Chalk Circuit

The Chalk Circuit trail forms part of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate managed by Ipswich City Council, and is accessed from the Hardings Paddock Picnic Area off Carmichael's Road in Purga, just south of Ipswich. Visitors to the estate can take in the natural wonders of the area through a range of recreational activities including hiking, mountain bike riding and horse riding. The conservation estate is over 1900 hectares in area supporting extensive forests and rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, and Mounts Blaine, Catherine and Goolman. The estate is an important wildlife refuge supporting 136 bird, 25 mammal, 13 reptile and 8 amphibian species as well as 531 different flora species. Encompassing the picnic and bush tucker areas, the Chalk Circuit trail is flat and easily accessible for all levels of fitness. Along the trail learn about various bush tucker plants through interpretive signage from both an indigenous and european perspective. Cultural records on physical artefacts and sites of spiritual significance are documented for this area, such as a former Bora Ring between Mt Blaine and Flinders Peak. Burrumpah/Booroongaph (Flinders Peak) is considered part of The Dreaming landscape. It was also used as a marker to guide visiting clans from other Aboriginal Language Groups. Today, Hardings Paddock features a permanent Kupmurri cooking area and bush tucker trail designed to enable cultural practice and knowledge sharing. It is recommend visitors check the Ipswich City Council website for the latest information on closures or controlled burns in Conservation Estates before visiting. See the website to check before heading out.