MARY'S CREEK, GYMPIE ------ A TOP SPOT.

 The Gympie Field Naturalists have visited Mary's Creek State Forest many times over the past 50 plus years,the latest being for the March mid-week outing. I would like to share some of the history and a few photos you may find of interest. Meeting the group at the corner of Cross and Mary's Creek Rd. on a clear day, a good amount of well needed rain had fallen in the previous days.

Most people would not be aware there is a small reserve at this corner donated to the people by the Cross Family, early farmers at this location. Mary Ann Cross was the daughter of Zachariah Skyring the first large lease holder of property across this area. It is believed the creek was named after his daughter hence Mary's Creek.

Originally the timbered reserve come right to Mary's Creek Road,

Unfortunately a grazier felt grass was more important than the original 

stand of timber. The heavily timbered background of the reserve is a 

vast contrast to the cleared grassland in the foreground.

After a history of timber gathering for the valuable soft wood trees (Red Cedar , Beech etc) which were growing  in the moist, volcanic soils, the large lease holdings were surveyed for general farming . The short distance from Eel Creek to the now forest area supported 13 families dairying and small cropping. A few of the original dairies are still standing.

A six stand dairy , 

Smaller four stand dairy, the small opening to the right would be for the engine exhaust.

Rear view of building, note extension for the stove/ cooking.

Towards the end of the second world war many Italian war prisoners were shipped to Australia. Some arrived in the Gympie district to work on farms. The building shown was used to house some of those workers.

Front of building, maybe outdoor toilet to the right.

Travelling through the plantation area, we arrived at the high country on the Glastonbury side of Mary's Creek forestry . The Eucalyptus and Corymbia forest supporting healthy stands of  the primary and secondary food trees to sustain a Koala population. On previous occasions Koalas have been spotted, on this trip two were spotted about 500 metres apart. Both looking very healthy, sightings registered on the koala watch site (thanks Annette).

Resting in a Gum Topped Box (E. Moluccana)

Thinking a Narrow leaved ironbark ( E. creba )

 From this high advantage point the group could look across to another favorite site, Glastonbury mountain trail, a 30 Km forest drive through ever changing habitat. 

Glastonbury mountain with Glastonbury creek in the centre 
of picture.

Heading back down to the creek and the moister area, a colony of Pink Nodding Orchids ( Geodorum densiflorum) were growing on the edge of the table drain. A common terrestrial native orchid which can be seen from the mountains to the coast. March would be the worst month to spot native orchids in flower, of the ten natives I have seen at this location only one had a flower.

Lily of the valley, Dendrobium monophyllum.
one yellow flower ---- random flowers

Seed pods of Geodorum densiflorum

The riparian zone along the creek displayed samples of the old growth forest and the large trees which survived and grown during the past 70 to 80 years since logging has ceased.

 

Near the head waters, the smaller branch of Mary's Creek.

Water and some warmth in the air provided the opportunity for a few of the small critters to be photographed.

Aeroplane Butterfly.

Blue Banded Bee taking to the moisture in Grahams boot.

Sapphire Rockmaster.

Scarlet Percher.

Fiery Skimmer

Not on this outing but a photo of the swimming hole in the main part of the creek may be a good  finish to this blog post. In flood the water rushing through this opening in the rocks has kept this rock hole clean. Our grandchildren and many other have enjoyed a dip in this crystal clear water on a hot day.

Mary's Creek Rockpools

Post and photos by Jeanette and Lionel  additional photos by Kerrie, Cameron and Cecile

Bird List and Jeanette report in the next Numabulla.