Newcastle Orienteering Club

“Contours and Compass” Training

Description:
The area is on the outskirts of Newcastle and is characterised by an intricate track network, complex water features, a major powerline, and mixed runnability. Like many areas, there are some features that are more liable to change over time (e.g., tracks, car wrecks, vegetation) than others (e.g., contours, rocks, major water features). The purpose of this training event is to practise using the reliable features to help navigate around the course, even when utilising the tracks!
Courses:
Easy, 2.1 km – Controls are on or close to tracks. Practise checking direction with your compass, and the shape of the land using the contours, rather than just relying on the tracks themselves.
Moderate, 3.4 km – Longer legs and harder control sites than Easy. Structure each leg carefully and make sure you have a clear attack point.
Hard Short, 3.6 km – Full difficulty and some low visibility areas. To sharpen focus on navigating by more reliable features (and compass), tracks have been removed from the map. Power pylons are also gone. A blank complete map is on the flip side, however, as a backup.
Hard Long, 5.8 km – Like Hard Short but with a map flip halfway and no blank complete map as backup. Some controls are in the greener areas in the north not visited by the other courses.
Each control is marked by a flag and an electronic (SportIdent) punching unit.

Control Descriptions:
WORDS or SYMBOLS

The start for all courses is 200 m from the assembly area. Follow the blue and white streamers.

Starts are from 9.30 – 11.30 am. Course closure at 1 pm.

Directions:
Head to Killingworth. In Killingworth turn north onto The Boulevarde that becomes Killingworth Rd. After about 1 km park carefully along the side of the road near the Transgrid substation. Note that there are numerous potholes on Killingworth Rd – drive slowly!

Safety:
The area is frequented by motorbikes and 4WDs. Give them a wide berth!
Safety bearing is south-east to Killingworth Rd and then back to the assembly area near the substation.

Planner:
Stephen Craig, 0447 166 281

Date Sunday 26th June 2022

Starts  9:30-11:30 am     Course Closure 1 pm

Map The Powerlines 1:10 000

Assembly Just North of the junction of Goulburn and Lismore Streets, Abermain. Follow a short trail from the street junction.

Directions From Freemans Drive

Continue from Freemans Drive on Leggetts Drive, turn left onto Lake Rd to Kearsley then continue straight on Allandale Rd which turns into Neath Rd. Follow Neath Rd to the end and turn right on Cessnock Rd. Turn left onto Goulburn St, Abermain and follow to the end (Lismore Street). 

From Hunter Expressway

Take the Hart Rd exit and turn South west onto Hart Rd. Continue on Gingers Lane then turn left on Frame Dr. Turn right onto Lismore St, Abermain and follow until the junction of Goulburn St.

Parking Park along the bush side of Lismore St (nose in if there is space) preferably. You can also park further along Lismore St and Goulburn St. Avoid the fenced council works area.

Courses: The start for all courses will be 100m north of the registration. The finish for all courses will be 100m North West of the assembly area/registration. No toilets available near the start.

                   Hard Long - 6.9km, 80m climb, 20 controls

                   Hard Medium - 5.2km, 70m climb, 17 controls

                   Hard Short - 3.4km, 50m climb, 13 controls

                   Moderate Long - 3.4km, 50m climb, 15 controls

                   Moderate Short - 2.6km, 40m climb, 18 controls

                   Easy - 2.2km. 25m climb, 16 controls

                   Very Easy - 2.1km, 25m climb, 15 controls

Control Descriptions are printed on the maps.  If you'd like to have an additional copy - download them here -  words or symbols

Notes (a) The area has an extensive track network. Some low areas are wet and muddy though most tracks are dry except in a few places. There are some large erosion gullies with fallen trees at the edges so take care in those areas. There is some rubbish on the map which includes rusty corrugated iron, household appliances and car wrecks. The old rubbish tip is marked as Out Of Bounds and marked on the map with pink hatched lines - do not enter or cross this area (only Long Moderate and Hard courses go near this area). Very Easy and Easy Courses follow a dry watercourse for a short way.

(b) TRAIL BIKES and 4WD’s use the area. KEEP OUT OF THEIR WAY.

(c)  The area does contain SPIKEY VEGETATION. Hard courses (mostly Hard Medium and Long) may wish to have full body cover (long pants and long sleeves).

(d) 1. Brown triangle represents small termite mounds.  Meat- ant nests are NOT SHOWN.

2. Prominent tree-root mounds are shown with a green X.  There may be new unmapped tree root mounds due to a strong recent wind storm knocking over several large trees.
3. Streamer trails are shown on relevant maps with pink/ purple dashes.

(e) At least 5 helpers are needed to collect controls at every event.

Date: Sunday 19 June 2022

Starts: 9:30 - 11:30 am Course Close 1:00 pm

Map: Blue Gum Hills (central section) 1:7500 5m contours

Format: This will be a mixed format event with the emphasis on gaining knowledge from
more proficient orienteers by optionally having a “coach” accompany you on
course. They can either demonstrate the basics from map orientation and
interpretation through to route planning or alternately assist with any navigational
weak point you may have. This is aimed at both the newer orienteer and those that
may have been orienteering for some time but are still having some difficulties.
Additionally, the course planner will be available prior to your “run” to discuss your
course selection, proposed route and the terrain you will encounter and also again
post “run” to go over your course. Please contact the organiser to pre-register
your interest in either having or being a “coach” for this event.

Directions: Travel to Blue Gum Hills Regional Park Minmi. Pass through the main entrance.
Continue to the roundabout beyond the carpark where you will be directed through
a gate. From this point it is 800m to the assembly on a good gravel road, but it does
have drainage humps that may be difficult for low or long wheel based vehicles to
cross. Alternately park at the carpark and walk via the Heritage Trail or cycle in.

Courses:

 
Punching SI Units will be set to beacon mode but will not be turned on until the first person
inserts their SI stick.

Controls/flags will be a mixture of stands and hanging type.

Notes: Some minor tracks in the western part of the map are now less defined and marked
with blue/white tapes. Optional crossing points are indicated by blue/white tapes.

Safety: Full leggings are advised. Rolling under fences is the safest method of crossing.
Known mining subsidence is marked on map with pink dots but unmarked in field.

Cost: $6 with free entry to first timers.

Entries: Pre-entry preferred but there will be enter on day available. Click here

First-timers how to register & enter for free Click here

Water: Please supply all your own needs including on-course hydration.

Facilities: There are toilets, BBQs and a maze in the main park on the way in/out.

Contact: Geoff Peel 0422 471 353 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

           Bush Series 2022 Calendar.

  Newcastle Orienteer of the Year (NOY) Series final standings - click here