The Balcanoona Camp (C+) was held in late July on the unceded lands of the Adnyamathanha people at Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges National Park. Seventeen bushwalkers took part in the camp with everyone staying either in the modest but comfortable shearers quarters or in their own van/tent on its grounds. Judy Harvey and her small team of camp coordinators were fantastic, and all their preparation paved the way for a friendly and well organised week away. We had near perfect hiking weather and completed 5 walks ranging in distance from 6 to 13km, taking us across creek beds, up hills, down to waterholes, and through beautiful gorges. We were fortunate with the weather which was mostly sunny and cool with a few clouds and one day of light drizzle.

Day1: Judy led the first walk along Kingsmill Creek to the tillite gorge. The geological formations were derived from an ancient coral reef with the sheer cliffs displayed the different ruptures and fault lines. Multitude of colours, shapes and textures in rocks on creek bed. On the way back to camp we visited the Ochre Wall with its spectacular colours and fine powdery texture.

Day 2: Bev took us along the Weetootla Network from the Trailhead to Grindell Hut and back. Robyn introduced us to some of the local flora including cocky’s tongue and stands of young river red gums. The walk is part of the Paralana Fault which was created 800 million years ago during the Adelaide Geosyncline and included a couple of creek crossings.

Day 3: the Bararranna Gorge walk was led by Bernice.  This was a circuit walk (rather than in/out) and took us around the ridge of a hill that gave us a great outlook over the ranges. We found bush banana and bush orange trees which were much photographed. After morning tea made our way to a waterhole where a lone grebe was floating around and then we walked through a gorge or two to another waterhole for lunch; with the final section going through the hills. Geological markers along the way provided description of different formations with interesting layering and markings on the rocks. Some of us took a side trip on the way back to camp to see the ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs, said to be over 15000 years old, which mark the old trading routes of local peoples as they traded ochre for other products from around Australia.

Day 4: This was our rest day. Some people headed off to Arkaroola for an independent tour.  Others took the opportunity to walk around Balcanoona station and do the interpretive tour written by Uncle Gil Coulthard who was born on Balcanoona and worked there as a stockman and later as a park ranger. Others did a short hike up the nearest hill to appreciate the view of Lake Frome and the area surrounding Balcanoona station. The washing machine was kept busy, and our bodies appreciated a slower day. Thanks to Jutta, Roger and Robyn who put together a delicious campfire feast of roast turkey and lamb, jacket potatoes, pumpkin and peas – all cooked on the bonfire. It was delicious and we all enjoyed sharing the meal around the huge dining table.

Day 5: We had an early start for the Bunyip Chasm hike, led by Robyn. There was a long drive in and out on quite rough roads and we were thankful for the generosity of the 4WD drivers. The walk challenged many with rocky riverbeds, fallen trees and boulders to climb up or around. We enjoyed some pretty water holes, the magnificent colours in the rock walls and the beautiful blue skies after a crisp start. We also saw one yellow footed rock wallaby – our only one for the whole camp! We arrived back at camp around 5ish, nearly 9 hours after we left and luckily the camp meeting was deferred until 7pm to give people a chance to rest, rehydrate, shower and eat.

Day 6: Another early start as we made our way to the start of the Acacia Ridge walk, led by Pat. Another beautiful day, a cool 2 degrees when we left but it was over 20 degrees by the time we walked into Arkaroola Village for lunch.  The views of the Gammon Ranges were spectacular, and the colour and geology juxtaposed against the brilliant blue sky made for great photos.  We made it into Arkaroola by 12 and had a well -deserved drink before enjoying our meal. We headed back to camp to sort out all the end of camp bits and bobs – petrol money, camp chores, our final dinner and packing.

This was my first Retire Active Bushwalkers camp (there were a few first timers) and I loved every bit of it: the organisation, the accommodation, the walks, the landscape, the plants, birds and wildlife, and the friendliness and generosity of everyone who attended. I will definitely sign up again.