Recreation

People visit the Blue Mountains bushland for all sorts of reasons; relaxation, exercise, study of plants and animals, a short time of escape from urban living …..or just to experience peace and quiet and appreciate natural beauty.

The rugged sandstone cliffs and tough-looking plants look almost impossible to destroy but looks can mislead. The signs of human impact are obvious... erosion, damage to vegetation, dumped cars and rubbish, polluted rivers and streams. The more people who experience the bush, the greater the chance of this damage continuing. Signs of "stressed bushland" are weeds, bare soil, chipped rock, ditches in the soil (even only a few centimetres deep) and plants uprooted or with broken branches.

The two major areas of natural bushland in the Mountains are the Blue Mountains National Park and the water catchment areas maintained by Sydney Water…..see map. The guidelines in this Section apply to both areas and to other areas of natural bush. There are also special requirements which apply to the Sydney Water areas because of the need to protect the water supply systems from potential contamination by organisms which cause disease.

Bushwalking, Camping, Picnicking and Other Activities

Minimal Impact

If there is one guideline to remember when in the bush it is "tread lightly". If you can leave no obvious sign that you have been in an area, you will cause little damage.

If you carry something in, carry it out again - don’t bury rubbish....most of it won’t break down.

Campsites on sandy or hard ground will have low impact - if possible, use existing campsites rather than create new ones.

Respect Aboriginal and heritage sites...see Aboriginal Heritage.

Taking short cuts or creating new tracks causes erosion - please use only existing tracks

Plants and wildlife must not be harmed, even snakes! They are part of the ecosystem and....they’re protected by law.

Lighting Fires

There’s something special about a campfire in the bush, isn’t there? Good company, inedible food and atrocious poetry (or worse, singing)...an experience not to be missed!

Carry a fuel stove rather than build a campfire. Stoves can be bought at most camping stores.

If you must build a campfire, keep it small and, if you can, use a bare area from an earlier campfire. Where there is a properly constructed fireplace, please use it.

Burn only dead wood that is easily collected. Please leave logs alone - They may be home to reptiles and small animals.

Thoroughly put out all fires before leaving camp....cut off the air supply to every red and white coal for at least a minute

and, of course, lighting fires during periods when bushfire hazard is high is illegal....see Fire....It’s also stupid, but most people know that!

Bush Hygiene

Let’s not beat around the bush (!) here ....there are certain bodily functions that can’t be ignored simply because you’re 5km from the nearest loo.....

Faeces (poo) or urine (wee) - please do it no closer than 50 metres from campsites, recreational areas, bodies of water or sensitive areas such as caves.

Bury all faeces and paper at least 15cm deep but carry out non-degradable materials....you will need a small trowel.

If collecting drinking water from natural streams, boil it for 5-10 minutes - unfortunately, all Blue Mountains streams should be regarded as being polluted no matter how clear and sparkling they look.

Soaps, detergents and other toiletries will pollute natural water bodies.

Bicycle Riding

Minimal impact bicycle riding covers all of the suggestions for bushwalkers and camping plus a few more:

Use only fire trails or service roads; walking tracks simply aren’t designed with bicycles in mind and can be dangerous. Walkers also have a habit of getting in the way......

Wear the same safety equipment that is required to be worn by cyclists on public roads.

Riding over natural bush areas (bush-bashing) damages plants, possibly small animals and causes erosion.

Abseiling, Canyoning and Climbing

People who hurl themselves over the side of a cliff with only a piece of rope between themselves and severe internal injuries probably have a different concept of "minimal impact" than most bushwalkers! As a result, there are a few extra considerations needed to ensure personal safety and bushland protection:

Use only areas designated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Council.

Use chalk markings sparingly.

Don’t use fixed anchor points or other equipment that damages rock surfaces.

Avoid climbing near Aboriginal sites or near areas of threatened plants

Climbing above or below walking tracks may lead to injury through dislodged rocks

Physical markers or signs indicating starting points of climbs are visually polluting.

Don’t climb alone!

Blue Mountains Cliffcare promotes minimum impact climbing and undertakes maintenance and repair of cliff areas.

Bushland Codes

Several organizations have produced "voluntary codes" and information covering bushwalking, bicycling, climbing, horseriding and other bush activities. These should be read by anyone who spends time in the bush.

Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW

PO Box 2090, GPO, Sydney, 1043

02-9548-1228

Australian Bush Cycle Touring Association

23 Bristol Pde, Farnborough Hts, 2526

www.zip.com.au/~braiding/abcta/abcta.shtml

Tread Lightly

www.treadvic.org.au/codes.htm

Blue Mountains Cliffcare

PO Box 298, Blackheath, 2785

02-4787-1325

Using Streams and Rivers

Even the quietest river can turn savage - so there are a few important safety issues that must be noted:

Study the proposed route on a map and be aware of potentially dangerous areas and access/exit points.

Wear life-jackets.

Please let someone responsible know about your proposed timetable and route.

Test water depth before entering.

Unexpected and dangerous conditions are likely when water flows are above normal or when heavy rain is forecast.

Don’t use jet skis or other high speed or noisy craft on bushland waterways

Don’t go alone

Avoid rope swings

Of course, once you leave the water, you’re a bushwalker and the principles of "minimum impact" apply.

Sydney Water Catchments

Recreational access to water catchment areas is under review by Sydney Water. The review process may result in the relaxation of some restrictions, provided that safe drinking water quality can be maintained.

Blue Mountains Special Areas

These are:

• Blackheath Special Area; catchment draining to Lake Medlow and Lake Greaves.
• Katoomba Special Area; catchment draining to the three Cascades reservoirs.
• Woodford Special Area; catchment draining to Lake Woodford.

All of these areas, other than urban zonings, are classified as Schedule 1 areas. This prohibits any access other than for the walking track to Walls Cave and for the Transit of Venus Track in the Blackheath and Woodford Special Areas, respectively.

Warragamba Special Area

This is divided into an inner and an outer zone. The inner zone includes all lands within 3km of the stored waters of Lake Burragorang. This zone is classified as Schedule 1 and access is prohibited except for the Mount Mouin – Mount Cookem walking track and the vehicular track to McMahons Lookout.

The outer zone comprises the "declared" Warragamba catchment and extends approximately from Wombeyan Caves in the south, Katoomba in the north, Mt Werong in the west and Thirlmere in the east. This area is classified as Schedule 2 and prohibits unauthorized vehicular access, including cycles.

That part of the Warragamba Special Area within the Blue Mountains National Park is jointly managed by Sydney Water and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Recreational Vehicles

Most of the recommendations made for those enjoying the bush on foot also apply to those visiting in vehicles. However, the size and power of motor vehicles makes them capable of causing extensive damage in a short time.

4WD, Trail Bikes and Other Off-road Vehicles

The National Parks and Wildlife Service maintains unsealed roads in the Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd and Wollemi National Parks, including some that are only suitable for 4 wheel drive and trail bike-type motor cycles. Use of private vehicles on those roads is allowed but their use off-road ("bush-bashing") can cause erosion and destruction of plant communities.

When tracks are wet, drive slowly and avoid steep grades....wheel spinning can lead to serious road damage and may result in track closure.

Trail bikes must be fitted with a muffler to minimize the danger of sparks causing a bushfire.

Irresponsible use of recreational vehicles damages the reputation of off-road drivers generally and may result in greater restrictions.

Information on road conditions within National Parks is available from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Parking Vehicles in Bushland

Stopping to enjoy a view or to have a cup of tea or coffee are enjoyable parts of the bush experience but please be careful where you park your vehicle.

Pulling off the road when stopping is necessary for safety but try to find a dedicated parking area or clearing.

Compaction of soil around tree roots can cause long term decline of the tree.

Areas of low, heath-like bush are easily damaged and may contain rare plants.

Sensible Vehicle Use

By their nature, motor vehicles are anything but environmentally friendly. But there are some things we can all do:

Where possible, walk, bicycle, bus or leave your vehicle at the railway rather than use your car. Information on car and bike parking is available from City Rail.

Get your car serviced regularly to avoid exhaust pollution.

Driving in National Parks

All drivers in National Parks and State Forests MUST be licensed – this includes trail bike riders – and all normal road rules apply.

Adventure Tours

An organized adventure tour can be a great way to learn about the bush, particularly if the tour is accompanied by an experienced guide who can explain features of the plants, animals and geology. To get the best out of these tours, there are some questions you could ask before parting with your cash or handing over your credit card number. For example:

• If the tour visits a National Park, is the operator licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service? If not, the operator is breaking the law.
• Is the operator a member of the Ecotourism Association of Australia?
• If not, does the operator belong to another industry organization which supports the EAA’s "Code of Practice for Ecotourism Operators"?

A Code for Ecotourism

Ecotourism Association of Australia

PO Box 26, Red Hill, Queensland, 4059
07-3856-5015

Ecotourism Association of Australia

Education, Meditation and Relaxation

You can learn more about the bush in a number of ways....self education, formal education or by joining in some of the activities organized by community groups.

Self Education

There are many books and other publications about the Blue Mountains and bushland ecology...several are listed in Section 10. Those wishing to learn more about the local history of the Blue Mountains should contact the Local Studies Librarian at Blue Mountains City Council.

TAFE, University and Other Courses

A wide range of courses are available for those who would like more formal education on the Blue Mountains bushland.

Technical and Further Education (TAFE)

The Blue Mountains College of TAFE offers several courses in Environmental Studies, many of which have no formal educational requirements for entry. Full-time and part-time courses include:

• Bushland Regeneration.
• Bushland Weed Control.
• Land Revegetation Skills.
• Australian Land Conservation and Restoration.
• Natural Resource Management.
• Environmental Awareness.
• Interpretive Guiding

University of Western Sydney

UWS (Hawkesbury campus, Richmond) offers undergraduate and postgraduate full- and part-time courses in Environmental Studies and Horticulture. Some courses are available for external study. Courses include:

• Environmental Health.
• Environmental Management and Tourism.
• Landscape Management and Conservation.
• Social Ecology.
• Horticulture and Horticultural Science.

Adult Education

The Nepean Community College offers courses at a range of venues between St. Clair and Katoomba. The available courses tend to vary from year to year, depending on demand and availability of teachers. Current courses which are relevant to living near the bush and understanding bushland ecology include:

• Blue Mountains Interpretive Walks.
• Bushwalking.
• Wildflower Illustration.
• Earthworks (recycling and waste minimization).
• First Aid (presented by Survival First Response).
• Honeyeaters and their Environment.
• Landscape Gardening.
• Landscape Construction and Design.

Correspondence Courses

The Australian Correspondence School (ACS) offers courses on native plants, horticulture, environment, ecology and ecotourism.

Educational Resources

Blue Mountains City Council - Local Studies

PO Box 189, Katoomba, 2780
02-4782-0777

Blue Mountains College of TAFE

Mitchell St, Wentworth Falls, 2782
02-4780-3529

University of Western Sydney

Jenny Hoppenbrouwer
Faculty Administration Manager
Faculty of Environmental Management & Agriculture
University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury
Locked Bag 1, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
Phone: +61 02 4570 1812
Fax: +61 02 4570 1383
E-mail: j.hoppenbrouwer@uws.edu.au

Faculty of Environmental Management & Agriculture, University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury,
Locked Bag 1, Richmond,
NSW, 2753
Ph: 02 4570 1812

http://www.uws.edu.au/schools/aou/uwsh/fema/em/

Nepean Community College

Penrith:

Penrith Plaza,
High St, Penrith, 2750
02-4721-5368

Katoomba:

6 Gang Gang St,
Katoomba, 2780
02-4782-3532

Australian Correspondence Schools

264 Swansea Rd,
Lilydale,
Vic, 3140
03-9736-1882

www.acs.edu.au/

Organized Bush Activities

A practical way to learn more about the Blue Mountains bushland is to take advantage of some of the organized bush activities that are available. These provide an opportunity to experience the bush in the company of knowledgeable people who are only too happy to explain features of the flora and flora in a non-condescending way. They don’t bite....really!

Why not take advantage of the following (contact details below):

• National Parks and Wildlife Service Discovery Programme - a series of walks and other activities lead by rangers and ecologists. A small charge applies.
• Blue Mountains Conservation Society - free monthly walks in a wide variety of locations and habitats.
• National Parks Association Walks - regular walks are available through the Blue Mountains’ Branch with experienced guides.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Heritage Centre,
Govetts Leap Road,
Blackheath, 2785

02-4787-8877

www.npws.nsw.gov.au

Blue Mountains Conservation Society

PO Box 29
Wentworth Falls
NSW 2782

02-4757-1872;
Fax 02-4757-1753

www.pnc.com.au/~bmcs

bmcs@pnc.com.au

National Parks Association

PO Box A96
Sydney South 1235
02-9233-4660

www.npansw.cjb.net

email: npansw@npansw.org.au

Organized Meditation and Relaxation Activities

The peace and solitude of the bushland make it ideal for those wanting some time away from the pressures of modern living. Several organizations offer meditation and relaxation opportunities:

• Crystal Lodge offers weekend and longer packages which include yoga, meditation, bushwalks, massage, vegetarian cuisine.

  19 Abbotsford Rd,
  Katoomba, 2780
  02-4782-5122

• Vipassana Meditation Centre - a 10 day course of mental purification which aims to eliminate mental and physical stress.

  PO Box 103,
  Blackheath, 2785
  02-4787-743