Yourka

Make your way to Yourka and you'll pass through one of the most diverse landscapes on the continent. Behind the rainforest of the eastern side of the great divide, the rain shadow brings the vegetation back to moist eucalypt forest and then woodlands. Tall white Queensland Blue Gums line the rivers that run west, in this area feeding the Herbert River and its huge flanking Paper Bark and Blue Gum trees.

Yourka sits in the the Einasleigh Uplands. It also covers a variety of geology that forms the range, resulting in a variety of ecosystems from tall wet eucalypt forests to open Iron Bark and Lemon-scented Gum woodlands down to riparian lowland woodlands.

Its residents comprise some 140 bird, 18 native mammal and nearly 300 plant species. All are protected thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

What we’re doing

The property's pastoral history didn't involve large scale clearing, which happened nearby so it was quick to return to essentially intact bush land. But through disturbance by stock and vehicles a number of significant weeds established. Having removed domestic cattle, we're now tackling Siam weed, Grader grass and Lantana.

Fire also plays an important role in regenerating tree and shrub species and stimulating fresh grass growth in the grassy woodlands. Fire management is particularly important for the control of Siam and Lantana. Feral pigs, which damage sensitive wetlands, also need active management.

With help from local naturalists, volunteers and National Parks staff, our ecologists and reserve managers continue to do biological surveys and targeted surveys have been conducted for Rock-Wallabies and Quolls.

The Red Goshawk

One of Australia's most distinctive raptors is also one of the rarest. It's one of only three species thought to have been here as long as the marsupials and eucalypts – right back to Gondwana. It's the largest goshawk, the rarest (with perhaps with only 700 pairs left in the wild) and very elusive (with its vast home range, quiet nature and habit of changing its nesting area).

Listed as vulnerable to extinction, and endangered in Queensland, Red Goshawks have been spotted in the Queensland Blue Gums near the Herbert River.

Square-tailed Kites have also been recorded. Such sparsely distributed species need large habitat areas which Yourka provides.

Cultural values

Yourka Reserve includes traditional lands of both the Jirrbal and Warangnu people.