Girraween National Park, Queensland
Do you ever think about how or why places are named? At Girraween National Park in southern Queensland, the reason for some place names is more obvious than others.
The designation of Underground Creek is self-explanatory, as the tannin stained water disappears beneath an ancient rockfall. The creek might be hidden from view, but it can be heard trickling between the granite boulders before it emerges further downhill.
Girraween is an Aboriginal word meaning “place of flowers”. In late summer, drifts of golden paper daisies brighten the bush while delicate fringed lilies bloom close to water.
It’s logical to assume that Dr Roberts’ Waterhole was named for a local personality, but it’s only at the end of the track his story is revealed.
The wide sandy path leading to the waterhole winds through open eucalpyt forest. Huge slabs of granite, laid down as magma 240 million years ago, are revealed where the topsoil has been eroded by wind and rain.
At the end of the track a panel explains the conservation work of Dr Roberts, and the reason for honouring him becomes clear.
After good summer rainfall, the waterhole is full. A light breeze sends ripples across the surface, blurring the sky’s reflection.
I wonder how many times Dr Roberts visited this waterhole in his wanderings. I think he would be delighted that this beautiful place bears his name.
Joining Jo for Monday Walks
That’s the type of landscape that soothes my weary soul!
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It’s a gorgeous national park. The scenery is stunning and there are several excellent walks. You would enjoy it, Yvonne.
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Good on Dr Roberts š
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Yes, it sounds like he was a lovely man.
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It looks beautiful, Carol. I will be able to see it better when I get home again next week. Thanks a lot and Happy Easter š¤š
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Happy Easter to you too, Jo. I hope you’re enjoying your holiday.
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Really wonderful, Carol. Lots of stories to tell š¤š
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That looks like a lovely stroll and wildflowers as a bonus! We need more people like him.
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Yes, he was ahead of his time. He did a good job. Girraween is an excellent national park.
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Applause to every forward thinking person or committee who protected lands for future generations to enjoy. Beautiful blooms. Those fringed lilies quicken my pulse every singly time I see them.
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It’s great to know he did all that work so we could enjoy this beautiful area today. We hadn’t ever seen the lilies before and thought they must be orchids. A friend who is a park ranger identified them for us. They’re so pretty.
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Ah now, this is my sort of walk! A lovely stroll on a shady path, a beautiful view and the sounds of water running underground š I love those fringed lilies too!
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This walk is very easy. Some of the others in the park climb up over the huge granite tors and are much harder work.
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Although the area is at a higher altitude, Sarah it can get quite hot here and the rocks radiate that heat as the day progresses so the walk might be shady but it can be very hot. The rest of the year is really pleasant in this area. I am planning to return there again soon. It is about a 3 hour drive.
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This is true. In summer it’s cooler than on the coast but still very warm.
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Nice story! Also, the fringed lilies are gorgeous.
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Aren’t they beautiful. After we spotted the first one, there were dozens more along the track.
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You made me curious about the namesake question. I had to read further to learn his identity. Well done! Your pictures are lovely, especially the reflective ponds or watering holes. The flowers add brilliance to the color scheme. Thanks for sharing. Hope your Easter was wonderful.
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Thank you Marsha for your kind words. The wildflowers were beautiful. We were hoping to see some flannel flowers too but we were a couple of weeks too early. We’ve had a quiet but very pleasant Easter. Happy Easter to you and Vince.
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Girraween is a delight and I will be sure to take another walk along here next time I visit Stanthorpe. How wonderful the local doctor was such a visionary! I did see a flannel flower or two late last year when I stayed at one of the wineries. And the wonderful coreopsis are worth a look when in bloom too.
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We were a couple of weeks too early for the flannel flowers. We’ve been many times and really enjoy this beautiful area.
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Do you have a favourite winery to recommend?
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We’re not wine drinkers so I can’t tell you which winery to visit. But I can highly recommend the Granite Belt Brewery. Even if you’re not into beer, their food is fantastic.
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Good to know. Thank you
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What a beautiful area and Dr Roberts would no doubt be looking down on the wildlife flourishing there with happiness.
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I’d like to think so. This national park is beautiful.
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