The Up and Downers Bushwalking Club Inc is a small sports club based in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 2000 by Herb Lippmann, a renowned bushwalking enthusiast, the club was formed as a spin-off from the courses he ran for Macquarie Community College. Currently consisting of approximately 40 members, most of whom reside in the north/northwest area of Sydney, the club aims to promote the love for bushwalking, the outdoors, and life.
The club's main activity involves moderate day walks within a 2-hour drive radius from Sydney. These walks typically take place on Saturdays, with a meeting time of 8:30am and an aim to finish by 2:30-3:00pm. However, considering the travelling time to and from the meeting place, which can range from 15 minutes to 2 hours, and the option of socialising over a cold drink or coffee at the end of the walk, participants can expect a full-day outing.
Tragedy struck the club in April 2003 when Herb and his wife Yu Hua were killed in a bus crash while adventuring in Tibet. In their memory, the club strives to continue their legacy by fostering a love for the bush, the outdoors, and life.
The club's leadership and management are primarily carried out by volunteers from within the membership. The committee responsible for the overall management of club affairs is supported by a Walks Sub Committee. Aspiring leaders are encouraged to lead walks with the guidance and support of more experienced members.
To become a member of the Up and Downers Bushwalking Club, potential participants should appreciate the club's position and viewpoint on bushwalking. The club's dynamic revolves around the enthusiasm for bushwalking, the natural environment, and the joy of sharing these experiences with others. Members range in age from their 40s to 70s and come from diverse backgrounds. Lively discussions and a sense of fun are valued within the club.
The main criterion for new members is an enthusiastic love for bushwalking. Prospective members can request guidelines for new members from the club's Membership Enquiries officer.
Bushwalking entails a wide range of activities, from leisurely strolls along well-maintained paths to challenging treks through untracked scrub, requiring high levels of fitness, stamina, and a head for heights. It is recommended that individuals who have not been regularly exercising or have medical conditions affecting their fitness consult their doctor before participating in bushwalking. Safety is a priority within the club.
Car sharing is highly encouraged among club members, and walk leaders can assist in connecting individuals interested in sharing a ride. The club does not have a recommended formula for cost sharing, but it is customary for walkers to discuss and agree on payment arrangements with the driver of the car they are in. This may involve paying the walk fee for the day or treating the driver to a cup of coffee afterward.
While the club does not offer formal training programmes, experienced members are always willing to share their knowledge of bushcraft, map reading, flora and fauna, geology, and other relevant skills. The club's walks programme covers various scenic locations, including the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Central Coast, and Southern Highlands. The aim is to provide a wide variety of bushwalks, and members are encouraged to suggest or request specific walks.
Membership fees for the Up and Downers Bushwalking Club are affordable, with a current annual subscription of $30. 00 for full members. This subscription covers affiliation to Bushwalking NSW Inc, insurance coverage for public liability and personal accidents, and a small contribution toward the club's administration.
Join the Up and Downers Bushwalking Club to enjoy the beauty of nature, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience the thrill of bushwalking in the stunning landscapes surrounding Sydney.