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QUEENSLAND

BUSHWALKERS

CLUB Inc.

PO Box 2199

Sunnybank Hills

QLD 4109

Email qldbwc@yahoo.com

Phone No (07) 3341 7509

http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

Newsletter February 2010

Christmas at Mt Nimmel

ClubNews

Christmas Party 4 6 December 2009

Just over 20 people attended the QBW Christmas Party at MtNimmel. Most arrived on the Friday afternoon and with over 50bunks everyone was able to spread out in the seven availablecabins.

On the Friday night videos and photos on trips to FederationPeak, the French Pyrennes, the Spanish Camino de Santiago,the Carnarvon Great Walk and New Zealand were shown.

On Saturday there were three walks to choose from. A few wenton a short walk up at Springbrook, others went on a longer walk

along the Warrie Circuit while two went on the hardest walk, theCream Track.

After the walks everyone gathered for the afternoon happyhour. The cooks John Brunott and Dave Rae prepared the BBQand everyone was able to enjoy snags and steaks for dinner.There were many side dishes available too as members hadbrought along something to share.

When all had had their fill it was dress up time. The theme wasto be dressed as something beginning with Q or B or W.However club members are an inventive lot and some camedressed as all three! The highlight though must have been theWiggles presentation by Noelene, Neville, Lynn and Helen.

Prizes were awarded to Aileen for her Bag Lady while Barrywon best dressed male as a Queensland Batsman and Wicketkeeper.

Sunday morning was a lazy affair with people making breakfast,having long chats and finally the clean up.

Many thanks to Traci N for organising the weekend.

Results of the Photo Competition

The Photo Competition had over 50 entries and three Clubmembers who had not entered were appointed as judges.

The photos were shown repeatedly during the Christmas Partyon the big screen so that all members could see them pluschoose their favourite.

Best Nature photoDavid Rae A Beautiful Day

Best PictorialNoelene McCay Halfway View Mt Maroon

Best Club CharacterNoelene McCay Synchronised Swimming

The People's ChoiceDave Rae Storms Mt Barney

Walk Leader Prizes

Club members who had led 5 or more walks in the preceding 12months were given special recognition and a prize each at theChristmas Party.

They included John Brunott (14 walks), Richard Kolarski (12walks), David Haliczer (12 walks), Julie Urquhart (7 walks),David Kenrick (6 walks), Patricia Kolarski (6 walks), StuartMackay (6 walks) and Helen McAllister (5 walks).

Donation of BooksSteve Moyle has donated 24 bushwalking related books for theuse of Club members. Many thanks to Steve.

A full list of the books is in the Newsletter.

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General Information

Meeting Place

Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at7.30PM. There is no Club meeting in January.

Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carland 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. Acoin donation would be appreciated.

Membership

Probationary Membership

A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Memberon his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is nofee payable to become a Probationary Member.

However a Probationary Member must become an OrdinaryMember on his/her second walk by filling out a MembershipForm and paying the membership fee.

Ordinary Membership

A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out andsigning a Membership Form, having a proposer sign the formand 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) ofthe applicant, the leader of the walk that the applicant is on, theMembership Officer at a Club meeting or if the MembershipOfficer is not available, one of the committee members.

An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or beelected to a committee position. A Probationary Member hasneither of these rights.

Members of Another Bushwalking Club

Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated withBushwalking Queensland Inc (or an interstate Federation) andwho are covered by the same Insurance do not need to becomea member of our Club to go on our walks. However Club

members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.

Club EquipmentCompasses Topo Maps GPS'sEmergency Lights First Aid Kits UHF Radios

The above are for free use by members.Contact David at 3395 1838david_r_rae@optusnet.com.au

PLBs with inbuilt GPS

The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be madeavailable at each Club meeting and will need to be returned atthe following Club meeting. Contact Richard on 3341 7509.

Abseil Gear (ropes, harnesses, helmets, karabiners etc)

Ordinary Members - $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope andanother $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories .

Probationary Members and members of affiliated clubs - $10.00charge for use of the Club rope and another $10.00 charge foruse of harness and accessories.Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202

Back Pack for Hire $5.00 chargeContact Trevor at 0411 512 202

T/W Tent for Hire 2 man, 2.8kg $5.00/weekContact Dave Haliczer 0432 901 030

Bivy Bags For Sale $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

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.Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.

Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each.

Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.

The Management CommitteePresident Gil Gunthorpe 3272 4366(H)

Vice President Noelene McCay 3889 0264(H)

Secretary Sue Ward 3844 6389(H)

Treasurer John Hinton 3343 3724 (H)

Outings Officer John Brunott 3209 9598 (H)

Membership Officer Frank Garland 3341 5207 (H)

Editor Richard Kolarski 3345 9543 (H)

Social Secretary Traci Nudl 3890 8196 (H)

Training Officer Stuart Mackay 3890 8196 (H)

Other Voluntary Positions

Equipment Officer John Brunott 3209 9598 (H)

Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 3209 8514 (H)

BWQ Rep Stuart Mackay 3890 8196 (H)

BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 3345 9543 (H)

Campsite Monitors

John Brunott Ballows, Paddys Knob

Kerry de Clauzel Throakban, Barney Gorge andLower Portals

Ann Kemp Spicers Peak (east & west)

Richard Kolarski Running Creek Falls

Barbara Makepeace Rat-a-tat, Spicers/Doubletop saddleRum Jungle

John Shera Panorama Point

John & Julie Shera Mt Superbus & Rabbit Fence JctLower Panorama

Ken Walters Mt May saddle & Paddys Plain

Editors Pic

Abseiling Kangaroo Point

Over 20 people attended the Abseil Training Day at KangarooPoint on 29/11/2009. Stuart Mackay was the main organizer buthad able assistance from John Brunott, Trevor Davern, FrankGarland, Steve Moyle, Anne Kemp and Kerry De Clauzel.

New MembersPaul Evans Anthony Kerin

Vickie Kerin

As at 28/01/2010 we have 92 financial members

A Prayer for the New Year

"Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight totell the difference.

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mailto:david_r_rae@optusnet.com.aumailto:david_r_rae@optusnet.com.aumailto:david_r_rae@optusnet.com.aumailto:david_r_rae@optusnet.com.au

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BWQ President's ReportWelcome back everyone to another year of great bushwalking.

Bushwalking clubs should be aware of an emerging issue thatcould be of relevance to all of us in the coming year. The firstwave of baby boomers will be retiring en masse! This is likely toraise some challenges as well as some unique opportunitiesregarding recruitment. Many of these retirees will be looking forlow cost recreational activities, the sort of activity thatbushwalking clubs can certainly provide.

In addition, BWQ is currently exploring ways to engage young

people with the club network through liaison with youthorganisations.

Are the clubs ready for this potential influx? Do the clubs havethe resources to run an imaginative program of walks thatpeople will want to do and at a standard of expertise thatnewcomers will expect? What value added features can theclubs offer that cannot otherwise be experienced by walkingprivately?

Clubs need to promote these member benefits, such as:

* harnessing of members collective knowledge* offering an inspiring program of walks* enhancing bushcraft skills* learning about the environment

* promoting a culture of safety* instilling a bushwalking ethos

There are pressures within some clubs to run more socials orlatt walks. While social events have value, clubs shouldcontinue to focus on the core business of bush walking.

Federation Mountain Rescue

Federation Mountain Rescue (FMR), is the specialist trainingand bush rescue body within our federation. By combining thehigh end training provided by FMR with in-house training ofleaders by the clubs, we can be ready for any potential influx.

Regional clubs are also invited to partake of this training, we canarrange visits to your clubs by FMR reps. Refer to the FMRwebsite for the training program and contact details:http://fmrqld.bwq.org.au or contact the BWQ secretary:secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.au

Collaborative Management Group (CMG)

Collaborative Management Group (CMG) is the liaison groupbetween BWQ and QPWS where matters of mutual interest arediscussed. BWQ reps have recently provided input to the draftLamington N.P. Management Plan, and the proposed longdistance trail in DAguilar N.P. Consultation regarding abushwalker volunteer group to assist with graded trackmaintenance is continuing. Our reps are also active in variousother nature based recreation sector focus groups. More BWQreps are needed for this important work - please contact theBWQ secretary if you are interested.

Campsite Monitors

The Campsite Monitors group is continuing under a newcoordinator Robyn Cox, with the annual get-together with QPWSrepresentatives planned for 6th February at Daisy Hill. CampsiteMonitors carry out important survey tasks on various bushcampsites in the South-East to monitor the extent of impact. Weneed more monitors, if any bushwalker would like to becomeinvolved in this interesting volunteer field work please contactthe secretary also.

Pilgrimage

All clubs - please note in your planners the Pilgrimage dates,being organised this year by Toowoomba Bushwalkers, in theCrows Nest area. This is a chance for some great walking, funand games, and networking with your fellow bushwalkers.Dates: 27- 29 August 2010

For all updates on Bushwalking Queensland Inc. activity, pleaserefer to our website: www.bwq.org.au

Bushwalking is serious fun lets all take it seriously in 2010

John Marshall Pres. BWQ

Books Donated by Steve MoyleSteve Moyle, a long time member of our Club has donated 24books for use by QBW members. These books have beencatalogued and stamped and will be available for free use bymembers.

Please see Noelene at Club meetings if you wish to borrow anyof the following:

Book Author

20 Best Walks in Australia Tyrone Thomas

50 Walks in North Queensland Tyrone Thomas

Alive and Kick'n Nick Vroomans & DaveBasham

Australian Bush Survival Skills Kevin Casey

Bushpeoples Guide toBushwalking in SEQueensland

Bushpeople Publications

Bushwalks of the Great SouthEast

Queensland National Parks

Bush Walks in theToowoomba Region

N McKilligan and I Savage

Bush Walks in theToowoomba Region (NewEdition)

N McKilligan and I Savage

Bush Tucker Field Guide Les Hiddins

Camping and Tramping inAustralia's National Parks

Karen Flavell

Canyoneering Christopher Van Tilburg

Cradle Mtn Lake St Clair &Walls of Jerusalem

John Chapman John Siseman

Don't Die in the Bush Sven Klinge and Adrian Hart

Knots for Climbers Craig Luebben

Photographic Guide to Snakes Gerry Swan

Secrets of the Scenic Rim Robert Rankin

Snakes and Other Reptiles Gerry Swan

Staying Found June Fleming

Take a Walk in Queensland

National Parks

John and Lyn Daly

Take a Walk Port Macquarieto Brisbane

John and Lyn Daly

The Peak Baggers GuideSunshine Coast

Gary Cobb

Unforgettable Walks to TakeBefore You Die

Steve Watkins and ClareJones

Walkers Guide to the GoldCoast

Gold Coast City Council

Walks in Caloundra Wildlife Preservation Society

of Qld

Many thanks to Steve Moyle for his generous donation.

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http://fmrqld.bwq.org.au/mailto:secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.aumailto:secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.auhttp://www.bwq.org.au/http://fmrqld.bwq.org.au/mailto:secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.auhttp://www.bwq.org.au/

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Past Walks

Barney Falls 22 August 2009

On the weekend of the 2009 Pilgrimage at Maroon Dam, I wenton a bushwalk to the Lower Portals and up Barney Creek toBarney Falls. There was a group of only four of us, with theother members from Redlands Bushwalkers.

After visiting the hut at Lower Portals for morning tea, weheaded up Barney Creek and stopped at a small flat area that issometimes used as a camping spot, across from the currentlydry Barney Falls.

While sitting and having a sandwich I looked into the creek andnoticed a head (perhaps a goanna?) swimming across. On acloser look I saw it was a snake coming across, looking to getout of the creek right at the spot where we were sitting.

Well, by now I was well on my feet, wondering where it's goingto go and at what speed its going to move at when it gets out ofthe water. I'm ready to move in any direction. Away from it!

Snakes Alive!

It slithered up out of the water, through some grass and straightacross the flat camping spot where we were sitting. It came veryclose to us and did not seem at all bothered. It was quite a size.

It continued along on the side of the river bank and never soughtto hide under the cover of the bush. I guess it was so big itprobably doesn't have predators.

As we walked back down the creek after we had our lunch, wepassed it still travelling along, out in the open.

Plenty of excitement for one day! Evelyn Campbell

Carnarvon Great Walk 12 - 19 October

The Carnarvon Great Walk was opened only last year butalready this was the second trip there by our Club. The first tripwas led by John Brunott with 5 members in September. Due toan injury I was unable to go on that trip. However after emailingClub members that there would be a second trip in October,amazingly four other people beside Patricia and myself wantedto come along.

We left Brisbane on a Monday morning and drove up to Injunewhere we stayed in a cabin for six at the caravan park. We hada delicious meal at the hotel that night and vowed we wouldhave another on the return.

The following day we left early and drove to Carnarvon NationalPark. On the way we stopped to have a look at a memorial to aplane wreck just before the entry to the park. After seeing therangers at the park and filling in the necessary forms, we put onour through-packs and headed for our first campsite at BigBend.

There were several diversions along the way to visit side gorges

such as the Moss Garden, the Amphitheatre and CathedralCave.

The camp ground at Big Bend was beside a large pool and afterputting up our tents, we were able to relax, wander down to thepool or just do some exploring.

There was an early start the next day for perhaps the hardestday. We had to slightly retrace our steps to get to BoowindaGorge and then climb a steep gully for the ascent to BattleshipSpur. Boowinda Gorge was spectacular with large smoothcurves shaped by water over the millennia.

Battleship Spur complete with smoke haze

As we slowly ascended the scenery spread below us.Unfortunately we could see a dust storm coming in from theeast, just as John on his trip had the previous month. AtBattleship Spur the scenery was blurred by the dust but we tooka few photos just to commemorate the event.

Disappointed we continued on to Gadds Walkers Camp. Therehad been recent bushfires and the trees of the open eucalyptwoodland were blackened. The campsite itself had water pumpsand a toilet but the area was dry and burnt out. A short walk to anearby creek reveiled intermittent pools with some wildlife suchas kangaroos, goannas and birds.

Walking through a Sunburnt Country

The third day was a walk on the plateau to West BranchWalkers Camp. Parts of the area were also burnt out and after

crossing a suspension bridge we set up our tents on the wideopen flat areas of this secondary entrance to the CarnarvonGreat Walk.

There were no other campers or vehicles here, probably due toclosure or warnings about bushfires on the western end of thepark.

The usual routine of getting up at 5.30am, having breakfast andpacking up to start walking by just after 7.30am continued thefollowing day. We were now above the head of the CarnarvonRiver and entering Consuelo Tableland. The biggest changenoticed was the Mahogany Forest and the abundance of ancientcycads.

By this time it was noticeable that several people were havingfoot problems. Helen developed the largest blisters on her feet

ever, Ken got his first blisters in a long time while Greg hadpainful feet. However I can claim no fault on my part such assetting a fast pace as each person was able to walk at their ownpace. I usually stayed at the rear as there was very little chanceof getting lost as the track was quite clearly marked.

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The following day I relented and allowed a later start. It wasalmost as if I had declared a holiday!

At Cabbage tree camping zone we did a bit of exploring of theescarpment with views to the north of Mt Acland.

The last day was a descent from the tableland back to theCarnarvon picnic grounds. There were occasional views but wewere all glad when we finally arrived back at the cars at aboutlunchtime.

The Carnarvon CrewOn the drive back to Injune we talked about the forthcomingmeal at the hotel only to find when we arrived that it did notserve meals on Sunday evening. Luckily we were able to buymeals from a roadside restaurant and have a few celebratorydrinks.

Many thanks to Patricia, Helen, Maggie, Greg and Ken forcoming along. Though it was not quite a "Great Walk", itcertainly has great potential. Richard

Fountain Falls 24 October 2009

Eight of us met up at the carpark near the junction of DuckCreek Road and Lamington National Park Road to do this walk

to Fountain Falls from the Green Mountains side. It had been afew years since I had done this walk and I had with me my newGPS which worked quite well under thick rainforest foliage.

We began the walk down Bull Ant Spur to Yerralahla (BluePool). In quick time we descended the 400 metres to WestCanungra Creek and had a short drink stop. The Creek wasvery low due to the drought and we crossed it easily withoutgetting our boots wet. Downstream, just past Purragulli Creekwe began the ascent to the Darlington Range ridge.

There was only the occasional tag to show the way up the rangeand I used the GPS to ensure we were on track. Finally, aftersome uncertainty, we found the rock cairn which marked theturning point to Fountain Falls. While having morning tea wesearched for more tags to show the way to Fountain Falls but

were unable to find them. I therefore used the GPS and acompass bearing to set a direct route to the falls.

Despite going through some rough terrain the GPS led usdirectly to the falls without a problem.

At Fountain Falls

In fact we arrived so early that we were able to stay an hourthere and do some exploring. However during the exploring,Maggie was hit by a large loose rock on the chest. It was a scarymoment for her but fortunately she avoided a potentially seriousinjury.

During the time of exploring we found the tags again and wewere able to follow them back to the rock cairn. The walk downto West Canungra Creek was again set at a good pace and werested when we reached Yerralahla.

All that was left now was the walk up Bull Ant Spur. We haddone over 550 metres in ascent so far and still had another 400metres left. We thus set our own pace as some of the crew werefeeling the strain. There was some urgency though as thunderwas heard in the distance. The rain came in just as thetailenders were about to reach the road but the heavy canopykept them mostly dry.

We had afternoon tea at O'Reillys to end the day. Many thanksto Bob, Richard W., Ken, Gil, John, Greg and especially Maggiewho all survived to walk another day. Richard

South Bald Rock 7-8 November 2009

South Bald Rock is in Girraween on the border of Queenslandand New South Wales. Six members had driven down on theFriday afternoon to stay the night at the Castle Rock

campground in Girraween on the Queensland side. Another twoleft Brisbane early on the Saturday morning and all eight of usmet up in NSW at the Bald Rock picnic area.

It had rained the Friday night so the unlucky six had wet tents tocarry. However it was only a seven kilometre walk to South BaldRock, following the state border part of the way.

South Bald Rock Crew

We arrived at South Bald Rock after only a couple of hours ofwalking and found a good campsite with fresh clear waternearby. After setting up the tents, we took our packs and someabseil gear to explore the area.

Initially we checked out some small caves and rock overhangson the eastern side of South Bald Rock. Even these small caveswere fascinating in their own right.

While doing our exploring we found a large block of ice made upof hail stones in one of the chasms. This was in a shady spotand was a leftover from a heavy storm a couple of dayspreviously. It was an amazing find and shows how Girraweengets its reputation as one of the coldest spots in Queensland.

We made our way eventually to the main cave entrance on thewestern side of South Bald Rock. This was in a deep split wherea jumble of rocks had formed a massive cave with multiplelevels. We descended into the chasm and through a dark narrowsection of the cave. After a short distance and then the caveopened up into a huge chamber where moss and ferns grew.

We explored the cave for a couple of hours and had to markcertain sections to ensure we didn't become lost in the maze.The cave had multiple openings to the outside but only a coupleof them allowed an exit as the large deep rocks formed a barrier.We did not require the abseil gear though with furtherexploration it might have come in handy.

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South Bald Rock Caves

As we started to turn back to camp a short heavy rainfalloccurred. It was enough to form multiple waterfalls off the sidesof the rock. A few took advantage to fill up their water bottleswith this fresh stream of water. However back at camp Chrisfound he had left his sleeping bag out in the open and it hadbecome saturated from the rain.

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the surrounds andfound evidence that people had camped in the vicinity and hadused the natural rock overhangs as protection from theelements. We had a communal dinner and there was a lightrainfall that night.

It was a lazy Sunday morning as we waited for the tents to dry.Some of the more energetic climbed to the top of South BaldRock or did a bit of caving. We retraced our steps to Bald Rockand met up with a group of Bushwalkers from the Gold Coastwho were doing a walk in the area.

Afternoon tea at Vincenzios finished an easy weekend well.Many thanks to Trevor Davern for organizing the weekend.

RichardLower Ballanjui 21 November 2009

Eleven members met up at Canungra at 7.30am on a Saturdaymorning and made the one hour drive up to Binna Burra. InBrisbane the previous day it had been a scorching hot day butup in the mountains and with plenty of cloud cover it turned outto be a beautiful day for walking.

Lower Ballanjui Falls

We reached the bottom of the falls at about 10.30am and had ahalf hour rest. As it had not rained for a while there was not a lotof water in the falls.

From there we followed the track back to Binna Burra andfinished the walk shortly after midday.

Of course we still had to have afternoon coffee and cake downin Canungra. Many thanks to all who came along for a fine walk.

John Morris

England Creek 22 November 2009

Eleven walkers met up at Maiala for this walk/rockhop/swim upthe Left Branch of England Creek.

We began at Lawton Road walking along the forestry road for awhile before taking the turnoff to Northbrook Mountain. At a knollwe dropped down a ridge which led us down to England Creek.There was no track and we finally dropped into a small tributarybefore entering England Creek proper.

There was only a small amount of water flowing which maderock hopping easy as we headed upstream.

Cooling Off

At the first of the three major waterfalls we stopped and enjoyedmorning tea and a swim. At the second waterfall after anotherswim we had to scramble to the side of the waterfall whichturned out to be a series of steep falls and cascades. The thirdwaterfall was not as high but there was time for another swim.

Further up the creek we reached a junction and took the streamflowing from the right. We had lunch in the shade of a smallgorge after some scrambling over some small cascades.

There were further small waterfalls along the creek buteventually the creek became too clogged with fallen trees to

continue in the creek bed. We took a ridge which headed north.It was a steep and hot climb but luckily there were some oldforestry roads which made it a bit easier.

We arrived at the walking track between Lawton and JoynersRidge Roads and it was then just a short walk back to the cars.

Olley's coffee shop was the venue for our afternoon tea wherewe were able to enjoy their "bucketchinos".

Many thanks to Dave for leading the walk. Richard

Bushwalking Australia IncBushwalking Australia, the organisation representing theinterests of all recreational walkers at a national level, recently

held its AGM and elected high profile Victorian bushwalkingidentity David Reid as its new President.

Following his election David stated that:

Bushwalking Australia, in partnership with the six bushwalkingbodies representing all States and Territories, would continue topromote recreational walking as an important activity thatenhances health and well being and through its Australia widenetwork of community based clubs, facilitates participation at thelocal level

Australia offers some of the best recreational walkingexperiences in the world and has the potential to attractoverseas tourists with the obvious associated economicbenefits

Bushwalking Australia will in the near future intensify itscampaign to get all levels of Government to recognise the socialutility of recreational walking and to commit to ensuring accessto public land for walkers and investment in walkinginfrastructure for the future. Members of the public can help by

joining their local bushwalking club

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