This walk was organised and led by me as a private walk:

Friday 4 September – Camels Hump – M/E-M. How about we meet at the gentlemanly hour of 9am at my place and we'll motor out. The walk's about 4 hours or so, we can always add on the new Cascade or Lyrebird Trails if we want to. So bring a little morning tea and lunch, 1 litre of water will be ample. Weather forecast for Canberra for Friday is "Fine min 4 max 15", but it's a long way out. Camels Hump 700m higher than Canberra so, in theory, 7deg cooler.

3 of us drove in 2 cars to TNR.

Further Information

Stephen M and Tim E contacted me via this blog and the chance of a wander presented itself. It also gave the opportunity to recce for tomorrow (since cancelled, so I got on Quentin M's walk to Pryors Hut at the last moment), just to check out whether I'll take the lads up/down the steep S spur to Camels Hump cairn.

Walk

Purchased an annual entry to TNR on the way in. Drove to the Trails car park, avoiding roos and emus. The car park area still looks first class.

Walk 1 - Camels Hump track

Up the little link track to join the Camel Back fire trail after signing in. A pleasant walk up on a generally overcast day, with an occasional break of sunshine. I wonder what that warning hooter just off the side of the track was used for (see pic 1). Great conversation as we got to know each other. A dead snake was another item of interest. The usual great views.

At the base of Camels Hump we decided on the direct approach. The footpad continues to be worn in and I chose a route a little to the E of the big drops down into the North Arm of Burkes Creek. Huge views from the cairn at the top. A bit sadly, someone has built a fire place and left used, blacked rocks and ripped down some timber for firewood. Poor form. Lunch was enjoyed out of the breeze.

We wandered back down and returned to the cars where we said so long and see you next time to Tim, who had other commitments.

Walk 2 - The Sanctuary track

Always a great stroll around here and a great place to bring family and friends. We had it to ourselves today. All the bush and this area looked great with the wattle out (see here), the brolga was at home (see pic 2) and thankfully no operations being performed as we walked past the veterinary centre.

Walk 3 - Hanging Rock track

A quick stroll around this 400m loop to the impressive rock (see pic 3).

Thanks Stephen and Tim for your company and a reason to wander around. Trust you enjoyed the day. See you on the track again soon I hope.

Distance: 13.8km  Climb: 600m.  Time: 10.05am - 1.25pm, 1.35 - 2.15pm, 2.20 - 2.30pm (4hrs 10mins), with 20mins of breaks.
Grading: M/E-M; M(9)

KMZ file for Google Earth/Maps: Camels Hump, The Sanctuary, Hanging Rock

2009 09 04 Camels Hump, The Sanctuary, Hanging Rock