PO Box 2199
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
QBW at the Glasshouse Mountains (see report p.2)
Club News
From the editor
Welcome to the July newsletter.
Thanks to contributors we have several walk writeups.
There is also important information regarding the club
AGM and membership.
It's just sensational walking weather at the moment –
highs in the low to mid-20's mostly sunny and relatively
dry underfoot. More tracks damaged by ex-Tropical
Cyclone Debbie have been repaired. There's no
excuses – look on the calendar for a walk that captures
your imagination (within your limits), sign up, then get
out and do it.
Enjoy your reading and see you on the trail.
Michael H
Paddy Pallin Gear Night
QBW members are invited to attend a gear night at
Paddy Pallin promoted by Redland Bushwalkers Club.
It starts at 5.30pm on Tuesday 18 July. The venue is
108 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley. Please contact
secretary@redlandbushwalkers.org.au if you wish to
attend so they can advise Paddy Pallin on numbers.
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Sunnybank Hills
QLD 4109
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No 0478 239384
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
July 2017
Photo: Michael H
Support your Walk Leaders
We all know that our walk leaders do an excellent job
in preparing for and leading walks for club members.
All members can assist our leaders in their role via
cooperation, good communication and providing
helpful feedback. A little thanks also goes a long way.
We recognise that through circumstance, ability or
preference not everyone will be a walk leader. But
rather than simply accept the walks offered by others,
here's an idea. If there is a walk you would really like to
do, try approaching a leader and suggesting that they
lead it on a date that is suitable. Alternatively, mention
your suggestion to the Outings Officer at a club
meeting and see if it can be added to the calendar.
Meanwhile the club committee would like to extend a
big THANKYOU!! to all walk leaders for your efforts.
Annual General Meeting
The QBW annual general meeting is normally held in
August. However this year quite a few members are
away at that time so the committee has chosen to
postpone the AGM to September. This gives you a little
more time to consider what role you may be able to
take on for the next twelve months. Also note that you Coming Walks
need to have paid your 2017/18 membership fees to
be eligible to vote at the AGM. Proxy votes are also Any person wishing to come on a club walk must
allowable if you are unable to attend the meeting. contact the walk leader first. The leader will organise
the meeting place and car pooling and has full
Membership discretion on who can come on the walk. If possible
Membership fees are due for 2017/18. The annual fee provide leaders with plenty of forward notice if you wish
is still only $30 (that's $2.50 a month!!). Send your to nominate for a walk or to change your plans.
payment to Patricia Kolarski or by direct transfer into Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to
the club bank account. Payment details are on page 6. a weekend trip or by 9.00pm on the Monday before
Note that you also need to fill out a membership Wednesday trips.
renewal form, sign it and either post, email or hand it to
Patricia. The club meeting is a good time to do this. More details are available in the club calendar.
This membership form is also on the club website. July 2017
General News 2 Sun Box Forest circuit (Green Mts) D/W
Pilgrimage 8-10 September Helen McAllister 0419 684 319
YHA Bushies reminds members that Pilgrimage is at 4 Tues Club meeting 7.30pm (Buranda)
Killarney on 8-10 September. Cost is $50. Phone Lynn Robin Laban 0478 239 384
Docchar (0411 811 241) for more information or see: 8 Sat Mt Greville (Aratula) D/W
http://www.yhabrisbanebushwalking.org.au/Publicinfo/ Margie Rae 0431 379 979
Killarney-Downloads.html 12 Wed Mt Goolman exploratory (Ipswich) D/W
Helen McAllister 0419 684 319
Scenic Rim Trail Upgrade Proposal
15 Sat Warrie Circuit (Springbrook) D/W
There is a proposal by a private company to develop Margie Rae 0431 379 979
walking trails, mountain bike trails and eco camps on 16 Sun Boondall to Nudgee Beach (Boondall)SOC
the Scenic Rim Trail. An information session was held Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
at the National Parks Association to discuss this. 18 Tues Bellbird Circuit (Binna Burra) D/W
Watch their website at www.npaq.org.au to monitor Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
news about this issue.
29 Sat Darraboola and Bullant Spurs
Special Wildlife Reserves (Green Mountains) D/W
Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
The State Government recently introduced a Bill to
support the creation of Special Wildlife Reserves. This August 2017
enables privately held land to receive the same level of 1 Tues Greenes Falls / Western Windows
protection as National Parks. The news met with the (Mt Glorious) D/W
support of groups such as the Australian Wildlife Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
Conservancy and Bush Heritage Australia. Contact the 1 Tues Club meeting 7.30pm (Buranda)
editor for more details about the media release. Robin Laban 0478 239 384
National Park Alerts 5 Sat Auracaria Lookout (Binna Burra) D/W
More tracks at Lamington National Park are now open. Ron Owen 3345 3423
If you plan to walk or camp at a National Park, check 13 Sun Wilsons Peak (Boonah) D/W
Patricia Kolarski 0448 526 618
on the following site for the latest access, transport and
conditions: https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/
This web page also has links to the Bureau of Past Walks
Meterology and Queensland Transport for road info. Mt Tibrogargan / Trachyte Circuit 3 June D/W
This walk presented two challenges – the first was the
Proposed Walks logistics of getting everyone to the starting point and
the second was getting to the top of the mountain.
Flinders Ranges 3-9 September 2017 X/T
(Mt Remarkable NP and Wilpena Pound) Chris had planned to travel by train from Brisbane, but
discovered at the station that Qld Rail had closed the
Leader: Neil Douglas Tel: 3875 1090 line that morning to do track maintenance. Another
Varied itinerary with full details in the March newsletter. member of the group took a more scenic route to the
start point than they had planned. These minor hiccups
Lizard Point September or Oct T/W were smoothly dealt with (whatever did we do before
Leader: Michael Hoopmann Mob:0401 527 017 mobile phones??). The group comprising Aileen, Chris,
Looking for people interested in doing a through Mary, Sandy, Helen Y (Sandy's sister joining us as a
walk that includes an overnight camp at Lizard Point. guest) and myself commenced the walk at the
May extend the walk if feasible. expected time and in glorious sunshine.
As we walked up the switchback path on the lower
Girraween Base Camp 30 Sept - 2 Oct slopes of Mt Tibrogargan people shared their thoughts
Leader: Patricia K Mob: 0448 526 618 about the steep climb ahead. These thoughts varied.
Please nominate by 4 Sept to book campsites. May For one it was a return to a climb that they had
stay at private campground depending on availability previously attempted but couldn't complete. For
and do day walks in the area.

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another it was a new but very real challenge given their the rock face again. The return journey seemed much
aversion to exposed heights. Others had successfully quicker than the ascent, though it was still approached
reached the summit several times before, but needed with due care. The summit group and the circuit
to psych themselves up due to that very experience. walkers rejoined at the carpark where we had lunch
My approach was based on my memory of having and shared our respective morning experiences.
done the climb over ten years ago. I remembered that I Everyone felt a special buzz about Helen Y achieving
felt the walk was surprisingly easy and fast, with just a her first ascent of the mountain in our company.
couple of spots requiring a steeper scramble. This
time, it only took a brief look at the first steep pitch for
me to realise just how wrong my memory was!
We deployed a rope to assist with the first scramble.
At this point, each member of the party considered
whether they would continue or not. This decision was
helped by watching the progress of a number of other
climbers who were either starting or completing the
climb. Two of our group made the tough but wise
decision to opt out of the climb, and instead completed
the circuit walk around the mountain.

View of Tibrogargan from Trachyte Circuit

After lunch everyone wanted more walking, so we
completed a 6km anti-clockwise amble around the
Trachyte Circuit. Along the way a lookout on a slight
ridge offered good views of the mountain we had just
recently scaled. A fenced off sizeable hole in the
ground intrigued us at one point.
As can so often happen, we were virtually in sight of
the carpark at the end of the walk when near calamity
struck. Mary slipped on some loose gravel spread
across a flat topped rock and went down like a sack of
spuds. She scraped her arm and lost some blood, but
her ego was bruised more than anything. It was ironic
after the adrenalin filled climb that the most serious
injury was sustained on a flat piece of track. Those with
her showed immediate concern and offered to bandage
the wound and make a stretcher, but she brushed us
away and completed the last 100 metres like the
trooper she is.
Helen Y and Chris on Tibrogargan
The remaining four of us became an effective team to
jointly work our way to the top – Mary fearlessly
scouted for the best route, Chris calmly and patiently
identified hand and foot holds and Helen inspired all of
us with her fierce determination to succeed. My main
input seemed to be watching out for the regular
appearance of other climbers and warning of their
approach and/or impact on our group. The potential for
dislodged rocks was a constant concern as most of the
ascent was on quite steep rock pitches.
It seemed that some of the other climbers were trying
to make the ascent in record time, but we moved at a
steady pace. We paused occasionally to enjoy the
increasingly broad views as we gained altitude (see
page 1 photo). Eventually the rock scrambles eased off
in severity, and we wended through low scrub along
the summit to the clifftop lookouts on the eastern side. QBW at The Lookout Cafe
Mary produced a flask and generously treated us to a We all adjourned to The Lookout cafe nearby where we
hot cup of coffee. It was an unexpected cafe with a enjoyed afternoon tea and celebrated with Helen while
stupendous view. the afternoon sun lit up the Glasshouse Mountains.
After a few obligatory photos we carefully descended Thank you all for your fun and inspiring company.
Michael H

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Wagawn Lookouts Sunday 4 June 2017 D/W
Now this walk was a surprise. The way to Mt Wagawn
is along the graded track system at Binna Burra via the
Aracauria Circuit turn-off, in all about seventeen
kilometres. Many of the old lookouts have grown over
and apparently the National Parks policy is not to cut
back regrowth so the number of places offering
expansive views has diminished over the years.
However, this is where the surprise came in. At the far
end of the walk, Garragoolba Lookout, there is a
fabulous small open area with views north towards
Ships Stern, east to Springbrook and the coast then
south to Mt Warning. Definitely worth the effort if a
track walk is what one is looking for.
QBW at Garragoolba Photo:Patricia K
Our day was slightly cool but that only made the
walking better. We went first to Mt Wagawn itself where
there are no views then to Warumblebah and
Junimbabah Lookouts where views were limited before
reaching the best spot at our turnaround point,
Garragoolba Lookout where we had lunch.
Thanks to those who came on this very pleasant
outing. Patricia
Cressbrook Dam 9-11 June B/C
This outing was a basecamp in partnership with
Redland BWC, for the purpose of camping, walking
and kayaking. Although it extended over three days
and Margie was there all that time, Sandy and I joined
the group only for the Saturday afternoon and evening.
Cressbrook Dam Photo:Michael H
Cressbrook Dam lies in a valley on the eastern edge of
the Great Dividing Range between Crows Nest and
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Esk. The dam is a major water storage facility for the
Toowoomba region. Perseverance Dam, another major
water storage, lies higher up the watershed to the
south west, while Cressbrook creek which drains the
valley ultimately flows into the Brisbane River just north
of Wivenhoe Dam. The facilities are managed by
Toowoomba City Council and feature well maintained
toilets with showers (though the hot water was a bit hit
and miss!), bbq's, tent sites with wood fires, and a boat
launch ramp.
A 6 km walking circuit following fire trails provides
excellent views of the lake and surrounds. We did the
walk in the afternoon sunshine and it was an absolute
delight. We paused numerous times to watch the antics
of kangaroos and the movements of varous birds near
and on the lake. A particular highlight was the
appearance of a koala along the path which quickly
assumed it's normal position up a gum tree and
helpfully paused for photos.
Koala Photo: S Thomas
The only un-natural feature of the walk was the
discovery of four kayakers in a far reach of the lake
(the other half of our camping group). We gave them
some advice about how and where to paddle, then
'raced' them back to the campground.
A cooking fire was soon stoked up which, with plenty of
coals for roasting potatoes, was also useful for keeping
warm. After dinner and conversation, we sadly had to
pack up the car and leave this delightful spot. Although
we met rain as soon as we drove up and out of the
valley and it got heavier all the way back to Brisbane,
we were assured later by the remaining campers that
very little of it reached the campsite.
Thankyou to Redland Bushwalkers for organising the
weekend camp and to Margie and Sandy for your
educational company on the walk.
Michael H
Pages Pinnacle 18 June 2017 D/W
This was a repeat of the walk Mary and I did two years ago.
My part of the walk started from Pine Road on the western side
while Mary’s group did the longer, steeper part from the
Mudgeeraba/Springbrook Road.
Our carpark was almost full. Many walkers were out and about
training for the Kokoda Challenge that uses these firetrails.
Around just about every corner at least one lycra-clad sweaty
body appeared, often times jogging or running. Some we even
saw twice, on their way down and then up again!
After a couple of false starts (lost car keys and forgotten hat) my
group trudged up the muddy track from the carpark. There had
been some rain during the week and a short detour to cross the
creek kept our boots dry.

Wut Photo:Michael H

An hour from the start we reached the turnoff

Success on the Pinnacle
where we were to leave the fire trail and follow
a track to the Pinnacle. Here we met Mary’s
group and had an early morning tea. They had
been delayed because the rain has washed
out a culvert and their carpark was no longer
accessible.
Photo:Michael H

There are two ways to get to the Pinnacle: the

easy lower trail around the base of the cliff (my
way!) or the high razorback route that, of course,
was Mary’s choice.

We met up again before the final narrow access to

the peak ridge. From here it was a short walk to
the end of the escarpment. Good views of Hinze
Dam were offered all along the ridge.

View from the Pinnacle Photo:Michael H

Returning to the fire trail we had an early lunch

before splitting up again and returning the way we
came.
The Hinze Dam restaurant was our choice for coffee
and cake afterwards.
A warm thanks to all who came along on this walk.
The weather was perfect for walking and the
company made it all a very enjoyable day.
Crossing the razorback Photo:Michael H Patricia

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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 0455 879 785 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 affiliated with BWQ.
on his/her first walk after signing the Acknowledgement of Risk This dispensation will be at the discretion of the Management
form. No fee is payable to become a Probationary Member. Committee. https://sites.google.com/site/goldcoastbushwalker/
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: The view from the top Photo: M Hoopmann
https://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

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