Magazine of National Parks Association of

Management Planning

Hinchinbrook Island: A New Approach to Management Plans Management Planning for Protected Areas Paluma Dam to Paradise Water Hole Blue Banksia the national park experience

Issue 12 December 2016 - January 2017 Connect and Protect1 Mission Statement Contents The National Parks Association promotes From the President 3 the preservation, expansion, good management and presentation of National Hinchinbrook Island: A New Approach Parks in Queensland. to Management Plans 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT Management Planning for Protected Areas 6 Get Involved in NPAQ: Eungella National Park 8 NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life Paluma Dam to Paradise Water Hole 10 and offers a variety of ways to be involved: Blue Banksia 12 • Have fun in the bush – come along on a The National Park Experience 13 Michelle Prior, NPAQ President bush walk or other activity • Get your hands dirty – participate in on- Spotlight: Ranger of the month 14 ground conservation efforts What’s On 15 • Join us – become a member Welcome to the December/ such places as the headwaters of the refuge from our fast-paced and often • Step up – become a National Parks January edition of Protected. . stressful lives; and are invaluable in Conservation member Council This increase was the direct result of counter-balancing the urban life. • Be a National Parks Protector – join our President Michelle Prior A map of our country shows divisions federal funding under the now defunct National parks are the last bastion regular giving program Vice Presidents Tony O’Brien of land highlighted as lines. But nature National Reserve System. for conservation, and are critical to • Donate – support the work of NPAQ Athol Lester does not recognise these lines in the We commend the Queensland conserving our unique biodiversity and • Participate in exciting projects – volunteer Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel landscape, and in fact transcends Government for expanding the saving threatened species in decline. • Subscribe – receive Protected and Asst Hon Secretary Yvonne Parsons these artificial borders. Similarly, a protected area estate and committing They protect the irreplaceable. Neck of the Woods in your inbox Hon Treasurer Graham Riddell paradox exists in ’s national funds for the first four years of National parks protect nature’s beauty • Connect – like us on Facebook or share Councillors David Ball parks. Aside from two decades of management. However, we call on all and diversity. They can be places a photo on Instagram Julie Hainsworth national leadership (from 1992 to federal and state/territory governments of pilgrimage, places of resounding • Stay in touch – read regular updates on Daniel Kelly 2012), protected areas remain the to reinvigorate the strategic growth and silence or indescribable brilliance, our website Denis McMullen preserve of state and territories, management of our National parks. places where we can feel an integral • Share a bush adventure with children Richard Proudfoot generally lacking impetus at the federal part of the natural world. – download NPAQ’s Kids in National National Parks are a national level. Parks Alexsis Wilson achievement and a cornerstone of a However, despite all these benefits, In 1972, under the World Heritage modern, enlightened society. Not only our national parks struggle to attract Staff Convention, Australia made an are Australia’s parks famous worldwide appropriate levels of funding. The Guidelines for Contributors Business Development Officer: important commitment to protect and form part of our national identity, nationally agreed vision of a National Mariika Strand representative examples of all major they provide an abundance of benefits. Reserve System cannot continue to NPAQ invites contributions to Protected Project & Office Administrator: ecosystem types. Twenty years later, Reclaimed from the past as a legacy languish. articles. Please email [email protected] Jeannie Rice in 1992, Australia’s ratification of the for the future, they are a fundamental for a schedule of future editions. Communications Officer: international Convention of Biological aspect of life today. Jenna Huckenswager Diversity, initiated the establishment of Images Contributors, please include contact details National parks protect our natural the National Reserve System. Northern Quoll - By Wildlife Explorer (Picasa and brief personal summary. Articles can Editorial Team heritage - a magnificent spectrum of Web Albums) be submitted via email or hard copy. Digital Jenna Huckenswager, Jeannie Rice, Last week, the Queensland spectacular landscapes and unique photos should be minimum 300dpi. Neil Douglas Government announced the addition wildlife, whilst also contributing Gouldian Finch - Martin Pot (Martybugs at of 366,000 hectares to the protected significantly to our personal health and en.wikipedia area estate. This increase included well-being. They are a major drawcard Copyright and Disclaimer Contact Details three new, and two expanded national in the annual $23 billion nature-based NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Unit 10/36 Finchley Street, Milton parks, and helped protect some of tourism industry, and also provide Articles may be quoted provided that PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 Australia’s rare and threatened plants valuable ecosystem services - appropriate acknowledged occurs in the and animals, such as the Northern protecting our water catchments and ABN: 60 206 792 095 reproduction and use of material. Quoll, Gouldian Finch, Glossy Black- moderating our climate. Phone: (07) 3367 0878 cockatoo, and Collared Delma; and National parks have the most generous Articles in Protected do not necessarily Web: www.npaq.org.au form of land tenure available, being reflect the opinion or position of the National Email: [email protected] publicly available to all. They attract Parks Association of Queensland. millions of people each year. A simple Advertising Enquiries walk in a protected forest has been Advertising Policy Please email [email protected] or phone shown to lower blood pressure and (07) 3367 0878 improve the immune system. Advertisements are required to align with National parks connect us to our relevant NPAQ policies. NPAQ reserves Images country, our land. They contribute the right to refuse any advertisement at any to bridging the gap between the time. Advertisement in Protected does not Cover & Back Page - Hinchinbrook Island traditional peoples and those who have imply NPAQ’s endorsement of the products (Jennifer McCallan). come after. They provide a place of or services. Strip p2 - Strangler Fig (Kerstin Daff).

2 Connect and Protect 3 HINCHINBROOK ISLAND: A NEW APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT PLANS

Neil Douglas, NPAQ Member, Contributor

Hinchinbrook Island National plans is, the plan it contains broad Desired outcomes for key values There is heath on the higher peaks, However, there is a general wariness recreation and tourism, in 1999 Park value statements and strategic Several key values are identified: while open eucalypt forest dominates that both the draft management the Management Plan stated that management directions for protecting most of the slopes, and extensive Plan and Visitor Strategy will place commercial bushwalking tours were Hinchinbrook Island, situated just • Wetlands, estuaries and creeks off the coast between Ingham and and managing “key values”. A new and luxuriant stands of mangroves the management of the visitor considered inappropriate due to the Cardwell, is one of the world’s concept is “Level of Service”, which • Heathland, shrubland cypress abound on the coast. About 10% of experience at a higher priority than, limited number of spaces on the largest island national parks. Having refers to the resources devoted to a communities the island is , of which there and potentially at the expense of, trail, and the high level of bookings in the cooler months. Several outstanding natural and scenic particular management direction. • Eucalypt forest and woodland are several different types, some protecting the natural values of the websites currently recommend values, the park is part of the Great Detailed, prescriptive matters communities being unique to the island. environment. booking the trail several months Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The are dealt with in accompanying • Rainforest communities Some of the key features of the Of concern is the proposal to only development, is an abandoned subordinate documents, such as the Management Plan are summarised increase visitor numbers, coupled in advance. NPAQ is concerned resort at Cape Richards on the draft Visitor Strategy. • Traditional owner connection to below: with the absence of addressing that pre-booking by commercial northern tip. The island is a magnet country visitor/human impacts on the natural operators may eliminate/reduce self- QPWS has found that existing • Improving staff knowledge reliant visitors from walking the trail, for tourists, bushwalkers and sea • ‘Remote and wild’ nature values of the park (only in terms management plans are too of optimal fire regimes and particularly in peak periods – which kayakers, particularly in the cooler, prescriptive and inflexible, and have experience traditional aboriginal burning of the ‘remote and wild nature drier months. The 32 km Thorsborne experience’). is known to have occurred in several restricted the adoption of innovative • Scenic and aesthetic value practices for purposes such popular locations nationally and Trail, along the southern part of the approaches and adaptation to as reducing dry season wildfire There is a strong emphasis on The crisp and clear document internationally. Any commercial use east coast of the island, is regarded changing circumstances. threats, promoting species commercial activities, particularly the provides a value statement, identifies should not occur at the expense of by many bushwalkers as being the diversity and preventing rainforest Thorsborne Trail. As the plan refers Whilst the rationale behind the new the threats and states the desired self-reliant visitors. This issue has not best multi-day bushwalks in North spreading from current areas. to commercial activities declining format can be appreciated, the range outcome. Additionally, the condition been identified and addressed in the Queensland. Demand to walk the on Hinchinbrook Island, and visitor of broad statements of strategic (current and desired) and trend • Improving knowledge and draft Visitor Strategy. trail is heavily regulated. The rugged numbers not reaching expected directions and desired outcomes, are highlighted. However, whilst capacity to manage natural mountains of the island’s interior targets, NPAQ is concerned that The Strategy encourages reopening presents a challenge for the public to understanding the intent behind values. form a spectacular backdrop for the inducements may be provided to the closed Cape Richards resort assess or comment on the adequacy ‘Values-Based’ planning, it is not so beautiful coastal scenery. • Increased involvement with commercial operators, such as and, if necessary, upgrading the of the management plan, and to easy to be convinced that a focus A new approach to management traditional owners by way of the allowance of infrastructure walking tracks in the vicinity to cater ascertain if the natural and cultural on ‘Key Values’ will provide sufficient planning formal and informal agreements, development – which would greatly for increased numbers of visitors. It values will be fully protected. protection for the park as a whole. increased collaboration in is proposed that the Thorsborne Trail The current management plan for impact on the ‘remote and wild Although the benefits of flexibility and Summary of Management Plan decision making, employment nature experience’ and natural values itself will remain as a rough “Class 5” the island dates from 1999. A new adaptive management can readily of indigenous rangers and track with minimal maintenance apart The Plan describes the environmental of the park. management plan has recently be seen, some stakeholders are joint operational projects. Staff from some vegetation clearing and and scenic values of the island. been drafted and was available for of the opinion that the new format are to be given more training It is difficult to assess whether possible local re-routing to respond Biologically the park is very diverse, public comment during November. A of management planning reduces in aboriginal cultural heritage increased commercial use of the Trail to erosion. However, there will be with 54 regional ecosystems subordinate Draft Hinchinbrook Island the level of public scrutiny and management, to protect the will impact on self-reliant visitors. an investigation into extending the identified, four of which are not found National Park Visitor Strategy was input. A key consideration is that island’s significant Aboriginal Although taking into consideration Trail at the northern end to Cape elsewhere in Queensland. also open for comment. After being management plans must be made history. Traditional owners are the length of time and changes in Richards. removed by the previous Newman available for public comment and are to be supported in exploring LNP Government, community In conclusion, the draft Hinchinbrook approved at Cabinet level; whereas, new opportunities to improve plan shows how important it is for consultation for national park subordinate strategies do not have economic well-being, including management plan has recently been stakeholders to exercise their right to to be published for stakeholder input by providing commercial comment on such documents and to reinstated by the Palaszczuk Labor and are approved at Departmental services. Government. stand up for the continued ability to level only. The public is sympathetic • Emphasis on visitor experience. do so. A significant aspect of the draft to the need for more flexibility, but management plan is that it is the first would be happier if the subordinate Visitor management proposals Images of a new style being implemented strategies were routinely available for NPAQ welcomed the opportunity Zowie Bay, Creek off Thornesbourne Trail by the department. Rather than a public input as well. to comment on the draft Visitor (Jennifer & Ian McCallan) detailed, prescriptive document in Strategy in conjunction with the draft Mt Bowen (Ann Ingham) the style of existing management Management Plan. from Hinchinbrook Island

4 5 GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT PLANNING OF PROTECTED AREAS Extracts from the IUCN Best Practice Guidelines Series No. 10

Lee Thomas & Julie Middleton Adrian Phillips, Series Editor

Frequently much time and effort is more effective management by: Increased accountability • promoting and publicising the • negative perceptions of • undue emphasis on certain put into management planning for • ensuring that management Management planning can provide protected area to a wide range of the protected area by local aspects of management, such protected areas but the plans are not decisions are based on a clear a mechanism for increasing the stakeholders. As summarised by communities; as tourism or recreation, which used – or are unusable. understanding of the protected accountability of: the US National Park Service: • external economic pressures, may divert resources away from Even in these circumstances there area, its purpose, and the “Through public involvement [in the such as pressures to exploit other important aspects of the • the protected area manager(s). protected area; is general agreement about the important resources and values The manager should be management planning process] the resources or features of the desirability of such plans; their associated with it. mandated to work within the the National Park Service will share protected area; and • financial, managerial or even preparation is supported by most • providing guidance for managers Management Plan, which can information about the planning • poorly developed communications political instability; conservation agencies and IUCN in the form of a framework for then be used to identify targets to process, issues and proposed with the public and other • a failure to set out clear wishes to see plans in place for all day-to-day operations and long- reach and performance standards management actions; learn about stakeholders. imperatives and priorities: many protected areas (IUCN/Caracas Action term management. to attain. the values placed by other people plans contain options or tentative Plan 1992). Management Plans bring and groups on the same resources Problems at the implementation • providing continuity of • the managing organisations/ stage ‘recommendations’ rather than many benefits to protected areas and and visitor experiences; and build firm decisions on what the to the organisations or individuals management. Having an agencies. A plan can act as a sort support among local publics, visitors, Problems encountered during the agreed Management Plan in of public contract between the organisation has decided to do, charged with their management – Congress and others for implementing implementation of the plan may stem thus diminishing the authority of and, without them, serious problems place provides a useful briefing manager, local communities and the plan” (USNPS 1998). from weaknesses in the plan itself document for new staff and helps visitors on how the protected area the plan; and can ensue: The Problems with Management – in its content, style or remit, or by them to maintain the direction and will be managed and protected creating unreasonable expectations • Management Plans that are “If there is no general Management momentum of management. in future. Thus, the Management Planning impractical: they cannot be used Plan, preservation, development and about what will be achieved. • If the management objectives Plan can provide a way by Relatively few protected area Frequently encountered problems as a basis for action use activities in a park will occur in a which the public can examine Management Plans can be haphazard basis, often in response within a Management Plan are include: How Such Problems can be well written, specific and can be management decisions and considered successful: Overcome to political pressures with little monitor delivery against targets. • insufficient attention is given to consideration as to the implications for measured, they can be used as “By far the most common situation budgetary questions (financial What needs to be done to ensure the future. The result is likely to be lost a basis for determining whether Improved communication is that [general management and information is either not included, a successful Management Plan opportunities and irreversible damage management of the protected The management planning process development] plans tend to gather or bears very little relation to the that is useful, practical and can be to park resources and values” (Young area is effective or whether can provide a useful link between dust or at best receive minimal funds likely to be available); implemented? changes in management (or implementation, despite the and Young 1993). the protected area manager and • unrealistic assumptions are made The factors that determine this come indeed in the plan) are required. those with an interest in the area, its tremendous national (and frequently The Benefits of Management international) technical co-operation about the management capacity under four main headings: Planning Improved use of financial and management and future. It does this of the organisation; staff resources by: efforts which go into their preparation” 1. The process used during plan Apart from meeting legislative (Budowski and MacFarland 1982) • poorly formulated objectives preparation; Management planning can help • identifying key audiences with requirements, the most compelling The problems encountered in (these may be very generic, failing 2. The presentation, style and reason for producing Management make sensible use of resources. For whom the manager needs to to bring out the particular features example: communicate, and clarifying the management planning tend to be of content of the resulting plan; Plans is to provide benefits to the two kinds: of the park – or they mix up ends protected area and those who rely • Management Plans identify, messages to be communicated. and means); 3. The context within which the plan upon its good management. A good describe and prioritise the • providing a means of • those faced when preparing a must operate; and Management Plan; and • vital details (such as the scope of management planning process management actions required communication with the public, to the problems to be addressed) 4. The resources, commitment and which has the support of staff and to achieve the objectives for explain policies and proposals. In • those faced in its implementation. are deferred for further study capacity to implement the plan. local people, provides the following the protected area. This list of particular, the Management Plan Problems at the planning stage although this may be difficult to Such factors will affect whether the benefits: tasks helps managers to allocate (and the planning process) can be avoid; benefits of Management Plans, as the staff, funding and materials used to gain the co-operation of Difficulties include: Improved management of the • a failure to allocate responsibilities outlined are realized. protected area required. the public and non-governmental • lack of qualified park staff to carry organisations. This function out the planning process; for implementing plans; References The primary product of management • Management Plans may also should influence the style and • vague and unspecific Thomas, Lee and Middleton, Julie, (2003). planning should be more effective highlight where additional • a lack of funds and equipment; resources are required. presentation of the plan as it will commitments that do not provide Guidelines for Management Planning of management of the protected area. need to be easily understood by • insufficient technical support and a basis for on-the-ground action; Protected Areas. IUCN Gland, Switzerland and Management planning encourages non-specialists. insularity of planners; Cambridge, UK. ix + 79pp.

6 7 PARK IN F CUS

Eungella National Park

Emma Fitzsimmons, Project Officer

Approximately an hour’s drive west of population. Viewing decks along After the Gondwanan continent of tall eucalypt trees, play a vital role Interesting walks References Mackay on the central Queensland Broken River provide visitors with the split and Australia drifted northward as an ecotonal community on the Eungella National Park has over 25 Department of National Parks, Sport coast, a sealed road travels through best vantage point to view from Antarctica 40 million years boundary between and km of walking tracks that range from and Racing 2013, Mackay Highlands the picturesque Pioneer Valley, past swimming and feeding in the large ago, the resulting drier and cooler open woodland ecosystems found on 10 minute walks, to half day and full Management Statement, Queensland a mosaic of sugar cane fields and pools below. climate meant that rainforests could the western section of the park. day walks. So whether visitors are Government, http://www.nprsr.qld. rural townships, before ascending Flora and fauna only survive in areas with warmer Eungella’s long isolation from similar seeking an easy stroll with children gov.au/managing/plans-strategies/ the steep winding . At temperatures and high moisture rainforest areas has also made the or something more adventurous as statements/pdf/mackay-highlands. the top of the range, the temperature At first glance, the rainforest of levels. These ‘refuges’ that were Eungella National Park may look animal community different. Animals the ‘Great Walk’, Eungella caters to pdf. most characteristic of central formed occurred in deep gorges and which cannot live away from the everyone’s needs. Queensland drops dramatically and the same as any other found in on wet, mountainous highlands such Department of National Parks, Sport central and northern Queensland; particular foods and dense shelter The Sky Window Circuit (250 m) and Racing 2016, Eungella National the air becomes cool and fresh as as Eungella. Corridors of dry open of the rainforests, have long been dense rainforest suddenly comes into towering trees, moss-covered trunks, forest, such as eucalypt forests, is leisurely walk that passes two Park, Queensland Government, http:// sunlight seeping through a dense separated from others of their kind. lookouts which deliver picturesque www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/eungella/ view. then occupied the remaining areas For example, the canopy – impressions of lushness. and isolated the areas of tropical views overlooking the Pioneer Valley about.html Eungella National Park protects However, all rainforests are different (Lichenostomus hindwood) is one stretching east towards Mackay. approximately 60,000 hectares rainforest. While rainforests were species that is entirely unique to Higgins, G. and Newman, D. 2004, and Eungella is particularly unique. In able to naturally expand as the Interpretative signs positioned along Queensland National Parks, Woollahra of land and is situated within the fact, Eungella lies on the boundary the national park. In fact, it was only the track enable children to discover mountainous Mackay Highlands, climate became warmer and rainfall discovered as a separate species Sales and Imports, Newtown. of tropical and subtropical rainforest increased, evidence suggests that Eungella’s rich Aboriginal history straddling the Clarke Range which in 1977 and has since become one Shilton, P. 2005, Natural Areas of and encompasses the longest stretch burning practices by Aboriginal and learn how the surrounding forms the eastern edge of the Great of the five new bird species to have Queensland, Goldpress Pty Ltd, of subtropical rainforest in Australia. people retained open grasslands and rainforest has changed over time. Dividing Range. In the northern As a result, Eungella National Park been discovered in Australia over the The Rainforest Discovery Circuit (780 Mount Gravatt. section of the park, the Clarke Range increased the spread of eucalypt past 50 years. Other endemic species supports plant species from both forests. These practices reduced the m) meanders past giant strangler rises to a height of 1,270 metres at rainforest types. include the Eungella Shadeskink figs adorned with epiphytic ferns and Mt Dalrymple and extends into the expansion of rainforests and created a (Saproscincus eungellensis), Eungella Images barrier to moisture-loving plants which vines, providing visitors with a short, southern section of the park where its Eungella’s interesting mixture of Tinkerfrog (Taudactylus liemi) and From Left: Platypus at Eungella (Pablo could not cross, or survive in open but comfortable way of experiencing steep escarpments define the upper tropical and subtropical plants is due Eungella Dayfrog (Taudactylus Lopez), Fern Canopy, Azure Kingfisher forests. some of Eungella’s beautiful rainforest reaches of Finch Hatton Gorge. to the fact that Eungella’s rainforests eungellensis); all of which are not only (Kerstin Daff). have been isolated from similar scenery. Eungella comes from an Aboriginal As a result, Eungella National Park rare but extremely threatened. rainforests for at least 30,000 years. is now characterised by several The Crediton Creek Track (8km one word meaning ‘land where cloud lies way) is one of Eungella’s most popular over the mountains’ - an appropriate unique vegetation communities. The cool upland rainforests of walks and follows Broken River name for a national park that is through the gullies of the rainforest regularly shrouded in cloud and fog. Eungella National Park are classified as subtropical and are dominated to the Wishing Pool intersection. The Traditional Owners are the Wiri Observation decks positioned along people who to this day retain a strong by prominent rainforest trees such as Silver Quandong (Elaeocarpus the track provide some of the best connection with Eungella National opportunities in the park to spot Park. kirtonii), Piccabeen Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) platypus and turtles. Broken River and heavily buttressed Mackay Tulip Eungella National Park is also the Eungella National Park is arguably Oaks (Argyrodendron actinophyllum) starting point for the 56 km, 3 day, the best place in Australia to spot a which are endemic to the park. Great Walk through the Mackay platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) The warmer lowland rainforests are Highlands that is perfect for the more and visitors from all over the world considered more tropical in character avid adventurers. From Eungella will travel to the park for the chance and are dominated by Pink Toriga National Park, the Great Walk to spot this shy, semi-aquatic (Calophyllum australianum), Strangler passes through Crediton State monotreme. Broken River, the most Figs (Ficus sp.) and immense Forest and , characteristic landscape feature in the epiphytic ferns such as Silver Elkhorns incorporating dense rainforest gullies, national park, is critical habitat for the (Platycerium bifurcatum). Whereas open eucalypt woodlands and steep platypus and is home to an abundant wet sclerophyll forests, comprised escarpments.

8 9 FEATURED WALK Paluma Dam to Paradise Water Hole, Paluma Range National Park Jennifer & Ian McCallan, Environment & Health Committee, Cardwell

Whilst on a trip to the world famous Over the last few years a great deal on the left hand side. A heart pumping provides a good spot for lunch. now out of the rainforest the black If a car shuffle is planned from the Paradise Waterhole area, travel up the range to Paluma, Thorsborne Track on Hinchinbrook of restoration work has resulted in a uphill walk warms you up at the start. Back up the “thank goodness it’s rocks of the Wet Tropics should continue through Paluma, and turn right along Island it is worthwhile to visit the fantastic rejuvenation of this track, The track is marked with flags on there” rope, return to the main track always be respected. a dirt road signposted to the Dam. This takes Paluma Range area, just over an hour thanks to enthusiastic Paluma resident trees and prominent stakes at the and follow the mostly downhill narrow Straight ahead the paved road approximately one hour. south from the drop-off to the island Wilfred Karnoll with support from the main turn-offs showing arrows on a ridge (except for one short steep greets you for some easy walking. walk at Lucinda. There is a wide range Bushwalking Club. disc indicating the destinations and uphill climb). Take care with the loose It is possible to continue down the Walking Times: of tracks within half an hour of Paluma The ‘easy’ way to traverse this 15 km distances from that point. leaf matter, wet or dry, it can be creek to the Paradise Waterhole Paluma Dam to Crystal Falls - 1.5 hrs. to suit all levels of fitness: from a few one day walk is to start at Paluma Keep your eyes peeled and stop treacherous. After approximately 45 (depending on how your legs are hours walking on well-defined tracks minutes, there is a small track on the feeling) avoiding the 1.3 km road Crystal Falls to Falls – 45 Dam and walk through to the national to admire the Tooth Billed Cat Bird minutes to multi day wilderness walks. This is park’s picnic area at Big Crystal Bower with its neatly placed leaves right, leading to Cloudy Lookout. From hike. A left turn off the road leads to a very beautiful and worthwhile area to Creek near Mutarnee. This requires on a cleared space - hard to spot here, the valley through to Mutarnee the Paradise Waterhole day use area. Gold Creek Falls to Cloudy lookout – 45 explore. a car shuffle. The alternative more as most people are watching their can be seen with glimpses of the This is a great place for some proper minutes One mid-level walk with great demanding walk is to overnight either feet rather than the surrounds. At ocean and across towards Paluma swimming or a cool shower. Cloudy lookout to Cairn Creek cairn – 45 historical background is Bullocky at the top or bottom of the range at the marked junction turn right to join (clouds permitting), the steep climb of This hike also forms the combination minutes Cloudy Creek and Witts Lookout. Toms Track. In the late 1800s, it one of the national park’s camp sites. the Crystal Falls Track and meander of two walks from the book ‘Walks, Cairn Creek cairn to Paradise Waterhole was one of the most used ‘service’ However this requires negotiating the along through rainforest past another Return back to the main track, which Tracks and Trails of Queensland’s – 2 hrs. tracks ON the coastal escarpment to steep climb with an overnight pack! Tooth Billed Cat Bird Bower and a continues to steeply descend through Tropics’ by Derrick Stone published the mines at Mt. Spec and Hidden There are also opportunities for bush giant buttress mossy tree. The highest The author has endeavoured to ensure that a transition from the rainforest to March 2016, CSIRO Publishing. the information presented here is as accurate Valley. It was named by Tom Andrews, camping. point of this walk of 1,001 metres is drier woodland and grass trees. Available at local books stores. as possible. However, they or NPAQ do not whose property was at the junction passed. Then comes the descent Starting from the parking area at Cairn Creek (there is a large boulder Further information is available from accept responsibility for any loss, injury or of Big and Little Crystal Creeks. He to the Crystal Creek Falls which is inconvenience sustained by any person guided Paluma Dam, walk through the cairn so it’s easy to identify) provides Wilfred Karnoll, email: wilfred.suzanne@ butchered and packed fresh meat a great spot for morning tea and a by this article. camping area to the far end where the another welcome break with more bigpond.com, mobile: 0400 702 994 Images and supplies to the tin miners. track commences into the rainforest, refreshing swim – but be prepared for cool clear drinking water. At this point, cool water. the track crosses the creek and Gold Creek Falls, & Crystal Creek (Ian McCallan) ‘Heartbreak Hill’ is a 100 metre climb makes a short ascent. out of Crystal Creek, with a further An alternative, is to go downstream half an hour to the junction with the for some rock hopping, watching Bullocky Toms Track. Turning right, carefully for the markings of pink tape walk through lovely rainforest to cross which indicates the track recrossing Gold Creek where there is a rope the creek. Re-joining the track and in place to provide a safe crossing on flatter ground, the track veers to when the creek is up. Take care the the right, recrossing the creek again a rocks are particularly slippery in the short time later. The Track continues rainforest and watch for the black through grassland and scrub to mould, which is extremely slippery Lanskeys Hut, previously a private when wet. Climbing out onto the track leased property. The area around the and then along the narrow ridge, hut needs a lot of weed eradication, you arrive at a small turn-off to Gold with the condition of this area being Creek Falls. Here is a small lookout in stark contrast to the rainforest you above the falls, with a substantial rope have just left. to help you clamber down the rock From here, it’s a short walk to the face to the deep pool. Take care, now wide Crystal Creek for the rock as the rope rock face is slimy and hop crossing. It can be a ‘wet feet’ slippery. This is another good deep crossing and certainly a walking stick pool, where the water is very cool or two can be useful, three or four and refreshing with a good water flow, legs being better than two. Although

10 11 WILDLIFE THE NATIONAL PARK FEATURE EXPERIENCE Blue Banksia why national parks should be valued, told through the lens of personal experience in national parks Dr. Mike Olsen - Director at Landscape Assessment, Management & Rehabilitation (LAMR) David Ball, NPAQ Councillor

Banksia plagiocarpa, commonly The populations on Mount Bowen to drought and low nutrients, the fire My late father was a lifelong member would take them camping and bush And it is for this reason that I feel it known as Dallachy’s Banksia or the and Nina Peak on Hinchinbrook Island management of these areas requires of NPAQ, and an early shareholder walking, with our favourite’s being is important to protect our national Blue Banksia, was first collected from have taller vegetation associated with care. Altered Fire regimes and climate in Binna Burra Lodge. I inherited his Lamington NP and Blue Mountains parks. They should be primarily for the mainland opposite Hinchinbrook them except immediately after human shares in Binna Burra and his love NP in NSW. They grew up with an the protection of the species to change provide new challenges to Island in 1867 by John Dallachy induced fires when the vegetation for national parks, and especially appreciation of the beauty and fragility which they have been home for many on Bishop’s Peak, but it was not initially reverts to open heath and low this remarkable Banksia’s persistence in the Gold of the bush, and that inner connection thousands of years. in the landscapes of the Wet described formally until 1981. It is a shrubland. Coast hinterland. that is hard to describe, but easy to I am often reminded of an Aboriginal remarkable banksia in that the flowers Blue Banksia has found its way into Tropics World Heritage Area within Having such a wonderful national experience. Now they are in their 20’s proverb - “We are all visitors to this are a steely blue-grey (hence one of cultivation, and has been grown in Hinchinbrook Island and Girringun park within an easy drive of and have graduated from University, time, this place. We are just passing the common names). It can grow to temperate climates such as Canberra National Parks. with its wide variety of walks at both but I am pleased to say that they will through. Our purpose here is to a height of 5 m, but is more typically and Melbourne, far from its natural Binna Burra and Green Mountains both head to a national park when observe, to learn, to grow, to love… About Dr Olsen seen as specimens of lower stature. habitat in the wet tropics. It is (O’Reilly’s), is something which I don’t they need a break away from their and then we return home.” This stunning plant can be found on understood it is one of the banksia Dr Mike Olsen is a Botanist that has more take for granted. busy lives. than forty years’ experience in landscape We as humans have made our homes the montane heaths of Mount Bowen species that has been cultivated for National parks come in all shapes and assessment, particularly with regard to the Whenever my “batteries” are drained, on the planet, but we will always be and Nina Peak on Hinchinbrook Island the cut flower trade, but to a lesser native flora and fauna of Queensland. or I need to refresh, I head to sizes, and with a range of terrain and visitors. We must ensure that we and on the flanks of Bishop’s Peak on extent than many of its relatives. vegetation representing many different www.lamr.com.au Lamington NP and reconnect with the maintain a healthy relationship with our the Cardwell Range, directly opposite In cultivation, it requires an open bush there. Having completed most habitats. But spending time in any neighbour, the natural environment, Images those peaks on Hinchinbrook Island. situation similar to that of its natural walks at least a couple of times, I find national park provides a connection especially through national parks. Habitat habitat and dislikes nutrients and “wet New Growth (Cygnis insignis https://commons. they always offer something different. with nature, and helps to put oneself wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22750521) into context - we are but one tiny Images The vegetation where the Blue feet” as do many banksia species The seasons, the weather, the subtle Banksia plagiocarpa (tgerus, Flickr https:// organism in a thriving community Header image - Ruined Castle, Blue Mountains Banksia is found ranges from having evolved in a landscape that changes that Mother Nature weaves, was nutrient poor and dry. The Blue commons.wikimedia.org/w/index. all make it a new and different of plants, animals, , fungi, NP shrubland to open heathland and php?curid=16263683 scavengers… Stairway & Larapinta Falls, Lamington NP grassland. The populations on Banksia evolved from the rainforest experience every time. Bishop’s Peak on the mainland Proteaceae, which dried during I must admit, deep down I have a soft It is wonderful that we can explore Photos provided by David Ball. within are low the northerly drift of the ancient spot for creeks, waterfalls, vistas from many national parks, but it is equally shrublands and heathlands close to a Gondwanic landmass. high vantage points, and rainforest wonderful that many other national creek that flows towards Hinchinbrook These ancient rainforests are one trees. Perhaps it comes from 5 years parks are left untouched for the channel. of many values for which the Wet working around Charleville surrounded benefit of their true inhabitants - the Tropics (including Hinchinbrook Island by Mulga and Gidyea while in my late birds, animals, trees and plant life. National Park) was inscribed on the 20’s (although Mulga country does Our national parks represent a wide World Heritage List in 1988. hold its own special charm!) variety of both landscapes and biodiversity, much of it unique and all New Growth When our sons were younger, we of it irreplaceable. The new growth is a remarkable rusty red colour that feels like velvet to the touch as is the hairy coating of the seed cones when they first form. It can be seen in flower in late summer to early winter with the cones appearing soon thereafter. Threats The Blue Banksia is listed as Rare under the Nature Conservation Act. Whilst survival from human induced fires is a result of evolution

12 13 for lunch. brand new detailed topographic maps of Osprey House is manned by volunteers 300 easier, shorter, accessible bushwalks WHAT’S where educational displays show nature from Noosa to Toowoomba to Gold Coast SPOTLIGHT delightful places you never knew about at its best. experiences for your family to remember Hopefully we will view the Owlet nightjar, a perfect gift for lovers of the outdoors N water birds, birds of prey and if lucky RANGER OF THE MONTH sleeping koalas. Family Bushwalks Directions: Travelling north on the Gympie Arterial Rd or the Gateway JP Emery (QPWS) Motorway take the first left exit into NPAQ Activities Dohles Rocks Rd after crossing the Family Bushwalks Pine River. in South East Queensland What to bring: Hat, binoculars, closed Second Edition F Champagne Twilight in shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen,

water, chair, morning tea and lunch.

Walk - Shorncliffe in South East Queensland Sunday 8 January 2017 Background listen to the yellow belly gliders and Location: Shorncliffe Ï Vegetation Management Spotlight is a series focusing on boobook owls at night. Group Grading: Easy QPWS rangers for NPAQs bi-monthly Saturday 18 February 2017 magazine Protected. Questions have What is the best part about Leaders: Len & Laurelle Lowry (0428 Location: Meet at Jolly’s Lookout been designed to provide an insight working in a National Park? 335 572, [email protected]) & Margot Morley. carpark, D’Aguilar National Park into the diverse backgrounds and day- The best part about working in a to-day activities of Queensland’s park national park for me is being able to Fee: $10 (NPA fee and snacks) Grading: various Nominations close 3 January to allow Mark Roberts and Gillian Duncan rangers. talk to and educate the public about Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 familybushwalks.com.au for catering what it’s like to manage a park and to 446, or [email protected]) JP Emery is a QPWS Ranger currently experience the unique flora and fauna Meet: 4:15pm for a 4:30pm start. Come and spend a couple of hours the Second Edition of the bestselling book Meeting place and parking options will Family Bushwalks in South East Queensland based in the Carnarvon Gorge Section found there. to help with lantana control and including a new Toowoomba chapter be advised when registering for the revegetation work in the Boombana of . walk. is now available online at What is your top tip for visitors to and Jollys Lookout sections of D’Aguilar www.familybushwalks.com.au Meet friends you haven’t seen for a National Park, west of Brisbane. How long have you worked in parks for bushwalking? and from retailers throughout SEQ while! A picturesque short circuit walk see our website for a list national parks? If you are there to experience nature in of approximately 2km with the option of I have worked in QPWS since early all its forms, take it slowly to absorb it a faster, longer walk will be followed by 2015. I had volunteered with QPWS all and get the whole experience. a Social Happy Hour to welcome in the for six months previously as part of my New Year. university degree. What is your top tip for campers? Shorncliffe has undergone many Allow yourself enough time to enjoy all changes over the past couple of years. Which parks have you worked in? the sights of the gorge, and stock up The original Shorncliffe Pier c1867 has now been replaced; it is a lovely walk I have worked in two areas (Western on the mosquito repellent. worthy of the extra 250 metres. An and Eastern Highlands) with the Roma adventure playground is available for the Remote team (six months), Taroom NPAQ would like to thank JP for young-at-heart. Management Unit (six months) and his time and effort in answering Office Closure now the Carnarvon Gorge section of our questions. Carnarvon National Park. Æ Bird Watching - John Wishing all our members and supporters, Thank you also to QPWS for their Oxley Reserve staff and volunteers, a very Merry Christmas ongoing support and assistance. and a Happy New Year. What is your most memorable Sunday 22 January 2016 F Social Walk - Daisy Hill moment? We hope you enjoyed finding out Grading: Easy Wednesday 22 February 2016 May your holidays be filled with fun, laughter Already in my short time with QPWS I more about one of Queensland’s and joy. have had many enjoyable moments. park rangers. Leader: Jocelyn Dixon (3378 8486, Location: Daisy Hill Regional Park My most enjoyable so far was a [email protected]) Grading: Easy We hope that you all have some time relax helicopter ride in the Amphitheatre in Fee: $5.00 per person Leaders: Len & Laurelle Lowry (0428 and get out and connect with our National 335 572, [email protected]) Parks. . As part of Meet: Ogg Road, Murrumba Downs. our pest management plan we were UBD 99 F1 Fee: $5.00 per person NPAQ advises that our office will be closed doing aerial baiting, and I got the Meet at 10:00am at the first parking from Friday 16th December 2016 to Join an enjoyable morning of bird opportunity to go up in the helicopter area inside the gate of Daisy Hill Road, Tuesday the 3rd of January 2017. watching at John Oxley Reserve on the Daisy Hill as part of one of the baiting runs. The banks of the Pine River. We will cater for all fitness levels with a scenery from the air was spectacular. We will then move a short distance to 4 and a 6 kilometre walk and see if we Black Duck Reserve waterholes, then can spot a koala along the way. We Can you describe your favourite to Osprey House Environmental Centre are guaranteed to see a koala after national parks experience? lunch when we have a look over the My favourite national park experience For more information, or to register information centre. is working and living in Carnarvon for an activity, please go to our JOIN, DONATE, Gorge. Every day I get to wake up to website: SUBSCRIBE, VOLUNTEER look at the sandstone gorges, and www.npaq.org.au/events www.npaq.org.au

14 15 Please give generously to help us protect our National Parks, by supporting our Annual Fundraising Drive!

Over the coming year, we must continue to advocate for the protection of our parks in the face of continued threats, including grazing and high impact tourism developments.

The National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) has been advocating for over 85 years for the expansion, protection and effective management of our National Parks and reserves. Your support will help us to continue this work.

Please donate to our annual fundraising drive to help us ensure that conservation is at the heart of Queensland’s National Parks.

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Ways to Donate: Online: http://www.npaq.org.au/get-involved#donate Phone: (07) 3367 0878 Email: [email protected] 16 Post: PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064