After dinner at the Mallacoota Hotel, Marija and I headed back to the Bed and Breakfast. As it was a Monday night (13th November 2017) I decided to go for a quick drive down to the Croajingolong National Park VKFF-0119 and book in to the 7130 DX Net.
I decided not to worry about rolling out the linked dipole, but rather, operated from the vehicle using the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 self tuning antenna.
The 40m band was in great shape and I logged a total of 14 stations on the net from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK7, and Canada. I was very pleased to log Terry VE6POH who was 5/9 to me. He reciprocated with a 5/7 for me.
Above:- Robert VK7VZ/2’s signal. Peaking nearly 40/9 into the mobile.
Following our activation at Wingan River West Nature Conservation Reserve, we continued east on the Princes Highway towards Mallacoota. Wingan River West was our only planned activation for Monday, as we were hoping to do a cruise when we arrived in Mallacoota.
The drive towards Mallacoota along the Princes Highway took us through beautiful forested countryside and also part of the Croajingolong National Park. Once we reached the Genoa-Mallacoota Road, we turned right and started heading towards Mallacoota on the coast. Along the way I spotted a couple of Whistling Kites soaring in the the breeze above the road. I stopped to take a few photos. Unfortunately the kites were up quite high, so the pictures were a little blurred.
Whistling Kites are a medium size raptor and are widespread over mainland Australia. They have a wingspan of around 120 cm to 145 cm and are often seen soaring around in a lazy circling flight pattern.
Above:- Whistling Kite
The drive on the Genoa-Mallacoota Road takes you through lush green farming land and also the Croajingolong National Park. The drive is very picturesque, but is very slow as the road is quite windy.
We soon reached the beautiful little town of Mallacoota in the East Gippsland region of Victoria, about 523 km east of Melbourne. Mallacoota is a popular holiday spot for boating, fishing, walking the wilderness coast, swimming, birdwatching, and surfing. And no surprise, because Malacoota is certainly very picturesque situated on the coast and the Wallagaraugh River.
In 1854 a small timber lighthouse was erected on nearby Gabo Island, with the existing granite lighthouse being completed in 1862. The lighthouse is clearly visible from Mallacoota. Commercial fishing in the area was well established by the 1880’s. In 1894 gold was discovered, with the Spotted Dog Mine operating for about 3 years. In May 1894 the Mallacoota Post Office opened.
Above:- The Gabo Island lighthouse
The birdlife here in Mallacoota is certainly abundant. The flowering native plants in the main street of Mallacoota were alive with Rainbow Lorikeets. These Lorikeets are unmistakable with their bright red beak and very colourful plumage. They are also a noisy bird, often seen in flocks, and feeding on the flowers of native shrubs and trees to harvest the nectar and pollen.
Rainbow Lorikeet
Marija and I then visited the Mallacoota Visitor Centre and unfortunately we became aware that the cruise on the MV Loch-Ard was not running, and ‘may be’ running the next day. We were very disappointed. We also made contact with the Wilderness Cruise company which runs out of nearby Gipsy Point and booked in for a cruise the next day on Tuesday. This left us with the question, ‘What to do this afternoon?’ We had planned to activate the Nadgee Nature Reserve and the Ben Boyd National Park on Tuesday, including a drive to the town of Eden. But we decided the cruise and viewing the Sea Eagles sounded to good, so we arranged a change of plans. We decided to put Eden and the Ben Boyd National Park off for another trip, and that we would head out to activate the Nadgee Nature Reserve VKFF-1977 this afternoon instead.
Whilst we were in town I saw a vehicle pull up ahead of us, with an array of antennas on it, and a gentleman get out. I recognised John VK2AWJ straight away. So Marija and I turned around and headed back to say g’day to John who was also in the area activating parks for the 2017 Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award Weekend.
Above:- With John VK2AWJ.
Marija and I then booked in to our accomodation, The Wave Oasis Bed and Breakfast at Mallacoota, which was extremely nice. We met with the owner who was extremely polite and helpful, and explained to us the local sights, including a number of walks which we might be interested in.
We then headed out of Mallacoota heading for Nadgee, a drive of around 70 km along the Princes Highway.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Nadgee Nature Reserve in New South Wales. Map courtesy of google maps.
The Nadgee Nature Reserve is a large park, about 20,671-hectare (51,080-acre) in size. It was established in December 1957 and is located in the far south coast region of New South Wales. It is located to the immediate south of the Ben Boyd National Park, with its southern border being bounded by the Black-Allan Line which marks the straight line border between the States of New South Wales and Victoria, where it abuts the Croajingolong National Park. About 18,800 hectares (46,000 acres) of the reserve is declared a wilderness area.
Above:- The Nadgee Nature Reserve near the New South Wales/Victorian State border. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
Vegetation types within the park include dry eucalyptus forest, heathland and saltwater wetlands. A large number of native mammals can be found in the park including the Swamp Wallaby, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Common Wombat, Agile Antechinus, Dusky Antechinus, and the Sugar Glider. A huge variety of birds have been recorded in the park. Species of note include the Sooty Owl, Eastern Ground Parrot, Little Tern and the endangered Eastern Bristlebird. Nadgee lies within the Nadgee to Mallacoota Inlet Important Bird Area, so identified by BirdLife International because it supports populations of eastern bristlebirds and pilotbirds as well as other significant fauna.
The area which is now Nadgee was first inhabited by the Bidawal indigenous people. The first Europeans to visit the area were survivors of Sydney Cove, who in 1797 whilst enroute to Sydney, encountered members of the Bidawal tribe. Since that time the Nadgee area has been impacted very little by European settlement, with only two farms and surrounding acreage cultivated.
In 1954, Allen Strom, Allan Fox and Charles Witheford investigated Nadgee’s potential as a reserve after Witheford had brought the area to the attention of Strom as a member of the Fauna Panel of New South Wales (NSW). They proposed that the area should be gazetted as a Fauna Reserve, as it was believed this would give better protection than a National Park because National Parks at the time were managed by Trustees. They made a submission in 1954, and three years later the NSW State Government responded by naming it the Nadgee Faunal Reserve in 1957. During the 1970’s the reserve was enlarged with the addition of the (recently logged) upper catchment of the Nadgee River.
Above:- Aerial shot showing the Nadgee Nature Reserve. Image courtesy of google maps
Before heading to Nadgee, Marija and I took a short walk at The Narrows, just to the north of Mallacoota. We had been advised that there was the potential to see White-Bellied Sea Eagles there. There are some excellent views here across the Mallacoota Inlet to the Croajingolong National Park.
Unfortunately we did not see any Sea Eagles, but it was a nice walk and I did get the opportunity of snapping a few photographs of various birds, including Pelicans, Superb Fairy Wrens and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters.
Superb Fairy Wren
Pelican
Murray Magpie or Mudlark
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
The drive to Nadgee took us back out along the Genoa-Mallacoota Road through the Croajingolong National Park and then onto the Princes Highway We soon reached the New South Wales/Victoria State border. We travelled to the Wonbyn Road where we turned right and then turned onto the Old Bridge Forest Road. It was here that we were greeted by a park sign for Nadgee.
Whilst in the park we logged Mark VK4SMA/p and Ade VK4SOE/p who were in the Maroomba State Conservation Area VKFF-1347. Mark and Ade were a good 5/7 signal.
Marija and I continued for around 5.6 km until we reached Newtons Road and travelled south. This was a dirt track and I would not recommend travelling on it in a conventional vehicle. It took us through spectacular country.
We then crossed the Merrica River and continued on to the campground area.
We had the very secluded area all to ourselves, and there was plenty of room in the clearing in amongst the scrub to set up, and string out the 80/40/20 m linked dipole. It was an overcast, but warm day, so we chose a spot underneath the shade of some trees.
This is the start of the Nadgee Wilderness Walk which is for experienced bushwalkers only. It is a rough track, with many obstacles, and is 55 km one way, taking 3-4 days.
Marija was keen to just get her 10 contacts again, to qualify the park for VKFF. Unfortunately we were in a very remote area and had no mobile phone coverage so we were unable to self spot on parksnpeaks and Facebook. We started calling CQ on 7.144 and this was answered by regular park hunter Gerard VK2IO with a beautiful 5/9 signal. Following Gerard we were called by John VK4TJ who kindly supplied us with his other 2 calls from VE6 and AC8, then Ray VK4NH/VK4DXA, and then Les VK5KLV. We were already just 3 short of qualifying the park for VKFF. Contact number 10 was a QSO with another park regular, Mick VK3GGG/VK3PMG. Mick also kindly spotted us on paksnpeaks.
We both now had our 10 required contacts for VKFF, and Marija handed me the mic with the hope that I could push on to get my 44 contacts to qualify the park for the global WWFF program.
I continued to call CQ on 7.144, with the 40m band appearing to be in quite good shape, with calls from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and VK7. I logged a total of 26 stations on 40m before callers started to slow down. I took the opportunity of heading to the 20m band hoping to get a little bit of DX in the log. Nick VK3ANL and John VK5BJE, who I had worked on 40m had both placed a spot on parksnpeaks to advise that I was QSYing to 20m.
I called CQ on 14.310 and this was answered by Ron VK3VBI in western Victoria with a great 5/9 signal. This was followed by Rick VK4RF/VK4HA, Brooke VK4RZ, and then John VK5BJE. I logged a further 3 calls on 20m and despite 5 minutes more of CQ calls, I had no further takers.
I then called CQ on 3.610 on the 80m band and this was answered by Geoff VK3SQ, and Peter VK3PF who kindly gave me his other 2 calls in my quest for 44 QSOs. I then logged Greg VK4VXX/2 and Ken VK3UH. I now had 40 contacts in the log, with just 4 more contacts required. So I moved back to 7.144 and called CQ. This was answered by Mark VK4SMA and Ade VK4SOE. But I soon started to experience very severe interference (QRM) from a USA station on 7.145, so I moved down the band to 7.135 and started calling CQ again. This was answered by Rick VK4RF/VK4HA, and I had my 44th QSO in the log. I logged a further 2 stations and as it was starting to get a bit late (just after 5.00 p.m. Victorian local time), we decided to pack up and head back to Mallacoota for some dinner.
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK2IO
VK4TJ
VK4/VE6XT
VK4/AC8WN
VK4NH
VK4DXA
VK5KLV
VK7FRJG
VK2VK
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK2IO
VK4TJ
VK4/VE6XT
VK4/AC8WN
VK4NH
VK4DXA
VK5KLV
VK7FRJG
VK2VK
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK7KT
VK7LTD
VK7JON
VK7FAMP
VK3VGB
VK5BJE
VK2VW
VK2JNG/m
VK3ANL
VK3VBI
VK3STU
VK3YSP
VK3OHM
VK5PL
VK4FARR
VK4SMA/p
VK4SOE/p
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK2XXM
VK3SFG
I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-
VK3VBI
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK4RZ
VK5BJE
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK5TH
I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK3SQ
VK3PF
VK3KAI
VK3GV
VK4VXX/2
VK3UH
As we were about to cross back over the Merrica River we saw an East Gippsland Water Dragon, which is Australia’s largest Dragon lizard. He/she was sitting right on the water’s edge. I managed to snap some nice photos of it before it scurried off into the scrub as I got a bit closer.
As we drove back along the Wonbyn Road we observed a number of wild Samba deer. There are six species of deer that are established in the Australian bush, including the Samba, which are the largest of Australia’s introduced wild dear, and the third largest of all deer species behind the Moose and Wapiti. They are a pest and cause damage to the natural environment of the Australia bush.
Once we got back into Mallacoota we went out for dinner at the Mallacoota Hotel. I ordered a Seafood Platter, which consisted of two plates brimming with Fish, oysters, calamari, mussels, and prawns. Very nice indeed.
It was now day 10 (Monday 13th November 2017) of our trip, and our time at Cann River had come to an end. We had enjoyed ourselves staying here and would recommend the motel. It is ideally located right next to the hotel, and across the road from the excellent Relics Cafe. We had planned to activate the Wingan River West Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2231. The park is located about 475 km east of Melbourne and about 30 km east of Cann River.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Wingan River West NCR. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
I have been unable to find a lot of information on the internet with reference to the Wingan River West Nature Conservation Reserve. Dingo Creek and Beehive Creek flow into the Wingan River. The Wingan River is just to the east of the park, and rises below Mount Future, near the Wingan Swamp, north of the Alfred National Park between Cann River and Genoa, and flows generally south through the Croajingolong National Park joined by eight minor tributaries before reaching its mouth with Bass Strait over a distance of around 49 km. The name of the river is derived from the Aboriginal word wangan, meaning “reed bed”
We travelled along Princes Highway until we reached Dingo Creek Track. It is well signposted from the highway.
We followed the Dingo Creek Track for a while, which was very narrow and quite overgrown. We soon reached the intersection of Dingo Creek Track and Beehive Track. And the Beehive Track is even worse. We drove down there a short distance until the track became impassable due to the scrub.
We unpacked the gear and walked a short distance down the track and set up amongst a little clearing in the scrub.
It was quite early in the morning, around 7.30 a.m. but still quite warm already. I was in the process of setting up when I noticed a large Red-bellied Black snake just 3 feet in front of me. The snake initially stayed still and then scuttled off into the scrub. I must say it was a bit off putting. Although this snake is less venomous than many other snakes, and a bite is not generally fatal, it will still make you very ill.
Marija and I again decided to share the mic until Marija had 10 contacts in the log. After setting up we started calling CQ on 7.144, which was answered by Rick VK4RF/VK4hA, followed by Mick VK3GGG/VK3PMG, and then Steve VK3FSPG/VK3MPR. This was followed by a Park to Park contact with John VK2AWJ/3 who was activating the nearby Coopracambra National Park VKFF-0113. John was very low down (5/2), and we were 5/1 to him. But as our noise floors were so low, we were able to comfortably work each other.
Three QSOs later, and we had our 10 contacts in the log, after a QSO with regular park hunter Cliff VK2NP. Next was another Park to Park contact, this time with Peter VK3TKK/p who was activating the Organ Pipes National Park VKFF-0627.
I then continued calling CQ and after around 1 hour and 20 minutes in the park, I had contact number 44 in the log. That being a QSO with Peter VK3GV. I logged a total of 49 stations on 40m from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and VK7. Despite it being a weekday, I was very happy with the number of callers who called in to get Wingan River West NCR in the log.
I then tried the 80m band, calling CQ on 3.610. My call was answered by Peter VK3PF, followed by Brian VK3BBB, Ken VK3UH, Sergio VK3SFG, and finally Ray VK3RW. All had good 5/8-9 signals.
Marija and I then packed up and continued on our way to Mallacoota where we planned to stay for 2 nights.
Our final activation for the day and our final activation for the 2017 Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award Weekend was the Lind National Park VKFF-0287. This would be our fourth Victorian park activated for this special weekend. The Lind National Park is located about 431 km east of Melbourne and about 20 km west of Cann River.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Lind National Park. Map courtesy of google maps
The Lind National Park is 1,370-hectare (3,400-acre) and was established way back in 1926. The park was recommended by a Crown Lands Investigation Committee to conserve rainforest habitat and was subsequently gazetted, with an area of 1,166 hectares. In 1988 the park was expanded to 1,365 hectares and a further 5 hectares were added in 1995.
Above:- Aerial shot of the Lind National Park, with Cann River in the background. Image courtesy of google maps
The Lind National Park is old growth forest which is relatively untouched since European settlement. The park has a history of minind activity which is indicated by numerous mine shafts and relics,particularly at Olive Branch mine on the Olive Branch Creek. A total of 36 species of mammals, 167 of birds, 22 of reptiles and 14 of amphibians have been recorded in the Lind National Park.
We travelled back into Cann River and then west out of town along the Princes Highway until we reached Lind Park Road. We travelled a short distance and then turned into Euchre Valley Nature Drive.
Despite the fact that various Parks Victoria literature talks about this track being accessible and leading to picnic areas, it certainly doesn’t at the eastern end of the park. The track was totally overgrown with vegetation and was impassable.
As a result, it was a good place to set up. There was a nice cleared area to string out the 80/40/20m linked dipole.
Above:- Aerial shot of the park showing our operating spot. Image courtesy of google maps
Marija and I once again shared the mic until Marija had her 10 contacts in the log. We found the 40m band quite busy, but found 7.139 clear, where we started to put out a few CQ calls. These were answered by Tony VK3XV/p who was activating the Hattah Kulkyne National Park VKFF-0231 in western Victoria. Park regular, Rick VK4RF/VK4HA then called in, followed by Allen VK3ARH and then Deryk VK3PAA. Within 15 minutes we had contact number 10 in the log, a QSO with John VK4TJ.
I then took control of the mic and called CQ, hoping to get my 44 contacts required to qualify the park for WWFF. The 40m band was in great shape and it was like the old times again, with a mini pile up ensuing.
I logged a total of 60 stations on 40m from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and VK7. This included a number of Park to Park contacts as follows:-
Peter VK3PF/p at the Mornington Peninsula National Park VKFF-0333
Aaron VK1LAJ/p at the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve VKFF-0850
Helen VK7FOLK/p at the Scamander Conservation AreaV KFF-1147
Jonathan VK7JON/p at the Scamander Conservation Area VKFF-1147
I also spoke with David VK3IL/p who was activating SOTA summit, Mt Number 3, VK3/ VE-033.
I then tried my luck on 14.310 on the 10m band. My first caller there was Mick VK3GGG/VK3PMG, followed by Steve VK4KUS, Nev VK5WG, and then Hideo JF1SEK in Japan. I worked a further 5 stations on 20m including Tadashi JA1VRY and Stuie VK8NSB in Darwin.
I then moved to the 80m band where I logged 3 stations: Peter VK3ZPF, Adam VK2YK, and Ian VK1DI. To complete the activation I put out a few CQ calls on 40m again. This was answered by John VK5BJE in the Adelaide Hills and then Peter VK2NEO with a very strong signal. Unfortunately K3EST came up on the frequency and started calling CQ. He was quite strong, but sadly wasn’t hearing my little signal. I logged a further 3 stations: David VK5PL, Adrian VK5FANA, and Nan VK2KRN, and decided it was not worth competing with the USA station, so I went QRT for the day.
It had been another very good activation, with a total of 78 stations in the log. Marija had also qualified the park for KRMNPA and VKFF, and had 16 contacts in the log.
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3XV (Hattah Kulkyne National Park VKFF-0231)
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK3ARH
VK3PAA
VK2NEO
VK2XXM
VK3OHM
VK4TJ
VK4/VE6XT
VK4/AC8WN
VK3PF/p (Mornington Peninsula National Park VKFF-0333)
VK3IL/p (SOTA Mt Number 3, VK3/ VE-033)
VK1LAJ/p (Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve VKFF-0850)
VK7FOLK/p (Scamander Conservation AreaVKFF-1147)
VK7JON/p (Scamander Conservation AreaVKFF-1147)
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3XV (Hattah Kulkyne National Park VKFF-0231
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK3ARH
VK3PAA
VK2NEO
VK2XXM
VK3OHM
VK4TJ
VK4/VE6XT
VK4/AC8WN
VK3SQ
VK3PF/p (Mornington Peninsula National Park VKFF-0333)
VK7QP
VK3FMKE
VK3RU
VK3KMH
VK3UH
VK7FGRA
VK3NLK
VK3IL/p (SOTA Mt Number 3, VK3/ VE-033)
VK3JP
VK3CA
VK2LEE
VK3FJET
VK3ELH
VK2JNG/m
VK3PI
VK7FRJG
VK3HOT
VK1DI
VK1LAJ/p (Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve VKFF-0850)
VK3SFG
VK5FMWW
VK5NJ
VK2NP
VK2YK
VK4FFAB
VK3MRH
VK5TR
VK3FVKI
VK3MIJ
VK3ZPF
VK1HM
VK3PWG
VK7FOLK/p (Scamander Conservation AreaVKFF-1147)
VK7JON/p (Scamander Conservation AreaVKFF-1147)
VK3FMAA
VK3FMIA
VK3NBL
VK4KUS
VK2HHA
VK3sX
VK3TKK/m
VK4SOE
VK4SMA/p
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK2VW
VK4QQ
VK5BJE
VK2NEO
VK5PL
VK5FANA
VK2KRN
I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK4KUS
VK5WG
JF1SEK
VK4RF
VK4HA
JA1VRY
VK5KLV
VK8NSB
I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK3ZPF
VK2YK
VK1DI
After packing up we headed back into Cann River, only to find the pub shut. So we ventured over the road to Relics Cafe where I enjoyed a very nice Steak sandwich.
References.
Parks Victoria, 1998, ‘Lind and ALfred National Parks Management Plan’
After leaving the Coopracambra National Park Marija and I decided to go for a drive to the Victorian/New South Wales State border. It was just a short 15 km drive up the Monaro Highway. Along the way we decided to do a very quick activation, from the vehicle, of the South East Forests National Park VKFF-0458, which was just over the border in New South Wales.
Above:- Map showing the location of the South East Forests National Park. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
The South East Forests National Park is a large park, comprising some 115,177-hectares (284,610-acres). It was created in 1997 by the amalgamation of Genoa, Tantawangalo, Bemboka, Yowaka and Coolangubra National Parks, all of which had been gazetted in 1994.
Above:- Map showing the area of the South East Forests National Park in the south eastern corner of New South Wales. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
Until around 1968 much of the south eastern corner of New South Wales was vacant crown land consisting of rugged forest known as the Wallagaraugh Wilderness. At this time a scientific committee which had been appointed by the New South Wales State Government, recommended the area of about 100,00 hectares be protected as a National Park. However, the Japanese company Harris-Daishowa sought to log the area for woodchips, with most of the land been categorised as State Forest. Only the Nalbaugh and Nungatta National Parks were declared in what is now South East Forests National Park.
In October 1969 logging commenced, and despite increasing opposition, continued for about 25 years. During the 1988 election, the Labor State government proposed an 80,000 hectare park as a re-election promise, however they were not re-elected. A number of protests were held in the area. It was not until 1994, that under the Fahey Liberal State NSW Government that the Genoa, Tantawangalo, Bemboka Yowaka and Coolangubra national parks came into existence.
Above:- Various newspaper clippings relating to the protests. Courtesy of Trove.
Combined with the adjoining Coopracambra National Park located in Victoria across the Black-Allan Line, the South East Forests National Park forms one of the largest contiguous areas of high quality wilderness in south-eastern Australia that spans from Bombala in New South Wales to the town of Cann River in Victoria.
Above:- Aerial view showing the South East Forests National Park. Image courtesy of google maps
A large amount of native animals can be found in the park including threatened species such as the Smoky Mouse. The park forms part of the Ulladlla to Merimbula Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International due to its importance for Swift Parrots.
Above:- Swift Parrot. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.
We soon reached the New South Wales border and stopped briefly for a photograph at the State border sign.
We continued a very short distance up the Monaro Highway and soon reached the park on our right, and a park sign of South East Forests.
This is truly magnificent country with scrub and forest as far as the eye can see.
Sadly there is still logging in the area. The photos below show the stark contrast of the logged countryside compared to the lush forest.
Marija and I drove a short distance down Saddle Flaps Road and found a small dirt track which lead to a clearing. We operated from the vehicle for this activation, running the Icom IC-7000 and the Codan 9350 self tuning antenna mounted on the rear of the Toyota Hi Lux.
Above:- Aerial shot showing our operating spot in the South East Forests National Park. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
We had no internet coverage and were unable to self spot on parksnpeaks or Facebook. We had a quick tune across the 40m band and found Jonathan VK7JON/p and Helen VK7FOLK/p calling CQ from the Bay of Fires Conservation Area VKFF-1133, with a good 5/7 signal. We logged Jonathan and Helen and then headed up the band to 7.144 where we started calling CQ.
Our CQ call was answered by Gerard VK2JNG/p who was in the Tooloom National Park VKFF-0491. It was terrific to get 3 Park to Park contacts in the log. This was followed by Adam VK2YK, Winston VK7WH, and then another Park to Park, with Peter VK3PF/p who was activating the Mornington Peninsula National Park VKFF-0333.
Ben VK7BEN/p then gave us a call from the Mount Field National Park VKFF-0347 in Tasmania, and then Colin VK3ZZS/7, and then Neil VK4HNS/p who was in the Knapp Creek Conservation Park VKFF-1574. Not bad, our 6th Park to Park contact from South East Forests. Our final caller on 40m was Marc VK3OHM with a strong 5/8 signal.
To complete the activation I moved up to 14.310 on the 20m band and called CQ. But with no internet coverage and without the ability to spot, I had no callers.
Marija and I then drove back over the State border, heading to our next activation, the Lind National Park.
Marija and I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK7JON/p (Bay of Fires Conservation Area VKFF-1133)
VK7FOLK/p (Bay of Fires Conservation Area VKFF-1133)
VK2JNG/p (Tooloom National Park VKFF-0491)
VK2YK
VK7WH
VK3PF/p (Mornington Peninsula National Park VKFF-0333)
VK7BEN/p (Mount Field National Park VKFF-0347)
VK3ZZS/7
VK4HNS/p (Knapp Creek Conservation Park VKFF-1574)
Day nine (Sunday 12th November 2017) had crept up very quickly on us. We had two activations planned today for the 2017 Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award Weekend. The first being the Coopracambra National Park VKFF-0113, which is located about 473 km east of Melbourne and about 29 km north of Cann River.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Coopracambra National Park. Map courtesy of google maps.
The Coopracambra National Park is another large park, comprising some 38,800-hectares (96,000-acres), and was established in 1988. The northern boundary of the park is defined by the Black-Allan Line that marks part of the border between Victoria and New South Wales. The Monaro Highway defines the park’s western boundary. Within the confines of the park, the Genoa River flows eastwards to the Tasman Sea. T he highest peak in the park is Mount Coopracambra, with an elevation of 1,103 metres (3,619 ft).
Above:- Map showing the location of the park on the Victorian/New South Wales State border. Map courtesy of google maps
Combined with the adjoining South East Forests National Park located in New South Wales, the Coopracambra National Park forms one of the largest contiguous areas of high quality wilderness in south-eastern Australia that spans from Bombala in New South Wales to the town of Cann River in Victoria.
Vegetation varies from warm temperate rainforest in the sheltered gullies to open forests of White and Red Stringybark on the ridges, while the riparian zone is dominated by Kanooka and Peppermint. The massive Gippsland Grey Box is particularly striking, with its rough grey trunks contrasting dramatically with snowy white branches. Wildflowers are plentiful in the park, some of which are classified as very significant.
Above:- Aerial shot showing the Coopracambra National Park. Image courtesy of google maps
Norman Wakefield (1918-1972), a naturalist, walked the Genoa Gorge and noted the qualities and diversities of native species in the area. In 1972 he reported the discovery of the oldest known fossill footprints (355 million years old) near the Genoa River. He made recommendations for the creation of a park, which was to become Coopracambra.
As we had done the morning before, Marija and I headed over to Relics Cafe for a coffee and some breakfast. We then headed north out of Cann River on the Monaro Highway. We stopped off briefly to have a look at the old Noorinbee school, which was the first public building for the Cann River residents, built by the local community with voluntary labour and materials in 1898.
We continued north on the Monaro Highway and along the way I spoke with Jim VK2QA, Ron VK3JP and COlin VK3ZZS/7.
We soon reached the south western corner of the Coopracambra National Park.
Although it is possible to access Cooopracambra National Park from any direction using a network of roads, sections of these roads are only suitable for 4WD vehicles. We accessed the park via WB Line, the main park track.
As we drove along the track we both logged Ian VK1DI/p from the mobile. Ian being in the Dunlop Grasslands Nature Reserve VKFF-0839.
WB Line has steep grades and is not recommended for conventional vehicles. We drove a few kms along the track until we reached Yambulla Track.
There was a nice area here off WB Track where we could park the vehicle and string out the dipole. Surrounding us was the beautiful forest that is the Coopracambra National Park.
Once we were out of the car we immediately noticed an abundance of native flowers, many of which were very very tiny, but quite spectacular.
We were all set up and ready to go by around 2345 UTC (10.45 a.m. Victorian local time). As it was before the UTC rollover, we could work stations before and after the UTC rollover, and these would count towards our 44 QSO required for the global World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program. We immediately headed to 7.144 once set up and found John VK2AWJ/3 calling CQ from the Errinunda National Park VKFF-0158. John was quite low to us (4/2), as Errinundra is quite close. But we were able to successfully log John. It was a nice way to start the activation with a Park to Park contact.
We then found Joe VK3YSP/p and Julie VK3FOWL/p, operating as VK3SRC/p in the Churchill National Park VKFF-0621, calling CQ on 7.100. Joe and Julie had a very strong 5/9 signal to Coopracambra. Next in our log was David VK3IL/p on 7.090, who was activating SOTA summit Mount Stirling VK3/ VE-011.
Marija and I then moved up to 7.095 and started calling CQ. This was answered by Dennis VK2HHA, followed by Adam VK2YK, and then Roscoe VK3KRH with a booming signal on his beam. Next in the log was another Park to Park, this time with Rex VK3OF/p who was activating the Lower Goulburn National Park VKFF-0741. Our 10th contact, qualifying the park for us for VKFF, was Roald VK1RZ.
As Marija now had 10 contacts and had qualified the park for VKFF, she was happy to hand the mic to me. I continued to call CQ and was pleased to hear that the 40m band was in quite good condition, with stations logged from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, and VK7. The South Australian stations (VK5) were noticeably absent. Obviously propagation back over the border on 40m was not working.
A number of Park to Park contacts were logged by both myself and Marija. They included:-
Malcolm VK3OAK/p in the Lower Glenelg National Park VKFF-0296
Brett VK3FLCS/p in the Kinglake National Park VKFF-0264
Dave VK2ZK/p (VK2JDC/p) in the Turon National Park VKFF-0501
Helen VK7FOLK/p in the St Helens Point Conservation Area VKFF-1153
David VK3TUN/p in the Heathcote Graytown National Park VKFF-0624
Gerard VK2IO/p in the Wambina Nature Reserve VKFF-2014.
I now had 39 stations in the log before the UTC rollover, whilst Marija had 17.
After the UTC rollover I worked a further 16 stations including the following Park to Park contacts:-
Gerard VK2IO/p in the Wambina Nature Reserve VKFF-2014.
Mark VK4SMA/p in the Morgan Park Conservation Park VKFF-1597
Gerard VK2JNG/p in the Tooloom National Park VKFF-0491
Nick VK3ANL/p in the Gresswell Hill Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2104
I now had 55 contacts in the log and had qualified the park for the global WWFF program.
Marija then got back on air and started calling CQ, also hoping to get 44 contacts. Greg VK7FGRA was first in the log, followed by Lee VK2LEE, and then Michael VK3FCMC. A few QSOs later Marija was called by Phil VK7FILL/p was activating SOTA summit Mount Roland VK7/ NC-003 in Tasmania with a good 5/5 signal. About 6 QSOs later Marija was called by Brett VK3FLCS/p for another Park to Park after the rollover from the Kinglake National Park VKFF-0264.
But callers soon dried up, so we decided to try the 80m band. Unfortunately we only made one contact on 80, but it was a Park to Park, with Brett VK3FLCS in the Kinglake National Park VKFF-0264.
We headed back to 40m where we logged Tony VK3VX in the Wyperfeld National Park VKFF-0549 on 7.139. Marija then propped on 7.150 and logged 8 stations, passing the required 44 QSOs to qualify the park for WWFF. Marija’s 44th contact was a QSO with Rick VK4RF.
I then decided to have a go on the 20m band. My first contact there was with Gerard VK2IO/p in the Wambina Nature Reserve VKFF-2014 on 14.310. I then moved up the band to 14.315 and called CQ. This was answered by Colin VK4PDX, followed by Rick VK4RF/VK4HA, and then John VK4TJ. My 5th and final station logged was Nigel VK6NI in Western Australia.
We had a little bit of time up our sleeve so I decided to try propagation on the 15m band. I called CQ on 21.244 and this was answered by Colin VK4PDX who had followed me from 20m. Rick VK4RF/VK4HA then called, followed by Tony VK7LTD and finally John VK4TJ.
To complete the activation we had a final tune across the 40m band, logging 3 more Park to Park contacts: Jonathan VK7JON and Helen VK7FOLK in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area VKFF-1133, and VK3SRC/p in the Churchill National Park VKFF-0621. Joe and Julie put one of their young students Ethan on the mic and we had a quick chat to him.
It was time to head off to our next activation of the day, the Lind National Park. Marija and I had a total of 120 stations in the log between the two of us, including 43 Park to Park QSOs. It had been a very successful activation.
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB before the UTC rollover:-
VK2AWJ/p (Errinundra National Park VKFF-0158)
VK3SRC/p (Churchill National Park VKFF-0621)
VK3FOWL/p (Churchill National Park VKFF-0621)
VK3YSP/p (Churchill National Park VKFF-0621)
VK3IL/p (SOTA Mount Stirling VK3/ VE-011)
VK2HHA
VK2YK
VK3KRH
VK3OF/p (Lower Goulburn National Park VKFF-0741)
VK1RZ
VK3OAK/p (Lower Glenelg National Park VKFF-0296)
VK3FLCS/p (Kinglake National Park VKFF-0264)
VK2ZK/p (Turon National Park VKFF-0501)
VK2JDC/p (Turon National Park VKFF-0501)
VK7FOLK/p (St Helens Point Conservation Area VKFF-1153)
VK3TUN/p (Heathcote Graytown National Park VKFF-0624)
VK2IO/p (Wambina Nature Reserve VKFF-2014)
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB after the UTC rollover:-
VK2IO/p (Wambina Nature Reserve VKFF-2014)
VK4SMA/p (Morgan Park Conservation Park VKFF-1597)
VK2JNG/p (Tooloom National Park VKFF-0491)
VK3ANL/p (Gresswell Hill Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2104)
VK2YK
VK7FGRA
VK2LEE
VK3FCMC
VK3SFG
VK3UH
VK7FILL/p (SOTA Mount Roland VK7/ NC-003)
VK3ARH
VK2BTC
VK3PYE
VK3OHM
VK2XXM
VK3FLCS/p (Kinglake National Park VKFF-0264)
VK7QP
VK3BHR
VK3XV/p (Wyperfeld National Park VKFF-0549)
VK2QA
VK3MRH
VK2PKT
VK7DW
VK3BNJ
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK3TKK/m
VK7FOLK/p (Bay of Fires Conservation Area VKFF-1133)
Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK3FLCS/p (Kinglake National Park VKFF-0264)
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB before the UTC rollover:-
VK2AWJ/p (Errinundra National Park VKFF-0158)
VK3SRC/p (Churchill National Park VKFF-0621)
VK3YSP/p (Churchill National Park VKFF-0621)
VK3FOWL/p (Churchill National Park VKFF-0621)
VK3IL/p (SOTA Mount Stirling VK3/ VE-011)
VK2HHA
VK2YK
VK3KRH
VK3OF/p (Lower Goulburn National Park VKFF-0741)
VK1RZ
VK3OAK/p (Lower Glenelg National Park VKFF-0296)
VK3OHM
VK3SQ
VK3FLCS/p (Kinglake National Park VKFF-0264)
VK1MA
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK2XXM
VK1AT
VK2MOR
VK2UH
VK1HW
VK3MAB
VK7FRJG
VK2PKT
VK4SJD
VK2ZK/p (Turon National Park VKFF-0501)
VK2JDC/p (Turon National Park VKFF-0501)
VK1DI
VK7FOLK/p (St Helens Point Conservation Area VKFF-1153)
VK2NP
VK2KJJ
VK2YW
VK7KT
VK3TUN/p (Heathcote Graytown National Park VKFF-0624)
VK2IO/p (Wambina Nature Reserve VKFF-2014)
I worked the following stations on 40M after the UTC rollover:-
VK2IO/p (Wambina Nature Reserve VKFF-2014)
VK4SMA/p (Morgan Park Conservation Park VKFF-1597)
VK2ALF/m
VK3FCMC
VK3UH
VK2GAZ
VK2YA
VK1WAT
VK2JNG/p (Tooloom National Park VKFF-0491)
VK2JNG/p (Tooloom National Park VKFF-0491)
VK4TJ
VK7PAL
VK2LEE
VK7RN
VK3ANL/p (Gresswell Hill Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2104)
VK2FADV
VK2YK
VK7FILL/p (SOTA Mount Roland VK7/ NC-003)
VK3FLCS/p (Kinglake National Park VKFF-0264)
VK3XV/p (Wyperfeld National Park VKFF-0549)
VK7JON/p (Bay of Fires Conservation Area VKFF-1133)
VK7FOLK/p (Bay of Fires Conservation Area VKFF-1133)
VK3SRC/p (Churchill National Park VKFF-0621)
I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-
VK2IO/p (Wambina Nature Reserve VKFF-2014)
VK4PDX
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK4TJ
VK6NO
I worked the following stations on 15m SSB:-
VK4PDX
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK7LTD
VK4TJ
At the end of the activation we drove back down WB Line to Beehive Falls. We parked in the carpark and took the walk through the scrub, but were very disappointed with the view of the falls. The track falls well short of the falls, unless you are prepared to chance your luck and scramble over rocks, which we were not. There is a better view to be had from the roadway of WB Line.
It was another warm day, but fortunately the only reptile we came across during the day was a small lizard. No snakes fortunately.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Croajingolong National Park. Map courtesy of google maps
After packing up at the Alfred National Park, Marija and I headed south on West Wingan Road towards the coast. We soon reached the boundary of the Croajingolong National Park. Marija had checked out the possibility of activating SOTA peak Mount Everard VK3/ VG-151 which is in the park. But when we reached the track which lead to the summit, there was a locked gate. The sign on the gate read ‘Seasonal Closure. Open from 31 Oct’, and it was certainly passed the 31st October, but none the less the gate was locked. This meant a significant hike along the track to reach the summit, and we decided to leave it for another day.
Croajingolong National Park is a large park, comprising 88,355-hectares (218,330-acre). The park is about 80 km by 20 km and is linear in shape. It was established on the 26th April 1979. The park is bordered on the southern side by the Tasman Sea of the South Pacific Ocean, the western side by Bemm River and the eastern side by the town of Mallacoota. The park’s northern boundary comprises dense bushland and low hills.
Above:- Aerial view of the park. Courtesy of google maps
Together with the adjoining Nadgee Nature Reserve in New South Wales, the park forms one of only 12 Wold Biosphere areas in Australia. It was nominated in 1977 by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve due to Croajingolong’s spectacular landscapes and environmental significance.
Above:- Map showing the Croajingolong National Park. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
The name Croajingolong derives from the Aboriginal Krauatungalung words galung, meaning “belonging to” and kraua, meaning “east”. In 1870, Captain James Cook’s first sighting of Australia’s east coast occurred at Point Hicks in what is now the National Park. By the 1830’s European settlers had commenced to arrive in area and by the 1850’s pastoralists occupied most of the better land in the area.
In the early 1900s two national parks were set aside around Mallacoota and Wingan Inlet, and in 1970 Captain Cook National Park was established at Point Hicks. These parks combined to form Croajingolong National Park in 1979.
The park is home to nearly 1,000 native plant species including around 90 species of orchids. A total of native mammal species, 26 reptile species and 306 species of birds have been recorded in the park. The birds represent about half of Victoria’s and a third of Australia’s total bird species. Threatened species found in the park include the Ground Parrot, Eastern Bristlebird, Smoky Mouse, Grey‐headed Flying Fox and Australian Fur Seal.
On our way through the park we logged Tony VK3XV/p who was in the Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629.
We continued along West Wingan Road until we reached the Wingan Inlet campground which is located in tall Bloodwood forest on the western shore of Wingan Inlet. The Wingan River rises below Mount Future, near the Wingan Swamp, north of the Alfred National Park between Cann River and Genoa, and flows generally south through the Croajingolong National Park joined by eight minor tributaries before reaching its mouth with Bass Strait, at the Wingan Inlet.
There was a nice cleared area here in amongst the forest, which allowed us to stretch out the 80/40/20m linked dipole.
Above:- Our operating spot at Wingan Inlet campground. Image courtesy of google maps
As we were unsure on what band conditions were going to be like, Marija and I again decided to share the mic until Marija had 10 contacts in the log, qualifying the park for VKFF. We headed to 7.144 and called CQ which was answered by Rex VK3OF/p in the Barmah National Park VKFF-0739. Rex was quite weak (5/3), as we were to him, but as we both had no man made noise in our parks, we were able to work each other very comfortably. Next up was Scott VK7NWT, followed by Gerard VK2JNG/p. Gerard advised us that he was at a park, but was just outside the park boundary as he had encountered a locked gate. This was a shame as we would have loved to have logged Gerard Park to Park from Croajingolong.
A few QSOs later we had another Park Park in the log, a contact with Gerard VK2IO/p who was in the Prospect Nature Reserve VKFF-1986. Marija’s 10th contact came in the form of another Park to Park, this time with Mark VK4SMA/p who was activating the Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve VKFF-1529.
Marija took a break from the radio, with 10 contacts in the log, and I perservered under some pretty trying band conditions. I logged Jonathan VK7JON, followed by Jim VK2FADV, and then a Park to Park with Neil VK4HNS/p who was activating the Springbrook National Park VKFF-0463. But that was when things really dried up on 40m with callers, so I headed to the 80m band.
When I tuned to 3.610 I found Peter VK3ZPF/p there, calling CQ from SOTA summit Mount Donna Buang VK3/ VC-002 in the Yarra Ranges National Park VKFF-0556. Peter had a strong 5/8 signal. Each time a Park to Park appeared, Marija also logged the station. As we had no internet coverage, Peter kindly spotted us on parksnpeaks on 3.605. We there logged two further Park to Park contacts, with Peter VK3PF/p in the Tarra Bulga National Park VKFF-0480 and Allen VK3ARH who was in the Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0620. Both Peter and Allen were quite low down (5/3) but perfectly readable.
I then headed to 14.310 on the 20m band where I called CQ on 14.310. My only taker there was John VK4TJ, who kindly gave me his two other calls of VK4/AC8WN and VK4/VE6XT. I was very appreciative of this, as the quest to getting 44 contacts during this activation was very hard.
I moved back to 40m where Marija and I logged two further Park to Park contacts, before propping on a frequency and calling CQ. Those contacts were with Malcolm VK3OAK/p who was in the Mount Richmond National Park VKFF-0361 and Mark VK3OHM/p who was activating the Dandenong Ranges National Park VKFF-0630.
I then moved down to 7.150 and called CQ, which was answered by David VK3TUN/p who was activating the Terrick Terrick National Park VKFF-0630. I kept calling CQ, with often many minutes of no callers. But I perservered, having learnt from previous activations, that sometimes you just have to keep calling and calling, and you will eventually fill up your log.
Above:- Conditions were quite frustrating at times
Two hours into the activation I had contact number 44 in the log, that being a QSO with Doug VK3FJAE. After Doug, I logged a further 5 stations before deciding to call it a day. Marija had qualified the park for the KRMNPA and VKFF, while I had also qualifed the park under very difficult conditions for WWFF.
During our activation we had a number of visitors, both human, reptile, and some of our feathered friends. I had a good chat to a couple of boaties who were about to head out for an afternoon of fishing. They were very interested in what we were doing and had a listen to some of our contacts. Birds spotted during our activation included a number of Australian King Parrots who are very identifiable by their bright red head and body. We also had numerous Superb Fairy Wrens dancing around us during the activation.
We also observed a Lace Monitor. These reptiles are the second largest monitor in Australia after the Perentie. They can reach as long as 2.1 metres, and the one we observed was certainly quite large. There were a number of people camping in the area and it made Marija and I wonder how you would feel if you encountered a Monitor in your tent.
Australian King Parrot
Male Superb Fairy Wren
Lace Monitor
Female Superb Fairy Wren
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3OF/p (Barmah National Park VKFF-0739)
VK7NWT
VK2JNG/p
VK2WWV
VK3JP
VK3CA
VK3NSC
VK2IO/p (Prospect Nature Reserve VKFF-1986)
VK4FFAB
VK4SMA/p (Denmark Hill Nature Reserve VKFF-1529)
VK4HNS/p (Springbrook National Park VKFF-0463)
VK3OAK/p (Mount Richmond National Park VKFF-0361)
VK3OHM/p (Dandenong Ranges National Park VKFF-0132)
VK3TUN/p (Terrick Terrick National Park VKFF-0630)
Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK3ZPF/p (SOTA VK3/ VC-002 & Yarra Ranges National Park VKFF-0556)
VK3PF/p (Tarra Bulga National Park VKFF-0480)
VK3ARH/p (Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0620)
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3OF/p (Barmah National Park VKFF-0739)
VK7NWT
VK2JNG/p
VK2WWV
VK3JP
VK3CA
VK3NSC
VK2IO/p (Prospect Nature Reserve VKFF-1986)
VK4SMA/p (Denmark Hill Nature Reserve VKFF-1529)
VK7JON/m
VK2FADV
VK4HNS/p (Springbrook National Park VKFF-0463)
VK3OAK/p (Mount Richmond National Park VKFF-0361)
VK3OHM/p (Dandenong Ranges National Park VKFF-0132)
VK3TUN/p (Terrick Terrick National Park VKFF-0630)
VK7DW
VK3PWG
VK7QP
VK2YK
VK3DHI
VK3LDB
VK5KLV
VK3NLK
VK4PDX
VK3NBL/p
VK2LEE
VK3KRH
VK7WH
VK3ELH
VK3PAT
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK3FSPG
VK3MPR
VK3KTO
VK3CWF
VK2FDRN
VK3FJAE
VK3FLMJ
VK5NRG
VK2SK
VK7AN
VK5GJ
I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK3ZPF/p (SOTA VK3/ VC-002 & Yarra Ranges National Park VKFF-0556)
VK3PF/p (Tarra Bulga National Park VKFF-0480)
VK3ARH/p (Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0620)
I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-
VK4TJ
VK4/VE6XT
VK4/AC8WN
After packing up Marija and I headed back along West Wingan Road through the Croajingolong National Park. We logged Jonathan VK7JON/p and Helen VK7FOLK/p, who were activating St Helens Point Conservation Area VKFF-1153. They both had a beautiful strong 5/8 signal into the mobile. I decided to put out a few calls from the mobile and called CQ on 7.095. I ended up logging 8 stations: VK2NP, VK2ZK, VK2JDC, VK3STU, VK3VIN, VK3FMKE, VK3FLCS, and VK3PI.
We then drove out of the park and along the Princes Highway. As we travelled towards Cann River we logged Rex VK3OF/p who was activating the Lower Goulburn National Park VKFF-0741.
Marija and I then stopped off at the Drummer Rainforest Walk, which is about 11 km east of Cann River. Two hundred million years ago, when the climate was much wetter and warmer, dinosaurs roamed through flourishing rainforests. Only a small percentage of Australia’s original rainforest areas remain, including Drummer. The walk is around 1 km and takes you through the warm temperate rainforest adjacent to the Thurra River.
During our walk we were lucky enough to spot a few Gippsland Water Dragons, a large lizard, measuring up to 80 cm. They are good swimmers and often dive into the water when disturbed. They can remain submerged for around 30 minutes.
Gippsland Water Dragon
We then headed back into Cann River and again went to the Cann River Hotel for dinner, and then enjoyed a quite night back in the motel room.
It was now day eight (Saturday 11th November 2017) of our trip, and the first day of our 4 planned park activations for the 2017 Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award Weekend. Our first park of the day was to be the Alfred National Park VKFF-0618 which is located about 466 km east of Melbourne, and about 20 km east of Cann River.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Alfred National Park. Map courtesy of google maps
Before heading to the park Marija and I enjoyed a very nice breakfast and a coffee at Relics Cafe at Cann River. The egg and bacon roll was a great start to the day. We then headed out of Cann River, east on the Princes Highway.
Research the night before showed that there were no tracks as such in the Alfred National Park, so we turned right onto West Wingan Road following the western boundary of the park. We then turned left onto Soda Creek Track. We drove down Soda Creek Track and set up in amongst the scrub near Allen Creek Track. The Alfred National Park Visitor Guide actually states:
“there is little opportunity for visitors to stop and enjoy the park due to the risk posed by high speed traffic” (referring to the Princes Highway).
Apparently 30 years ago, the Princes Highway was windy and gravel and allowed for easy stopping and a view of the park. However, the highway is now sealed and the high speed of vehicles on the highway, no longer allows people to stop to admire the park.
Park sign on West Wingan Road
Soda Creek Track
Soda Ck Track & Allen Creek Track junction
Alfred National Park is 3,050-hectare (7,500-acre) in size and was established back on 23rd December 1925, prior to a National Parks Act or any ranger service. The park preserves examples of warm temperate rainforest, particularly the jungle of Mount Drummer. The park is of national significance, and many of the vegetation communities within the park contain species of flora and fauna that are uncommon or rare in Victoria. It was named after the then Minister for Lands and Water Supply, Alfred Downard.
Above:- Aerial View of the Alfred National Park. The cleared green area is Cann River. Image courtesy of google maps
The rainforest community consists of a closed canopy of Lilly Pilly with numerous lianas, ferns and epiphytes. The wet sclerophyll forest of Alfred National Park is dominated by Messmate, Mountain Grey Gum and Blue Gum. The understorey features Soft Tree-fern, Austral Mulberry, Hazel Pomaderris and Gippsland Waratah and many species of fern. The park is particularly known for occurrence of four varieties of tree ferns and of epiphytic orchids such as the Orange-blossom orchid and the Rock orchid. There are 16 flora species in the park that are considered threatened in Victoria.
Much of the park was devastated as a result of the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. It had a dramatic effect on much of the vegetation and landscape, but the park has certainly recovered well.
A large amount of native flora can be found in the park including Spot-tailed Quoll, Common Bent-wing Bat, Powerful Owl and Sooty Owl. A total of 36 species of mammals, 167 of birds, 22 of reptiles and 14 of amphibians have been recorded. The park is home to an amazing bird, the Lyrebird. The video below shows some of the amazing sounds that this bird replicates.
On our way to the park we booked in to the Riverland Radio Club Net on 7.115 on the 40m band and logged Ron VK5BRL. The 40m band appeared to have stabilised a bit over the past few days, with signals being quite good. It was a promising sign that today’s activation would be fruitful.
After we set up Marija and I again booked in to the Riverland Net where we logged a total of 6 stations from VK2 and VK5. We then tuned across the band to see if we could find any other park activators and it wasn’t long before we did. We found Peter VK3ZPF/p on 7.139 calling CQ from the Lake Eildon National Park VKFF-0625. We then worked Matt VK4FMHT/p who was activating the King Island Conservation Park VKFF-1573.
We then headed to 7.150 and started calling CQ. This was answered by Ian VK5IS in the Mid North of South Australia, followed by Adam VK2YK, and then Garry VK2GAZ. Signals from New South Wales were very strong. Adam was our contact number 1o, thus qualifying the park for the VKFF program. Marija then decided to take a breather and have a walk around the park.
I continued on, calling CQ on 7.150 and logging a total of 45 stations before the UTC rollover (11.00 a.m. Victorian local time). Contact number 44, qualifying the park for me for the global WWFF program, was a QSO with Rod VK7FRJG in Hobart who was 5/9. Rod uses a home brew Moxon rectangle as an antenna, and always has a brilliant signal. Contact number 45 was another Park to Park contact, this time with Rex VK3OF/p who was in the Barmah National Park VKFF-0739. Marija was quick to log Rex as well.
Once I had my 44 contacts in the log I convinced Marija to get back on the mic. It was now just after the UTC rollover. Marija called CQ and that was answered by Cliff VK2NP, followed by Nan VK2KRN who was running QRP, and then Mark VK4SMA/p who was activating the Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve VKFF-1529. A few QSOs later we had another Park to Park in the log, Malcolm VK3OAK/p who was in the Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345.
Marija logged a further 5 stations and callers started to slow down. So we took the opportunity of tuning across the band in the hope that we would pick up some more Park to Park contacts. It wasn’t long and we found Tony VK3XV/p on 7.144 who was activating the Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629.
Marija and I then decided to check out the 80m band. We headed to 3.605 and started calling CQ and we soon had another Park to Park in the log, with a contact with Peter VK3ZPF/p who was in the Lake Eildon National Park VKFF-0625. This was followed by Peter VK3PF/p who was activating the Morwell National Park VKFF-0626. Two further stations were logged, Geoff VK3SQ at Beechworth and Ian VK1DI in Canberra.
I then moved to the 20m band and called CQ on 14.310. This was answered by Lee VK2LEE, John VK5BJE, and then Peter VK5KX. I logged a further 3 stations on 20m from VK2, VK4, and VK5.
We then moved back to 40m. Marija needed a further 16 contacts to qualify the park for 44, so she commenced calling CQ which was answered by Michael VK3FCMC, followed by Gerard VK2IO/p who was activating the Prospect Nature Reserve VKFF-1986, and then Lee VK2LEE. Marija was then called by Mick VK3GGG/VK3PMG who was activating the Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345.
Marija soon had her 44 in the log, a contact with Les VK3FLES. Our final contact at Alfred was another Park to Park, this time with Marc VK3OHM/p who was in the Dandenong Ranges National Park VKFF-0132. Marija had qualified the park, with 46 contacts, and I had also qualified the park with 64 contacts. It was time to pack up and head off to our next park, the Croajinolong National Park.
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK5BRL
VK5MJ
VK2PKT
VK5DW
VK5MRE
VK2SK
VK3ZPF/p (Lake Eildon National Park VKFF-0625)
VK4FMHT/p (King Island Conservation Park VKFF-1573)
VK5IS
VK2YK
VK3OF/p (Barmah National Park VKFF-0739)
VK2NP
VK2KRN
VK4SMA/p (Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve VKFF-1529)
VK7JON/m
VK7FOLK/m
VK2FRKO/p
VK2SLB
VK3OAK/p (Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345)
VK2BTC
VK2IO/m
VK7FRJG
VK7EI
VK7DX
VK3XV/p (Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629)
VK3FCMC
VK2IO/p (Prospect Nature Reserve VKFF-1986)
VK2LEE
VK3PMG/p (Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345)
VK3GGG/p (Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345)
VK3FHCT
VK3MRG/p
VK4TJ
VK4/AC8WN
VK4/VE6XT
VK5KLV
VK3HKV
VK3EJS
VK3JDA
VK2MOR
VK3FLES
VK3UH
VK3OHM/p (Dandenong Ranges National Park VKFF-0132)
Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK3ZPF/p (Lake Eildon National Park VKFF-0625)
VK3PF/p (Morwell National Park VKFF-0626)
VK1DI
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK5BRL
VK5MJ
VK2PKT
VK5DW
VK5MRE
VK2SK
VK3ZPF/p (Lake Eildon National Park VKFF-0625)
VK4FMHT/p (King Island Conservation Park VKFF-1573)
VK5IS
VK2YK
VK2GAZ
VK2YA
VK1WAT
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK3TUN
VK2VW
VK2FOUZ
VK2IPK
VK2FXRR
VK2FADV
VK4TJ
VK4/VE6XT
VK4/AC8WN
VK7FGRA
VK4FDJL
VK3NSC
VK2WWV
VK2JNG/m
VK3PWG
VK5KLV
VK2GIB
VK7ZGK
VK3FAHS/p
VK2KT
VK7FOLK/m
VK2QA
VK7MPR
VK1AT
VK1DI
VK2AJG
VK2ZGH
VK2FHIT
VK7FRJG
VK3OF/p (Barmah National Park VKFF-0739)
VK4SMA/p (Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve VKFF-1529)
VK7JON/m
VK3OAK/p (Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345)
VK3XV/p (Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629)
VK2IO/p (Prospect Nature Reserve VKFF-1986)
VK3FHCT
VK3PMG/p (Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345)
VK3GGG/p (Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345)
VK3OHM/p (Dandenong Ranges National Park VKFF-0132)
I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-
VK3ZPF/p (Lake Eildon National Park VKFF-0625)
VK3PF/p (Morwell National Park VKFF-0626)
VK3SQ
VK1DI
I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-
VK2LEE
VK5BKE
VK5KX
VK4ANI/p
VK4LMB
VK5WG
References.
Parks Victoria, 2012, ‘Alfred National Park Visitor Guide’.
Parks Victoria, 1998, ‘Lind and Alfred National Parks Management Plan’.
After tea at the Cann River Hotel I decided to head down the road to do a quick activation of the Lind National Park VKFF-0287. Marija and I were intending to activate Lind on Sunday, but I was a little concerned about the way band conditions had been on our trip, and thought I would add a few contacts for this park. It was also Friday night, and of course the 7130 DX Net and I knew that Bill W1OW, who books in to the net, is a very keen park hunter.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Lind National Park. Map courtesy of google maps
It was a short 15 km drive down the Princes Highway from Cann River, and I reached the south eastern corner of the park. I travelled a short distance down Lind Park Road and pulled the vehicle into a clearing in amongst the scrub. I decided not to worry about stringing out the dipole for this activation, but rather operate from the vehicle using the Icom IC-7000 and the Codan 9350 self tuning antenna.
I booked in to the 7130 DX Net, but there so much interference from an Indonesian station on the same frequency, that I booked out 15 minutes after checking in, with just 2 contacts in the log, Mal VK5MJ and Peter VK2STO in Lightning Ridge.
I then put out a few CQ calls on 7.144, but my only taker there was Mark VK5QI, so I moved down to 3.605 on the 80m band. There I logged Nik VK3NLK, followed by Mick VK3GGG/VK3PMG, and finally Peter VK3PF/VK3KAI. I had 8 contacts in the log. I then headed back to the motel room at Cann River.
Marija and I only one had one planned park activation for day seven (Friday 10th November 2017), that being the Point Hicks Marine National Park VKFF-0953, which is located about 490 km (by road) east of Melbourne. So we had a little bit of a sleep in and after breakfast in the motel room at Orbost we hit the road. It was a little sad to leave Orbost as it is a beautiful little town, and the accomodation at the Orbost Motel had certainly been very impressive. Our next three nights were to be spent at Cann River.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Point Hicks Marine National Park. Map courtesy of google maps
Our first stop of the morning was the visitor centre in Orbost. We wanted to check to make sure we hadn’t missed any of the attractions in the town. And also to have a look at the old settlers slab hut which contains the visitor centre. The hut was built in 1872 by John Moore, a Scottish settler, with the assistance of his neighbours Harry Dargan and the McCole brothers. The hut was wire together, with no nails being used in the structure. In 1966 the hut was dedicated to the Orbost Historical Society. In 1970 the hut was removed and stored. In 1984, the current side was made available and the hut was rebuilt.
We then headed east out of Orbost on the Princes Highway, passing the Mount Raymond Regional Park. As we had only one activation for the day Marija and I decided to do the Murrungowar Forest Drive which meanders through the great forests of East Gippsland, showcasing a range of forest types and sceneries. It commences at the Murrungowar Picnic Ground on the Princes Highway, about 17 km east of Orbost, and finished back on the Princes Highway about 14 km east of the picnic ground. The drive covers about 34 km and takes around 2 hours, depending on how long you stop to explore.
Banksias
The forest drive includes the Little Cabbage Tree Falls. There is a short, very enjoyable, 800 metre walk to the falls from the picnic area. It is well worth a look.
We also stopped to have a walk along the Falls Creek Memorial Trail which is dedicated to Peter Geary, a young forester who tragically lost his life. The walk takes you through Stringybark Forest and fern gullies, to the waterfalls on Falls Creek.
The drive not only takes you through spectacular countryside, but also through land which has been logged. It is certainly a stark and barren countryside compared to the lush forest, once the vegetation has been cleared.
We then decided to detour off the Highway down to Bemm River, a small township which is surrounded by Sydenham Inlet and State Forest. The area is renowned for its bream fishing, giving the town its second name, ‘The Bream Capital’. There were certainly a lot of people out fishing during our visit to the little town. This is a place which we will have to return to. The little hotel looked very inviting.
The Bemm River is formed by the confluence of the Errinundra and Combienbar rivers, and rises below near Boulder Flat, northwest of the town of Cann River. The river descends 165 metres over its 58 kilometres course. The name of the river is derived from the Aboriginal words binn or birn of the Gunai people, meaning “fish hawk”.
Whilst at Bemm River Marija and I worked Tony VK3XV/p from the mobile. Tony was activating the Great Otway National Park VKFF-0066. Although low down, at 5/3, Tony was very workable.
We then drove back to the Princes Highway and our next stop was the McKenzie River Rainforest Walk, about 45 km east of Orbost and around 30 km west of Cann River. There is a picnic area here, and a very enjoyable 1 km loop walk on sealed pathways, boardwalks and swing bridges through the rainforest. The McKenzie River is a perennial river of the Bemm River.
We then continued east along the Princes Highway, passing the Lind National Park, which we planned to activate on Sunday as part of the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award Weekend. We then reached Cann River and picked up our key for the motel room, situated right next door to the Cann River Hotel (very convenient).
Cann River is a little town located on the Cann River at the junction of the Princes Highway and the Monaro Highway. It has a population of a few hundred people and contains a hotel, a couple of motels, a bakery, a small supermarket, and some cafes.
Cann River’s history dates back to around 1879 when the Morgan family took up the Cann River Station. By 1890, the Cann River Post Office had opened, on the Morgan property. By 1921 there were 163 people living in the district and by 1938 Cann River comprised a Post and Telegraph Office, police station, school, church, hotel, boarding house and garage.
We then headed south out of Cann River on the Tamboon Road, heading to Point Hicks. This is a dirt road, but is in good condition. It is very windy and passes through some spectacular country. It wasn’t long before we had reached the Croajinolong National Park, another park which we planned to activate over the weekend.
As we approached the coastline we crossed over the Thurra River which rises below Mealing Hill in remote country northeast of Cann River and flows over a 71 km course before reaching its mouth with Bass Strait, east of Point Hicks.
We then followed the Point Hicks Road, through the Thurra River campground. The road follows the coastline and Honeymoon Bay.
The Point Hicks lighthouse soon came into view in the distance. The lighthouse was built between 1887 to 1888, and commenced operation in 1890. The lighthouse is 37 metres (121 feet) tall, making it the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland. It is 56 metres above sea level.
Point Hicks is a place of immense historic importance as it was the first point on the east coast of Australia where Europeans sighted land. As such it can be seen as the beginning of modern European society in Australia. Captain Cook first sighted Point Hicks in 1770. In his journal on the Endeavour he described the landscape thus:
“With the first daylight this morn the land was seen, it made in sloping hill covered in part with trees and bushes, but interspersed with large tracts of sand… I have named it Point Hicks because Lieutenant (Zachariah) Hicks was the first to discover this land…”.
Captain James Cook(1728-1779). Nathaniel Dance. BHC2628
The Point Hicks Marine National Park is 4,000 hectares in size and is located adjacent to Point Hicks in the Craojinolong National Park. From the water, the eastern and western boundaries are indicated by yellow triangular shore markers. Whereas the western boundary extends to shore (east of Clifton Rocks) the eastern boundary stops 2 km from shore and heads west for approx 1 km just north Whaleback Rock. The boundary then extends north, meeting the short at the eastern side of Stable Bay.
The reefs in the Marine National Park are among Victoria’s most interesting and beautiful. I quote from the Point Hicks Visitor Guide:-
“Diving around Whaleback Rock or Sensation Reef is a truly amazing experience. The water is often very clear with sunlight glinting off schools of silver fish. As you drift down you feel dwarfed by massive granite boulders. A forest of gently swaying brown seaweeds covers the seafloor. If you move the seaweed fronds aside, a remarkable mat of colourful sponges, sea-squirts, sea-moss and sea-fans of all shapes and sizes appear before you. Orange, red, purple, white and brown, the sponges intertwine in intricate and beautiful patterns. Many other creatures are visible between the sponges, under rocks and poking out of the seaweed holdfasts. They include brightly coloured Sea-stars, Brittle Stars, Abalone, Fan Worms, large sea shells, Hermit Crabs and delicate nudibranchs (Sea Slugs). Fish comprise of schools of Butterfly Perch, Silver Sweep and Long-finned Pike, with Banded Morwongs common amongst the deeper boulders. “
The park’s seafloor drops rapidly from shore, descending to 90 metres depth, which is one of the deepest marine areas within Victoria. The park represents Victoria’s warmer eastern marine environment, with many animals here being unable to survive in the cooler waters further to the west.
Marija and I had been following two 4WD’s all the way down the Tamboon and Point Hicks Road ahead of us. After passing through the Thurra River campground and then travelling a further 1km or so metres we reached a locked gate. The occupants of one of the 4WD’s got out and unlocked the gate and then started locking it again. Marija asked what was happening, only to be told that vehicular access to the lighthouse was prohibited unless you were staying there. Bugger! We hadn’t seen any mention of that anywhere.
So we parked the vehicle and then walked down the beach and set up.
We followed our previous MO of swapping the mic until Marija had 10 contacts in the log, thus qualifying the park for the VKFF program. Our first contact was with Brett VK3FLCS who was portable in the Heathcote-Graytown National Park VKFF-0624, with a strong 5/8 signal. We then logged Michael VK3FCMC, followed by Mick VK3GGG/VK3PMG, and then Rick VK4RF/VK4HA. Contact number ten came 15 minutes into the activation, a QSO with Brett VK2VW. We were then called by Andrew VK7DW/p who was in the Mount Barrow Falls State Reserve VKFF-1819 in Tasmania. It was nice to have two Park to Park contacts in the log.
Marija took a break from the radio after logging 11 stations and went for a walk to the lighthouse. I continued on, logging a steady flow of callers on 40m from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5 and VK7. This included another Park to Park, this time with Peter VK3TKK/p who was in the Shallow Inlet Marine Coastal Park VKFF-0749. It was also nice to speak with Julie VK3FOWL/VK3SRC who was operating from one of her schools. Julie and her husband Joe VK3YSP run an excellent schools program called the School Amateur Radio Club Network.
Contact number 44, thus qualifying the park for me for the global WWFF program came 1 hour & 15 minutes into the activation. That was a QSO with Steve VK5ST in the famous Barossa Valley wine growing region of South Australia.
I logged 49 stations on 40m before heading to 3.610 on the 80m band where I logged 4 stations: Peter VK3PF, Winston VK7WH, Ken VK3UH, and Al VK7AN. Conditions on 80m around Victoria and Tasmania were excellent, but sadly there were not many callers. To complete the activation I called CQ on 14.310 where I logged just one station, John VK4TJ in Queensland. I think there may have been a German station calling, but the signal was so low that I was unable to get the call sign.
It was time to pack up, with 54 contacts in the log for me, and 11 for Marija. We headed back into Cann River on the Point Hicks/Tamboon Road. It was now very late afternoon and there were plenty of kangaroos out and about, so it was a slow drive back.
As we drove back out of Croajingolong National Park I decided to put out a few CQ calls from the mobile on 40m. I logged Mike VK5FMWW and also Roy VK5NRG. It was very hard keeping the VSWR down on the Codan 9350, I suspect because of all the thick forest we were travelling through.
Once we got back into Cann River we freshened up and then headed to the hotel, where we enjoyed a very nice meal and a few cold beverages.
Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3FLCS/p (Heathcote Graytown National Park VKFF-0624)
VK3FCMC
VK3PMG
VK3GGG
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK3RU
VK7LTD
VK2IO/m
VK2VW
VK7DW/p (Mount Barrow Falls State Reserve VKFF-1819)
I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-
VK3FLCS/p (Heathcote Graytown National Park VKFF-0624)
VK3FCMC
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK3RU
VK7LTD
VK2IO/m
VK2VW
VK7DW (Mount Barrow Falls State Reserve VKFF-1819)
VK7JON
VK5NRG
VK5TBC
VK7FOWL/p
VK3SRC
VK2JAZ
VK4VXX/2
VK2LEE
VK3LDB
VK3TKK/p (Shallow Inlet Marine Coastal Park VKFF-0749)
VK5PAS 