Gowrie Scrub Nature Reserve

Gowrie Scrub is a freehold block of 42.49 ha located just north-west of Gowrie Junction, in the Toowoomba region of Queensland.

The land, which was bought by the Beal family in 1973, lies within the brigalow bioregion, and its remnant vegetation is largely open woodland of mountain coolabah (Eucalyptus orgadophila) growing on Cainozoic igneous rocks (basalt). A dense shrub/low tree layer is predominantly of vine thicket species. Two Vulnerable species, the shrub Sophora fraseri and the native thistle Leuzea australis, have been recorded nearby, resulting in the remnant vegetation being designated as essential habitat and identified in flora trigger maps as a high-risk zone. Alongside eucalypts are occasional emergent trees of crow’s ash (Flindersia australis), kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus subsp. populneus) and lacebark (B. discolor).

Climbing plants also feature prominently, including Australian jasmine (Jasminum simplicifolium subsp. australiense), burny vine (Trophis scandens subsp. scandens) and wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana).

More than 90 species of birds have been recorded, including the southern boobook (Ninox boobook), Nankeen kestrel (Falco cenchroides), Australasian figbird (Sphecotheres vieilloti), wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) and the vulnerable white-throated needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) and grey falcon (Falco hypoleucos). Nine sightings of the vulnerable black-breasted button-quail (Turnix melanogaster) have been reported in the vicinity of this site.

Butterflies include the Australian painted lady (Vanessa kershawi), blue tiger (Tirumala hamata hamata) and orchard swallowtail (Papilio aegeus aegeus). Scarlet percher (Diplacodes haematodes) and blue skimmer (Orthetrum caledonicum) dragonflies, as well as several other species, have also been recorded.

Mammals observed include the endangered koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), whiptail wallaby (Notamacropus parryi), northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus) and short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus).

The Wildlife Land Fund welcomes this new addition to our holdings. The property is in overall good condition, thanks to the efforts of the Beal family, although recent dry conditions have encouraged invasive Lantana camara, which will be a focus for removal. We look forward to continuing to manage Gowrie Scrub Conservation Reserve for the benefit of Queensland’s native flora and fauna species.