Social Walk – Gold Creek Reservoir
Gold Creek Reservoir was built in 1886 as Brisbane’s second water supply. The water was supplied to Kenmore by a gravity main pipe until 1919. A tunnel was constructed from Gold Creek to Enoggera Creek and the two reservoirs were operated as a single connected storage reservoir. The dam spillway is the world’s first concrete stepped spillway consisting of 12 steps.
The bushland surrounding Gold Creek is part of the D’Aguilar National Park and contains within it plants and wildlife of regional biodiversity significance. The area supports a colony of Bell miners and the reservoir is home to native fish and other aquatic wildlife. The loop trail circumnavigates the reservoir and passes through open forest and patches of rainforest. The trail is about 5 kilometres long and passes through undulating country to give a cardiovascular work-out. We will stop frequently to take in our surrounds.
We will meet at 9:30am at the entrance to the reserve for an early morning-tea before setting off on the 5 kilometre loop. On our return we can have lunch at the picnic area, toilets provided. Before returning home there is an option to step back in time for coffee at the Brookfield General Store.
Meet at the carpark at the end of Gold Creek Road, Brookfield. This carpark is about 5.8 kilometres from the Brookfield Showground. Turn right at the roundabout into Gold Creek Road.
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, morning tea, lunch, drinking water, folding chair and $5.00 nomination fee. A walking pole and walking boots would be useful.
GPS coordinates – 27 27’45”S 153 52’57”E UBD map Reference L14
This activity will be conducted in keeping with current Covid-19 health department guidelines regarding social distancing and good hygiene practices. Be aware that, if you are over 70 (over 50 for people of indigenous background), and/or have co-morbidities, you are at greater risk of Covid-19.
If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend this activity.
Activity Report: As it was a warm day, a shady spot was selected for a short morning tea break. With 12 walkers, we set off in a clockwise direction to walk the 5 kilometre Reservoir Circuit. The walk up the earthen reservoir wall had our hearts pumping. The narrow track and the frequent descents and assents posed a challenge for a couple in the group and they made the wise decision to turn back. The remainder of the group continued on. It was noted by others walkers that we must belong to a “walking group” which allowed us to promote the benefits of being a member of NPAQ. Apart from the Bell miners, fauna was very scarce but there was an interest in the plants and wildflowers. On our return, we joined three of our group who had found an ideal spot for lunch. The outing was a chance to learn about Brisbane’s early history and to ponder the constructing of the reservoir. After lunch we drove a short distance to the Brookfield General Store café where we stepped into yesteryear. Coffee and a chat rounded off a very socialable day. Until next time, we thank you for joining our activity.