Trip Details
President's Bludge Trip (PBT) 2026
Date:02/10/2026 - 05/10/2026
Leader:Liam Kerr
Description:
This event is being organised by Suboir United Bushwalkers and is not affiliated with The University of Sydney and the USU.The President's Bludge Trip (PBT) is one of SUBW's longest running traditions. Since 1974, every October long weekend, the President leads a three-day "bludge" walk to and along the Kowmung River in Kanangra-Boyd National Park, (as enshrined in the constitution). This year, as the Vice President, I will be leading it on behalf of the President.
As is tradition, we will begin and finish at Kanangra Walls, spending two nights camping along the Kowmung River. The exact route is still to be finalised, but the first day will involve a long descent from the plateau to the river, followed by the equally unavoidable climb back out on the final day. With the "bludge" in between: a relaxed day following the Kowmung between campsites, with plenty of time for long breakfasts, swimming, campfires, and best of all: faffing.
The PBT is also an occasion to dress appropriately. Formal attire is encouraged: bow ties, suits, dresses, top hats and more have all appeared on previous trips. Naturally, whatever you choose to wear will be subjected to the full brunt of October heat and Kanangra scrub.
The walk itself runs from Saturday 3 October to Monday 5 October. As in previous years, many participants will drive up on the evening of Friday 2 October to car camp before the walk. With Victoria Pass closed, this is strongly recommended, as it avoids beginning the first day with a very early 4+ hour drive from Sydney.
In spite of the name, the PBT is a physically and mentally demanding walk and should not be underestimated. Expect full days of walking on days one and three, with ~1000m of elevation loss and gain, and a majority of the walk to be off track. Kanangra's tracks have not been particularly forgiving in recent years, and participants should be prepared for unpleasant bushbashing through dense regrowth and scrub for extended distances. You will need to carry all of your food and overnight gear for three days, with a reasonably heavy pack, and be comfortable traversing offtrack over rough terrain.
Previous experience on intermediate bushwalks, overnight trips, or walks involving off-track navigation and carrying a loaded pack is highly recommended. If you are a newer or less experienced member, please include details of your previous bushwalking experience when signing up. Signing up does not guarantee a place on the trip, and participants may be asked for further information about their experience before being accepted.
If you are unsure whether the walk is suitable for you, email me before signing up.
Participants will be confirmed closer to the date of the walk.
Hope to see you there.
As is tradition, we will begin and finish at Kanangra Walls, spending two nights camping along the Kowmung River. The exact route is still to be finalised, but the first day will involve a long descent from the plateau to the river, followed by the equally unavoidable climb back out on the final day. With the "bludge" in between: a relaxed day following the Kowmung between campsites, with plenty of time for long breakfasts, swimming, campfires, and best of all: faffing.
The PBT is also an occasion to dress appropriately. Formal attire is encouraged: bow ties, suits, dresses, top hats and more have all appeared on previous trips. Naturally, whatever you choose to wear will be subjected to the full brunt of October heat and Kanangra scrub.
The walk itself runs from Saturday 3 October to Monday 5 October. As in previous years, many participants will drive up on the evening of Friday 2 October to car camp before the walk. With Victoria Pass closed, this is strongly recommended, as it avoids beginning the first day with a very early 4+ hour drive from Sydney.
In spite of the name, the PBT is a physically and mentally demanding walk and should not be underestimated. Expect full days of walking on days one and three, with ~1000m of elevation loss and gain, and a majority of the walk to be off track. Kanangra's tracks have not been particularly forgiving in recent years, and participants should be prepared for unpleasant bushbashing through dense regrowth and scrub for extended distances. You will need to carry all of your food and overnight gear for three days, with a reasonably heavy pack, and be comfortable traversing offtrack over rough terrain.
Previous experience on intermediate bushwalks, overnight trips, or walks involving off-track navigation and carrying a loaded pack is highly recommended. If you are a newer or less experienced member, please include details of your previous bushwalking experience when signing up. Signing up does not guarantee a place on the trip, and participants may be asked for further information about their experience before being accepted.
If you are unsure whether the walk is suitable for you, email me before signing up.
Participants will be confirmed closer to the date of the walk.
Hope to see you there.