PO Box 2199
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
Mt May with Maroon Dam in the background
Club News
North Stradbroke Island walk and social 13 March 2010
Julie Urquhart led a social walk/cycle on Saturday 13/3/2010.
We had 8 walkers and 4 cyclists for the outing. The cyclists
caught the Stradbroke vehicle ferry with their bikes and the
walkers caught the passenger ferry. The riders ferry left a little
later than the walkers and they rode straight to the Pt Lookout
Hotel where they whiled away a couple of hours waiting for the
walkers.
The walkers got off the bus at the Amity Point turnoff and walked
the 6kms to Amity Point where we bought a drink or an icecream
from the local shop. We then walked along the shore to the Pt
Lookout pub, a further 10kms approx.
The most memorable part of the day was the unrelenting wind. It
was very strong and blew in some rain with it. Most people had
lunch at the pub and/or a well deserved drink; then there was a
mad dash for the bus….which a couple of people missed.
Thank you very much Julie for a great day. Traci
Campsite Monitoring 13 March 2010
The yearly meeting of the campsite monitors was held at the
Daisy Hill QPWS Conference Room on a Saturday morning. It
was chaired by Mark Burnham, Senior Conservation Officer of
the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service.
Nine bushwalkers turned up to the meeting with six of them from
QBW. Our Club is thus well represented in this important activity
assisting QPWS. At the meeting each campsite monitor was
able to give a quick review of their campsite and also ask any
questions. Morning tea was provided and the meeting finished
by lunchtime.
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Sunnybank Hills
QLD 4109
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No (07) 3341 7509
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
April 2010
Additional monitors might be needed to cover existing and
possible future sites in Brisbane Forest Park / D'Aguilar N.P.
Any bushwalkers wishing to become involved in this important
volunteer work, may register their interest to:
secretary@bushwalkingqueensland.org.au or the campsite
monitors coordinator is Robyn Cox at gedwar@tpg.com.au
PLBs
The Club has 5 Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) for use by
Club members. The committee encourages members to take a
PLB on an exploratory walk or a Club walk in a remote area.
PLBs are designed for use when the safety of life is endangered
and you have no other means of communication such as mobile
phone, telephone, or radio.
The PLBs the Club has not only send a distress signal but also a
GPS position when the unit is activated.
The PLBs are brought to each Club meeting and any person
wishing to use one will need to sign for it and return the unit the
following month. A set of instructions is supplied with each PLB
lent out.
Wednesday Exploratory Walks
Every Wednesday there is an exploratory walk to find new walks
for the Club. These walks by their nature are unpredictable and
protective clothing such as gaiters, gloves and long sleeve shirts
are necessary
Any person interested please see Richard at the Club meeting
or call 3341 7509.
 General Information The Management Committee
Meeting Place President Gil Gunthorpe 3272 4366(H)
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at Vice President Noelene McCay 3889 0264(H)
7.30PM. There is no Club meeting in January. Secretary Sue Ward 3844 6389(H)
Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl Treasurer John Hinton 3343 3724 (H)
and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.
Outings Officer John Brunott 3209 9598 (H)
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street.
Membership Officer Frank Garland 3341 5207 (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 Traci Nudl 3890 8196 (H)

Probationary Membership Training Officer Stuart Mackay 3890 8196 (H)

A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member

on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no
Other Voluntary Positions
fee payable to become a Probationary Member. Equipment Officer John Brunott 3209 9598 (H)
However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 3209 8514 (H)
Member on his/her second walk by filling out a Membership BWQ Rep Stuart Mackay 3890 8196 (H)
Form and paying the membership fee.
BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
Ordinary Membership
A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out and Campsite Monitors
signing a Membership Form, having a proposer sign the form
and handing the form with the membership fee to a committee John Brunott Ballows, Paddys Knob
member or walk leader. Kerry de Clauzel Throakban, Barney Gorge and
The proposer may be a friend (who is a member of the Club) of Lower Portals
the applicant, the leader of the walk that the applicant is on, the Ann Kemp Spicers Peak (east & west)
Membership Officer at a Club meeting or if the Membership
Richard Kolarski Running Creek Falls
Officer is not available, one of the committee members.
Barbara Makepeace Rat-a-tat, Spicers/Doubletop saddle
An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be
Rum Jungle
elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has
neither of these rights. John Shera Panorama Point
Members of Another Bushwalking Club John & Julie Shera Mt Superbus & Rabbit Fence Jct
Lower Panorama
Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with
Bushwalking Queensland Inc (or an interstate Federation) and Ken Walters Mt May saddle & Paddy’s Plain
who are covered by the same Insurance do not need to become
a member of our Club to go on our walks. However Club
members will have priority if there is a limit on numbers. Editors Pics

Club Equipment
Compasses Topo Maps GPS's
Emergency Lights First Aid Kits UHF Radios
The above are for free use by members.
Contact David at 3395 1838 david_r_rae@optusnet.com.au
PLBs with inbuilt GPS
The Club has 5 PLBs with inbuilt GPS. The PLBs will be made
available at each Club meeting and will need to be returned at
the following Club meeting. Contact Richard on 3341 7509.
Stephens Banded Snake
Abseil Gear (ropes, harnesses, helmets, karabiners etc)
This Stephens Banded Snake (Hoplocephalus stephensii) was
Ordinary Members - $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and
seen on a recent walk in Brisbane Forest Park.
another $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories .
It is found on the coast and ranges from Gosford New South
Probationary Members and members of affiliated clubs - $10.00
Wales to Southern Queensland and in a variety of habitats from
charge for use of the Club rope and another $10.00 charge for
rainforests and wet or dry sclerophyll forests to rock outcrops.
use of harness and accessories.
Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202 It eats lizards, frogs birds and small mammals and is
predominantly active during night but may occasionally be found
Back Pack for Hire $5.00 charge
basking in sheltered sites during mild weather.
Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202
It bears live young with mating occurring from late Spring to
T/W Tent for Hire 2 man, 2.8kg $5.00/week
early Summer with 3-8 offspring born during February and
Contact Dave Haliczer 0432 901 030
March.
Bivy Bags For Sale $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.
Pugnacious when provoked, this snake will flatten it head and
These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright raise its forebelly into a rigid S-shape and may then strike
orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag. repeatedly. Bites may cause severe symptoms.
Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.
The venom contains procoagulants and neurotoxins. Serious
Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each. illnesses and possibly deaths have been associated with
Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers! envenomation by this species. Tiger snake antivenom is
Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509. recommended for treatment.

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 Draft National Walking Trails Level 3 walk corresponding to Class 3 track

Classification System
Since January 2008 representatives of the State and Territory
land management agencies have overseen the development of
a National Walking Trail Classification project.
Three major studies and nearly 2000 consumer interviews were Total distance of track must not exceed 20km.
commissioned. Based on interviews with walkers and trekkers it
was found that there was a high level of demand for lower level May exceed 1:14 for short sections but generally no steeper
walks and this was taken into account when designing the than 1:10.
classification system. Formed earthen track, few obstacles. Generally a modified
A draft discussion paper on a National Walking Trails surface, sections may be hardened.
Classification System was released for comment late last year Width: variable and less than 1200mm. Kept mostly clear of
and a final paper is to be presented in March 2010. intrusions and obstacles
Bushwalking Qld. received the draft and has agreed with the Track signage & route markers at intersections.
concept and the signage system proposed, with the qualification
Users need no bushwalking experience and a minimum level of
that bushwalking clubs would probably retain their existing
specialized skills.
grading systems, as more detail is generally required for club
walks programs as opposed to what the general public may Users may encounter natural hazards such as steep slopes,
want. unstable surface and minor water crossings.
Both the club systems and the proposed national system could Users are responsible for their own safety.
complement each other, and would enable the public to better
understand a walk based on their own prior experience with the Level 4 walk corresponding to Class 4 track
national signage standards, especially if clubs superimpose the
national classification on their internal grading.
The system will categorise all constructed or marked trails
including off-track but recognised bushwalking routes.
The system differs somewhat from the existing Australian
Standards Track Classification which has six classes and was
Total distance of track may be greater than 20km.
described in the Newsletter last month. The Australian
Standards Track Classification considers design and May have arduous climbs and may include long steep sections
construction standards but does not take into account factors to maximum of 1:8.
such as level of fitness or ability of the user to complete the trail. Generally distinct track without major modification to the ground.
The proposed National Walking Trails Classification System has Encounters with fallen debris and other obstacles are likely.
five levels.
Walkers may encounter natural obstacles (eg tides).
Level 1 walk corresponding to Class 1 track Track Head signage & Route markers may be present..
Users require a moderate level of specialized skills such as
navigation skills.
Users may require maps and navigation equipment to
successfully complete the track. Users need to be self-reliant,
particularly in regard to emergency first aid and possible
weather hazards.
Total distance of track must not exceed 5km.
Bushwalking experience and a high level of fitness
A ramp at 1:14 is the maximum slope/gradient suitable for a
recommended.
person in a wheelchair with a broad, hard surfaced track.
Width: 1200 mm or more. Well maintained with minimal Level 5 walk corresponding to Class 5 & 6 track
intrusions.
Track Head signage & Route markers at intersections.
Users need no previous experience and are expected to
exercise normal care regarding their personal safety.

Level 2 walk corresponding to Class 2 track

Total distance of track must not exceed 10km.
The gradient is generally no steeper than 1:10.
Generally a modified or hardened surface.
Width: 900 mm or more. Well maintained track with minimal
intrusions.
Track Head signage & route markers at intersections.
Users need no previous experience and are expected to
exercise normal care regarding their personal safety.
Suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
Total distance may be more than 20km
May have very arduous climbs
May include long steep sections exceeding 1:8 of unmodified
surfaces.
No modification of the natural environment.
Signage is generally not provided.
Users require previous experience in the outdoors and a high
level of specialized skills such as navigation skills.
Users will generally require a map and navigation equipment to
complete the track.
Users need to be self-reliant, particularly in regard to emergency
first aid and possible weather hazards.
Previous bushwalking and outdoor experience, a high level of
fitness and specialized skills, including navigation and
emergency first aid, required.

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 Special Coming Events
CQ Combined Clubs Campout 1-3 May 2010
Capricornia Bushwalking Club has invited members of other
Queensland clubs to join them on their annual combined camp.
Venue Kooyalee Girl Guides Bush Camp at Mackay
Cost: Camping fees of $5.00/night/person, plus registration fee
of $5.00/person, and a BBQ meal catered for by the Girl Guides
on Sunday night is $12.00 /person. This means, the cost of
camping for 2 nights with the meal on Sunday night, is $27.00
per person. Three nights is $32.00 per person.
RSVP: 21 April. To help with catering of the meal email Darryl at
capbushwalkers@gmail.com
Pilgrimage 2010 20-22 August 2010
This years Pilgrimage is being hosted by the Toowoomba
Bushwalkers Club at the Crows Nest Show Grounds.
The Pilgrimage is an annual bushwalking and social event
attracting members of affiliated clubs from throughout the south-
east corner of the state and sometimes further afield.
It is usually held at a campground venue and on the Saturday
you can join one of many daywalks through the surrounding
areas. A Bush Dance and other social activities are organised
throughout the weekend and it is an ideal time to meet and
renew friendships with fellow bushwalkers. The activity is run on
a non-profit basis.
All attendees must be members of their respective clubs and
therefore insured.
Cost will be $25.00 per adult with an early bird special of $20 (if
paid by 8-Aug-2010).
Children under 18 - free.
Fees will need to be mailed in with the appropriate registration
form.
More information on the website at
http://www.bushwalkingqueensland.org.au/pilgrimage.html
Larapinta Trail 13 September – 1 October 2010
Situated in the heart of Central Australia, the Larapinta Trail
extends over 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West
MacDonnell Ranges.
This long distance walking track is divided into 12 sections, each
a 1-2 day walk. The Trail encompasses some of the key
attractions of the Ranges including Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek
Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. The Trail also links
in with other walking tracks within the West MacDonnell National
Park, allowing side trips to explore more of what the Park has to
offer.
Itinerary
Arrive Monday 13th September 2010 in Alice Springs at 1.30pm.
Tailormade Tours will meet the plane and allow a food and fuel
shop before going that afternoon to Redbank Gorge via 3 food
drops at Emery Creek, Ormiston Gorge and Standley Chasm.
Then walk back the full distance to Alice Springs arriving
Thursday 30th September.
Fly out of Alice on 1st October so it means there are 17 days to
complete the walk rather than the recommended 20 but have
worked out where the 3 days can be made up without any
horrendously long days.
I have booked ground transport for a maximum of 6.
Contact Murray Haines 0419 745 616
New Members
Kate Bealing Norman Johnston
As at 30/03/2010 we have financial members
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Past Walks
Castle Crag 17 January 2010
Seven people met up at O'Reillys on a warm sunny day to do
one of my favourite walk, Castle Crag via the old logging camp
and Lyrebird Lookout.
We started briskly along the well maintained Border Track and
after a couple of kilometres we veered off to follow a faint track
that led us to the old logging camp. Here beside Morans Creek
were signs that there had been buildings plus an old well.
We followed the creek downstream for a short distance until we
came upon the rough track to Lyrebird Lookout. There we
enjoyed morning tea with views out to Mt Worendo, the Lost
World and the Albert River valley.
Following the escarpment we had more views at the Orchid
Grotto Lookout, though it was too early in the year for orchids.
Further on we came to Moonlight Crag Lookout where we could
see Castle Crag before us.
Castle Crag Walk
We had a stop for photos just before Balancing Rock and then it
was time to walk along the razorback that is Castle Crag. We all
made it safely over a tricky rocky bit and went to the very end of
the Crag which has spectacular 270 degree views out to the
north, south and west. It was too hot for lunch just there in the
open so we backtracked to find some shade. Luckily there was a
cool breeze too so that we could rest and have lunch.
We returned to Balancing Rock and followed the road down to
the Wishing Tree. It was then just a short walk uphill back to the
resort. We had afternoon tea at O'Reillys.
Many thanks to Noelene, Neville, Gil, Muriel, Wanda and Aileen
for coming along to share the day. Richard
Upper to Lower Portals 23 January 2010
Thirteen people gathered at Rathdowney at six in the morning
for this walk down Mt Barney Creek between the Upper and
Lower Portals.
However a long car shuttle is necessary as cars have to be left
at the Lower Portals car park and then a drive up to Cleared
Ridge to the start of the walk.
Finally we were all at the start of the walk and we began along a
forestry road. It dropped down to Yamahra Creek and we
followed it along until it joined Mt Barney Creek. Close to here
was the Upper Portals, a barrier in the creek formed by rock and
we had a short rest here on the rocky slabs.
We needed to climb up the bank to get round this obstruction
and then the rock hop began. There was no definite way down
the creek and we broke up into a number of groups, each trying
to find the best way downstream. We had morning tea at the
Barrabool Creek junction and then continued down to the
Barney Creek campsite.
Along the way there were opportunities for swims in the deep
pools and we had a long break just after lunch at a pool named
Captain Nemo's pool.

Upper to Lower Portals
At the pool we saw a variety of waterlife, including some
unusually long worms and a couple of eels.
We reached the Lower Portals round afternoon tea time and
some had a last minute swim here in the large pool.
Back at the cars some drove to Rathdowney while others had to
collect their cars from Cleared Ridge. However the people at
Rathdowney, despite the long wait, were entertained as
Rathdowney was having its Rodeo.
It was a long day with most people not getting home till round
eight o'clock at night. However it is a walk worth doing and many
thanks to John and Julie Shera for putting it on. Richard
Fountain Falls 26 January 2010
Only 4 people put their name down to do this walk on Australia
Day. After meeting up at Ken's place, we drove up in the one car
to the Binna Burra Information Centre. Putting on our packs we
began the three kilometre walk down to Coomera Creek.
We crossed the creek and after finding the old walking trail on
the other side, we made our way up a ridge to the top of the
Darlington Range. At the cliff line we contoured round till we
could scramble up and onto the top and then did the short walk
to Noowongbill Lookout for morning tea.
From here we continued a bit further along the escarpment and
then dropped down into Noringalala Creek and followed it down
to Noringalala Falls where we had a short rest.
We scrambled and slid down the creek below the falls past
some steep sections into East Canungra Creek. Turning
upstream we came to Toombinya Falls and just above it round a
corner was Fountain Falls. It was time for lunch and the cool
water in the pool was ideal for a swim.
Continuing upstream we came to Joonbeelba Falls which we
had to navigate around. Further upstream we began the walk
back up to the Darlington Range along a well defined ridge to
Noowongbill Lookout.
Fountain of Youth
Page 5 of 6
On the way back down to Gwongoorool Pool we did use a rope
at the cliff break for safety. At the pool we saw a couple of eels
swimming around.
The final 3 kilometres up the graded track back to the cars was
an easy stroll though altogether we would have done 900
metres of vertical ascent.
We had brought our own afternoon tea and enjoyed a hot coffee
from a thermos plus munchies at the information centre.
Many thanks to Ken, Maggie and Wanda for coming along.
Richard
Mt May 13 February 2010
Seventeen people met up at Waterfall Road on a beautiful clear
sunny day to do this walk up Mt May.
After a short car shuttle to leave most of the cars at the end
point we set off up the mountain.
It was steep and it was hot and regular stops were a necessity.
The views out to Maroon Dam seemed to reinforce that it might
have been a better idea to go boating! However on a flattish
section up the mountain we had morning tea and soaked in the
view and the perspiration!
Further on after another steep climb over some rocky slabs we
reached the first summit of Mt May. We could see the Ballows
massif and far below us the cars we had left at the end point.
After going down a narrow ridge we were in the saddle of Mt
May between its two peaks. Another steep climb of 80 to 100
metres saw us all on the proper summit of Mt May.
The views were glorious with spectacular views over the dam,
over to Mt Barney and to Mt Maroon.
We had a long lunch here but finally it was time to go. We made
our way slowly and carefully down a steep section of a ridge
line, including an almost vertical down which most people did on
their bottoms.
The ridge line became less steep and finally it flattened out to an
old road. it was now only a short walk back along Waterfall Road
back to the cars.
Surprisingly, though it seemed longer, the walk itself was only
6.5 klms according to the GPS. However we had done about
700 metres vertical on a hot day and it was a relief it was all
over.
Afternoon tea at the Shed coffee shop finished the day off
nicely.
Many thanks to John Brunott for leading this walk. Richard
Hanging Valley 20 February 2010
Hanging Valley is a small valley in Brisbane Forest Park formed
by a creek before it drops down to join Cedar Creek. It has only
been visited by the Club a couple of times previously and I put
this walk on to also go to Mt D'Aguilar, another destination not
often visited.
Seven of us set off briskly on an overcast day which threatened
rain. We walked along old forestry roads with only short stops as
we found the leeches were active.
There was an option to go to the Piper Comanche wreck along
the way but only three decided to do it. It was a thirty minute
diversion involving a 125 metre vertical descent down a ridge
and the three did it quickly to rejoin the group who had gone
ahead to a knoll which had a large rock cairn.
From here there were no more well used tracks and we took a
compass bearing and headed East to get to a small knoll on the
way to Mt D'Aguilar. There were traces here and there of an old
walking trail but it was overgrown and faint.
The next section to Mt D'Aguilar was a difficult one to navigate
as we had to find a small saddle to get on the right route.
Brisbane Forest Park is riddled with small creek gullies and the
maps do not show them accurately. Luckily we found the way
through some thick vine jungle and fallen trees, though I
somehow managed to lose the map on the way!

Hanging in There
After a short rest on Mt D'Aguilar we walked along a ridge line
and then down to the creek which formed Hanging Valley. We
had lunch on some rock slabs near some cascades and then
made our way upstream past several clear pools. We rejoined
the route we had taken to Mt D'Aguilar and it was then back to
the cars.
Many thanks to Patricia, Wanda, Margaret, Helen, John and
Steve for joining me on this walk. Richard
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Angel Falls is the world's highest waterfall, with a height of 979m
and a clear drop of 807m. In total it is 15 times higher than
Niagara Falls and is located in the Canaima National Park in the
south east of Venezuela. The height of the falls is so great that
before getting to the ground, the water is mostly turned into mist
which can be felt a kilometre away.
Angel Falls as seen from an aircraft.
Yes, that is another aircraft in the picture!
Even though Angel Falls is one of Venezuela's top tourist
attractions, getting there is not a simple affair. The falls are
located in an isolated jungle region. A plane flight is required to
reach Canaima Camp, the starting point for a river trip to a
jungle camp near the falls. There is then a walk through
rainforest to actually get to the base of the falls.
It is also possible to do an aerial flyby of the falls from Canaima
camp but is weather dependent. The river trips up to near the
falls generally take place from June to December, when the
rivers are deep enough for the wooden curiaras used by the
Page 6 of 6
Indian guides. During the dry season (December to March) there
is less water but it is also more likely that the falls and
mountains will not be shrouded by cloud.
Seeing Angel Falls was one of the priorities on a trip I did in
Venezuela. On landing at Canaima Camp after a flight from
Ciudad Bolivar we were told that the weather was clear enough
to do a flyby. There was a scramble for the light aircraft on
standby.
Canaima Lagoon
The flight alone was amazing. Flying over the flat-topped
mountains with their rugged gorge scarred surfaces, multiple
waterfalls streaming over their edges with rainbows glistening
and lush tropical rainforest below was unforgettable.
After the flight we spent the the night at Canaima Camp which is
situated near a lagoon with sandy beaches, and is framed by
multiple small waterfalls and flat top mountains in the distance. It
is truly one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited.
The next morning it was a several hour boat trip up the river to
the remote jungle camp. The long wooden boats used had
powerful engines which moved swiftly upstream. When Angel
Falls suddenly appeared round a bend in the river there was a
collective cry of amazement, followed by a flurry of trying to get
cameras out to catch the splendour of the moment. The jungle
camp itself was a simple affair with hammocks for beds.
The Jungle Camp with Hammocks
From the jungle camp it was an hour's walk through rainforest to
get to the base of the falls. The falls up close revealed other
aspects. There were a myriad of smaller cascades at the base
and it was almost impossible to get the whole falls into a single
photo shot.
We spent the night in the jungle camp and though it was the
tropics it was quite cold sleeping in the hammock. Early in the
morning I went out before sunrise and spent some more
moments watching Angel Falls as the first rays of the sun lit up
the falls. It was only one more magical moment to add to all the
others.
The trip back to Canaima Camp by boat was broken up by the
guides letting us off a couple of hours walk from the camp. We
were thus able to walk along the river and soak in the
experience of being in a remote area of the world.
An adventure not to be missed. Richard