25.8km Horse Creek 26.5km Throughout this area are large sub-surface coal deposits. 27.4km The Dingo Barrier Fence. Drive over the grid with your windows down and listen to the sonic deterrent. The Dingo Barrier Fence exists because of the need to protect the sheep industry from the ravages of dingoes and wild dogs. This fence joins with the New South Wales Border Fence and the South Australian Dog Fence to form the longest man made structure in the world. The Northern End is between Jandowae and Jimbour on the Darling Downs. The Southern end is in South Australia, 5400kms away. In 1930 it was estimated that there was 32,000kms of dog netting in the state. 1975 saw the cost of wild dog decimation to the rural industries in Queensland, reliably calculated at between $40 million and $50 million annually. 31.6km At the Branch Creek area, pull over to the left hand side and observe the flat treeless land on either side of the road. This was once a sheepfold.
36.8km The Crossroads. These roads not only serve as access roads, but form a very effective fire break to the halt the spread of bushfires. This break is known to locals as ‘The Big Break’. The Chinchilla wattle Acacia chinchillensis grows well in this area. Chinchilla is home to approx 60 wattles. 46.2km Spinifex can be seen growing beside the road. Good examples can be found on the right hand side. 46.3km Cannon Creek. This is the last waterway to run into the Murray-Darling Basin system. The water from here flows into the Condamine River, then into the Balonne River, and on to the Darling River – Australias longest continuous river. 47.2km Little Hellhole Creek. This region was the haunt of one Frank ‘Darkie’ Gardiner, “the architect of nearly all the bushranging in New South Wales, during the 1860’s” (Extract from The Sandy Creek Bushranger – Edgar F Penzing) NOTE 2
32.7km Speculation Creek. Slow down and look for the interpretive sign on the left hand side.
51.9km Shelter shed on the left hand side. Approximately 6km north from this point, Auburn Road crosses the top of the Great Dividing Range, 342m above sea level. DO NOT GO STRAIGHT AHEAD. Turn right on to the Barakula Forest Drive. Gravel road for approx. 22km
32.8km Guymer Baby Grave. A short walk down the walking track will take you to the grave of the Guymer baby. One of many lonely bush graves of this district.
55km Wild horses frequent the forest. Stallions are very territorial and mark their territory with mounds of manure. Please do not approach them.
34.2km The interpretive sign details the history of the first oil bore to be drilled in Australia.
56.7km Along the ridge on the left hand side, for approx. 100m eroded areas forming small caves can be seen. These provide habitat for many native animals of the forest. 9