23°S 143°E Highfields – Queensland by Degrees

DRAFT VERSION - More information to come AT THE POINT Looking north Looking east Looking south Looking west Location: Degree Confluence 23S 143E is Channel Country in western Queensland, and is located on the derelict property, 'Glen Kyree', after which the degree square is named. The closest significant settlement is Winton, approximately 68 km to the north. The confluence itself was not reached due to dense vegetation, and information was taken at a point reached on foot, 13.9 km to the north-west (22°55'S, 142°55'E). The site was visited in the early evening by a party of RGSQ members travelling from Brisbane in June, 2009. Thick woodland and vegetation surrounding degree confluence 23S 143E (Google Earth Image) The deserted 'Glen Kyree' property Thick scrub on the way to the point Landscape: Elevation at the substitute degree confluence is 248 m, and the view shows predominantly flat terrain, with a low ridge visible to the east. Surface material is grey to red sandy soil with patches of ironstone pebbles. Thick mulga scrub and low shrubs are present in much of the surrounding countryside. Cattle, kangaroos, and some birds (including the wedge-tailed eagle, and zebra finch) were seen at or near the point. Wedge-tailed eagle Zebra Finch The geological features of the area of much of the surrounding country is Cainozoic Quaternary sand, gravel, and sandy and clay soil, except along nearby eroded creeks, which are characterised by Cainozoic Quaternary alluvium. This landscape is typical of much of the surrounding country. The closest watercourse to the confluence is Currajong Creek just over 1 km to the north. All creeks in the area eventually drain into the Diamantina River, which is part of the Eyre Basin. Numerous waterholes are also found nearby. Point Photos By: Paul Feeney, Mary Comer Point Information By: Paul Feeney, Jo Grant, Mary Nowill IN THE DEGREE SQUARE Climate: The closest weather station is at the Winton Post Office, which is approximately 61 km to the north of the degree confluence, and has an elevation of 182 m. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean max (ºC) 37.5 36.2 35.1 32.1 27.8 24.6 24.4 26.8 31.0 34.7 37.1 38.2 32.1 Mean min (ºC) 23.5 23.0 21.0 17.1 13.0 9.3 8.2 9.4 13.3 17.8 20.8 22.8 16.6 Mean rain (mm) 82.9 86.7 52.8 21.9 20.4 18.3 14.9 6.5 8.8 18.2 30.7 50.0 412.5

The highest temperature recorded was 46.8°C in December 2006, and the lowest was -1.7°C in both June 1971 and July 1968. The greatest rainfall recorded in a year was 1 171.1 mm in 2000, and the least was 52.6 mm just two years later in 2002. These and other climate statistics for Winton can be found at: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_037051_All.shtml. Extremes of Nature: The area experiences extreme heat throughout much of the year, with Winton having an average of 138 days annually that have maximum temperatures equal to or over 35°C. The hottest months are November to March, all of which experience on average approximately 20 days or more with temperatures equal to or over 35°C. With a significantly low average rainfall and only 40 days a year with any rain, very dry conditions also typically prevail in the area. REFERENCES Geoscience Australia, NATMAP Raster Geoscience Australia, Scanned 250 K Geology Maps

Last updated 19 August 2009. Web page done by Hayley Freemantle.  For more information email projectofficer@rgsq.org.au Return to home