E-M Wednesday Walk (BBC sponsored): Queanbeyan River from White Rocks to Oaks Estate

No bookings required for Wednesday Walks

Leader: Kathy Handel, contact: 0447289638, khandel@bigpond.net.au

We start by driving from Queanbeyan Railway Station to Wickerslack Lane, Googong. From there, we walk on dirt tracks to White Rocks (a limestone climbing crag) and an old quarry with views over the Queanbeyan River. Some of the track is steep and slippery, so poles will be useful. Then it’s easier walking until we reach suburbia, where we have to walk on concrete to cross the enormous Ellerton Drive bridge. On the other side there is a muddy track (with a narrow slippery plank) that joins a fire trail leading to Queanbeyan golf course. Dodge the balls there and continue (on concrete for a while) alongside the river past the art gallery. Cross back to the other side of the river, pass the cemetery and continue to Oaks Estate, reading history plaques along the way. View the unimpressive confluence of the Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers and return to the suburbs at Hill St, Oaks Estate, with a short walk back to Queanbeyan Railway Station. Car shuffle to retrieve cars from Wickerslack Lane. We will finish by lunchtime.

Meeting place: Queanbeyan Railway Station, corner of Henderson Rd and Crawford St.

Time: 9:00am

Transport cost: $1 for a 6km (or 12km) car shuffle.

Weather forecast: 7 to 14 degrees, 0-4mm rain, showers easing.

Terrain: steep rough track, muddy track, nice track, fire trail and concrete paths.

Grading: Easy/medium (8), distance 11km, climb 100m.

Maps: Canberra, Tuggeranong 1:25,000.

Those doing their first Wednesday walk and walkers who are not members of the BBC, NPA or CBC must contact the walk leader before the walk to discuss the level of difficulty of the walk.