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Saturday 23 September 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)

ANNUAL RAPTOR COUNT, SCHEYVILLE

Meeting place

Meet at Scheyville National Park Headquarters carpark.  Vehicle access is from Scheyville Rd (not from Old Pitt Town Rd, despite what the GPS tries to tell you).

Leader

Trevor Waller |  0467 977 508 

Habitat

Open

Grade

Grade 1.   Birding from around cars with possible short walks.

Facilities

Plenty of parking with toilets nearby.  Only a couple of picnic tables.

Eastern Osprey JM.jpg
Location link: TBC

​

Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September 2023 (bookings closed)

WEEKEND AWAY - CANBERRA AREA

Meeting place

We will use the Alivio Tourist Park in O'Connor in Canberra as our base for the weekend (although you can stay elsewhere in Canberra or surrounds if you prefer).  Details to be provided closer to the event.  Bookings can be made by emailing Heather on outings@cboc.org.au.  Accommodation bookings can be made at any time.

Leader

Jeff Byron |  0408 869 228

Habitat

Bushland, wetlands

Grade

Grade 2 and 3

Facilities

TBC

Wednesday 6 September 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)

BLUE GUM CREEK RESERVE, ANNANGROVE

Meeting place

End of O'Keefe Road, Annangrove

Leader

Paul Johnstone |  0434 350 409

Habitat

Forest

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 2 km on flat bush trail.

Facilities

Plenty of parking.  No toilets or picnic tables at the reserve, but morning tea wil be 15 mins away at Maralya Park where there are toilets and picnic tables.

Sunday 27 August 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)

FIELD OF MARS, SUGARLOAF POINT and BORONIA PARK

Meeting place

Meet at Field of Mars Reserve, Pittwater Rd, East Ryde

Leader

Cathy Goswell  |  0418 865 421

Habitat

Forest, mangrove

Grade

Field of Mars: Grade 1. Approx 0.6 km Boardwalk loop. 
Sugar Loaf Point: Grade 3. Approx 3 km on bush tracks with short steep hill sections, some rough surfaces and a few steps.

Facilities

Plenty of parking with toilets nearby and some picnic tables.

​

Saturday 19 August 2023 | 8.50am for a 9am start (nearly full)

BEGINNERS and NEW MEMBERS, CROSSLANDS RESERVE, HORNSBY HEIGHTS

Meeting place

Crosslands Picnic Area, 441 Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights.  Please note that some GPSs try to take you to the western side of the creek so it is best to put Somerville Road into the GPS.  It is a steep hill down to the reserve at the end of the road.

Leader

Trevor Waller  |  0467 977 508 

Habitat

Parkland and bushland

Grade

Grade 1. Approx. 2 km. Mostly flat on paved paths.

Facilities

Plenty of parking with toilets a few minutes walk away.  Some picnic tables.

Wednesday 2 August 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)

FRED CATERSON RESERVE, CASTLE HILL

Meeting place

Enter Fred Caterson Reserve via Gilbert Rd, Castle Hill. Continue along Caterson Drive until you reach a car park at Fields 2 and 3. Do not turn left at any time. 

Leader

Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720

Habitat

Bushland

Grade

Grade 3.  Approx 3 km on bush paths, tracks and road with some uneven ground and gentle hills.

Facilities

Plenty of parking with toilets nearby.  No picnic tables but some seating near the oval.

Sunday 30 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)

ROYAL NP – WATTAMOLLA CLIFFS and BONNIE VALE (near Bundeena)

Meeting place

Meet at the P2 car park at Wattamolla.  The turnoff to Wattamolla is on the left, 10kms from Audley when coming from the north.  The car park is about 5km further on, accessed from a right hand turn as you go down the hill, before you get to the bottom carpark.  Entry fee of $12 applies unless you have a NP pass.  Note that there is no mobile reception at Wattamolla.
Second location is at Bonnie Vale picnic area, off Sea Breeze Lane, Bundeena.

Leader

Greg McLaclan | 0405 578 967

Habitat

Heath, forest

Grade

Wattamolla Cliffs: Grade 2.  Mainly flat with a few steps and a gentle hill.  Approx 2 kms.  

Bonnie Vale: Grade 2.  Level walking on easy bush tracks.  Approx 3 km.

Saturday 22 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)

SECOND PONDS CREEK RESERVE, ROUSE HILL

Meeting place

Meet at Withers Rd at Second Ponds Creek, adjacent to the Rouse Hill Rural Fire brigade 

Leader

Edwin Vella | 0402 067 619

Habitat

Wetland and forest

Grade

Grade 3.  Approx 6 km of walking on a gentle slope.

Facilities

Plenty of roadside parking.  Closest toilets are at the nearby Bunnings or Mitre 10.  No picnic tables.

Saturday 15 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)

MISTRAL POINT SEAWATCH, MAROUBRA and CENTENNIAL PARK (extra date)

Meeting place

Meet at the northern end of Marine Parade, Maroubra 

Leader

Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508 

Habitat

Coastal, parklands

Grade

Mistral Point: Grade 2. Approx. 200 m walk to rock platform with some easy rock passage. 
Centennial Park: Grade 1.  Approx 2 km on flat paved paths.

Facilities

Street parking at Mistral Point, but it can be busy on the weekend. Short walk to toilets.  No picnic tables.
Plenty of parking at Centennial Park but it can get busy.  Toilets available.  Some picnic tables but not usually used by the group.

Sunday 9 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)

BUSHELLS LAGOON and SWALLOWS REACH

Meeting place

Meet at the junction of Blacktown Road and Brewers Lane, Freemans Reach

Leader

Adrian Dick  |  0451 825 403

Habitat

Wetlands and forest

Grade

Bushells Lagoon: Grade 2.  Approx 2 km on wide bush track with gentle hill down to the lagoon.

Swallows Reach: Grade 2. Approx 2 km walking on a mainly flat bush track.

Facilities

Plenty of street parking near Bushells Lagoon.  No toilets or picnic tables.  Plenty of parking at Swallows Reach with toilets and some picnic tables.

Wednesday 5 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)

CENTENNIAL PARK

Meeting place

Near the crossroads of Parkes Drive and Dickens Drive, Centennial Park.

Leader

Corinne Tomkinson | 0488 001 802

Habitat

Parkland

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 3 km on relatively flat, even parklands.

Facilities

Plenty of parking, which can get busy on weekends.  Toilets at various locations.  Some picnic tables.

Saturday 24 June 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)

MISTRAL POINT SEAWATCH, MAROUBRA and CENTENNIAL PARK

Meeting place

Meet at the northern end of Marine Parade, Maroubra 

Leader

Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508 

Habitat

Coastal, parklands

Grade

Mistral Point: Grade 2. Approx. 200 m walk to rock platform with some easy rock passage. 
Centennial Park: Grade 1.  Approx 2 km on flat paved paths.

Facilities

Street parking at Mistral Point, but it can be busy on the weekend. Short walk to toilets.  No picnic tables.
Plenty of parking at Centennial Park but it can get busy.  Toilets available.  Some picnic tables but not usually used by the group.

Eastern Rosella MK.jpg
Location link

Map: Mt Annan

Wednesday 7 June 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)

AUSTRALIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS,

MT ANNAN

Meeting place

Meet near the Visitors Centre.  Parking is in the P3 carpark on Cunningham Drive, Mt Annan.

Leader

Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720

Habitat

Grassland, lakes and forest

Grade

Grade 1.  Approx 3 km flat walking.

Facilities

Plenty of parking.  Toilets near carpark.  No picnic tables near the carpark.

Sunday 28 May 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)

MILL CREEK PICNIC AREA & DEVINES HILL WALK, DHARUG NP

Meeting place

Meet at Mill Creek Picnic Area on Mill Creek Rd off Wisemans Ferry Rd, Gunderman.  Turn left before the car camping area and go past the turn-off to group camping, to the picnic area.  Allow time for the ferry crossing if coming via Wisemans Ferry.

Leader

Gabrielle Rees | 0414 947 138

Habitat

Mill Creek: Bushland, creek, grassy areas.
Devines Hill: Sandstone rock formation and bushland convict history of the Great North Rd.

Grade

Mill Creek Picnic Area: Grade 2.  Approx 2 km on a dirt rocky trail and a flat dirt road.
Devine Hill: Grade 3.  A 3-4 km walk on a steep graded firetrail.

Facilities

Toilets and plenty of parking at Mill Creek Picnic area.  Some picnic tables, but best to bring a chair.

Sunday 21 May 2023

MERRYLANDS GARDENS

White-faced Heron MK.jpg
Saturday 20 May 2023 | 7.50am for an 8am start (fully booked)

NURRAGINGY RESERVE, WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS

Meeting place

Meet at the Colebee Centre, Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road, Doonside. 

Leader

Edwin Vella | 0402 067 619

Habitat

Bushland, woodland

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 3 km on level bush tracks.

Facilities

Plenty of parking.  Toilets at the Colebee Centre.  Some picnic tables near the centre, but these are often being used.

8.30am | Wednesday 3 May 2023 (open for booking)

FLOYD BAY and MIRRAMBEENA

Meeting place

Meet at the end of Hollywood Drive, Lansvale.

Leader

Peter Abraham  |  0451 292 512

Habitat

Parkland, wetlands

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 6 km on mainly flat easy concrete paths.

Facilities

Plenty of parking at Floyd Bay but no toilets or picnic tables.  Mirrambeena has plenty of parking, toilets and picnic tables.

​

8.30am | Sunday 30 April 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)

WIANAMATTA REGIONAL PARK

Meeting place

Meet at the car park just inside the gates off Mainwaring St, Ropes Crossing.

Leader

Greg McLachlan | 0405 578 967

Habitat

Ironbark Woodland

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 2 km on flat bush tracks.

Facilities

Plenty of parking just inside the gate.  There are toilets and picnic tables in two sections of the park.

8.30am |  Saturday 22 April 2023 (fully booking - bookings closed)

EMU GREEN

Meeting place

Meet at Emu Green Reserve, corner of Palomino Road and Russell Street, Emu Plains.  Decide where else to go on the day based on the status of the floods and nearby tracks.

Leader

Robyn Pedersen | 0438 989 422

Habitat

A mix of parkland, riverside and bush reserves

Grade

Grade 2. Generally flat on gravel paths or bush tracks with up to 4km walking at Emu Green.

8.30am |  Wednesday 5 April 2023 (open for booking)

MITCHELL PARK

Meeting place

Meet at the second picnic table in Mitchell Park.  National Park entry fee of $8 applies unless you have a NP pass.

Leader

Corinne Tomkinson | 0488 001 802

Habitat

Bushland, woodland

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 3.2 km on bush tracks and fire trails with occasional gentle slopes.

8.30am |  Sunday 2 April 2023 (open for booking)

CASTLEREAGH and WINDSOR DOWNS NRs

Meeting place

Meet opposite the Northern Auto Wreckers, 557 The Northern Rd, Londonderry. 

Leader

Daniel McDonald | 0404 374 362

Habitat

Woodland

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 2 km at each site on bush tracks and trails.

Facilities

Plenty of parking.  The closest toilets are at McDonalds at 1-21 Cranebrook Rd.

No picnic tables.

8.30am |  Saturday 25 March 2023 (open for booking)

SCHEYVILLE NP

Meeting place

Meet at Scheyville National Park Headquarters carpark.  Vehicle access is from Scheyville Rd (not from Old Pitt Town Rd, despite what the GPS tries to tell you).  

Leader

Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720

Habitat

Bushland, woodland

Grade

Grade 2.  Morning walk of approx. 2.7 km loop on wide, mown tracks that are mostly flat with some gentle hills.  Decide what else to do on the day.

Facilities

Plenty of parking.  Toilets nearby at the back of the headquarters (follow the signs).  

Only a few picnic tables with not much shade.

Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2023 (fully booked)

WEEKEND AWAY - LAURIETON AREA

Meeting place

We will use the Reflections and Jacaranda caravan parks at North Haven (which are close to each other) as our base for the weekend.  Details to be provided closer to the event.  Bookings can be made by emailing Heather on outings@cboc.org.au.  Accommodation bookings can be made at any time.

Leader

Heather Pearce  |  0412 051 951

Habitat

Various habitats

Grade

Various but mainly Grade 2.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle5 JM.jpg
Location link

TBC

8.30am  | Sunday 5 March 2023 (nearly full)

CUMBERLAND LAND CONSERVANCY: WALLAROO & WOMBAT SITES, MULGOA

Meeting place

Meet at the entrance to the property, which is accessed from the turnoff to the Penrith Landfill Depot.  This is just south of the Nepean Christian School.  Once you turn off Mulgoa Rd, parking is immediately on the left opposite the gate on the right.  If the gate is open, drive in and park on the left near the shed.

Leader

Mark Fuller |  0424 440 140

Habitat

Open forest/woodland with clearings and small dams.

Grade

Wallaroo: Grade 2.  Approx 3 km of relatively flat walking with some gentle hills.
Wombat: Grade 3.  Approx 1 km with some steep hills.

Facilities

Plenty of parking. Toilets available.  No picnic tables.

8.30am  |  Wednesday 1 March 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)

WEST HEAD, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP

Meeting place

Meet at the lookout at the end of West Head Road. National Park entry fee of $12 applies unless you have a NP pass

Leader

Lindsay Sherman  |  0418 624 905

Habitat

Sandstone country

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 3 km of mostly flat walking on tracks and fire trails.

9am | Saturday 25 February 2023 (fully booked - bookings closed.  Max 15)

BEGINNERS and NEW MEMBERS,

SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

Meeting place

Meet by the Cafe at the Waterview Convention Centre overlooking Lake Belvedere.

Leader

Trevor Waller  |  0467 977 508 

Habitat

Wetlands, parkland, and woodland 

Grade

Grade 1.  Approx. 2 km walking mainly on flat paths.

Facilities

Plenty of parking at Bicentennial Park near the café, though it can get busy on the weekends.  Be aware that is a one-way road.  Toilets at the Waterview Café.  Not many picnic tables.

9am |  Sunday 19 February 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)

CENTRAL COAST WETLANDS (PIONEER DAIRY) and CANTON BEACH (Self-drive)

Meeting place

Pioneer Dairy parking area, 1897 South Tacoma Rd.  Veer left off the Pacific Hwy near the Hyundai dealer before the Wyong River bridge, then follow this around to South Tacoma Rd.  After passing under the railway line, the turnoff is on the right.

Leader

Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421

Habitat

Wetlands and coastal habitat

Grade

Grade 1 or 2 easy walks, depending on tracks chosen.

Facilities

Central Coast Wetlands has plenty of parking, toilets and undercover picnic tables.  Canton Beach has street parking and amenities.  Bring a scope if you have one.

7am and 9am | Wednesday 1 February 2023 (open for booking - nearly full)

ROOKWOOD CEMETERY and SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK (World Wetlands Day 2 Feb)

Meeting place

Meet towards the end of William Dr, Rookwood Cemetery. Enter via East St, Lidcombe. Second start location at 9am near the Waterview Café at Lake Belvedere, Bicentennial Park, Homebush off Australia Ave.

Leader

Adrian Dick |  0451 825 403

Habitat

Woodland, parkland, wetlands

Grade

Rookwood Cemetery: Grade 1.  Approx 2 km of flat walking.
Sydney Olympic Park: Grade 1. Approx. 2 km walking mainly on flat paths. 

Facilities

Rookwood: Plenty of parking beside road.  No toilets in the area that we are going but there are toilets near St Michael's chapel. 
Sydney Olympic Park: Plenty of parking.  Toilets available.  Some picnic tables depending on location.

8.30am  | Sunday 29 January 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)

DEEP CREEK, NARRABEEN (morning only)

Meeting place

Meet at Deep Creek Reserve, off Wakehurst Parkway, Narrabeen.  If coming from the south, the turnoff is immediately on the left after crossing the Deep Creek bridge.  

Leader

Heather Pearce |  0412 051 951

Habitat

Bushland

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 3 km walking on narrow, largely flat track, with steps to the bridge going over the creek.

8.30am | Saturday 21 January 2023 (fully booked - waiting list open)

BOBBIN HEAD, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP

Meeting place

Meet on the western side of the bridge at Bobbin Head picnic area, near the start of the Gibberagong boardwalk

Leader

Daniel McDonald |  0404 374 362

Habitat

Forest

Grade

Grade 3.  Approx 3 km on bush tracks with some slightly steeper sections including steps.

Facilities

Plenty of parking with toilets nearby.  Some picnic tables, including some undercover.

8.30am  | Wednesday 4 January 2023 (open for booking)

SYDNEY PARK, ST PETERS AND TEMPE LANDS (morning only)

Meeting place

Meet at the carpark in Barwon Park Rd, which is next to the tall chimneys.

Leader

Gabrielle Rees |  0414 947 138

Habitat

Bush, parklands and wetlands

Grade

Sydney Park: Grade 1.  Approx 3-5 km easy walking along footpaths, grass and elevated wetland walkway.
Tempe Lands: Grade 2.  Approx 2 km loop on dirt track.

Facilities

Sydney Park: Plenty of parking.  Toilets and coffee cart nearby.  Need to bring chairs.

Tempe Lands: No toilets or facilities, but parks with toilets nearby.

CBOC 2023 OUTINGS CALENDAR

For those of you who like to plan ahead, here is the 2023 Outings Calendar.

​

Note that this will be removed once the full outings program is published and may need to change from time to time.  Please refer to the Outings page for the most recent update.  â€‹For further information, contact Heather on outings@cboc.org.au

9am | Saturday 19 November 2022 (open for booking)

CAPERTEE VALLEY

N.B. There will also be an outing to Dunn's Swamp on the Sunday as some members are making a weekend of it.
Meeting place

Meet at the corner of Glen Alice and Glen Davis Rds, Capertee Valley

Leader

Cathy Goswell |  0418 865 421

Habitat

Open woodland and pastureland 

Grade

Grade 2.  Short walks on hardened uneven surfaces and gentle uphill sections.

Facilities

Plenty of parking in the triangle in the middle of the Glen Davis/Glen Alice intersection.  Toilets and picnic tables at Glen Davis campground or Glen Alice Community Hall. 

8.30am  | Wednesday 7 September 2022 (open for booking)

CHILTERN TRAIL and WARRIEWOOD WETLANDS

Meeting place

Meet at start of Chiltern Trail near the end of Chiltern Rd, Ingleside.  

Leader

Heather Pearce |  0412 051 951

Habitat

Bushland and Wetlands

Grade

Chiltern Trail: Grade 3, approx 2 km return on a fire trail.
Warriewood: 
Grade 2.  Max 4 km.  Mostly flat on gravel paths and boardwalks.  Some steps on Irrawong Reserve section.

Facilities

Parking on the side of the road near Chiltern Trail.  No toilets or picnic tables.
Warriewood Wetlands has parking, which can sometimes be busy.  Toilets at nearby Warriewood Square.  No picnic tables.

8.30am | Wednesday 6 July 2022 (cancelled due to the wet weather)

MULGOA NR and NEPEAN WEIR

Meeting place

Meet at corner of Dillwynia Drive and Cormorant Cres, Glenmore Park.

Leader

Carol and Peter Abbott

Habitat

Bushland and river

Grade

Grade 2. Mostly level walking on wide paths. Some small inclines at Mulgoa NR. Approx. 1.5-2 km walk at Mulgoa, approx. 600m walk at Nepean Weir.

Facilities

Limited street parking at Mulgoa NR.  No toilets or picnic tables.  Plenty of parking at north end of Nepean Weir.  No toilets or picnic tables at that end.  We generally stop en-route for toilets.

8.30am | Saturday 23 April 2022 (fully booked)

"WIVENHOE" PRIVATE PROPERTY AT COBBITTY

Meeting place

Meet in the large carpark at the far end of Mater Dei Road off Macquarie Grove Road, Cobbitty.  

Leader

Peter Ridgeway | 0401 481 037

Habitat

Woodland, grassland and riverflats.

Grade

Grade 2.  Approx 3 km on fire trail with occasional small stones, and some gentle hills.  No steps.

Facilities

Plenty of parking with toilets nearby.  No picnic tables.

​

8.30am | Saturday 2 April 2022 (open for booking - nearly full)

SHAWS RIDGE TRAIL, WINMALEE and GLENBROOK LAGOON

Meeting place

Meet at the northern end of White Cross Road, Winmalee.   Carry morning tea.   

Leader

Pat Thorn  |  0414 248 941

Habitat

Forest

Grade

Shaws Ridge Track: Grade 2.  Approx 4 km on a fairly flat bush track.
Glenbrook Lagoon: Grade 2.  Approx 1-2 km on a fairly flat track.

Facilities

There is parking in the cul-de-sac at the end of White Cross Rd.  No toilets or picnic tables at either site.  There are toilets at the Winmalee Village Centre, White Cross Road, which is en route to the meeting place.

​

8.30am  | Wednesday 2 February 2022 (nearly full)

WORLD WETLANDS DAY: SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK WATERBIRD REFUGE, NARAWANG WETLANDS AND MASON PARK

Meeting place

Meet at the south east end of the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre carpark on Bennelong Parkway.

Leader

Cathy Goswell |  0418 865 421

Habitat

Wetlands, parkland, and woodland 

Grade

SOP: Grade 2.  Depending on the sites, up to 3 km of relatively flat walking.
Mason Park: Grade 1.  Approx 1km on flat pathway.

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