About Jim Westray's Grave
Jim Westray's Grave is a remote historical site located within the Border Ranges National Park. It marks the location where a survivor of the 1937 Stinson plane crash eventually succumbed to his injuries and exhaustion while seeking assistance for other passengers. The site is accessible via a steep and demanding walking track that requires a high level of fitness and navigational skill. Visitors can reflect on the harrowing rescue mission led by Bernard O'Reilly, which remains a significant event in Australian aviation history. The surrounding environment consists of ancient Antarctic Beech trees and diverse birdlife native to the mountainous terrain.
Situated near the New South Wales and Queensland border, the site is a short distance from the Lamington National Park boundary and the famous O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. This location in Border Ranges provides a sober reminder of the dangers posed by the rugged wilderness and unpredictable weather. Those planning a visit should ensure they are well-prepared with appropriate gear and topographical maps, as the path is often overgrown and difficult to track. The memorial serves as a tribute to human endurance and the challenging conditions faced by early emergency responders in the region.