Ships Stern closure / track condition

[findbuddha]

Has anyone braved the Ship Stern circuit since it's been closed? Just wondering if it's actually dangerous or just closed because they haven't gotten around to cleaning the track up yet.

Cheers

[tomh]

Earlier this year (March) rangers at Lamington reported

Shipstern - lower track between Binna Burra and Nixons Ck - massive slip on the zig zag section. Access to Ballanjui Falls and lower Shipstern is via Rankins farm and Lower Bellbird.

and together with other tracks

will remain closed for some considerable time.....

Latest park alert (27 September) indicates situation unchanged.

[findbuddha]

Thanks, might have to hit the border track or something based from O'reilley's - all the good long walks from Binna Burra are closed.

[weighty walker]

Albert river circuit is open, might be a bit dry but a great walk, about 20kms, Tooloona creek circuit also lovely 17.5 kms can combine box forest or do it as an easy day between, I love it up there.It's also around $5.50 per person to camp

[braddon79]

Hey everyone,
Was up in Oreilly's yesterday and did the Albert river circuit (will post a trip report later) but the ranger said the Ship Stern would be closed for at least another month with further works, but most of the other walks would start to open in the next week or so!
Cheers
Brad

[findbuddha]

Great news, thanks!

[gbagua]

Was up in Oreilly's yesterday...but the ranger said...most of the other walks would start to open in the next week or so!

Would that include West Canungra Creek Ckt?

Cheers.

[weighty walker]

Hi we also walked albert river circuit on sunday but cunungra creek circuit was still closed. Very dry but still cooler than brisbane ha ha

[braddon79]

Hi Fellow walkers,

Yes weighty walker it was certainly cooler, but when the shade dissapated, it was smoking hot! I was with the group of four fellas who were walking, we did it clockwise direction. Not sure which was was better, both have hills which take it out of you. Didn't see any animals really at all, few birds but no snakes! Plenty of animals and birdlife at the Green camping area though. Need to get on to the trip report. Will post soon with the gps info!
Cheers

[tomh]

forwarded email copy just received:

Subject: Coomera Circuit Re-Opened
Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2013 14:32:35 +1000
From: Greg Baikaloff

Hi All,

We are pleased to advise that as of this afternoon, track reconstruction work on the Coomera circuit has been completed, and the circuit is now open again to the public.
With Coomera works now complete, our resources will be directed towards the re-opening of the Ships Stern circuit.
Once again, the QPWS thanks you for your cooperation and patience during the track closures.

Regards,

Greg Baikaloff
2IC Ranger
Qld Parks & Wildlife Service
Lamington N.P.
Binna Burra Section

[weighty walker]

woohooo looks like i may be walking the coomera circuit next weekend, been waiting ages

[dannnnn]

was up there on the weekend, ships stern is still definitely closed..! i walked down lower bellbird to ballanjui falls and back in the rain. was a pretty enjoyable walk, the section along the cliffs at the start of the circuit is very pretty.

[tomh]

Subject: TRACK ADVICE - Ships Stern Re-opened with Detour
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2013 09:45:37 +1000

Hi All,

We are pleased to advise that as of 12 noon tomorrow, Friday 6th December, the Ships Stern circuit will be re-opened for public use.
Please note that due to major track damage at Koolanbilba, there are still track closures in place on the circuit.
Visitors intending the complete the whole circuit must use the detour via the Lower Bellbird track and Binna Burra road.
This detour will increase the overall length of the circuit by approx. 1.6km.
We expect major track reconstruction work by contractors to commence at the Koolanbilba site in April 2014 (weather permitting)

As a result of the remaining track damage at Koolanbilba, the southern section of the Lower Bellbird circuit still cannot be accessed.

The Illinbah circuit remains closed until further notice.

Once again, thank-you for your cooperation and patience.

Regards,
Greg Baikaloff
2IC Ranger
Qld Parks & Wildlife Service
Lamington N.P.
Binna Burra Section

[Picaro]

Illinbah Circuit has just re-opened. A good idea to catch this one before the rain starts.

[tomh]

Subject: BINNA BURRA TRACK UPDATE - Koolanbilba/Yangahla Section Re-Opened
Date: Wed, 14 May 2014 02:30:48 +0000

QPWS is pleased to advise that as of this afternoon, Wednesday 14th May, track reconstruction work at the Koolanbilba slip site has been completed, and the section of track between the Bellbird Lookout junction and the Lower Bellbird junction has been re-opened to the public. The detours which were in place on the Ships Stern circuit and the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk have been removed, and the entire Lower Bellbird circuit is now safe and accessible for public use.

All walking tracks in Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park are now open.
We again thank you for your co-operation and patience.

Regards,
Greg Baikaloff
2IC Ranger
Qld Parks & Wildlife Service
Lamington N.P.
Binna Burra Section