Come join Phil Box & Dave Sercombe on an exploration of the dramatic creek erosion which occurred earlier this year up in the Murphy's Creek area. This is the area directly below the Toowoomba escarpment, and was the main feeder of Lockyer Creek affected by the ‘rainstorm’ of January 10. Some of you may have seen comparison pictures, which were posted by Phil on the rock climbing forum "Qurank", showing the 15 Mile Creek region of Murphy's Creek (link below).

For those that don’t know him, Phil has a background in outdoor education, and in addition to his interest in the weather, he has learned much about the landscape and geology of the SEQ and NE NSW region.

Throughout the day, both Phil & Dave will be on hand to discuss the flow catchment history of the area, events that lead up to the day, the day itself and the aftermath that the massive amount of rain caused. The geology of the exposed creek bedrock and surrounding areas will also be discussed. We will visit the actual creek, and check out main areas of interest, including the area surrounding Murphy's Creek campground.

We do not intend this expedition to be overly strenuous, and you will not have to be a hardened bushwalker to participate.

Date: Sunday 9 October
Time: 9am - approx 2pm
Meeting Point: Murphy’s Creek Pub, where we shall then carpool (4WD’s or softroader’s preferred, if you don’t have one we shall look after you!) out to the creek. Once returned to the cars, we’ll then head out to Murphy’s Creek Campground, then back to Murphy’s Creek Pub for a counter lunch (please include in your RSVP if you shall be getting lunch at the pub).
Detailed instructions for where we shall meet (including Google maps link) shall be provided soon.
What to bring: Water, nibblies while on the walk, comfy but sturdy shoes for some walking, hat, sunscreen etc.
RSVP: To Dave at daveserc@hotmail.com by Wed 5 October. Places are limited to 25 so get in quick!

It is highly recommended you see some of the ‘before’ pictures in this thread as a background before seeing the real thing!

http://queenslandclimbing.yuku.com/topic/5319/Redcliffs-river-frontage

David Sercombe
QLD ASWA State Rep

I can't wait to show people around this remarkable area which has become even more remarkable since the weather event that caused this monumental flood. Rest assured that the flood evidence is still very much there for all to see. Most of the creek beds are still absolutely sterile with no weeds growing in them. The creeks are also still flowing which demonstrates that the sub soil moisture in the Helidon Hills is still high. All the springs are still feeding the creeks and the place is looking its best after years of drought. The vegetation is simply stunning with a lot of plants that purportedly were rare and endangered coming back with a vengeance.

I can fit quite a few people in my troop carrier so if the odd person arrives in a normal car then feel free to jump in my truck.

Thanks Dave and Chrissy for organising this initiative. If people needs questions answered then I shall also monitor this thread and reply when I can. I'm out on camp at the mo.

Oh yes, by the way, the Murphy's creek pub is really easy to find. It's right in the middle of town on the main drag which is Murphy's Creek Road. You turn right off the Warrego Hwy about 3 or 4 ks past Helidon. There is a large sign on the highway. Follow the signs.

Would have loved to be apart of this, but alas i have avery busy Oct coming up. Best of luck though, i hope it goes well.

Great work Dave - I will be there.

I will confirm other details with you closer to the date.

Will definitely be a sobering experience and I'll be there too!

If it wasnt for the V8's at Bathurst and my thirst for thumping holdens,..I would be there in a flash. To have a guided tour and some insight from locals and those more experienced in what unfolded that day would be such a eye opener and an experience worth seeing first hand. I was dumbfounded with what i found on my travels through the region back in May, but to have been able to get deeper into the wilderness that day would have been a great experience. But road closure signs and a sunken heart from what i had seen allready held me back.

As we're hovering around 15 RSVP's so far, I'd just like to note to all the ASWA members out there that you have first preference if/when we approach capacity.

I believe this is Murphy's Creek Pub which is yes, a new establishment. No doubt Phil will correct me if I have the wrong building!

That is indeed the building. It is finished and operating unlike the photo. Sue the publican who was key to the flood relief efforts will be expecting us for lunch. She has a great video and slide show which she will be able to show on the day too. Gunna be awesome.

Ahh good Pub food, more good weather learning I'm coming Storm chase after as well?????

I'll see what I can do with the big fella upstairs about ordering a storm in the afternoon.

I've confirmed the pub with Sue the publican and she will definitely be playing her flood video and stills shots on the TV for us at lunch. I'll need firm numbers a couple of days before the date. Let's say Friday for the last RSVPs on this thread. I'll pass that on to Sue for our lunch numbers so she has enough steaks to cook.

i am looking forward to it phil! hopefully my car will be serviced, no storms and that uni wont get in the way (hopefully we will have finished filming by then).

never been to that area before (only seen pics) so will be interesting to see after the flood

Im looking forward to this!

Dave: can you pls change my RSVP to just 1? (Adam has changed his plans )

Ok - done!

count me in all going well

Gotcha Squiddy!

We're just under 2 weeks away from this outing, so for those of you who haven't RSVP'ed yet, we have less than 10 places left so get in quickly! A reminder that the RSVP date is next Wednesday (5th). This and all other details are all listed in the first post of this thread.

Ted Wassenberg will be coming as well. He is a friend who I have an association with via Federation Mountain Rescue. He's very interested in the geology and hydrology of the event we are looking at.

On the list Phil!

hey guys,

i wont be able to make it now, got another day of filming to do for uni on that sunday because we didnt get it finished this weekend, was looking forward to it too

hope you all have a great time though!

No worries Mr Schummy...good luck with the filming, hope it doesn't get put off any further by storms later this week