2026 Spring Challenge
More Tea for the Pot
Date
Saturday 17 October 2026
Location
Gurnang State Forest
Duration
6 hours & 12 hours
Status
Entries open
Event overview
This year’s Spring Challenge is set in the spectacular Central Tablelands. Centred in the scenic Gurnang State Forest and extending into the western edge of the Blue Mountains National Park, this event offers competitors access to truly superb rogaining country. Participants will navigate through a beautiful mix of native eucalypt forests and mature pine plantations, both featuring a remarkably open understory. The terrain varies from flat with subtle features to steeper hills with well-defined spurs and gullies. The course has been set with navigational challenges tailored for both novice and experienced teams alike. Whether you plan to walk or run, the open terrain makes moving through this unique landscape an absolute pleasure. The area is home to some amazing wildlife, and if you are lucky, you might spot wombats in full daylight, or greater gliders after dark.
Entry fees and inclusions
Entry fees are $90 full and $65 concession, under 14s free. For more details, see the entry fee and refund policies.
The event is limited to 300 entries.
Your entry includes:
- Up to 12 hours of adventure at Gurnang State Forest
- Map and electronic timing (1 per person)
- Camping Friday and Saturday night
- Catering:
- Saturday dinner from 6pm.
- Sunday breakfast
Course times
- Saturday 12:00: Mass start of 6 hour and 12 hour events.
- Saturday 18:00: The 6 hour event closes.
- Saturday midnight: The 12 hour event closes.
- Timings of map availability, novice briefing, final briefing and prize givings will be confirmed closer to the event date.
Location
- Distance from Sydney: approximately 3.5 hours drive.
- Distance from Canberra: approximately 2.75 hours drive.
Accommodation & facilities
Hash House
- 2WD access
- Toilets
- Catering
Camping
- At Hash House Friday & Saturday nights.
Nearby accommodation
- Available at Oberon (45 mins drive away).
Safety considerations
- The usual mandatory equipment of a whistle, space blanket and snake bite bandage applies.
- Logs and sticks on the ground can be extremely slippery, particularly in the pine forest.
- The setters have not observed any snakes on the course; however, leg coverings are recommended to reduce snake bite danger
- There will be a qualified first aider at the Hash House.
- There will be a periodic safety patrol along designated vehicle tracks on the course.
Final instructions
These will be released on this event page on Monday 12th October. The final details will include further details on the location, event day, and much more.
In the meantime, you can check out the Learning Centre for advice on what gear to bring, what to expect at a bush event, and other information.
What is rogaining?
A fun team sport, navigating using map, compass and clues to visit as many checkpoints as possible within the time limit. It’s a “choose your own adventure” experience in outdoor environments where teams explore the course for as much or as little of the allocated time as they like.
Our sport is for all ages and fitness levels, from families walking with small children through to bushwalkers and runners. Rogaining encourages the development of strategy and navigational skills, fitness, and the ability to work in a team.
For more information, check out the Learning Centre.
Team finder
Rogaining is a team sport and a great way to meet new people. If you are looking for a team to join, or would like to start a new team for this event, check out the Team Finder page.
