The Drumley Walk Experience
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The Drumley Walk meanders through some of the most beautiful walking country in south east Queensland. It begins with a festive send-off on Friday morning from the main street of Beaudesert. It then progresses through the rolling plains of Beaudesert, the rainforests and lookouts of Mount Tamborine, the forests of Nerang and the urban sprawl of the Gold Coasts suburbs. Each day offers the walkers a different terrain, with different stories, vistas and experiences. Along the way, we learn about local heroes from the region. Traditional owners are on hand to talk about Aboriginal history, stories of bora grounds, songs, legends and food sources. They will also learn of the first European families into the area and understand their stories of survival and co-habitation. The walk is made possible by local land-owners who have opened up their private properties for the event. Michael Fraser is a fifth generation Australian from Mundoolin, a pioneering cattle property that began in the 1840s. "The Drumley name was well known through this region," Michael said. "He had a reputation as a tremendous worker, and a man who commanded respect." The Ludwig family have also opened their dairy farm for the walkers. Their farm remains one of the last dairy operations in the district. Jim and Ros Inglis have opened their property at Tamborine, and Jack and Elaine Egan have also. The last day of the walk visits the Royal Pines Resort, where a large permanent photographic exhibition shows the many historical Indigenous identities of the area. A community feast marks the end of the walk around at the walk finish. Reasonable walking fitness is required. Fees for the walk cover only a small part of the costs, without our sponsors this event would be impossible. Each day of the walk includes transport within the walk, walk support, morning tea on Friday and Saturday and Lunch Walkers are welcome to organise their own accommodation. However, The Drumley Walk team have accessed the best-priced local accommodation available on Friday and Saturday nights. Drumley Walk 2008 ItineraryTHURSDAY: 14 August 20086.30pm DINNER: Welcome to the Scenic Rim. FRIDAY: 15 August 2008Beaudesert to Tamborine, through farms and country roads. Registration from 7am William St. Green walk: (Average fitness required) Beaudesert to Lunch. 4.5 hours, 15 km, $40/$20 Blue Walk: (Average fitness required) Beaudesert to base of Tamborine 6 hours, 23km, $40/$20 Black Walk: (Includes very steep ascent - Very fit adults only). Beaudesert to top of Mt Tamborine. 8 hours, 25km, $40 6.30pm DINNER: Tastes of Tamborine. Hosted in St Bernard's Hotel, adjoining Tamborine Motel. This historic building has been offering refreshments to travellers since the 1890s. Mt Tamborine identities present songs and stories about local wildlife, history and culture, and a native reptile exhibition. Menu specially prepared to showcase local flavours, wines and brews. $25 (non-walkers welcome, prior bookings essential) SATURDAY: 16 August 2008Tamborine to Nerang, through rainforest and State forest. Registration from 8am Long St, Tamborine (Average fitness required). 7 hours 25 km $40/ $20 Dinner: At local Gold Coast restaurants of your choice. SUNDAY: 17 August 2008Nerang to Southport, walking through suburbia. Registration from 7am, Ferry St, Nerang. 4 hours - 17km $25/ $15 Yugambeh Corroboree – Walk Finale 11 – 4pm: James Overall park, Brighton Pde Southport. A celebration of traditional and contemporary foods and music from the Yugambeh Language region, and surrounds. Indigenous Dance groups and singers. Also workshops for children and adults in string-making, face-painting, song, boomerang designing, and more. Language and history exhibition. RSVPs preferred. Families welcome. Licenced venue. Free Admission. ACCOMMODATION OPTIONSThursday 14 AugustBeaudesert Hotel – Brisbane St, Beaudesert. Friday 15 AugustMt Tamborine Motel – 99 Alpine Tce, Mt Tamborine. Saturday 16 AugustHinterland Hotel – 53 Station St, Nerang. Free bus transfers at the end of each day return walkers to starting point. Drumley T Shirts and scarves on sale. Luggage delivered to accommodation by bus. Walkers to carry light day-packs only. Walkers' Checklist
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The Ludwig family have also opened their dairy farm to the walk. Their farm is one of the last dairy operations in the district.
The walkers leave Beaudesert after a pistol start from Mayor Joy Drescher, honouring Drumleys prowess as a sprinter. This year the start will feature a sausage sizzle breakfast and a broadaxe display by Cr Peter Tilney.
Walkers include members of the Qld Police Service, Qld Ambulance Service, local schools, National Parks and Wildlife Service, EPA, and many other government departments.
Drumley Walk T-Shirts (For Sale. Optional)
Spend a night on Mt Tamborine |