PhotosBushwalk.com photographers

28 | Bushwalk December 2022

Waa Gorge on a summer dayOsik

Looking down from Lightning Ridge North-north-west

Early climb on a hot dayBrian Eglinton

WinnerMorning mistStephen Lake

This is at Ryders Huts on the Bogong High Plains, camped in the trees, away from the clearing with dead trees that looked as if they would fall. The fog and light that morning were pretty. The rest of the trip had ice at night and warm to hot days.

30 | Bushwalk December 2022

WinnerSturt Desert PeaBrian Eglinton

The Northern Flinders in December is not a good time for hiking. The heat can be a killer, so great care is needed. However, a friend in need and some very good recent rains drew us up north. The weather allowed some good day walks and water was flowing through Mt Chambers Gorge which had been very dry in September. And there were refreshed pools in Arkaroola Sanctuary. In these conditions, the odd Sturt Desert Pea was found in flower in the creek beds.

In your face! Tom Brennan

DewdropNorth-north-west

SummerTortoise

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WinnerAlpenglowNorth-north-west

The Anne circuit is deservedly famous in bushwalking circles. This time I did it the harder way, starting late at Red Tape and camping near Sarah Jane before continuing on to the Lonely Tarns and Lots Wife. The weather gods saved the worst for the last day so I finally got to see some of this terrain.

Long RangeDoogs

Top of the world Tortoise

32 | Bushwalk December 2022

Bararranna Gorge Brian Eglinton

Tinga FallsTom Brennan

WinnerNew Year's eve in KaputarOsik

Catching the last rays of 2021 looking over a vista with a very Jurassic feel.

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WinnerWelcoming in the new yearOsik

What better way to break in 2022 than with an early hike and scramble in the hills.

Perfect place for a rest dayNorth-north-west

A birds eye view from TwynamJohn Walker

Morning mysteriesTortoise

34 | Bushwalk December 2022

WinnerRed Rumped ParrotBrian Eglinton

Australia has a great variety of birds. Our parrots have a range of vivid colourings. The male Red Rumped Parrot is a bit tricky at ground level as the red bit can be hidden away. One bird site says, "When perched, the red rump is usually hidden under the folded wings."

The quick way downNorth-north-west

Highland yabby Tortoise

A study in contrastsJohn Walker

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Relief at last Tortoise

WinnerSunrise in the South West North-north-west

The first time into the Spires area I missed out on a number of subsidiary peaks so a return was essential; thus there was another glorious night - and sunrise - at the best campsite ever.

36 | Bushwalk December 2022

WinnerYulludunida before the traverseOsik

After the steep walk to the saddle the classic Stegosaurus profile of Yulludunida in Kaputar National Park lay before us.

The Western FallJohn Walker

Murray Brian Eglinton

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