NANANGO STAGE COACH ROUTE

7-8 March 1998

On a bright sunny Saturday morning approximately 16 vehicles of mixed heritage left the BP Burpengary service station at 9.45 am,. with Clint running the creche for the kids in the OKA. David S joined us on the road to Narangba and a photo opportunity of the vehicle line-up was taken. Up over a ridge road heading towards D'Aguilar across from Mt. Mee, the view of the Glasshouse Mountains and surrounding areas was majestic. David left us just before Delaney's Creek.

We stopped at D'Aguilar for some weekend supplies then on through Woodford into Bellthorpe State Forest and past the timber mill and onto Jimna/Kilcoy and into Connondale National Park. We had a late lunch at the firetower at Jimna - the more adventurous ones climbed the 240 steps both ways - sometimes twice. We left the tower at 2.30pm and proceeded to eat more dust (for the unairconditioned vehicles, that is).

Forty five minutes down the road, after passing through three gates, the local farmer advised that further gates were locked so a map perusal was done and we moved on. We arrived about 5.00pm at Emu Creek National Park and set up camp. Happy hour was had, followed by the evening meal and showers then returned to the campfire in our normal tribal position and discussed anything and everything whilst clearing the dust out of our throats. Roasted marshmallows were enjoyed by the kids while Malcolm indulged the adults.

A leisurely start on Sunday morning saw bellies being filled and bonnets up. We left camp at 9.25am and back into the dust. We met Jodie and family back at the entrance to the National Park and headed for Taromeo Station which was established in 1842. The station manager gave us a talk on the history of Taromeo followed by a visit to one of only two stone-fenced family graveyards in Australia where he proceeded to explain who was buried where and when and their relationship with each other. We then viewed the museum set up within the original store rooms. After a look around the rest of the station and morning-tea, Trent and Sam left for home.

We then headed for Graham's Pinch on the Old Stage Coach Road. The first section of this road was rather rocky and washed out irf parts interesting for the unlifted vehicles, although David in his 1600 single range MY made it look easy.

The next difficult part was the Pinch itself where everybody wanted to see the OKA, who was tail-end Charlie, negotiate the extreme angles.

After a couple of creek crossings we stopped for lunch at Seven Mile Diggings. From there it was a short run to Nanango. Some headed for home , some headed to find the dateless and desperate in Nanango and the rest of us headed to Tarong power station for a much needed swim and afternoon tea. About 3.00pm we all headed for home.

Thankyou to Ralph and Marilyn for taking us on an enjoyable weekend.

Pam Ottway SC204