Gambubal

Russel and the Steamers 800
When my friend Richard told me about the fun he had exploring the mountainous terrain around Mount Colliery, near Killarney, I couldn’t resist checking it out for myself.

Killarney
We started on a cold morning in Killarney, near the headwaters of the Condamine River in Cambanoora Gorge.

Condamine River
The Condamine is part of the largest river system on our continent, which stretches from here all the way to Adelaide.

The Aboriginal people who lived on the plains between what is now Killarney and Warwick called the Condamine River “Corra Corra Beh” which means “Long Stream”.

Omara's Road
Omara’s Road is a wonderful dirt track which leads from Killarney to Mount Colliery. It’s very steep in places, so we didn’t have much time to warm up before starting our grind up the hill.

Omara's Road

For our efforts we were rewarded with some great views of Killarney and the Southern Downs stretching out to the west.

Omara's Road
"Kilgarvan"
After rain the rolling hills turn bright green, which explains why early European settlers would think of the Emerald Isle when chosing an Irish name for their town.

Omara's Road
Omara's Road
Once we crested the hill we enjoyed a brisk roll down into the small village of Mount Colliery.

Gambubal Road
“Gambubal” State Forest is a bit of a misnomer. It’s named after the Kambuwal Aboriginal People – the traditional owers of Girraween and the Stanthorpe Area. But historically, the people who inhabited this area were the Githabul. In his paper “Being on Country: Githabul approaches to mapping culture“, Nick Mclean from the ANU describes Githabul country as including the mountains that stretch from Kyogle to Killarney and Warwick.

Gambubal Road
Gambubal Road marked the start of the “big climb” which would take us up over 1,100 metres above sea level.

Motorbike Riders
Rest Stop
We stopped several times on the way up to rest, enjoy the view and allow eager moto-cross riders to safely pass us.

Cold and Hiugh
A blustery southerly wind buffeted us as we strained up the hill. I was glad I’d brought my jacket. Up on this plateau the temperature dropped, and it was much easier to ride if we didn’t get too cold.

Eric
On our right we were able to look down into Condamine Gorge. Eric, Darb and I had followed the river through this spectacular gorge a couple of years ago.

Condamine Gorge from Mount Colliery
It was fascinating to see if from up high.

Mike
The Githabul people called it “Cambanoora” which means “Big Cliff”.

Mts Superbus & Roberts from Mt Colliery
Ahead of us we could see Mount Superbus – at 1375 metres, the highest peak in South East Queensland, its summit shrouded in cloud.

Condamine Gorge from Mount Colliery
On our left we were able to make out Hoffman Falls where Farm Creek cascades over the range.

Gambubal State Forest
Gambubal State Forest

We undulated over the mountaintop plateau until we eventually reached the State Forest. The pine plantation provided welcome shelter from the strong cold wind.

The Steamers
On the northern edge of the loop we had a wonderful view of “The Steamers” – a series of mountains whose peaks resemble a line of ships.

The Steamers
Russel has climbed most of these mountains. He has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the local geography, having grown up not far from here. He pointed out the “Prow”, “Funnel”, “Mast” and “Stern” peaks.

Gate
We eventually encountered a locked gate. Since we were following my friend Richard’s plot, we didn’t give it a second thought. It wasn’t until we caught up with the land-owner a little later that we realized we were on private property. He was really gracious with us and explained that he didn’t mind us passing through – he just would have preferred to know about our visit beforehand. If you’re reading this, and are planning on following our footsteps on this ride, please contact me, and I’ll put you in touch the landowner so you can clear it with him before your visit.

Downhill
And then began the exciting descent!

Mike
We dropped almost 600 metres in 6 kilometres along a rutted rocky road.

Boulders
I was grateful for my plush suspension – but even the best shock absorbers couldn’t smooth out some of the boulders that blocked our way.

Downhill
Eventually the descent became smoother, and we were able to let go of the brakes and pick up a bit of speed.

Emu Creek
Mike

At the bottom of the descent we enjoyed a leisurely roll along Emu Creek as we followed it out of the valley.

Emu Vale
The last section of the ride, although it was on a paved road with gentle hills, was the most difficult.

Headwind
We rode into a stiff headwind. Our progress was slow.

Russel
Russel and I alternated in slipstreaming each other as we rode, to get some respite from the breeze.

Killarney
The slow progress strung our group out over several kilometres. I was grateful that Russel stayed with me. Riding into the teeth of a blustering headwind is much easier when you do it with someone else!

Condamine Gorge
Back in Killarney, I had unfinished business.

Condamine River, Killarney
While the others unpacked, I rode a few more kilometres up the road to join up my track with a previous ride, and have a look at the Condamine River while it was still a small stream.

Condamine Gorge
My map-obsession fulfilled, and tracks joined up, I happily rode back to the others with the breeze at my back.

Whoever wrote the Irish blessing must have been a cyclist:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face…

To be sure, to be sure, to be sure 🙂

Moss
Another memorable day out in spectacular country with friends.

I am so fortunate, and truly hope for many more days like this.

Thanks Richard, for telling us about this place.

And thanks Becca, Tom, Eric, Russel and Mike for sharing this day with me.

Let’s do it again!

Total distance: 66.68 km
Total climbing: 2178 m
Average temperature: 17.3
Total time: 06:14:21
Download file: activity_775651802.gpx
More data

8 Replies to “Gambubal”

  1. On the return journey Becca and I followed the GPX and turned off the main road at Tannymorel and rode back to Killarney via Omara Rd. It was more fun heading back to Killarney along this dirt track.
    Thanks Neil for organising another great adventure. If you are interested Gambubal SF is criss crossed with trails. You could get lost in there for days.
    GH

  2. What a really great adventure with so many diverse scenic landscapes. Needless to say, it is a little bit different to the cycling loop near Killarney in Ireland! Have you ever tried it?

    Best regards,

    Emer

    1. Hi Emer
      I’ve never ridden in Ireland, but would like very much to do it one day.
      Thanks for your kind comments, which prompted me to re-read the article, and re-live a wonderful day out.
      Neil

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