QUEENSLAND BUSHWALKERS CLUB Inc.

Newsletter

PO Box 2199 Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109 Email qldbwc@yahoo.com Phone No (07) 3345 9543 http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

March 2013

Wet and Wild on Neurum Creek Tributary

Club News
GPS Training
9 February 2013 walks and other bushwalking matters. Many thanks to leaders who put walks on the Calendar. Also special thanks to David and Lynn for their hospitality. Five people attended the GPS training session. Evelyn, Jazzy and Wayne had their own GPS while Sandy and Michael used Club GPSs. After initially being shown the basic controls of the GPS it was time to put them to practical use. The trainees were given a topographic map of a walk plus the walk was uploaded on the GPS as a track. All they had to do was to follow track. Sandy set off and her fitness was shown by returning very quickly. Evelyn, Wayne and Jazzy set off at a much more leisurely pace and returned in about half an hour. Michael had still not returned after some time but a phone call found him over a friends place which was along the way. He finally returned so I can call it a 100% success! This was followed by showing the trainees how to interact the GPS with a computer. However this can vary tremendously depending on what type of GPS and computer programs one uses. Thus only an introductory talk and some general information could be given. I would encourage all members to brush up on navigational skills and to try the use of a Club GPS. I know that once I started using a GPS, it has opened up the whole of the Australian bush to be discovered with relative safety. Many thanks to the attendees and happy bushwalking. Richard

Track Assessment

12 February 2012

Following a call by email for assistance in assessing the damage to the tracks at Lamington National Park, several of our members responded. The rangers had made the barracks available at Binna Burra so on the Monday afternoon, Patricia, Richard, Anne and Michael went up and stayed there. The next morning they were joined by Ted and Betty from the Redlands Bushwalking Club. This allowed 3 groups of 2 people doing three tracks. Each group had to mark on the GPS and on paper where there was a tree fall or a landslip plus take a photo of the obstruction. It was an overcast day and a small amount of rain fell but it did not dampen the enthusiasm. The three groups set off and it was quite an experience seeing the large trees that had been toppled over by heavy rain and strong winds. After completing the walk the rangers were all keen on seeing the photos of the obstructions. This would assist them in their planning and also helping to open up this tracks quicker. The rangers have been most thankful for the assistance of bushwalkers but it may be several months for all the track to be opened up again.

Walks Planning Day

9 February 2013

The walks planning began at 2.30pm following the GPS training. Members began slowly arriving and discussing and finally adding quite a few walks to the calendar. David K had erected a tarpaulin over the outdoor section so we were all able to sit out without worrying about it raining. The BBQ started about 5.00pm and members enjoyed discussing

Editor Required
I have been editor for the QBW Newsletter since 1999 and find that I now need a well earned break and am looking for someone to take over after June 2013. If any member is interested in being the editor please contact Richard on 0422 429 717.

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Meeting Place

General Information

President Secretary Treasurer

The Management Committee

Helen McAllister Robin Laban Marion Laban Patricia Kolarski John Hinton David Kenrick Geraldine Burton Richard Kolarski vacant vacant

0419 684 319 0408 753 052 0405 536 718 3341 7509 (H) 3343 3724(H) 3349 8238 (H) 3376 9454(H) 3345 9543(H)

Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at 7.30pm. There is no Club meeting in January. Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St. There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A coin donation would be appreciated.

Vice President

Outings Officer Membership Officer Editor Social Secretary Training Officer

Membership
Probationary Membership A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member. A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on his/her second walk by filling out a Membership Form and paying the membership fee. Ordinary Membership A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and signing a Membership Form, having a proposer sign the form and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee member or walk leader. The proposer may be a friend who is a member of the Club, a QBW walk leader, the Membership Officer or one of the committee members. Only an Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be elected to a committee position. Members of Another Bushwalking Club Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland Inc. (or an interstate Federation) and who are covered by the same Insurance do not need to become a member of our Club to go on our walks. However Club members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer Supper Convenor Librarian BWQ Rep BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski Noelene McCay Mary Sherlock Anne Kemp Richard Kolarski 3345 9543(H) 3889 0264(H) 3209 8514 3371 2707 3345 9543(H)

Compasses Steripen

Club Equipment

Topo Maps Emergency Lights First Aid Kits

UHF Radios

The above are for free use by members. Garmin GPS. QBW has 4 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole of Australia included. Some of these are on permanent loan to members. PLBs with inbuilt GPS The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at each Club meeting and will need to be returned at the following Club meeting. Back Pack for Hire Bivy Bags For Sale $5.00 charge $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs

Redlands Bushwalking Club
Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priority over visitors. Calendar is available at: http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html

These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag. Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each. Lightweight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! Contact Richard on 3345 9543 for any of the above.

Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)

BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubs affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQ activities without having to become members of BOSQ or pay visitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader. Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations. Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/

Editors Pic

YHA Bushwalkers
Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at: http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings

Family Bushwalkers
There is a $5 temporary membership fee per adult. Phone: (07) 3878 3293

Gold Coast Bushwalkers

Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members financial members of bushwalking clubs which are affiliated with BWQ. This dispensation will be at the discretion of the Management Committee.
Where's the Track?

The track has been completely hidden from view by this tree fall on the Araucaria Track at Binna Burra.

Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc.

Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. The newsletter also contains a full description of the grading system and a list of Committee members and their contact numbers. Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au Page 2 of 6

Members
As at 31/1/2013 we have 81 financial members

Coming Walks
Any person wishing to come along on a walk must contact the leader of the walk first. The leader will organise the meeting place and the car pooling. The leader has full discretion on who can come on the walk. Nominations close 9:00 pm on the Wednesday prior to a weekend trip. For Wednesday walks, nominations close 9.00 pm on the Monday before. March 2013 6 Leader Wed

20 D/W Leader

Wed S T5 F4

Byron Creek Survey (Mt Mee) Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717

A walk going down into Byron Gorge via an old logging road and then ascending up to Mt Byron via a ridge. This route has not been done by the Club before so bring along a sense of adventure plus protective clothing. Leaving Samford 7.30am

Mt Thillinmam Survey S T5 F4
Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717

23-24 Leader

Sat-Sun

Noosa River Canoe John Shera 5546 0381

Day Walk

Canoe trip Contact John for more details. 23 D/W Leader Sat M T5 F5 Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717 Canungra Creek Junction

A walk up at Springbrook to check out part of the Scenic Rim. I expect plenty of leeches after all this rain so come with repellent. Also the terrain is unknown so wear protective clothing. Leaving Sunnybank at 6.30am 8 Social Leader Patricia Kolarski 3341 7509 or 0448 526 618 We will meet up at 6pm at the pier on the foreshore opposite our dinner spot, Pelican's Nest by the Bay, just north of the corner of Wynnum Esplanade and Edith Street. We'll head south along the walking path for a couple of kilometres to build up an appetite before retracing our steps to arrive back at the pool about 7pm just in time for fish and chips. Anyone not able to be there at 6pm is welcome to just join us for a meal at 7pm. 9-10 Sat-Sun Kenilworth Base Camp Fri Wynnum/Manly walk and social

Meet up at Canungra at 7.30am. We will go down Bull Ant Spur and then climb up to the ridge on the other side of West Canungra Creek. From there we will head down the ridge to the junction of East and West Canungra. The return will be via Stairway Falls and back up Bull Ant Spur. Expect to get wet boots and may need to waterproof your pack. 27 D/W Leader Wed S T5 F4 Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717 Ewen Maddock Dam

Saturday A walk up Lobster Creek in the Conondale National Park. Waterfalls and pools along the way. Expect to get wet boots. Sunday A walk along Peters Creek in the Conondales. 13 Leader Wed Mt Bottle and Glass Survey M T5 F4 Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717

This walk may take in Dularcha National Park and the Ewen Maddock Dam Reserve. The walk will vary depending on the height of the water as the track does get inundated. Leaving Sunnybank 6.00am. 29-31 B/C Leaders Fri-Sun M T5 F4 John and Julie Shera 5546 0381 Lemon Tree Flat (Main Range)

Day Walk

Contact John and Julie for further details. April 2013 1 D/W Easter Monday M T5 F4 3341 7509 or 0448 526 618 Nixon Creek, Binna Burra

This is a small mountain near Yandina which has not been done before by the Club. There are a couple of ways of approaching the summit and this walk will check out the options on the day. Wear protective clothing. Leaving Sunnybank 6.00am 16-17 T/W Leader Sat-Sun M T6 F5 Peter Weallans 0429 950 352 Coxcomb Pt (Border Ranges)

Leader Patricia Kolarski

A walk starting from the Border Ranges in NSW and then walking northwards to Coxcomb Point. Contact Peter for further details. 16 D/W Leader Sat M T4 F4 John Morris 3277 3253 Daves Creek Circuit (Binna Burra)

Starting just below the Information Centre we will start walking on the Lower Bellbird Circuit until joining the Great Walk and heading steeply down to meet Nixon Creek. We then walk beside the creek and sometimes rock hop until reaching the base of Boghaban Falls. Here we scout around the falls and continue upstream to meet up with the Shipstern track before returning to the cars again via the Lower Bellbird Circuit. The Shipstern track is closed indefinitely but we may be able to access just enough of the track to complete this walk. 6-7 B/C Sat-Sun M T4 F4 3341 7509 or 0448 526 618 Rainforest Preservation weekend

A graded track walk about 12 km long. 17 D/W Leader Sun M T5 F5 David Kenrick 3349 8238 Teviot Falls and Creek (Boonah)

Leader Patricia Kolarski

An off track walk to check out Teviot Falls and some other falls on Teviot Brook. Contact David for further details.

The Springbrook Rainforest Preservation Society is tasked with restoring old cattle properties on the Springbrook Plateau to strengthen the links between isolated parts of the World Heritage rainforest area. They are a not-for-profit group and has asked for help from bushwalking groups to assist with weed removal or other restoration activities. They ask for a contribution of 4 hours of work per person on the weekend. The rest of the time we can spend walking or

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socialising at the lodge that is said to have a beautiful night time view of the Gold Coast. Saturday - A daywalk to Springbrook Pinnacle is planned starting at Gwongorella picnic area heading down along the Warrie Circuit before turning off and following a rough track to the Pinnacle. We will return along the same path. Accommodation - Bunkhouse at a cost of $20 per person (to cover electricity, insurance and maintenance). The lodge has kitchen facilities so bring the usual base camp stuff except the tent. Price - $20 per person for Saturday night accommodation.

fence occasionally pushing the foliage aside and ducking under foliage as well. As we neared the cave, there were a couple of spots where we walked in full sun which was not pleasant. Once in the cave it was much cooler. After a short stop we got to the end of the cave and started to climb up around the end of it. I reminded everyone it was very slippery and to take it carefully. As it had rained since my reccie, although still slippery, it was not so bad. The guys managed to walk faster than me so when we neared Wagawn, they slowed up every now and then to allow me to catch up. Even though there are some very big thickets of lawyer vine, the track pretty much passes around these. I informed everyone that there is no lawyer vine on Main Range!

Stinson Wreck

Past Walks
20 October 2012

Even after a couple of late withdrawals I still had 10 starters, which is a good number for this walk, so after a fairly early rendezvous at the usual spot in Beaudesert we headed down the Lindesay Highway to the Christmas Creek turnoff and the starting point at the end of the road. We headed down the well worn track to Westrays grave and after crossing the last substantial creek before the grave we turned right and headed straight up the ridge. This section is off track but I prefer this way as it is not as steep as the very worn and eroded track that goes up to the wreck from near Westrays grave. About two thirds of the way to the cliff face at the traverse we picked up the track again and continued up the steep climb to the start of the traverse. After a short break for a drink and cool down we tackled the traverse around the cliff line and were soon back on top of the ridge where we stopped for our morning tea break. From there it is just a bit of a slog up to the clearing above the wreck site but as it was a hot day a few rests were needed and the going was a bit slow. After reaching the clearing we dropped off our packs and headed down to the wreck site. You cant really say these days that you are going to the Stinson wreck as there is so little of the plane left that it really only the grave site of those killed in the crash and a couple of bits of the wreck near by. There is certainly a hell of a lot less of the wreck these days than when I first went up there nearly 30 years ago. It was decided that we had enough time to continue on up to Point Lookout for lunch so after leaving Helen, who was feeling the heat, at the clearing we headed off for the 20 minute walk up to the campsite at the lookout. After enjoying the view and lunch we headed back, picked up Helen, and continued down to Westrays grave. By the time we come down the, in some sections, very steep track to the grave we were all a bit hot and bothered so a lengthy rest was in order. From here we returned the way we came down Christmas Creek back to the cars and on to Beaudesert for some refreshments. By the way, every time I had been up to the wreck site I used to wonder if the clearing, wreck, or both were marked correctly on the map so this time I checked it on the G.P.S. and plotted it with a protractor. It turns out the clearing is spot on but the wreck is 200 metres west-south west from where it is marked in the map. For those who are interested and want to correct their maps the grid co-ordinate of the wreck is 116 677. That is you bit of trivia for today. Id like to thank all who came on the walk and made it a very enjoyable day David Kenrick

Lunch

We lunched at Wagawn by the sign. We heard voices and shortly after some walkers came along who had walked from Binna Burra. They asked where to go to get a view. Views are harder to come by, presently due to the height of growth along the razor back on which Wagawn lies, however there are a couple of spots where you can see through into the Mt Warning caldera and on the other side into Numinbah Valley and across to Springbrook. We retraced our steps and were taking a break in the cave when, once again, we heard voices. We waited thinking some walkers would come along, but alas no one came. However, as we walked out along the cave, we came across a couple of young climbers doing some training. We were soon back to the cars and we hadnt run into any snakes today. We had coffee at a coffee shop in Numinbah Valley before returning to Loganholme. Thanks guys for a great walk. Marion Laban 24 February 2013

Neurum Creek Tributary Walk

Who says you can't go out in the rain! This walk was a late change after the deluge that hit Brisbane just recently causing a lot of park and track closures. Five of us met up at Samford and drove up to near Mt Mee. The start was off a bitumen road so no worries about access. We followed a gazetted road along a ridge through a paddock and then followed an old logging road through the National Park. The road was overgrown with lantana in places and we overshot a side track. Further down it was easier walking through the rainforest just adjacent to the road infested with lantana. Finally we made it down to the Neurum Creek tributary. We stopped for morning tea and then began the walk up the creek. There was no avoiding wet boots and people had come prepared with waterproof bags. We came upon the Mill Track and followed it for about half a kilometre. The boardwalk round the Strangler Fig was broken and the main wooden bridge across the creek was also broken due to tree falls. We hopped back in the creek and then it got exciting. It began to rain but it wasn't a cold rain and we plodded on without bothering to put on raincoats.

Bushrangers Cave and Wagawn

25 November 2012

Well, I didnt know if wed have enough walkers for this walk, but luckily I had a three keen walkers, Norm, Bert and John L, phoned me during the week prior to the walk. Three of us met at Loganholme to drive down to the Numinbah border gate where we parked our cars and met with Norm who had come from a different direction. As I had done a reccie just a couple of weeks earlier, it was fresh in my mind which lane to start walking up (wrong lane and you end up in someones property). We were soon by the border

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Upon coming upon the first big pool, it was Aileen who led the charge, clothes on and all for a swim through. There were some further pools and cascades and finally a small waterfall which was too steep and slippery to scramble directly up. We all made our way up high on the bank and navigated to the top of the falls. After re-grouping we continued on up the creek. Along a flat section right on midday the sun came out and we sat down for lunch. The creek did have some fallen trees and we needed to scramble our way over, under and through the tangle of branches. Finally we cam to another set of cascades which marked where we exited from the creek. We followed a small side creek up to the starting ridge and back to the cars. After changing into dry clothes we checked out a new coffee shop The Pitstop up on the range. There were views out to Brisbane as we enjoyed a hot drink. Many thanks to Aileen, Gerry, Sandy and Michael for coming along. Richard

On the way back to camp David and Anne suggested that we climb to the top of the gorge. With no obvious track they set about finding a suitable spot to scale the steep bank to the top. Gil returned to camp and the five of us set off up the side of a steep rock strewn ridge. There was spinifex galore and I soon learnt how sharp the tips are when I tipped into the midst of a well placed clump when scrambling over rocks. At the top we had fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and a black tailed wallaby appeared and then disappeared as if it came and went to no-where. On returning to camp I found a quiet area to have a wash then we all went for a walk up to the day use area in the hope that we would see the sunset over the ranges. We then returned to camp and prepared our dinner and gazed at the amazing night sky. Bed was early at about 7.30 pm with plans for a 5 am start towards the summit of Mt Sonder.

Trekking the Larapinta 2012

Redbank Gorge to Finke River Camp
On 16th June we were picked up by Alice Wanderer at about 8 am and taken out to the start of the walk at Redbank Gorge. What amazing scenery in the Northern Territory. The earthy colours, the starkness of the ghost gums and the changing colours associated with light and time of day make for stunning visual experiences. We arrived at our destination, set up camp in the dry river bed and then walked the short distance to the gorge to have lunch. The colours of the rocks various shades of purple, pink, red ochre and sandstone creating a kaleidoscope of co-ordinated colour against the various greens of the mallee and ghost gums was truly spectacular. There was a small amount of water in the gorge and a number of dead fish were floating on the surface. This is apparently a natural phenomenon at this time of year and has to do with the changing water temperatures and bacteria that grow on the gills of the fish. We climbed the short distance up the ragged rock face to explore the colours within the gorge.
Sunrise Mt Sonder Saddle

Gil woke us all at 5.15 am and after a trip to the open pit toilet it was a quick cup of tea and we set off at 6am with head torches blazing. The climb to the top of Mt Sonder is 8 km one way and it is a steady up most of the way. It was very cold with a brisk wind blowing. I was glad for my gloves and a good beanie and I found the climb up challenging as the hills really tax my breathing. My pulse was beating in my ears at a racing pace at one point. After climbing for about an hour we stopped in the saddle to take photos of the new moon, stars and the first rays of dawn. We continued to climb and witnessed the sun appearing over the horizon and the light of the new day highlighted the tips of foliage growing in the rocky crevices of the ridge. We stopped shortly afterwards for breakfast while enjoying the panorama of the West MacDonald Ranges before us.

Cairn on Mt Sonder

Walking Up the Gorge

The view from the top of Mt Sonder was indescribably awesome. There were beautiful wild flowers growing intermittently along the walking track the pinks of the Mountain Hakea, yellows of the acacia and a purple flower which I am not familiar with. The climbing track does not lead to the very top where the trig is on the eastern summit but to the lower cliff edged western peak that has a cairn and visitors book. Page 5 of 6

It was still cold at the top and my finger tips were numb. The rock formations were amazing and I dont know how they stay balanced on one another. The walk down was easier and we passed a number of people climbing to the top when we were half way down. This was a time to really enjoy the view and wonder at natures marvellous ability to adapt to the terrain and weather conditions. On return to camp it was time to enjoy Tea and soup before having a bird bath and washing my hair. The water from the tank was very cold but my hair felt great. With my washing done and on the line I relaxed with a cup of lemon myrtle tea and my book. That night we observed a dingo not far from our camp site while we were having dinner and then heard a dingo howling during the night. The next day we set off for Rocky Bar Gap at about 8 am following the track at the base of Mt Sonder. We woke at about 6 am and after breakfast packed up camp. Mary informed us the temperature was 2 degrees and Linda reported she had ice on the top of her tent due to condensation. The walk was reasonable flat going and the track easy to find. We passed a couple from North Qld who were on the last leg of the walk which they had completed in 14 days.
Sunrise on Mt Sonder

I was awake at 6.30 am after a good nights sleep. It amazes me how much sleep I need when walking long distances. After making a cup of tea and breakfast I sat in my sleeping bag and ate while I looked at the sun rise on Mt Sonder. The colours are a true reflection of the spirit of this fantastic landscape ever changing shades of red and gold on a backdrop of blue sky. When we started to pack we realised how cold it had been. Annes bra and knickers which she has laid over the top of her tent were frozen stiff. I had ice crystals on my tent and the tap of my 4 litre water bag was blocked with ice making it difficult to get water for my morning wash. We set off to Finke River at about 8.45am and within 30 minutes we started to climb to Hilltop Lookout. Gil was in front and I found the pace he set suited my level of fitness and he had plenty of rests on the way to the top. We reached the top at about 11am and stopped for morning tea. The walk down was quiet steep and hard going at times due to the sharp edges of the rocks and the numerous loose small rocks. Gil identified quartz and breccia which is similar to conglomerate but has uneven smaller stones embedded in it and is found in river systems. Once we reached the flat we had 7 kms to walk to camp. The going was reasonably flat but it was quite hot and we stopped for lunch at about 12.30 in a dry river bed. We crossed a river with a large water hole - ? the Davenport which flows into the Finke however it was starting to dry up. We crossed the Finke which was dry with long grass and Red River Gums which provided a welcoming cool change from the heat of the open track. After walking the remaining 5.5 kms we arrived at Finke River Camp at about 2.30pm. The camp at Finke River has a toilet and a large covered shelter with 2 sleeping platforms with a bench along the back and a cupboard, 2 water tanks and a gas stove with 2 burners. It was a clean camping area and a welcome site for weary walkers. It was lovely to have a good wash including my hair and wash my shirt and undies. After setting up my sleeping spot it was a great to have a cup of tea and relax with a book as night set in around us.

Rocky Bar Gap Toilet

We stopped for morning tea at about 10.30 am and arrived at the Gap in time for lunch. There is a large water tank and the most incredible outback toilet at this camp. It looked like a corrugated iron tank with a base of heavy mesh over the sewerage system. There was a normal toilet seat with a pump action flush and an exhaust fan truly ingenious. We all stocked up on water eight and a half litres in total for me and walked along a dry creek bed for a few kilometres to find a camp site that Mary remembered from a previous trek. The camp site had spectacular views of Mt Sonder at sunrise but Mary wasnt certain where it was. After a lot of angst and walking in the wrong direction, Mary eventually recognised the site in a dry creek bed a few kilometres down the track. After setting up camp we settled down to watch the sun set behind Mt Sonder. It is amazing how quickly the temperature drops at night. After tea we lay on the open river bed and gazed at the night sky. The Milky Way was spectacular as we tried to spot satellites in the night sky but the cold sent us to bed by 7.30 pm and as I read I looked at Mt Sonder through the opening of my tent.

Ready For the Track

To be continued

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