Samford Valley and the Camp Mountain Rail Disaster 1947

Samford Valley and the Camp Mountain Rail Disaster 1947

This bus trip takes us into Samford Valley and includes exploration of the Labour Day Picnic Train crash at Camp Mountain on 5th May 1947.

Time: A bus is necessary due to the impracticalities of a number of cars on narrow winding roads.

It will leave the Enoggerra Train Station Car Park at 9.30 a.m, off Glenalva Terrace, Enoggera. Please arrive by 9.15.

This station is served by frequent trains on the Beenleigh/City and Ferny Grove line, and also has parking off Glenalva Terrace, Enoggera. The bus will depart from the parking area on the South side of the station. Parking is also available in side streets.

Morning: The bus should arrive at Samford Museum at about 10am. Morning Tea will be provided. 

Image: https://blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2017/10/24/crash-at-camp-mountain/

Greg Hallam who is the Historian for Queensland Rail will give a presentation on the Camp Mountain Rail Accident and a history of the Ferny Grove to Dayboro line, now discontinued. He is a well known expert on the subject. The above picture clearly shows the downhill bend. It is now McLean Road South.

There will be time to discover the very well presented Samford Museum, with Geoff Harris to help to provide some guidance. There are many exhibits including local rail history and the nearby Bora Ring.

Lunch will be at the popular Cafe Lagarto on the Mount Glorious Road, Samford Valley. This is part of a Lifestyle Centre with interesting shops including  a good bookshop, crafts and country stalls. Lunch is at own cost. It would be possible to BYO lunch, but with very limited seating elsewhere. There will be time to explore the Lifestyle Centre.

Afternoon: We will visit a well preserved  Bora Ring on the Upper Wight's Mountain Road, which is claimed to be the last remaining Bora Ring in Queensland.

We will then go to the site of the rail accident on Maclean Road South, and observe the slope and gradient in the area, leading to the cause of the train leaving the rails.

We will then proceed to the boundary of Brisbane Forest Park Conservation area. The Rail Trail here follows the old railway to Ferny Grove and is now a bike/walking track.  

From here we can take an optional walk/stroll on bitumen through the Brisbane Forest Park on the Rail Trail. There is a slight uphill gradient to a detailed plaque and then a similar descent into Ferny Grove. Total distance: 1.8kms taking about 30-45 minutes. Birdlife in the bush, railway cuttings and gullies and some old farm structures can be seen on the way.

The bus will take anyone not on the walk around to the Ferny Grove end of the trail at the end of Lanita Road.

We will then return  to the Enoggera Train Station by about 3.30 - 4pm.

Participants please note: The outing involves only minimal walking except for the optional walk. Some danger of bicycles using the Rail Trail. Wear appropriate shoes, sun safe clothing, hat and bring a camera and a water bottle.

Cost: Members $50 and non-members $60, includes the bus trip, morning tea and entry into Samford Museum.

Register and pay by Friday 1st March.

Limit 30 participants. If the trip is fully booked, please use the waitlist. There is often a good chance of late places being available, or even a repeat of the trip.

Coordinator: Chris Spriggs 0400 908 378