About Us

The Bushwalkers of Southern Queensland Inc is one of the major bushwalking clubs in south east Queensland.  Originally the club was known as Binna Burra Bushwalkers.  Nowadays we are based in Brisbane and offers activities throughout south east Queensland and north east New South Wales.  The aims of the Club include:

•   encouraging bushwalking for recreation;

•   providing regular meetings and activities for bushwalkers;

•   supporting and promoting preservation and conservation activities.

Meetings.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 7.30 pm.  We meet at the Little Kings Hall, Carl St (corner of O’Keefe St), Buranda.  There is parking in the grounds and in Carl St.  There is usually a members' presentations or a guest speaker.

A light supper is provided afterwards.

Newsletter. The club produces a monthly newsletter, Footnotes. This is distributed to those at monthly meetings and mailed to others immediately after the meetings.

 Our Membership

Our membership is diverse.  Some members prefer easier day walks, while many members favour base camps (camping near vehicles) allowing a weekend to be spent in the bush with different walks available each day. 

Other members are interested primarily in harder off track walks. 

On Throughwalks or "backpacking walks", camping gear and supplies need to be carried for the whole weekend.  We try to cater for this great range of interests by offering a large diversity of outings. 

Where do we walk?

Our main region of activity lies between Fraser Island and northern New South Wales, extending west to Sundown National Park and the Bunya Mountains.  Occasionally trips will be organised further afield for long weekends and extended holidays.  Some members also organise special extended trips to distant parts of Australia and New Zealand.

What type of walks?

Usually there are walks on most weekends of the month, but the type and frequency of walks vary with the season.  In the hotter months the trips are easier, and involve mainly rainforest and creek activities.  In the cooler months there is an increase in the number of throughwalks and other harder trips. 

Each month, we would run "Track Walks", "Off-Track Walks" of varying grading and skill level, and most months we also run "Social Walks" , "Base Camp Weekends" and "Through Walk weekends".  Attendance on outings normally varies between 10 and 22.

How difficult?

Walks vary in difficulty and cater for a range of abilities.  We try to ensure that at least one walk per month (often the first or second weekend after the meeting) is suitable for beginners.  We also encourage new members to try a few easier walks before attempting harder trips, especially if they haven't tried bushwalking before. 

N.B. If an outing is particularly hard, some trip leaders will not accept nominations from new members unless they have attended several previous outings, since it is necessary for leaders to be confident about the abilities of party members.

Other activities

As well as bushwalks, the Club offers occasional canoe trips, bike rides, safety and training days, and has a limited social programme.

How to join

We prefer people to come to a meeting first and talk to our New Members Officer.  You need to complete three bushwalks as a probationary member before you can apply to become an ordinary member.  This helps you to assess whether you like bushwalking and the Club.  Current membership fees are $20.00 probationary member, $40 single ordinary member, $60 joint ordinary members (2 people living in the same household). 

Only Financial members are covered by insurance.  Members need to be at least 18 years of age, although members' children are welcome on some Club outings if accompanied by a parent and with the approval of the trip leader.

SPECIAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRIPS  

Nomination procedures

It is necessary to nominate for walks or trips.  This can be done at meetings (the Outings Secretary has forms), or by telephoning the trip leader listed in the club magazine.  Give your name, address, telephone number and transport needs. (We encourage car sharing).  You should discuss any special concerns with the trip leader, who can advise you on what equipment to take. 

The usual nomination deadline is the Tuesday night prior to the outing, but earlier nomination is preferred. Nomination deadlines may be brought forward if the trip arrangements are complicated.

Insurance

Responsibility

Club activities are a co-operative effort, and participants take responsibility for their own safety just as they would on privately organised trips.  All members and visitors take part in activities at their own risk, and need to use care, common sense and judgement.

Medical Conditions

You should advise the trip leader if you have any special medical conditions which could possibly affect you or others on the outing.  However, acceptance of your nomination for a trip does not imply acceptance of any responsibility by the Club or trip leaders with regard to any medical conditions. 

Leaders and Club members are not qualified in this regard, and usually must rely on your own judgement about your ability to undertake the trip.  It is necessary to advise the leader so that somebody is aware of the situation in case of an accident, and so the leader knows to consult you if you may be affected by any decisions or arrangements on the trip.

If a  walking trip is delayed

Occasionally trips are delayed or late returning due to unforeseen circumstances.  Contact should be with any member of the BOSQ Management Committee, listed inside the front cover of the newsletter, Footnotes. Just start from the top of the list and telephone. Move down the list till you find someone at home.

 

Before leaving on a BOSQ outing, walkers should tell a family member or friend where they are going and give them a copy of Footnotes or a copy of the phone numbers of the Committee members. Leaders should also carry a list of contact numbers with them on the walk.

 

If there were a situation that required a search or rescue, members of the Committee would liaise with experienced walkers within BOSQ and within the Federated Mountain Rescue, who would contact emergency services if necessary. Members of the BOSQ Management Committee hold a list of phone numbers for FMR contacts.

They will also hold membership details for all BOSQ members, including the name of a family member or friend to contact in case of delay or emergency.

Safety and Training

From time to time the Club holds "Safety and Training" events.  These provide opportunities for both new and existing members to learn about such topics as navigation, first aid and survival in the bush.  It is important for all members to have some knowledge of these matters.  A new member should attend at least one S & T event in their first year.

 Unless you already have substantial bushwalking experience, it is recommended that your first trip with the Club should be an easier graded day walk.