Brooloo to Imbil rail trail

Members of the Gympie Field Naturalists and visitors gathered at Brooloo to undertake the 4.7 Km walk to Imbil via the refurbished Mary Valley rail trail. Leader Allan spoke about the early establishment of this area.

In the early eighteen fifties (1851) the first pastoral activities occurred around the noted geographical landmark known as "The Brooloo Bluff". Progressively over the years the name established on the first map known as Derarill ( origin unknown) to Bluff Plains or Downs, part of Imbil Pastoral lease, with the Bluff School opening in 1897. Finally when the big pastoral leases were divided the township became known as Brooloo. The rail line from Gympie to Brooloo was opened in 1915 becoming the economical  hub satisfying the needs of a rather large local population.The central gathering point being the Grand Hotel, with a school of arts being built around 1920.

Grand Hotel , Brooloo ---- built 1914 and destroyed by fire 1957. Note small shop
beside hotel.

Leaving the site of the old rail station we were greeted by a pair of Pacific Baza flying overhead and then landing in a large tree close to the track.

Pacific Baza.

     

A little further along, before leaving the town proper, a large stand of Blue Gum were in full blossom.

A ready food source for the thirteen (13) species of honeyeater recorded on the day. A rather rare Fuscous Honeyeater (for this area) was spotted sitting on its nest close to the track. Close I mean, small bush about one metre of the ground and 2 metres from the track edge. As expected the bird flew as we approached , must be a bad spot to raise a chick.

Fuscous Honeyeater nest ----- chick in the centre of the nest. -----
read the text for further details

Moving towards the first of a series of earth cuttings, a very, very old open style building was observed, with a "Loo with a View" rather close to the rail embankment. Later a little research may suggest this could be the site of the Brooloo Rifle Range. Official records show a rifle range was listed for Brooloo and Kandanga in 1912, and by my family record it was still operating during world war two. 

"loo with a view"

The start of a series of major earth cuttings and embankments made me reflect on the enormity of this task to undertake a development with the limited powered support as we have to-day  On the sheltered and moister sides of the embankment a special environment  with a variety of vegetation growing in the shale rock has developed. 

Basket Fern  ----- Drynara rigidula

Look !!! ---- fungus.

Example of the sedimentary layers on the earth cuttings ---- the history of each layer would be interesting.

Part of a deep cutting ---- note the differing vegetation on either bank.

The next section of interest is the Bellbird habitat. This colony has been present in this area for many years and  "George Burtenshaw Protection Area Bellbird Habitat" is the centre of this colony. The local Webb brothers song "The call of the Bellbird" comes to mind (1958). Correct name Bellminer.

Breakneck Creek with its feeder gullies runs past this park providing a moist wet environment and resulting lush vegetation. Gold and silver mine was short lived on this creek in the mid eighteen hundreds.

Bellminer

The section between Bellbird park and Western Creek Rd.much drier eucalyptus forest, little blossom and less bird life. This section is all downhill a plus for us oldies.

Art or Graffiti on the trail.

Paper Daisy ---- Xerochrysum bracteatum, in full sun.

Winter Apple ----- Eremophila debilis ,growing on a rocky bank ---- flowers most of the year

 The last section to Imbil, moving back in to a more populated area with dams providing an area for water birds and grazing land for grass bird. An easy walk with the reward of coffee and cake at the finish.

      

A view of the public hall from a distance, welcome to Imbil.

A very pleasant walk suitable for most people, credit to the vision of our local council. Very well patronized for a non holiday Thursday Morning. Seventy One (71) species of birds recorded for the walk. A return visit is a must do.

Contributor Lionel and Jeanette Muir