Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club members recently made the journey to Byfield National Park and Byfield State Forest to explore the areas:
Approximately 70 km north-east of Rockhampton lies the Byfield National Park and Byfield State Forest.
The coastal scenery, massive sand dunes, mountains, rainforest-edged creeks, pine plantations and ancient cycads make a visit to the area a must do.
Members of the Bundaberg 4WD Club once again headed up to explore the Byfield area and what it had to offer.
The area had received rains in previous days, so the infamous “Big Sandy” proved no challenge.
The sand climb was negotiated with tyre pressures dropped and the hard packed wet sand saw all get to the top without incident.
Past the climb the coastal community at Stockyard Point sits atop a rocky headland, with views up and down the coastline.
The campsites at Five Rocks are tucked in amongst the trees and provide facilities.
A drive down to the beaches, on either side of the headland, gives you an opportunity to explore even more. Corio Bay, being tucked out of the way offers protected waters.
Camping options are varied in the area.
Our group based ourselves at the historic Waterpark Farm.
The eco friendly Tea Tree plantation is situated in the shadow of the Byfield Range on the banks of the Water Park Creek.
Our hosts, Jordan and Elodie, gave an informative talk explaining the process to get the oil from the trees and how every piece of the plant is used for various products.
The oil is a natural remedy for ailments such as minor cuts, tinea, acne, burns and insect bites and is known as “First Aid in a bottle”.
Although the club has been in the area before we still found places to go that where new to the group.
A stop off at the Nob Creek Pottery Gallery kept the group busy with an array of products unique to the establishment.
Water Carved Pottery is one of the products that was developed in house and thought to be the only site that uses this particular type of works.
The technique was developed in 2012.
While the pot is still wet a stencil material, such as the Byfield Fern leaves are applied to the surface of the clay.
A high-pressure water blast is used to erode the clay around the applied objects leaving a three dimensional “fossil” print.
The piece is then fired and glazed then fired again to leave a unique, individual piece of art. The “Byfield Fern” is a local species and the only place in the world it is found is in a 35 km radius of the township.
The Byfield area is a hidden gem, with plenty to keep visitors busy and our club will definitely be back to explore some more.
To find out more on the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club and activities we have on, contact us via email, info@bundaberg4wdclub.com, on the net at www.bundaberg4wdclub.com or catch us on Facebook or Instagram.
Brad Praed
Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club
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