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This cache takes you to an un-named peak in Mt Peel bushland reserve, a piece of bushland on the south-western edge of Toowoomba. Spectacular views of Toowoomba city and the Darling Downs await cache finders.
Mt Peel bushland reserve is accessed from the end of Westminster St (off Darling St). The reserve includes two peaks, both about 720m above sea level. The southern-most peak is Mt Peel, where you will find spectacular views to the east, west and south, an abandoned Trig point and a cache that is listed on another site. The northern peak is un-named, and it is here that you will find lantana, rocks, prickly pear, spectacular views to the north & east, and this cache. Because there are more trees here you don't quite get the views Mt Peel offers. However on a clear day you can see the Bunya mountains, plus you get views of parts of Toowoomba that can't be seen from Mt Peel, because this peak gets in the way.
I have given this cache a Terrain rating of 3 because there is a fair bit of off-track hiking, which can sometimes be difficult to negotiate depending on lantana. So long as you can pick the path, it isn't overly difficult or strenuous. You can follow a fairly direct route from the carpark and ascend the hill's eastern face, or alternatively you can follow a longer course described in the book "Bushwalks in the Toowoomba Region" by Neil McKilligan & Ian Savage. The longer course will give you a good walk through this lovely reserve, it is not necessary to complete the cache, but is an enjoyable bushwalk. The directions below are cut-down versions of the walk described in that book.
If you are just doing this cache without tackling the southern peak, once you leave your car follow the track south, to the right of the water tank. This track partly ascends the eastern face of the peak. If you just want to do the short trip to the cache, head off track when the cache is approximately to your west - look around and you should see some faint tracks through the bush heading up.
Alternatively to do the longer hike, stay on the track which will turn across the northern face and eventually meet up with the fire trail at the western edge of the reserve. Turn south along the fire trail until you reach the top of the ridge. Head East off track, basically following the GPS to the cache, although a few places you will need to head off course a little to avoid lantana. I prefer to follow the kangaroo pads - they zig-zag a bit but are easier going than pushing through the grass and undergrowth. The ascent to the peak is quite gradual. You will then find the last couple hundred metres to the cache to be almost level. Once you have found the cache, continue going east and start your descent.
If you want to climb both peaks, I'd suggest tackling Mt Peel (the Southern peak) first, and then tackling the northern peak. From the carpark, follow the fire trail, but this time keep to the left of the water tank. When you come to a fork, take the left track downhill. Follow this track to the edge of the reserve, then around to the southern side of Mt Peel, and start your off-track ascent just before the track turns downhill. There is a small rock pile marking the spot to start your ascent, and to your left is a fallen log which appears to point uphill. As you ascend you will have to veer to the left to avoid lantana, eventually making your final assault on the peak from the west. Once you make the summit, return back to the track the way you came. Continue heading west along this track until it reaches the western edge of the park, then follow it north. You will descend slightly into a valley between the two peaks before climbing again. Once you reach the highest point of the ridge, with the northern peak to your east, head off track as described above.
Although this hike, and both ascents are quite easy going, there are a few things to be wary of. As always when walking in the Australian bush, be aware of snakes, especially in warmer months. I have yet to see a snake here, but eastern browns and death adders are common in the district. This area gets quite hot over the summer months, and quite chilly in winter months, so dress appropriately. The park has a lot of "Tiger Pear", which is a low-growing variant of prickly pear with long sharp spikes, and also quite a bit of tree pear. In Autumn the tree pear will greet you with a delicious red fruit, you just have to be careful to avoid the fine prickles. There is no drinking water available in the reserve, so bring adequate supplies. If you are taking children up, there are no precipitous cliffs to worry about but care should still be taken around some of the rocky areas. Finally, bring your camera for the stunning views, and keep your eyes open for wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and numerous birds.
Additional Hints
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