Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

First time maps of the walks of the Hinterland are marching out the door according to Blackall Range Tourism (BRBTA).
Following the launch of the first four of a proposed 35 maps, last week at Tranquil Park, they are being distributed free of charge through the information centres and from Blackall Range Tourism members. You can also pull the maps off the BRBTA web sites – www.festivalofthewalks.com.au , www.sunshinecoasthinterland.com.au or www.brbta.com.au .
“We are excited to announce that the first four maps have been printed and distribution has started” said Bob Morrow, President of Blackall Range Tourism.
These new tourist maps cover Mary Cairncross, Kondililla Falls, Mapleton Falls and the Fig Tree Walk. The next batch will be printed before the Festival and will cover Lake Baroon to the Baroon Lookout, Gardners Falls, The Obi Obi boardwalk and Bergans Walk at Witta.
“We have targeted the most popular walks initially”, Bob told the Hinterland Times. “And we plan to develop a complete set for the Range over the next five years. We have identified forty-one walks so far, which also takes in the Kenilworth area. It will be a major ongoing commitment but a wonderfully worthwhile project,” Bob added.
Blackall Range Tourism hopes that when the exersise is complete a full bound copy of the walks with some superb additional local photography can be produced as a comprehensive guide to the area.
Each map has been designed to provide a description and length of the walk, as well as a guide to the nature of the walk from “wheelchair accessible” to “moderate”. Each map highlights points of interest and good sites to take photographs. You will also find some wise words about safety and sensible steps to take to ensure your walk goes well.
The creation of the “Festival of the Walks” was the catalyst to tackle the random approach to maps of the Hinterland walks.
“We have had great help from E.P.A.”, said Bob Morrow, “and Mark Bonner from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council has gone out of his way to lend a hand. We must also thank Richard Hill and Jonathan Adkins for their ongoing effort in leading the project”, Bob added.
On the reverse side of each map the visitor will find an area map and a suggestion as to the other walks they may enjoy. In this way Blackall Range Tourism wants visitors to return and enjoy more of the wonders the Hinterland has to offer.
Blackall Range Tourism already produces the highly popular area map of the Range.
Some 180,000 copies are distributed annually of this map alone.