BEAUDESERT Historical Society is holding the 2018 Shepherds’ Walk on Saturday.
During the early development of the large stations, conflict between the native landowners and the colonisers was unavoidable.
Retrace the footsteps of Chinese shepherds who settled in the Scenic Rim in the 1850s and lost their lives in clashes with Aborigines who tried to expel the invaders.
The guided 8.5km walk visits the three monuments erected by the Beaudesert Historical Society in 1986. These mark where the shepherds lived, worked and died.
Beaudesert Historical Society curator said the trek takes three-and-a-half hours to complete and is a chance to explore some of the region’s earliest history.
“We walk from Christmas Creek over the Jinbroken Range to the Wash Pool on the Albert River in the Kerry Valley,” he said.
“Some of the shepherds were based on the Christmas Creek side and others were on the Kerry Valley side.
“The scenery is spectacular and the guide points out landmarks along the way.
“It’s going to be a great day. Hopefully the weather is good.”
Close to 100 people are expected to throw on their hiking boots to join the Shepherds’ Walk.
Beaudesert Historical Society and the Restored Auto Club will host a real Aussie sausage sizzle with tea, coffee, fresh damper and syrup on grounds near the river crossing.
Assemble at Beaudesert Museum at 8am for an 8.30am departure.
Buses will return to the museum at approximately 2.30pm.
Walkers must check-in, sign the disclaimer form and pay before setting off.
Children under-14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who must have included his/her name and signature on the child’s disclaimer form.
Bookings and inquiries can be directed to (07) 5541 3740 by July 18 2018.
The cost is $20 for an adult walker, including bus fare and sausage sizzle.
It is $20 for an adult walker in a private vehicle, including the sausage sizzle.
Non-walkers who attend in private cars and partake in the sausage will pay $5 and children under-14 travelling on the bus are $10.
Be aware:
- There is steep walking and those with serious health conditions should be cautious about deciding to walk, as mobile phone coverage and four wheel drive access will not be available.
- The walk is not easy and includes creek crossings which may have more water than usual after recent heavy rains.
- Walkers must carry sufficient drinking water – at least two Litres.
- Toilets are at the Museum and the picnic grounds, but not at the monuments.
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