74 Kallista Rd.
QUEENSLAND
BUSHWALKERS
CLUB Inc.
Newsletter
Full Steam Ahead on Shipstern
Club News
Cheque to Kalbar Community
On the 30 of March the president of QBW, Helen McAllister,
th
presented a cheque for $1,000 to the Kalbar Community.
This was in appreciation of all the help given by the Kalbar
community in the organisation of Pilgrimage 2007. During every
step of preparation they were helpful beyond all expectations.
They allowed the use of the showground's hall during the
months of preparation and donated the use of a marquee and a
loud speaker system during the event.
Another example was when the amenities block broke down
prior to the event. The Show committee ensured that it was
repaired in time, even though it involved considerable expense.
QBW would like again to thank all the people of Kalbar for their
generosity and helpfulness.
EPIRBs
The Club owns five EPIRBs of the older type which will become
obsolete in February 2009. The Club is looking at purchasing
the newer, better but more expensive digital 406 MHz EPIRBs.
John Hinton will be looking at the costs of the new EPIRBs and
possibly a satellite phone. One option may be to apply for a
grant through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Whistles
The Club has a number of whistles to give away for free and any
member who does not have one will be given one at a Club
meeting. Leaders may take extra whistles with them and hand
them to any participant on a walk who does not have one.
Advise on how and when to use the whistle is inside this
Newsletter.
New Equipment Officer
John Brunott is now the Equipment Officer. For the use of any
Club abseil gear please contact John at 3209 9598.
Page 1 of 6
Rochedale South
QLD 4123
Email qldbwc@yahoo.com
Phone No (07) 3341 7509
www.geocities.com/qldbwc
May 2008
Wine and Cheese Night 18 April 2008
About twenty people gathered at John Brunott's home for a wine
and cheese get-together. There was a wide variety of wines and
cheeses to choose from plus many other types of finger food.
The wood fire in the backyard put a bushwalking theme on the
event and was appreciated even though there was a light
sprinkle of rain during the event.
Dave Kenrick, the Club's wine authority, had three special wines
for us all to savour. The votes were evenly split about which one
was the better as they were all good.
Many thanks to John and Lynn Brunott for their hospitality.
Draft Risk And Safety Management System Handbook
BWQ has engaged a professional Risk and Safety Management
consultant to draw up a handbook for possible adoption by
BWQ. The consultant is a bushwalker and a member of a BWQ
affiliated club, and has compiled the handbook free of charge.
This handbook is based on the Australian standard, and is
adapted for bushwalking club operations. At present it is for
consideration and comment by affiliated clubs.
It is at the moment incomplete in that further advice on matters
such as legislation covering activities involving children plus
Workplace Health and Safety provisions as they may apply to
certain club activities needs to be sought. There are also a few
obvious typographical errors in this first draft.
The handbook is simply a set of guidelines that BWQ will be
able to offer to clubs to assist if required in formulation of their
own Risk and Safety Management plans. There will be no
compulsion to adopt any of the guidelines.
Any comments, suggestions or queries may be directed to the
Secretary of BWQ, by email to qfbwc@yahoo.com.au or by post
to Bushwalking Qld. Inc. GPO Box 1573 Brisbane 4001.
A copy of the draft handbook can be downloaded from
http://www.geocities.com/qfbwc/index.html
 General Information The Management Committee
Meeting Place President Helen McAllister 3844 8464 (H)
Club meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month starting at Vice President Gary Woodward 3245 2695 (H)
7.30PM. There is no Club meeting in January. Secretary Sandra Thomas 3711 4134 (H)
Meeting are held at the Little King's Hall on the corner of Carl Treasurer Chris Breitenbach 3870 1948 (H)
and O'Keefe Streets, Buranda. Entry is via the gate on Carl St.
Outings Officer David Rae 3395 1838 (H)
There is parking within the grounds and in Carl Street.
Membership Officer John Hinton 3343 3724 (H)
Tea/Coffee and cake/biscuits are provided after the meeting. A
coin donation would be appreciated. Editor Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)

Membership Social Secretary Linda Hellmuth 3899 5017 (H)

Before a visitor can go on a walk, he/she must be a Member Training Officer John Brunott 3209 9598 (H)
(Probationary or Ordinary) or be a member of an affiliated club.
Membership fee is $30.00 and lasts till the end of the Club’s Other Voluntary Positions
financial year which is on the 30th of June each year. Equipment Officer John Brunott 3209 9598 (H)
Probationary Membership Supper Convenor Mary Sherlock 3209 8514 (H)
A non-member automatically becomes a Probationary Member BWQ Rep Ken Walters 3344 1927 (H)
on his/her first walk after signing the waiver form. There is no BWQ Rep Richard Kolarski 3341 7509 (H)
fee payable to become a Probationary Member.
However a Probationary Member must become an Ordinary
Campsite Monitors
Member on his/her 2nd walk by filling out a membership form and
paying the membership fee. Barbara Makepeace Ratatat Hut
Mt Barney, Rum Jungle, Old Hut Site
Ordinary Membership (& satellites) and East Peak
A person may become an Ordinary Member by filling out a Spicer’s/Double Top saddle
membership form and handing the form to a committee member Kerry de Clauzel Throakban, Barney Gorge and
or walk leader and paying the membership fee. Lower Portals
An Ordinary Member has the right to vote at an AGM or be Richard Kolarski Running Creek Falls
elected to a committee position. A Probationary Member has
neither of these rights. Ann Kemp Spicers Peak
Members of Another Bushwalking Club John Brunott Ballows
Members of another bushwalking club which is affiliated with
Bushwalking Queensland Inc or an interstate Federation are Editors Pics
covered by the same Insurance as QBW. It is not necessary for
them to become a member of our Club to go on our walks.
However they have no rights of an Ordinary Member.

Equipment for Free Use By Members

Compasses EPIRBs GPS's Topo Maps

Emergency Sunmap
First Aid Kits UHF Radios
Lights CD’s

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

Equipment for Hire Presentation of the Cheque to the Kalbar Community

Abseil Gear Back Pack

Contact John at 3209 9598 (H)

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

Equipment for Sale

Bivy Bags $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00
These bivy bags are 2 metres by 0.9 metres and are bright
orange in colour. Use as a pack liner or emergency bivy bag.
Wine and Cheese Night
Club Polo Shirts $20.00 each
S size left only.
Space Blankets $2.50 each. New Members
Light weight and take up no room at all. A must for all walkers!
Bruce Stephens Helen Stephens
Ring Patricia Kolarski on 3341 7509.
As at 29/04/2008 we have 108 financial members

Page 2 of 6
 Coming Special Events
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk 7-9 June 2008
3 days walking the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
during the Queen's Birthday long weekend. Numbers are very
limited. There will be transport available to the beginning and
end of the walk.
For more information contact Richard on 3341 7509.
Walk Leaders BBQ 14 June 2008
A BBQ for walk leaders will be held at Richard's place at 12.00
midday on Saturday 14th of June.
This is an opportunity for all members who are leaders or who
are thinking of becoming a leader to come along and share
knowledge and information.
Ring 3341 7509 for more information.
Larapinta Trail 5 - 27 July 2008
Three weeks of walking the 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail. This
walking track runs from Alice Springs west to Mount Sonder
along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. It visits
the major tourist features like Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm
and Ormiston Gorge as well as many other features along the
range.
Numbers are limited on this trip so get in soon. Contact Mary
Sherlock Ph No 3209 8514 for more information.
Pilgrimage 2008 22-24 August 2008
Gold Coast Bushwalkers Club Inc. have confirmed the date for
this year's Pilgrimage.
The venue is Mt. Nimmel Lodge, on the Mudgeeraba -Austinville
Road. Accommodation options are a large area for tents,
(limited) non-powered campervan and caravan sites, cabins with
bunk beds and mattresses.
Activities will include walks, bike rides, canoeing, and a bush
dance in the Mt. Nimmel Hall.
Comings and Goings
Hey Bob's at Ayers Rock
Bob G. is settling down well in his new job at Ayers Rock.
Unfortunately we will also be losing Danuta G. as she prepares
to join him there.
However we do not need to lose contact with them completely
as Bob's new email address is rob.gur@ayers.voyages.com.au
So send him your favourite joke or the latest goss. He will be
glad to hear from you. We wish them well.
(PS The dome in the centre is Ayers Rock.)
Gerry L is off to do a 9 day walk along the Kokoda Track in May.
He has been seen carrying a full throughpack on day walks to
help to get fit.
June G has returned from a bus trip in Western Australia.
Page 3 of 6
Whistle Protocol
Unfortunately there have been a couple of instances where a
member has become separated from the main group while on a
walk. The QBW committee have drawn up this protocol so that
all members know how to use a whistle.
All members should have a whistle with them while on a walk.
The whistle should be easily available, eg strung around the
neck or on the outside of the pack, and the protocol for using it
known.
If on a walk you find yourself separated from the main group and
you are unsure which way to go and where the main group is,
the first thing to do is stop. If you are on the right track, the main
group will easily find you, while if you are on the wrong track,
continuing along it will separate you further.
The next thing to do is to attract the attention of the main group
and to let them know you are separated. The traditional
bushwalking method is to call out “Hey Bob” in a loud voice. This
has been developed specifically for bushwalkers. A “Cooee” is
not done as it could be confused with other people who are not
part of the bushwalking group and are calling out in fun, and not
in any distress.
If several “Hey Bob's” do not attract the attention of the main
group, it is time to use the whistle. The international distress call
is three sharp blows on the whistle. So do three sharp blows of
the whistle and then wait a sufficient time for a reply. The reply
from the main group is one short whistle blast.
Of course, prevention is better than the pain of separation. So in
those situations where it is more likely that a member may
become separated, eg doing an off track walk, walking through
dense vegetation or doing a sudden change of direction, make
sure that the person behind you is able to see you.
Phytophthora
What is it?
Phytophthora root rot is a plant disease caused by the soil
fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. The fungus was probably
introduced into Australia through European settlement, and has
now spread to affect Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania,
South Australia and coastal Queensland.
The fungus grows through the root system of a plant, preventing
the plant from absorbing water and nutrients and usually
eventually destroying it. The fungus releases spores into the
surrounding soil and even during drought or when temperatures
are cooler, it can produce spores which can survive for long
periods of time.
Major human activities that may spread the disease include road
building, timber harvesting, mine exploration, the nursery trade
and bushwalking.
What can bushwalkers do?
Cathie Duffy Masters, the BWQ representative for the
Gondwana Rainforest Australia (formerly CERRA), has written
an article on Phytophthora where she states bushwalkers can
take an active role in helping to stop the spread by ensuring
their boot soles are thoroughly cleaned after every walk.
Ms Duffy Masters says that it is a good habit to routinely clean
the boots before storing them. The dried mud is knocked off the
uppers, rim and sole of the boot, a wire brush is used to work off
any excess soil and the boot is washed down. Grey water from
the laundry is sufficient. This ensures the root rot is not carried
to the next adventure destination!
Methylated Spirits or household bleach will kill the spores even
more effectively. A painter’s tray or disused kitty litter tray is a
good vessel for a centimetre depth of metho or bleach, and a
thorough drenching of the boot sole.
This is especially relevant now that the Gold Coast Hinterland
Great Walk has been opened and it has a washdown facility for
cleaning bushwalking gear and equipment that has come in
contact with damp soil or mud.
 Past Walks
Tasman Peninsula 20 - 26 January 2008
Six club members ventured to the East Coast of Tasmania in
January for a number of walks. This write up is about the
Tasman Coastal and the Cape Pillar walks on Tasman
Peninsula.
Cape Pillar from Cape Hauy
The three capes on the peninsula consist of Cape Hauy, Cape
Pillar and Cape Raoul. Cape Hauy is best known for its rock
climbing of its two columns, The Candlestick and the Totem
pole.
Cape Pillar being the most exposed of the three capes is
renowned for having the highest sea cliff in the southern
hemisphere approx 300 metres. Tasman Island lies 500 metres
to the south of the cape, with spectacular views from the Blade
and the Chasm.
Cape Raoul is the odd cape out on the peninsula lying to the
west of Cape Pillar but separated by a large body of water.
Cape Raoul is the entrance to Storm Bay and is a great vantage
point for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
The first part of our walk on the Tasman Coastal track started
from Water Fall Bay near Eaglehawk Neck. A car shuffle to
Fortescue Bay was required due to the limited public transport
available on the Peninsula.
A light rain fell for the first few hours of our walk making views
from Tatnells Hill non existent. This was the only rain we were to
experience for the whole trip so luck was on our side. The walk
into Bivouac Bay our first nights camping spot followed the cliff
line giving spectacular views towards Cape Hauy.
Cape Hauy from Tasman Coastal Track
After a rest day at Fortescue Bay we headed off to Cape Pillar
via Cape Hauy and Mt Fortescue. Due to the dry conditions we
were advised by the rangers to take extra water. This was not
necessary as we found a good supply of water at Wughallee
Falls, Lunchtime Creek and Hurricane Heath. We made
Lunchtime Creek our campsite for the next two nights.
The walk to Cape Pillar was ideal no wind and a light cloud
cover. Wind conditions here can be so bad that you have to
crawl out to the headland or be literally blown over. This cape is
the highlight of walks on the Tasman Peninsula, with its stunning
views of Tasman Island and spectacular dolerite columns rising
vertically for hundreds of metres straight out of the ocean.
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Tasman Island & The Blade from Chasm Lookout
The walk out is via Agnes Creek which allows for this walk to be
done as a circuit. Dave Rae
Piper Comanche Walk 10 February 2008
Piper Comanche Plane Wreck Rediscovered Yes! It does exist
despite some QBW walker reports of it missing.
Eight QBW walkers met at Maiala National Park at 7:30am to
begin the walk from the start 5.5k up the road. Weather was
clear with a pleasant cool temperature.
We soon passed a large carpet python asleep near the start
then observed a clump of Lepidozamia cycads on the way to the
large log across the old logging track.
Then on to the narrow track on the right, soon past the old
logging winch, then up to the blazed "winged" tree about 13mins
further on at the 720m contour. Wait-a-while vines touched and
firmly embraced one or two, leaving their serial red kisses on
exposed skin.
Finding the track point at top of the descent ridge in the palm
forest took a few minutes - needs a revisit to count navigation
paces and check compass bearings.
The trip down went well but the waving arms and sharp thorns of
the wait-a-whiles did entice a few to stop to give blood.
The wreck located at the 600m contour was a first for some. We
could see a faint trail down towards South Kobble Ck too.
A quick snack then off back up the ridge again. Accidentally
soon took a right fork track leading down off the ridge, but
corrected then climbed back up to the correct track again.
Met our python again and large monitor lizard near walk finish.
The python did not like being awakened.
Trip time overall for the walk = 3 hr.
Coffees and calorie-rich cakes were savoured at our famous
Patisserie chatstop in Samford. John Hinton
Time Takes its Toll on the Piper Comanche
2001
2007
Mt Mitchell 23 February 2008
We met at Aratula at 8am - and started walking just after 8.30
Mt Mitchell
it was the hottest day recorded for a long time with Brisbane
soaring to 40 degrees but we were blessed with rainforest
shade and a lovely breeze so the graded track was not too
testing for the intrepid hikers. We were fortunate that the rangers
had recently cleared the path with brushcutters so access was
quite comfortable with no overhanging branches or long grass.
A number of bird sightings including a pheasant coucal at the
rainforest section of the peak made the climb interesting along
with plenty of water stops to ensure we were all hydrated. The
views from the summit were marvelous as always and we tried
to identify as many peaks as possible. We were joined by a
couple of hungry tame skinks.
Our descent was uneventful and we were enjoying pies for lunch
at the Aratula bakery by 12.30pm in good Aussie tradition.
Thanks to fellow walkers. Sandy
Lepidozamia Track 16 March 2008
Eleven of us met up at Maiala Park at 8.30 to make our way to
the start of the track to commence walking at 9.00.
The weather was fine for the walk which on the whole wasn't too
taxing; a few downs and ups, and ups. The walk is all on fire
trails, however, there were two down hills; one a lot steeper than
the other but quite slippery with the loose gravel and we were
quite happy to get to the bottom.
During this part of the walk Noelene refused to go in front as
there were a great many spider webs across the track with huge
spiders; Steve came to the rescue and we continued on.
Morning tea was at the old camping ground above the falls at
Kobble Creek, after which we went and had a look at the falls.
They weren't as full as we expected.
Then began the slow slog up the hills. There were two very
steep grades which finally gave way to a more gentle slope up
on to the ridge. Towards the end the trail was very overgrown
with weeds which were up to our shoulders (mine anyway).
Lunch was back at Maiala Park but then it started to rain and, of
course, we all adjourned to Samford for our obligatory coffee
and cake and for some of us, lunch.
The walk was enjoyable and completed with lots of good
humour.
My thanks to Noelene for helping me on the pre-outing and
taking the lead while I was up the back. Margaret
Easter at Girraween 21-23 March 2008
Girraween is such a special place that there is always the
potential to discover something new when you visit.
As the camp grounds in the National Park were booked out, we
set up our base camp at a private camp ground near Storm King
Dam. It was nice having the extra amenities.
For a number of people on our group it was their first visit to
Girraween.
Page 5 of 6
Our group was made of 10 from QBW and 5 from the Gold
Coast Club. We all benefited from the cross pollination of ideas
and experience between the people in the two clubs.
On Friday we ventured out to Goebel’s cave and Underground
Creek. The cave location provided plenty of opportunity for
adventurous exploration. Most of the group braved the cool
water through the subterranean cavity to climb out through the
‘corkscrew’ at the other end. It is a unique and very pleasant
location.
We moved on to Underground Creek to savour its delights and
then returned to the camp ground for ‘happy hour’ (or two).
Girraween Explorers
On Saturday the group traveled to Turtle Rock and did the usual
cave and climb combination. The claustrophobic passage from
one end of the cave to the other was followed by a scramble up
the access breach to the top of Turtle.
After this we broke off into two groups, one returning to Castle
Rock camp ground taking in the attractions along the track, with
the second group exploring off track to meet up with the others
at the camp ground.
Whenever I take a group off track I attempt to spark interest in
the others to engage in the navigation process. I was in good
company with people who had a keen interest in what we were
doing and how we were going about it.
After exploring around the River cave area we encountered a
wild pig and a ravaged area along the creek line. From our
combined efforts we completed the outing on course and on
time.
A special thank-you goes to Max from the Gold Coast who led
the activities on the Sunday. This involved a visit to the 2nd
Pyramid area and Kitchener’s cave near Slip Rock.
I look forward to meeting up with the Gold Coasties again soon.
Trevor D.
Shipstern Circuit 5 April 2008
This was a very enjoyable 20km walk in rainforest and open
forest. Ten of us set off on a cool crisp morning and walked in a
clockwise direction around the circuit.
After an hour of walking gradually downhill we reached Ballanjui
Falls. This was a pleasant spot for morning tea. From here we
crossed over Nixon Creek and then gradually walked uphill to
the half way point – Ships Stern. We were a little disappointed
that a scout group were occupying our lunch spot.
After lunch we continued on stopping at lookouts to admire the
view of Numinbah Valley, Springbrook, Mt Warning and Gold
Coast buildings in the distance. We finally rejoined the border
track and returned to Binna Burra.
Richard had a new watch with altimeter and through out the day
gave us altitude readings. Overall we descended 410m to the
lowest spot then climbed 500m to a high point on the Border
Track before descending 100m to the car park at Binna Burra.
Noelene
 The Drakensbergs, South Africa
The Drakensberg Mountains are the highest in Southern Africa,
rising to 3,482 m in height. They form a 'Barrier of Spears' along
the border between Natal and Lesotho. The area was listed as a
World Heritage site in 2000 and it is here that Tugela Falls, the
second highest waterfall on earth at 947m high, tumbles over
the escarpment.
I was fortunate enough to do a 5 day walk along this 1500 metre
high escarpment. Every day brought a new spectacle with
breath taking views. The vast vistas and rocky outcrops were
complemented by a wealth of flora and fauna, including over
300 species of birdlife.
The Amphitheater of the Drakensbergs
Arriving at the Drakensbergs, we camped near the
Amphitheater, a 5 kilometre wide natural curvature of the cliffs,
flanked by even higher buttresses. As a short introduction, we
did a day walk in the lower part of the Tugela River where we
waded through a freezing pool to get through Tugela Gorge.
The next day was to be a walk involving a 1500 metre vertical
ascent along a 25 kilometre track to the high plateau. However a
hail storm had us sheltering under a cliff overhang as we
watched lightning flicker across the sky. It was judged too
dangerous to continue so we turned back to try again the next
day. The storm front left the mountains covered in snow.
Tugela Falls (That red dot is a person!)
Page 6 of 6
The following day we did an alternate ascent to the escarpment.
As we approached the plateau we felt the effects of the altitude
The ascent also involved two stretches of climbing a chain
ladder, 15m and 8 m in height. Finally we reached the snow
covered plateau and we camped near the top of Tugela Falls.
The Falls were initially hidden in cloud, but as the clouds cleared
it revealed a majestic sweep of the country below. It was simply
stunning, filling all your senses. We stayed as long as we could
before the dark drove us back to camp.
The weather over the next four days couldn’t have been better.
The rain had gone and bright sunny days greeted us every
morning after very chilly nights. The walking over the plateau
was easy going, up and down fairly gentle rolling hills. We were
never far away from the escarpment and were amazed again
and again by the views.
Each day was another adventure filled with incredible scenery.
We passed some of Natures most fantastic sculptures with
names such as the Sentinel, the Devil’s Tooth, the Devil’s
Toothpick, Madonna and her Worshipers, the Twelve Apostles,
Fang’s Pass, the Pinnacles, the Hanging Gardens and
Cathedral Rock.
View from the Escarpment
A particularly memorable day was seeing the Rockeries with the
magnificent Bearded Vulture soaring overhead and then landing
on the near vertical cliffs to their precarious nesting spot. No
matter how hard I tried I wasn't game enough to lean over the
edge for a photo of them landing on the cliff edge.
It all had to end eventually and on the 5th day, after walking
some 60 kilometres, we descended down a steep rocky ravine.
On the way Cathedral Rock loomed nearby and I was told that it
was possible to climb to the top. This just whetted my appetite to
return to this magnificent area.
That night we camped on green grass and saw a tree for the
first time in 5 days. The walls of the escarpment towered over us
as we watched the sun sink below its rim.
On the Edge of Reality
It was an incredible walk with many lasting memories. During
the trek we saw no other people, either the inhabitants or other
trekkers. Trekking here is still in its infancy so if you get a
chance, just do it! Richard