74 Kallista Rd.
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
Christmas at Camp Constable
Club News
Christmas Party 2007
Wow what a weekend. Our venue this year was Camp
Constable at Mt Glorious.
There were 22 people on Friday – the slides that evening of
Africa, Norfolk Island and New Zealand were fantastic.
On Saturday morning we had two walks lined up – “Mountain
Meander” with Muriel and Gil and a more strenuous walk with
Richard to Piper Comanche via Love Creek. Both walks were
well attended. A couple of people who stayed behind had a
sedate coffee walk.
After the walks the afternoon was spent relaxing, catching up
with mates and enjoying the “snacks”.
More of our troops turned up – we now had 33 for dinner. Prior
to dinner there was time to check out the photographs in the
competition and draw the lucky door prizes.
The evening was a huge success –lots of chatter around the
BBQ and the delicious spread of food brought by club members
went down a treat. I need some recipes folks!!
Time for a quiz or two. Competition was friendly, sometimes
fierce and lots of fun.
Photo competition results were announced and the winners
were:
Nature Category – Gail Cibilic “Sea Mists over Sealers”
Pictorial Category – David Rae “A Beautiful Day”
Club Character Category – June Greenaway “Knees Up”
Member’s Choice – Gail Cibilic “Sea Mists over Sealers”
The photographs were of excellent quality. Our judge provided
very good comments and feedback for the entrants.
Gail Cibilic received a daypack kindly donated by Globe Trekker
Adventure Gear, Albert Street, Brisbane as her prize. Other
prizes were $25.00 vouchers for camping stores.
A short break to dress up and what a surprise – Morticia
Addams; Spiderman; Annie Oakley; a fairy; Maria from Sound of
Music just to name a few, came to visit. Lots of laughter and fun.
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Rochedale South
QLD 4123
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No (07) 3341 7509
www.geocities.com/qldbwc
February 2008
Dessert anyone – of course. The choices were tempting and
delicious.
On Sunday after breakfast another quick quiz or two and then it
was time to clean up and head home. Thanks to all who chipped
in and helped with the clean up.
Special thanks to Linda for helping with the organisation; Muriel,
Gil & Richard for leading walks; Evelyn for assisting with the
photo competition; Leon & Bob the BBQ gurus; Muriel for
providing “Name that Christmas song” questions; and Gil for
taking on the role of Chief Warden.
Very special thanks to John Brunott for providing the excellent
steak and snags – John delivered our supply under difficult
circumstances – hope your ankle is mending. Danuta
New Venue
QBW meetings are now held at the Little King's Hall on the
corner of Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry via Carl St.
Check a directory as there are one-way streets nearby.
Little King's Hall is situated near the Princess Alexandra
Hospital, between Ipswich Road and the South East Freeway.
The Buranda Railway Station is nearby.
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street. Members
are requested not to park under cover near the door but to leave
it free for Club volunteers such as the Supper Convenor in case
of rain.
Tassie Mania
During the holiday season quite a few of our members headed
south to Tasmania.
John M. has just returned from doing the Overland Track.
Frank B. and Barbara M. did several walks in the southwest of
Tasmania.
Richard and Patricia K. did several days walking in Pine Valley
and Maria Island.
David, Margie, Gail, Julie and Noelene are doing several walks
in the Tasman Peninsula and Maria Island.
Anne K. and John L. were also heard to be going to do some
walks there.
 General Information The Management Committee
Meeting Place President Helen McAllister 3844 8464 (H)
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at Vice President Gary Woodward 3245 2695 (H)
7.30PM. There is no Club meeting in January. Secretary Sandra Thomas 3711 4134 (H)
Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl Treasurer Chris Breitenbach 3870 1948 (H)
and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.
Outings Officer David Rae 3395 1838 (H)
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street.
Membership Officer John Hinton 3343 3724 (H)
Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A
coin donation would be appreciated. Editor Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Membership Social Secretary Linda Hellmuth 3899 5017 (H)

Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must be a Member Training Officer John Brunott 3209 6568 (H)
(Probationary or Ordinary) or be a member of an affiliated club.
Membership fee is $30.00 and lasts till the end of the Club’s Other Voluntary Positions
financial year which is on the 30th of June each year. Equipment Officer Trevor Davern 0411 512 202
Probationary Membership Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 3209 8514 (H)
A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member BWQ Rep Ken Walters 3344 1927 (H)
on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
fee payable to become a Probationary Member.
However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary
Campsite Monitors
Member on his/her 2nd walk by filling out a membership form and
paying the membership fee. Barbara Makepeace Ratatat Hut
Mt Barney, Rum Jungle, Old Hut Site
Ordinary Membership (& satellites) and East Peak
A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out a Spicer’s/Double Top saddle
membership form and handing the form to a committee member Kerry de Clauzel Throakban, Barney Gorge and
or walk leader and paying the membership fee. Lower Portals
An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be Richard Kolarski Running Creek Falls
elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has
neither of these rights. Ann Kemp Spicers Peak
Members of Another Bushwalking Club John Brunott Ballows
Members of another bushwalking club affiliated with the
Queensland Federation of Bushwalking Clubs or another State Editors Pic
Federation are covered by the same Insurance as QBW. It is not
necessary for them to become a member of our Club to go on
our walks.

Equipment for Free Use By Members

Compasses EPIRBs GPS's Topo Maps

Emergency Sunmap
First Aid Kits UHF Radios
Lights CD’s

Contact David at 3395 1838 or david_r_rae@optusnet.com.au

Equipment for Hire

Abseil Gear Back Pack

Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202

There is a $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and another
$5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories.
There is a $5.00 charge for hire of the back pack.

Equipment for Sale

Bivy Bags $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.
Club Polo Shirts $20.00 each Morticia Addams
S size left only.
The Christmas Party had a dress theme to come along as a
Space Blankets $2.50 each. movie character.
Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!
Patricia K. won the best dressed in this sleek black outfit, long
Ring Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509. flowing hair and red fingernails

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 Coming Events Bushwalking Australia Report
Larapinta Trail 19 July 2008 – 3 August 2008 A face-to-face meeting of Bushwalking Australia Inc. (BWA)
delegates was held in Sydney over the weekend of 24/25th
Two weeks of walking the 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail. This
November 2007. Total attendance was 15, with each state being
walking track runs from Alice Springs west to Mount Sonder
represented. A very high standard of professionalism, with well-
along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. It visits
researched presentations, proactive participation and co-
the major tourist features like Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm
operation among delegates resulted in a highly productive and
and Ormiston Gorge as well as many other features along the
enlightening event.
range.
This was generally considered to be a landmark meeting of
The Trail takes in a variety of desert habitats as it meanders
BWA, an opportunity to determine the future of the organisation
through sheltered gorges and climbs steeply over rugged
with emphasis on what needs to be done for club bushwalking in
ranges with numerous stunning views of the spectacular
Australia, beyond acting simply to coordinate our insurance
landscape.
requirements. Happily, the consensus was that we do need to
Contact Mary Sherlock Ph No 3209 8514 for more information. refocus and initiate some serious planning at a national level for
Hinchinbrook Is, Thorsborne Trail T/W 19-26 July 2008 the future benefit of bushwalking. Approximately 50 issues were
identified for either immediate or future attention. These were
5 days walking South to North along the Thorsborne Trail. short listed to form the BWA Action Plan for the next 12 months.
For more information contact Patricia at the Club Meeting or BWA Action Plan, for immediate attention.
Phone 3341 7509.
· Insurance (Existing function) -- Some fine tuning of
Camino de Santiago May 2009 payment arrangements to enhance financial reporting. Payment
I'm organising a trip to France and Spain - one week of day of premiums will in future be processed through BWA accounts
walks in the Pyrenees (medium difficulty only), and the last instead of direct to our Insurance Broker.
week's walk on the Camino de Santiago in Spain finishing in · Policies and Guidelines – Developing policies,
Santiago de Compostela. guidelines and charters to raise the profile of bushwalking clubs,
Anyone interested contact Patricia – details above. provide guidance for members, promote standardisation of duty
of care obligations, lifting the credibility of clubs, and promoting
member education and understanding.
Walk Leaders For 2007 · Profile -- To lift the profile of BWA and club
For the year 2007 there were 23 Leaders and 112 walks. The bushwalking through research, creating a press/profile kit,
Club would like to thank those members who have given their supporting a dynamic website, having presence at conferences,
time to lead walks. Without them this Club would not be able to and acting as a political lobbyist.
exist. · Website (Work in progress)- - To promote BWA,
Name No of Walks Led in 2007 bushwalking clubs and allied outdoor activities in Australia, to
become a one-stop portal for all Australian bushwalking clubs
1 Richard Kolarski 17 and the general public, with relevant links. An on-line forum for
2 Patricia Kolarski 11 bushwalkers to be investigated.
3 Danuta Gur 10
4 John Brunott 9 · Risk Management -- To develop national guidelines on
5 David Rae 8 risk management for bushwalking clubs. To determine the scope
6 David Haliczer 7 and develop guidelines appropriate to clubs, to enable a realistic
6 David Kenrick 7 level of protection to ensure viability of club operations. To
8 Helen McAllister 6 promote adoption of guidelines to circumvent external policies
8 Ken Walters 6 being imposed on clubs.
10 Maria Lanari 5 Risk Management, Insurance and Adventure Activity Standards.
11 Kerry de Clauzel 4 These issues are interlinked, and may present a real or
11 Noelene McCay 4 imagined threat to the day-to-day operation of many clubs. Two
13 Trevor Davern 3 points were made clear – that having risk management
13 Bob Gur 3 procedures in place is not a condition of cover for organisations
13 Steve Pritchett 3 taking out insurance, and that AAS are actually just guidelines,
16 Gil Gunthorpe 2 not standards. However, it is a Condition of our Liability Policy
17 Lynn Nicol 1 that we must take all reasonable precautions to prevent Injury
17 Margie Rae 1 and Damage, and given time, it is possible that there may be
17 Stuart Mackay 1 legal implications unless bushwalking clubs develop their own
17 Anne Kemp 1 guidelines. BWA has agreed on a risk management model to be
17 Dean Workman 1 developed and presented to State federations in due course.
17 Frank Garland 1 A Common Walk Grading System was suggested by Qld. as a
17 John Hinton 1 practical way to unify the club bushwalking scene in Australia. It
could offer opportunities for inter-club, interstate and even
international walk bookings through the website, simplifying the
For Sale enquiry process, and offering portability of bushwalkers’
Macpac Nautilus tent $280.00 experience to meet host club visitor requirements.
2 person, 2.6kg, double vestibule The AGM was held as part of the proceedings, and the following
Ring Linda 3899 5017 office bearers were elected:
President: Ian McDonald (WA), Secretary: Hecate Jay (WA),
New Members Treasurer: Tom Cowlishaw (Qld), Insurance Officer: Howard
Tooth (NSW), Auditor: no nominations, vacant position.
Pamela Morrison Francisca Bourgonje
Feedback on this Report is welcomed from clubs and
Chantelle Polzin Justin Polzin individuals. Please email any comments to:
Nigel Kernick jemarshall@optusnet.com.au
As at 29/1/2008 we have 100 financial members John Marshall ( BWA Profile Development convenor ) and
Secretary for Bushwalking Queensland Inc.

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 Past Walks We retraced our footsteps (all but one) back to Jolly’s. Here we
decided that it would be nice just to take in the views and watch
Coomera Falls via Mystery Track 7 October 2007 the currawongs, magpies and lorikeets for a while.
Unfortunately only three people signed up for this walk which is An enjoyable stroll. Thanks to our co-walkers for a lovely
a shame as it is one of the best walks an experienced walker morning. Bob & Danuta
can do in Lamington National Park.
Running Creek via Stretcher Track 13 October 2007
Running Creek Falls is about 100 metres high and is one of the
most spectacular falls in Lamington National Park. Situated at
the southern end of the park it takes a full day to visit these falls.
Our exploratory walk to visit the falls was via the stretcher track.
Cars were left 2km up Gap Ck Rd which starts opposite Stinson
Park. Storms from the previous two days left the skyline looking
fresh and a cool south easterly breeze made our assent to the
saddle a very enjoyable one.

Coomera Falls
Dave Rae, Trevor Davern and myself set off from Binna Burra
on a cloudy but fine day. From the Border Track we turned into
the Coomera Track and then turned again into the unmarked
Mystery Track. This track leads down to Coomera Creek but is
steep, slippery and has some exposed areas to negotiate.
The effort though is well worth while as it passes several
waterfalls along the way, including one with a large pool. On one
section we used a rope just as a safety measure as the
handholds over an exposed area were almost non-existent.
After about an hour we arrived at Coomera Creek where we had
a short break.
Following the creek upstream, we appreciated the beauty of this
rainforest stream as the walls of the gorge began to tower over
us. Thin veils of waterfalls fell down into the creek from the
escarpment on either side while in the creek itself there were
several small waterfalls.
After an hour we turned a corner in the gorge and Coomera
Falls was finally revealed. We relaxed in the sun on the rocks
surrounding the pool at the base of the falls and took in the
view. After having our fill we retraced our steps.
The walk up and out of the gorge was a bit of a struggle as it
was in the heat of the day. We were relieved when we finally
reached the Coomera Circuit track where we had a rest in the
shade. From there we made quick time to Binna Burra.
We can report that the afternoon tea at the Binna Burra shop
was excellent with quick service and a great view.
Many thanks to Dave and Trevor for coming along. Don't miss it
next time! Richard
View from the saddle looking down Running Ck
with Mt Lindesay in the distance.
The objective on the stretcher track was to find a ridge line down
to England Ck and then we would traverse over to the top of the
falls. After reaching our turn off point on the track with the help
of Gills trusty GPS the undergrowth was too impenetrable for us
to proceed. We proceed along the track for another 2 kms but
no obvious route could be found.
At midday we decided to turn around, have lunch and take a
leisurely stroll back to the cars. David Rae
Lower Portals Walk 14 October 2007
Four members met up at Beaudesert and drove to Cleared
Ridge to do the Upper Portals Circuit. However when we arrived
there was a sign stating the track was closed due to fire. We
could see smoke rising from the hills surrounding the Upper
Portals so after some discussion and perusing the map we
decided to drive to Drynan's Hut and walk up Paddy's Peak.
However this had to be changed again when on the dirt road to
Drynan's Hut we found a large tree had fallen and cut the road
off. Some more discussion ensued and we drove the short
distance to the Lower Portals to do a small circuit climbing some
small knolls close to Tom's Tum.

Brisbane Forest Park, Jolly’s/Boombana Tracks – 13

October 2007
We certainly picked a great day for a walk. Sunny but cool.
Our meeting place - Jolly’s Lookout carpark.
Our group (approx. 16) wandered down the road and walked
around the Egernia Circuit, which is approximately 1.5 km. A
pleasant starter. We then turned off onto the Thylogale Track
meandering through open eucalypt forest.
It was pleasant to listen to the bird life and just take it in. At
Boombana picnic area we stopped and had a break.
We continued down the Pitta circuit and checked out the
boardwalk which is built around a huge strangling fig –
incredible. There is a small side track off the boardwalk and this
leads to the Boombana Café, a mere 10-15 minute walk.
Morning tea anyone? We picked the right moment – crowd had
just left; great service, huge slices of cake and a welcome rest. On a Knoll

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We walked down the track leading to the Lower Portals and
turned off a few hundred metres before actually reaching the
Lower Portals. We followed a ridge uphill and we were able to
follow faint tracks to a small knoll. This gave us views towards
the Upper Portals and we could see the smoke from the fires
had increased from earlier that morning. We scrambled to
another knoll and climbed the large rock for more views and
then had lunch in its shade.
We returned partly along another ridge but it was so overgrown
that we crossed the gully and finished the descent via the same
ridge we had ascended. After reaching the cars we drove to
Rathdowney for afternoon tea.
Many thanks to Muriel, Gail and Gil for coming on this walk. It
wasn't the walk intended but we were able to find a walk that we
all enjoyed. Richard
Running Creek Falls 21 October 2007
This walk was to do the campsite monitoring at the Running
Creek campsite and also to get to the spectacular Running
Creek Falls if there was sufficient time.
We left early from Brisbane as this was a long walk involving a 5
kilometre walk across cow paddocks and then another 5
kilometre walk along Running Creek through rain forest.
Running Creek Falls
There were only three of us but as it turned out this was an
advantage as our small group was able to make good time.
We parked the car at the end of Running Creek Rd and began
the walk through the cow paddocks. Luckily it was overcast and
we had some shade from the sun while walking through the
open fields.
On reaching the creek crossing we stopped and had morning
tea sitting on the rocks in the middle of the stream. The next
section through rain forest was all in shade but the track was in
parts obscured by fallen trees. There was one section where two
of us got stung by Stinging Trees as we looked for the track.
On reaching the campsite it took only a few minutes to check it
out and do the monitoring. It is only a small campsite where the
usual limit is 2 tents and four people.
It was another 800 metres upstream to the falls and we did it
within half an hour. The falls were majestic with a good flow. We
had our lunch while admiring the view.
It was a quick walk back to the cars, an advantage of a small
group. We stopped at Beaudesert on the way home for
afternoon tea. Many thanks to Anne and Michael for their help in
the monitoring. Richard
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Back Creek Abseil 17 November 2007
This was another good days outing. With the threat of heavy
weather we all rendezvoused at Canungra for coffee. From
there we moved on to the start point near Beechmont. The
weather cleared and the day was perfect for our activities.
Our group was made up of 10 characters, 7 from QBW and 3
from the Gold Coast Club.
Surprisingly the water levels were lower than previously
experienced and we managed to proceed through all sections
without getting wet at all. The interaction between the two clubs
provides a platform for future co-operation with specialised
outings.
Back to Back Creek
For abseiling buffs, I am able to report on observations of the
only abseiling novice in the group in relation to technique.
Whilst none of the abseiling was technically difficult, the
individual sites were not straightforward and required dexterity
and good balance. Everybody also carried packs (of varying
weight loads).
The novice ultimately experimented with different braking
systems until one was found to best accommodate the overall
circumstances involved in the abseiling. He first tried the auto-
block, below the descending device. He was not entirely
comfortable with this and he moved on to the traditional prusik
knot, above the descender. He was not comfortable with the
knot or the set length of the cord used. He then moved on to the
klemheist knot (above the descender) which proved to be the
most successful. He completed the remainder of the drops with
this braking system.
Prusik Knot Klemheist Knot
It appeared that the klemheist was the best option because:
1. It is simple to attach and detach;
2. As with the auto-block, it releases and slides up or
down the rope more easily than the standard prusik;
3. Additional wraps can be made around the abseiling
rope to get the length between brake and body just right;
4. By having the braking system above the descender, it
was easier to control general balance and stability with the
added pack load attached to the body.
It is also good to see the other varied techniques used by the
more experienced abseilers to deal with different situations and
different environments.
Hopefully outings like this will promote further abseiling related
activities throughout the bushwalking fraternity.
Trevor D.
Cape To Cape Walk September 2007
The Cape to Cape walk is situated on the south west corner of
Western Australia taking in the Margaret River region.
The Cape to Cape walk can only be describe as breathtaking.
The change in scenery, the colours, the rock formations, the
sandy beaches with the beautiful Indian Ocean beside you all
the way.
Muriel and I commenced the walk from Gracetown as I had
previously, several years ago, walked from Cape Naturaliste to
Gracetown. Gracetown is a sleepy little town just north of
Margaret River. We planned to complete the 88Km walk to Cape
Leewin in six days.

Blow Holes at Cosy Corner

Day six was our final day with a 16Km walk which started with
an 8Km walk along the beach towards Cape Leewin where we
encountered the beautiful coast line with the golden sand and
the light blue Indian Ocean. Our first glimpse of the lighthouse in
the distance made us realise that we had almost completed the
walk. As we got closer to the light house the limestone cliff
formations at Quarry Bay were a picture postcard. Eventually we
reached the lighthouse and looked back to where we had come
from and knew we had achieved what we set out to do.

Start of the Walk at Gracetown

By the end of the first day we set up camp at Ellensbrook
Campsite which is a Cape to Cape campsite consisting of a
water tank and toilet. The highlight of day one was Ellensbrook
House which is one of the only remaining pioneer houses in the
area.
Day two was a 14Km walk to Prevelly which seemed to be more
like a 28Km walk as it was pouring rain and driving wind. This
part of the walk mainly entailed walking along roads to avoid
crossing Margaret River which at the time was flowing fairly
rapidly and it was to risky to cross the river. That night we
stayed in a cabin to dry out from the drenching we received.
Day three was a beautiful morning and we set off to cover 16Km
to Contos Campsite which is a National Parks campsite. This Footprints in the Sand
section of the walk started off inland where the track lead us
over rolling sand dunes covered with shrub vegetation. We would recommend this walk with all its of variations, such as
beaches, forests, rolling sand dunes, cliff walking, rock hopping
This section of the walk could only be described as a across limestone formations and track walking along fire trails
photographers delight as the wild flowers were absolutely and the Cape to Cape track to all our fellow bushwalkers. Gil
breathtaking around Bobs Hollow. We spent some time admiring
the number of different varieties of wild flowers.
We pushed on over the cliff lines and eventually found ourselves Creature Feature
on the beach where we walked several kilometers along the
beach then back up onto the sand dunes that lead into Contos
Campsite. Contos Campsite is a large campsite and when we
arrived there were several school groups camping.
Day four saw us with a 23Km walk to Hamelin Bay where we
had planned to stay that night. The walk from Contos to Hamelin
Bay took in a 6Km walk along the beach on soft coarse sand.
Before we reached the beach the walk took us through a
Peppermint Tree Forest and along a fire trail known as Davies
Road.
This day we also had some driving rain for part of the walk that
led to the separation of Muriel and me for some ¾ hour but
eventually reuniting for a joyful 6Km walk along the beach not
letting each other out of sight for the remainder of the walk.
Day five started off extremely windy at Hamelin Bay and for the
next kilometer we battled the wind until the track lead us back
inland behind the sand dunes for a short time until we got to Land Mullet
Cosy Corner where the walk changed dramatically and we were This Land Mullet (Egernia Major) was seen basking in the sun
walking over limestone rocks that contained blow holes and the just off the Coomera Track.
beautiful Indian Ocean was right beside us. The rock formation
were rugged and outstanding. Native to Australia, it is the largest of the skink family of lizards
and can grow to a length of 50 cm.
The walk then went up over Cape Hamelin and down onto the
beach for about a kilometer where we finally found Deepdene The name comes from the smooth, shiny, black fish-like scales
Campsite which is a Cape to Cape campsite. that cover the body.

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