My eighth and final park whilst away was the Franklin Harbour Conservation Park VKFF-0807 and 5CP-071.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Franklin Harbour Conservation Park.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

After leaving Middlecamp Hills, I travelled south along the Kimba-Cowell Road, and enjoyed some nice views down towards Cowell.  I was very cognisant of the time, as it has taken me longer to get my 44 QSOs at Middlecamp Hills than expected.  And I had to be back at Whyalla, about 100 km away, for lunch, and then a 5 hour drive back home to the Adelaide Hills.

Above:- View towards Cowell.

I had activated Franklin Harbour CP previously, but this was to be another unique VKFF park for me.  My last activation of the park was back in June 2013, and was as part of the VK5 National and Conservation Parks Award.  It is amazing how the parks programs have progressed in Australia since that time.  For that activation I made a total of 7 contacts.  To read and see more have a look at my previous post at……

https://vk5pas.org/2013/06/13/franklin-harbour-conservation-park/

Franklin Harbour CP was established on 22nd January 1976, and is 1,356 hectares (3,350 acres) in size.  It is located about 5 km south of the town of Cowell.  The conservation park consists of land on a peninsula that encloses the south east side of Franklin Harbor and four islands including Entrance Island.  The park is important in that it preserves an area of mangrove and samphire flats.  This type of vegetation is dramatically depleted in South Australia.

Above:- Aerial shot showing the location of the Franklin Harbour Conservation Park.  Image courtesy of Google Maps.

The Entrance Islands contain a population of Death Adders, which is one of the most venomous land snakes in Australia and the world.  Death Adders possess the longest fangs of any Australian snake and can deliver the fastest strike among all venomous snakes recorded in Australia.  Death can result within 6 hours of the bite.  Thankfully I was not going there.  I am no fan of snakes!  The islands also provide a safe roosting and feeding site for sea birds.

Above:- A Death Adder.  Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Cowell itself is a beautiful little town, with a population of around 1,070 people.  It is the centre of the surrounding agricultural district.  The town also supports the local fishing and oyster farming industry.

I drove out of Cowell along Beach Road which was quite wet and boggy in parts.  Beach Road takes you out to The Knob and the south western tip of the Conservation Park.

I found a dirt track off Beach Road and drove a short distance down that track and set up my station quickly, as I wanted to get back to Whyalla for lunch.

Above:- Map showing my operating spot within the park.  Map courtesty of Protected Planet.

There were some stations on 7.146 so I decided not to operate on 7.144 as I did not want to cause any interference to them.  So I headed down to 7.142 and commenced calling CQ.  My first responder was Geoff VK3SQ in Beechworth with a nice 5/9 signal, followed by Col VK5HCF, and then Greg VK5GJ, running QRP 40 milliwatts again.  This time Greg was a good 5/5 with his QRP set up.

It was an extremely nice outlook from ‘my shack’ out across Spencer Gulf, and to top it off I had a lot of callers.  I had secured the elusive 44 contacts within 40 minutes, and that was with Peter VK3ZPF.  I worked a further 3 stations before going QRT.

I’m sorry if there was anyone else waiting there, but I did not want to push my luck with my wife Marija.  I had a total of 47 contacts in the log and another successful VKFF activation.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3SQ
2. VK5HCF
3. VK5GJ
4. VK4RF
5. VK4HA
6. VK3PF
7. VK2HHA
8. VK5EE
9. VK3GGG
10. VK3PMG
11. VK1AT/3
12. VK5FANA
13. VK3SFG
14. VK3MRH
15. VK2YW
16. VK3UH
17. VK3ZMD
18. VK5NFT/m
19. VK2PKT
20. VK3FRAB
21. VK3FLCS
22. VK5AFZ
23. VK3ELH
24. VK5FMID
25. VK3BBB
26. VK5MRT
27. VK5VRB
28. VK2IO
29. VK5FR
30. VK3VBI
31. VK4HNS/p
32. VK5HS
33. VK2KYO
34. VK5FLEX
35. VK3FSPG
36. VK5AYD
37. VK3GP
38. VK3FQSO
39. VK5PL
40. VK3KRH
41. VK5KLV/m
42. VK3PAT
43. VK3TJS
44. VK3ZPF
45. VK6JON/7
46. VK1DI
47. VK7FOLK/m

At the conclusion of the activation I stopped off very quickly at the agricultural museum at Cowell, which contains a wide range of agricultural machinery.  It was then a 1 hour drive back to Whyalla.

And while on Whyalla, I’d be remiss not to mention something about the town.  I always joke that the best view of Whyalla is ‘in the rear vision mirror’.  It is not the most pleasing town on the eye.  But it is the birth place of my beloved, and we have family and many good friends there.

Whyalla, previously known as Hummock Hill, is the third most populous town/city in South Australia.  Only behind Adelaide and Mount Gambier.  It is known as the “Steel City’ due to its steelworks and shipbuilding heritage.  Whyalla has been exporting iron ore since 1903 and was founded by the Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP).  A shipyard was constructed at Whyalla to provide ships to the Royal Australian Navy during the Second World War.  The first ship that rolled off the shipyard, was in 1941, and the corvette was appropriately named HMAS Whyalla.  This is now a landlocked tourist attraction.

References.

Wikipedia, 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Harbor_Conservation_Park&gt;, viewed 22nd September 2016

Wikipedia, 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_death_adder&gt;, viewed 22nd August 2016

Wikipedia, 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowell,_South_Australia&gt;. viewed 22nd September 2016

Wikipedia, 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whyalla&gt;, viewed 22nd September 2016

It was another early start on Sunday morning, 18th September 2016.  I had two scheduled park activations for the day, each being about one hour drive south of Whyalla.  The first being the Middlecamp Hills Conservation Park VKFF-1059 and 5CP-184.  So after a quick bite to eat and a morning coffee I was on the road, heading south out of Whyalla.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Middlecamp Hills Conservation Park.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

I travelled south west to Cowell and then north west out along the Cowell-Kimba Road.  I then turned left onto the Cowell-Mangalo Road, and then on to Ferns Road.

These are all dirt roads, and after all the rain from the day before, they were quite muddy and slippery in spots.  So that combined with the kangaroos, it was quite slow going out to the park.

Above:- Ferns Road, looking south west.  Yeldulknie Conservation Park is off in the distance.

This was another park that I struggled to find a lot of information about on the internet.  The park which is about 857 hectares in size, is around 13 km north west of Cowell.  It consists of rugged low hills with areas of dense mallee vegetation.   The native scrub here consists mostly of various kinds of eucalyptus and broombush.  The Silver daisy bush, which is listed as being vulnerable, can be found in the park.  A variety of native animals can be found in the park including Euros and western grey kangaroos.

Above:- Aerial image showing the location of the park, to the north west of Cowell.  Image courtesy of Google maps.

The only way to access this park is via Ferns Road.  A small section of the park abuts the roadway.  I unpacked the Toyota Hi Lux and then carried the gear carefully over the barbed wire fence.  Sadly, this is another park which unless you are agile and game to climb over a barbed wire fence, does not offer any user friendly access.

Above:-Aerial view of the park, showing my operating spot.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

As it was a Sunday morning, I did not venture up to 7.144.  The numerous WIA broadcasts are in that vicinity every Sunday morning.  So I commenced calling CQ on 7.090 and it was very very slow going to start off.  My first contact was with Rod VK7FRJG with a beautiful signal from Tasmania with his 2 elements.  This was followed by Tom VK5EE at Mount Gambier, and then Peter VK2NEO who almost lifted the Yaesu FT-857d off the fold up table.   Whilst I was speaking with Peter, the squid pole collapsed in the wind.  I could hear Peter and others saying ‘I wonder what happened there?’ until I came back to advise what had happened.

About 10 QSOs into the activation, the Western Australian guys started up on 7.088.  It wasn’t broadcast time, but a few VK6’s started chatting away, which caused a bit of QRM for me.  I persisted for another 12 QSO’s until it became unbearable, so I headed down to 7.084.  I had a total of 22 QSOs in the log by this time.

I started calling CQ again on 7.084 and this was answered by Bob VK5FO.  It was about this time that I started to experience some showers in the park, so it was quick dash back to the 4WD across the barbed wire fence to collect the bothy bag.

I worked a total of 51 stations on 40m from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, and VK7.  This included Greg VK5GJ at Meadows who was operating QRP 4 watts.  I had worked Greg the day before when he was running just 40 milliwatts and I suggested he should try again.  So Greg dropped his power to 40 milliwatts and I dropped down from 40 watts to 5 watts.  Greg’s signal dropped from strength 9 to strength 6.  My signal report dropped from strength 9 down to strength 7.

I then lowered the squid pole and adjusted the links in the dipole and heded off to 14.310 on 20m where I worked Neil VK4HNS/p.  Unfortunately Neil was my only contact on 20m, and I did not have any phone coverage to I was unable to spot on parksnpeaks.

I then decided to try 80m before heading off to my next park.  Again, despite band conditions being quite good on 80m, I only had 2 callers.  I did however experience a little bit of noise on 80m.  Callers included Adrian VK5FANA on the Yorke Peninsula (5/8 sent and 5/6 received), and Gred VK5GJ running QRP 400 milliwatts.  Greg had a good signal and was peaking strength 8.  Below is a short video showing just how well I was receiving Greg at Middlecamp Hills.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK7FRJG
2. VK5EE
3. VK2NEO
4. VK1DI
5. VK3NBL
6. VK4RF
7. VK4HA
8. VK3AFW
9. VK3UH
10. VK2IO
11. VK5FMLO
12. VK6MB
13. VK3FPSR
14. VK3GGG
15. VK3PMG
16. VK5FR
17. VK3PF
18. VK2XXM
19. VK5FMID
20. VK4HNS/p
21. VK5WG/m
22. VK5AFZ
23. VK5FO
24. VK2LEE
25. VK3SQ
26. VK3ZPF
27. VK3XDM/p
28. VK3MCK
29. VK5ZGY
30. VK5ZX
31. VK1AT/3
32. VK3SFG
33. VK5BJE
34. VK3FRAB
35. VK3BBB
36. VK2HHA
37. VK2KYO
38. VK4RF
39. VK4HA
40. VK5NFT/m
41. VK3GGG
42. VK3PMG
43. VK5NJ
44. VK5GJ
45. VK6JON/7
46. VK5FANA
47. VK3FADM
48. VK5RR
49. VK7FOLK
50. VK3TKK
51. VK2IO

The following station was worked on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4HNS/p

The following stations were worked on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5GJ
2. VK5FANA

References.

Australian Heritage Database, 2016, <http://www.environment.gov.au/&gt;, viewed 22nd September 2016

Department Environment Water and Natural Resources, 2013, Approved Conservation Advice for Olearia pannosa.

Sadly the rain had hit with vengeance, so I decided to cancel the activation of Sheoak Hill Conservation Park, and activate just one more park (from the vehicle), the Yeldulknie Conservation Park VKFF-1127 and 5CP-260.  However, this activation would not qualify for the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award, as I was going to operate from the vehicle.  You must be completely autonomous from the vehicle for the VK5 Parks Award.  However, WWFF does allow mobile activity or operation from a vehicle.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Yeldulknie Conservation Park, west of Adelaide, on the Eyre Peninsula.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

The Yeldulknie Conservation Park was first proclaimed on 21st September 1989 and comprises around 3,297 hectares.  The park comprises three major landform features including steep gullies, ridges and hills, and a system of creeks and water ways.

Above:- Aerial shot showing the location of the park.   Image courtesy of Google maps.

After leaving the Plug Range, I headed back into Mangalo, and then out along the Mangalo-Cleve Road.  Yeldulknie is well signposted unlike some of the other Conservation Parks on the Eyre Peninsula.  There is a park sign in the north western corner of the park, and another sign in the south western corner.

The rain had really set in now, so there was definitely no chance of me operating from outside of the vehicle.  This proved a problem, as there were limited operating spots along the roadway.  I eventually found a small clearing in the scrub and pulled off the road as far as I could, without the risk of getting bogged.

Fortunately it only takes a few minutes to erect the linked dipole, but this was long enough for me to be absolutely drenched by the time I got back into the vehicle.

I headed to 7.144 and found Rob VK4FFAB calling CQ from Conondale National Park VKFF-1513.  Rob was my first contact from Yeldulknie, and a nice way to start with a Park to Park contact.  I then moved down the band to 7.139 and called CQ and this was answered by a number of the usual suspects….Rick VK4TRF, Peter VK3PF, Chris VK5FR and Gerard VK2IO.

At times the rain was extremely heavy and the rain static was peaking up to strength 8, so I apologise to anybody who was calling that I did not acknowledge.  This combined with the rain hitting the roof of the Toyota Hi Lux, made conditions quite difficult at times.

I went on to work a total of 54 stations from Yelduknie, in VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and VK7.  Sadly due to the rain I did not get to work any other bands.  It was just too wet and cold to be standing out in the rain for any longer than what was required.

Other than Damien VK5FDEC running his usual 5 watts (5/8 sent and 5/9 received), I spoke with Greg VK5GJ again, running just 4 watts (5/8 sent and 5/9 received).  Greg then lowered his power down to 40 milliwatts and dropped to a 5/1.  Fortunately the rain had eased by this stage, and I was able to copy Greg very well from Meadows in the Adelaide Hills.

I was now getting very cold and in dire need for a hot shower and a cup of coffee, so it was back out into the rain to lower the squid pole and collect the antenna.  And then an hour drive back into Whyalla.

Thanks to the following stations for spotting me: Rick VK4RF & Col VK3LSD.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK4FFAB/p (VKFF-1513)
2. VK4RF
3. VK4HA
4. VK3PF
5. VK5FR
6. VK2IO
7. VK3OHM
8. VK5HS
9. VK7CW
10. VK5WG
11. VK5MRT
12. VK4AAC/3
13. VK2HHA
14. VK3BBB
15. VK5BW
16. VK7ALH
17. VK3TKK
18. VK3SQ
19. VK5FMWW
20. VK2VW
21. VK2YW
22. VK5KLV
23. VK4HNS/p
24. VK5FANA/m
25. VK5BJE
26. VK3FLCS
27. VK5HDW
28. VK3BL
29. VK3ALA
30. VK5VRB
31. VK5EE
32. VK3SFG
33. VK7FRJG
34. VK5FDEC
35. VK5ZK
36. VK2KYO
37. VK3SL
38. VK3FRAB
39. VK3GGG/m
40. VK3PMG/m
41. VK3ZMD
42. VK5GJ
43. VK5FD
44. VK3PAT
45. VK3LSD
46. VK3ARH
47. VK5GJ
48. VK1MTS
49. VK2YK
50. VK2MOR
51. VK5NFB
52. VK2XXM
53. VK3FADM
54. VK3KLB

At the end of the activation I paid a quick visit to the Yeldulknie Reservoir.  This was completed in 1912 and had a capacity of 740 mega litres.  The building of the reservoir involved the construction of a 108 metre long and 12.8 metre high concreate retaining wall across Yeldulknie Creek.  A further two reservoirs were completed by 1914.  The reservoirs are no longer in use today, however there is a picnic area at the reservoirs.  The restored wheelhouse is state heritage listed.

References.

District Council of Cleve, 2016, <http://arnobay.com/yeldulknie-conservation-park/&gt;, viewed 21st September 2016

Flinders Ranges Research, 2016, <http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/yeldulknie.htm&gt;, viewed 21st September 2016

After leaving the Heggaton Conservation Park I made my way to The Plug Range Conservation Park VKFF-1107 and 5CP-231.  The Plug Range is located about

Above:- Map showing the location of The Plug Range Conservation Park on Eyre Peninsula.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

I thought that this was going to be a short 30 minute drive from Heggaton and I would be there.  But that was not to be!   I drove down the Mangalo-Kielpa Road into the little area of Mangalo, which is easily identified as there are two large grain silos at the intersection with Burton Road.

Above:- the grain silos at Mangalo

I then drove north on Burton Road, heading towards what I thought was the park.   Unfortunately mobile phone coverage was very poor and it wasn’t long before I was lost.  Fortunately a local lady came along and kindly turned her car around and guided me to where I wanted to be to get into the park.  I am very appreciative of this.  It was a set of gates on Watchanie Road with a dirt track leading towards the scrub through a farming property.  Definitely no signs for this park.

Above: the track leading into the park (is actually a part of the park).

I drove to the end of the track and soon entered the scrub.  The dirt track leading to the scrub is actually part of the park.  You can see the narrow thin green line on the aerial below, which is the track leading to the park.  I set up off a little track following a ridgeline in the south western corner of the park.

Above:- Aerial shot of The Plug Range Conservation Park, showing my operating spot in the south western section of the park.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

The Plug Range Conservation Park was established on the 6th September 2012 and comprises 2,582 hectares.  The park is surrounded by farming land.  Again, I could find very little on this park on the internet.

Above:- Aerial shot from Google Maps showing the location of The Plug Range Conservation Park in relation to Heggaton Conservation Park.

The wet weather was moving in fast and I had my doubts that I was going to get my 44 contacts from the park before the rain started coming down.  I was on air at around 0315 UTC (1.45 p.m. local time), with my first contact in the log being a Park to Park contact with Adam VK2YK in the Glenrock State Conservation Area VKFF-1319.  I then moved down the band to 7.130 and started calling CQ.  This was answered by Mick VK3GGG who was mobile in the Grampians National Park VKFF-0213.  Next up was Gerard VK2IO, followed by Chris VK5FR, and then Tony VK5MRT.

As the rain was fast approaching I moved through each QSO quite quickly during this activation.  The band was completely devoid of any man made noise, but the static crashes were very strong from the nearby storms.  I had reached contact number 40 within 30 minutes of activating.  This was with Brian VK3BBB, when the heavens opened up.  Damn, I had 4 more contacts to get in the log to qualify the park.  So it was back to the 4WD and out with the bothy bag.

I returned to the deck chair and the fold up table, huddled underneath the bothy bag, and worked a further 5 stations before hurriedly going QRT.  My last contact was with Steve VK5SFA.  The rain was that heavy, that water was starting to seap through the bothy bag.  So out from underneath the bothy bag I came, and I commenced packing up the gear in the rain.  This normally only takes me around 2 minutes, but it was enough for me to be like a wet rat.

Unfortunately I did not have time or the opportunity to try any bands other than 40m during this activation.  The rain had beaten me.  But I had qualified the park with a total of 45 contacts.

Many thanks to the following stations who spotted me: Brett VK3FLCS, Rick VK4RF, and Robert VK2XXM.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2YK/p (VKFF-1319)
2. VK3GGG/p (VKFF-0213)
3. VK3PMG/p (VKFF-0213)
4. VK2IO
5. VK5FR
6. VK5MRT
7. VK3MRH
8. VK5WG
9. VK3BNJ
10. VK2HHA
11. VK3MCK
12. VK3SFG
13. VK3PF
14. VK4RF
15. VK4HA
16. VK3FENC
17. VK7ALH
18. VK1AT
19. VK5KLV
20. VK3SIM
21. VK5ZK
22. VK4HNS/p
23. VK4AAC/3
24. VK7FOLK
25. VK2KYO
26. VK2YW
27. VK3TKK
28. VK3FLCS
29. VK5EE
30. VK5AFZ
31. VK2VW
32. VK5GJ
33. VK2XXM
34. VK2MOR
35. VK3FRAB
36. VK6JON/7
37. VK5ZGY/m
38. VK2JCC
39. VK3FSPG
40. VK3BBB
41. VK3UH
42. VK3BSG
43. VK3NXT
44. VK3AJA
45. VK5SFA

References.

Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources, Eastern Eyre Peninsula Parks Management Plan 2014

It was a bright and early start for me on Saturday 17th September 2016.  I had four planned park activations for the day, with the first being the Heggaton Conservation Park VKFF-1037 and 5CP-089.  So after some toast and a coffee I was on the road by just after 7.00 a.m.  I had about a one hour drive to get out to Heggaton.

One thing that was reinforced with me from this activation was, don’t always rely on the GPS.  It took me the long way!  Instead of taking me down the Lincoln Highway to Cowell, I was guided out of Whyalla along the Lincoln Highway and then told to turn off on the Middleback Road through the very impressive Middleback Ranges.  It was slow going as the dirt was quite slippery in sections and there were a lot of kangaroos out and about.  The Middleback Road then became Sectus Tanks Road and this brought me out onto the Eyre Highway.  And directly in front of me was the Lake Gilles Conservation Park.  I was very tempted to stop off here for a quick activation.

Above:- Sectus Tanks Road at Bama.

But I decided not to stop, and I continued south west on the Eyre Highway and into the little town of Kimba.  The word ‘Kimba’ is derived from the local aboriginal word for ‘bushfire’.  The town is known as being ‘halfway across Australia’ as the crow flies.  It is also well known for the Big Galah.  I stopped here briefly to stretch the legs and take a few photos.

I then travelled south out of Kimba along the Cleve-Kimba Road and then turned right onto Whitwell Road and on to the Old Cleeve Road.  A short distance up the Old Cleeve Road I turned right onto King Hicks Road.  The northern section of the park soon came in to view.

I set up in this northern section off King Hicks Road, in a clearing in the scrub.  Cleared land for cropping bordered the park at this location.

I was unable to find a lot of information about the Heggaton Conservation Park on the internet.  The park is 6,476 hectares in size and is located to the south east of Kimba and the south west of Whyalla.  The park which was proclaimed on the 6th September 2012, provides important habitat for the Mallefowl and also the rare Gilbert’s Whistler.

It was quite a mild morning and the flies had not taken a rest from yesterday.  They were out in force again and no matter how much insect repellant I applied, it had no effect.  There was enough room in the clearing for me to string out the longer 80/40/20m linked dipole which is what I did.  I was all set to go by about 0020 UTC (9.50 a.m.).  It had taken me a lot longer to get to the park than expected.

My first caller of the morning on 7.144 on 40m was Brian VK5FMID at Mount Gambier who was 5/9.  This was followed by Geoff VK3SQ, Les VK5KLV and then Greg VK5ZGY mobile in the South East of South Australia.

About eight contacts into the activation, I had my first Park to Park contact in the log.  It was with Rob VK4FFAB who was portable in the Conondale National Park VKFF-0109. Rob’s signal was quite low, 5/4, but he was very readable as there was no man made noise at all on the band from within the park.

Shortly after I made a few QRP contacts.  The first was with Peter VK3PF who was 5/5, running just 1 watt.  And then Adrian VK5FANA running 5 watts who was 5/9 from the Yorke Peninsula.  About 12 QSOs later I was called by Greg VK5GJ running 4 watts from Meadows in the Adelaide Hills.  Greg was a terrific 5/9 signal to Heggaton.  This was followed by Ian VK5IS running just 5 watts from the Mid North of South Australia, and he too was 5/9.  Nev VK5WG, also in the Mid North, followed soon after running 5 watts (5/9 both ways).  The 40 m band was in great shape, and despite the quite strong static crashes, I was hearing everyone extremely well.

Peter VK3YE then called in, running just 5 watts, operating as a flagpole station with a kite antenna at Chelsea Bicentennial Park.  As it turned out, it was International Talk Like A Pirate Day, on which the Manly Warringah Radio Society run a Flagpole Contest.  Peter was a nice 4/4 signal, with Peter receiving me at 5/7 at his end.

But the QRP contact of the activation was with Greg VK5GJ.  After initially working him on 4 watts, Greg called back running just 400 milliwatts.  Greg had not dropped from a 5/9 down to a 5/2 but was still perfectly readable.  He called back shortly afterwards running just 40 milliwatts and had dropped to a 4/1.  AMAZING.  This was the highlight of this park activation for me.  Greg’s QTH was about 300 km to the east of Heggaton, across the Spencer Gulf and the St Vincent Gulf.

I worked a total of 53 stations on 40m before having a quick listen on 20m where I spoke with Cleeve VK2MOR, Lee VK2LEE and then John VK6NU.  Finally I headed over to 80m where I logged 2 contacts, Bill VK5MBD at Red Hill in the Mid North of SA, and then Ivan VK5HS in the Riverland region of SA.

Time was marching on, and the weather was moving in rapidly from the west.  A lof of rain was predicted and I still had three planned park activations.

Thankyou to the following who spotted me: Rick VK4RF, Robert VK2XXM, Adrian VK5FANA, Lee VK2LEE, and Cleeve VK2MOR.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5FMID
2. VK3SQ
3. VK5KLV
4. VK5ZGY/m
5. VK2IO
6. VK4RF
7. VK4HA
8. VK4FFAB/p (VKFF-0109)
9. VK1AT/3
10. VK3PF
11. VK5FANA
12. VK5ZK
13. VK5BJE
14. VK5HCF
15. VK5EE
16. VK3GGG/m
17. VK3PMG/m
18. VK3OHM
19. VK3SFG
20. VK5MRT
21. VK2HHA
22. VK7ALH
23. VK2PKT
24. VK5FR
25. VK5GJ
26. VK5IS
27. VK5VBR
28. VK2XXM
29. VK4HNS/p
30. VK7CW
31. VK3BBB
32. VK5PL
33. VK5RM/m
34. VK3ZMD
35. VK1DI
36. VK2KYO
37. VK5WG
38. VK5HDW
39. VK5HS
40. VK3FLCS
41. VK5GJ
42. VK3IO
43. VK3YE/p
44. VK3FADM
45. VK5MBD
46. VK2LEE
47. VK3MCK
48. VK5AFZ
49. VK5GJ
50. VK5TRM
51. VK5MRE/m
52. VK5SFA/m
53. VK2MOR

The following stations were worked on 20m SSB:-

1. VK2MOR
2. VK2LEE
3. VK6NU

The following stations were worked on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5MBD
2. VK5HS

References.

Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources, Eastern Eyre Peninsula Parks Management Plan 2014

My last planned park activation for Friday 16th September 2016 was the Whyalla Conservation Park (CP) VKFF-0808 and 5CP-253.  Whyalla CP is about 10 km north of the town of Whyalla, on the Lincoln Highway.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Whyalla Conservation Park, just north of the town of Whyalla.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

I have activated Whyalla Conservation twice before.  The first back in June 2013, and then again in December 2014.  For more information on those activations please see my previous posts at…..

https://vk5pas.org/2013/06/16/whyalla-conservation-park/

https://vk5pas.org/2014/12/28/whyalla-conservation-park-2/

Below are some photographs from the December 2016 activation when I operated from Wild Dog Hill within the park….

Whyalla Conservation Park was proclaimed on the 4th November 1971 and comprises1,971 hectares (4,870 acres).  The park was conserved both for conservation value of Eyre Peninsula woodland and for its position just 10 km north of Whyalla.  It was intended to serve a recreational purpose for Whyalla as a picnic site.  The park originally covered an area of 1,011 hectares, and in 2003 an extra area of land to the south of the Park, almost identical in size, was added.

This land was originally part of the BHP Indenture Act land and was under BHP’s care and control. With the divestiture of it’s Whyalla steel making operations to a new company, OneSteel, some of the land that was excess to requirements was added to the Park and the remainder was handed back to the local community.

Within the north west corner of the park, Wild Dog Hill, a sandstone outcrop, rises above the surrounding plains and offers some great views of the surrounding countryside.  There is an easy walking trail to the top.  Below are some photos taken back in December 2014 at Wild Dog Hill.

The park is alive with Red and Grey kangaroos, along with Euros who are often sighted on the slopes of Wild Dog Hill.  The Common Dunnart, a carnivorous mouse sized marsupial which eats grasshoppers and small lizards is also found in the park.

Over 80 species of birds have been observed in the Park including Wedge-tailed Eagles, Australian Kestrels, Grey Butcherbird, Crested Pigeon, White-browed Babbler, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and the Black-faced Woodswallow.

More than 20 species of reptiles have been recorded in the Whyalla Conservation Park, including the Western Brown Snake, Bearded Dragon, Western Bluetongue and Sleepy Lizard.

The most common tree that can be seen in the Park is the Western Myall, Acacia papyrocarpa. These majestic trees with their dome shaped canopy and silver-grey foliage can live to be over 250 years old. Sugarwoods, Bullock Bushes, Native Apricots, Quandongs and Black Oaks can also be found in many areas and Saltbush and Bluebush dominate the understorey.

Despite the sometimes oppresive weather conditions in the park, numerous wildflowers can be found at certain times of the year.  These include Fringe-lilies and Paper-daisies.  Delicate lilac Rock Isotomes flower almost constantly at the top of Wild Dog Hill, whilst the tube like flowers of Emu Bushes can be found throughout the Park.

It is reported that the lichens located on the rocks and trees within Whyalla Conservation Park, are some of the best examples in the world.

I set up just inside the park boundary on the eastern side of the park.  I again ran the Yaesu FT-857d, 40 watts and the 80/40/20m linked dipole.

Above:- Map of the Whyalla Conservation Park, showing my operating spot on the eastern side of the park.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

It was almost dark by the time I got to the park, so I had to use the headlights on the Toyota Hi Lux to help me set up.  I was all ready to go by around 0925 UTC (6.55 p.m. South Australian local time).

It was extremely difficult to find a spot on the 40m band.  Everything below 7.100 was totally taken up by Indonesian and Malaysian stations.  There were some North American stations close by to 7.144, and I eventually found 7.135 to be clear.  My first caller was Rick VK4RF/VK4HA, followed by Roald VK1MTS, and then Roy VK7ROY.  Even poor old Roy couldn’t get on to 7.130 for the 7.130 DX Net.  I offered to relinquish 7.135 to Roy and the net, but Roy very graciously declined and headed up a little higher.

My fifth contact from Whyalla was a Park to Park contact with Rob VK4FFAB, who was activating the Conondale National Park VKFF-0109.  Rob was a beautiful strong 5/8 signal to Whyalla.

I went on to work a total of 44 stations and qualified the park, before heading up the band to the 7.130 DX Net which was being held on 7.140.  On the net I worked Bill W1OW in Massachussetts USA, William FO5JV in French Polynesia, and Chuck K9RM in Indiana USA.  I then QSYd down the band a little to work Perrin VK3XPT who was operating remote.  Gerard VK2IO and Brian VK3BBB then called in to finish off the activation.

I had a total of 50 contacts in the log fom VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7, USA and French Polynesia.  It was back to my mother in law’s for some late dinner.

Thanks to the following who spotted me: Rick VK4RF and Brett VK3FLCS.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK4RF
2. VK4HA
3. VK1MTS
4. VK7ROY
5. VK4FFAB/p (VKFF-
6. VK2YW
7. VK3LSD
8. VK6MB
9. VK6FFAR
10. VK2HHA
11. VK3GGG
12. VK3PMG
13. VK1AT/3
14. VK4AAC/3
15. VK4HNS/p
16. VK5FMID
17. VK3ELH
18. VK4ME
19. VK3FLCS
20. VK4FBMW
21. VK6VZZ/m
22. VK5FANA
23. VK3PAT
24. VK5EE/m
25. VK6XN
26. VK3FSPG
27. VK2MRX
28. VK5ZGY
29. VK6FBOS
30. VK5CGM
31. VK6DW
32. VK4FAAJ
33. VK1HW
34. VK2YK
35. VK2NEO
36. VK5MJ
37. VK2XZ
38. VK6MSC
39. VK4TJ
40. VE6XT/VK4
41. AC8WN/VK4
42. VK5KLV
43. VK6BSA
44. W1OW
45. FO5JV
46. K9RM
47. VK3XPT
48. VK2IO
49. VK3BBB

References.

Friends of the Whyalla Conservation Park, 2016, <http://www.fwcp.org/park.htm&gt;

Wikipedia, 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whyalla_Conservation_Park&gt;

My second planned park activation for Friday 16th September 2016 was the Ironstone Hill Conservation Park, VKFF-0895 and 5CP-095, just a relatively short drive away from Munyaroo Conservation Park.  The park is around 50 km south west of Whyalla.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Ironstone Hill Conservation Park on the Eyre Peninsula.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

Ironstone Hill Conservation Park was proclaimed on the 26th August 2010.  The park’s total are is 19,650 hectares (196.50 km²).  Sections 10 and 13 of the park, comprising 5,862 ha, were added to the park on 6th September 2012.  Prior to be declared a Conservation Park, the land was part of the Shirrocoe Pastoral Lease.  In 2014, the conservation park was described as being “particularly significant for the protection of sandy dunes, which are preferred habitat of the endangered Sandhill Dunnart.

Above:- A Sandhill Dunnart.  Image courtesy of Australia & Pacific Science Foundation

The park is predominantly malle vegetation, and protects various plant species including the Desert Greenhood and Sandalwood which are listed as vulnerable under the National Parks and Wildlife Act“.  The conservation park is bounded on its western side by the private protected area, the Secret Rocks Nature Reserve.  Arium’s Iron Duke mine is situated immediately to the east of the park.

View towards the Iron ore mine across the park

Over 60 species of birds have been recorded in the park including Mulga Parrots, White-eared Honeyeaters, Weebill, Striated Pardalote, Willy Wagtail, and Jacky Winter.  Mallee Fowl have been sighted in the park, and many have fallen victim to traffic on the surrounding roads.   A series of powerpoint presentations were delivered in January 2012, by the Environmental Representative of HWE Mining Pty Ltd.  This was to raise awareness of the presence of Mallefowl on the Lincoln Highway, south of the Iron Duke mine towards Cowell.  Notices were also placed in crib-rooms and small items submitted in work bulletins.   It wasn’t long before mine workers began reporting sightings of Malleefowl on the entrance road to the mine.

Above:- A Mallefowl.  Image courtesy of wikipedia.

Above:- Aerial shot showing the park and its proximity to the mine.  Image courtesy of Google Maps.

I entered the park off the Lincoln Highway, to the south west of the entry into the Arium mine.  There is a small section of the park here that abuts the Lincoln Highway.  However, it is not signposted, so please ensure that you are within the boundaries of the park.

Above:- Map showing my operating spot in the park.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

A large portion of the park appeared to be recovering from a fire.  I have since read that a controlled burn took place in the park in September last year.  I suspect it is still recovering from that.  But in amongst the burnt vegetation, there were a number of flowering plants.

A very significant fire burnt through the park back in 1991, and crossed the Lincoln Highway into surrounding countryside.

Again for this activation I ran the Yaesu FT-857d, 40 watts and the 80/40/20m linked dipole.  I was ready to go by just after 0630 UTC (4.00 p.m. South Australian local time).  I immediately headed to 7.144 again and found Les VK5KLV who was still in the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park VKFF-1757.  After working Les he kindly handed the frequency over to me, and a mini pile up soon ensued.  The first caller being Mick VK3GGG, followed by Rob VK4AAC/3 and then Ross VK7ALH.

The flies here were no less forgiving than Munyaroo, and they were joined in tag team action by mosquitos.  And no matter how much insect repellant I applied, they would not take no for an answer.

Nine QSOs into the activation I had a further Park to Park contact in the log.  This was with Rob VK4FFAB who was portable in Conondale National Park VKFF-0109.  Rob had an excellent 5/8 signal to me, and reciprocated with a 5/9 for me.

I worked a total of 40 stations on 40m from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, and VK7.  Band conditions were very good, and the frequency was very quiet until around 45 minutes into the activation when a ZL4 came up on 7.143 calling CQ.

I then QSY’d to 20m and commenced calling CQ on 14.310.  This was answered by Rick VK4RF/VK4HA, followed by Gyula HA6OB in Hungary,  Jonathan VK6JON/7, and finally Peter VK4PHD.  Sadly despite conditions appearing to be quite good, I had no further callers on 20m.  The Over the Horizon Radar did not help and was running at strength 8-9 to me.

I then lowered the squid pole and inserted the links for the 80m section of the antenna and started calling CQ on 3.610.  This was answered by Marc VK3OHM who was 5/9 to me, but who was sadly struggling with noise at his end.  Next was Adrian VK5FANA (5/9 both ways), and then Nev VK5WG who was running QRP from his little X1M transceiver.  I worked a further 7 stations on 80m from VK2, VK3, and VK5.  All with great signals.  Who says that 80m is only open at night!

It was now just after 5.30 p.m. and the sun was starting to set.  I still had the Whyalla Conservation Park to activate, so it was time to pack up and hit the road.

Other than the amazing sunset, I was also rewarded with a glorious full moon which occasionally darted in behind the clouds.

I had a total of 55 contacts in the log and another successful and unique VKFF park activation completed.

Thanks to the following stations who spotted me: Mick VK3GGGG, Marc VK3OHM, Adrian VK5FANA and Rick VK4RF.

References.

Birds SA, 2016, <http://www.birdssa.asn.au/location/ironstone-hill-conservation-park/&gt;, viewed 21st September 2016

National Mallefowl Recovery Team, 2012, ‘Around the Mounds’ newsletter, Spring 2012 Edition Two.

Wikipedia, 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironstone_Hill_Conservation_Park&gt;, viewed 21st September 2016

My wife Marija was born in Whyalla in the ‘Iron Triangle’ region of South Australia, the name given to the iron producing region in the north of South Australia which is bounded by the towns of Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie.  Marija’s mum, and brother and his family still live there, so we venture up to Whyalla on a fairly frequent basis.  And we were due for another visit.  So bright and early on Friday morning (16th September 2016), we left home in the Adelaide Hills and commenced our 420 km drive north.

We headed into the city and then north out along Port Wakefield Road.  It wasn’t long before we came across the famous Port Wakefield Road protest sculptures at Lower Light.  These were built back in the 1990’s as a public protest to the South Australian Government who had proposed to build a large waste dump in the area.  Sadly the dump went ahead anyway, but the imposing sculptures stand as a reminder of people’s outrage at the building of the dump.

We continued north to Port Wakefield where we stopped briefly for a coffee and a sausage roll, and then headed further north through the Mid North of South Australia.  Along the way we passed the 3 little SOTA summits in the Hummock Range ‘The Hummocks’ and then a number of SOTA summits in the lower Flinders Ranges.  Also Telowie Gorge Conservation Park and the Mount Remarkable National Park.  I had an itchy PTT finger already.

We arrived at Whyalla around lunchtime and headed straight to Marija’s mum’s house.  My mother in law is of Croatian background.  So after a typical big meal, consisting of Snapper, calamari, and prawns, I headed out to the Munyaroo Conservation Park (CP) VKFF-0920 and 5CP-154, whilst Marija and her mum went shopping.   Munyaroo CP is about 36 km south west of Whyalla.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Munyaroo Conservation Park on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet. 

Munyaroo consists of three autonomous sections of land comprising a total of 123 km2.  Two of these adjoin the coastline with Spencer Gulf,  immediately south of Muminnie Beach and Plank Point and the third being located to the west on the east side of the Lincoln Highway.  I have operated from this park previously from one of the coastline sections, but for this activation I headed to the Lincoln Highway section.

This was to be a unique VKFF park for me, and the first time the park had been activated for World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF).  I did operate portable from Munyaroo back in December 2014, but that was prior to the park being added to the WWFF program.  So that activation was exclusively for the VK5 National and Conservation Parks Award.  For more information on my previous activation of this park, please have a look at…..

https://vk5pas.org/2014/12/28/munyaroo-conservation-park/

Munyaroo was proclaimed in 1977, and is considered to be significant in that it provides an important habitat link between the coastal vegetation and inland mallee of the Eyre Peninsula.  The two large coastal sections include low impact sandy beaches with an intertidal zone of mangrove and samphire communities.   This provides habitat for various shorebirds including plovers, terns and the rare Sooty Oystercatcher.

Above:- Sooty Oystercatcher.  Courtesy of Wikipedia.

Low open woodlands of Western Myall and False Sandalwood, with a Bluebush and Bladder Saltbush understorey, exist behind the coastal dune system.  Yellow Swainson-pea which is listed as vulnerable can be found here, along with Dwarf Four-toed Slider which is listed as rare.

Above:- Map showing my operating spot in the park, and the nearby coastline, and the towns of Whyalla and Port Augusta.  Image courtesy of Google maps.

Prior to the establishment of the park, the area was used for grazing, and a small coastal strip was cropped.  The ruins of a farm dwelling and various farm implements can be found in the park.

A large variety of native animals are found in the park including Red Kangaroos, and Sandhill Dunnarts.  A large variety of birdlife can be also be found in the park including emus, Mallefowl, Stubble quail, Pied Cormorants, pelicans, white-faced herons, Little Eagles, Blue breasted fairy wrens, but to name a few.

As I travelled south along the Lincoln Highway, the Iron Duke mine came into view in the Middleback Ranges.  Arrium mining control the mine here, and they are an exporter of hematite iron ore.  They supply iron ore feed to Arrium’s integrated steelworks at Whyalla.  My brother in law works for Arium.  The business currently exports approximately 12 million tonnes per annum of hematite ore, primarily to China.  Iron ore has been mined in the Middleback Ranges for around 100 years.

Above:- View of the Iron Duke mine from the Lincoln Highway.

I continued south west on the Lincoln Highway until I reached Plane Road which runs off to the south east.  I turned left here and entered the park.  Plane Road actually disects the park.  So if you set up on either side of the road, you are safely within the park boundary.

Above:- Looking along Plane Road, with the park on either side.

A few hundred feet from the Lincoln Highway and Plane Road junction, I found a clearing in the scrub and set up my station here.  This was on the south western side of Plane Road.

Above:- Aerial image of the Munyaroo Conservation Park, showing the 3 autonomous sections, and indicating my operating spot.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

For this activation I ran the Yaesu FT-857d, 40 watts, and the 80/40/20m linked dipole supported on the 7m squid pole.  The ground was quite sandy so the squid pole holder slid into the ground nicely.  It was quite a warm afternoon, so I made as much noise as possible to keep any snakes at bay.  The flies here were absolutely relentless.

The park was alive with flower during my visit as you can see from the photographs below.

I headed to 7.144 and found Les VK5KLV calling CQ from the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park VKFF-1757.  As Les was only a 100km or so away,unsurprisingly he was 5/9 plus to me.  A nice way to start the activation with a Park to Park contact.

I then moved down to 7.135 and was followed there by Mick VK3GGG.  Next up was Rick VK4RF, followed by Dennis VK2HHA, and Ron VK3MRH.  Rick was a strong 5/8 signal but there was some QSB on his signal.  Netherless a good signal coming to the West Coast of South Australia from Queensland, about 2,000 km away.

I scored one further Park to Park for this activation, and that was with Rob VK4FFAB who was portable in the Maleny National Park VKFF-0690.  Rob had a good 5/5 signal into Munyaroo.  I also spoke with Dave VK2JDS in the Norah?? National Park and Paul VK2WPT/7 in the South West National Park.  Sadly they do not partake in the WWFF program, so although they were Park to Park contacts, they will not count on Logsearch.

I worked a total of39 stations on 40m from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and VK7, before QSYing to 20m.  I headed to 14.310 and commenced calling CQ and this was almost immediately answered by Fred VK4FE who was a strong 5/8 signal, but who was competing with the Over the Horizon Radar.  My next caller was Joszef OK1ES in the Czech Republic, followed by Bill VK4FW, and then Rick VK4RF.  I went on to work a further 6 stations from Western Australia, Japan, Czech Republic, Germany, and Croatia.  It was now 0550 UTC and just a little too early for long path Europe.

Finally to finish off the activation, I headed to 80m where I called CQ on 3.610.  This was answered by Adrian VK5FANA on the Yorke Peninsula with a strong 5/8 signal.  Adrian responded with a 5/8 for me.  But despite a number of CQ calls, Adrian was my only taker on the 80m band.

It was approaching 3.30 p.m. South Australian local time and it was time to pack up and head off to my next park, the Ironstone Hill Conservation Park.  I was very pleased, with another unique VKFF activation under my belt, and a total of 51 contacts in the log.

Thanks to the following stations for spotting me: Mick VK3PMG, Fran OK7WA, Rick VK4RF, and Adrian VK5FANA.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5KLV/p (Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park VKFF-1757)
2. VK3GGG
3. VK3PMG
4. VK4RF
5. VK4HA
6. VK2HHA
7. VK3MRH
8. VK4FW
9. VK1AT/3
10. VK3LSD
11. VK2YW
12. VK3SFG
13. VK4AAC/3
14. VK5FMID
15. VK5FDEC
16. VK3PF
17. VK3SQ
18. VK3NKC/p
19. VK2KYO
20. VK4HNS/p
21. VK5EE
22. VK2JDS/p
23. VK2IO
24. VK2NEO
25. VK4FFAB/p (Maleny National Park VKFF-0690)
26. VK2HEW/m
27. VK2EJW
28. VK7LTD
29. VK3GP/m
30. VK3OHM
31. VK2WPT/7
32. VK6VCK/p
33. VK3KN
34. VK7FRJG
35. VK7EE
36. VK2MTC
37. VK3PAT
38. VK3MCK
39. VK5FANA

The following stations were worked on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4FE
2. OK1ES
3. VK4FW
4. VK4RF
5. VK4HA
6. VK6MB
7. JA1QVR
8. OK7WA
9. OK1FFU
10. DL2ND
11. 9A709A

The following station was worked on 80m SB:-

1. Adrian VK5FANA

References.

Arium, 2016, <http://www.arrium.com/our-businesses/arrium-mining&gt;, viewed 21st September 2016

Scientific Expedition Group, Expedition Munyaroo, Eyre Peninsula September 2012, Expedition Handbook

Wikipedia, 2016, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munyaroo_Conservation_Park&gt;, viewed

I finally got over the line in the past couple of days and have now logged 30 different Murray River parks.  Thus qualifying for the Murray River Parks Award- Hunter 30 certificate as part of the VKFF arm of the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

Thanks to all of the VKFF activators.

This year the Belair National Park turns 125, and as part of these celebrations, an Open Day was held at the park on Sunday 11th September, 2016.  My good friend John VK5BJE was approached by the Senior Ranger for the Mount Lofty Parklands, asking if he would be interested in setting up an amateur radio station in the park as part of the Open Day.  John kindly invited myself and my wife Marija VK5FMAZ, to come along and participate.

Belair National Park qualifies for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program – VKFF-0022, and the VK5 National and Conservation Parks Award – 5NP-001.  The park is located in the Mount Lofty Ranges (Adelaide Hills), about 13 km south east of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of Belair National Park in the Mount Lofty Ranges (Adelaide Hills).  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

Belair is South Australia’s oldest and most loved National Park, and was established in 1891.  It was the second park to be declared a National Park in Australia, falling only behind the Royal National Park in New South Wales which was established in 1879.  The park is 835 hectares (2,060 acres) in size

Above:- Aerial shot showing the location of the park to the south east of the Adelaide CBD.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

Above:- location of the park with respect to Adelaide.  Image courtesy of Google maps.

Nicholas Foott was the first European known to have settled on land that is today the Belair National Park.  He squatted in a rent free building known as Manning cottage, to which he added several stone out buildings, on the priviso that he would move if the land was sold.  In fact, this location was just a stone throw from where we would set up at Belair.  Foott was given notice to quit in July 1840 as Governor Gawler had made the decision to set up a farm for the purpose of growing hay for police horses and other Government livestock.

In 1840 the South Australian Government formally took over 800 acres of land along with a considerable portion of unsurveyed land, making a total of 2,148 acres. As compensation, Foott was awarded ₤300 for his improvements.   John McLaren was appointed superintendent of the farm.  In July 1841 an announcement was placed in the South Australian Government Gazette advising of the intended sale by auction of the land.  This was due to a task by new Governor of South Australia, George Grey, to cut Government expenditure and raise revenue.

This however, did not take place, and during the 1842-1982 depression, a few dozen unemployed men and their families were given permission to settle temporarily in the area.  In June 1844, about 400 acres of land, comprising four sections at the western end of the farm were sold.   In 1848 a cottage was erected alongside the creek as a residence for the farm manager, and for occasional use by the Governor.  Sadly, this cottage has long been demolished.

In 1858 a residence, complete with swimming pool, was built as a “summer house” for Sir Richard MacDonnell, the Governor of South Australia.  This was used by his successors until the more imposing building at Marble Hill was completed.

Picnic, c. 1929

Picnic, c. 1912

Park entrance, c. 1900

c. 1905

Photographs above courtesy of Trove

During 1866/1867 summer, and again in 1877, large bushfires spread through the area, which resulted in the destruction of numerous beautiful old trees.

During 1881 a number of proposals were put to sell off parts of small portions of the Government farm.  These were opposed by Walter Gooch, James Page and the Australian Natives Association.  Such was the opposition that in 1883 it led to an Act of Parliament prohibiting the sale of the land. In 1888 further agitation by Gooch, A. F. Robin and Samuel Dixon of the Royal Society o South Australia, led to a parliamentary decision that the Government Farm be established as a public park.  After some delays the National Park Act received the Governor’s assent in January 1892.

Above:- article from The Register, Thur 21 Nov 1929

Above:- article from The Mail (Adelaide), Sat 26 Nov 1932.  Courtesy of Trove

Due to its historical connections with early European settlement of South Australia, the park contains a combination of European plants and native vegetation.  Many of the native plant species located in Belair are listed as endangered or vulnerable.  Early colonial plantings in the park resulted in clearing of native woodland areas.

During the early years of the park, management needed to develop the park as a financially viable recreation ground.  Considerable efforst were directed towards encouraging visitors.  From 1890 to 1920 a tree planting committee was formed to make the park more attractive.  For nearly 30 years, exotic trees were proudly planted in the park.  During this era, park managers had little appreciation of native flora.  Attiudes commenced to change by the 1920’s and exotic tree planting ceased.  Many of the trees planted in the 1800’s are still growing.  While they have historic value as a reminder of the park’s colonial heritage, they may not be replaced when they die.

There is a lot to see and do in the park.  The pines located outside the old pavillion date back to 1895.  They include Bunya pine, Norfolk Island Pine and Hoop Pine.

The tree in the photo below is a Thick-skinned Cork Oak.  It was one of several planted in the park during the 1900’s.  It is one of the finest specimens located in South Australia.

Old Government House in the park can be visited during opening times.

In the eastern section of the park, you can view a number of plantings, made to honour servicemen and women.

John had made an early start and was at the park by 2200 hrs UTC (7.30 a.m. South Australian local time), with Marija and I arriving just before 8.30 a.m.  We set up near the Adventure playground off The Valley Road in the park.

Even though it was only early, there was already a lot of activity in the park.  Not surprising really, as it was a magnificent sunny day, after three very ordinary preceeding days of rain and strong winds.

Above: Map showing our operating spot within the park.  Map courtesy of Environment SA.

John’s station comprised a Yaesu FT-857d, a linked dipole which was supported on a 10 metre squid pole, and dual band 2m/70cm antenna mounted on an aluminium post.   As it was a nice sunny day, John had the solar panels out which helped top up the 33 amp hour battery.

The second station set up by myself and Marija consisted of a Yaesu FT-857d, a 20,/40m/80m linked dipole supported on a 7 metre squid pole (inverted vee), powered by a 44 amp hour power pack.

In close proximity to our operating spots is the Commissioners shack, which was built in 1926 for the park blacksmith.  It measured 12 feet X 10 feet.  However in 1934, the Park’s Commissioners added another room to the structure, along with a verandah and fireplace.  It was then used by the Commissioners as a weekend shack.

Our first contact for the day was with Trevor VK5TW on 146.500.  Our first contact on HF was with Les VK5KLV on 40m, with Marija on the mic.

During the day we had quite a bit of interaction with the public.  People approached us, asking us inquisitively what we were doing.  We had a scout troop come over and John explained to them the amazing hobby of amateur radio.  We also had a few brave souls (children and adults alike) pick up the microphone and say hello to some interstate and local amateurs.   A number of promotional brochures re the hobby and the parks awards were handed out during the day.

John VK5BJE being watched on by the Guides

Paul VK5PAS discussing the hobby with some interested onlookers

The park was alive with wildlife.  This included some very noisy Sulphur Crested Cockatoos who kept us entertained during the day.  We also had a koala perched high atop a nearby gum tree.

Our last contact of the day was with Rob PA3GVI in the Netherlands.

A few of the highlights of the day for me were:-

• convincing some of the children to pick up the microphone to say hello
• contact with newly licenced amateur, Helen VK7FOLK/p
• contact with Stephen VK2LAD, activating his very first park
• contact with Chris VK5CP, operating portable with just 200 milliwatts
• contact into St Lucia in the Carribean with J68HZ, a rare DXCC entity.
• contact on 40m with my mate Danny ON4VT in Belgium
• contact with Peter VK2PV using 300m of fencing wire as his antenna

During the day, John, Marija and I made a total of 221 contacts on 2m, 20, 40m, and 80m.  This included 24 Park to Park contacts, and 7 SOTA contacts.

More information on the day can be found at John’s WordPress site at…..

Belair National Park,VKFF-022 & 5NP-001, 11th September 2016

Also at…….

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2016/04/Belair-125-anniversary

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF/p (SOTA VK3/ VU-011) – before the UTC rollover
2. VK3PF/p (SOTA VK3/ VU-011) – after the UTC rollover
3. VK5FDEC
4. VK3SFG
5. VK2KJJ
6. VK6JON/7
7. VK5NFT/m
8. VK3FLCS
9. VK7FOLK/p
10. VK3JP
11. VK2PKT
12. VK3FRAB
13. VK3FABE
14. VK5WG
15. VK3LSD
16. VK5GJ
17. VK3UH
18. VK3BSG
19. VK3FSPG
20. VK3MRH
21. VK3FORD
22. VK5MRT
23. VK5HTZ
24. VK5KC/3
25. VK2LAD/p (Woomargama National Park VKFF-0547)
26. VK3GGG
27. VK3PMG
28. VK5CP
29. VK2SK
30. VK4RF
31. VK4HA
32. VK7DW
33. VK1AT
34. VK5FGRY/p
35. VK5FUZZ
36. VK3BNJ
37. VK7QP
38. VK5FMID
39. VK2NP
40. VK5NTO
41. VK1DI/p (Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve VKFF-0852)
42. VK5KLV/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park VKFF-0812)
43. VK3PF/p (Shepparton Regional Park VKFF-0976)
44. VK4AAC/3 (Lower Goulburn National Park VKFF-0741)
45. VK5WTF/p (Sandy Creek Conservation Park VKFF-0933)
46. VK3FRAD
47. VK5AFZ
48. VK3BBB
49. VK2YK/p (Medowie State Conservation Area VKFF-1349)
50. VK2STO/4
51. VK3SQ/m
52. VK2YW
53. VK5NM
54. VK5EMI
55. VK2HHA
56. VK3ZMD
57. VK2QH
58. VK3MBW
59. ON4VT
60. VK2LX
61. VK3FADM
62. VK2PV/p
63. VK3FPSR
64. VK2HBM
65. VK3UCD

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK3ANL/4 (SOTA VK4/ SE-117 and D’Aguilar National Park VKFF-0129)
2. UA4HBW
3. UA6NT
4. UA4HTZ
5. VK4HNS/p
6. VK2UPR
7. VK5NRG
8. VK4FE
9. VK8KMD
10. VK4LJ
11. J68HZ
12. OK7WA
13. OK1ES
14. S57DX
15. VK4RF
16. VK4HA
17. S58AL
18. DL2ND
19. SP9CTW
20. JA7IC
21. S52KM
22. VK6LDX/p (Serpentine National Park VKFF-0446)
23. VK5CJC
24. VK6DW
25. DL2SAX
26. HB9CA
27. ON4VT
28. VK5KLT
29. ON4ON
30. F5IDJ
31. F1BLL
32. IK1GPG
33. ON5SWA/p (ONFF-)
34. JA0LXP
35. PA3GVI

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5NRG
2. VK5BW
3. VK5FGFK

References.

Wikipedia, 2016, , viewed 12th September 2016