Outing Report - Christmas Creek, Lamington via Stinson Park – Saturday, 15th February 2025

Christmas Creek was idyllic
Photo: C. Bonner

Fourteen members spent a relaxing morning at Christmas Creek in February. Surprisingly we had the place almost to ourselves. The creek was splashing over the rocks and crystal clear, the vegetation was verdant, and the weather was warm without being stifling. 

To begin with it was quite cloudy but as the sun came out so did the butterflies. At morning tea there was plenty of conversation about what we'd seen with photographs being scrutinized for identification.

Lunch was held in the shade at Stinson Park where more butterflies were seen.

Watch this space for the species lists and more.

Forest Day Moth Cruria synopla
Photo: L. Beaton

Forest Day Moth Cruria synopla
Photo: C. Bonner

Evening Brown Melanitis leda
Photo: G. Pardey

Black-faced Monarch
Photo: G. Pardey

    

  

Forest Darner Austroaeschna pulchra
Photo: G. Pardey

Black-headed Skimmer 
Crocothemis nigrifrons
Photo: G. Pardey

   

   

   

Lush vegetation
at Christmas Creek
Photo: L. Beaton

Christmas Creek
 at the car park causeway
Photo: L. Beaton

   

Pheasant Coucal
Photo: G. Pardey

      

February Outing Details - Christmas Creek, Lamington via Stinson Park – Saturday, 15th February 2025

Time: 7.00am

Where: Stinson Park, Christmas Creek Rd, Lamington.

We will carpool from Stinson Park as parking is limited at the walk site.

The drive from Stinson Park is 6km approximately on a single lane road mostly gravel and rough in places. A high clearance vehicle would be recommended.

Directions: 

From Boonah Information Centre – Travel north on the Ipswich Boonah Rd for 6.8km and turn right onto Beaudesert/Boonah Rd. Travel 31.5km approx. into Beaudesert and turn right onto Mt Lindsay Rd. Follow Mt Lindsay Rd for 13km then veer left onto Christmas Creek Rd. Continue on Christmas Creek Rd for 28 km then turn left into Stinson Park.

From Ipswich – From Yamanto follow Ipswich Boonah Rd for approx. 34km. Turn left onto Beaudesert/Boonah Rd. Then follow directions as above.

Activities: From the National Park carpark we will walk the access road which follows Christmas Creek for approximately 800m to the NP entry. From here we will follow a track to the creek crossing. There are stepping stones across the creek into the national park. Depending on the water levels we may cross the creek and venture into the forest (on the recce day the creek was high and difficult

to cross).

There was much to see on the recce day including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, lizards and majestic trees.

Facilities: There are no facilities at the national park carpark or in the park itself. Toilets are available at Stinson Park.

What to Bring: suitable clothing and footwear for walking in the bush, sunscreen, insect repellant, water, morning tea and lunch, chair, and the usual naturalist stuff of your choice; binoculars, camera, field guides, notebook, etc. Drinking water, as the water at Stinson Park is non potable.

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