TRIP REPORT – BRISBANE VALLEY AREA – 28.03.2004

The meeting place was the Kilcoy Park at 0900. Unfortunately only five cars arrived:

On leaving Kilcoy, the convoy travelled about 15km towards Jimna then turned left onto the Monsildale Road – gravel now. This is a reasonable quality road. We then turned left again into Louisville Road. This road finally brought us to the farmhouse of Tony Gilliland. Immediately after passing the house, a gate gave us access to a sandy track down to a creek crossing on Monsildale Creek. This bush property track followed the stream along with many crossings. The water level was usually about 200 mm. A brief stop was made on a grassy area for morning tea. Continuing on through numerous gates, opened by Dwayne and closed by the boys in tail end Charlie, the track gradually improved until we reached the Moore to Mt. Stanley Road. Monsildale Creek joins the Brisbane River at this point. Here the vehicles turned left with the Brisbane River on our left and a short run took us into Linville for a mandatory stop, this was mainly for the boys to refuel on chips and drinks. This section was handled very well by the girls – Chris and Alison. They did not admit to any apprehension

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From Linville a short run and we turned right into Rohlmanns Road. This was not a long run on gravel to the first gate, here the road once again became a two wheel track through long grass and the climb upwards was cautious as numerous branches were strewn across the supposed track just to keep the interest. Dwayne and David had the task of clearing the path. In places the washouts were almost to the point where picks and shovels may have been needed. However, we all know how good a Subaru is!!

This track/road follows the path of the underground water pipe line from Caboombah to Tarong Power Station. Atop the main ridge we passed the tall metal surge tank vent for the pipeline. A couple of dirt track bike riders flew around a corner - no dramas. This road joined the Old Esk Road. A few more minutes and the lunch stop was at the Benarkin fire tower. While every one else walked around eating, the Hills excelled by having table and chairs – no tablecloth, next time.

 

 

 

 

 

After lunch a short run into Blackbutt again for a pit stop. Heading south initially on the Crows Nest Road, a left turn put the convoy on the Rocky Creek Road. This gravel road soon degenerated in an excuse for a road, becoming rutted with many washouts as it descended into Emu Creek gorge. We climbed again, travelling along the ridges, then finally through the grid entrance to Nukinenda Station and onto Anduramba before descending the escarpment on the Bluff Road towards Toogoolawah along Cressbrook Creek. A right turn at Rosentretters Junction, we were now heading for the bitumen and a burst into Esk. As most tongues were now hanging out for a caffeine fix, all of us stopped at the Esk bakery for a spell and a well-earned cuppa.

After the break, the final leg – all on bitumen. Heading south on the Brisbane Valley Highway towards Ipswich, across the Wivenhoe Dam wall to the junction of the Bryden/Northbrook Road. Here Chris bid us adieu. The rest of us turned left. Up past the Splityard Power Station holding dam to turn right into the Northbrook Road towards the western side of Mt. Glorious. The climb up is steep and very winding plus numerous sharp curves. Passing through the village, the end was in sight. However, at the left turn into the Samford road, Allison decided to go straight ahead via Mt. Nebo and The Gap??. The rest of us descended the steep road into Highvale, Samford and finally Brisbane. The Hills parted company.

In reflection, a very pleasant day out. I was pleasantly surprised with our 92 L; it was my first serious workout. Congratulations to Chris and Allison, flying solo they did themselves proud.

Kath suggests that it would be great to have some quick stops on future trips to admire some of the great scenery we have in this part of the state – any in agreement? Also, David asked for someone to do the trip report at lunch time, I volunteered. However, I was just enjoying the run to this time and not taking a lot of notice. I suggest the Trip Reporter be chosen at the beginning of the outing.

I hope all you non-starters are now sorry for not coming along.

See you on the next trip.

Albert Hill SC549