Lockyer State Forest
A Reconnaissance Trip
16 October 2000
David M, Big John, Ron and Wade P, Rik C and I (with co-driver Alex) met up at the McDonalds just east of Gatton for our reconnaissance trip to Lockyer State Forest, which is situated not too far to the north of Gatton.
On the way into the state forest, Ron and John both stated over the CB that they had been into the forest many years ago (on Army Reserves manoeuvres etc) and were interested in reacquainting themselves with the area. At the entrance to the forest Ron got out his 20-odd year old topographic map of the region, which showed a number of tracks through the forest. What we weren't sure of was whether or not any of the tracks shown on the map still existed.
We mapped out a rough itinerary for the day and jumped into the cars. We travelled along the major track from the east of the forest through to the west. It was a reasonably easy drive on a well graded and relatively wide track, and within half an hour we found ourselves at the western edge of the forest. So we doubled back and started exploring.
We found a track travelling south which took us to the southern extremity This track contained a fairly steep and rocky downhill, followed by a straight stretch which contained a few unmarked causeways that were a lot of fun at speed. Rik got yet another chance to make his MY airborne. Having left the forest once again, we doubled back only to take the causeways at even greater speed (and height), followed by an enjoyable climb up the same hill.
By the way, did I mention how windy the day was? I saw the three vehicles in front of me hit a small muddy puddle, and knowing how much my navigator Alex enjoys the splash, I hit the puddle at speed just as the Wind roared through at right angles. Needless to say, I wore much of it. But the wind blew so hard that some of the splash from the right front tyre even hit the left side of the bonnet above the left wheel arch.
Then followed some reconnaissance work on some less used tracks off to the left and right. These were all spur tracks, which petered out and gave us all plenty of practice at nine point turns. We returned to the main east-west track and found an excellent hill, used mainly by trail bikes. I'm glad that I have a low 1st gear low range - I needed it going down that one. Just below the hill we found a grassy area, which was tailor made for a stop and a much needed bite to eat.
Back into the cars, we soon found a grassy track with a short but steep drop-off. Once again my anchor (otherwise known as a tow bar) managed to scrape into the dirt.
We headed back along the main east-west track to the one and only creek crossing of the trip, where we turned and headed upstream along a track which virtually ran along the creek bed for a while. This ensured that the track was a bit lumpier than most, but it didn't provide any dramas. We soon found ourselves at the northern end of the forest - a good spot to place a gate to lock out future adventurers (more about this in a future episode). The public road (read track) continued with a decent, quite narrow uphill section, followed by a traverse across a plateau before coming back downhill along the eastern edge of the forest.
All too soon we were back out of the forest and on our way back home. Noone experienced any dramas on the day, and we left the forest knowing that we had explored only a small part of what was on offer. Definitely worth a return visit for more reconnaissance and more nine point turns.
Thanks to David for organising another worthwhile four wheel drive trip.
Greg Bryant SC480