Billy Mateer


Mt Byron Road

In 1893 Brisbane experienced its biggest flood in recorded history. In order to get a message to residents of the impending danger, a heroic rider named Billy Mateer rode his horse over the D’Aguilar Range from Caboonbah (near present-day Toogoolawah) to North Pine (now called Petrie). He did it in one day, crossing flooded creeks and following rough bush tracks.

The purpose of this two-day ride was to honor Billy, and to visit some of the country he traversed.

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Sapling Pocket

Sellars Bridge

Sapling Pocket is an Ipswich City Council reserve tucked away in a secluded bend of the Brisbane River between Pine Mountain and Fernvale.

On his webside, Upstream Paddle,  canoeist Peter Ringland describes this section of the river as “the jewel in the crown” for paddling in South East Queensland, having platypus, ducks, geese, swans and eagles.

After obtaining permission from the council and local land-owners, we thought we’d explore this scenic spot on our bikes.

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