The search for the lost border huts - McPherson Range traverse, Lamington National Park

A traverse of the McPherson Range (Southern Lamington National Park) following the old border fence from Richmond Gap through to Rimfall Farm via Black Snake Ridge in search of the lost border huts. The first night was spent at the Birdcage (Mount Gipps) with the second night atop Black Snake Ridge.

European rabbits were first introduced to Australia in the 18th century and have since widespread to become a serious pest and invasive species causing millions of dollars’ worth of damage to crops.

When rabbits first reached Queensland in the 1880s from the southern states, a rabbit-proof fence was quickly constructed along the border in an attempt to keep them out. The Darling Downs–Moreton Rabbit Board fence was commenced in 1893 and as of 1997 it now extends 555km from Goombi to just East of Mount Gipps.

The section of fence east of Mount Gipps was built after 1928 and extends approximately 7km before ending near Mount Nungulba. Two border huts were constructed to assist the workers with the build of this fence; One just east of Mount Gipps and the other out near the head of Black Snake Ridge. These huts would range anywhere from 50 to 100 years old and the old track and fence through this section of the McPherson range is no longer maintained and is now seriously overgrown with lantana and weeds. Whilst this section is sometimes walked as part of the full scenic rim traverse, it is often skipped due to how treacherous and difficult the walking is said to be.

Shot entirely with the Sony A7C (20mm F1.8 GM) and DJI Mini Pro 3.
Rabbit footage courtesy of Anastasia Shuraeva.

Some of the gear I used (not sponsored) is as follows:

Tent - Slingfin Portal 2P
Backpack - Wilderness Threadworks 63L Ossa (Custom)
Quilt - Tier Gear Quenda Quilt (-4c, Wide/Wide/Wide)
Gaiters - Tas Gear Gaiters (Large)
Sleeping Pad - Sea To Summit Ether Light XT
Gear Storage - Orange Brown Packing Cubes
Shoes - Xero Daylight Hiker Fusion

Get inspired -
  / aaronbgray  
https://aarongray.com.au/

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