Discover Ipswich Magazine 2020

22 | DISCOVERIPSWICH.COM.AU

ADVENTURE

Sta gazing trails

“Amazing views at the top” TripAdvisor Traveller FamilyFunIpswich_QLD, April 2019.

By Josh Kerr Ipswich Trekker @joshbearmaster

The afternoon light fades and the excitement begins to build as people arrive and gather in the meeting area. Some familiar faces, a few strangers and the trusty guides dot the shelter under which the journey begins. This is the staging ground for an event that has been met with much enthusiasm and unlike anything else on offer in the area. This, is a Moonrise Walk at White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate.

disappear behind, comes the glimmer of the moonrise that will guide us home. The closing minutes of our stay are spent watching as the moon crests high into the sky, showering the bush in dappled light. And so we head back, fixing headlamps and assembling our line. Our surrounds have transformed into something entirely different and eyes flash all around. Torches catch the silvers of spiders scampering down holes, slamming their tiny doors behind them and the tree tops bustle with hoots and cackles, as great owls hunt and flying foxes forage. After some time, slowly but surely, we return from whence we came. Tired, but content, weary but satisfied, and ready to do it all again next month. For a side of nature we don’t often get to see, be sure to head out and join us at the next night walk at Mt Flinders or White Rock. Bookings essential. Contact the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre (07) 3281 0555 or see DiscoverIpswich.com.au to book.

Each month, coinciding with astrological events, a group of lucky hikers venture out in anticipation. Under the careful supervision of myself and Ranger Jody, we descend into a labyrinth of twists and junctions amidst thickets of wildflowers and towering Queensland Blue Gums – creeping ever further towards our terrestrial theatre, from which the show will begin. The aim this evening, isn’t simply a wander in the woods. Oh no... tonight, we have the opportunity to witness the bush in a whole new light. As we walk, bluffs and boulders blend their detail into silhouettes of dusk and eager chatter gives way to the sombreness of night. Wallabies stir from their grazing to keep watch and twilight marsupials dart to evade the gaze of predators above.

The path ahead is laced with relics of Australia’s wartime past, clusters of stone revealed as the gun pits of the soldiers that once walked these grounds. And further still, a century-old tree stands war weathered and alone – too bullet-riddled to be logged. But, the true reward is yet to come. Awaiting atop a ridge, after an ascent through the forest, we emerge into a clearing overlooking the surrounding area, with views stretching from Springfield below, to Mount Coot-tha in the distance and even the runways of RAAF Base Amberley in the north west. The city lights of Brisbane twinkle and a faint drone of traffic dissolves into the busy whispers of the forest around. Then at long last, emerging above the horizon as the final rays of sun