Bushwalk Australia

So I was wondering;
Does anyone know of any peak baggers guides for other states, or an Australia wide one?

If not, would anyone be intrested in contributing to making an australia wide one?
Peak baggers unite!

I posted this elsewhere recently. This is the only Aus. wide book on the subject that I know of. There are a few web sites around but I don't think any are as comprehensive:
Tasmanian author Bill Wilkinson of "The Abels" fame, compiled a mainland version titled "Tables of Australian Mountains - A State by State Guide". Similar rules to The Abels apply to qualify as a mountain, such as minimum drop on all sides, etc. It provides simple lists for different geographic regions giving name, height, rank and grid reference. I stumbled onto a copy of it ages ago at a book sale but it may still be generally available:

http://www.regalpress.com.au/pubs/framePUBS_MT.html

"Australia is perceived as an essentially flat continent whose mountains are low in comparison with many other places. Even so, the number of distinct mountains whose fine peaks are scattered across the breadth of the country has never before been determined.
In this book a detailed study of Australia has resulted in the listing of mountains for each state, region by region. Specific requirements must by fulfilled by each mountain to qualify for a place in the tables and remarkably the total number of mountains which do so is over 500. The outcome is a permanent reference list of the dominant and principal mountains of Australia and is an essential companion for those who treasure our superb mountains. Additionally, a worthwhile challenge exists for bushwalkers to climb them - perhaps attaining the summits of all the peaks in their own state."

A tick list of Victorian peaks was produced by someone in the Melbourne Bushwalking Club in the 1970s but it's pretty much lost in antiquity.

On the continent, Tasmanian style competitive peak bagging is generally regarded as childish or infra dig. To quote David Bowie, "They do it over there but we don't do it here".

JamesMc

With all due respect James, I know of many people who are proud peakbaggers.

I somehow doubt that many think it is childish as there are so many great peak bagging lists - Munros, 7 summits, 8000m peaks, 4000m european alps etc. I think the Tasmanian list is great as it has easy peaks, difficult peaks and is a real challenge. Mainlanders may bag the Tas list, but I think its just because it would be very very difficult for them to complete.
An Australia wide list would be great.

JamesMc wrote:On the continent, Tasmanian style competitive peak bagging is generally regarded as childish or infra dig. To quote David Bowie, "They do it over there but we don't do it here".

From my point of view Peak Bagging has taken me to a lot of special places in Tassie that I wouldn't have otherwise thought of or been motivated enough to go.

Anyway how does it differ from just going around ticking off lists of those special walks. e.g. Overland, Milford Track, Routeburn, Torres Del Paine etc.
Plenty of people just come to Tassie to walk the overland just because it's on a list of international great walks.

Its a challenge.. whats wrong with being motivated by that? there are far worse things people could be doing.

ILUVSWTAS wrote:With all due respect James, I know of many people who are proud peakbaggers.

There are plenty of walkers on the continent who love to climb peaks. They happily climb Mt Bogong or Mt Kosciusco or Mt Barney, then go to Tasmania to climb Federation Peak. They'll tell you they've climbed it, but most would be embarrassed to be seen as competitive about it. None would tell you how many points they had. None would have a footer on their web postings that say what peaks they have climbed recently. None would have a map on their wall at home marking all the listed peaks that they have or have not climbed.

I'm not bagging peak bagging - I'm just saying why we don't have lists north of the Strait.

JamesMc
(Recent peaks Mt Manfred, High Dome, Last Abel and a few Victorian ones that I can't quite remember because our peaks here aren't very exciting.)

Only thing to bag about the concept is the peaks on the big island aren't all that peaky

But seriously Azz is onto it 100%, those of us that do it know we aren't exactly performing great technical climbing feats but it gives us a unique way of seeing the state and makes planning the next walk a lot of fun. If we just repeated the same walks all the time the magic might be lost. Every peakbagging mission reveals something new!!!

Go for it I say, and when you put the list together, share it around.

BTW - JamesMc, good to see you can speak for all of the bushwalkers of Australia, I'm sure they're happy to see you 'represent'.

James that sounds like a gross generalisation to me.... no evidence supporting or much point to it.... but i guess youre not into peak bagging from your opinions as stated.... each to their own. well lets play nice and not make a mountain out of any molehills

stepbystep wrote:
BTW - JamesMc, good to see you can speak for all of the bushwalkers of Australia, I'm sure they're happy to see you 'represent'.

lol

JamesMc wrote: None would have a footer on their web postings that say what peaks they have climbed recently. None would have a map on their wall at home marking all the listed peaks that they have or have not climbed.

I do.
MANY members on this site do.

I wish others would, I love bushwalking and love hearing about the adventures others have been having.

stepbystep wrote:Only thing to bag about the concept is the peaks on the big island aren't all that peaky
BTW - JamesMc, good to see you can speak for all of the bushwalkers of Australia, I'm sure they're happy to see you 'represent'.

Fair comment. I should have said "mainland walkers in my acquaintance".

Anyway, if someone can find a peakbaggers' list for the mainland (other than Bill Wilkinson's new book), I'll totally stand corrected.

JamesMc

that'll get em scurrying through the archives eh?!

I have - somewhere in the bowels of this computer - a peakbaggers list for South Australia, which was sent to me when I raised this question myself some time back.

I don't exactly have a map with hundreds of little red dots on it showing the summits I've bagged around the country, but I do have a list. And I like to add to it. Because, for some strange reason, there's a sort of compulsion to get to the very top whenever I'm near a peak. It's odd, really; a version of the 'because it's there' thing. Having a point system just adds a bit of fun to the whole thing.
I still think that there should be variable points depending on the route used - the idea being that you count only the highest rated route for each peak.

I agree NNW, it's all a bit of fun really & a great way to plan new adventures, discover new areas & share the passion with like minded people.
One thing is for sure, being a keen peak bagger in Tasmania will never leave one bored or retracing the same ground over & over again.
Regarding competitiveness, I don't think that's unhealthy...different strokes for different folks right?
I agree that some take the 'obsession' to the next step, those that have or want to finish said list for example...that's their perogative tho.

It's coincidental that most bushwalkers have goals of 'peaks' & 'mountains', it's intrinsic to the activity isn't it???
Whether a peak bagger or not I'd say most / all bushwalkers would have a goal of say climbing Mt Ossa or Federation Peak etc., ticking it off their 'wish list'.

Regarding advertising of recent walks in ones signature, I think this is a great idea started by ILUVSWTAS, it's then easy to see what everyone has been up to & hence share track notes, stories etc. etc. It's not a bragging right, it's sharing the joy & passion for the outdoors...right???

JamesMc - is that mention of High Dome, Manfred etc. a brag?...for shame...

The 'Connoisseurs' Peak Baggers list was partly developed to meet the needs of the less obsessed, less time rich & highlights the best peaks & mountains of the full list; and yes, it's still a 'list' and yes, it's still fun to tick them off & trawl over maps planning future adventures...

http://www.wildtigertasmania.com/2011/01/connoisseurs-peak-bagging-list.html

I'm not a peak bagger, but do still have my own internal wish list I suppose. But many of the items on that list do not involve peaks.

Although I'm not into peak bagging, I can sort of understand it. I'm just not a competitive person at all. But the one thing that intrigues me is the point that a few people have raised about always doing different walks, and not having to get bored of doing the same walks multiple times. I feel very differently about this.

As much as I love exploring new (to me) areas, I also very much enjoy repeating walks, sometimes several times. I love the comforting familiarity of well known places, and having my favourite private tent sites, as well as the challenges and surprises of exploring new places.

Son of a Beach wrote:I love the comforting familiarity of well known places, and having my favourite private tent sites, as well as the challenges and surprises of exploring new places.

I know what you mean Nik, I have been throughout Mt Field and Wellington Park multiple times and is my default walks with family/friends, it's always good to see the same areas in different seasons/conditions etc - still I like to walk at least every 2 weeks and I can't see myself going to Tarn Shelf 26 times a year

The other part of peakbagging which I find attractive is that virtually every walk to a peak goes via rainforest/waterfalls/streams/lakes/tarns/subalpine forest/alpine heath and more ofter than not all of the above, it's win win IMHO

stepbystep wrote:

Son of a Beach wrote:I love the comforting familiarity of well known places, and having my favourite private tent sites, as well as the challenges and surprises of exploring new places.

I know what you mean Nik, I have been throughout Mt Field and Wellington Park multiple times and is my default walks with family/friends, it's always good to see the same areas in different seasons/conditions etc - still I like to walk at least every 2 weeks and I can't see myself going to Tarn Shelf 26 times a year

The other part of peakbagging which I find attractive is that virtually every walk to a peak goes via rainforest/waterfalls/streams/lakes/tarns/subalpine forest/alpine heath and more ofter than not all of the above, it's win win IMHO

It also takes us to places we would never have dreamed of otherwise going. Sometimes with surprisingly pleasant results too....

Yep. It's a good starting point for planning a trip.
The list has certainly made me aware of places where I might not have thought seriously about walking.

stepbystep wrote:The other part of peakbagging which I find attractive is that virtually every walk to a peak goes via rainforest/waterfalls/streams/lakes/tarns/subalpine forest/alpine heath and more ofter than not all of the above, it's win win IMHO

Spot on SbS....And isn't this EXACTLY what it's ALL about....getting out there and enjoying yourself...not knowing what's around the corner.

While my main pursuit is Geocaching...this has certainly taken me to areas and peaks that I probably would never had gone. As I'm reasonably competitive in nature...this also drives me to visit and tick off the various peaks that have Trigs or Geocaches placed and/or peak bagging points.
Geocaching has stats on just about every thing.....so nothing new here to me.

The reason we're all here on the BWT forum is our obvious love and enjoyment of the outdoors...I'd of thought....and in what ever form that may take.

I certainly have the utmost admiration and respect for those that are driven...and use peak bagging as a way to visit some of the most amazing places Tassie has to offer.
I also find it interesting to see the peaks that others have been to and in which parts of the state and the tally of points if they are displayed.....for those who wish to do so.
I must confess to keeping a list of points out of pure interest...but alas.....I'm still in the 'OLD FART BRIGADE'... ....also to see how many my furry companion has got...28 so far. Alas, age is catching up with him now.....and his owner too I might add.

Lots of great 'statements of purpose' here but a bit defensive aren't they? While peak bagger bagging is not new, where is it on this forum?
I guess i'm occasionally a peak bagger by purpose, now n then.
(Just an observation, (and personal statement )
Not by name though; If I had points in mind i probably wouldn't survive very long...

I do admire envy respect relate too.. the 'sense of place' (if that's a term?) some 'peak baggers' must build up...

anyhow.. on to those mainland lists....?


edit: that aside, can i interest you trend setting baggers in some cheap gore jackets?

Does anyone else think Thark Ridge and/or Devils Throne are worthy of being added to the peakbaggers list?

mjdalessa wrote:Does anyone else think Thark Ridge and/or Devils Throne are worthy of being added to the peakbaggers list?

It's a silly list in so many ways with any number of strange inclusions/exclusions. I love walking out onto Thark Ridge can be on top within an hour of leaving home. Last time I was up there I had a couple hours to kill before work, you can see the whole SW.

Nuts wrote:.....that aside, can i interest you trend setting baggers in some cheap gore jackets?

Keep dropping the price and you might get a taker I consider myself a daggy bagger though....

sirius Tas wrote: ....also to see how many my furry companion has got...28 so far. Alas, age is catching up with him now.....and his owner too I might add.

My dogs have stalled their count due to one having a permanent(non bushwalking related)foot injury, just ordered a funky set of boots for him with vibram soles and a goretex like membrane, he'll be back in action in a couple of weeks

Also, why the 7 points for frenchmans? Arent there more deserving mountains?

Frenchmans is the most prominent mountain on the west coast & one of the most recognisable in the state; it's also a really great walk.
I think the 'points' system is a little silly & not to be taken too seriously or dictate what is a 'good or 'bad' peak or mountain.
Frenchmans was on the 'original' 'list' which only had 9 mountains (I think), someone may correct me here & list said 'original' list...???

I think the very first list only had 6

Anne
Frenchmans
Geryon
Federation
Roland
PB

ILUVSWTAS wrote:I think the very first list only had 6

Anne
Frenchmans
Geryon
Federation
Roland
PB

Now thats a list I have a hope of completing.

Interesting. By deserving I mean difficulty wise...

As Stu said, the list isnt to be taken too seriously, there are several factors taken into consideration, not just difficulty. Height, remotness, historical signifigance all play a part.