Written by Kevin Oliver copyright 2000
What a great long weekend it was without the heavy rain that was experienced in Brisbane. Neil and Sue, Kevin, Jean, David and Pauline, Carolyn, Denise and Bev, Neville, Lloyd and John made up the camping party. The Holbrook Heritage Caravan Park and camping ground provided more than ample facilities for rock hounds with hot showers to relax those muscles after a hard day fossicking, large camp sites, BBQ facilities, and seated area around an open air fire where it is possible to forget the pressures of city living by watching the fire and listen to it crackle in the still night air. Most importantly the proprietors, Bob and Grace, provided a friendly atmosphere in which Club Members were able to relax. The field trip to Cloyna / Windera from Saturday 29th April to Monday 1st May was a great success. What was needed was a keen eyesight to find good pieces of jasper, petrified wood, agate and crystals. Areas visited included Cloyna Jasper Fields and a couple of other areas. It is unfortunate that they are in the grips of a drought which meant that ploughing of the paddocks had not been undertaken for years, but sometime it will recommence and the earth will give up it’s treasure. Even though the surface was not turned over, there was sufficient material for everyone to find something special. Neil and Kevin gained more than they bargained for when they strolled through a farm to talk to the farmer. Taking everything into consideration it was, as I have said before, a great long weekend!
For Rockhounds visiting Murgon and the Jasper Fields in Cloyna / Windera one of the better places to stay is the Holbrook Heritage Caravan Park which is situated 5 Km south east of the Murgon Post Office on corner of Barambah Rd and Borcherts Hill Rd.. It would have to be described as a ROCKHOUND’s DELIGHT with more than sufficient facilities provided to satisfy everyone. The Caravan Park is in an open spotted gum forest setting. Out of the 31 large powered sites 15 of these are circular drive through sites designed around a slab homestead styled amenties block with toilet and showers catering for wheel chairs, hot and cold water to showers and laundry. There are BBQ facilities, an open fire place for those nights around a blazing fire. Accommodation can be organised by contacting Grace or Bob Pratt at the Caravan Park on 074 168 1085 or by mail to PO Box 164 Murgon, Queensland 4605.
If you would like to know more about where these stones are located, come and join the Mitchelton & Districts Gem Club and come on our Field Trips and share the fun with us.