Register your interest in the:

Geography, Game Parks and Gorillas Tour
through Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania

Departs Brisbane 22 June 2019 | returns 18 July 2019

more details here. . .

If you are not ready to make a booking for this trip, which requires payment of a deposit, you may register your interest while you consider your options. We will let you know any further developments or changes which may help you in deciding to join this amazing journey.

There is no obligation in registering your interest and you can cancel at any time.

Aim of tour/ visit:

Map Group visits own library at RGSQ headquarters - exploration and explanations by Map Group Members Peter Nunan, Peter Lloyd and Jim Graham. The presenters will delve into the unusual, rare and bazaar maps, books and artifacts in our collection.

Information:

Ian Francis   Email brisfran@gmail.com   Mob 0457 628 033

Location Map

Trek Leader: Ian Stehbens

INTRODUCTION:

The Upper Yabba is a very special place. Bold landscapes such as that of Baiyambora Gorge, or the gorge down the Kingaham, are charged with majesty and serendipity. To this one must add the rich diversity of other places that have real artistic appeal. Then there are the variable weather events that generate changing moods and atmosphere.

The first people, the Baiyambora clan, who belonged to the Kabi Kabi nation, hosted major bunya feasts in this top catchment, and as their western neighbours belonged to the Waka Waka nation, they were significant cultural events because of the social and linguistic interactions that took place.

It is also a very special place for geomorphologists and paleo-zoologists, for the top catchments of both the Yabba and the Kingaham formerly drained northwest to the Burnett system. Through stream capture both headwaters now drain towards the Mary, having to descend through their gorges to do so. The Yabba plunges over Yabba Falls - the Kingaham drops down the back steps over a diverse series of smaller waterfalls. It is thought that this stream capture may have contributed to the fact that the Australian lungfish (Ceratodus mullerii) and the Mary River cod, although derived from the inland rivers of the Murray-Darling system, are now also residents of the Mary.

What is special to a geomorphologist is not always special to a geologist, for they have very different interests and perspectives. However, this area is also a very intriguing place, geologically. It is part of the geological entity known as the North D’Aguilar Block, probably the most complex area of southern Queensland. Geographers will arrive with diverse perspectives: landscape aesthetics, access conflicts, visitor growth, refugia for wildlife in the face of climate change, connectivity and protection of ecosystems, 3-D drone imaging, hunger for adventure… This area will not disappoint.

MEMBERSHIP OF RGSQ

This is a members only trek. Membership is free to any person who is a bona- fide full-time student of a recognised educational institution in Australia.  All new member applications are ratified by the Council, which meets once a month. Please call the office 3368 2066 if you are not a member and your interest will be registered and confirmed before the commencement of the trip. Membership applications can be made through the website www.rgsq.org.au, and should be done immediately. Consent forms are only required for those below 18 years of age.

FITNESS

The weekend is appropriate for people with good bushwalking fitness and endurance, though a range of fitness levels can be catered for by some tailoring of the program:

1. easy but rough walk to top of Yabba Falls and Weaner Rock;

2. moderate challenge due to length of slopes gives access into Upper Yabba country and into Gates of Yabba and Baiyambora Gorge;

3. Challenging hike (9km return with 300m descent and return ascent) into Gates of Yabba with access to the foot of Yabba Falls, and the Primaeval Forest

Walking will be on unformed tracks through open grazing country including grasses and timbered country, and over rock surfaces. There is no current infrastructure (e.g. paths, safety fences), so caution must be exercised especially in rock locations and cliff areas. Comfortable and sturdy shoes should be worn while walking, and a hat and sunscreen and water are imperative.

LOCATION:

People need to assemble at Borumba Deer Park, 1133 Yabba Creek Road, Imbil by 7.30am on the Saturday morning and again on the Sunday morning. This trek will involve two days, returning to Imbil on both days.

Access to the field site from Imbil requires a 4WD vehicle, so we will be carpooling for those who do not have a 4WD. Please advise if you have a 4WD and are prepared to help transport participants from Borumba Deer Park and back on each day.

Location Map

SATURDAY 20th, 7.30am   RETURN DAY HIKE: BAIYAMBORA GORGE. Good Fitness required.To enter into the Baiyambora Gorge is to enter into majesty! There is much to discover and wonderful landscapes to assess. There will be opportunity for meditation, and the privilege of entering awesome places will be appreciated. The main hike is challenging, but safe. It is a 9km day hike.  The descent is 300m down a spur then following the creek and gorge upstream into Gates of Yabba with access to the foot of Yabba Falls, and the Primaeval Forest.

SUNDAY 21st, 7.30am     YABBA FALLS

Yabba Falls: Described by the custodians of Conondale Conservation as “Booloomba on steroids!”, Yabba Falls is our primary destination today. It will be a gentler day than the previous one. The falls will be viewed from the plateau, looking down into the gorge from different vantage points above Top Plunge, through Eye of the Needle, from Superb Corner Lookout and Weaner Rock. Opportunities for plant identification, or field sketching, drone photography, or unravelling the structural geology enigmas.

Registration for entire Trek: $25 includes a BBQ (food and non-alcoholic drinks) on Friday Meet and Greet, and Saturday evening. Paid registration by Wednesday 10 July 2019. RGSQ Members only.

Accommodation Choices:

Staying at Imbil in your choice of accommodation, which you arrange yourself. All of the following are suitable and convenient:

• Camping, self-catering cabins and caravans at Borumba Deer Park, Yabba Creek Road http://www.borumbadeerpark.com/
  
• Camping and caravan at Lake Borumba Camp Ground, 1484 Yabba Creek Road, Lake Borumba https://www.facebook.com/LakeBorumba/
  
• Camping and caravans at Imbil Camping Retreat  https://www.imbilcampingretreat.com.au/
• Short term accommodation is also available at Elsie of Imbil, Elizabeth St, Imbil. Ideal for a group of 4, especially if you would like to stay for a couple of extra nights. https://www.elsieofimbil.com.au/
  

B&B's
There are Bed and Breakfasts and quality accommodation options in and around Imbil. Three of the best are:

• Imbil Country Cabins (****) Phone: 0410 816 088
• Mary Valley Views B&B (*****) Phone: (07) 5488 6740
• Melawondi Spring Retreat (****) Phone: 0408 736 223

Statement by one of the 2018 trekkers, Oxana Repina:

"We sat with feet dangling over 150 m of air and shadows, sunlight pouring down into pools of water at the top and breaking onto rocks below. It wasn’t like anywhere else I’d seen in Queensland. Boulders jumbled far below – tens of feet in size, looking like little pebbles. Deep green pools perched in grey stone. It was gorge country, easily as spectacular as the waterfalls of New England or the canyons of the Blue Mountains – places protected by great tracts of national park, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. It was a place that just as much deserved to be seen; just as much deserved to be shown in photographs in landscape galleries, just as much should have been a part of the culture of this area.

"No one knew of this gorge here, and no one ever came. It seemed like a glaring oversight, like someone had made a mistake when they drew in the boundaries of national parks just nearby, and had put them just a little too far over, not realising what they missed including. Like somehow in the relentless press of spreading settlement and exploration and recreation, in their haste to get to the Sunshine Coast, people missed this set of valleys here. It was hard to say if it was bad luck or good.
It was the sort of place that didn’t deserve steel viewing platforms and boardwalk tracks and warning signs pasted all over. The magic was in its wildness, solitude and quiet expansiveness. It was the sort of place that you wanted to explore by being a part of it. By climbing barefoot over the rocks; by going over the edge with a rope and helmet. Seeing it from all angles because it couldn’t fit into a single glance (or a hundred).
We were told if this waterfall, Yabba Falls, were to be described in a single word, that word would be majestic. That was true. In the next valley over, the word was serendipitous. That was also true. There was a second river here, the Kingaham – equally little-known; equally incredible. It traced the boundary between two geologies, and so cavorted between every different sort of form that could be taken, something new around every corner.
Both places echoed of longing for respect, and left a powerful impression."   Oxana Repina

When and where:

Location: RGSQ Level 1, 28 Fortescue Street, Spring Hill Qld 4000.

Dates: Monday 22 July to Thursday 25 July 2019
Time: 9:30am to 4:30pm each day, or as much time as you are to give

Event Description:

Members' assistance is requested to help with the mailout of the Australian Geography Competition Certificates and Results. This mailout requires sorting certificates and results by school and placing the documents in envelopes, post satchels or boxes.

Presenter Background:

Neil Simson is a Town Planner. He started his career as a consulting Town Planner to the mid-1990s, before working as the Town Planner for Beaudesert Shire until the late 2000s, then moving onto a far larger local government area (population and urbanisation wise), in Logan City and worked there until 2017. Neil was the chief drafter of Beaudesert Shire’s planning scheme (2007) and he was heavily involved in the drafting of Logan City’s planning scheme (2015).

Topic Overview:

⦁ History of Town Planning in Logan City

⦁ Issues in Modern Mapping for Town Planners

⦁ What Mapping Tools are Displayed to the Public

Information:

Ian Francis, email brisfran@gmail.com   mob. 0457 628 033

Location Map

Gary Bacon 

Augustus Gregory was a very significant person in Queensland's early history. 

He first gained national prominence as an explorer and received the 1857 Founder’s Medal from the Royal Geographical Society in England for extensive and important explorations in Western and Northern Australia. He was appointed the first Surveyor General of Queensland and thereafter became closely associated with the start- up development of a range of scientific and professional Institutions, including, in turn, the Council of the Qld Acclimatization Society (1862),Foundation President of the Institute of Surveyors (1876), Trustee of the Queensland Museum (1876), Inaugural President of the Royal Society Qld (1883), and the Foundation President of the Qld Branch of the Geographical Society of Australia (1885). In politics Gregory was elected as a Toowong Shire Councillor (1880) and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (1882). From 1862 until his death in 1905 Gregory held continuously the senior position of Grand Master in Qld Freemasonry. 

This presentation will explore Gregory’s iconic leadership over a long, action-packed life of genuine achievement in diverse fields.

 Dr Gary Bacon AM 

Gary completed Honours and Doctorate degrees in forest science at the Australian National University, Canberra. He held senior research and management positions in New South Wales and Queensland Government forestry trading enterprises and in land management within QDPI. In 2000 Gary was awarded the Institute of Foresters of Australia’s highest accolade, the N W Jolly medal. He chaired the Australian organising team for the 2005 International Union of Forest Research Organisations World Congress. For the last decade he was an Industry consultant and Adjunct Professor in the Environmental Futures Institute at Griffith University. In 2013 Gary was elected as the Grand Master of Queensland Freemasons. In 2016 he was admitted a Member of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s birthday list.

Location:

The first people, the Baiyambora clan, who belonged to the Kabi Kabi nation, hosted major bunya feasts in this top catchment, and as their western neighbours belonged to the Waka Waka nation, they were significant cultural events because of the social and linguistic interactions that took place.

It is also a very special place for geomorphologists and paleo-zoologists, for the top catchments of both the Yabba and the Kingaham formerly drained northwest to the Burnett system. Through stream capture both headwaters now drain towards the Mary, having to descend through their gorges to do so. The Yabba plunges over Yabba Falls - the Kingaham drops down the back steps over a diverse series of smaller waterfalls. It is thought that this stream capture may have contributed to the fact that the Australian lungfish (Ceratodus mullerii) and the Mary River cod, although derived from the inland rivers of the Murray-Darling system, are now also residents of the Mary.

What is special to a geomorphologist is not always special to a geologist, for they have very different interests and perspectives. However, this area is also a very intriguing place, geologically. It is part of the geological entity known as the North D’Aguilar Block, probably the most complex area of southern Queensland. Geographers will arrive with diverse perspectives: landscape aesthetics, access conflicts, visitor growth, refugia for wildlife in the face of climate change, connectivity and protection of ecosystems, 3-D drone imaging, hunger for adventure… This area will not disappoint.

MEMBERSHIP OF RGSQ

This is a members only trek. Membership is free to any person who is a bona- fide full-time student of a recognised educational institution in Australia.  All new member applications are ratified by the Council, which meets once a month. Please call the office 3368 2066 if you are not a member and your interest will be registered and confirmed before the commencement of the trip. Membership applications can be made through the website www.rgsq.org.au, and should be done immediately. Consent forms are only required for those below 18 years of age.

FITNESS

The weekend is appropriate for people with good bushwalking fitness and endurance, though a range of fitness levels can be catered for by some tailoring of the program:

1. easy but rough walk to top of Yabba Falls and Weaner Rock;

2. moderate challenge due to length of slopes gives access into Upper Yabba country and into Gates of Yabba and Baiyambora Gorge;

3. Challenging hike (9km return with 300m descent and return ascent) into Gates of Yabba with access to the foot of Yabba Falls, and the Primaeval Forest

Walking will be on unformed tracks through open grazing country including grasses and timbered country, and over rock surfaces. There is no current infrastructure (e.g. paths, safety fences), so caution must be exercised especially in rock locations and cliff areas. Comfortable and sturdy shoes should be worn while walking, and a hat and sunscreen and water are imperative.

LOCATION:

People need to assemble at Borumba Deer Park, Yabba Creek Road, Imbil by 7.30am on the Saturday morning and again on the Sunday morning. This trek will involve two days, returning to Imbil on both days. Access to the field site from Imbil requires a 4WD vehicle, so we will be carpooling for those who do not have a 4WD. Please advise if you have a 4WD and are prepared to help transport participants from Borumba Deer Park and back on each day.

Assembly Point: Borumba Deer Park, 1133 Yabba Creek Road, Imbil

Location Map

SATURDAY 10th, 7.30am  BAIYAMBORA GORGE & YABBA FALLS To enter into the Baiyambora Gorge is to enter into majesty! There is much to discover and wonderful landscapes to assess. There will be opportunity for meditation, and the privilege of entering awesome places will be appreciated. The main hike is challenging, but safe. It is a 9km day hike. The descent is 300m down a spur then following the creek and gorge upstream into Gates of Yabba with access to the foot of Yabba Falls, and the Primaeval Forest.

SUNDAY 11th, 7.30am   KINGAHAM GORGE FIELD DAY

Today the bushwalking will take us into another environment with different geology, landforms including a series of waterfalls, pools and puzzles: Two Step Falls, The Ballroom Pool, Ochre Falls, Broken Mirror Falls, Masons Quarry, Broken Femur Falls, The Greenstone Crater. Serendipity might be the essence of the day. Opportunities abound for landscape aesthetics assessment, landform recording, vegetation identification, photography and drone imaging (if you bring your drone).

Only moderate fitness required for this day, which can be tailored for your level of agility.

Registration for entire Trek: $25 includes a BBQ (food and non-alcoholic drinks) on Friday Meet and Greet, and Saturday evening. Paid registration by Wednesday 10 July 2019.

Accommodation Choices:

Staying at Imbil in your choice of accommodation, which you arrange yourself. All of the following are suitable and convenient:

• Camping, self-catering cabins and caravans at Borumba Deer Park, Yabba Creek Road http://www.borumbadeerpark.com/
  
• Camping and caravan at Lake Borumba Camp Ground, 1484 Yabba Creek Road, Lake Borumba https://www.facebook.com/LakeBorumba/
  
• Camping and caravans at Imbil Camping Retreat  https://www.imbilcampingretreat.com.au/
• Short term accommodation is also available at Elsie of Imbil, Elizabeth St, Imbil. Ideal for a group of 4, especially if you would like to stay for a couple of extra nights. https://www.elsieofimbil.com.au/
  

B&B's
There are Bed and Breakfasts and quality accommodation options in and around Imbil. Three of the best are:

• Imbil Country Cabins (****) Phone: 0410 816 088
• Mary Valley Views B&B (*****) Phone: (07) 5488 6740
• Melawondi Spring Retreat (****) Phone: 0408 736 223

Statement by one of the 2018 Trekkers, Oxana Repina:

 

"We sat with feet dangling over 150 m of air and shadows, sunlight pouring down into pools of water at the top and breaking onto rocks below. It wasn’t like anywhere else I’d seen in Queensland. Boulders jumbled far below – tens of feet in size, looking like little pebbles. Deep green pools perched in grey stone. It was gorge country, easily as spectacular as the waterfalls of New England or the canyons of the Blue Mountains – places protected by great tracts of national park, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. It was a place that just as much deserved to be seen; just as much deserved to be shown in photographs in landscape galleries, just as much should have been a part of the culture of this area.

"No one knew of this gorge here, and no one ever came. It seemed like a glaring oversight, like someone had made a mistake when they drew in the boundaries of national parks just nearby, and had put them just a little too far over, not realising what they missed including. Like somehow in the relentless press of spreading settlement and exploration and recreation, in their haste to get to the Sunshine Coast, people missed this set of valleys here. It was hard to say if it was bad luck or good.

It was the sort of place that didn’t deserve steel viewing platforms and boardwalk tracks and warning signs pasted all over. The magic was in its wildness, solitude and quiet expansiveness. It was the sort of place that you wanted to explore by being a part of it. By climbing barefoot over the rocks; by going over the edge with a rope and helmet. Seeing it from all angles because it couldn’t fit into a single glance (or a hundred)

.

We were told if this waterfall, Yabba Falls, were to be described in a single word, that word would be majestic. That was true. In the next valley over, the word was serendipitous. That was also true. There was a second river here, the Kingaham – equally little-known; equally incredible. It traced the boundary between two geologies, and so cavorted between every different sort of form that could be taken, something new around every corner.

Both places echoed of longing for respect, and left a powerful impression."

Oxana Repina

Kathy Neehouse

Location:

Aim of tour/ visit:

The visit will give visitors an insight into the Fryer Memorial Library of Australian Literature which was founded in 1927 in honour of John Denis Fryer. It has a rich store of books, manuscripts, photographs, architectural drawings, oral histories and much more. This will be the second visit with the aim to see more historic maps of Queensland and Australia.

Pre Event Coffee:

Our group will meet at Merlo’s Café, Duhig Building, UQ St Lucia Campus, Campbell Rd, St Lucia at 9:15-9:30am

Fryer Library Event:

Tour from 10:00 to 12:00pm

Post Event Lunch:

Approximately 12 noon at Wordsmiths Café Building 4, 2 Staff House Rd, St

Lucia (dependent on completion of Fryer Library visit) 

Information:

Ian Francis: email brisfran@gmail.com,  mob: 0457 628 033

Fryer Library Map

This walk is in the Binna Burra area of Lamington National Park.

Meet at Canungra 8.00. Limit 12 people.

Daves Creek Circuit is a walk of 12km on graded tracks.  There are areas of rainforest and heath land, a cave, views into the Numinbah Valley and even more distance views if you climb part or all of the way up Surprise Rock.  We will also take a short side track to a beautiful little waterfall.

A retired geologist is coming along as a guest to give us information about the geology and formation of the area.

Must take: A backpack with rain jacket, small first aid kit, torch (although you shouldn't need it) something warm to wear, morning tea, lunch and 1.5 - 2 L water. Sturdy boots/shoes must be worn as the ground is rough.  Don't forget sun and insect protection and a hat.  A walking stick may be useful.

Meeting: We will meet in Canungra opposite the Post Office at 8.00am at the Canungra Hub Cafe. This cafe opens at 6.00 am so you may like to come early for breakfast or coffee.

When registering please give your phone/mobile number, suburb and whether you are prepared to drive as we will arrange car pooling where possible.

Coordinator: Mary Comer 0427 446 000

The business to be transacted at the meeting is:

(i)         to receive the Council’s Report and the Statement of Income and Expenditure, Assets and Liabilities of the Society for the financial year to 30th June 2019.

(ii)        to receive the Auditor’s Report in respect of the financial year to the 30th June 2019.

(iii)       to appoint the Auditor in respect of the financial year to 30th June 2020.

(iv)       to elect members of the Council.

Explanatory Notes

Business items (i) – (iii)

Material supporting these items (Council’s Report and the Financial Reports, including the Auditor’s Report) will be available for those attending the meeting, and will be added to the Society’s website following the meeting.

Business item (iv) Election of Members of the Council

Under the Rules of the Society, all Councillors retire from office each year, and a new Council is elected by members. The Society Rules provide for a Council of thirteen (13) members. Any member may nominate (and be seconded) for election as a Councillor, and nominations can be lodged at any time up to the commencement of the meeting. For a copy of a Nomination Form, please contact us at info@rgsq.org.au. The functions of a Councillor are set out in a document ‘Role Description – Councillors’, which can be obtained from the Executive Officer, or any current Councillor.

• A light supper, tea & coffee will be served after the AGM.

Justin Noonan

Location:

Stuart Watt (Warwick based Map Group member) has crafted an exciting 4 day event focusing on Toowoomba and Environs.  The Field Trip is tailored to Map Group members' interests and encompasses a diverse range of activities and educational opportunities.   The maximum tour size is 30.

Highlights include:

• Toowoomba – its history and development
• The explorers
• Drone mapping
• Infrastructure in depth
• Wellcamp airport tour
• Transport history
• Cobb and Co museum
• Bolton reading room
• and more

Download the comprehensive the information brochure here.

Transport:  Own transport to Toowoomba, members are encouraged to car pool for the trip.

Accommodation:  Participants to arrange own accommodation, suggested accommodation detailed in the information brochure.  Suggested accommodation location and website.

Entrance Fees:  Participants will pay entrance fees directly at the venue.

Cost:  An administration fee is $20.00 for RGSQ Members and $30.00 for non Society members.

A full printed itinerary will be provided for all attendees.

Aim of tour/ visit:

This is a follow up visit for Map Group to the QSA and is the second visit for 2019. The visit will concentrate on early historic maps of Queensland - e.g. explorer's maps/charts of Queensland, early land settlement maps, early town maps.

Lunch:

Bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee available.

QSA has imposed a limit of 12 attendees. Map Group will accept 12 registrations and 5 reserve reservations, just in case we have cancellations. As part of this Registration process, members are asked that those who attended the March 2019 visit to State Archives do not register so that other Map Group members may attend.

Information:

Ian Francis  email: brisfran@gmail.com  Telephone: 0457 628 033

Map - Queensland State Archives

Syd Kirkby

Syd will outline a brief history and genetic code of the fine but rarely displayed Australian ventures.

Location:
University Sunshine Coast, K Block, Lecture Theatre 2

GYMPIE DISCOVERY WEEKEND Draft Programme

Friday 1st November to Sunday, 3rd November

Come and join us for an interesting weekend at Gympie and Surrounds, including visits to the Woodworks and Gold Mining Museums as well as a ride on the Mary River Rattler and a visit to a Camel Dairy.

Members only. Costs to be advised except you should book your accommodation as soon as possible if interested.

Accommodation: Various Motels and accommodation options.

Gympie Caravan Park will be the “Trip Centre”. https://www.gympiecaravanparkgympie.com/. There are reasonable costs for cabins or powered and unpowered sites, also pet friendly.

Draft Programme:

Friday 1 November: Check into accommodation (at own cost) at about 11am, and meet for lunch at 12pm at the Woodworks Museum and Interpretive Centre at 8 Fraser Road, on the Bruce Highway just North of the Town.  1pm. Guided Tour.

5pm Happy Hour at Caravan Park. 7pm. Possible Group dinner at a local restaurant at own cost.

Saturday 2 November: Gather at the Old Gympie Station, Tozer Street at 8.30am for a 9.00am departure on the Mary River Rattler to Aramoor arriving at 10am (One hour Stop and Turnaround). Return to Gympie by 12pm. https://www.maryvalleyrattler.com.au/.

12.30pm Meet at Gympie Gold Miming and Historical Centre for lunch and the Café. 1.30 Museum Guided Tour.

5.00pm Happy Hour at Caravan Park. 7.00pm. Possible Self Catering at Caravan Park.

Sunday 3 November: 9.30am. Gather at Caravan Park 10.00am Arrive at Camelot Camel Dairy, 49 Waugh Road, Scrubby Creek (about 20 minutes drive SW of Gympie) https://www.camelotcameldairies.com.au/. Tour of dairy and camel rides available! 12.00pm Lunch at Dairy Café. 1.00pm Depart for home via Scenic Route or of your choice

Trip Organiser: Wayne McKenzie 0414 432 476

Julie Davis, Geography Teachers Association Queensland

Location:

Aim of Visit/Tour:

To understand how and where aboriginal habitation occurred in a part of the

Brisbane Region prior to European Settlement. Ray Kerkhove, a well known

researcher of Aboriginal Camp Sites and Pathways within the Brisbane Region prior to and after European settlement will undertake the Tour of Kedron Brook, Nundah.

Tour Requirements:

A bit of walking - along the pathways to Shaw Park - so good shoes, hat, water etc.

Extra Tour Element:

Ray can offer an additional Tour to German Station Park and the Nundah (German) Cemetery located there - to explain the attack that took place here and the camp on this site (the Cemetery is itself worth seeing being a remnant of the original German Station). This Offer is reliant upon numbers willing to register for it. It may extend the overall Tour by a little.

Lunch:

Italian bistro Royal Hotel, 1259 Sandgate Road Nundah

Information:

Ian Francis, email brisfran@gmail.com   mob. 0457 628 033

Google Map of Meeting point

Lets explore St Helena Island in Moreton Bay and probe its history.

Where: St Helena Island National Park – Moreton Bay.

When: 10 am Saturday 23rd November 2019 (Be at William Gunn Jetty, Manly, by 9:45 am)

Cost: Members $85; Non-members $90 (Includes ferry, lunch, and guided walking tour)

Transport: Own transport to Manly

Duration: Five hours or a little more

Parking: Google Maps shows an appreciable amount of car parking within 5 to 8 minutes walk. Trip Advisor indicates street parking is available within 5 to 8 minutes walk as well.

Details: St Helena Island lies about 5 east of the mouth of the Brisbane River and has an area of about 80 hectares excluding mangroves.

Evidence from middens shows that the island, known as Noogoon, was used by Aboriginal people for hunting dugong and flying-foxes and gathering shellfish.

St Helena was originally intended to be a quarantine station but the buildings constructed for this purpose were converted into prison accommodation and the island functioned as a high security prison. A proclamation declaring the island a place of detention was signed by the Queensland Governor, Sir George Bowen, on 14 May 1867.

By the end of the twentieth century, there were over 300 prisoners on the island, many of whom had been convicted of violent crimes. Prisoners were engaged in farming, with sugar, maize, lucerne and vegetables being produced; as well as ‘trade’ activities such as brickmaking, tailoring, and rope making.

The prison was in decline by the 1920s and most prisoners and workshops were moved to Bogo Road Gaol. A number of buildings were dismantled and the last prisoner left the island on 15 February 1933. The island was gazetted a National Park in 1979 and as the first Historic Area in Queensland in 1980.

Our guided tour with Cat O’Nine Tails Cruises will include buildings in the restricted zone and involve walking a little over 4 km. Lunch will be provided during the tour. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen and a hat, and wear comfortable shoes.

Co-ordinator: Bob Reid 0412 625944 (Mary Comer from 14 September to 1 November). bob.reid@tpg.com.au

Celebration:

A fitting finale to an exciting year!  Members are encouraged to bring along an item of geographical significance and share the interesting points of that item with the group.

Group members to bring a plate to share at the end of year celebration.

Information:

Ian Francis, email brisfran@gmail.com  mob. 0457 628 033

Location Map

The President warmly invites its members and guests to enjoy a final get together for 2019. Come along and reminisce over your geographical adventures and catch up with your friends.

The registration cost will cover drinks, tea, coffee and Christmas Cake. It would be much appreciated if members are able to bring a plate to share.

I look forward to greeting you all on the night. On behalf of the RGSQ, I extend best wishes and season's greetings to all members and friends of RGSQ.

Location:

DRAFT PROGRAMME FOR TREK TO LAMBERT CENTRE

This exciting 12 day trip includes air-fares from Brisbane to Alice Springs, a luxury 4WD Tour Coach with a driver/guide and camp cook. Many included attractions as detailed below, as well as all breakfasts and dinners and most lunches. Some camping and some motels/cabins.

Tentative Cost not exceeding $4500 per person twin share, with single supplement of $575.

Maximum limit 20 people. Expressions of Interest at no cost to be registered as soon as possible, with first deposits of $125 per person required by 9 September 2019, $150 by 9 December 2019 and $350 by 9 March 2020. Full non-refundable balance per person required by 9 July 2020.

Full Draft Itinerary, Accommodation and Coach Details:

Day 1: Wednesday 09/09/20 – Arrive Alice Springs. (Stay 2 nights at Desert Palms in twin share cabins)

Day 2: Thursday 10/09/20 – Alice Springs sightseeing

Day 3: Friday 11/09/20 – Western Macdonald Ranges (Stay: Kings Creek Station Safari Cabins)

Day 4: Saturday 12/09/20 – Kings Canyon & Uluru (Stay Yalara 2 nights camping in 2-person tents)

Day 5: Sunday 13/09/20 – Uluru & Kata-Tjuta National Parks (Eyers Rock and the Olgas)

Day 6: Monday 14/09/20 – Travel to Lambert Centre 2 nights (camping in 2-person tents)

Day 7: Tuesday 15/09/20 – RGSQ Lambert Centre activities

Day 8: Wednesday 16/09/20 – Travel to Coober Pedy (Stay Coober Pedy: twin share cabins)

Day 9: Thursday 17/09/20 – Coober Pedy & William Creek (Stay: William Creek - Hotel accommodation)

Day 10: Friday 18/09/20 – Optional Lake Eyre Scenic flight & Roxby Downs (Stay: Roxby Downs - camping in

2-person tents)

Day 11: Saturday 19/09/20 – Woomera & Port Augusta (motel accommodation)

Day 12: Sunday 20/09/20 – depart Adelaide for home

Included attractions:

Alice Springs Sightseeing Tour including guided tour of Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Entry and self-guided tour of Alice Springs Desert Park

Entry to National Transport Hall of Fame & Ghan Museum, Alice Springs

Western MacDonald Ranges including Stanley Chasm and Simpsons Gap

Guided Rim Walk at Kings Canyon or self-guided canyon walk

Sunset viewing of Uluru with drinks and nibbles

Uluru Sunrise tour

Guided base tour of Uluru

Visit Uluru -Kata-Tjuta Cultural Centre

Guided walk at Walpa Gorge at the Olgas

Guided tour of Coober Pedy including underground mine, underground house and underground church

Guided tour of Andamooka Opal Fields & Sunset tour at Roxby Downs

Entry to Woomera Heritage Centre

Entry to Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta

Meal inclusions:

Daily breakfast – a mix of continental and cooked breakfast / 7 lunches / Daily 2 course dinners

Royal Geographical Society of Queensland

Dedicated 2-person coach crew including experience driver/guide and camp cook

The 4WD Coach:

• 22 reclining seats with lap-sash seat belts and plenty of leg room

• Arm rests & foot rests to each set of seats (no foot rests in front row)

• Road-cam – see what's happening up ahead via the TV monitor in passenger saloon

• Large windows with curtains

• Overhead luggage racks

• Overhead reading lights to each seat

• Reverse cycle – climate-controlled air-conditioning

• Air bag suspension for comfort

• Onboard fridge and freezer

• Onboard hot water urn

• Kitchen facilities

• Onboard rest room – rear of coach (not in passenger saloon)

• Luggage storage facilities

• Satellite phone for emergency contact in remote areas

Camping equipment

Two (2) person tents, equipped with camp stretcher, air mattress and/or bed roll.

All plates, cups, bowls and eating utensils for meals will be supplied by Stonestreets Travel

Guests should bring their own sleeping bag, pillow, towel & 12-volt light / torch for tent and getting around

at night.

To learn more about the Lambert Centre please click here