PO Box 2199

QUEENSLAND Sunnybank Hills

QLD 4109
BUSHWALKERS Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
CLUB Inc. Phone No (07) 3341 7509
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/
Newsletter July 2010

Neglected Mountain Where the Grass is Way up to our Waists?

Club News
Notice Of Annual General Meeting
The Club's Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday the
3rd August 2010. It will immediately follow the usual monthly
Club Meeting which starts at 7:30 pm.
The AGM will be held at the Little Kings Hall, on the corner of
Carl and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda.
The nine management committee positions which will be up for
election are:
President Vice President
Secretary Membership Officer
Treasurer Training Officer
Social Secretary Outings Secretary
Editor
If you would like to nominate yourself or another person for a
position, please fill the Nomination Form on Page 2 of the
Newsletter and send to the Secretary to the postal address of
the Club.
If you wish to vote at the Annual General Meeting you must be a
financial member of the Club and attend the meeting.
The other important positions to be filled but which do not have
a vote on the Management Committee are:
Supper Convenor Equipment Officer
Two Delegates for Bushwalking Queensland Inc.
No nominations are necessary for these positions.
First Aid Course or Update August 2010
Any Club member who is interested in doing a First Aid Course
or updating their CPR instruction please contact Stuart Mackay
on 3890 8196.
Leaders will be reimbursed at least 50% of the cost of a Senior
First Aid Course or CPR Refresher Course or 100% for leaders
who have led 5 walks or more in the previous 12 months.
Membership Now Due
Membership is now due and all members will receive a notice by
email or by postal mail.
Membership is still only $30.00 and is valid to 30/6/2011.
A Membership Form can be downloaded from the Club website
at http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/membership
Members have until the end of August to renew their
membership or risk having their membership cancelled.
If you wish to have the Newsletter posted to you, it will cost an
additional $15.00. Otherwise the Newsletter can be downloaded
for free from the Club website at
http://sites.google.com/site/qldbwc/newsletter
For members receiving the Newsletter by postal mail, this will be
the final Newsletter unless they renew their membership.
K2 Evening Function
Date: Wednesday 21st July 2010
Time: 6.00pm – 8.30pm approx
Venue: K2 Base Camp, 140 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley
Parking: Parking at rear of building in Little St. All parking
(including loading zones) are free after 5.30pm. Further parking
is also available across the railway line in Barry Pde.
K2 who specialise in outdoor adventure and travel gear, has
invited Club members to an evening function for a gear talk and
demonstration which will then be followed by a personalised
service to whomever is interested.
Special offers and discounts also apply on the night.
K2's website is at : www.k2.com.au
Please nominate at the Club meeting or as soon as possible for
catering purposes.
Contact Richard Kolarski on 3341 7509

Page 1 of 6
 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 Pic

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 or email david.r.rae@gmail.com
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.
Abseil Gear (ropes, harnesses, helmets, karabiners etc.)
Morning Mist
Ordinary Members - $5.00 charge for use of the Club rope and
another $5.00 charge for use of harness and accessories . This photo was taken on an exploratory walk up Mt Maroon. If
interested in doing a Wednesday exploratory walk ring Richard
Probationary Members and members of affiliated clubs - $10.00 on 3341 7509.
charge for use of the Club rope and another $10.00 charge for
use of harness and accessories.
Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202 Nomination Form For Committee Position
Back Pack for Hire $5.00 charge
Contact Trevor at 0411 512 202
I wish to nominate ………………………………….
T/W Tent for Hire 2 man, 2.8kg $5.00/week
Contact Dave Haliczer 0432 901 030
Bivy Bags For Sale $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00. For the position of ………………………………….

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. Nominator ………………………………….
Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.
Space Blankets For Sale $2.50 each. Seconder ………………………………….
Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!
Contact Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.

Page 2 of 6
 Special Coming Events
Simpson Desert July 2010
Our trip will be crossing the Simpson desert and it will be approx
3 weeks in length, possibly a little less depending on where we
go.
Our planned trip is to leave Brisbane on the 10th of July and
head for Birdsville, via Innamincka if it is open. Then onto the
Simpson and Dalhousie Springs.
We will then go on the the N.T. and do the East Mac's and West
Mac's with some walking involved. For more information please
contact John and Julie Shera on 0755460381.
If you are interested we will have a meeting beforehand and
explain what is needed. Obviously a good 4x4 with good
reliability. This is a fantastic trip and we do a double crossing for
those interested. Anyone not wishing to cross the desert twice,
can make their way home via the Plenty Highway or further
north. Contact via email is jshera@exemail.com.au
Trek in South West China 2010 August 2010
I have booked a very exciting 2 week camping/homestay trek
starting in Lijiang in Yunnan Province, and a further 4 days
travel on to Chengdu which includes a day walk.
Start date is 15th August and end date in Chengdu in Sichuan
Province is 31st August. There will be pack horse support for the
trek. Also a very experienced mountain guide Aku with an
excellent reliable company called www.shepherdplanet.com
who I have trekked/toured with previously and had a terrific time.
If anyone is interested to join me check out the website, and my
phone number is 5546 8189. Gail Cibilic
Larapinta Trail 13 September – 1 October 2010
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.
For more information contact Murray Haines on his mobile
number 0419 745 616.
Tasmanian Hikes 29 December 2010 to 14 January 2011
I am leading two exciting extended hikes for a group of up to 6
hikers after Christmas. The first hike will be the Precipitous Bluff
Hike following the Moonlight Ridge trail to Pindars Peak and
then on to Precipitous Bluff (affectionately known as PB by
Tasmanians).
This is followed by a descent to New River Lagoon where there
is some wading expected before joining the South Coast Track.
This walk will take place over 10 days to give us time to smell
the roses along the way.
The second walk takes place from Lake St Clair where we will
catch the ferry to the Overland Track and hike up to Pine Valley
Hut. From here we will ascend into the Labyrinth area and camp
up near Lake Helios or in Big Gun Pass. We will then make our
way over Falling Mountain back on to the Overland track.
For both of these walks there is an extra day factored in as a
rest day or a day to wait out bad weather should there be any.
For the last two years the weather has been very mild and
sunny over this time.
If you are interested, please contact me on 0432901030 or
email me at d.a.haliczer@stpeters.qld.edu.au
Dave Haliczer
Page 3 of 6
Pilgrimage 2010
Date 20-22 August 2010
Host Toowoomba Bushwalkers Club
Venue Crows Nest Show Grounds.
Cost $25.00 per adult with an early bird special of
$20 if paid by 8-Aug-2010
Children under 18 - free
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.
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
Training News
The Sky's the Limit
Abseil Training 26 June 2010
An impromptu abseil training morning was conducted on
Saturday, 26 June in preparation for a private walk that Trevor
and Frank were undertaking.
With some work colleagues from Trevor’s work and a young lad
I brought along who was about to go out on an adventure camp,
Trevor, Frank and I put them through the paces of static training
followed by one or two abseils down the Nursery cliffs.
It was good experience for the trainers to practising and hone
their abseiling skills and techniques and our Club visitors also
had a good time building up their confidence on the ropes.
Navigation Training 27 June 2010
On Sunday 27 June, I conducted a navigation training morning
at Daisy Hill Reserve for six people from the club: Bruce, John
H, Maggie, Mary Aileen and Azra – one of our newest members
to the Club.
We started out learning how to use the Siva compass followed
by how to read and take bearings from a map and setting a
compass direction.
We then consolidated the theory with a quick navigation
exercise following a couple of tricky magnetic bearings through
the bushlands of Daisy Hill Reserve.
It was a good day’s training and no one got lost! We wrapped up
the training with a coffee down at the Daisy Hill shops.
Stuart Mackay
 Past Walks
Paddys Peak 1 May 2010
This walk has become one of the favourites of the Club for very
good reasons. It is a relatively easy off track walk going up and
down two rocky ridges which give stunning views of Mt Barney
and Mt Maroon plus the surrounding countryside.
Paddys Peak
Helen has led and written up this walk quite a few times and has
run out of words to describe it. However this walk in its present
form was only finalised by the Club after a series of exploratory
walks.
The initial exploratory walk in the Paddys Peak area was done a
few years ago to search out some waterfalls that were marked
on a topographic map. There was Ken, Dave K. and myself on
that walk and I remember it being hot and a bit of a scunge bash
as we made our way through a couple of small valleys to find
those elusive waterfalls. Though two of the waterfalls were not
spectacular the third definitely was.
It was thought a good idea to incorporate this waterfall with a
walk going up to Paddys Peak. Over the next year or so there
were some more walks to check out an easy route up to Paddys
Peak. Finally the ridge leading up to Paddys Peak from Barney
Creek was tried and it proved an instant success. It was an easy
walk with only a little navigational skill required plus it gave
superb views of Mt Barney.
By combining this ridge and waterfall with another ridge leading
to the waterfall on Paddys Creek the Club was finally able to
offer an excellent off track walk to its members.
Many thanks to Helen for leading the walk and for the pioneers ,
their reward is knowing the walk is giving members a lot of
pleasure in enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Richard
Knapps Peak 2 May 2010
This walk has not been done by the Club for many years due to
difficulty in getting permission to cross private land. However
John Brunott was able to obtain permission as long as we
complied with certain requirements by the landowner.
There were seven of us on the walk though at the beginning it
looked as if it might be only six after there was a mixup with
Aileen. However I am happy to say we finally found Aileen and
we all drove to the start of the walk.
It was a sunny clear day with blue skies and as we walked along
the ridges of the paddocks we had great views south to Mt
Barney and east to Flinders Peak. As we made our way
upwards towards Knapps Peak we had to scramble up a steep
gully in which there was a wedged rock and then along a
razorback ridge. The views were even more stunning as we
climbed up a steep section of the volcanic ridge. The rock
columns making up the ridge were in a jumble but offered
handholds and secure footing.
We had lunch in a small clearing at the top and then descended
down a ridge before entering a creek gully with smooth rock
slabs. We then walked back along some dirt roads back to the
main road.
Page 4 of 6
On the Razor Back of Knapp's Peak
Due to the late start John had set up a car shuttle before the
walk but even the best plans can go astray. The owner of the
car had left her keys in another car. Luckily our super mum Mary
S. came to the rescue by running the 2.4 kilometres to get the
keys thus saving us the walk along the dusty road in the hot sun.
Afternoon tea at Boonah helped us all to unwind.
Many thanks to John for putting on the walk. Richard
Platypus Pool 3 May 2010
It was the Labour Day weekend and I had only three other
people for this walk in Canungra Creek. We met up in the
township of Canungra and then drove up towards O'Reilly's. We
had to do a car shuttle, leaving one car at the Romeo Lahey
Memorial and the other at Kamarun Lookout, which was the
start of our walk.
From the lookout we made our way downhill through the vine
forest until we hit a dry creek bed. It was a series of jumbled
rocks and small waterfall ledges which dropped steeply down to
Canungra Creek. We made our way carefully down and after an
hour reached the creek.
From here we had to rockhop up to Platypus Pool. It was a hot
sunny day and we got to the pool about 11.00am. During our
lunch stop there, Wanda took the opportunity for a swim but did
not stay in long as the water was too cold.
Platypus Pool
We rockhopped several hundred metres from the pool and then
began to ascend another dry creek bed to get back up to the
road. This creek was not as "clean" as our descent and we had
to avoid some lantana, stinging nettle, Gympie trees and a
carpet snake!
After ascending about 250 metres we got to a steep waterfall
which we had to contour round. Then with the GPS showing the
way we were able to head towards the waiting car at the
memorial.
After changing from our sweat drenched clothes we had
afternoon tea at the Alpaca farm. Many thanks to Wanda, Bob
and Richard W for coming along on this walk. Richard K.
Neglected Mountain 16 May 2010
Ten Queensland Bushwalkers Club members and one visitor
met at McDonalds, Beaudesert at 7.00am on what was a clear
and sunny morning with an excellent outlook for a great day's
walk with lots of great views.
We arrived at the farmers gate where it was arranged that
Richard take his car back approximately 1 Km so as to drive the
other car drivers back to their cars once the walk was over.
We scrambled up Neglected Mountain the normal way with
Patricia leading the charge up the slope while Gil & Richard
moved the cars around. By the time we were nearly to the top
we had all met up although we were wondering where Bob &
Wanda had got to. They eventually showed up and the eleven of
us continued up the slope stopping at one point for morning tea
where the view over the valley was breathtaking.
After morning tea we continued up the ridge till we reached the
top where we all trekked along the top of the ridge over a narrow
rocky razor back ridge and eventually reaching long grass where
we thought that that this would make a great photo. After the
photo we went on until we reached the fork of Neglected
Mountain.
We decided to place our packs down in the shade where we
were going to have lunch and walk over to Neglected Mountain.
After lunch we started to navigate our way down the mountain
which was fairly steep and very grassy. After some us sliding
down on our back sides we eventually reached a dirt road. We
followed the road down to a gate where we walked around the
outside of the property fence till we reached Richard's car.
All in all it was an excellent walk with excellent company with
excellent views and I would like to thank Bob, Gail, Richard,
Patricia, Penny, Wanda, Muriel, Ken, Steve and Gerry who all
contributed to a great walk. Gil
Huntley Saddle T/W 22 -23 May 2010
A group of happy walkers met at Aratula at the very civilised
hour of 9 am. After a fairly long drive into the western side of the
Main range, we began our walk through cobblers pegs and
stinking roger.
We had done a recce a few weeks prior and had bashed a bit of
a track through, but those little cobblers pegs still got us. I had a
job of it, keeping up with Mary, who just took off with her big
pack and kept us all on our toes. Some act to follow!
Huntley Saddle
It is a slog up an old logging road and follows a ridge, with a
small scramble at the end. We got there in very good time. It
gave us time to relax enjoy the views and seek out the lookouts.
After setting up the tents and getting settled, we walked up to
the high lookout that had views to the East and took some
snaps.
We then went to the other lookout further up the hill and again
enjoyed the company, and it was a really fantastic afternoon to
do the relaxing and nibbling on cheese and goodies. We had a
lovely time chatting and comparing gear and food items, then
cooking tea under the stars. Not too cold either.
Page 5 of 6
On day two we all packed up and set off for the return trip after a
quick breakfast. As we were doing a circuit, John decided to
walk the old cow track way with two happy followers. The rest of
us decided to go the formal route, as I had done it the cow track
way last year and found it had just about disappeared.
We made our way down and waited and waited and waited. No
sign of the others. The race to get down was well and truly won
by group no.2. It turned out they went too low and had to bash
their way back through raspberry vine. That way is now well and
truly out of the question.
We then crossed the really beautiful rain forest razor back and
across to Swan Knoll, and then followed it down to Lemon tree
Flat to one of the cars.
Norman then drove the drivers of the other cars up the very
rough route to collect them.
We drove out to Yangan, which is now getting very trendy with
the cafe getting an upgrade. We all enjoyed fish and chips,
hamburgers, coffee and other treats and then set off on the long
drive home. Thanks to all that made it a really memorable and
great weekend. Julie Shera
Macleay Island Walk 30 May 2010
After having trouble finding parking anywhere near the ferry,6 of
us headed off to Macleay Island. The weather was perfect. We
found the first sign for the Heritage Trail but after going around
in circles and getting frustrated we decided to do our own thing.
We did get to several of the Heritage points however, as we just
came across some on our walk around the Island.
Macleay Island
We had a lovely buffet lunch of soup and roast for $12.50 at the
Bowls Club. While there we got talking to a local and he said
that he could not follow the trail either. He also told us how to
get back to the ferry via the beach and bush rather than down
the main road.
We would have walked approx. 20 klms. as the Island is 7.5
klms long (15 return) plus all the side trips we did.
It was a nice change from our usual walks and I would like to
thank the 5 people that came with me. Muriel
South West Cape Circuit 6 - 15 January 2010
Another QBW club walk led after having two days break from
walking in Hobart at the Mayfair Motel on Cavell. Whilst in
Hobart Sue and I saw Avatar in 3D. This was a great movie to
see between two excellent walks. Our previous walk in the
Central Highlands from Walls of Jerusalem to Lake St Clair
including the Labyrinth was sadly behind us but I have vowed to
return. Anyway we left Hobart on January 6th from Cambridge
airport in a small plane that could take 7 passengers with their
hiking gear.
The plane ride was beautiful and went between the Western
Portal of the Arthur Ranges and Luckman's Lead on the way to
Melaleuca. All those massive chunks of old growth forest clear
felling just continues incessantly until the plane passes the
Picton Valley.
The ride was smooth and we landed got our fuel supplies and
after an hour or so the pilot took us to Schooner Cove. We had
to get into wet weather gear as Bathurst Harbour was really
rough and the boat planed over a very choppy estuary.
At Schooner Cove we admired the campsite but pushed on with
the assurances from myself that there was a better one coming
and we could have our tents pitched for two nights. After a half
hour ascent in the rain, the sun came out and the sunscreen
went on.
We cleared a low saddle and then picked a path to Hannant
Inlet around the north most creek outlet (on the north side of
this). Not knowing what to expect with the wading, we were
surprised at the low tide and sandy beaches we could follow for
at least 1 km - this was very pleasant walking.
Unfortunately the sand ended at a rocky point and boots were
swapped for our wading shoes. Mostly the wading was ankle
deep but we noticed that the beaches were a little more muddy
the further south we went. The only serious wade was getting
past Hannant Ck but we picked a good route to keep our packs
dry.
There were many black swans to see and we think that all the
nutrient from black swan crap may be the reason for the
strawberry algal type bloom we had to walk through as we
neared the other end of the lagoon. It looked like rhubarb strudel
squishing between the toes and had the consistency of pudding
as well. Some of the party had camp shoes on that kept getting
sucked off by the mud and so took their chances in bare feet
instead without any concerns.
A bearing was made from the east side of the lagoon where we
could see the closest point to sand dunes. There was however
some significant navigating and exploitation of wombat tracks
where we could find them to make our way to these sand dunes.
When we did reach them the way was clear and we passed
some very impressive and ancient aboriginal middens at
Stephens Bay.
Our lovely campsite was reached at the north end of Stephens
bay. Each of us had our own area to camp. Nice when camp
sites offer personal space. Each of us had a view of the beautiful
bay.
The second day was spent leisurely exploring Spain Bay which
is connected to Stephen's Bay by a surprisingly seemingly well
used trail. It was too cool for a swim but we did lie around for a
while until the temptation to climb Going Hill was too much to
resist. Most of us ascended this lovely 213 m hill with stunning
360 degree views. Wombat trails in the button grass plains are
taken advantage of to make the going easier. Next time QBW
comes here Sunset Hill should be explored - does it live up to its
name sake?
Friday 8th January Stephens Bay to Window Pane Bay
After 2 nights in a great site with great views who wants to
leave. I left about an hour before the others to locate a route
through the sand dunes with a minimum of scrub bashing. The
theory that always works in navigation is that multiple groups of
people have done just about every bush walk beforehand so
find out where they went. A taped trail was located joining the
Stephens Bay dune system to the Noyhener Beach system.
Even in this remote area the signs of previous parties are easy
to pick up.
Backtracking to Stephens Bay I met up with Kerry, Mary, Julie
and Greg and we made our way to Noyhener with ease and
then were delighted to have a low tide to make the rocky beach
section interesting. The cairn marking the inland route was
located but the track appeared overgrown.
In hindsight we should have disregarded this issue and pushed
through as the group was led further around the rocks past a
waterfall and tried pushing in to the track from here. Bad move
as the scrub was extremely thick here and it took us more
energy and time to locate the real track than was expected.
We plugged on to the highest point of the day on a hill shaped
like a semi colon on the map about 200m high. There were a
number of steep gullies needing to be crossed on the way but
Page 6 of 6
we loved the gully rainforest on these creeks and the water in
the creeks is about the nicest around as it does not have the
flavour of stagnated swamp water. Button grass plains sourced
creeks all have this flavour which is not as nice as the tea tree
and rainforest sourced creeks coming off steep hillsides etc.
The Walkers at Island Bay
There is a great view of Island Bay on the way down to Window
Pane Bay (pictured) and we decided to use our rest day (next
day) to explore this bay. Camping at Window Pane Bay was
terrific. We were there two nights and had it to ourselves.
Campers tend to gather rubbish off the beaches and make a pile
at these camp sights with the vain hope that some day National
Parks or Fisherman may try to clean them up with revenue
raised from park passes or maybe because the government
actually values these places. Perhaps the West Coast should be
made into marine reserves in places like Island Bay as over
fishing of abalone and lobsters according to locals are over-
fished.
Saturday 9th January
Island Bay was explored but it did take some time locating a
safe route down to the beach as sea cliffs make most descent
points quite difficult. The low tide exploration of rock pools and
exploration of pebbly beaches and sea caves in the quartzite
made the half day trip an interesting and enjoyable experience.
Lunch was enjoyed back at Window Pane Bay with Julie who
explored the southern end of the bay in our absence crossing a
couple of creeks. She had found a big abandoned fishing net at
the end of the beach.
10th Jan Window Pane Bay to Wilson Bight
A gradual ascent was made up on to the South West Cape
Range after a half hour up and down walk over ancient dunes in
the rainforest. There is a lovely track here and the final ascent
begins at a strong flowing creek. Good to see considering the
creeks were as low as we have ever seen them and there had
not been good rain for two weeks. As we gained height the
Arthur Ranges including Federation Peak became visible.
Precipitous Bluff and the Ironbounds were also clear to see.
Previous trips had cloud that obscured these ranges from view.
From the peak at 690m we had lunch and viewed further south
and east a group of hikers the first in three days that passed us.
We caught up with them again at Melaleuca a few days later.
Instead of walking over to Mt Karamu we walked down to Wilson
Bight directly into a lovely campsite with excellent shelter.
Nearby at the next camp site we met up with some members of
the Gold Coast Bushwalking club.
11th Jan - 15th Jan
The final days of this trip were walked along well maintained
trails. There was a friendly quoll at each campsite waiting to
relieve us of our food if it was not guarded. Kerry, Mary and Julie
enjoyed a swim at Ketchem Bay as the warm weather
continued. We camped at lovely sites at Ketchem Bay (within 50
m of a pleasant waterfall) and at New Harbour. Our final day
gave us some rare sightings of Ground Parrots as we made our
way back to Melaleuca for a few days rest and recreation before
flying back to Hobart and then Brisbane. The company of fellow
hikers was excellent and helped make this for me one of the
most enjoyable holidays I have experienced. Thank you for all
who came. Dave Haliczer