The Secret Forest and Its Connection to NPAQ
Activity Report
On a beautiful sunny day, twenty members and four guests met at the Red Shed, Oxley Common for morning tea and a presentation by long-time member David Drake. David is a grandson of the late Romeo Lahey who helped found the NPAQ and was the Association President from 1930 to 1961. From the presentation, we heard about Romeo’s love for the environment; his endeavour to have Lamington NP gazetted in 1915; instigating the purchase of land for the construction of Binna Burra Lodge; his many other exploits culminating with the “Secret of the Forest”. The Forest is a stand of hoop pine trees (Araucaria cunninghamii) planted on 5 acres of Lahey family land later donated for public use. It is a popular area for recreational use for walking, birding and bike riding.
We then walked the trail to the Secret Forest doing lots of chatting and spent some time contemplating the majestic trees. On the way back, we diverted to Pelican Island and sighted several species of birds including water birds.
Back at the Red Shed, lunch was partaken along with much socialising.
Many thanks to all attendees for your great company and for making this an enjoyable day.
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Activity Details
The Brisbane City Council has developed the Oxley Creek Common Reserve and provided excellent facilities. There is a large shelter known as the Red Shed. A community Bushcare group has planted many native trees along Oxley Creek and the pathway. This is a social walk along a level gravel pathway. The object of the walk is to walk to the Secret Forest where NPAQ member, David Drake, will give a short presentation on the significance of the stand of Hoop pines (Araucaria cunninghamii) and the connection to NPAQ. This walk is 4.3 kilometres return. A side pathway to Pelican Island provides a good opportunity to observe water birds, making the two walks a total distance of 5.5 kilometres return. A good opportunity to get back into walking or riding your bike.
Directions: Meet at the Oxley Creek Common opposite 401 Sherwood Road Rocklea 4106 Brisbane. UBD map 179 reference B20. GPS coordinates –27 53568 152.99272
Nominations: via the NPAQ website or directly to the leader.
What to bring: Early morning tea to have before the walk, 1 litre of water, sun screen, hat, chair, binoculars and picnic lunch to have after the walk.
This activity will be conducted in keeping with Queensland Government’s COVID-19 directions at the time of the activity. Please do not attend this activity if you have been feeling unwell with COVID-19 related symptoms in the 7-day period before this activity.
