The Wild Geese

Expedition National Park
I will be visiting Expedition National Park in September 2005 (leaving Monday 12th). My specific plan is to locate degree confluence point 25'0.000S, 149'0.000E. Why? Because it's there!

This is a rugged wilderness destination, so if anyone is interested in coming along you will need a bike capable of handling potentially challenging dirt roads. If I cannot raise enough interest for this trip from fellow Geese I may make the trip by four-wheel drive instead.

WHERE THE *&%^? IS EXPEDITION NP?
Good question! It is slightly south of the GPS coordinates given above. The park is east of Carnarvon Gorge, though much less visited. (I may take the opportunity of going there for a few days as well). Two approaches to the area are possible. From the north: from Biloela head west towards Emerald, turning off the highway at Bauhinia Downs; or from the East, head west from Eidsvold through Cracow and Taroom. Fuel is available at Bauhinia Downs and Taroom, so no spare fuel need be carried (although it could be tight for some bikes if travelling via Taroom, which is 100 km from the park). Bikes need to be in good working order though, and you will need to take camping gear, boots or sturdy shoes suitable for walking, food and water.

Minimum trip time: the area is reachable within a day at a push. Two days would be more relaxed. I want to spend at least two days in the area. So, absolute minimum trip time is four days.

Realistic trip time: I would like to allow for at least seven days so that I can explore the area a little better.

Please email me if you can spare a few days and are interested in coming along. It should be a great trip!

-- Steve.

Trip Log

Change Of Departure Date
    I have delayed departure by nearly two weeks so that Peter Sheen can join me on the trip. He doesn't have a dirt or dual-sport bike so we will be travelling by Jeep. Departure is on Monday 12th September and we will be away for six or seven days. If anyone wants to join us for part or all of the trip they will be very welcome -- Steve.
    Posted Fri Sep 2 18:51:21 2005
Likely Route From The Sunshine Coast
    I have been hard at work with Garmin's Map Source program, plotting out the best way to get to Expedition National Park. It has surprised me how near the park is to the Sunshine Coast. Total distance between Eumundi and the park is a little over 600 km, so it is actually realistic to get there in one day which can cut the total trip time by a couple of days. The most direct route (via Taroom), is probably not the quickest as it includes 100 km of gravel toad between Taroom and the park.

    There is more information on the park available from the QPWS web site. You can download a PDF brochure there, which includes walking and camping information.

    The current plan is to get there along this route, turning off the beaten track at Eidsvold:

    Gympie - Woolooga - Biggenden - Ban Ban Springs - Gayndah - Mundubbura - Eidsvold - Cracow - Springvale - Taroom - Glen Haughton - Sedourie - Expedition NP

    The longer but less challenging route continues north through Eidsvold:

    Gympie - Woolooga - Biggenden - Ban Ban Springs - Gayndah - Mundubbura - Eidsvold - Monto - Biloela - Bauhinia - Expedition NP

    Final destination in the park is Starkvale Creek Campsite which has (some) water and fires but no showers.

    Posted Sat Aug 6 10:16:35 2005