.

Contact: Lesley Freeman  0438 190 151 [NPA PS]

Map: Port Stephens

12 Apr Sun | Hawks Nest / Myall Lakes NP

Day walk ③ | ↔ 8 km | tracks and beach walking

Yacaaba Headland, forest and beaches. 

Ferry from Nelson Bay option. Walk shores of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, and forest trails to Bennetts Beach, a little beach walking to Yacaaba for great views over the Myall River. The top of headland is currently closed. Return same or via Jimmys Beach.

Map: Port Stephens

Contact: Sue Olsson 0488 440 733 [NPA PS]

15 Apr Wed | Tomaree NP

Day walk ③-④ | ↔ 13 km | bush tracks, uneven

Tomaree Coastal Walk: Fingal to One Mile Beach

Explore the TCW’s ‘heart’ ~ Barry Park, diverse woody heathlands, rocky headlands, Big Rocky,  shady coastal forest to Samurai Beach, and the anticipated gentle beach breezes crossing Middle Rock to One Mile Beach. Bus One Mile to Fingal.

Map: Port Stephens, Morna Point

Contact: Ross Bushrod 0419 222 161 [NPA PS]

22 Apr Wed | Newcastle Coast

Day walk ② | ↔ 10 km | pathways, some stairs

Bathers Way. Take Stockton Ferry to Newcastle, walk up to Nobbys then on to Merewether. Easy walk with mainly concrete paths with a few hills and stairs following the coastline.

Map: Newcastle

Contact: Cheryl Skene 0415 239 442 [NPA PS]

26 Apr Sun | Glenbawn Dam

Day walk ④ | ↔ 10 km | pathways, some stairs

Walk the hills on the eastern side of Glenbawn Dam, with views across the dam. Some off-track. A seldom visited area. Entry fee applies.

Map: 

Contact: Tony Lonergan 0428 189 585 [NPA UH]

Bushcare | am only | Tomaree NP

TO UPDATE North: 3 Tue, 14 Sat, 19 Thu | Fingal South: 21 Sat, 27 Fri | Central: 7 Sat, 18 Mon | South 1 Feb Contact for each location and date

1 Apr Wed | Cooranbong 

Day walk ② | ↔ 10 km | bush tracks

Cooranbong Circuit

Starting at Beauty Point, we will follow Dora Creek, crossing a suspension bridge before entering a bushland track leading to the Avondale University campus. We re-join Dora Creek, tracing it back to the Swing Bridge from the opposite direction.

Map: 

Contact: Jenny Shaw 0408 161 909 [NPA PS]

IS THIS HAPPENING? 

6 Apr Sun                                        Chichester SF 

Field survey | Short walk ①-② | ↔ 1 km | on tracks | Family friendly

Upper Allyn Fungi Foray. Short walk to explore and learn about the unique and world-class fungi of the Upper Allyn Valley. Group limit: 20 persons. Organised in association with the Paterson Allyn Williams Science and Ideas Hub. 

Map: Barrington Tops

Contact: Martin Fallding 6571 1208 [NPA UH]

8 Apr Wed | Soldiers Point 

Day walk ③ | ↔ 10 km | sand walk, bush tracks

Soldiers Point foreshore circuit + Stoney Ridge Reserve

Starting at Bob Cairns Reserve, we will explore the bayside beaches along the foreshore before going around the point and through the mangroves of Cromarty Bay then returning through Stoney Ridge Reserve.

Contact: Lesley Freeman  0438 190 151 [NPA PS]

Map: Port Stephens

12 Apr Sun | Hawks Nest / Myall Lakes NP

Day walk ③ | ↔ 8 km | tracks and beach walking

Yacaaba Headland, forest and beaches. 

Ferry from Nelson Bay option. Walk shores of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, and forest trails to Bennetts Beach, a little beach walking to Yacaaba for great views over the Myall River. The top of headland is currently closed. Return same or via Jimmys Beach.

Map: Port Stephens

Contact: Sue Olsson 0488 440 733 [NPA PS]

15 Apr Wed | Tomaree NP

Day walk ③-④ | ↔ 13 km | bush tracks, uneven

Tomaree Coastal Walk: Fingal to One Mile Beach

Explore the TCW’s ‘heart’ ~ Barry Park, diverse woody heathlands, rocky headlands, Big Rocky,  shady coastal forest to Samurai Beach, and the anticipated gentle beach breezes crossing Middle Rock to One Mile Beach. Bus One Mile to Fingal.

Map: Port Stephens, Morna Point

Contact: Ross Bushrod 0419 222 161 [NPA PS]

22 Apr Wed | Newcastle Coast

Day walk ② | ↔ 10 km | pathways, some stairs

Bathers Way. Take Stockton Ferry to Newcastle, walk up to Nobbys then on to Merewether. Easy walk with mainly concrete paths with a few hills and stairs following the coastline.

Map: Newcastle

Contact: Cheryl Skene 0415 239 442 [NPA PS]

26 Apr Sun | Glenbawn Dam

Day walk ④ | ↔ 10 km | pathways, some stairs

Walk the hills on the eastern side of Glenbawn Dam, with views across the dam. Some off-track. A seldom visited area. Entry fee applies.

Map: 

Contact: Tony Lonergan 0428 189 585 [NPA UH]

Bushcare | am only                            Tomaree NP

UPDATE North: 3 Tue, 14 Sat, 19 Thu | Fingal South: 21 Sat, 27 Fri | Central: 7 Sat, 18 Mon | South 1 Feb Contact for each location and date

6 May Wed | Belmont Wetlands SP 

Day walk ③ | ↔ 12 km | on tracks

Belmont Coastal Walk 

Enjoy walking through Tea Tree and other coastal bush. Walking on sand, rough tracks, boardwalks and the Fernleigh Track.

Map: 

Contact: llona Renwick 0491 703 508 [NPA PS]

IS THIS HAPPENING?

10-11 May Sat/Sun              Baerami Dance & camp out

Event Sat night | short walk (am) Sun ②-③

Fun weekend for solos, friends or families. Live band, dances called. Sunday morning walk at Phipps Cutting in Wollemi NP. Book for early bird price or pay at the door. Atmospheric country hall adjoining Wollemi NP, west of Denman.

Contact: Martin Fallding 6571 1208 [NPA UH]

13-15 May Wed/Fri | Mudgee Area

Accommodation + Day walks ③④ | ↔ varied to 8.5 km | uneven tracks, rocky in places

Munghorn Gap NR, Goulburn River SCA, Ferntree Gully Env Res

Over three days, two nights, explore reserves and walks near Mudgee including The Drip Gorge, Hands on Rock and Ferntree Gully Walk. Two nights accommodated, 13 & 14 May. Closer to Mudgee township, we’ll visit Putta Bucca Wetlands and Avisford NR. Walks are easy to moderate, varying distances up to 8.5km. Book own accommodation. More information

Map: 

Contact:  Sue Johnson 0428 771 223  [NPA PS]

10 May Sun | Worimi CL

Short walk (am) ③ | ↔ 10 km | fire trails, some beach walking

Worimi Forest Trail and Stockton trails Fern Bay area, includes bush trails through a diverse forest and wetland, and just some sndwalking over a dunes affording views and the Ganyamalbaa camping area.

Map: Williamtown

Contact: Sue Olsson 0488 440 733 [NPA PS]

20 May Wed | Dungog Common

Day walk ③ | ↔ 10 km | on uneven tracks

Girrawa Trail

Follow a zig zag track with some hills, rainforest, woodlands, creeks and views of the country side with opportunity to see some wildlife.

Map: Gresford

Contact: Cheryl Skene 0415 239 442 [NPA PS]

24 May Sun | Barrington Tops NP

Barrington plateau walk and optional camping
Day walk ③-④ | ↔ 10 km 

Walk in the cool temperate forest and woodland on the Barrington Tops. Location and details TBC. Optional camping on Saturday night (NPWS fees apply). Access is via either Gloucester or Scone.  INCLUDE this access as no park alerts?
Map: Moonan Brook
Contact: Frank Grennan 02 6546 1117 [NPA UH]

These events have not been included within the accordion so you can see how the jump to campus/accomodation works ~ bust I am thinking the green Coolah2 Tops presentation is better anyhow

6-8 Jun Sat/ Mon | Wollemi NP

Kerrabee camp + Wollemi walks
Car camp | Day walks ④ | ↔ 4-8 km | No facilities

Long weekend camp on private property adjoining Wollemi NP, near Kerrabee on Bylong Valley Way in the Upper Hunter. Walks of varying distances. Spectacular setting, interesting geology, explore sandstone ridges and gullies in the northern part of Wollemi NP. Enjoy warm evening campfire. No facilities so you need to be 100% self-sufficient.
Map: Kerrabee
Contact: John Simpson 0400 364 080 [NPA UH]

28 Sep -2 Oct Mon/Fri | Blue Mountains NP

Blackheath area
Accommodation | Day walks ③-④ | various 

Walk Blackheath’s highlights: Hanging Rock-Burramoko Ridge, Popes Glen, Fairfax Heritage/Cliff Top, Govetts Leap Braeside, Walls Cave, Centennial Glen & Pulpit Rock and more. Maybe a day visit to Gardens of Stone NP. Book own accommodation. Come for all or some days. More details to come.
Map: 
Contact: Barb Boundy 0459 761 459 NPA PS]