Excursion 18: Private Conservation Property, Brisbane Ranges

Leaders: Barry Lingham
Facilitators: John and Caroline Booth

This excursion explored a range of habitats found on a large private property located adjacent to the Brisbane Ranges National Park. The property had once been an operational farm as was seen from the old horse-drawn machinery and the ruins of the original homestead. The farm was acquired in the mid-20 th century by a family with a connection to the GFNC and a love of the natural history of the area. They used it mainly as a family holiday retreat over several generations.

We began the excursion at one of the highest sites with views to the Otway Ranges to the south. Hollows in old tree stags nearby had been used for breeding by parrot species the previous spring. This area was quite open with extensive grassy areas and bracken growing on sandy soils.

During the drive through the property, we followed a descending ridge and stopped at several places of interest. Tree species included Messmates/Red Stringybarks/Red Ironbarks on the higher sites. Understorey was dominated by Austral Grass-trees on the higher plateau, with heathy plants including Cranberry Heath, Common Flat-pea, Running Postman and Honey-pots. Acacia species included Ploughshare Wattle and Hedge Wattle. There was evidence of Phytophthora in some areas.

As we descended to the lower sections, we passed through areas of Manna Gums, Yellow Gums, Red Box, Grey Box and Long-leafed Box (Bundy).

A highlight was the discovery of a small patch of Midge Orchids (Genosplesium spp.) at the edge of a rocky escarpment. Eastern Grey Kangaroos were seen and bird species included Rufous Whistler, Golden Whistler, Grey Currawong and Scarlet Robin. The excursion concluded with a pleasant walk along a shady valley to one of the many dams on the property.