Brisbane Ranges - June 2012

Okay, it is time to test our gear in the winter and with the weather report looking.........well, looking like a mixed bag we head to The Brisbane Ranges. The three day hike along The Burchell Trail extends for 38kms and we were walking north to south. Wendy and Frank decided to join us, initially we were going to camp at Fridays Campsite on the, you guessed it, Friday but, the weather was less than pleasant so we decided for a morning start instead.

We met up with Frank and Wendy at Boars Gully Campground to do a car shuffle. They piled into our car and we headed for Steiglitz. The walk can commence in a number of locations but we left from The Pines car park.

The weather was trying to improve but as we walked we had our jackets on, then off, then on, then bugger it, we'll leave them on! The entire length of The Burchell Trail covers a variety of terrains which never leaves one bored, from narrow tracks to roads, to steep accents and descents, rock scrambles, muddy trails and river rock hopping. 



Old Mill Campsite

We arrived at Old Mill Camp early afternoon, plenty of time to get a fire going and prepare for the evening. The sun had a minutes opportunity to pop its head out just before setting below the hills surrounding our camp. It was a lovely night by the fire with the occasional star-glimpsing opportunity.

The next morning wasn't so favourable as the weather closed in once we had eaten breakfast. breaking camp in the rain went well and we discovered we can take down our tent while leaving the fly erected. Regardless of the weather the walking was enjoyable and as mentioned diverse. The Grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) are prevalent and provide a garden like appearance to the bush.  

At the start of "the drop!"

Little River

The weather eased as we descended down into the Little River area. On arrival at the campsite much criticism was given to the fire provided, although after some thought we considered the fact that we had a river view, with a pool beside our open fire... to be a selling point. It wasn't long after our arrival that we were belted by a hefty shower of rain. Luckily we had everything organised so we remained dry. Once again we finished the night with a fire, not quite as inspiring as the evening before and a little damper. Bed at 7pm is a tad early, but after the 17km walk we were happy to relax in our sleeping bags. Ironically, the clouds dissipated and the stars burst into life.

With clear skies the inevitable occurred and our tent and everything around was covered in ice! Awesome! Warm porridge for breaky and a chilly pack up and we were on our way. While cold to start the sun soon warmed us nicely and we continued our walk to Boar Gully.
All in all an enjoyable walk with a wide variety of terrain to challenge and enjoy.

We would like to head back in the Spring as the wildflowers would add another dimension altogether. Oh.....wet, cold weather gear, big tick!

Thanks Frank and Wendy!