Parramatta Exploration Group

With so many new members attending the walks I thought I would put on something to introduce them to the mountains but at the same time make it a pleasurable experience and not so strenuous. So, let the fun begin.

We will have a CHRISTMAS LUNCH after the walk considering it will be the last opportunity to do so this year. Come along for just the lunchtime celebrations or the walk or both.

Before we commence our festivities at The Royal Hotel there is a very pleasant surprise installed after a short stroll through the quite back streets of Springwood to a magical place that only a few locals are aware of.

What seems like a walk behind suburbia suddenly opens up to a beautiful rainforest area with waterfalls, quaint little footbridges, stepping stones and boardwalks to navigate, overhead rock formations with caves to explore, fantastic fern laden gullies and a lovely meander amidst a woodland setting. (don't eat the mushrooms)

Just kick back and relax,take some photos and take the time to enjoy what nature has to offer in Birdwood Gully.

A few short climbs to negate and some rough and rocky descents to help you through, a bit unkempt in places (like me) but overall an awesome adventure in wonderland.

Back to Springwood and The Royal Hotel for Christmas Lunch with a glass of Bubbly and a beer or two. Anyone for wine?

This picturesque escapade in paradise is graded easy/medium and classified as a family walk. The party afterwards is also graded as easy and family orientated. High chairs provided.

Here's my number, call me maybe. 0451483009. Will include some photos I took previously when I get around to it. I'll let them speak for themselves.

P.S. If you've got nuts and nibbly things, chocolates or something even more tempting bring it along to spice up the occasion. Storage available in the hotel while we frolic in the bush.

Please read and understand the description fully before you ask me any idiotic questions that are staring you in the face. There is an opional side track for thrill seekers that I will give a BIG miss.

When we finish breakfast we'll carpool to the Faulconbridge Point trail for a very enjoyable experience.

We start our journey at a locked gate then proceed with a fairly easy stroll on a firetrail all the way to a spectacular lookout with views as far as the eye can see, depending on who's eyes they are.

After a morning tea break and time to check out Faulconbridge Point with the fantastic views (should have went to Specsavers) we will proceed with the return journey exploring a few detours along the way

There is an OPTIONAL side track down to the Grose River which is VERY STEEP and slippery on loose rocky dirt surface and only for the fit or foolhardy. Been there before and don't have any masochistic desires to do it again.
The climb down to the Grose River could require some assistance from able bodied colleagues, culminating in ropes down the cliff face and a descent down a ladder to your resting place beside the river. Enjoy your rest because you'll need it for the climb out.

Great opportunity for first timers to socialise on a longer but certainly not strenuous adventure. No hurry, no worry.

Summary: An easy amble to Faulconbridge Point, one of the best views in the mountains (watch out for mountain bikers) About 13 kilometres return to the lookout, add another 5 if you are inclined to punish yourself on optional side track.

That's it from me, so if you have any concerns or questions just dial 0451483009 and hopefully I'll answer.
I'll dig up some photos later to give you sneak peek.