Tracks of Toolara - Australian Brumbies in Queensland

Toolara and Tuan State Forests stretch between the towns of Maryborough and Tin Can Bay on the Queensland Coast. Home to around 2,000 Australian Brumbies, this heavily forested area is frequented by a number of bands which utilise the clear cut areas for feeding, and the deeper forest for shade and cover. In many areas Brumbies are culled but the horses here are relatively undisturbed at the moment. Living on forestry land they present few problems, and are also pretty difficult to find and catch.

Band stallions will often stay and keep an eye on you whilst their herd runs to the safety of the forest

The horses live in dense vegetation, into which they can vanish remarkably quickly.

Clear cut forest areas provide food, as more diverse vegetation grows once the trees are cleared and light can penetrate. Bands are often found on clear cut areas.

Young colts spar and squabble. It is rarely very serious, but many have minor bumps and scars from such encounters.

If you sit quietly for a time, some horses will get curious and approach. This colt thought better of his bravery and got a bit spooked.

Young colts form small bachelor groups and tend to stick together. These guys appeared in the last of the light