Sunday Bus: Burchell Track North - 16km and 21km - 21 Sept

WALK DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a stunning full-day walk through the rugged beauty of the Brisbane Ranges National Park, as we explore the first half of the renowned Burchell Track. Our walk will cover the most scenic and varied sections, offering a rich mix of landscapes and natural wonders.
This walk is not your average bush stroll. Expect narrow gullies, steep rocky ridges, and several creek and river crossings - so come prepared for the possibility of wet feet! Trekking poles are highly recommended to help with balance and stability, particularly on the descents and uneven terrain.
The Brisbane Ranges is home to over 600 plant species, from gnarled ironbarks to the delicate pink and white heath that lights up the bush in spring. The park is particularly famous for its ancient grass trees, though sadly many are under threat from cinnamon fungus. We`ll do our part to protect this fragile ecosystem by sticking to tracks and using the boot cleaning stations located throughout the park.
The park also teems with wildlife, and if we`re lucky, we may spot wallabies, echidnas, or even a koala lounging in the treetops.
We`ll finish our walk in the scenic Anakie Gorge, a tranquil spot that rewards your efforts with its quiet beauty and geological formations.
The longer walk starts at Boar Gully Campground, a challenging option for experienced walkers, with longer distance. The shorter walk starts from Quarry Track, ideal for those after a rewarding walk without the full challenge. Both options promise a varied and scenic walk through one of Victoria`s most underrated parks. And don`t worry - toilets are available at several points along the way.
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DISTANCE(S): 16km and 21km
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TOTAL ASCENT(S): 400m and 500m
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GRADINGS: Easy/Medium and Medium
Easy/Medium (E/M): More consistent walking, mostly on tracks or in open country, but with some significant hills, probably some stretches of light scrub. Possibility of some rock hopping. Distances up to 19km but may be much shorter depending on the difficulty of the terrain. Reasonable lunch and rest stops.

Medium (M): Consistent walking on tracks or in open bushland, usually with patches of thicker scrub, several moderate climbs, and/or rock hopping. Distances up to about 22kms with reasonable rest stops. A good level of fitness and walking experience is required.
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PLEASE NOTE: Your RSVP on MeetUp lets us know who may be interested but does not add you to the booking list. To register and pay for the walk you must visit our clubrooms (details below).
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HOW TO BOOK AND PAY:
(a) Visit the Melbourne Bushwalkers' clubrooms on either of the two Wednesday evenings before the walk, speak to the leader and, if it is agreed to walk, make a payment to secure your place on the bus.
(b) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking before 4pm on the Thursday before the walk, send a note to sunday@mbw.org.au. A credit will be issued for a future walk.
(c) To cancel a Sunday Walk booking after 4pm on the Thursday before the walk contact the walk leader direct. You should be given the walk leader contact details at the time of booking.
(d) The costs for the walk are $30 bus fare plus $10 visitor fee if you are not a paid-up Member of Melbourne Bushwalkers.
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OUR CLUBROOMS: Our clubrooms are located at The Mission to Seafarers Victoria, 717 Flinders Street, Docklands. We are open Wednesday nights 6:30pm - 8.00pm.
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CONTACT US: To contact us regarding this walk send an email to sunday@mbw.org.au. We do not regularly check the MeetUp site for messages and the above address will get a faster response.
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CAN I MEET AT THE START OF THE WALK? No! Since Sunday Bus walks are generally walks starting and finishing at two widely separated locations we do not accept walkers meeting at the start of the walk. There is no way for them to get back to their transport. We can arrange for a pick-up and drop-off at a designated location along the route closer to Melbourne, however, the full bus fee is still payable since a seat has to be kept free on the bus.
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IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Registration (membership) on Meetup is not the same as paid-up Membership of MBW. To become a paid-up Member with online booking and other benefits see: https://mbw.org.au/MBW_membership.php
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WHAT TO BRING:
A day pack containing:
* Lunch, a morning and afternoon snack.
* Full water bottle - we recommend 2 litres, more in warmer weather.
* An unlined waterproof jacket or cape, waterproof over-trousers (if your jacket is short).
* Whistle, pencil and paper.
* Personal and first aid items, including sun screen, lip screen, toilet paper, identification, Club green Health Card, some money etc. Note: The leader always carries a first aid kit.
* A change of footwear for the trip back.
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DO YOU HAVE COMPREHENSIVE AMBULANCE COVER? The Club strongly recommends that all participants have comprehensive personal ambulance cover.
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MORE DETAILS:
The visit to the clubrooms on a Wednesday before a walk is to cover three things:
(a) Provide background on the club and ensure all walkers are familiar with the safety and courtesy guidelines we adopt;
(b) Meet with the leader of the walk who will be in the clubrooms to discuss any special features of the walk and ensure that adequate gear and fitness requirements are met.
(c) Sign an Acknowledgement of Risk form and pay the visitor fee ($10) and bus fee ($30) to reserve a seat on the bus. No booking is accepted until the payment is received.
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DAY WALKS BY BUS with Melbourne Bushwalkers:
https://mbw.org.au/mbw_activities/walks/MBW_bus_walks.php