PO Box 2199

QUEENSLAND Sunnybank Hills

QLD 4109
BUSHWALKERS Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
CLUB Inc. Phone No 0478 239384
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
Newsletter November 2017

QBW walkers point out where Mt Norman is, Girraween National Park (see report p.3) Photo: Patricia/Sandy

Club News
From the editor This month the newsletter has two writeups of local
Welcome to the November newsletter. walks and a feature on an ascent of Mt Snowdon, the
highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres. For local
As you may have noticed from the decorations in some comparison, this is nearly as high as Mt Cordeaux
shops, Christmas is just around the corner! Details of (1,145m) on the Main Range in SE Queensland, but a
the annual QBW Christmas party are below. They were very different walk experience as you will find.
also forwarded to members by email so if you didn't get
them, please see a committee member. Next month I hope to bring you a write-up on a recent
walking excursion in the NSW Snowy Mountains to
There was yet another rescue of walkers on Mt Barney give the December issue a white Christmas feel.
recently. Reports indicated that the walkers may have The feature photo on page 6 may help set the mood ...
been underprepared for the conditions and may have Enjoy your reading and see you on the trail.
underestimated the difficulty of the walk. It was
welcome news to hear that they were rescued in Michael H
relatively good health. Being an active member of a Walks Planning & BBQ 8 October
bushwalking club won't prevent such emergency A big thankyou to Patricia for hosting the most recent
situations arising, but it will better prepare walkers for walks planning social BBQ meeting. This enabled the
such events. The 'Walkers Guidelines' page on the calendar to be updated with a number of new walks –
QBW website lists key items and behaviours that will see the QBW website for the downloadable calendar.
better equip walkers for a safe and enjoyable walking [Ed: Also a big apology from me for putting the wrong
experience. This responsible approach may appeal to address in the last newsletter – I hope no-one got lost!]
potential new members of our club.

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Christmas Party 2017 Carnarvon Gorge NP 29 Mar – 2 April 2018
Date: 24-26 November (Friday-Sunday) Patricia is planning an excursion to Carnarvon Gorge
National Park for Easter 2018. Camping will be at
Venue: Mt Nimmel Lodge Campground, 271 Austinville Takarakka Bush Resort just outside the park. Site costs
Road, Austinville 4213. (via Mudgeeraba) for 2 adults are: Unpowered $38pn/powered $46pn.
Cost: $20 for one night, $40 for two nights. Book early if you can and mention QBW so that we can
Payment: At the 7th of November club meeting, or by be together. People with large tents who are willing to
bank transfer to: BSB 124057, Account: 20421276. share them are very welcome as this will bring down
the average cost. To discuss or to let Patricia know you
Due date: Friday 10th November have booked please phone her on 0448 526 618.
What to bring: Bedding for the cabin accommodation.
An outdoor chair, cutlery & crockery. Cape to Cape, Margaret River (WA) 18-27 Oct 2018
Dee Mitchell from Gold Coast Bushwalkers is
All your own food for the weekend. organising a walk on the Cape to Cape track and is
Share plate/salad for Saturday dinner. seeking expressions of interest. It is a 10 day trip
Secret Santa (optional): wrapped gift to $10 value with 7 days of walking. Maximum of 9 walkers.
Medium grade. Transport to and from Perth airport
Dress-up theme: Green and Gold
and daily transfers from accommodation to walk
Photo comp: Entries due by 7th November. start. Resort grade shared accommodation each
2017 Photo Competition night and nearly all meals provided. Cost $1,050pp.
Members have only a few more days to get their You need to make your own way to Perth. Dee may
entries in to the 2017 photo competition. Details of how have a DVD of a previous trip to view. If you are
to enter are in the October QBW newsletter. Entries interested, please contact Dee on 0407 716 122 or
are due at the next club meeting on 7th November - just by email at dee4diesel@gmail.com .
hand your USB with labelled photos to Patricia.
First Aid Training 20 Jan 2018 Coming Walks
The club is planning a first aid training day on Saturday Any person wishing to come on a club walk must
20 January 2018 at St Johns Ambulance in Fortitude contact the walk leader first. The leader will organise
Valley. CPR or full First Aid Certificate is available. the meeting place and car pooling and has full
Membership discretion on who can come on the walk. If possible
We welcome Athy Foster as a new member and look provide leaders with plenty of forward notice if you wish
forward to your company on walks and social meets. to nominate for a walk or if you change your plans.
The club currently has 43 members. The annual fee of Nominations close 9:00pm on the Wednesday prior to
$30 is due for 2017/18. Payment can be given or sent a weekend trip or by 9.00pm on the Monday before
to Patricia Kolarski or directly transferred into the club Wednesday trips.
bank account. Payment details are on page 6. More details are available in the club calendar.
Note that you also need to fill out a membership November 2017
renewal form, sign it and either post, email or hand it to
1 Wed Paragulli Crk explore (Green Mts) D/W
Patricia. The club email is qldbwc@yahoo.com. Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
QBW Club By-laws 5 Sun Daves Creek Circuit (Binna Burra) D/W
The club committee has given the club by-laws an Helen McAllister 0419 684 319
overhaul and the updated result is now on the website. 7 Tues Club meeting 7.30pm (Buranda)
Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
11-12 Sat-Sun Charlie Moreland (Kenilworth) B/C
General News Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
Bites and Stings App 15 Wed The Tooth/Flinders Peak (Ipswich) D/W
Bushwalking Australia has alerted us to a free app to Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
assist bushwalkers deal with bites and stings. See the 19 Sun Lower Bellbird Circuit (Binna Burra)D/W
details at: http://www.seqirus.com.au/bites-app. Aileen Elliott 0457 144 012
24-26 Fri-Sun Christmas Party (Mt Nimmel Lodge) B/C
Proposed Walks Lynn Sawtell 0419 686 559
29 Wed Mezzanine Crk explore (Mt Barney) D/W
Australia Day Long Weekend 26-28 Jan 2018 Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
Patricia is planning a base camp at Border Ranges NP December 2017
for the Australia Day long weekend. First preference is
5 Tues Club meeting 7.30pm (Buranda)
at the Treetops Campground. However there are only Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
10 sites there and they are not pre-bookable so if it
6 Wed Keyhole Falls (Koreelah NP) D/W
isn't available, the second preference is Sheepstation Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
Campground.
Please let Patricia know if you are interested on - 10 Sun Wyralong Dam (Beaudesert) KYK
Aileen Elliott 0457 144 012
0448 526 618.

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 Past Walks By the time we returned to camp rain was looking
ominous. Robert’s wife had kindly cooked a chicken
Girraween NP 30 Sept – 2 Oct 2017 casserole so most of us didn’t have to worry about
A group of brave souls - lead expertly by Patricia – cooking a meal. We sat and talked under the cover of
ventured to Girraween National Park for a relaxing Robert’s camp trailer annex but had an early night.
sojourn of camping and bushwalking over the Queen’s We woke to wet tents and quickly packed deciding to
Birthday long weekend. As the National Park was fully stop for breakfast on our journey home. As usual
booked we stayed at Sommerville Park - a private everyone pitched in and we were all packed in no time
camping facility located within a short drive from the and on our way. Breakfast was good in Warwick.
walking tracks. The park had unpowered tent sites for Aileen
$30 a night for 2 people, toilet and shower facilities and
a camp kitchen. Hinze Dam paddle 29 Oct 2018
Most of us arrived by lunch time Saturday and after The Hinze Dam is 70km or a one hour drive south from
setting up the tents we headed off for an afternoons Mt Gravatt along the M1. It is located on the Nerang
walk to the Sphinx and Turtle Rock. As I had never River in the Numinbah Valley behind the Gold Coast
been to Girraween before Sandy took me on a side and is the major water storage for that area. The lake
walk up Castle Rock which has spectacular views of – officially called Advancetown Lake – holds
the surrounding landscape. I was amazed at the stark 310,000megalitres and covers 100 hectares. As such,
contrast between the soft green foliage and mist of the it is quite large enough to offer a fun days paddling.
English landscape I had been walking in only a few A feature is the forest of dead trees along the edges –
weeks earlier and the rich multidimensional textures drowned when the dam height was raised a few years
and colours of the drought stricken Australian native ago – which makes paddling close to shore a bit more
shrubs and trees. Back in camp we settled down for challenging. No doubt it makes for good fish habitat.
happy hour and hoped the threatening rain would hold Sandy, Aileen, Margie and Dave met up at the Western
off for another day or so. boat ramp at 8.15am, just a short distance off the
The next morning we woke to very light rain and Numinbah Valley road. After the boats were launched it
decided that we would go ahead with our walk but was decided to head away from the dam wall, as the
changed our intended route. Patricia had planned a car wind was likely to pick up later and make open water
shuttle walk to Mt Norman but changed it to a circuit paddling more difficult. A spot near the middle of the
walk because of the light rain that had started to fall. lake afforded excellent views of Pages Pinnacle.

Dr Roberts Waterhole
We walked into Dr Roberts Waterhole and past Pages Pinnacle from Hinze Dam
Underground Creek. The rock formations were
stunning and we scrambled up and over small boulders The paddlers were intrigued by two sections of yellow
to reach higher ground. We then took a track which floats that seemed to be blocking the drifting weed
skirted Mt Norman and joined with a 4 wheel drive growth. After about two hours a morning tea break was
road. Patricia took us to visit the remains of a circular called and the paddlers enjoyed a sit in the shade and
stone building that had been built by settlers who tried a cool drink or three. The day was certainly warming up
to farm the area in the early days. It was an impressive but the breeze also began to pick up.
2 storey structure built out of local stone and cement. After a while it was decided to head back towards the
We stopped for lunch and enjoyed the view before launch point. The route went close to shore to check
walking back to the cars. out the dead trees. Back at the boat ramp, the kayaks
What a difference we would find if we did the same were quickly tied on to cars, and the paddlers retreated
walk now as all the wildflowers would be out given the to the slightly cooler surrounds of the Hinze Dam cafe
recent rains. On the way back to the camp ground we for lunch. Overall the verdict was that the lake offers a
stopped at Heavenly Chocolate to sample their wares quite safe and satisfying day paddle with easy access
and I must say they were delicious. The number of and some points of interest. However a slightly longer
birds in the trees surrounding the verandah were a bird drive could open up more interesting options such as
watchers delight. Borumba or Clarrie Hall Dams. Sandy

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Mt Snowdon – July 2017

After spending 3 nights in London Mary and I travelled by train to Bangor in Wales and then caught a bus to
Llanberris in Snowdonia National Park. We then changed to another bus for the journey from Llanberis up the
mountain to Pen y Pass. The journey was stunning with jagged rock faces reaching to the clouds and boulders
laying at the feet of columnar giants. Parts of the mountain range closer to the village had been scarred by mining
companies removing tonnes of slate for industrial purposes. On the way to the Pass we witnessed rock climbers
scaling – what looked to me impossible – tracks up the rock face to high ledges.

The roads are very narrow with just enough room for
cars/buses/trucks to pass with low rock walls on both sides.
The road follows the valley with the steep jagged cliffs of the
surrounding mountains encasing ancient stone walls,
waterfalls tumble to the ground and cottages of indeterminate
age nestle amongst vibrant green trees. Small streams with
crystal clear water tumble rapidly amongst the low growing
grasses in a rush to join larger streams surging to the valley
below while a carpet of wild flowers add to the magnificence of
the landscape. Clouds swirled overhead as a stiff breeze blew
up the valley and over the top of the Pass. At the top we were
met by a stiff wind as we alighted from the bus and walked the
short distance to the YHA.

The interior of the building was modern and Mary and I had a
6 bed dormitory to ourselves – 4 nights for £140. The bed was very comfortable however there was a problem
with the water supply. The toilets didn’t flush and there was no running water except for a cold trickle out of the
hot water tap. We managed to have breakfast and make a cup of tea and thermos for our walk up the mountain.

We left the YHA around 7 am for the walk up Mt Snowdon via the miners track. It took us just on 2.75 hours to
reach the summit. The scenery was similar in some respects to Tasmania and New Zealand – stark jagged cliff
faces, swirly clouds overhead and a number of lakes along the trail. However, the track is mostly manmade and
there are no trees. Course grass and rocky outcrops cover the slopes and wild flowers are sprinkled intermittently
amongst the tussocks as sheep and the odd goat feed from high
vantage points. The track at first is relatively flat and meanders
around a series of lakes. The surface of the track appears to be a
crushed stone substance and is well maintained. We crossed a
number of bridges over waterways between the various lakes and
passed a number of ruins of stone buildings. One was relatively large
and looked similar to an old church. The track then changed to well-
placed rocks - some of which were very large - and must have been
moved into place by machinery.

As we left the lakes the track took us up – very steeply – over a

narrow rocky path to where the Miners Track meets the Pyg Track. All
the while we could see a bump in the distance marking the saddle.
Not far from the saddle were 2 money trees. These were made
of some type of wood and copper coins have been hammered
into them. The view from the saddle was stunning but the wind
made us stop and don our coats before continuing to the
summit which was a short distance away.

As we continued upwards the train taking tourists to the top

passed us. It looks like a spectacular ride for those people who
are unable to make the journey by foot. Once on top we found
a grassy area to sit, have an early lunch and just soak in the
view of the valley below. We were very fortunate to have a day
with high clouds and sunshine. The surrounding walking tracks
were clearly visible from the high vantage point and it was
thought-provoking to mentally explore future possibilities.

It took us just under 2 hours to make our way slowly back to the YHA. On the way we passed a multitude of day
trippers in all manner of dress walking towards the top obviously out enjoying the beautiful summer weather.
The number of dogs of all shapes and size was remarkable, most on leashes and well behaved. We got back to
the YHA around 12.30pm to find the plumbing just about fixed – at least there was water.

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The next day we woke to a very rainy day. We caught a bus to Llanberis and sat on the top level in the front seats
for the trip down the mountain. The view of the mountains as we descended into the valley was impressive.
Waterfalls everywhere with the streams at the base of the cliff line bursting with white foaming water as it rushed
to meet waterways lower down the mountain. Low lying clouds hung over the valley with light misty rain falling on
the windscreen.

When we got into the village we walked along the main street, looked at the shop fronts and browsed in a number
of outdoor shops and a bike shop just to check out their wares.
We then walked down to the lake where an information board
provided details of interesting landmarks. One of these was the
Quarry Hospital which - according to an informative council worker
– is now a museum and is open daily. After he gave us directions
we started to walk around the lake towards the hospital. Mary then
suggested we could do the train ride to the top of Mt Snowdon
which we investigated but due to weather conditions the train was
only going part of the way and still cost £23 each. We decided to
give it a miss, instead catching the Lakeside train for a journey
around the far side of the lake. When the train stopped at a
viewing station we decided to walk back around the lake through
an enchanting forest with views of the village and mountains.

On the way we passed the Quarry Hospital and took time to

visit this beautiful building which was established to provide
care to the sick and injured slate mine workers. The museum
depicts a period hospital with information boards and artefacts
representative of that era. There is a replica hospital ward and
operating theatre. It was interesting to view the equipment
including a mortuary table, stretchers which were
used to transport injured workers and hospital beds which
were very small indicating the workers must have been of a
small stature. It was then time to catch the bus back up the hill.

The next day I caught the bus and went down to Llanberis and
then caught another bus into Carnarvon where I had a look
around the town and wandered past Carnarvon Castle which is
open to the public. I then caught a bus into Bangor where I spent
time walking around the city centre. I visited Bangor Cathedral
which started to be built in c525 with various sections of the church
being burnt by Vikings in 1073, destroyed by King John’s men in
1211, the central tower burnt down in 1309 and other sections
destroyed during the Glyndŵr Revolt in 1402. It is a beautiful
building with stunning stained glass windows.

I also walked down to the seaside, the tide was out but I could see
what I presumed was the Isle of Anglesea. It was then a return bus
to the YHA. The next morning we caught a cab from the YHA down
to Llanberis and started our journey to Glasgow to meet Gerry and
Alison to start the West Highland Way.

Aileen Elliott

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 General Information Club Equipment
QBW Management Committee Compasses Topo Maps
Steripen First Aid Kits
President Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785
Garmin GPS
Vice President Sandy Thomas 0403 821 525
5 GPSs which have a 20 metre contour topo map of the whole
Secretary Lynn Nicol 0405 536 718
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 Lynn Sawtell 0419 686 559
Reciprocal Walks with Other Clubs
Other Voluntary Positions Redlands Bushwalking Club
Equipment Officer Gerry Burton 0408 793 715 Only stipulation is that Redlands club members have priority
Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 0457 990 067 over visitors. Calendar is available at:
http://www.redlandbushwalkers.org.au/static/calendar.html
Librarian Nolene McCay 0488 490 264
Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland (BOSQ)
BWQ Rep Gerry Burton 0408 793 715
BOSQ allows financial members from other bushwalking clubs
BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 0455 879 785 affiliated with Bushwalking Queensland to join in BOSQ
Insurance Hotline 1300 574 980 activities without having to become members of BOSQ or pay
visitor fees. This will be with the agreement of the activity leader.
Meeting Place Members of BOSQ will have priority for nominations.
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at Calendar is available at http://www.bosq.bwq.org.au/
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.
A coin donation is appreciated. Gold Coast Bushwalkers
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
A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member Committee. https://sites.google.com/site/goldcoastbushwalker/
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
signing a membership form, having a proposer sign the form
Feature Pic
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 Ilawong Walk, Guthega, Snowy Mountains, NSW.
Reference: Include your name and what the payment is for –
eg “RSmith member fee”. October 2017 Michael H
Website
Additional information is available on the club website at URL:
https://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/

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