Dennis Rittson's Bushwalking Photos

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	My first climb of The Castle was still just a dream when I took this photo from the forestry road near Yadboro. Mysterious and as distant as the legendary "Lost World", Mt Owen, The Castle, Byangee Walls, The Nibelungs and Shrouded Gods beckoned irresistibly on this fine summer's day to the imaginative mind of the young adventurer just out of High School. I knew from this moment that one day I would simply have to explore this strange, new world. Scenic Rim, Budawang Range, NSW, Australia, Jan 1965.
	Rocky creek is a large tributary of the Wolgan River, and the cliffs of the latter can just be seen in the distance of this view of some wild and interesting sandstone country. Wollemi National Park, NSW, Australia, Jun 1969.
	One of our party is outlined by Lake Oberon, as we ascend from the previous night's campsite, to continue our full traverse of the Western Arthurs Range in South West Tasmania, Australia. Mt Sirius is in the background. Dec 1969.
	There is still some climbing to do to reach High Moor, so our party pauses for a rest and takes in the view back along the Western Arthurs Range, looking back over what we have traversed so far, and maybe take a photo or two. South West Tasmania. Australia, Dec 1969.
	Our party pauses for a well-earned extended lunch break on the lower slopes of Thwaites Plateau. The goal of this trip, the jagged tooth of Federation Peak, is prominent in the background. Eastern Arthurs Range, South West Tasmania, Australia. Dec, 1969.
	The trudging for the day is just about done, for soon the higher slopes of Thwaites Plateau will be conquered and the tents set near the shores of The Hanging Lake. Eastern Arthurs Range, South West Tasmania, Australia. Dec, 1969.
	The Southern Traverse from The Hanging Lake provides a quick, but airy access to the base of the Summit Tower of Federation Peak. One choice along the way is the Direct Route, which takes the explorer almost straight to Upper Geeves Gully and the Summit, if you don't mind your scrambling spiced with a little exposure! Lake Geeves is some 600m almost straight down below this determined Summit Seeker as he stoically makes his way towards the cairn and visitors' book. Eastern Arthurs Range, South West Tasmania, Australia. Dec, 1969.
	On the Summit of Federation Peak, a glorious day allows our party plenty of time to take in the magnificent 360° view and scrutinise the visitors' book, with Precipitous Bluff in the background. Yes, that's me with the beard! South West Tasmania, Australia, Dec 1969.
	What goes up, must come down, but not quite THIS far! In deciding to return from the summit of Federation Peak to The Hanging Lake camp, via Jeeves Gully instead of the Direct Route, we appear to have missed the turnoff to the Southern Traverse that shoots up under The Chockstone, and have gone too far down Geeves Gully which here is getting ever steeper and more precarious. Oops! Lake Geeves is now just a (somewhat lethal) hop, step and a jump away from the very tentative exploring of our pathfinder. South West Tasmania, Australia, Dec, 1969.
	An early start to the snow season the previous night has caught our party unprepared, burying our tents at Mawsons Hut in 600 mm of snow. Here, sago snow is still falling about, as we press on stoically towards the Grey Mare Range, plastic bags covering our socks. Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia. Easter Sunday 1970.
	From the visitors' book at the southern tip of Mt Owen: The Castle and Byangee Walls and further off in the distance, Mt Talaterang and Pigeon House. Morton National Park, Australia, May 1970.
	Hughs Defile is a well defined pass that allows walkers' access between the Wolgan and Capertee Valleys. Here our bushwalker rests at its northern portal in the cliff line, enjoying the impressive view of Pantoneys Crown and the wild area of the Upper Capertee Valley. Wollemi National Park, Australia,  4 June 1970.
	From Mt Cameron, one can see into the heart of the Wollemi National Park. The winter sun is close to setting, casting its last reddening rays from the south west. To the north west can be seen Mt Canobla and Mt Gundangaroo, near Glen Davis in the Capertee Valley. Wollemi National Park, Australia, 8 Aug 1970.
	The Castle from Yadboro Flats at Sunrise. In Easter 1964, camped by the Clyde River Crossing, a young high school kid, stood here many years ago, beholding this view, and so was smitten in an instant with the urge to find a way to the summit of this imposing massif. What simple events can change our lives forever! Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Sep 1970.
	Some of our party pose atop the Corang Arch, near the Conglomerate Slope, Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Sep 1970.
	From the southern edge of The Shrouded Gods Mountain, The Castle stands isolated from the rest of the Budawangs Massif. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Oct 1970.
	The Monolith Valley from The Shrouded Gods Mountain. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Oct 1970.
	A steep gully down the nose of Mt Owen gives access to the lower cliff lines of this mountain. From here, our party inspects the view, dominated by the ramparts of The Castle across the way. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Oct 1970.
	Canowie Brook and Burrembeet Brook Valleys from the Conglomerate Slope, near Corang Peak. There is a lot of pleasant, open country in the Budawangs, in addition to the spectacular gorge and mountain scenery to be found along the Scenic Rim. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia,  Dec 1970.
	Blue Lake Cirque and Mt Townsend are prominent features in this view of the Main Range from Mt Twynam. Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia, Jan 1971.
	Australia's highest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, can scarcely be said to be dominating this view of the Main Range from Carruthers Peak. Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia, Jan 1971.
	This view is soon to change forever, but in January, 1971 remained unchanged as from the last Ice Age. The Franklands, Mt Solitary, the Western Arthurs and Lake Pedder, and the Serpentine River Valley as seen on a hot, hazy day from Mt Solitary in the last summer before Inundation. South West Tasmania, Australia, Jan 1971.
	The ascent of Madonna Ridge, into The Frankland Range, towards The Sanctuary and Coronation Peak was not particularly demanding, but the view towards Lake Pedder was worth it. South West Tasmania, Australia, Jan 1971.
	From our campsite in The Sanctuary in the Franklands Range Coronation Peak looms impressively in the early afternoon light. South West Tasmania, Australia, Jan 1971.
	The Nadgee Nature Reserve, is a relatively small, but quite diverse area on the NSW South Coast, close to the Victorian Border. Here our party pauses near the mouth of the Nadgee River. NSW, Australia, Easter, 1971.
	The Nadgee Nature Reserve contains the only wilderness stretch of coastline in New South wales. Here at Black Head, there is time to stop at the edge of the cliffs and admire the view of the sea and Nadgee Point to the South. NSW, Australia, Easter, 1971.
	Lake Nadgee is not blighted by the usual trappings of the tourist industry, so our party has paused to enjoy its pristine condition in the warm light of the westering sun. NSW, Australia, Easter, 1971.
	On the walk back to the cars at the Mongarlowe Road, our party casts a wary eye or two at the camera lens, not noticing the fine view of Mt Tarn behind. Budawangs National Park, NSW, Australia, May, 1971.
	Knocking off the Three Peaks deserves a bit of a rest. Here at Carlons Head, one of the access points onto Narrow Neck Peninsular, our party looks back over some of the route. Kanangra Walls and Mt Cloudmaker can be seen on the horizon. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia, 18 Aug, 1971.
	A dry winter along the Coxs River. Our walker is heading upstream to the junction with Galong Creek and a way home. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia, 5 Sep 1971.
	A quiet stroll off the shores of The Broadwater, Myall Lakes National Park, is still pleasant in the warm water, despite the lateness of the afternoon. Bombah Point is in the distance. NSW, Australia, 19 Sep 1971.
	Johnsons Hill is a good point for views of the Myall Lake National Park. From here, looking northwards across the Violet Hill Passage, we can see Boolambayte Lake in the distance, Violet Hill, Goat Island and Sheep Island in the middle and lower left foreground. NSW, Australia, 19 Sep 1971.
	Fine weather shows the way to the top of Unknown Col. South Island, New Zealand, 27 Dec 1971.
	The view of the Budawang Range from Folly Point: Byangee Walls, The Castle and Shrouded Gods can be seen. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, May 1972.
	The Castle from The Nibelung Crags. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, May 1972.
	The walkers pause to look around this enchanting place one more time before heading off from the previous night's camp and onto the trek back to the cars. Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia. 20 May 1972.
	The trek back to the cars is interrupted by many of the party pausing on the banks of the Grose River to remove their footware. A couple of the more intrepid girls press on, the immediate promise of wet shoes notwithstanding. Perhaps, some in the party will sneak another look at the Forest! Blue Gum Forest, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia. 20 May 1972.
	At the start of a walk from Kanangra Walls to Katoomba, our party pauses on the track along the top of the Walls to gaze into the mist-filled Kanangra Gorge, and to get an idea of the walk ahead. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia, 17 June, 1972.
	The Kanangra to Katoomba walk is substantially in the bag, as there is only the climb up Tarros Chains onto Narrow Neck and the road bash to Katoomba to knock off. Here at Splendour Rock, our party enjoys one of the best views in the Blue Mountains, as it takes in much of the country covered. Ti-Willa, Cloudmaker, Kanangra Walls, and the Coxs River gorge can be seen. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia, 18 June, 1972.
	It's just spring in the Snowy Mountains, but here at Lake Albina, the lake is still covered in ice and snow. A few cross country skiers pose at the Lake's edge to take in the view up to Meullers Pass and Albina Hut in the distance. Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia, 9 Sep, 1972.
	The conclusion of a long weekend walk in the Blue Breaks brings our party back to Kanangra Walls. From the walk along the cliff tops back to the cars, the view up to the headwaters of Kanangra River is always spectacular, and is particularly beautiful of an afternoon. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia, Oct, 1972.
	The Federation Peak Massif from the Eastern Arthurs Range, South West Tasmania, near the Four Peaks. Note the two tiny figures in the foreground. Australia, 11 Jan 1973.
	As one traverses the Lune Range, the view of Prion Beach and the New River Lagoon loom closer with every passing day. Here, on the summit of Pindars Peak, they look as inviting as ever, and we can even hear the sound of the surf thundering on the beach far below. So near and yet so far on this stiflingly hot summer's day. South West Tasmania, Australia, 16 Jan 1973.
	Water is scarce along the Lune Range Traverse. From here, adjacent to the summit of Mt Wylly, it is still a hard day's march to the summit of Precipitous Bluff. A couple of walkers from our party return to High Camp, with water buckets full from nearby soaks. They are momentarily oblivious to the panorama below us, of the Ironbound Range and New River Lagoon. South West Tasmania, Australia, 16 Jan 1973.
	The tents are now set at High Camp, near the summit of Mt Wylly, for our second last night on the Lune Range Traverse. The chorus of cooking choofers chugs away, permeating the expansive ambience with the smell of boiling dehyds. What else to do for the moment, but look at the splendid sunset over Ile de Golfe in the Southern Ocean? South West Tasmania, Australia, 16 Nan 1973.
	One of our party pauses on his way to the High Camp on Precipitous Bluff to contemplate the view at the conclusion of our traverse of the Lune Range. Federation Peak and the Eastern and Western Arthurs can be seen in the background. South West Tasmania, Australia, 17 Jan 1973.
	Our party contemplates the grandeur of South West Tasmania at the completion of the boat crossing of the mouth of the New River Lagoon. Precipitous Bluff is in the background. South West Tasmania, Australia, 20 Jan 1973.
	The view down to Surprise Bay is delightful this sunny day and holds promise of more scenic wonders for those who will press on from here to Port Davey and beyond. Alas for our party, for we are returning east to civilisation, and a hoped for hitch out of Cockle Creek, and we must shortly trudge on with our backs to this glorious scene. South West Tasmania, Australia, 23 Jan 1973.
	A rainy day in Wollangambe Gorge doesn't stop our Airbed Flotilla from exploring the flooded corridors. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia, Feb 1973.
	Along the banks of the Deua River, breakfast is prepared in the forest. Deua National Park, NSW Australia, 22 April 73.
	A time exposure by the full moon casts an eerie aspect to the enchanting view of the Tasman Glacier, De la Beche and the Minarets from the now demolished Ball Hut. South Island, New Zealand, Dec 1973.
	A pleasant night's camp on the Cheswick Flats Camp on the Landsborough River is followed by breakfast's preparations for a long, hard day's tramp and the 1400 metre climb over Broderick Pass. South Island, New Zealand, 21 Dec 1973.
	Between the Rose and Wilton Rivers in the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve, NE of Roper Mission, a large area of sandstone has been eroded into a vast "Ruined City" of spires and towers. The traditional owners of this land call it "The City Of The Moon". Northern Territory, Australia, June 1975.
	Another view of "The City Of The Moon". It bears a remarkable resemblance to the "Lost City" at Cape Crawford, some 360 km to the South. Northern Territory, Australia, June 1975.
	The Princess Ranges, running north from the southern extent of Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, is for the most part a long, narrow, watershed ridge. Here, one of our party trudges towards the Beatrice Peaks, near the start of the traverse. Lake Poteriteri is in the background. Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, 2 Nan 1976.
	Almost the final day of this full traverse of the Princess Ranges, and a large peak, that will have to be negotiated next day, is beginning to loom ominously in the distance. Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, 4 Jan 1976.
	The Princess Range is mostly a long, narrow, serrated watershed ridge, produced originally by the effects of glaciation. Here this erosion last Ice Age is quite evident, as our party trudges on towards yet another summit. Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, 4 Jan 1976.
	The upper East-Alligator River Gorge during a four week walk through Arnhem Land in 1976. We were permitted to do this walk by the traditional land owners as long as we stayed on the left bank of the river. It is no longer possible to walk the East Alligator River. Northern Territory, Australia, June 1976.
	Blue Lake - Main Range. A full moon time exposure captures the cold beauty of a cold summer's alpine night, as we prepare to bed down in our cosy tent. Camping at Blue Lake, and all the high alpine lakes in the Kosciuszko National Park caused contamination of these lakes' waters by human waste, and is now prohibited. Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia, Nov 1980.
	The next night, another full moon. From Muellers Pass, Lake Albina and the old hut sit quietly in the bitter cold of a clear, still, alpine night. In a controversial decision, the NP&WS demolished Albina Hut by fire in the summer of 1982, saying that its presence and use were causing environmental degradation of the Lake and its surroundings. Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia, Nov 1980.
	Smoke from bushfires to the south of Corang Peak, makes it hard going for the rising sun, as it tries to peek through the dark haze. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Dec 1980.
	The rising sun casts its rosy glow on the open ridge that winds down from Corang Peak, leading the eye to the way down to The Conglomerate Slope and fogbound Burrembeet Brook in the distance. On the skyline, Mts Hoddle, Haughton and Tarn beckon invitingly. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Dec 1980.
	An early morning vantage point in the Budawangs reveals many interesting features on the skyline of the Scenic Rim: Donjon Mtn, Mts, Cole and Owen, and just the southern tip of the Castle, can be seen from this shot from Corang peak, taken at sunrise, one hazy summer's day. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Dec 1980.
	One slightly sleepy walker has woken up early enough to walk in from Wog Wog, to catch the sunrise view of the Budawangs from Corang Peak. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, Dec 1980.
	The South Coast Track boasts an interesting coastal walk for much of its length. The imposing cliffs on the eastern end of Granite Beach capture the attention of our walkers one summer's day. South West Tasmania, Australia, Jan 1981.
	A couple of walkers amble Westwards along Prion Beach one late summer's afternoon, pausing here and there to take in the view. The Ironbound Range looms in the distance, its ascent still a day away. South West Tasmania, Australia, Jan 81.
	,Bell Canyon is a narrow sandstone gorge; cold water flows through the dark depths, and ferns and other lush vegetation festoon its walls, up where the sunlight manages to reach. It can get very cold down here out of the sun, so our party has paused in a lovely place where sunlight has made it into the gloom in, bringing the warmth down for some respite. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia, April 82.
	Pigeon House and the Clyde River Valley at sunrise from the top of The Castle. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, May 1983.
	To get the shots of the Budawangs at sunrise, it was convenient to camp on The Castle summit plateau. Morton National Park, NSW, Australia, May 1983.
	Mawsons Hut, about 10 km south of Mt Jagungal, as the Australian Raven flies, is a popular hut all year round. The interior is basic, but quite comfortable. Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia, 11 Jan 1988
	An aerial view of Piccaninny Gorge in the Bungle Bungles Massif, Purnululu National Park, Western Australia, taken on a helicopter joy-flight in Sep 1994. WA, Australia.
	Allom Lake is one of the more heavily visited of the many freshwater lakes on Fraser Island. However, it is possible, if one takes some time out and actually camps here for a few days, to capture a quiet moment or two by the forested shores of this delightful spot. Great Sandy National Park, Qld, Australia, June 1995.
	The walk around Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) is just as rewarding as the climb to the summit and has more little surprises along the way. One of the many small valleys in the huge monolith that harbours a small stand of trees. Near Kantju Waterhole, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory. Australia, 2 May, 1997.
	Not a breath of wind is stirring today in Kata Tjuta's Valley Of The Winds. Surrounded by the immense brick red sandstone domes once known at the Olgas, our walkers feel the sun's rays beating down on them at the focus of the almost circular valley. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, 2 May, 1997.
	There are said to be several "Lost City" areas of rock spire formations in Northern Australia. This one is the Northern Territory, near Cape Crawford, about 10 km to the South of the Carpentaria Highway, some 120 km South-west of Borroloola. Australia, 10 May 1997.
	Our party and its guide sit quietly in the clearing with the spires of the "Lost City", Cape Crawford, Northern Territory in the background. The helicopter that brought us here will return shortly and whisk us back to civilisation. Australia, 10 May, 1997.
	The coast of the Kimberly, Western Australia, is remote and virtually uninhabited. Mt Trafalgar and Mt Wellington are two spectacular plateaus in the Prince Regent Nature Reserve, here captured against an unseasonably stormy sky from a light aircraft. Western Australia, Australia, 23 May 1997.
	About 300 Km east of Broome, Winjana Gorge is the spectacular result of the Fitzroy River's cutting though the fossilised limestone reefs of the Napier Range. Here, our party pauses to admire the cliffs, and to try to spot any of the numerous freshwater crocodiles that live in the Gorge. Winjana Gorge National Park, Western Australia, Australia, 26 May, 1997.
	Cape Leveque is about 220Km north of Broome, on an "interesting" unsealed road. Here, the sun is setting over the Indian Ocean as our party ambles northwards along the beach. Western Australia, Australia, 28 May, 1997.
	Cape Leveque is known for its red cliffs that really show themselves off at sunset. Here, we look southwards from the northernmost tip of the Cape to see the cliffs receding to the far horizon. Western Australia, Australia, 28 May, 1997.
	A panoramic view derived from three shots, shows our party taking in the view of the Finke River Valley, and a quick rest from the heat of a Central Australian winter's afternoon. Finke River National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. 3 June 1997.
	About 5Km south west of Sandy Cape, the northernmost point on Fraser Island, lies Flinders Blow, a large area of shifting sands. There are many sand blows on Fraser Island, but few come straight down to the sea like this one. Here one of the party takes in the view west towards Hervey Bay and the Mainland, racing clouds marking the green waters with shadows. Great Sandy National Park, Qld, Australia Oct 98.
	Flat out like a lizard........er, basking. A 1m long Lace Monitor lizard casts the wary eye at the photographer, who's looming a trifle too close for the closeup, as it catches the early morning rays on the shores of Allom Lake. Great Sandy National Park, Qld, Australia Oct 98.
	Ocean Lake on Fraser Island is heavily visited, but early in the morning, the waters are placid and the scene is one of tranquillity. Great Sandy National Park, Qld, Australia Oct 98.
	The Drawing Room Rocks are so named, as the wind and rain over time have sculptured formations in the sandstone at the edge of the escarpment into chairs and tables that make for fairly comfortable furniture, where one can enjoy lunch. From this point, high in the back country above Berry on the South Coast of NSW, many fine views to the Ocean and adjacent valleys can be seen. The Illawarra, NSW, Australia, 9 April, 2000.
	The afternoon sun is just about to leave the spectacular drop of Gerringong Falls, that flow off the Illawarra escarpment to the west of Kiama. These are just as spectacular as the nearby Falls, Fitzroy and Belmore, but a lot less visited and a lot more pristine. NSW, Australia, 9 April, 2000.
	Bouddi National Park is one of several National Parks only an hour's drive from the megalopolis of Sydney. Even so, one can feel remote and peaceful, taking in the scenery along the hilly coastline. Here, some day walkers have just reached the fine yellow sands of Maitland Bay, one of the larger beaches of the Park. Bouddi National Park, NSW, Australia. 12 June 2000.
	Rain squalls are coming up the coast to Maitland Bay on the brisk southerly breeze, but our party defiantly takes in the view, anyway. Bouddi National Park, NSW, Australia. 12 June 2000.
	The track along the coast of Bouddi National Park does not follow the cliff tops very much, because of the rugged terrain here. This is evident in this scene looking northwards, where the track reaches the top of the north headland of Maitland Bay before darting inland once again. Bouddi National Park, NSW, Australia. 12 June 2000.
	The Grose Valley has some amazing views from a National Park that is only a few hours travel from Sydney. Here, on a glorious winter's day some walkers are venturing gingerly towards the edge of an 800m drop, not far from Mount Banks. Perhaps they are hoping to catch a glimpse of Blue Gum Forest, not quite visible in this shot here, at the junction of Govetts Creek and the Grose River. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia. 24 June 2000.
	"Look up there - you can just see Mt Victoria!". Our walkers pick out the landmarks from the Banks Wall Lookout. The huge cliffs of the Walford Wall, near Blackheath, and Govetts Creek can be seen here. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia. 24 June 2000.
	A few weekends after the Banks Wall walk, a couple of our group venture once more to the edge of the cliffs of the Grose Valley this time on the opposite side of the gorge from Mt Banks, just upstream of Mt Hay. Here, the view down to the junction of Govetts Creek and the Grose River is just as spectacular, as this panorama shot shows, as the view from the Mt Banks side. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia. 15 July 2000.
	Mt Banks looms impressively in this shot just off the walking track. The car park at the end of the Mt. Hay Road, accessible from Leura, is just a 10 minute walk away. Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia. 15 July 2000.
	The Royal National Park was the first National Park to be gazetted in Australia, and the second in the world. It is another diverse and scenic area that is close to Sydney, this time to the south. Here on the cliffs, a few kilometres south of Port Hacking, fisherman can be seen on the rocks of a small inlet near The Cobblers. Royal National Park, NSW, Australia. 3 September 2000.
	Our walkers pause on their tramp south along the coast towards Marley Beach, to inspect the view. Royal National Park, NSW, Australia. 3 September 2000.
	Walking south from near Port Hacking, it is possible to follow the coastline virtually for the full length of the Royal National Park. A few kilometers north of Marley Beach we see a typical aspect of the cliff lined route: the jagged outcrops of eroded sandstone overhanging the Tasman Sea. Royal National Park, NSW, Australia. 3 September 2000.
	South of Marley Head, the main coastal track swings away from the cliffs. The view from the start of the descent to Marley Beach and Marley Lagoon is delightful, as this panorama shows. Royal National Park, NSW, Australia.3 September 2000.
	Wattamolla is a popular picnic area, with road access from the Bundeena Road. Here the Lagoon is calm and uncrowded, for it is still early morning, and the crowds are yet to arrive. Royal National Park, NSW, Australia. 3 September 2000.

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