PO Box 2199
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
The Junction, Kwiambal NP, NSW
Club News
From the editor
Welcome to the June newsletter.
During the last month six QBW members enjoyed a
very memorable experience on the Cape to Cape track
in Western Australia. Three of them followed that up
with shorter walks on Rottnest Island. We hope to bring
you write-ups on those experiences soon.
In the meantime the walks calendar has been leaner
due to the recent absence of some walk leaders.
Thank you to Peter and Patricia for your steady
contribution. If you want to do a particular walk please
get in touch with Patricia and we'll try to arrange it.
The club calendar has featured a couple of lesser
known destinations. Aileen and Patricia have provided
write-ups on two – Doon's Drop and Augie's Loop. Plus
there is an article on the recent Easter weekend camp.
And finally, our sympathies are very much with John
Brunott with the recent sad loss of his wife Lynn.
Expressions of concern and support from fellow club
members have been greatly appreciated.
Walk early and walk often... Michael H
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Sunnybank Hills
QLD 4109
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No: 0401 527017
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
June 2019
Photo: Michael H
Meetings
The June monthly club meeting is Tuesday 4 June at
7:30pm at Little Kings Hall, Carl St, Buranda.
The annual general meeting at which committee and
office holders are elected is normally in August, but this
year will be in September, in conjunction with the
regular monthly meeting.
Membership
The club currently has 58 members.
Membership is on an annual basis and comes due on
the 1st of July each year. Currently the annual fee is
$30 which must be paid before the annual general
meeting to remain a voting member. Please send your
payment to Helen or by direct transfer into the club
bank account. Payment details are on page 6.
The same membership form is used whether you are a
new member signing up or a current member wishing
to renew – it is on the club website. Please complete
the form, sign it and either post, email a scanned copy
or hand it to Helen at a club meeting or on a walk.
The club email is qldbwc@yahoo.com.
 In Memoriam
We were deeply saddened on Sunday 26 May to hear
that John Brunott's wife Lynn died suddenly while they
were holidaying at Wooli in NSW. While John is
seeking privacy at this difficult time, he has appreciated
the messages of sympathy from club members that
have been passed on to him.
Lynn was not able to walk with us but she was quite
supportive of John's interest in walking. A number of
times we enjoyed catching up with her at the RV after
John had gone up and down a mountain.
In accordance with Lynn's wishes, there is no plan for a
funeral service. Her ashes will be scattered by the
family privately at some future time. John expects to
attend the Bigriggen weekend event in mid-June and
that is an opportunity for members to meet with him.
Messages of sympathy and support may be posted to
John Brunott c/- Elements Retirement Living, 224
Dennis Road, Springwood, 4127.
General News
Pilgrimage request for Walk Leaders
BWQ is inviting each member club in S.E Qld. to
lead one or more walks for this year's Pilgrimage to
be held on 27-30 September at Camp Laurence,
Moogerah Dam. This will be the 50th Pilgrimage, so
BWQ is making this a cooperative event to celebrate
our shared bushwalking heritage.
It is intended to have walks on both the Saturday
and Sunday. Walk leaders should be able to lead a
walk one day and enjoy a walk led by another club
on the other day. If clubs repeat their walk they could
arrange co-leaders as backup. BWQ has had offers
to lead walks to Mts. Greville, Edwards and
Bangalore. The more popular destinations can be
held on both days if need be. Walks should be
graded from easy to medium difficulty and not too
distant from camp. Aim to be back by 3pm.
Please email BWQ if your club would like to
participate in the Pilgrimage 2019 Walks Program.
In addition to walk leaders from the clubs, BWQ
would like volunteers to assist with the soup, supper
and tea and coffee serveries. Email BWQ at:
secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.au .
BWQ expects the Pilgrimage 2019 website will be
up soon, with more details of this year's event.
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Shepherds Walk 20 July
Once again the Beaudesert Historical Society
extends invitations to their Bushwalk and Sausage
Sizzle. Cost is $25 and registration is due 17 July.
Go to the website for further details at:
www.beaudesertmuseum.org.au
QORF Critical Incident Workshops
QORF is hosting Critical Incident Management
Workshops in conjunction with Outdoor Educators
Association of Queensland. The focus is on risk
management pertaining to outdoor activities.
The workshops will be held in Brisbane in July and
September. The workshops cost $440 for QORF
non-members and $82.50 for members.
If interested ask a QBW committee member and
we’ll forward an email with details to you.
FIDO Weeding Trip on K'Gari (Fraser Island)
The next FIDO Weeding Trip will leave Brisbane by
4WD early on Sunday 9th June, picking up along the
way, and return on Saturday 15th June. This trip has
room for 6 volunteers, though more can be
accommodated if a volunteer has and brings his/her
private 4WD. FIDO can arrange for the ferry fee to
be paid if volunteers bring a private 4WD.
FIDO has been running these trips to tackle weeds
on K’gari (Fraser Island) since 2005. This trip will be
led by Peter Shooter. Since this work receives no
funding, FIDO charge $300 to cover all travel
including ferry costs, food for the week and limited
“happy hour” provisions. A concessional refund of
$100 is available on application to eligible
participants. Accommodation is in a comfortable
holiday home at Happy Valley.
FIDO asks volunteers to do a minimum of 20 hours
voluntary work. In the downtime the group explores
the outstanding features of this magnificent World
Heritage island. Participants invariably find these
trips to be very pleasant social occasions, while
contributing to the protection of the island.
To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/hv-
0619-weeding-blitz-happy-valley-tickets-
62451546256
For information email weeding@fido.org.au
Lamington National Park
The rangers at Lamington would like any reports of
fixed ropes that clubs come across in Lamington NP.
All such fixed lines are unauthorised.
Also if clubs find any specimens of Devils Fig in the
park, please advise the rangers of their location. For
species identification see:
https://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/giant-
devils-fig Send emails to: Wil.Buch@des.qld.gov.au .
The Green Mountains campground will be temporarily
closed from May to the end of 2019. This is to allow
work on the Green Mountains Camping Area
Ecotourism Revitalisation Project. The day use area Costs (please bring enough cash- FMR members
will remain open during this period. For more info see: get a $20 discount off these prices) :
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/tourism/ecotourism/green- Instruction and camping fees for two nights (Friday
mountains/ . and Saturday nights) $70.
FMR Training Instruction and camping fee for one night (Saturday
nights) $60.
Search and Rescue Instruction (no camping) $50.
If you or someone you know is reported overdue on
a walk into the bush, you’d like to believe fellow Participants must be insured for abseiling, such as
bushwalkers are going to come out and assist in the through membership of FMR, a BWQ-affiliated club
search. The police will call on regular bushwalkers to or Brisbane Bushwalkers. You will benefit more if
apply their local knowledge of the terrain in the area you brush up on your knots, and are abseiling safely
and use their skills in the bush to help. FMR and confidently. Bring your helmet, harness and
coordinate the callout of the south-east Queensland hardware (ropes will be provided). Your camping
bushwalking fraternity and liaise with emergency gear and food for the time you are there.
services during the search.
Lynn Docchar (0411811241)
FMR will be running their annual Search and Treasurer FMR Qld
Rescue training weekend to maintain capability and
train new volunteers. Skill sessions on Saturday will
be followed by a realistic exercise on Sunday. We Coming Walks
will also practice dealing with a crisis if one occurs Any person wishing to come on a club walk must
on our own bushwalks. This weekend was contact the walk leader first. The leader will organise
scheduled on 1-2 June but has been postponed and the meeting place and car pooling and has full
the new dates will be advised soon. discretion on who can come on the walk. If possible
Thanks to the support of Pointro at Lake Maroon, provide leaders with plenty of forward notice if you wish
members of BWQ-affiliated clubs and BBW can to nominate for a walk or if you change your plans.
attend this training for only $20 per person, which Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to
includes bunkroom accommodation and cooking a weekend trip or by 9.00pm on the Monday before
facilities in the Pointro House. There are many roles Wednesday trips.
to fill in these search and rescue operations so you More details are available in the club calendar.
don’t have to be capable of going off track in the
bush. From manning a radio to stretcher-bearing, June 2019
whether you become a base support person or are 1 Sat Roma St Parklands to Southbank D/W
happy to go out as a group to search along a track Peter Pendle
or water course, a role can be found and everyone 4 Tues Club meeting (Buranda) 7.30pm
will have something to offer. Please contact a QBW Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017
committee member to forward details to you. 8 Sat Mt Greville (Aratula) D/W
Helen McAllister
Vertical Rescue 8-9 Sat-Sun Jimna Basecamp – various walks B/C
Richard Kolarski
Self-rescue is the art of using the gear you normally
have on your abseil to get yourself or your team out 15-16 Sat/Sun Biggriggen (Rathdowney) D/W
Sandy Thomas
of a situation that would otherwise leave you
stranded (or worse). Improvising on the fly could end 19 Wed Flinders Peak Caves (Ipswich) D/W
Richard Kolarski
badly. How long has it been since you prusicked?
Abseiled past a knot? Freed another abseiler with a 22-23 Sat-Sun Point Pure (Glenrock) T/W
Richard Kolarski
jammed descender? Escaped the belay? Hoisted a
second using half the effort of a direct haul? Could 23 Sun Mt Blaine & Sandy Crk (Ipswich) D/W
Patricia Kolarski
you abseil down and pluck a casualty off a cliff? Are
29 Sat Baxter Lookout & Falls (Mapleton) D/W
your methods still best practice? Patricia Kolarski
30 Sun Walks Planning breakfast (Daisy Hill) D/W
Well known climber and trainer, Phil Box, will again Patricia Kolarski
be conducting this popular weekend for climbers and
29-30 Sat-Sun Glenrock Basecamp – various walks B/C
abseilers. Take advantage of Phil’s encyclopaedic Richard Kolarski
knowledge, commitment to safety and impressive
abseiling platform overlooking Murphy’s Creek. July 2019
2 Tues Club meeting (Buranda) 7.30pm
Join FMR on the weekend of 6th and 7th July. Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017
Sunday is usually supervised practice at Red Cliffs 6 Sat Bellbird & Caves Ccts (Binna Burra)D/W
or nearby. Peter Pendle
Camping at Murphy’s Creek Escape, 356 Thomas 7 Sun Flinders Peak (Ipswich) D/W
Rd, Upper Lockyer. Aileen Elliot

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 Past Walks
Augies Loop Walk 28 April D/W
This walk came to my attention after I volunteered
with the National Parks and Wildlife Departments
Lantana Clearing project and was given a map of
the Southern section of the D’Aguilar National Park.
The walk starts at Bullockys Dam on South
Boundary Road, approximately 500 metres past
Jolly’s Lookout when travelling from Walkabout
Creek. We parked in a small gravel area beside the
dam and were greeted by red tail cockatoos and a
Sacred Kingfisher in a tree overlooking the water.
The walk is about 16 km in length and follows fire
trails through the National Park. The trail starts on
South Boundary Road, passes through an iron gate
and intersects with the walking track from Jolly’s
Lookout to Boombana Picnic area. It then continues
for a few kilometres before branching off to the right
onto Augies Road and continues for 4 km to
intersect with Creek Road. The walking is relatively
easy going with undulating terrain.
What struck me during this walk were the bird calls
emanating from the surrounding forest. The canopy
of trees provided good shade for the time of year but
it is not a walk to do in the height of summer.
Plenty of energy left Photo: Ralph
We stopped at the intersection for morning tea
before commencing a long downhill to the creek.
The track notes warn to be careful crossing the
creek but the road crossing was dry. The most
difficult part of this walk is the long 2 km walk up the
steep hill to the intersection with Gold Creek
Boundary Break which led us back to South
Boundary Road where we turned left and continued
on to Scrub Road bush camp. This was a great spot
for lunch with a picnic table and seating under cover.
After lunch we continued walking along South
Boundary Road passing Augies Road now on our
left and retraced our steps to Bullockys Dam. We
adjourned to a café at Mt Nebo for a well-deserved
coffee and cake before heading home.
A big thanks to Noelene, Helen, Lynne and Ralph for
your excellent company. Aileen
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Doon’s Drop via Mapleton D/W Saturday 25/5/19
Doon’s Drop is the name of the old forestry road that
forms a shortcut for walkers on the Sunshine Coast
Great Walk. It is steep, eroded, and mainly of loose
rock. The safest way to travel along it is to head
uphill, which we did.
Our walk started at the Great Walk entrance that
leads to Gheerulla Falls along Delicia Road. Plenty
of water was coming over the falls and the several
creek crossings were quite high and required careful
balancing across slippery, wet rocks. We managed
this with just one injury to John’s finger.
From the Falls turnoff we soon met up with the Great
Walk track heading downhill from Ubajee campsite.
We followed Ubajee Creek downstream, stopping for
morning tea just before our turnoff onto Doon’s Drop.
A rock hop Photo: Aileen
This shortcut doesn’t show much sign of recent use
but is still easy to navigate. Some of our eight
walkers needed quite a few stops to rest on the
uphill trudge, especially me! There are patches of
fairly gentle uphill but far too many bits of really
steep, loose gravel.
However, all things come to an end and we finally
reached the top and once again joined the Great
Walk, this time heading back towards the cars.
A short stop at the Gheerulla Lookout for views north
to the valley east of Kenilworth and then heads
down for the gradual up and down five kilometres
back to where we started.
This 16km walk took us exactly six hours. Luckily,
the cafe in Mapleton was still open ten minutes after
closing time and the owner kindly offered to let us in.
The coffee was great and I can highly recommend
the Dutch Ginger slice. I am planning another walk
in the area, shorter this time, to again enjoy the fare
at this cafe.
A warm thank-you to Aileen, Arif, Ghislaine, Jim,
John E, Julie and Noelene for sharing this enjoyable
experience.
Patricia
Easter Long Weekend at Kwiambal NP – Part 1

Patricia organised a QBW base camp at

Kwiambal National Park in northern NSW over
the Easter long weekend. 9 happy campers
made their way out there eventually. It was a
long drive out past Texas but it was worth it.
Most of us arrived earlier on the Thursday to
beat the rush, though the large Lemon Tree Flat
campground easily catered for everyone.
Recent rain had put a tinge of green on the
surrounds, which was a relief after the very dry
conditions we passed through west of Warwick.
The rain also meant that the fire ban was lifted,
so we were able to enjoy evenings around a
campfire. We had pleasant sunny weather while
we were there, though we heard reports that the
east coast was receiving heavy rain.

The main formed track in the park is the 7km

'The Junction Loop' which follows the Severn The limes of Lemon Tree Flat Photo: Michael H
River from Lemon Tree Flat to it's junction with the McIntyre River. On Friday six of us set out along this track. It
initially hugs the river, then there is a climb up the hill where it levels out again. The reason becomes clear quite
quickly as the river enters an extremely rocky gorge. A couple of places along the track offer excellent views up
and down this gorge. There is a large balancing granite boulder near the path to marvel at (see pg6).

An undulating walk leads to a lookout where the

gorge narrows – an area known as The
Dungeon. It has steep rock wall sides and many
large boulders in the base of the stream. The
lookout is about half way to The Junction and a
side track offers an alternative loop return to the
campground.

We were having way too much fun to return at

this stage so we continued on. The path leads
over a couple of long rock slabs and after a
steepish downhill, we were at The Junction.
A sandy beach area with clear flowing water
was too much of a temptation so several of us
jumped in for a cooling dip. A leisurely morning
tea (at a picnic table!) under a shady tree
followed and then we faced the return walk.
There is a choice of doing the walk as a loop
The Severn River Photo: Michael H but that involves following a vehicle track along
the ridge top through dry open woodland. We agreed that the scenery was much more interesting nearer the
gorge so we retraced our steps. We were back at Lemon Tree Flat about 4 hours after we started the walk.

A day earlier Dave had discovered that two of the trees that
probably give the campground it's name are not lemon trees
but limes. One of them was positively loaded with fruit. So
after our walk we put this to the test by slicing up a lime and
popping it in our beers. It worked a treat! Very refreshing.
Later in the afternoon we did a 'warm down' walk for a few
hundred metres along the rock slabs upstream where we
looked for 'spa baths' and heart shaped pools. We may have
found one. As the sun dipped below the horizon the
temperature dropped rapidly so we retreated back to the
campfire and a warming dinner. There was a slightly anxious
wait but eventually all the remaining QBW campers arrived
and we settled for the night, keen to resume our adventures
in the morning.
On the rocky slabs Photo: Michael H
Thank you Patricia for organising this great outing!
Michael H

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 General Information Club Equipment
QBW Management Committee Compasses Topo Maps
Garmin GPS First Aid Kits
President Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017
Vice President Lynn Sawtell 0419 686 559
5 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole
Secretary Lynn Nicol 0400 705 041
of Australia included.
Treasurer Aileen Elliott 0457 144 012
PLBs with inbuilt GPS
Outings Officer Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made available at
Membership Officer Helen McAllister 0419 684 319 each club meeting and will need to be returned at the following
Media Officer Michael Hoopmann 0401 527 017 club meeting.
Training Officer Vacant Contact Gerry Burton on 0408 793 715 to book these items.
Social Secretary Sandy Thomas 0403 821 525
Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs
Other Voluntary Positions
Equipment Officer Gerry Burton 0408 793 715 Redland Bushwalkers Club
Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067 The only stipulation is that Redland club members have priority
Librarian Noelene McCay 0407 658 023 over visitors. Calendar is available at:
http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html
BWQ Rep Gerry Burton 0408 793 715
BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)
Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three
Insurance Hotline 1300 574 980 walks per calendar year. This will be with the agreement of the
Meeting Place activity leader. Members of BOSQ have priority for nominations.
Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at
7.30pm. There is no club meeting in January. YHA Bushwalkers
Meetings are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl Members of other BWQ affiliated clubs can join up to three
and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St. walks per calendar year. Calendar is available at:
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. http://sites.google.com/site/yhabushies/outings
Tea/coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. Gold Coast Bushwalkers
A coin donation is appreciated.
Gold Coast Bushwalkers may admit as honorary members
Membership financial members of bushwalking clubs affiliated with BWQ.
Probationary Membership This dispensation will be at the discretion of the Management
Committee. https://sites.google.com/site/goldcoastbushwalker/
A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member
on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk Ipswich Bushwalkers Inc
form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member. Intending walkers must contact the leader in advance. The
A Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Member on newsletter also contains a full description of the grading system
his/her second walk by filling out a membership form and paying and a list of Committee members and their contact numbers.
the membership fee. Calendar available at www.ipswichbushwalkers.bwq.org.au
Ordinary Membership
A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and Feature Pic
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 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
Morning exercises at Kwiambal
Additional information is available on the club website at URL: Photo: Michael H
https://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

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