The Up & Downers Bushwalking Club Inc is a small sports club located in Bowral – Mittagong, New South Wales. The club was formed in 2000 by Herb Lippmann, who was passionate about bushwalking and the outdoors. The club currently has around 40 members, mainly from the north/northwest area of Sydney.
The main activity of the club is moderate day walks that take place within a 2-hour drive radius from Sydney. The walks are usually held on Saturdays, with a meeting time of 8:30am and a finish time around 2:30-3:00pm. The club members have the option to socialise over a cold drink or coffee at the end of the walk, making it a full day of adventure and relaxation.
The club's leadership and management are handled by volunteers from the membership. There is a main committee responsible for the overall management of the club, and a Walks Sub Committee specifically focused on organising and leading the walks. The club encourages members who feel confident to lead walks with support from more experienced members.
The Up & Downers Bushwalking Club Inc welcomes men and women from diverse backgrounds, aged from their 40s to 70s. Enthusiasm for bushwalking is the main attribute sought in new members. The club's dynamic is one of enthusiasm for bushwalking and the natural environment, combined with the enjoyment of sharing these experiences with others. Lively discussions and a sense of fun are a necessity.
Bushwalking can range from relaxed strolls along maintained paths to challenging treks through untracked scrub. It may require a high level of fitness, stamina, and a head for heights. The club advises people who have not been exercising regularly or who have a medical condition affecting their fitness to consult their doctor before walking.
Car sharing is strongly encouraged by the club to promote sustainability and reduce transportation costs. The leader for a specific walk can usually assist members in finding others to share a car with. The club does not have a recommended formula for cost-sharing, but members should always check with the driver to determine expectations.
While the club does not offer formal training programmes, experienced members are always willing to share their knowledge of bushcraft, map reading, flora & fauna, geology, and more. The club's walks programme covers various regions in New South Wales, such as the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Central Coast, and Southern Highlands. The club aims to include a wide variety of bushwalks in their programme and welcomes requests or suggestions from members.
Membership fees for the Up & Downers Bushwalking Club Inc are $30. 00 per year for full members. This fee covers the club's affiliation to Bushwalking NSW Inc, insurance coverage for public liability and personal accident, and a small amount towards club expenses. Temporary membership does not require a fee.