July Outing - Trip Mt Mathieson Trail, Spicer’s Gap, 18 July 2020

Moss's Well Track since the 2019 bushfire (Photo taken May 2020)

April 2011 was the last time the club paid a visit to Spicer’s Gap. Time to revisit this area. We will also check out the fire damage of 2019 and how the bush is recovering.

Time: 8.30am meet – 9am start, 18th July 2020

Where: Spicer’s Gap Picnic Ground (next to the Camp grounds).

Directions: From Boonah drive south on the Maroon/Rathdowney Road for 4 kms and turn right onto the Mt Alford Road and onto Mt Alford. Bear right at Mt Alford, past the school, and drive up the Teviot Range on the Lake Moogerah Road. At 18.7 km from Boonah turn left onto the Mt Edwards/Lake Moogerah Road at the back of the Lake, some of this road is gravel. Continue on the Mt Edward/Lake Moogerah Road for 10.6km then turn left into Spicer’s Gap Road. Drive up Spicer’s Gap Road 7km to Spicer’s Gap Picnic Ground. This road is gravel and is in good condition to Spicer’s Gap Picnic Ground.
For those travelling from Ipswich/Brisbane, head along the Cunningham Highway and 5km after Aratula turn left into Lake Moogerah Road. Drive 5.7km and turn right into Spicer’s Gap Road and continue up to the Spicer’s Gap National Park Picnic Ground.

Features: Rainforest, eucalypt forest, birds, butterflies and other invertebrates, and occasionally koalas can be seen in the area. The Pioneer Graves and Moss’s Well are some of the historical features to view during this expedition.

Activities/Level of Fitness: This is a field trip that should suit everyone. We will walk along part of the Mount Mathieson Trail which is 3.6 km return. There is a longer circuit walk approximately 8.1 km which can be arranged at the time for those who wish to participate in this. For the less energetic, pottering around the area at Spicer’s Gap Picnic area and the Pioneer Graves will bring many delights. This is a nice time to catch up with fellow field naturalists. Lunch will be back at the Spicer’s Gap Picnic Grounds. 

Facilities: There are composting toilets at the Picnic Grounds.

What to Bring: Morning tea, snacks, lunch, drinks and chairs. The usual protective gear for a walk including hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, plenty of water for drinking and washing hands, hand sanitizer, camera and binoculars. Good walking shoes are advisable.

Upon Arrival: Please register in the Attendance Book and pay your $2 per person participant fee. 

Some of the Government COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and the FFNC field trips will follow the guidelines set out below.
Guidelines at 16th June 2020 (this possibly may change by 18th July)

1. Club activities will be restricted to 20 people

2. Members must register via email at least 48 hours before the start of the outing.
3. Participants will need to maintain social distancing as much as possible.
4. Please do not attend any outings if you are feeling unwell or showing cold or flu-like symptoms.
5. The club will provide hand sanitizer at the sign on station.
Please bring your own sanitizer to use at the drop toilet near the picnic ground/campground and for other personal needs.