October Outing - Mount Basalt, Sunday 3/10/21

Google Earth Image of Mount Basalt

Mount Basalt Reserve is dominated by two main rocky, ridge-shaped peaks and several smaller rocky ridges composed of basalt. These are flanked by scree and associated soils derived from the basalt and the sandstones, shales and coals of the Walloon Coal Measures.

The ridges were formed by intrusion of magma into cracks caused by ruptures in the Earth’s crust. They are part of volcanic events which occurred across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales between about 17 and 45 million years ago during the Tertiary period. Since that time weathering and erosion at Mount Basalt has developed the present landscape

Meet: Millmerran Lions Park in Edward Street at 9.00am (83-kilometre drive) for a toilet stop as there are no facilities at Mount Basalt or Kooroongarra.

Car Pooling is advised in this longer road trip. Members could make their own arrangements prior to the outing or meet at 8.00 am at the Neil Street Carpark. Please email (toowoombafieldnaturalists@gmail.com)  us if you would like a lift. The club suggests you offer $10.00 to the driver.

Activities: We have an enjoyable country drive (approximately 250 kilometres return trip) to visit Mount Basalt, south of Millmerran, a unique geological area featuring rare volcanic formations and defined walking tracks leading to spectacular views. There are several walking options of variable difficulties here, from 15 minutes to about an hour. We will have morning tea in the picnic area.

Following this, we drive to Kooroongarra, an historical village where buildings from the church, hall, cheese factory, butcher shop and grocery store remain. We will visit the pioneer cemetery and bushland and hope to visit a local property for exploration and lunch (details to be finalized).

Facilities: Picnic tables at Mount Basalt. Toilets at Millmerran

What to Bring: The usual – binocs, cameras, field guides, all food and drinks, chairs, picnic tables, sunscreen, hats, raincoats, wear sturdy shoes, etc., etc., etc.

Please register your interest if you are not a member (email address in right-hand margin) so we can contact you if there's any changes.

Please follow current COVID-19 restrictions 

and stay at home if you have any flu-like symptoms.

Yelarbon Camp - just magic! 7 - 10 September 2021

Noon Flowers
(Disphyma crassifolium)
at the Yelarbon Town Common

A marvellous camp, wonderful wildlife and botany with fabulous friends. 

Wildflowers were everywhere we turned. Even in the arid spinifex desert! We also explored an open forest community at Whetland State Forest and the riparian environment of two Dumaresq River reserves.

Thank you Tricia and Sandy for your pre-camp planning and your organization during camp. It made for a smooth, relaxing time for us, though slightly frenetic for you two!

Golden Billy-buttons
(Pycnosorus sp.)
at the Yelarbon Town Common

Slender Tea-tree (Leptospermum brevipes) and 
Curracabah (Acacia crassa subsp. crassa) at Whetland State Forest

Beautiful wildflowers at Bengalla Reserve -
River Bluebell (Wahlenbergia fluminalis) with Mayne’s Pest (Glandularia aristigera)

Which daisy is that?

Nats in the Spinifex Desert
Porcupine or Spinifex Grass (Triodia scariosa)

Quiet contemplation in idyllic surroundings

Spring Camp; 7 - 10 September, Yelarbon

Red-capped Robin at Yelarbon Common

Not a great photo but a bonny bird to see. Yelarbon is a great base for some phenomenal naturalizing and that's where the Toowoomba Field Nats are off to next week.

From spinifex desert to river reserves, we'll be spoilt for choices.

The geologically distinct landscape of desert and spinifex country is characterised by a natural salinity scald. This naturally hostile environment results in some unique vegetation and wildlife. 

Spinifex desert near Yelarbon

Emu and his chicks

Happy hour is 4 pm at the lagoon. Bring your own chair, drinks and nibbles.