Return to the Murray Scrub

The first 9 years of my life were spent on a cream farm, in the farming community of Afterlee, on Cob O'corn Creek, in northern New South Wales.

In 1960, my parents moved to a milk farm at Mooloolah, on the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland. One of my strong memories of living at Aftlerlee, was the summer picnic excursions with my family, aunts, uncles and cousins, to the Murray Scrub and its crystal clear running water. The journey now, still on dirt road, takes half an hour. It must have been double that and more, back at that time.

Iron Pot Creek is surrounded by tall, flooded gums and rainforest trees. Its pristine water flows over basalt rocks. We loved to sit in the 'bath tubs' created over time by erosion. So many wonderful memories.

This photo would have been taken in 1956. All the cousins with their dearly loved Grandfather.

In January 2016, I visited my cousin Robert at Afterlee. I asked if he would mind taking me out to the Murray Scrub to find the 'bath tubs'. Robert had spent his teaching career in Sydney and although he visited his parents often, there had been very few trips to The Scrub once he had left home. He was excited as I was, as we set off. 

Our search was not in vain. Our memories hadn't exaggerated the beauty of this spot. We lost no time in enjoying the 'bath tubs' again.

Our first view of where we had picnicked in our childhood.

A series of views as we walked upstream.

It was difficult to tear ourselves away, but we made the resolution that sooner, rather than later, we would invite our cousins for at least one more summer picnic here. 

Alas, it wasn't until March of this year, that we finally gathered at 'Locheil' to car pool for the journey out.  Rain was falling, but we weren't complaining, as it was much needed. We weren't at all sure that the creek would be running, because it had been dry for so long.

Our plan was amended. Morning tea here on the farm. Drive out to the Murray Scrub, explore and then return for lunch. A day of creating wonderful new memories was underway.

I had copied an enlargement of the 'Grandfather and cousins' photo above, for each family. Much discussion ensued re who was whom and our ages.

A locked gate had us scrambling over it, before make the 500 metre trek to the creek. We now have a key to the gate for the future.

A bit of bush bashing.

Arrival. Thankfully, heavy rains had fallen in the nearby hinterland.

Not as agile as we once were.

The cousins of the original photo.

An after lunch photo, taken back at Locheil, when Caroline was able to join us.

What a special day this had been. The plan is to meet again in January 2020, giving enough warning so all our extended family members are able to join us.