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Bush Explorers Book Shop is open

- Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Bush Explorers Online Book Shop is here. All the books written by Bush Explorers can be purchased online using PayPal. Remember - there is no charge for Postage for purchases shipping within Australia. If you are purchasing books for delivery outside Australia, please contact Michael and check the price for delivery.
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Ghost Trains DVD now available from Bush Explorers

- Monday, April 06, 2015
Twelve months ago, bush explorer Michael joined veteran film maker Anthony (Tony) Buckley for two days of filming key sections of the alignment of the former Wolgan Valley Railway (WVR). This historic footage has been integrated with live sound and image footage of Shay Locomotives in the USA, still pictures of the original Shay engines that once plied the WVR; key sidings, maintenance depots and other installations. Tony is a skilled craftsman and the resulting video production joins two other examples of his work in this genre, The Savannahlander, and The Gulflander both narrated by Bill Peach. Both these videos are available from Anthony Buckley Films, PO Box 6019, West Gosford 2250. The WVR is a key to much of the history of the Gardens of Stone National Park. In Book 7 of the 9 book series of the same name authors Brian Fox and Michael Keats include extensive original research on the railway; the mines that caused its construction; the Newnes Hotel that watered its thirsty workers; the telegraph Lines that connected this remote community to the outside world and more. This new film is now available from Bush Explorers.
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Gardens of Stone Book 6 will be available from 4 March 2015

- Monday, March 02, 2015
Michael and Brian are pleased to announce that Book 6 in 'The Gardens of Stone and beyond' series will be available from 4 March 2015.
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Gardens of Stone Article in Bushwalk Australia eMag

- Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Read about the Gardens of Stone National Park in the February 2015 edition of the Bushwalk Australia eMag.  The article was written by the Bush Explorers. {module_literature,i,143236} Published in Bushwalk Australia's February 2015 eMag.
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Gardens of Stone Books 6 is almost here

- Sunday, February 08, 2015
Bushwalkers and authors, Michael Keats and Brian Fox are proud to announce the impending release of Book 6 of the series of 9 Books on The Gardens of Stone National Park and beyond. The book will be released in early March. Book 6 comprising 676 pages, A5 size, is a full colour, fully indexed work that includes exhaustive, richly illustrated information about the Flora and Fauna of the area based on the BioNet Atlas of NSW Wildlife. 34 walks take the reader/walker to places around Newnes Plateau that most only dream of. It documents a rich tapestry of experiences encapsulated in very personal text that takes you with these adventurous explorers all the way. The hundreds of colour photographs, many by invited professionals, round out a total experience. Orders can be placed with your friendly Bushwalking Book Retailer or by contacting Michael using the Contact Form or by phoning 02 9144 2096.
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First book in the "Wollemi National Park" series is here

- Sunday, September 21, 2014
Yuri Bolotin and Michael Keats have launched a new book series about the "Wollemi National Park". The first book is "The Complete Wollemi North-South Traverse". This book is an epic true adventure of modern exploration, grit and determination, as three explorers attempt to traverse the entire wild Wollemi from north to south. It is also an opportunity for you, the reader, to feel the agonies and the joys as they happened. You may grip your armchair with nervous excitement as you gaze down into an inky void, seeking a way of route between the cliffs; or relax as you feel the setting sun add another dimension to the smouldering campfire. And after you have read the book, you might be inspired to plan an adventure of your own, using the meticulous track notes, maps, grid references and photographs contained within.
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GOS 5 is here

- Friday, June 20, 2014
Michael Keats and Brian Fox are proud to announce the next book in The Gardens of Stone National Park and beyond series is now available. Significantly, this book (book 5) includes 22 walks in the spectacular Ben Bullen State Forest area, where yet another push is being made by rapacious coal mining companies to steal and destroy this iconic forest from the people of NSW.  This forest is rich in bio diversity with more than 700 plant species identified, unique fauna and some of the finest World Heritage platy pagodas, a unique landform found nowhere else. Significant Aboriginal heritage is also at risk of destruction. This book graphically and explicitly shows just how seriously irresponsible mining activity is challenging our NSW heritage and your recreation areas. We invite you to buy this book as it contains wonderful images which may be all that remains if vested coal interests override common sense and indeed our commonwealth. This book by Michael Keats and Brian Fox also digs deep into the history of over 760 local place names in the Gardens of Stone National Park and surrounding areas plus 24 individual maps showing the majority of names not recorded on the topographical maps. These place names and the accompanying maps are indispensable tools for planning your walks in the Gardens of Stone and beyond. The book is in A5 format, 680 pages in full colour. It is available for $50 from selected retailers in the Blue Mountains region or by visiting our website
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Filming the Shay Ghosts of the Wolgan Valley Railway

- Monday, April 14, 2014
Bush explorer Michael joined veteran film maker Anthony (Tony) Buckley for two days of filming key sections of the alignment of the former Wolgan Valley Railway (WVR). This historic footage will be integrated with live sound and image footage of Shay Locomotives in the USA, still pictures of the original Shay engines that once plied the WVR; key sidings, maintenance depots and other installations. Tony is a skilled craftsman and the resulting video production will join two other examples of his work in this genre, The Savannahlander, and The Gulflander both narrated by Bill Peach. Both These videos are available from Anthony Buckley Films, PO Box 6019, West Gosford 2250. The WVR is a key to much of the history of the Gardens of Stone National Park. In Book 7 of the 9 book series of the same name authors Brian Fox and Michael Keats include extensive original research on the railway; the mines that caused its construction; the Newnes Hotel that watered its thirsty workers; the telegraph Lines that connected this remote community to the outside world and more. This new film should be released in time for purchase as a Christmas present in December 2014.
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Bush Club Leaders released

- Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Michael is pleased to announce that with the approval of the Bush Club Committee, and in recognition the Bush Club’s 75th year of continuous operation, copies of his new book, “Bush Club Leaders” is now available. The book is a collection of in depth interviews with leaders past and present who have contributed to the dynamic and vibrant club we enjoy in 2014. At 226 pages, in B5 format it is a ‘must have’ for all who know and love our walking club. Stephen Murray a long serving club member and graphic artist has created memorable black and white sketches of each leader. You can secure your copy by contacting Michael at michael@bushexplorers.com.au or by coming on a walk with me. Copies will be available until sold out. Copies are $30.00 each plus postage $8.60 if applicable.
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How Places get their Name

- Monday, January 20, 2014
Bushwalking Blogger, Caro Ryan interviews Brian Fox in her interesting article 'How Places get their Name' Caro's Lotsafreshair Blog has tons of extremely useful information and videos - well worth a look around.
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Pagoda Rock Formations