Date Claimers – Upcoming Excursions
Saturday 24th to Monday 26th January, 2026; Leader: Barney Hines
Border Ranges National Park, NSW
Border Ranges National Park is an extensive park of temperate and subtropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. The club visited the park two years ago, but that visit was affected by road and track closures caused by storms. Despite this, much was seen, and participants seemed to have a good time. January sees the rainforest in its finest – steamy, full of leeches, likely raining etc. This should bring out the best of what the forest has to offer as well as those brave enough to venture forth. Come prepared! Please download the NSW NPWS App or visit their web page to book your campsite. Please all note that participants will need to purchase a NSW Parks Pass. Members are encouraged to register via the club webpage. This will be a good camp for families if the weather is agreeable.
Monday 4th to Wednesday 13th May, 2026; Leaders: Delma Clifton, Tom Wixted
Eungella National Park, QLD
Participants will arrive in Mackay on Monday 4th May in preparation for a tour of the Mackay Botanic Gardens on Tuesday 5th May. In the afternoon, we will travel to the Eungella Range and set up camp at Crediton Hall. Activities will include walks in Eungella National Park and trips to Eungella Dam, Finch Hatton Gorge, and (possibly) Mt Britton, Homevale National Park, an abandoned gold mining town and significant marine fossil site. A wonderful opportunity to explore this very special national park. https://parks.qld.gov.au/parks/eungella
Several Day Trips throughout 2026; Leader: Doug Smith
Flora and fauna of Bulimba Creek Catchment, Brisbane
Bulimba Creek, Brisbane is a complex network of creeks, ponds and wetlands covering 122 sq km. It includes 16 bushland remnants, 7 freshwater swamplands and 10 significant riparian wetlands (both fresh and saltwater). More than 1200 animal species and 900 plant species have been observed. In 2026, several QNC day excursions (dates to be advised) will seek to increase the observations in an iNaturalist Project covering the catchment area: https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/flora-and-fauna-of-bulimba-creek-catchment
September or October, 2026; Final dates TBA; Leader: Herpetologist Steve K Wilson
Windorah, QLD
Don’t miss this one! Steve Wilson is well known to many QNC members who have enjoyed his fascinating talks at club meetings. Steve Wilson is a renowned Australian herpetologist, author, and photographer known for his extensive work on reptiles, particularly snakes. He has dedicated his career to documenting and understanding Australian reptiles, including authoring and co-authoring several influential books on the subject. For this excursion to Windorah and environs, Steve states “we would probably need about 5 days in the area to explore properly. There is a council-owned camp-ground in Windorah. Small and basic but would serve as a base. There is also bush camping on Cooper Creek about 15 km east of Windorah.
Excursion Secretary Cathie Duffy will assist QNC members with accommodation options. The plan is to travel to Windorah (about 2 days from Brisbane), spend 5 days in the field, and then allow 2 days to travel home.;