Sutherland - Talk: Fossicking in North Queensland

At the group's monthly meeting Allan and Merilyn House will speak about their travels, the gemstones and the flora and fauna of far North-west Queensland.

Allan and Merilyn first travelled to the region in 2017. Their primary reason was to prospect for gemstones at Agate Creek, about 7 hours drive inland from Cairns. Their first year included a visit to Undarra Lava Tubes and then travel up to Cape York. They sought out the flora and fauna of the region  and photographed it. Allan and Merilyn returned to Agate Creek in 2018 and 2019 and Allan again in 2020 and 2021.

The talk will consist of a short introduction on the gemstones found in the region and on tourist attractions such as Cobbold Gorge and Undarra Lava Tubes. Allan and Merilyn's talk will then centre on the flora west of the Divide and north to Cape York, complemented by their photography and a display of some gemstones from the region.

The meeting also includes a plant table, where members show plants from their gardens. The group's conservation officer Dan Clarke will talk about the plants and include helpful information on propagation and how to care for them.

Visitors welcome.

Zoom registration or face to face meeting details will be provided closer to the date.

Further enquiries: sutherland@austplants.com.au