GOOMBURRA VALLEY/JANOWEN 4WD PARK 3-4 November
Trip Leaders: Peter and Elaine Warren
Participants: Alan and Tina Ball, Jane Marks, Christina Warren and “Herbie”
The call came through on the Friday arvo to say the 4WD park was closed due to the 113ml which drenched the area. The forecast said fine so what’s wrong with a social weekend amongst the gum trees. I’m in.
The Balls arrived late on Friday night, I arrived on the Saturday morning and the other four bailed, much to the disappointment to all.
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Saturday we went sightseeing into Allora under the directions of Peter, only to go around in circles trying to find Glengallan House which after going north for a while, it was found on the south road. Good one Peter. Although, the locals were not exactly helpful. This wonderful old treasure was built in 1867 and it is sad to see it in such a run down state. They are waiting for more money from the National Trust but I can’t see this piece of history coming to life anytime soon. The wedding which was taking place in the gardens was a delight to us ladies, naturally the bride looked lovely etc. If you are a history buff I can send you some info on the homestead.
Earlier in the day the Balls (lucky) bought the last of the Swagman’s Hats at the local hardware so at least the flies were no longer an annoyance to them. After dinner they decided to head home, I gather the flies won that battle, they certainly were very friendly. Herbie the dog had the right idea. His stomach would look like a kilo of passionfruit, but it didn’t make much of an impact on the numbers. Around 8pm we had a visitor of the black type, a 12” (30 cm) snake which was happy to be guided back to the brush, he showed no aggression which we were thankful for.
Sunday morning the gates to the State Forest were unlocked so we went for a drive and walked out to the Sylvester Lookout, only 900 metres and an easy walk to a very breathtaking outlook over the valley and beyond. On the way back we got a free wash for the underneath, am told we were fortunate to see so much water in this creek. Good fun had by all…all two of us.
This trip had no dust, no rain, no mozzies, lots of green grass, a few flies and sadly not enough people. Peter went to a great deal of trouble to make sure the Balls and I didn’t get lost finding the way into this delightful camping spot. I wonder what more can a trip leader do, this place has clean hot and cold showers, toilets and excellent camp spots including lighting, all for $9.00 per night. The creek was flowing and we were told the platypus were active. WHAT PLATYPUS!!!!!!!!!
A big thank you to the Warrens. You are excellent trip leaders and I hope the lack of numbers doesn’t deter you from running future trips. The peacefulness of the area was very relaxing and suited us just fine.
Jane Marks