The Stinson Airplane Crash-site

In February 1937, the Stinson airliner left Brisbane bound for Sydney and Lismore, never to return.  In crossing the McPherson ranges, above the area now known as the Lamington Plateau, the aircraft was thrown from the sky by cyclonic winds and crashed into the jungle.

For ten days the wreckage went undetected, during which time three survivors struggled against the elements.  Two of these, due to injuries sustained in the crash, were unable to leave the crash site.  The third, Jim Westray, in a valiant attempt to fetch help, fell down a waterfall to his death.  His grave now lies beside the spot where his body was found.  But for the insight of Bernard O'Reilly, the remaining survivors would also have perished.

An original picture of the Stinson Wreck

After careful forethought, O'Reilly realised that the airplane must have fallen along one of the ridges that form the Lamington Plateau.  With this conviction in mind he set off alone, with no more than a loaf of bread and a bag of onions for food, to locate the Stinson.  The success of his journey and his subsequent renown as a bushman is a part of local legend.

This picture, courtesy of the Courier Mail, is how the Stinson looked in 1937. Read the article

There is extensive extensive documentation on the Stinson Crash from the State Archives.  You can read this at; Index to Stinson Plane Crash Inquest

The “Stinson” is a popular walk in  Lamington National Park along unformrmed wilderness tracks

I conduct four different trips to the Stinson crash site;

Easy does it;

Stinson Day walk

8 Kms over one day

One day no special equipment required.  You will only carry a day pack with your lunch and personal items.

Being only one day in duration this trek is ideal an ideal walk to this significant historic site.  The pace is moderate with some steep uphill sections.

Take a look at the STINSON DAY WALK NOTES

 Amazing, Hard, Serious Fun;

The Stinson Challenge

We complete the Stinson Explorer in ONE DAY!!  36Kms of SUSTAINED exercise

Taking only light packs and a minimum of food and equipment, we’ll storm our way through the rainforest on this 10 hour challenge.

Can it be done? – YES.

Is it easy? – NO.

Do you need to train? – YES

Is it fun? – It is an amazing achievement

Take a look at the STINSON CHALLENGE NOTES

Picture showing the stinson wreckage today.

Moderate to Hard, because you’re carrying camping gear;

The Stinson Explorer

36Kms over three days of SUSTAINED exercise

Bush camping, camping equipment required.  You must carry a back pack with 3 days food and camping gear.

This trek provides the greatest challenge.  Three days on the trail is a wonderful way to wind-down and refresh the mind.  We follow the route that Bernard O’Reilly took in rescuing the Stinson survivors and out via Christmas Creek.

Moderate, easy pace, carrying camping gear;

The Stinson Adventure

10 Kms over two days

Bush camping.  No facilities.  You must carry a back pack with camping gear and food.

If you would like to spend a little more time in the rainforest, this trek provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a night camping under the rainforest canopy at Point Lookout or at the Stinson Campsite.  You will have time to relax and to explore the forest and we’ll see the sun rise over New South Wales