Outing Report - Campsite 6, Tarome – Saturday, 20th July 2024

Cunningham's Gap in the Main Range
from Campsite 6

 A good number of members met at the Tarome Fire Brigade shed on a cool, bright morning in July. We watched some birds of prey and tried to identify them but they were either too far or too fast to name.

The crisp views of the Main Range were stunning. The morning sun picked out every detail, and there was no haze to blur the escarpment.

The road in is good gravel but has some deep ruts though no mishaps occurred to mar our morning.

It wasn't long before the Nats had scattered. Some to be blown backwards on the wind blown slopes, Others to stay in the shelter near the dry creek.

We all gathered back to the sunny shelter of the cars. Here we had a leisurely morning tea chatting about outings, past and present, trips we'd been on, and wildlife we'd seen.

Species list for Campsite 6:

Birds: Straw-necked Ibis, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Whistling Kite, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Galah, Crimson Rosella, Fairy-wren sp., Striated Pardalote, White-throated Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Brown Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Rufous Whistler, Dusky Woodswallow, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Tawny Grassbird, Silvereye, Welcome Swallow, Mistletoebird, Red-browed Finch, Australasian Pipit.

Insects: Wanderer (Monarch), Variable Ladybird.

July Outing Details - Campsite 6, Tarome – Saturday, 20th July 2024

Allan Cunningham cairn at Campsite 6

Time: 9 am

Where: The Rural Fire Brigade shed, Hinrichson Rd, Tarome.

Directions: At Aratula turn west (or right, if you’re coming from the Boonah or Ipswich areas) into Elizabeth Street, signposted Tarome and Rosevale. This becomes Tarome Road once you leave Aratula. Continue on this road for about 11.5 km where you will see the large Rural Fire Brigade shed. We’ll meet here. I do recommend high clearance vehicles from this point. Most of the road is good, but there are a few ruts near the end. 

If you’re late and you miss us, turn into Hinrichsen Road. This has a tiny bit of bitumen then is good gravel. In just under 2 km, veer left continuing on Hinrichsen for another 1-and-a-bit km when the road takes a long curve to the left and becomes Campsite Rd. After another kilometre cross Badcocks Creek (not signposted) and on the other side is the reserve with a cairn.

There are beautiful views on the way

Activities: This is an outing more for the photographers, birdos and bug-hunters than botanists. The views of the Range on the drive in are stunning. As the reserve is very small the walking is along the road and the creek for about 200 m. There should be a little water in the creek to encourage the wildlife.

Remember you are standing in the footsteps of Allan Cunningham. He and his party camped at this spot.

We’ll finish before lunch but for those who want a longer time out there are many ways home to choose from; e.g. via Rosevale and Warrill View, or returning to Aratula and heading home via the southern end of Moogerah Dam.

Level of Fitness: If you can drive a car, that’s all the fitness you need.

Facilities: None. Nearest toilets are at Aratula.

What to Bring: suitable clothing and footwear for walking in the bush, sunscreen, insect repellant, water, morning tea, chair, and the usual naturalist stuff of your choice; binoculars, camera, field guides, notebook, etc.

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