Gold Coast and Scenic Rim journey guide

Journey guide
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim
national parks
Experience
exhilaratingly
Contents
Parks at a glance.......................................................................................... 2
Welcome....................................................................................................... 3
Be inspired.................................................................................................... 3
Map of Gold Coast and Scenic Rim......................................................... 4
Maps legend................................................................................................. 4
Track and trail classifications.................................................................... 5
Plan your getaway....................................................................................... 6
Choose your adventure.............................................................................. 7
Burleigh Head National Park..................................................................... 8
David Fleay Wildlife Park........................................................................... 9
Nerang National Park and State Forest................................................ 10
Pine Ridge Regional Park........................................................................... 11
Tamborine National Park......................................................................... 12
Springbrook National Park...................................................................... 14
Lamington National Park......................................................................... 16
Main Range National Park........................................................................ 18
Mount Barney National Park.................................................................. 20
Moogerah Peaks National Park............................................................... 21
Glen Rock State Forest............................................................................. 22
Camping. Be safe. Be responsible.......................................................... 23
Burleigh Head NP
David Fleay Wildlife Park
Nerang NP
Pine Ridge RP
Tamborine NP
l
Springbrook NP
u
l
Lamington NP
Main Range NP
Mount Barney NP
Moogerah Peaks NP
Glen Rock SF
l on the SEQ horse riding trail network only (refer to npsr.qld.gov.au for map)
nearby
u in Numinbah section only.
This is not a comprehensive guide of all the walks available in the parks. There are a number of longer walk options available.
Find out more at queenslandnationalparks.com.au
2
Photo (front cover): Mount Barney National Park © Ben Blanche. Photo (this page): Mount Barney National Park © Lachlan Gardiner
Fishing
Horseriding
Mountain
bike riding
Hiking track
Short walk
Lookout/
viewing point
Picnic area
Toilets
Park
information
centre
Parks at
a glance
Camping
Connect with Queensland National Parks........................................... 24
Welcome to
Gold Coast
and Scenic Rim
parks
Welcome to the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim! From the ocean to the
majestic mountains framing the western skyline, we invite you to explore
this beautiful wilderness. Come for a day or several weeks and uncover
this region’s hidden gems. Be well prepared and respect the land and you
will be rewarded with many unforgettable and magical experiences.
Andy Dutton, Park Ranger
on behalf of the Park Rangers of the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim
Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt
Be inspired!
Venture
into an endless playground
of wild and vibrant places.
Rocky escarpments, lush
rainforests and river gorges
brim with trails for adventure
by foot, hoof or wheel.
Recharge
Breathe
crisp mountain air laced with the
scents of wildflowers, native herbs
and mint-fresh gum leaves. Stand
high atop the summit with arms
thrown wide and your spirit soaring.
under a brilliant night sky, your camp
site cocooned by shadowy rainforest
and nocturnal wildlife rustlings.
Bathe in stellar celestial views far
from the glow of city lights.
Witness
prehistoric landscapes
carved by tumbling waterfalls
and cascading creeks.
Imagine megafauna roaming
beneath the towering hoop
pines and Antarctic beech
trees in the Gondwana
Rainforests of Australia
World Heritage Area.
Tread
Gaze
the ancient paths of Aboriginal
people, their stories woven
around the rocks, animals and
trees. Sit quietly beneath the
forest canopy and feel your
own connection with the land.
out from windswept headlands
to whales and dolphins breaching
playfully in the ocean and eagles
soaring through the vanilla dawn sky.
Photos (clockwise from top left):
© Lisa Frost; © Lachlan Gardinar;
Darren Jew © Tourism and Events
Queensland; © Ben Blanche;
Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt;
© Tourism and Events Queensland
3
Gold Coast
and
Scenic Rim
PARKS OF THE
GOLD COAST AND SCENIC RIM
Warril View
To Ipswich
To Ipswich
Rd
al d
st H
Ea
Mount Beau
Brummel
Regional Park
To Stanthorpe
13
ite Swam
ea
u
wm
Runn
Waterfall
Creek Rd
an
og
R
Scenic Rim
Regional Council
Yellow Pinch
Reserve
d
pR
Queen Mary Falls
esay
t Lind
Moun
Hig
hw
ay
13
To Kyogle
To Urbenville
Legume
Legend (these symbols are used throughout this brochure)
National park
State border
Ranger station
Wildlife spotting
4WD access
Canoe launch area
State forest
Sealed road
Information
Open fireplace
Lookout
Nocturnal house
Regional park
Unsealed road
Parking
Barbeque—wood
Camping
Horse yards
Disabled access
Barbeque—gas
Camper trailer
Airport
Toilets
Caravan
Amphitheatre
Wildlife park
Access track
Waterways
Horse step over
Cafe
Barbeque
—coin operated
Walking track
Restricted access
Stairs
Accommodation
Hiking
Township
Visitor information
Centre (VIC)
WiFi access (VIC)
Motorhome
Mountain
bike riding
Telephone
Picnic table
Horseriding
Shared trail (walking and
Tap water
Sheltered picnic area
Fishing
Mountain bike trail
Timber reserve
Mountain
4
Walking track
Great Walk
I
Rathdowney
Cotswold Rd
Bur
n
C
a
Ne
d
Mo
Boonah-Rathdown
ey
R o ad
Mo Lak
oge e
rah
Rd
Ridge R
d
d
S
k
ng Cr e e
pri
Rd
B or
der
Rd
Killarney
13
Mount
Barney
National
Park
Wh
Yangan
rney Rd
Kila
k– K il a rney Rd
d
reek R
I
d
nR
Rd
ing Creek
Fletcher t
et
Rd
R
Head Gate
Road
e Rd
Co n d a min
Kooralbyn
Scenic Rim
Regional Council
Mount May Reserve
Upp
er
L
d
Rd
w ic
ub
QUEENSLAND
Lake
Maroon
C
G amb
Tannymorel
ar
Ganthorpe Rd
eys
Rd
Head
Rd
al
Moogerah Peaks
National Park
d
rd R
Mount
Alford
r ee
k
Emu Creek R d
Emu Vale
Boonah
Ca
rn
lly
Gu
Coop e r s
d
Main Range
National Park
R
ls
nfe
wa
t Al f o
un
D w y er
Freestone
s
C roft b y –
ra h R
Lake M o oge
Spicers Gap Road
Regional Park
To Warwick
Munbilla–P
Crossin
y
wa
Hi
gh
m
Tunsta
ll R
Rd
sert
de
Boona h - B
Rd
M
Frenount
ch R
d
arl
w
Rd ood
Mo Lake
oge
rah
Rd
Gladfield
Fassifern
d
15
S
Boonah–
Ch
Lake
Moogerah
Wyaralong
Dam
Kalbar
ha
d
ing
yR
msa
rra
ve
Cu
nn
In
Glen Rock
State Forest
w ic h
Rd
Milbong–
Munbilla Rd
Ip s
on
Munbilla
15
ing
eak Rd
g
W
-Boonah
To Gatton
Shared trails legend
Shared trail (walking, mountain
biking and horseriding)
mountain biking only)
C
North
Stradbroke
Island
Beenleigh
To Brisbane
To Brisbane
hw a y
Hig
ba–
Rd
m
om
bo d o o l u
n
Mu
Plunkett
Regional
Park
Wickham
National
Park
ng
Nera
Rd
bro
o
C
y
1
Gold Coast
airport
o ld
t- S
oas
wa
i
pr
ng
echm
Be
u r ra Rd
ge
ra
Springbrook
National
Park leb
Tal
ek
Cre
Rd
ud
Binna
Burra
Rd
bah
urwillu m
M
g
n
a
Ner
Bin
La m
Burleigh Head
National Park
a ci
fic
H
d
kR
G
na B
in gt
nal Park Rd
atio
on N
nt
t–B
een
leig
hR
n t Lindesay High
ou
Mudgeeraba
Beechmont
Lamington
National
Park
David Fleay
Wildlife Park
igh
Widg
e
Cree e
k Rd
Advancetown–
Mudgeeraba Rd
h Rd
P
Rd
ek
re
sC
istma
Chr
lain R
d
b eac
Hinze
Dam
o
Surfers Paradise
d
roa
Kerr y R d
Canungra
Regional Park
Nerang
Regional
Park
way
igh
rt–
dese
Beau
ort
thp d
Sou rang R
-Ne
Ne
ran
g-B
Nerang
Road
South Pacific Ocean
st H
Coa
sert- N e r a n g Rd
Beechmont Rd
Innisplain
Pine Ridge
Regional Park
Gold
Beau
des
er
North Tamborine
Mundoolum
Connection Rd
Rosins Lookout
Regional Park
Innisp
nfo
Oxe rd - G old C
Tamborine
National
Park
Nerang Nerang
National
State
Park
Forest
Tamborine Mountain
Canungra
Kerry
Coomera
t Rd
oas
d
Beaudesert
M
South Stradbroke
Island Regional Park
Oxenford
Be a u de
y
wa
1
Coolangatta
kR
d
ord-Tamb orine Rd
terf
Wa
Wickham
Timber
Reserve
ific
Jim
Jimboomba
Southern
Moreton Bay Islands
National Park
P ac
13
Cu
rru
To Byron Bay
and Ballina
ee
Cr
in
b
m
Green
Mountains
(O'Reilly)
Mount
Chinghee
National
Park
To Murwillumbah
To Murwillumbah
Scale
0
5
10km
NEW SOUTH WALES
To Kyogle
Tr ack and tr ail classification
Class
Suits
Track description
1
Wheelchairs and strollers
No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections.
2
Families with young children
No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a
gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.
3
People with some bushwalking experience
Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface
and many steps.
4
Experienced bushwalkers
Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signs may be limited.
5
Very experienced bushwalkers
Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.
Novice riders and experienced horses
with basic skills and fitness
Wide trail with a gentle slope and a relatively obstacle-free, hardened natural slope.
Experienced riders and horses
with moderate skills and fitness
Trail with obstacles, variable surface and moderate slope. May include steep sections.
5
Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland
Escape
magically
Lamington National Park.
Plan your getaway
Guided tours
Venture into the green beyond the gold, where open woodland and
rainforest adorn rolling valleys and peaks, and seemingly impassable
ranges reach to the clouds. Write your own story on a day trip or
holiday to this vast and beautiful landscape, exploring all that this
region has to offer.
If you prefer someone else to do the planning,
or you’re simply short of time, you can join
tours with experienced guides—for just a day or
several nights. See visitscenicrim.com.au and
visitgoldcoast.com for more information.
Best time to visit
Along the coast the climate is mild and subtropical
with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C in
summer and from 11°C to 21°C in winter. But in
the west and on the mountain plateaus winter
mornings can fall below a frosty 0°C and hot
summer days can reach a simmering 25°C to 40°C,
especially on the exposed ridges.
Walking in the cooler months from April to
September is best when rain and leeches are
less common.
Add some local flavour
Add one of the region’s fun-loving events
or tourist attractions to your journey.
Slow dance with a special someone at a jazz
festival, steal through neon-lit city streets
for some late-night shopping, treasure hunt
at a local market or scream upside down
on a rollercoaster ride.
Dress up and enjoy a day out at the
country races, ride your bike past farmland
and open country plains, celebrate at a
firefly festival or savour regional flavours
at a country pub, teahouse or winery.
Find out more at visitscenicrim.com.au
and visitgoldcoast.com
6
(Above) Albert’s lyrebird; (right)
exploring David Fleay Wildlife Park;
(below) Lamington National Park.
Photos: (clockwise from top left) © Bruce Thomson;
Briony Masters © Qld Govt; Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt
Choose your adventure
Whether you want to picnic beside a freshwater creek, tackle a challenging bushwalk or
treat yourself to an overnight stay in the country, there is a park adventure waiting for
you! Take your time—explore the natural beauty of this region on a leisurely scenic drive.
Here are some suggestions to help plan your journey.
Tr avelling from the
West (Warwick)
Tr avelling from the East
(Brisbane and Gold Coast)
Day and overnight trips
Day and overnight trips
• Enjoy a peaceful morning tea and
•Visit David Fleay Wildlife Park for a
easy bushwalks with great views at
wildlife encounter, ranger-led show and
Mount French section, Moogerah
Devonshire tea, before walking along
Peaks National Park.
Tallebudgera Creek mangrove boardwalk
• Stroll through rainforest and
take in spectacular lookouts and
cascades at Goomburra section,
Main Range National Park. With
plenty of space for the kids to run,
this is the perfect place to camp
overnight with the family.
• Picnic amid tall forest and witness
a majestic waterfall at Queen
to ocean views at Burleigh Head
National Park.
• Begin with a morning bike ride in Nerang
National Park and State Forest then
drive to Tamborine National Park to
discover cool rainforest walks, cafes and
boutiques, and the local hospitality of a
cosy bed and breakfast.
Mary Falls section, Main Range
Multi-day trips
National Park.
• Bushwalk through rainforest and past
Multi-day trips
• Stay at a local cottage or camp in
Mount Barney National Park and
spend a couple of days exploring
the rugged landscape on epic
bushwalks and rock climbs. For
experienced walkers only!
• Take your hiking boots or ride
your horse and discover the rocky
waterfalls to drink in scenic views at
Lamington National Park, before camping
under the stars or staying at a local
guesthouse.
• Enjoy an outdoor barbecue on a weekend
retreat to Springbrook National Park,
venturing on bushwalks with waterfalls,
rock caves and breathtaking views.
• See panoramic views at Mount French
escarpments of Glen Rock State
section, Moogerah Peaks National Park,
Forest, camping overnight at
before driving to the waterfall at Queen
Casuarina camping area.
Mary Falls section, Main Range National
Park, staying at the privately-owned
campground. Return via Cunninghams Gap
section, Main Range National Park for a
rainforest walk on the escarpment.
Tackle a Great Walk
Challenge yourself on this 54km track linking Lamington and Springbrook national
parks. Your route follows an ancient volcanic rim through the Numinbah Valley
(Above) Bushwalking in the rainforest;
(right) camping at Mount Barney NP.
Photos: (above) © Office of Environment &
Heritage (OEH); (right) © Myoko Inagaki
and sections of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Visit
npsr.qld.gov.au /parks/great-walks-gold-coast-hinterland/ for more information.
7
Photo © Queensland Government
Headland, Burleigh Head National Park.
Burleigh Head National Park
Discover tumbled basalt boulders, pandanus groves and sweeping ocean
views on a walk through this peaceful coastal park.
Must dos
• Stand atop Tumgun lookout and be
mesmerised by humpback whales
breaching gracefully in the coastal
waters during winter and spring.
• Glory in sea, surf and sun hitting
the waves on a surfboard at the
world-renowned Burleigh Heads
surf break.
• Escape the summer heat and crowds
and retreat into cool rainforest.
Getting there
Travelling from Brisbane on the Pacific
Motorway, take exit 89 and drive into
Burleigh Heads. Turn right onto the
Gold Coast Highway and left into
Goodwin Terrace. Travelling from New
South Wales, take exit 92 and drive into
Palm Beach. Turn left onto the Gold
Coast Highway and right at the traffic
lights north of Tallebudgera Creek.
Wildlife spotting
Spy bearded dragons and mottled carpet
pythons sunning themselves on rocks, and
Australian brush-turkeys obsessively tending
their leafy nesting mounds. In mid-summer,
Meander through a living museum of
rainforest, mangroves and eucalyptus trees
and imagine a time when this was once an
abundantly-forested golden coast. Venture
to the top of the headland and discover
hexagonal-shaped basalt columns jutting out
from the earth, cracked from the ancient
Tweed Valley lava flow. Feel the sea spray
jewel-coloured Richmond birdwing butterflies
flit through the forest feeding on rainforest
nectars. Walk along the rocky foreshore and
delight in dolphins playing in the waves, and
white-bellied sea-eagles and whistling kites
riding the ridge updrafts on the hunt for fish.
Places to go
blowing in from the ocean as you watch
1
waves roll into the beach.
Oceanview track
1.2km one way (30mins). Grade 3
Wander the rocky coastal headland from
Things to do
Tallebudgera Creek, exploring rainforest and
Fishing
pandanus groves sheltering abundant wildlife.
Throw a line out at Echo Beach to catch
2
a seafood dinner fresh from Tallebudgera
Rainforest circuit
Creek. There is a wheelchair ramp to the
2.3km return (45mins). Grade 3
fishing platform on Tallebudgera Creek.
Duck into cool rainforest on this uphill hike
to superb views of the coast from Tumgun
lookout.
The Cove
dwin
Gold
Co
ast Hig h w a y
Goo
(Left) Walk around the
headland; (above) see
whales breaching.
Photos: (left) Maxime Coquard
© Qld Govt; (above) © Qld Govt
8
South
Pacific Ocean
Tce
Tumgun
lookout
George St
2
2
1
Echo
Beach
Scale
0
200
400m
Photo: © Robert Ashdown
Estuarine (saltwater) crocodile.
David Fleay Wildlife Park
Things to do
Venture into this much-loved wildlife park, beneath dappled eucalypt
and arching fig tree canopies, in search of some of Queensland’s most
intriguing and rarely seen animals.
Imagine yourself on safari, glimpsing
prehistoric-looking cassowaries, treekangaroos, dingoes, emus and iconic koalas
from the boardwalk. Wander through
wetlands, rainforest and open woodlands,
where animals roam free in the natural
surroundings. The park is open from 9am to
5pm daily, except Christmas Day and ANZAC
Day morning—opening at 1pm. Admission
fees apply. Phone (07) 5576 2411.
Must dos
• Flinch at the ‘snap’ of jaws closing,
as estuarine crocodiles launch out of
the water to snatch prey from Park
Rangers at feeding time (September–
February, subject to change).
• Marvel at the playful escapades of
Wally, the resident platypus, as he
forages for crayfish and slides down
his waterfall.
• Feel like an excited kid again as Park
Rangers introduce you to amazing
wildlife, some rarely seen in the wild.
Watch daily wildlife shows
Join Park Rangers to learn about the
unique wildlife that share our backyard,
as well as elusive, endangered, and even
dangerous critters! Snakes, gliders,
cassowaries and crocodiles all have
their time in the spotlight.
Visit the nocturnal house
Uncover the secret night-time antics of
platypus, woma pythons and mahogany
gliders inside the nocturnal house. Have
a ‘Eureka’ moment far from the hot,
dry grasslands of their native outback
homes, discovering endangered bilbies
and the story of the people trying to
save them.
Getting there
Places to go
Take the Burleigh Heads turn-off
(exit 89) from the Pacific Motorway and
follow the signs along West Burleigh
Road, West Burleigh to the park entrance.
Free attractions outside the park.
1
Mangrove boardwalk
800m return (15mins)
Grade: very easy; wheelchair accessible
Weave through fringing plants living
between land and water, peeping
through to stunning views of
hR
oa
d
Tallebudgera Creek. Delight in azure
kingfishers and rainbow bee-eaters
W
es
tB
ur
lei
g
1
Scale
0
ge
eb
ud
d
ek R
Cre
Fleays W
ra
Entry to David
Fleay Wildlife Park
Ta
ll
Loman
Lane
Cre
ek
darting through the mangroves.
ildlife Pa
rk Road
100
To Pacific Motorway
200m
2
(Top) Enjoy our
Fleays in Flight
show; (above)
Wally the platypus.
Photos: (top) Steve
Browne © Qld Govt;
(above) Maxime
Coquard © Qld Govt
2
Canoeing and kayaking
Be enchanted on a peaceful paddle
along the mangrove-lined Tallebudgera
Creek, where you can drift past fish,
stingrays, sea-eagles, and if you’re
lucky, dolphins.
9
Photo: © Shane Cresser
Mountain biking in Nerang National Park.
Ner ang National Park and State Forest
Feel your adrenaline surge as you horseride or mountain bike through the
forested hills and gullies of this delightful bushland park.
Must dos
• Listen for the ‘crack’ of glossy
black-cockatoos greedily
breaking open casuarina seeds
above.
Crisscrossed with a network of exhilarating
shared trails and designated mountain bike
tracks, explore this popular bush retreat by
• Ride along Pete’s, Brett’s or the
Casuarina tracks for one last
mountain bike challenge before
you leave.
foot, hoof or wheel. Just make sure to look
out for other trail users!
Nerang National Park is 12km from
Surfers Paradise and 70km south
of Brisbane. Access is along Matilda
or Coolibah roads, from the Pacific
Motorway, Nerang township or
Beaudesert–Nerang Road.
2.7km circuit plus optional 800m loop
(30–40mins riding time)
2
Three hills track
Grab your mountain bike and test your skills
2km one way (20–30mins riding time)
on one of five technically-challenging single
Wind through open forest of ghostly grey gum
mountain bike tracks, mastering small drop-
and tallowwood with steep hilly sections.
offs and rock gardens as you go. Saddle up
for a more relaxed adventure riding horseback
3
Brett’s track
along creek banks bathed in golden
2.7km one way (30–40mins riding time)
afternoon haze.
Challenge yourself on a ride through dry
sclerophyll forest and cool green gullies, with
Wildlife spotting
steep climbs and exciting descents.
See goannas dozing in gum trees or
4
Maud
photograph a royal blue forest kingfisher
Pete’s track
1.7km (15–20mins riding time)
s la nd
swooping for lizards from low branches.
Enjoy a flowing ride from Brett’s track back to
Rd
the car park.
5
4
5
2
c Motorwa
y
Pac ifi
3
Beaudesert
-Nerang Rd
Pete’s extension track
650m (5–10mins riding time)
Hone your skills on this quick and fun access
track with technical trail features, linking to the
Casuarina Grove circuit.
For a detailed mountain bike trail map visit
npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/nerang
t
or scan this QR code with your
Scale
0
1km
audesert Neran
Be
g Rd
Pri
ce
S
an Rd
Nath
Mt
1
10
Casuarina Grove circuit
grove of casuarina trees.
Mountain bike and horseriding
Getting there
1
Enjoy an easy, family-friendly ride through a
Things to do
• Tiptoe along the creek line in
search of shy golden swamp
wallabies, koalas and echidnas.
Places to go
smartphone camera and use a
QR-app to download the map.
Photo: Bernard Hicks © Qld Govt
Banksia woodland.
Must dos
• Breathe in the perfume of delicate
wildflowers—wallum wedge pea,
yellow peabush and prickly broom
heath bloom in late winter and spring.
• Peek through binoculars and spy
sacred kingfishers, rainbow beeeaters and variegated fairy-wrens
darting through the paperbark
swamp forest.
Getting there
Pine Ridge Regional Park is in Runaway
Bay, 10km north of the Gold Coast city
centre, accessed via Oxley Drive off the
Gold Coast Highway.
Pine Ridge Regional Park
Escape the bustling coast to the golden banksia woodland and flowering
heathland of a park rich with Aboriginal cultural significance.
Connect with this sacred land of the
Kombumerri-Ngarangwal people, a place
where meals made from local bush foods,
fish and shellfish have been shared by
the Traditional Owners for thousands
of years. Discover shell heaps (middens)
Walking and cycling
Unwind on a gentle bushland walk or
cycle along the forested trail, past the last
remaining patch of wallum banksia heath
on the Gold Coast.
piled with ‘kinyingurra’ (oyster) shells and
imagine past feasts. Be a botanist for the
day and try to distinguish the abundant
forest types growing here—eucalypt
forest with fragrant wattle, banksia
Wildlife spotting
Watch for echidnas snuffling in the leaf
litter, and ‘borobi’ (koalas) and ‘yowgurrah’
(goannas) in the tall bloodwood trees.
woodland, paperbark swamp and coastal
heath bursting with wildflowers.
Things to do
Picnic
forest canopy. Picnic tables are provided.
Oxley Drive
Relax with a picnic under the shaded
Poinsett
ia
Scale
0
250
Ave
500m
(Above) Rainbow bee-eater;
(right) pink boronia.
Photos: (above) © Qld Museum;
(right) © Alison Ilec
11
Photo: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt
Joalah section, Tamborine National Park.
Must dos
• Witness Cameron Falls tumbling
over the cliff top on the Sandy
Creek circuit.
• Trace the footsteps of folklore
Tamborine National Park
Lose yourself in the shade of white-washed flooded gums and rainforest
gullies thick with piccabeen palms on a scenic mountain escape.
Walk through ethereal rainforest and silvery
on a walk at Witches Falls—local
eucalypt woodland, the fresh air revitalising
children once believed this forest
your every step. Red-necked pademelons
was haunted by witches and giants.
bound between slender palm trunks and
• Go for a scenic drive stopping for
a relaxing picnic with a view at The
Knoll or Palm Grove.
towering buttress roots, while platypus
and frogs dip into cool lagoons. Admire
sweeping views of Mount Warning, Mount
Barney and Lamington National Park and
Getting there
the sparkling Pacific Ocean.
Tamborine Mountain is 80km south
Declared in 1908, Tamborine National
of Brisbane. Travel via Nerang–
Park was Queensland’s first national park,
Beaudesert Road and Oxenford–
(originally Witches Falls National Park).
Tamborine Road from the Pacific
Today’s park has 14 separate sections for
Highway, or Tamborine Mountain
visitors to explore.
Road from Canungra.
Did you know?
The place name ‘Tamborine’ comes from the
local Yugambeh language. It means wild lime
and refers to the finger lime trees that grow
wild on the mountain and were eaten by the
traditional Aboriginal people of this land.
Things to do
Wildlife spotting
Listen for strange gurgling sounds
beneath your feet—these may
be giant Tamborine earthworms
travelling through waterlogged
underground burrows. Let Richmond
birdwing butterflies and colourful
noisy pittas beguile you in summer.
Picnicking
Enjoy popular picnic areas in
Cedar Creek, Palm Grove,
The Knoll, Witches Falls and
MacDonald sections.
Horseriding
Ride your horse on designated trails
in some sections of the park.
Access is from Beaudesert–Beenleigh
Road or Tamborine Mountain Road.
Visit npsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/
horse-trails/ for information about
the SEQ horse riding trail network.
(Far right) Noisy pitta;
(right) Palm Grove.
Photos: (far right) Adam
Creed © Qld Govt; (right)
© Queensland Museum
12
Places to go
1
Cedar Creek Falls lookout track
500m return (15mins). Grade 1
Take a walk to Cedar Creek Falls lookout and
admire views of the gorge, waterfalls and rock
pools. The track to the lookout is suitable for
strollers and assisted wheelchair access.
2
Cedar Creek Falls track
Curtis Falls.
9
Witches Falls circuit
Photo: © Lev Evison
3.1km return (1hr). Grade 3
Zigzag down the mountain side through
Note: Limited bus, caravan and
an open forest of banksia trees and into
motorhome parking is available in
From Cedar Creek Falls lookout, descend
rainforest with giant strangler figs before
Joalah, MacDonald and Witches Falls
through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest to
reaching the lookout.
sections only.
900m return (30mins). Grade 3
the rock pools below. This section from the
Sandy Creek circuit
lookout to the rock pools is not suitable for
10
strollers or wheelchairs.
2.6km circuit (1hr). Grade 4
3
Curtis Falls track
1.1km return (30mins). Grade 3
Be enchanted on a walk beneath towering
Safety
Explore lush rainforest with towering trees
emerging through the canopy, admiring
The steep narrow roads from Nerang
and Canungra are unsuitable for
buses, trailers, caravans and trucks.
views across the valley to Flinders Peak
and Brisbane from Cameron Falls lookout.
flooded gums into lush rainforest.
4
Lower creek circuit
2km return (1hr). Grade 4
To Oxenford
Branch off Curtis Falls track and cross
Cedar Creek before passing a giant, fallen
MacDonald rainforest circuit
Tamborine- O
xe
n
5
fo
rd
Rd
1 2 Cedar Creek section
strangler fig.
1.4km return (30mins). Grade 2
Enjoy an easy, gentle walk past strangler
6
Palm Grove circuit
2.6km circuit (1hr). Grade 3
Discover peaceful piccabeen palm groves,
Ta
m
bo
Cedar Creek
Falls Road
rin
e
Mou
ntain Rd
3 4
Joalah
section
The Knoll
10 section
rainforest with emergent strangler figs and
Jenyns circuit
4.5km circuit (1.5hrs). Grade 4
s Rd
forest featuring a grove of ancient cycads.
8
Curtis Rd
estern Rd
Main W
Wander down this track to Witches Falls
Ge
Witches
Falls section
Witches Chase track
1.5km one way (1–2hrs). Grade 3
t
Beacon
Veer off Palm Grove circuit into drier eucalypt
Main S
7
is s
See fascinating fungi along the way.
m a n n Dr
d
ll R
o
Kn
distinctively-buttressed yellow carabeens.
8 9
lookout and continue through rainforest with
large red cedar trees and eucalypt forest.
To Canungra
MacDonald
section
5
Palm
Grove
Ave
figs and lush groves of piccabeen palms.
Palm
Grove
section
6 7
Eagle Heights Rd
Scale
0
1
2
3km
13
Photo: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt
Twin Falls circuit.
Must dos
Springbrook National Park
• Stand on the suspension bridge and
feel the spray of Purling Brook Falls
plummeting into the rock pools.
Spectacular waterfalls and cool ancient forests await you in this beautiful
World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.
• Walk among ancient gnarled Antarctic
beech trees dripping with wispy lichens in
the cool temperate rainforest on the Best
of All lookout track.
• Visit Natural Bridge by day to see the
unique waterfall, and by night to be
entranced by the blue-green lights of
thousands of glow-worms.
Getting there
Springbrook has four sections—the plateau,
Mount Cougal to the east and Natural
Bridge and Numinbah to the west.
Springbrook plateau section
Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang and
follow Nerang–Murwillumbah Road to the
Springbrook turn-off at Pine Creek Road.
Or take Mudgeeraba turn-off and follow
Gold Coast–Springbrook Road.
Mount Cougal section
Exit the Gold Coast Highway at Currumbin
and follow Currumbin Creek Road to its end.
Numinbah and Natural Bridge
sections
Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang and
follow Nerang–Murwillumbah Road. Signs
on your journey to Natural Bridge can be
more reliable than your GPS in this area.
Strap on your hiking boots and
submerge into lush subtropical
rainforest, open eucalypt woodland
and montane heath, the sound of
tumbling creeks and songbirds in
the air. Witness the power of roaring
cascades as they continue to sculpt
rocky escarpments and caves. Feel
Things to do
Horseriding
Trot along the specified trails in Numinbah
and Austinville sections of the park for a
country-style horseride. Visit npsr.qld.gov.
au/experiences/horse-trails/ for information
about the SEQ horse riding trail network.
Wildlife spotting
you’ve reached the world’s edge as
you venture atop lookouts and take in
Spot brilliant blue spiny crays, frogs and
breathtaking views of the valleys below.
long-finned eels swimming in the sparkling
Did you know?
mountain streams. Shy pademelons, swamp
wallabies and potoroos roam the forest
Glow-worms seen at Natural Bridge
floor wary of visitors and glossy-black satin
are not actually worms but the larvae
bowerbirds forage for blue treasures to
of a small fly. The light you see is a
decorate their bowers. At night, glow-worms
chemical reaction occurring inside
provide a magical experience inside the cave
the glow-worm’s body. Known as
at Natural Bridge.
bioluminescence, meaning ‘living light’,
this quirk of nature is used to lure prey.
R angers’ tip
Enjoy the drive through the scenic Numinbah
Valley, passing the stunning Egg Rock
‘Kurraragin’, on the way to Natural Bridge.
Places to camp
1
The Settlement camping area
Pitch a tent beside your car or bring your
camper trailer or campervan to this
beautiful mountain top camping area and
slumber peacefully under a starry sky.
(Above) Blue spiny crayfish; (right) swamp wallaby.
14
Photos: © Robert Ashdown
Take a short walking track from here to the
top of Purling Brook Falls.
Places to go
1
Goomoolahra Falls lookout
and track
200m return (5mins). Grade 2
Take in the view stretching to Stradbroke
and Moreton islands from several
lookouts at the top of the 60m high
Goomoolahra Falls.
2
Best of All lookout track
Cascades track
7
1.6km return (1hr). Grade 2
Walk through subtropical rainforest beside
600m return (30mins). Grade 2
Currumbin Creek to a viewing platform
Venture past Antarctic beech trees to a
overlooking scenic cascades and an old
spectacular view of northern New South
bush sawmill.
Wales dominated by Mount Warning, an
ancient extinct volcano.
3
Purling Brook Falls circuit
4km return (2hrs). Grade 3
Pass through open eucalypt forest with
tall New England ash, ancient lepidozamias,
Safety
Be cautious near cliff edges, remain on formed
walking tracks and stay well outside the
restricted access area at the top of Purling
Brook Falls and on Cave Creek at Natural
Bridge. Do not jump into rock pools at Mount
Cougal. Serious injuries have occurred.
hakeas and wildflowers before descending
To Nerang
into the gorge to view the falls from the
suspension bridge over the rock pools.
Pine Creek R d
a clockwise direction.
Twin Falls circuit
through changing forests.
Warrie circuit
Follow the base of The Canyon cliffs to
Goomoolahra Falls before descending into
Natural Bridge circuit
waterfall plunging into the arched cave.
At night the cave is illuminated by glowworms and fungi and alive with the flutter
of little bent-wing bat wings. This track is
best walked in a clockwise direction.
k
Walk across Cave Creek to witness the
C
ve
1km return (1hr). Grade 2
3
The Settlement
camping area
The Settlement day-use area
1
The Pinnacle
Ca
6
Bochow Park
Springbrook
plateau section
Rd
ok
ro
all watercourses draining The Canyon meet.
Little
Nerang
Dam
gb
rin
Sp
to reach the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, where
Numinbah
Valley
Rd
the mossy green depths of the rainforest
ah
urwill u mb
–M
17km return (allow 5–6hrs). Grade 4
Mount
Nimmel
Wunburra
lookout
Apple Tree
Park
N e ra ng
5
Photos: (top) © Scott
Viney; (above) Maxime
Coquard © Qld Govt
Numinbah
Valley
treeferns on this exciting bushwalk
(Top) Natural Bridge;
(above) Twin Falls.
r ing
Go
rock clefts and among palms and
d
Sp
oast−
ld C
Canyon
lookout
Tallanbana Road
picnic area
Natural
Bridge
6 section
To Murwillumbah
Station
er
eat
Rep
Pass behind two waterfalls, through
Lyrebird Ridg
e Rd
4km return (2hrs). Grade 3
Numinbah
section
Forest Park
picnic area
Nerang R iver
4
To Mudgeeraba
broo
kR
With 265 steps this walk is best travelled in
4 5
Scale
0
Goomoolahra
picnic area
1
2
4km
To Currumbin
Mount Cougal
section
2
Best of All lookout
New South Wales
bin
m
rru
Cu
7
15
Ck
Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland
Elabana Falls.
Must dos
• Admire sweeping views across
Ships Stern, Turtle Rock,
‘Kurraragin’ (Egg Rock) and
down into Numinbah Valley from
Koolanbilba lookout along the
Lower Bellbird circuit.
• Feel cool spray kiss your face as
you walk past rushing cascades
and wild waterfalls on the
Toolona Creek circuit.
• Rest in quiet contemplation at
Collin’s chair on the Caves circuit
and take in views down into
Coomera Valley.
• Hike the rainforest-clad cliff
line along the state border on
the Border Track, from Green
Mountains to Binna Burra.
Walk upon cloud-drenched mountains, over rugged cliffs and crystal-clear creeks,
and experience the grandeur of this ancient World Heritage-listed national park.
Reinvigorate your spirit on a short or full-day
bushwalk past roaring cascades and rainforest
R angers’ tip
The best way to truly experience this
groves, under the twisted arms of ancient
historic World Heritage gem is to stay
Antarctic beech trees and through blankets of
overnight. Discover the park’s special stories
flowering heath. Lamington’s rainforests are
at the Binna Burra and Green Mountains
remnants of ancient Gondwanan forests that
information centres.
once covered Australia. With each step feel a
connection with this beautiful land—a sacred
and spiritual place for the Yugambeh people.
Places to camp
1
Green Mountains camping area
Did you know?
The Albert’s lyrebird can imitate sounds from
Enjoy tent and campervan camping on this
its surrounding, from bird calls to human
grassy, gently-sloping camping area 200m
Lamington National Park has
two sections—Green Mountains
(O’Reilly) and Binna Burra. If you’re
using GPS directions type Binna
Burra, and O’Reilly’s or Lamington
National Park Road for Green
Mountains.
sounds, including chainsaws, car horns and
from the Green Mountains information
alarms, barking dogs, crying babies and
centre. Large campervans, camper trailers
musical instruments.
or caravans are not permitted. A private
Green Mountains section
Listen for the whip-cracking call of the
areas of Lamington National Park, accessed
Exit the Pacific Motorway at
Beenleigh or Nerang and follow
signs to Canungra. The 36km
road to the park from Canungra is
unsuitable for large campervans,
camper trailers or caravans.
eastern whipbird. See the brilliant red and
by walking using either a topographic map
blue colours of the crimson rosella or the
or GPS. All remote bush camping sites are
magnificent green and red of the Australian
closed from 1 December to 31 January.
Getting there
Binna Burra section
Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang
and follow signs west to Lamington
National Park, Binna Burra. The final
section of the 10km drive is very
narrow and winding.
16
Lamington National Park
campground is located at Binna Burra.
Things to do
Remote bush camping
Wildlife spotting
A few bush camp sites are available in remote
king-parrot. In the cooler months you may
be lucky enough to hear the fluid calls or spy
the gossamer plumage of one of the park’s
ancient songbirds—the Albert’s lyrebird—
along the rainforest tracks.
Crimson rosella.
Photo: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt
Places to go
4 Morans Falls track
Green Mountains section
Binna Burra section
6.2km return (2hrs) via the Centenary track.
Grade 4
1 Centenary track
1.8km return (30mins). Grade 1
See Morans Falls and drink in the scenic
Pass through tall hoop pines into
panorama across Morans Creek Gorge
subtropical forest on this easy walk,
to Fassifern Valley and distant ranges.
stopping to pause at the bench
Binna Burra
Mountain Lodge
Bel
Binna Burra section
seating provided to watch for
regent and satin bowerbirds darting
through the branches.
5 Rainforest circuit
1.2km return (30mins). Grade 2
Pass through warm subtropical rainforest
2 Rainforest return
6
7
listening for bowerbirds and catbirds on
1.4km return (30mins). Grade 2
this self-guided walk.
6 Bellbird lookout
among the leaf litter on this short
re
e
Kweebani Cave
Descend through rainforest and open forest
rainforest stroll at the start of the
k
5
2km return (1hr). Grade 4
Bir
dC
scrubwrens and logrunners
Binna Burra
Rifl
e
Watch for yellow-throated
to Bellbird lookout with excellent views of
lengthy Border Track. Go a little
Ships Stern, Turtle Rock, ‘Kurraragin’
further to see the historic track
ck
p Tra
Loo
(Egg Rock) and Numinbah Valley.
building camp at Morans Creek.
7 Caves circuit
3 Python Rock track
5km return (1.5hrs). Grade 4
3.1km return (1hr). Grade 1
Wind through open forest and rainforest
Pass through rainforest into
8
taking in views of Coomera Valley.
an open eucalypt forest with
8 Tullawallal circuit
grasstrees, hakeas and various
5km return (1.5hrs). Grade 3
wildflowers. Enjoy views of Morans
Walk through cool temperate rainforest
Falls, Castle Crag and the Lost
before arriving at a pocket of ancient
World from Python Rock lookout.
Antarctic beech trees.
Safety
A high level of physical fitness and navigational skills are essential to walk more remote
parts of this extremely rugged mountain park. Arrive early to complete any full-day
walks and avoid getting lost at night.
Green Mountains section
Yerralahla (pool)
ton
Laming
Na
l
tio
na
k
Par
West
Rd
Canungra
Darraboola
Creek circuit
Falls
3
1
Python Rock
lookout
Morans Falls
lookouts
4
Morans
Falls
Green Mountains
campground
2
1
O’Reilly’s
Rainforest Retreat
Tree Top
Walk
Green Mountains section.
Photo: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt
17
Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland
View to Mount Mitchell from Mount Cordeaux.
Must dos
Main R ange National Park
• Stand at the edge of a receding escarpment
when you visit Sylvesters lookout and feel
as if you’re soaring above the valley below.
Spend a few hours, a day or a week discovering this historic arc of
mountains stretching spectacularly from Mount Mistake to Wilsons Peak.
• Guess the age of gnarled giant brush box
on the Rainforest circuit boardwalk at
Cunninghams Gap.
Ramble along rugged grasstree-lined
on rocky outcrops. Listen for the throaty
escarpments with coral-red giant spear
‘ok-ok-ok-ok-ok-ok’ call of the Fleay’s
lilies clinging to almost-vertical slopes
barred-frog after rainfall. Delight in
beneath. Subtropical rainforest hugs
wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead and
the park’s moist gullies while the sunny
treecreepers scurrying up tree trunks to
slopes burst with fragrant eucalypt
sneak unsuspecting prey.
• Behold spectacular Queen Mary Falls
plunging 40m into the lush boulder-strewn
valley below.
• Follow the footsteps of early explorers and
pioneers at Cunninghams and Spicers gaps.
Getting there
The park has four sections—Cunninghams
Gap and Spicers Gap at the top of the range
and Goomburra and Queen Mary Falls in the
sheltered foothills.
Cunninghams Gap section
Cunninghams Gap is 116km south-west of
Brisbane, 21km from Aratula, or 50km northeast of Warwick.
Spicers Gap section
To access Spicers Gap turn south off the
Cunningham Highway into Lake Moogerah
Road then turn right into Spicers Gap Road.
This road is steep in places and is not suitable
for campervans or caravans.
Goomburra section
Goomburra can be reached from either
the New England Highway south of Allora
or from the Cunningham Highway west of
Cunninghams Gap. The last 6km of road to
the park is unsealed and may be flooded after
heavy rain.
Queen Mary Falls section
Queen Mary Falls is 11km from Killarney and
64km south-west of Boonah on Killarney–
Boonah Road. The scenic road from the east
is steep and not suitable for caravans.
18
trees, wattles and casuarinas. Discover
the secret world of the endangered
eastern bristlebird and vulnerable
black-breasted button-quail. Stroll along
easy trails to visit heritage sites and
amazing lookouts, or head off-track for a
challenging hike into remote areas where
you’ll feel like the only soul.
Did you know?
History is alive in these hills! It is believed
that up to 13 people are buried at the
Pioneer gravesite at Spicers Gap. One
grave is reputed to be that of Mrs
Collins, the wife of a bullock driver,
who fell from a loaded wool dray while
descending the ‘pinch’ (narrow road),
and for whom Mother Collins Pinch was
named after.
Things to do
Wildlife spotting
Glimpse brush-tailed rock-wallabies
balancing precariously on the cliffs or
Cunninghams skinks sunning themselves
Picnicking
Enjoy a scenic picnic at Cunninghams Gap,
Spicers Gap, Queen Mary Falls (pictured
below) or Goomburra.
R angers’ tip
Stop for 5 minutes in a quiet place and
become part of the bush—it’s amazing
what you’ll see and hear!
Places to camp
Places to go
Camping at Goomburra is a fantastic family
1
experience with plenty to see and do.
5
Queen Mary Falls circuit
260m return (15mins). Grade 2
Venture on a short walk from the picnic
2km return (40mins). Grade 3
Book your camp site well in advance for
area to a small cemetery where 13 people
Take a leisurely stroll through the
school holidays and long weekends to make
are believed to be buried.
eucalypt-covered ridge top to the
sure you don’t miss out.
rainforest gorge and witness Queen Mary
1 Poplar Flat camping area—
Goomburra
6
Falls from the lookout.
2
Pioneer Graves track
Governors Chair lookout
300m return (15mins). Grade 3
Sylvesters lookout
Visit Governors Chair, the large rock on the
940m return (30mins). Grade 3
edge of the cliff face, which was reportedly
Enjoy an open, flat, grassy camping area
Take in magnificent views over the coastal
a popular resting spot for early governors
adjacent to Dalrymple Creek.
plains from Sylvesters lookout, including
of Queensland journeying through Spicers
the southern tip of Lake Moogerah and
Gap. Look out over Fassifern Valley.
2
Manna Gum camping area–
Goomburra
the rugged Border Ranges to the south.
3
7
Mount Castle lookout
Rainforest circuit
1.6km return (25mins). Grade 3
Manna gums provide ample shade during
960m return (30mins). Grade 3
Pass the Allan Cunningham monument
the warmer months in this open, flat, grassy
Gaze at views over Laidley Valley and
before detouring to Fassifern Valley
area next to Dalrymple Creek.
the Little Liverpool Range from Mount
lookout, offering a spectacular view over
Castle lookout.
distinctive volcanic peaks, Fassifern Valley
3
Spicers Gap camping area
4
and Lake Moogerah.
Dalrymple circuit
8
Box Forest track
For a more cosy experience, pitch a tent in
1.2km return (30mins). Grade 3
this small, grassy area set in a clearing on
Explore the rich history and natural values
5km return (2hrs). Grade 3
the eastern side of Spicers Gap.
of the forest on this self-guided signed
Pass through rainforest and open forest to
circuit, ideal for young family groups.
arrive at brush box-lined West Gap Creek.
Remote camping
Some opportunities for remote, walk-in
bush camping are available. Minimal impact
To Brisbane
camping is encouraged within the park—
please, if you pack it in, pack it out. There
are no facilities at these remote camp sites.
To Beaudesert
1 2 2 3 4
Goomburra section
To Toowoomba
Cunninghams
Gap section
7 8
Allora
Boonah
Inverramsay
Ro a d
w
Ne
Highway
gham
Cunnin
E
n gl
an
wy
dH
Gladfield
s
Spicer Rd
G ap
Spicers Gap section
3
5
6
Photos: (far left) © Tourism and Events
Qld; (top) Harry Hines © Qld Govt;
(above) Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt
Scale
0
5
10km
Killarney
R
Cre e k
d
y’s
Car
ne
1
Rd
g
Queen Mary
Falls section
ea d
eH
Sp r i n
(Left) Queen Mary Falls; (top) Fleay’s
barred-frog; (above) Dalrymple
Creek crossing on the Cascades
circuit in Goomburra section.
Th
Warwick
Ck R
d
To Rathdowney
New
South Wales
19
Photo: © Tourism and Events Queensland
Mount Barney’s East Peak.
this hiking mecca. Feel sheltered beneath
8hrs. Grade 5
on the grassy slopes, rising into subtropical
hike to Mount Maroon.
For the less adventurous, embark on a more
moderate bushwalk along the mountains’ base.
Remote bush camping
Places to go
All remote camping sites in Mount Barney
Lower Portals track
National Park can only be reached by foot.
7.4km return (3hrs). Grade 3
Minimal impact camping is encouraged within
Discover the delights of beautiful rock pools
the park—please, if you pack it in, pack it out.
along a gorge on Mount Barney Creek.
There are no facilities at the camp sites.
Cronan Creek track
honeyeaters and robins flitting in the trees.
Grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies
bound through the foothills.
20
Boonah–Rathdowne
y
Walk along the fire trail past the base of South
Maroon
Dam
Ridge into cool green riparian rainforest.
3
Upper Portals track
ree
8km return (3hrs). Grade 4
Crisscross Yamahra Creek through patches
of rainforest, eucalypt and hoop pine forest
Bu
Rd
ek
8–10hrs. Grade 5
Leaving from Yellow Pinch car
park, walk 1hr (3.5km) along
Cronan Creek track before
starting your long climb to the
N
Mt
Ballow
Ph
ers
on
Scale
0
Ra
ng
e
Mt May
Mt Maroon
Lower
Portals 1
Upper Portals East Barney
Peak
West Barney
Peak
4
3
2
Mt Clunie
Mc
5
t
Wa
South Ridge track
Burnett
Ck
4
To Rathdowney
To Boonah
13km return (5hrs). Grade 4
Log
an
Riv
er
2
Places to camp
New South
Wales
Upper Rd
Logan Rd
Yellow Pinch
Reserve
Mt Ernest
To Woodenbong
5km
y
rne
Ba
See kingfishers swoop over rock pools and
the Scenic Rim on this challenging summit
plumed frogmouth.
Rd
Wildlife spotting
displays set against the craggy peaks of
endangered Coxen’s fig-parrot and vulnerable
before refreshing at a cool waterhole.
Things to do
In spring, admire spectacular wildflower
rainforest and wet mallee forest—home of the
1
Cotswold track
5
tall spreading eucalypts and brush box trees
Mt
Climbing the peaks of Mount Barney
National Park is extremely challenging,
with exposed rocky sections, steep cliffs
and areas requiring rock scrambling
and climbing skills. They should only
be attempted by fit and experienced
bushwalkers. Clouds on the summit
can make navigation challenging. A
topographic map, navigational and map
reading skills are essential.
very fit and experienced bushwalkers.
Co t s wold
Rd
Safety
arduous and should only be undertaken by
Maroon, May, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie form
Rd
To get to Upper Portals track, turn off the
Boonah–Rathdowney Road onto Burnett
Creek Road or Newman Road, then turn
onto Waterfall Creek Road. A highclearance 4WD vehicle is required for
access beyond Waterfall Creek camp site.
grazing and farmlands, mounts Barney,
ew
m
an
From Mt Lindesay Highway turn right
onto Boonah–Rathdowney Road at
Rathdowney and left onto Barney View–
Upper Logan Road, following signs to
either Lower Portals or Yellow Pinch.
epic summit of Mount Barney. This climb is
Rd
Getting there
Rising dramatically above the surrounding
k
• Sit quietly beside crystal-clear Mount
Barney Creek at the Lower Portals and
scout for tell-tale bubbles of platypus
activity breaking on the water’s surface.
Very experienced bushwalkers can climb sheer rugged mountain peaks to
witness awe-inspiring views of craggy ridges and distant ranges.
all C
erf
• Challenge yourself and scale Mount
Maroon to delight upon spectacular
wildflowers on the summit in spring.
For experienced climbers only!
Mount Barney National Park
rne
tt C
re
Must dos
Mt Lindesay
Highway
Mt Lindesay
Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt
Bushwalking at Mount French.
Mooger ah Peaks National Park
piccabeen palms. Emerge onto rocky summits with
Relax in a small grassy area set in open
montane heath hugging the craggy outcrops and
the wind blowing across your face.
eucalypt forest close to walking tracks.
Things to do
and local rock climbers during the
This spot is often booked by international
climbing season (April to September).
Rock climbing
Mount French camp sites
Crack climbing at its best! Chalk up and scale the
sheer rock face of world-famous Frog Buttress on
Two vehicle camp sites are available in
Mount French. This is for experienced climbers only!
the Mount French car park. This spot is
often booked by international and local
Wildlife spotting
rock climbers during the climbing season
Be amazed by the acrobatics of Peregrine falcons
(April to September). Toilets, picnic tables
performing near-vertical dives into the valleys.
and wood barbecues can be found at the
Colourful finches dart through the grass and
picnic area nearby.
goannas cling to the tree trunks around you.
Boonah–Fassif
ern Rd
To Ipswich
gh
w
Hi
am
nin
To Warwick
Mount
Edwards
section
To Killarney
rd
d
Mount Alford
lford Rd
ah R d
lfo
Mount A
Rd
Ganthorpe
Rd
Cre
ek
lds
Creek
Reyn
o
d
ou
Mount
Moon
section
ch Rd Boonah
ney Rd
section of Mount French.
e M
Mt Fren
Boonah–Ra
thd
ow
Pass through heathland and delight
Mount Barney and the southern
Rd
L
Tunstal
lR
A
nt
Mount Greville
section
840m return (25mins). Grade 3
in views of Tamborine, Lamington,
ah
To Ipswich
Mount French
section
1 1 2
M
Mee-bor-rum circuit
M oog
e
oo ge r
Croftb y –Lake M
Photo: ©
Cameron
Semple
2
ke
r
Flinders Peak and beyond to the east.
La
Lake
Moogerah
ak
Main Range escarpment to the west and
h Rd
Walk to Logans lookout for panoramic
views over Fassifern Valley, with the
w o od Rd
gh
North cliff track
ar l
1
Ch
Places to go
720m return (15mins). Grade 2
Rock
climbing
at Mount
French.
Aratula
ay
breasted button-quail live on Mount French.
R
Small populations of the rarely-seen black-
Cu
n
Safety
The rough trails to the
summits of Mounts Edwards
and Greville are spectacular but
should only be tackled by fit,
experienced walkers.
Frog Buttress camping area
1
rainforest laced with hoop pines, vines and slender
Rd
Mount French is 9km west of the
turn-off just south of Boonah.
Mount Edwards is east of the
Cunningham Highway and 9km
south of Aratula. Mount Greville
is 25km south-west of Boonah
via Mount Alford Road or 11km
south of Lake Moogerah.
Mount Moon is surrounded by
private property.
woodland, extremely rare brigalow scrub and dry
Lak
eM
oo
ge
ra
h
Getting there
Places to camp
Explore the mountains, venturing through eucalypt
yer Rid
Dw Alf ges R
or
ds d
Cre
ek
• Soak in the rainbow hues of
wildflowers—ruby-red pea
flowers, yellow dogwood and
creamy Leptospermum colour
the springtime landscape atop
Mount Greville.
Marvel at the ancient volcanic peaks of mounts French, Greville, Moon and
Edwards, standing sentinel as the remnants of a once-forested Fassifern Valley.
Carneys
T
Breoviot
ok
• Feel on top of the world
looking out over Fassifern
Valley, Cunninghams Gap and
Mount Barney from lookouts
on Mount French.
oog
e ra
Must dos
Scale
1
0
2
3km
To Rathdowney
Photo: © Robert Ashdown
Standing on Glen Rock with views to Mount Philp.
Must dos
• Let your heart melt as the
setting sun passes over volcanic
outcrops and forested hills before
disappearing into the sweeping
pastel-brown plains.
• Picnic leisurely by Blackfellow
Creek or camp overnight and listen
for the storybook ‘whoo-hoo’
hoot of the powerful owl.
Getting there
Glen Rock State Forest is 40km
south of Gatton and located at the
southern end of East Haldon Road
Glen Rock State Forest
Explore open woodlands, rocky escarpments and rainforest in this
beautiful park nestled in Tenthill Valley near Gatton.
along the park’s gravel roads, where twisted
landscape. Named after a prominent volcanic
rock outcrop, this park is the most westerly
extent of the Gondwana Rainforests of
Australia World Heritage Area.
Things to do
edge of Gatton take the Mount
rock-wallabies. Search for the bright red
Sylvia Road turn-off. Travel south
flash of a glossy black-cockatoo’s tail in
through Tenthill to Junction View.
nearby casuarina trees.
At Junction View State Primary
Walking, horseriding
and cycling
Valley and the signature red rock
Blackfellow Creek trail
Follow the creek from the fertile,
alluvial flats to the headwaters of
Blackfellow Creek, ending at the
historic Top Yards.
Ea
st
ldo
Ha
d
nR
walkers and riders to
explore the unique
Mount Philp
Scale
0
Glen Rock
gully
1
2km
Glen Rock
Casuarina camping
and day use area
This open, flat, grassy camping area
for hooves and ride in
is close to Blackfellow Creek and is
the footsteps of early
dominated by the dramatic ridgelines
settlers and farmers on the
of the surrounding valley. Suitable for
trail to Top Yards and Christies
camper vans.
22
1
roads provide paths for
landscape. Swap boots
tent camping, trailers, caravans and
admire views over Blackfellow Creek
To Gatton
The park’s management
Casuarina camping area
Climb this steep and rocky trail to
16km return
Toowoomba Road at the western
1
5.2km return
2
Wildlife spotting
and oval-shaped scats left by brush-tailed
Places to camp
Christies loop
outcrop that is Glen Rock.
Be a wildlife detective and look for tracks
Haldon Road to the park.
1
eucalypt trees and grasstrees dot the
on Blackfellow Creek. From Gatton–
School turn left and follow East
Places to go
Hear the crunch underfoot as you journey
1
Loop. Cyclists can enjoy a flowing
Glen Rock
State Forest
Main Range
National
Park
Abbotts Yards
2
ride along the shared trails, taking
in views down to the rainforest gorge.
Top Yards.
No horses and mountain
bikes beyond this point.
Point Pure
Photo: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt
Journey
wisely
Lamington National Park.
Packing checklist
q Adequate drinking water, food and
emergency supplies.
q Complete first-aid kit. Include sun
and insect protection.
q Detailed map showing travel routes
and distances.
q Reliable camping gear in good
working order.
q Sturdy rubbish bags and/or sealable,
animal-proof containers. No bins
are provided.
q Long distance walkers: take a
topographic map, compass and
personal location beacon (PLB).
Be safe
Be responsible
• Walk with a group and avoid
• Rubbish—pack it in, pack it out.
walking alone.
• Allow plenty of time to reach your
planned destination before dark.
• Stay on formed tracks and do not
shortcut.
• Treat all water from taps, creeks
It’s best to book well in advance as camp sites
in popular parks are in great demand during
peak periods such as long weekends and
school holidays.
Book your camp sites and purchase your
cigarette butts and sanitary and
hygiene items) must be carried out.
• Where permitted, light campfires only
within existing fire rings.
• Avoid the spread of weeds by checking
and lakes. Boil water for 10mins or
clothing and equipment regularly for
use sterilisation tablets.
seeds. Wash boots at pathogen control
• Wear sturdy boots, protective
clothing and insect repellent to
avoid bites, scratches and stings.
• Stay well back from cliff edges and
waterfalls.
• Never dive or jump into creeks,
waterholes or lakes.
• Remember mobile phone coverage
Camping
All rubbish (including food scraps,
is limited in most parks away from
the coast. Inform family or friends
of your planned itinerary.
stations where available to stop the
spread of dangerous fungi.
• Be frog-friendly—please do not
disturb, handle or remove frogs, their
eggs or tadpoles.
• Leave your pets at home.
• Please don’t feed wildlife.
• Wash away from streams, gullies and
watercourses, minimising use of soap
and detergent.
• Where toilets are not provided, bury
all faecal waste and toilet paper
15cm deep and at least 100m from
waterways, tracks and camp sites.
camping permits online at qld.gov.au/camping
Your safety
In high fire danger conditions, walking
tracks and other areas may be closed.
In the case of a bushfire or any illegal
activity, please phone emergency
services Triple zero (000) or 112 from
your mobile phone as soon as possible.
(Left) Lamington National Park; (above)
camping along the Gold Coast Great Walk.
Photos: (left) © Daniel Barber;
(above) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt
23
Connect with Queensland
National Parks
queenslandnationalparks.com.au
book at qld.gov.au/camping
facebook.com/qldnationalparks
@QldParks; #QldParks
Useful contacts
Emergencies:
Dial Triple Zero (000) or 112 from your mobile phone.
Road conditions:
Visit the Department of Transport and Main
Roads at 131940.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40.
Tourism information:
Gold Coast Tourism
visitgoldcoast.com
Scenic Rim Regional Council
visitscenicrim.com.au
tourism@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
© State of Queensland 2016.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,
Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing.
BP1993 April 2016, accurate at the time of printing.
Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources.
Photo: Burleigh Head National Park © Lisa Frost