PO Box 2199
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
QBW walkers enter the Cooloola Wilderness (see report p.4)
Club News
From the editor
Welcome to the first autumn newsletter for 2017.
As the weather begins to cool a little (?) more walks
are appearing on the club calendar. Check them out in
detail on the website calendar page. Some interstate
walking opportunities are also on the horizon.
Bushwalking Queensland is hosting their annual party
soon to commence the peak Qld bushwalking season.
And our March QBW club meeting is important as we
consider an addition to our constitution. Details inside.
Enjoy your reading and see you on the trail.
Michael H
Walks Planning Day
The walks planning BBQ on 26 February was a raging
success. Margy and Alexis declared the pool a winner
and after sharing good food and wine, some new walks
are on our club calendar. Thank you to attendees.
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Sunnybank Hills
QLD 4109
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No 0478 239384
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
March 2017
Photo: Gerry Burton
QBW General Meeting 7.30pm 7 March 2017
The Queensland Bushwalkers club committee has
resolved to add 'Life Membership' to the constitution.
This decision needs to be ratified by the broader club
membership at a general meeting.
In accordance with the laws governing an incorporated
association regarding a change of rules, a general club
meeting will be held at 7.30pm on 7 March 2017 to
vote on the following resolution:
1. Member categories – a new category of 'Life
Member' be inserted into the Rules of the Club. It is
proposed that the wording should be:
(b) Life (Available only to those individuals who have
rendered conspicuous and meritorious services to the
club; awarded at a General Meeting and then only on
the unanimous recommendation of the Management
Committee.)
All members are encouraged to attend this meeting
to discuss this resolution and vote on it.
Membership Coming Walks
The club currently has 49 paid up members. Annual Any person wishing to come on a club walk must
membership is only $30 (that's only $2.50 a month!!). contact the walk leader first. The leader will organise
Send your payment to Patricia Kolarski or by direct the meeting place and car pooling and has full
transfer into the club bank account. Details on page 6. discretion on who can come on the walk. If possible
provide leaders with plenty of forward notice if you wish
to nominate for a walk or to change your plans.
General News
BWQ Peak Bushwalking Season Party 2 April Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to
Bushwalkers are invited to a party to note the opening a weekend trip or by 9.00pm on the Monday before
of the 2017 Peak Bushwalking Season at 10am on Wednesday trips.
Sunday 2 April. The venue is the Ashgrove Library, 87 More details are available in the club calendar.
Amarina Avenue, Ashgrove. BYO lunch and a plate to
share. Photos and videos will be shown. There is a
March 2017
lucky door prize and a cake cutting at 12 noon. Contact 7 Tues Club meeting 7.30pm
secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.au or see Robin Laban 0478 239 384
www.bushwalkingqueensland.org.au. 11 Sat Cainbabel Falls Circuit (Green Mts) D/W
Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
2017 Romeo Lahey Lecture 7pm 15 March 12 Sun Mt Cordeaux / Bare Rock (Aratula) D/W
Peter Cochrane, who represents Oceania on the Helen McAllister 0419 684 319
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 18 Sat Ships Stern (Binna Burra) D/W
Governing Council, will deliver the 2017 Romeo Lahey Aileen Elliott 0457 144 012
Lecture. The topic is 'Making Conservation Relevant in 19 Sun Daves Creek Circuit (Binna Burra) D/W
a Crowded World'. The venue is the Griffith University Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
Ecocentre. Cost is $10. For info contact NQAP at 25 Sat Twin Falls Circuit (Springbrook) D/W
admin@npaq.org.au or 3367 0878. Robin Laban 0433 268 390

Happy Feet Bushwalk 17-19 March April 2017

BWQ is promoting a Diabetes Queensland initiative to 1 Sat Flinders Peak (Ipswich) D/W
get people outdoors and walking. The event at Green Sandy Thomas 0403 821 525
Mountains includes walks to the Wishing Tree and 4 Tues Club meeting 7.30pm
Glow Worm Gully on Friday night and the Box Forest Robin Laban 0478 239 384
circuit on Saturday. Volunteer leaders may be needed 8 Sat Kholo Gardens BBQ&walk (Ipswich)SOC
to help with newbies. O'Reilly's are providing discount Sandy Thomas 0403 821 525
accommodation / camping for volunteers. Contact 14-17 Fri-Mon Goomburra B/C? To be advised
Gavin at president@bushwalkingqueensland.org.au.
80th Anniversary of Stinson Rescue 18/19 Feb 2017 Proposed Walks
Robin and Marion attended a weekend of events at Flinders Ranges 3-9 September 2017 X/T
Christmas Creek to note the 80th anniversary of the (Mt Remarkable NP and Wilpena Pound)
wreck of the Stinson and the subsequent rescue.
Expressions of interest now open.
Highlights were talks by Relma (Bernard O'Reilly's
Leader: Neil Douglas Tel: 3875 1090
daughter) and Mrs Arthy who is now 100 years old,
who both recalled their memories of the event. Marion Meet: 11:00am 9 September at Adelaide airport
has a family link to the rescue and may share it if you Flights: Please book to arrive by the meeting time on
are interested. the first day and to depart after 14:00 on the last day.
Mountainfilm on Tour 2017 16 March This trip will have the option of doing a daywalk each
The annual Telluride Film Festival showcases films of day, or else one or two throughwalks plus daywalks
adventures in the outdoors from around the world. on the other days. Hopefully it will be drier than the
Portions of these films are condensed into a two hour trip last year! The proposed itinerary is as follows:
film that you can see on 16 March at 7pm at the 3/9: Meet Adelaide, drive to Port Pirie.
Cineplex Cinema, Hawthorne for $31. Book online. 4/9: Daywalk to Hidden Gorge or Mt. Cavern, OR
Discounts may be available. start Mambray Creek to Melrose throughwalk.
5/9: Daywalk to Alligator Gorge or Mt. Remarkable,
Kimberley Insights 7pm 8 March OR finish throughwalk.
At 7.15pm on Wednesday 8 March at the George 6/9: Daywalk to (Mt.) Dutchmans Stern, drive to
Williams Hotel in Brisbane you can hear Mike Cusack Wilpena Pound
talk about his year in the wilderness experience in the 7/9: Daywalk (e.g. Mt Ohlssen Bagge, Bridle Gap, St
Kimberley's 30 years ago. Mike will also talk about how Mary Peak, Bunyeroo Gorge, Brachina Gorge) OR
you can do an Aurora cruise along the Kimberley coast start Cooinda Camp – St Mary Peak throughwalk
in WA. See www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/event for 8/9: Daywalks as above, OR finish throughwalk.
details. It's free but you need to register. Drive to Port Augusta.
9/9: Drive to Adelaide.

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Central Queensland Bushwalkers Camp 29 April
Gladstone District Bushwalkers club invites QBW
members to join them in a combined camp at Miriam
Vale on the May long weekend. Similar to our
Pilgrimage, the event includes a dinner/dance on
Saturday night and opportunities for walking and
talking. Details are available at QBW club meetings.
Past Walks
Staircase Falls via Bull Ant Spur 21 Jan 2016 D/W
Although BOM was predicting rain for the day, I
decided to go ahead with the walk anyway, but with
a Plan B. But once again they were incorrect and we
did not have any drops on the walk.
in on Patricia at the visitors’ centre, before heading
back to the cars.
The remainder of the group continued on, crossing
to the other side of the creek and following it
downstream, along the old graded track, where it
could still be found, but at times walking in the ankle-
deep water. After the initial crossing though, the
rocks were not too slippery, and we reached
Stairway Falls in a bit over an hour and a quarter.

Helen, Aileen, Bob, Sandy, Michael and I met at

Canungra, and I let them know that Plan A was that
if the weather conditions were favourable, we would
go ahead with the walk as planned, but that if it was
raining or the creek too slippery, we would go with
Plan B: down Bull Ant Spur to the creek, then up the
West Canungra to O’Reilly’s, and from there walk
back down the road and the new tracks to the cars.

The starting point for the walk is a bit concealed as

the National Park sign is set back from the road, but
thanks to Patricia’s instructions the previous week,
we found the starting point easily. The walking pad
down Bull Ant Spur is followed all the way nearly to
the creek and as someone had marked the track all
the way with pink tape, we made it there without too
much trouble.
Photo: M Hoopmann
There was a plentiful volume of water cascading
over the falls, where we stopped for lunch, followed
by a refreshing swim in the rock-pool.
We returned the same way, but made it back to
Yerralahla in less time as we found a bit more of the
old track that we had missed initially. This made for
easier walking, and of course we also then knew
where the creek crossings were.

After a brief rest at

Yerralahla again, we
took a few deep
breaths and Michael
led the charge back
up the spur. Along
the way, Mary spotted
an unusual blue
velvety mushroom,
which we were
Photo: G Burton unable to identify
Morning tea was at the Yerralahla (Blue Pool). although Michael
Michael spotted the resident blue-eyed eel and we recalled hearing
spent some time watching it while discussing our about a “Blue
options, and disposing of the many leeches which Meanie” in his
continually attacked us. younger days.
We decided to part Photo: M Hoopmann
ways, agreeing to As we neared the road close to the agreed time of
meet up at 2.00pm at 2pm, we could hear the calls from Sandy and Helen
the cars. Sandy and as we all arrived back with perfect timing.
Helen returned back
via West Canungra It was then back to Canungra for coffee.
track where they had Gerry Burton
Photo: G Burton coffee and dropped

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Harry's Hut Base Camp – Australia Day Long Weekend 2017
This four day camp was the first time QBW made a group booking using our new account on the National Parks
booking system. To Helen's relief, the system worked perfectly. The result was that eleven club members found
they had a large campsite for their (almost) exclusive use immediately adjacent to the river. A useful feature was a
great launch point for kayaks. Early arrivals soon had their tents up and a compound was formed. A few paddlers
got out early to test out their new vessels. Some arrived later in the evening and apparently disturbed the dreams
of others in nearby tents who had retired early to bed.

Next day (Friday) a plan was hatched for some to walk to

Fig Tree Point while others paddled there. The walkers
enjoyed a 7km stroll through palm glades and paper bark
forests (see page 1 photo) till they arrived on the shore of
the everglades at Fig Tree Point. The paddlers caught up
with them there, and it made a pleasant lunch spot. Some
paddlers went a little further and checked out the Kinaba
Information Centre.
Photo: G Burton

Photo: G Burton Photo: G Burton

On the return trip, the paddlers checked out the 'Everglades' section of the river system, while the walkers simply
saw the other side of the trees they'd passed that morning. Everyone convened for 5pm Happy Hour back at the
campsite and watched the last sunlight on the trees on the far bank reflected in the mirror like river.

Photo: M Hoopmann

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On Saturday, everyone made a big effort to be totally packed and ready to head off about 8am on a 7km paddle
to Campsite 3 followed by a 7km walk to the Sandpatch. We had all day to do it so it happened at a leisurely
pace. The atmosphere of the river ensured that we took it easy.

Photo: M Hoopmann

Our relaxed feeling was severely challenged by the heat as we faced the walk to the Sandpatch. The heat
reflecting off the white sand, the heat of the climb up a seemingly endless hill, the heat of the breeze even in the
shade, the heat, the heat … To our enormous credit, we persevered and enjoyed the sights of the Sandpatch,
and returned to an extremely welcome dunk in the river.

Photo: M Hoopmann
Another leisurely paddle back down the river, with an
afternoon breeze brought us to another Happy Hour,
Photo: M Hoopmann part of which was enjoyed in the river. Some used the
last few moments of daylight to check out Harry's Hut.

Next day (Sunday) most began packing up nice and early so that
they could beat the traffic back to Brisbane. Sandy and Michael took
the opposite tack, and enjoyed several hours of an almost deserted
campground to appreciate the bird sounds and the solitude of the bush.
They also met a resident goanna. It is a magic place. As a bonus they got
to meet a couple of park rangers who were very pleased to receive some
positive feedback.

Thank you very much to Helen for your organisation and leadership of an
awesome base camp.

Michael H Photo: M Hoopmann

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 General Information Club Equipment
QBW Management Committee Compasses Topo Maps
Steripen First Aid Kits
President Robin Laban 0478 239 384
The above are available for loan by members at nil cost.
Secretary Marion Laban 0405 536 718
Contact Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067 to obtain these items.
Treasurer Gerry Burton 0408 793 715
Garmin GPS
Outings Officer Helen McAllister 0419 684 319
5 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole
Membership Officer Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618 of Australia included.
Media Officer Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017 PLBs with inbuilt GPS
Training Officer Vacant 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at
Social Secretary Julie Woodyatt 0458 477 332 each club meeting and will need to be returned at the following
club meeting.
Other Voluntary Positions Contact Gerry Burton on 0408 793 715 to book these items.
Equipment Officer Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067
Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067 Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs
Librarian Nolene McCay 0488 490 264 Redlands Bushwalking Club
BWQ Rep Gerry Burton 0408 793 715 Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priority
over visitors. Calendar is available at:
BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 0422 429 717 http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html
Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)
Insurance Hotline 1300 574 980
BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubs
Meeting Place affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQ
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at activities without having to become members of BOSQ or pay
7.30pm. There is no club meeting in January. visitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader.
Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations.
Meetings are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/
and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. YHA Bushwalkers
Tea/coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three
A coin donation is appreciated. walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at:
http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings
Membership
Gold Coast Bushwalkers
Probationary Membership
Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members
A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member financial members of bushwalking clubs which are affiliated with
on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk BWQ. This dispensation will be at the discretion of the
form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member. Management Committee.
A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on
his/her second walk by filling out a membership form and paying
Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc
the membership fee. Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. The
newsletter also contains a full description of the grading system
Ordinary Membership
and a list of Committee members and their contact numbers.
A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au
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. Feature Pic
The proposer may be any current member of the club.
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 QBW
members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers.
Payments
Pay fees or other items direct to the QBW club account at:
BSB: 124-057
Account No: 20421276
Account Name: Queensland Bushwalkers Club
Reference: Include your name and what the payment is for –
eg “RSmith member fee”.
Website
Additional information is available on the club website at URL:
https://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
Storm front – Victorian Alps. Photo: S Thomas
1 January 2017

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