Immersive Education Room Opens at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre Near The Gap


Conservation education programs have resumed at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, where a new and improved education room has opened inside the Enoggera Reservoir site near The Gap.



With a theme revolving around the D’Aguilar National Park habitat, the new site features lifelike, trees, rocks, and grasses, plus stunning, floor-to-ceiling images around the walls. 

The refurbishment of the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is part of a $300,000 state government investment which upgraded the wildlife and visitor centre into a unique space where children could closely interact with some animals and gain firsthand knowledge about their habitat, life cycles and conservation needs.

Photo Credit: QueenslandGoverment

The improvements also include new enclosures for wombats and echidnas.

“The new echidna enclosure is the perfect home for Rocko, enabling Walkabout Creek to exhibit this iconic species, which hasn’t been done before at this location,” said Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon.

“Billy the wombat is enjoying his new surroundings which have been expanded and provide more practical elements such as structures, water, tunnels, and air-conditioning.”

“Billy, Rocko and Dash the emu will all be on hand to welcome visitors and help pass on some helpful tips so we can protect our iconic native species.”



The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is located on the edge of D’Aguilar National Park, a 36,400-hectare park with eucalyptus forest that stretches from The Gap to Lake Wivenhoe.

Walkabout Creek Completes $1.3M Deck Upgrade, Ready to Welcome Guests Under COVID-Safe Plan

The popular Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at the Enoggera Reservoir has completed a mini-upgrade during COVID-19 and is now ready to welcome guests under its COVID-Safe Plan. 

The makeover involved the $1.3-million redevelopment of the deck that is expected to be a social hub with a capacity of 300 guests, ideal for sit-down events. The deck is fully covered and offers a good mix of indoor and outdoor so that events will have a unique feel of being surrounded by the trees. 



Infrastructure Investment in the Creek

The deck upgrade is part of the Queensland Government’s $3-million investment over three years to upgrade facilities at Walkabout Creek, according to Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch. 

“Our Government is investing $45 million in revitalising infrastructure in National Parks and State Forests to provide new opportunities for Queensland’s nature-based ecotourism industry, and boost employment in regional areas,” the Minister said.

“This is on top of the additional $8.9 million National Parks Works and Jobs Boost program, to improve existing facilities, and help support tourism and local jobs, of which $250,000 has been earmarked for Walkabout Creek for further visitor upgrades. 

“I also acknowledge the ongoing contribution of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife (QPWS) rangers across the state and for their involvement in opening this popular destination at The Gap.

“Every day these rangers go above and beyond to protect the community, our national parks and the forests, native animals and endangered species and for that, I say thank you,” Minister Enoch added.

COVID-Safe Plan for Guests

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is welcoming guests seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Photo credit: www.walkaboutcreek.com.au

There were changes made to ensure that guests are safe during their visit. 

  • All guests must pre-book online to guarantee entry to the Wildlife Centre or the Wildlife Discovery Shows. 
  • The number of visitors at indoor venues will be limited to allow social distancing measures. 
  • Guests are advised to practice good hygiene at all times. A number of hand sanitation stations can be found around the park. 
  • Guests will be guided by floor and ground markings to point them in the right direction. 
  • The wildlife centre staff will enhance the cleaning of high-contact areas, including doors, bathrooms, and visitor centre areas. 
  • To enhance health safety, the Wildlife Discovery Show will be held outdoors. 
  • The Walkabout Creek Cafe will welcome dining-in guests who will be required to provide contact details in case of contact tracing. 
  • Visitors are highly encouraged to use contactless payments. 

For more information, contact the Walkabout Creek website

8 Things You Might Not Know About the Enoggera Reservoir

The Enoggera Reservoir, located at 60 Mount Nebo Road, is a natural habitat for thousands of flora and fauna. Efforts to upgrade part of the site, however, have also made this place a family recreational facility.

Just a half-hour drive from Brisbane’s inner-cities, the reservoir has plenty of fabulous lookouts,  picnic sites, cafes, and parking spaces. It’s a natural paradise and a haven for people looking for a cool and calm place to relax during the weekends.

Here are eight things you probably didn’t know about the Enoggera Reservoir.

1. A critically endangered bird species resides in the Enoggera Reservoir.

Birdwatchers visiting Enoggera Reservoir in August 2018 were thrilled to spot a Regent Honeyeater in the area. According to the Department of Environment and Energy, it’s uncommon to find this bird in Queensland since it is an endangered species in this region. It’s also critically endangered anywhere else in Australia.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Ann Cheeseman shared the photo of her sighting in the Wildlife in The Gap conservation page.  It is believed that the numbers of Regent Honeyeaters in Queensland diminished because of the consistent droughts in the ironbank woodlands and coastal areas.

Photo Credit: Wildlife in The Gap/Facebook

2. It’s the only reservoir in Queensland to retain its original structure.

Built in 1866 to supply water to the locals, the Enoggera Reservoir has undergone renovations over decades. Despite the reconstructions of this very first major dam in Queensland, its original structure remains intact and functioning unlike the dams in Ipswich, Maryborough, and Warwick.

3. Currently, the Enoggera Reservoir no longer supplies South East Queensland’s drinking water.

The Enoggera Reservoir dam was decommissioned as a water supply source in 2003. It may, however, still be relied upon to provide clean water in case of a drought. In 2006, the Queensland Government did recommission the dam during one of the worst periods of droughts in Australia.



4. The Enoggera Reservoir has been redeveloped as a recreational park for locals and visitors.

SEQ Water manages the Enoggerra Reservoir, which turned the site into a recreational facility in 2014. Here, visitors can:

  • enjoy a picnic
  • go swimming, fishing, kayaking or canoeing
  • birdwatch
  • walk or bike on the tracks and trails

The site is open between 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Camping is allowed at the nearby D’Aguilar National Park and not at the reservoir itself.

Photo Credit: SEQ Water

5. You can have kayaking and paddle boarding lessons at the Enoggera Reservoir.

Most people come to the Enoggera Reservoir to swim in its calm waters but for a different experience, you can hire instructors at Walkabout Creek Adventures to teach you how to kayak or paddleboard. The current rate for the lessons is at $30 per person.



6. You may also join annual track events.

A track event at the Walkabout Creek is mounted every year and for 2019, the run will happen on the 7th of July. Registrations will begin on the 18th of May.

7. You cannot bring your dog or other domestic pets at the Enoggera Reservoir.

While families with kids may be able to play on the grounds, the Enoggera Reservoir is off-limits to dogs and other domestic pets. It’s important not to disturb the wildlife dwelling in this place. Incidentally, you may not also ride horses in the tracks or trail, or hunt any of the animals at the Enoggera Reservoir.

8. Motorized vehicles are also not allowed.

Motorized boats, bikes, and 4WD vehicles are not permitted at the reservoir. As much as possible, the area should have minimal disturbance.

Group to Hike at Enoggera Reservoir in The Gap to Support the Homeless

A group of locals will be hiking at the Enoggera Reservoir in The Gap to raise awareness and raise funds for the homeless.

Hike for the Homess, The Gap
Photo credit: Leonie Clark/Facebook

The event hosted by Leonie Clark aims to support the initiative being done by Orange Sky Australia. On her Event page on Facebook, Leoni shared how she wanted to help homeless people sleeping rough. Through this event, other individuals wishing to do something can find ways to help.

The hike will follow the 5-km Araucaria Track. Meeting place will be at the start of the track, past the Walkabout Creek Centre, down by the water. The track is a relatively easy hike, suitable for all ages. There will be limited parking, so it is advisable to come early. For those who choose to take the bus, route 385 stops nearby.

Event Details:

What: Hike for the Homeless
When: Saturday, 1 December 2018
6:30 a.m.
Where: 34 Mount Nebo Road, The Gap
Cost: FREE

Donate at orangesky.org.au/donate

Visit the Facebook Event page for more details.

 

Hikers will meet at 6:30 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. start.

The hike should be a great way to help those experiencing homelessness while enjoying the beauty of nature. Participants should bring a hat, sunscreen, water and togs and towel for those who want to swim after the hike. Those who wish to join the hike should also sign a waiver form: http://bit.ly/HikeForTheHomelessForm.



About Orange Sky

Orange Sky Australia
Photo credit: orangesky.org.au

Orange Sky is a volunteer platform providing simple aid to the homeless. By providing free mobile laundry and warm showers to homeless individuals, the organisation hopes to restore dignity to people in such a tough situation.

Find out more about Orange Sky and how to help.

Uncover the History of Slab Hut Farm in Enoggera Reservoir

Enoggera Reservoir is home to a number of heritage-listed sites including its namesake, the Enogggera Dam and Slab Hut Farm.

Slab Hut Farm at Mt Nebo is historically significant for its association with the early opening of Mt Nebo to timber-getters and gold miners. The farm also played a vital role in the development of the area as a farming district in the late 19th century.

History of the Slab Hut Farm

Enoggera Reservoir from The Summit, Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane. Photo credit: Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 48/Wikimedia Commons

Although the structures in the farm date from the 1890s, the site has already been occupied since the 1870s.

George Powers Remfry, an English immigrant, selected 80 acres of Farmland at Mt Nebo in 1873. The land he acquired was Portion 844, Parish of Enoggera.

In 1875 Remfry also selected neighbouring Portion 863, which comprised 61.5 acres. Because of this, the land he owned totalled to 140 acres, mostly uncleared. He started building structures and clearing lands for cultivation in 1877.

Unfortunately, his property was declared insolvent in 1880 and Portion 844 was forfeited. However, he retained Portion 863 until 1890.

The McAfees

Slab Hut Farm (1991). Photo credit: Heritage Branch staff

Thomas McAfee of Samford leased Portion 844 from the mid-1890s and purchased Portion 863 in 1897.

The McAfees are the ones responsible for developing both portions as a dairy farm. It was also during their occupancy that the present buildings were constructed. The structures were erected by owner labour with the use of local hardwood and stone.

Supposedly, McAfee built the three-roomed slab house which served as the family’s first home in the 1890s.

The family built a second house which still functions as the main residence in 1910.

McAfee’s widow purchased Portion 844 in 1931. The McAfees maintained the property as a dairy farm until 1959.

McAfees lookout, Mt Nebo Road, Enoggera Reservoir. Photo credit: Google Street View

Running their farm for nearly six decades, the McAfees was a prominent family in the Mt Nebo community. In fact, the community named the lookout just opposite the present entrance to Slab Hut Farm after the family.



Slab Hut Farm’s Significance

Only a few comparable slab structures remain in the Brisbane area. Apart from the Slab Hut Farm, another popular slab house remaining on its original site was at Magnolia Farm at Sunnybank. Sadly, the house was destroyed by fire early in 1999.

Slab Hut Farm is a rare Brisbane survivor of the pioneer era. Moreover, the integrity and intactness of the remaining structures on site makes it even rarer as it provides a unique evidence of the workings of a late 19th century Queensland dairy farm.

The Slab Hut Farm was added to the  Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992.