Holey Dooley Tree, and a Mouse

What did we do on our last bushwalk?

20th February – Leader Keith.
Bambaroo Track and Insulator Ck Falls.

This walk uses part of the historic Bambaroo Track in Mt Spec section of Paluma Range National Park. The track was used in the ‘old days’ for people to go to Shay’s Clearing at top of the range to escape the heat of Townsville – catch a train to Colbie, then horse ride up the range to Shay’s Clearing. Today, we have to use Shanks Pony.

15 enthusiastic bushwalkers assembled at Frosty Mango at 8am, complete the admin, then move on to the start of the Bambaroo Track (8km north of Frosty Mango on Bruce Hwy). Some were disappointed that Frosty Mango is not open at 8am, but hey, ice creams at end of walk, not the start.
Gotta earn that ice cream!

Pointing at the comms tower on top of the hill at 270 mr elevation with a hot 2km steep road hike to the tower to get started, the group moved off. It was a fairly quick pace to the tower, certainly faster than expected ! So a bunch of hot and sweaty bushwalkers assembled at the tower lookout enjoying the views, hoping for a breeze. Nobody had parachutes in their packs so no hang gliding off the ‘ramp’.

Leader says ‘that is the worst of it done, bit easier from now on’ – can we trust him ? Onto the Bambaroo track proper, climb through rainforest to start of the giant fig trees. Go right to the first one, an amazing giant tree. So we clamber in and up it for photos. Those who have not been here before were amazed. Leader says ’start moving on in a minute’, then delayed a further 30 seconds.

Suddenly not far away is a crack and crashing sound as a tree fell down. Walk the short distance back to the track, that tree had fallen down right next to where we walk. Was that 30 seconds good ? Moving on a short distance to amazing buttress trees and another giant fig. This area is wonderful on a misty day, very ethereal and fairy tale like. Today is hot and sunny, but nice in the rainforest. Keep climbing, pigs have been active and ground is moist so chewed up a fair bit. Keep climbing to ‘lunch rock’ fig tree (but no lunch here today), another fantastic giant tree. We find a small creature inside buttress tree roots, staring up at us. With ears pricked up, and tiny head poking above the root, we thought it was a mouse (probably fawn-footed melomys) or maybe micro bat, but after some time it scrambled around its little tree root home and we saw it was a mouse. It patiently allowed us large monsters to take photos of it while it kept poking its head up with pointed ears.

Leaving the main track, down the side track to Insulator Creek, very steep rough descent. On the way sight some spectacular butterflies, unusual, might be Orange Lacewing (?) – bright orange centre with black surround wings. Into the creek, and rock hop up wet slippery rocks, for about 15 minutes, to the amazing fig waterfall tree – the creek and waterfall flows through a giant fig tree. Incredible. After lunch, we head downstream, to reach the canyon and Insulator Falls – an impressive sight. Three of the more adventurous ones clamber to the bottom of the canyon – next time we all go apparently - Wilfred will bring a rope !

Dyso suggested that the really keen could walk out to the highway from here ‘not that far ya know’ - but after hearing tales of woe from someone who has done it, all decided back via the track sounded much better.

The climb out of Insulator Ck is very steep, but short. Back on the Bambaroo Track, catch our breath, then all downhill. Through the buttress tree and giant fig tree area (there are at least 9 giant figs on this walk), we go to the east side past a giant fig tree (damaged in Yasi), to reach Holey Dooley tree. Well, that was what everyone said when they sighted this giant fig tree - ‘Holey Dooley’ – so that is its name now. After a pleasant break admiring this tree and the rainforest, start walking back to the main track. But first, our leader diverts us into the old giant (yasi) tree – makes us walk through it – amazing to wander in and through the giant root structure. As we wait to reassemble, a pair of wonderful Cairns Birdwing butterflies flutter around us – we could almost touch them. This was an amazing sight. Heading down the track just before we leave the rainforest, another Cairns Birdwing. Then the last bit of the walk, the 2km downhill road trek – hardest part of the day. The road is slippery and going steeply downhill, traction is problematic. Back at the cars at 3 pm, it was a nice 10km bushwalk, another great club hike. Then off to Frosty Mango for that ice cream reward.

Conversation:
‘You haven’t freinded me – it’s been three years and you have still not accepted friend request !’
‘um, what ..............?’
‘three years ago I sent you friend request, and you still haven’t friended me – what does that say uh!’
Sheepish reply ‘um ... well, I don’t know that modern tech stuff. I think I only have three ‘friends’ .... anyway, I don’t know how to add more ..... what buttons do I have to press ?’
‘reeaaaalllyyyy !’

Townsville Bushwalking Club - 61 yrs old and still going strong
Exploration is in our club DNA