Camps

General information

Little Friarbird © V. Jones

Birds Queensland also runs a number of camps during the year, mainly at rural locations requiring over-night camping, bunkhouses, caravans or like accommodation. This is particularly necessary since they tend to be located some hours of driving distance from Brisbane and often with fairly "rustic" living conditions. If required, Camp leaders should be contacted to determine whether part of the planned activities could be attended by other members prepared to do the necessary night or early morning driving to attend.

To cover the costs of running camps, and to finance the occasional gift to those who invite us to use their properties for camps, all members attending each camp are asked to donate a fee of $2 per camp. This is run on an honour system where we rely on people to place their $2 in the donation box. Thank you for supporting this scheme.

The details of some of the camps listed are yet to be confirmed, and additional camps may be added as the year progresses, so keep checking here each month. If the details of the meeting place, etc. given are insufficient, please call the Leader for more precise directions. It is important to notify the leader to confirm your attendance, prior to the camp. We encourage car-pooling wherever possible.

Beach Stone-curlew © J. Sneddon

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February 9-13, 2012 - Inskip Point

Leader: Mike West. Ph 3876 4844

On this our 11th visit we will be joining the “Cooloola Festival of Birds” weekend. We are extending our times for those who wish to do the usual trips to Bymien, Lake Poona and Noosa Plain and also participate in this festival run by our friends from Cooloola Nature, Kelvin and Amelia at nearby Tin Can Bay. There will be workshops and presentations featuring dancing and the arts, shorebird monitoring and we will assist with guided birdwalks along the foreshore at Tin Can Bay and at Inskip Point. Inskip is still BBBQ heaven but expect hot weather and possibly insects. We try to camp at “Sarawak” clearly marked on the right, but look for the BQ signs.

If you reach the roundabout at the end of the bitumen you have gone too far. Beware of sand traps for 2WD but it should be OK with care. If you do get stuck there are plenty of people around to assist so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Bring swimmers, insect repellent and telescopes. Payment for camping at QPWS, Rainbow Beach along the way, phone bookings at 131304, or online at www.qld.gov.au/camping. the last 2 options are credit card only. You cannot book a certain site so it is pot luck when you arrive. Toilets are the only facility, so bring your own water and showers. Travel around 3 hours north from Brisbane via Gympie and Rainbow Beach. Follow signs to Inskip Point – bitumen all the way. A variety of accommodation is available in Rainbow Beach and Carlo Point. The area is popular with backpackers so enquire before you book. Phone Mike for more info but no need to let him know you are going.

March 2-4, 2012 - Byron Bay

Leader: Margaret Clark – Ph. 38781896 or Mob 0427681676

There are a variety of habitats in the Byron Bay area, including wetlands, coastal heath and woodlands, and estuarine areas. During the weekend we will be visiting some of these, and will visit the West Byron Wetlands, where over 200 species of birds have been recorded. We will be staying at the Beaches of Byron caravan park, which abuts the Arakwal National Park, and is 10 minutes walk from Tallow Beach. Facilities include a camp kitchen, full laundry facilities and convenience store. Cost: $15 pppn for an unpowered site, or $17 pppn for a powered site. Self-contained Cabins are also available, starting at $120 per night

As we will be birding on Sunday morning, campers will be able to check out late (round lunch time) on Sunday. For bookings and information phone 02 6685 6751. One night’s deposit is payable on booking. WHEN BOOKING MENTION YOU ARE FROM THE BIRDS QUEENSLAND GROUP, AND THAT TANYA, THE MANAGER HAS SAID THE ABOVE PRICES WILL BE REDUCED BY 10% (GROUP DISCOUNT). Also, they will attempt to put us all in neighboring campsites. People requiring a cabin are advised to book early. Information is also available on their website at: www.beachesofbyron.com.au

Directions: From the Pacific Highway, take the Byron Bay exit, and proceed towards the town centre. After crossing the railway line, turn right at the first roundabout into Jonson Street. Continue almost to the end of this street (less than 1 km), bear left into Browning Street, then right at the first roundabout into Bangalow Road. Continue south over a kilometer to major fork in the road, go straight ahead into Broken Bay Road, towards Suffolk Park. The Beaches of Byron Caravan Park is on the left, almost immediately after this junction.

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April 6-9 - Easter Camp At Ubobo, Boyne Valley.

Contact: Margaret Clark Ph 38781896 or mob: 0427681676

Ubobo is a very small town situated in the beautiful BoyneRiver Valley, between Monto and Calliope, about 30kmwest of Miriam Vale. During our stay we will be visiting a variety of areas including a private property, Bulburin and Kroombit Tops National Parks, coastal areas, and more. We will be camping at the Boyne Valley Community Discovery Centre, which is on 3.2 hectares of parkland and open space. It is suitable for tents, caravans or motorhomes. Facilities include in-house accommodation for up to 36 people, with double-bunk beds. A mattress, mattress protector and pillow is provided, PLEASE BRING OTHER BEDDING.

There is also a covered eating area with undercover gas barbeques, a kitchen with fridge, microwave, urn, cooking utensils and cutlery. Campers are also welcome to use this area. A large ablutions block adjoins the accommodation area, complete with laundry. There is also satellite broadband available.

Cost for in-house accommodation: $20 pppn; Camping (unpowered sites only): $10 pppn. Anyone wishing to attend the camp please let me know, so that the management can be informed of the approximate number of attendees, prior to the camp. Please let me know as soon as possible if you wish to book a bed. You are welcome to arrive early, either camping or in the accommodation (before Thursday), but please contact Margaret Pengelly, the Bookings officer, either email: bookings@bvcdc.boynevalley.org.au or by calling her on 07 4974 1212, giving approximate arrival time, so that she will be there to meet you.

(Directions and further details to follow.)

Future Camps

To be advised

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