Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...

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Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
Queensland National Parks

Gold Coast and Scenic Rim
       national parks
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
Contents
    Parks at a glance .........................................................................2

    Welcome......................................................................................3

    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 Conservation 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

    Travel safely...............................................................................23

    Further information....................................................................24

    Parks at

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Heritage Area
                                                                                                          viewing point

                                                                                                                                                 Hiking track

                                                                                                                                                                              Horseriding
                                                              information

                                                                                            Picnic area

                                                                                                                               Short walk

                                                                                                                                                                bike riding
                                                                                                                                                                Mountain
                                                                                                          Lookout/
                                                   Camping

                                                                                                                                                                                            Fishing
                                                                               Toilets

    a glance
                                                              centre

                                                                                                                                                                                                      World
                                                              Park

     Burleigh Head NP

     David Fleay Wildlife Park

     Nerang NP                                                                                                                                                                l

     Pine Ridge RP

     Tamborine NP                                                                                                                                                             l

     Springbrook NP                                                                                                                                               u           l

     Lamington NP

     Main Range NP

     Mount Barney NP

     Moogerah Peaks NP

     Glen Rock SF

        on the SEQ horse riding trail network only (refer to qld.gov.au/NationalParks for map)                            nearby            in Numinbah section only

         Mount Barney National Park
         Photo: © Lachlan Gardiner
    Photos page 3—top (clockwise from top left): Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt; © Ben Blanche; Steve Browne © Qld Govt; © Trevor Andersen; © Lachlan Gardiner
2   Photos page 3—bottom: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (ranger); © Gareth McGuigan (background)
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
Welcome
                                                        Breathe crisp
                                                        mountain air
                                                        in 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 under the brilliant night                                                      Venture through prehistoric
 sky far from the glow of city lights                                                  landscapes carved by tumbling
                                                                                       waterfalls and cascading creeks

                                                Embark on a wildlife safari
                                              through wetlands, rainforest             You don’t have to climb a mountain to
                                               and open eucalypt forest and          appreciate its beauty. Be enthralled by the
                                              encounter some of Australia’s            majesty of the peaks of the Scenic Rim
                                                   most iconic animals

Welcome to

   Gold Coast and Scenic Rim parks
   Welcome to the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim! From the ocean to the rugged 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—be rewarded with
   many unforgettable and magical experiences.
   Tanya Sweeney, Ranger

                                                                                             Some parks featured in this brochure
                                                                                             are part of the Gondwana Rainforests
                                                                                      of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its
                                                                                      ongoing geological processes, evolutionary
                                                                                      history, and diversity (especially of rare,
                                                                                      threatened and endemic species).                  3
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
To Ipswich                  To Ipswich

                                            Parks of the

Queensland                                  Gold Coast and Scenic Rim
                                                                              Mount Beau                                                               Warril View
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                                                                       Main Range
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                                                                                                                                                       To Urbenville
                         To Stanthorpe                            Legume
                                                           13

       Track and trail classification
        Grade     Suits                                                                       Track description
                  Wheelchairs and strollers                                                   No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections.

                                                                                              No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have
                  Families with young children
                                                                                              a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.
                                                                                              Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface
                  People with some bushwalking experience
                                                                                              and many steps.

                  Experienced bushwalkers                                                     Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signs may be limited.

                  Very experienced bushwalkers                                                Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked.

                  Novice riders and experienced horses with
                                                                                              Wide trail with a gentle slope and a relatively obstacle-free, hardened natural slope.
                  basic skills and fitness
                  Experienced riders and horses
                                                                                              Trail with obstacles, variable surface and moderate slope. May include steep sections.
                  with moderate skills and fitness
                  Experienced mountain bike riders used to                                    Challenging and variable trails with long, steep climbs or descents, loose surfaces and unavoidable
  4               physically demanding routes.                                                obstacles and features.
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
North
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Stradbroke
                                                                                                                           Beenleigh                                To Brisbane                                                                                             Island
                                                             To Brisbane

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      National
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Scale
       Park                                                                                                                                                                                                 To Murwillumbah                                                     0             5             10km
                                                                                                                                                       To Murwillumbah

    To Kyogle                                                                                                                                                                                  NEW SOUTH WALES

                       Legend
                                                                                           Access track                                                      Wheelchair access                                                      Caravan                                                  Canoe launch area
                                    National park                                                                                                            (may require assistance)
                                    State forest                                           Great Walk                                                        Toilets                                                                Motorhome                                                Augmented reality

                                    Conservation park                                      Horse step over                                                   Tap water                                                              Accommodation                                            Nocturnal house

                                    Timber reserve                                         Stairs                                                            Picnic table                                                           Cafe                                                     Amphitheatre
                                                                                           Visitor information                                               Sheltered picnic area                                                  Telephone                                                Horse yards
                                    Waterways                                              Centre (VIC)
                                    Restricted access                                      Wi-Fi access (VIC)                                                Open fireplace                                                         Walking track                                            Airport
                                                                                                                                                             Barbeque—wood                                                                                                                   Water—
                                    Township                                               World Heritage Area                                                                                                                      Hiking                                                   treat before drinking
                                    Mountain                                               Ranger station                                                    Barbeque—gas                                                           Lookout                                           Trails legend
                                    State border                                           Information centre                                                Barbeque—coin                                                          Wildlife spotting                                        Shared trail
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             (walking, mountain
                                    Sealed road                                            Information shelter                                               4WD access                                                             Mountain bike riding                                     biking and horseriding)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Shared trail
                                    Unsealed road                                          Parking                                                           Camping                                                                Horseriding                                              (walking and mountain
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             biking only)
                                    Walking track                                          Wheelchair access                                                 Camper trailer                                                         Fishing                                                  Mountain bike trail
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5
                       (these symbols are used throughout this brochure)
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
Photo: © Ben Blanche
    Lamington National Park, Illinbah Circuit Crossing

    Plan your getaway
    Venture into the green beyond the gold, where open woodland and
    rainforest stretch across rolling valleys and peaks, and seemingly                                      Guided tours
    impassable ranges reach to the clouds. Write your own story on a day                                    If you prefer someone else to do
    trip or longer holiday, exploring all that this vast and beautiful region                               the planning, or you’re simply
    has to offer.                                                                                           short of time, you can join tours
                                                                                                            with experienced guides for
                                                                                                            a day or several nights.
    Best time to visit                                   Add some local flavour                             See visitscenicrim.com.au
    Along the coast the climate is mild and              Add one of the region’s fun-loving events          and destinationgoldcoast.com
    subtropical with temperatures ranging                or tourist attractions to your journey.            for more information.
    from 20°C to 28°C in summer and from
                                                         Slow dance with a special someone at a
    11°C to 21°C in winter. But in the west and
                                                         jazz festival, steal through neon-lit city
    on the mountain plateaus winter mornings
                                                         streets for some late-night shopping,
    can fall below a frosty 0°C and hot summer
                                                         treasure hunt at a local market or scream
    days can reach a simmering 25°C to 40°C,
                                                         upside down on a rollercoaster ride.
    especially on the exposed ridges.
                                                         Dress up and enjoy a day out at the
    Walking in the cooler months from April to
                                                         country races, ride your bike past
    September is best when rain and leeches
                                                         farmland and open country plains,
    are less common.
                                                         celebrate at a firefly festival or savour
                                                         regional flavours at a country pub,
                                                         teahouse or winery.

                                                         Find out more at visitscenicrim.com.au
                                                         and destinationgoldcoast.com

                                                               David Fleay Wildlife Park (below left);
                                                               exploring Lamington National Park
                                                          (below right); Albert’s lyrebird (inset).
                                                          Photos: Briony Masters © Qld Govt (below left);
                                                          Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt; (below right);
                                                          © Bruce Thomson (inset)

6
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
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.

Travelling from the West                       Travelling from the East
(Warwick)                                      (Brisbane and Gold Coast)
Day and overnight trips                        Day and overnight trips
• Enjoy a peaceful morning tea and             • Visit David Fleay Wildlife Park for
  easy bushwalks with great views at             a wildlife encounter, ranger-led
  Mount French section in Moogerah               show and Devonshire tea, before
  Peaks National Park.                           walking along Tallebudgera Creek
• Stroll through rainforest and take in          mangrove boardwalk to ocean views
  spectacular lookouts and cascades              at Burleigh Head National Park.
  at Goomburra section in Main Range           • Begin with a morning bike ride in
  National Park. With plenty of space for        Nerang National Park and State Forest
  the kids to run, this is the perfect place     then drive to Tamborine National Park
  to camp overnight with the family.             to discover cool rainforest walks,
• Picnic amid tall forest and witness a          cafes and boutiques, and the local             Tackle a Great Walk
  majestic waterfall at Queen Mary Falls         hospitality of a cosy bed and breakfast.       Challenge yourself on a 54km track
  section in Main Range National Park.                                                          linking Lamington and Springbrook
                                               Multi-day trips
                                               • Bushwalk through rainforest and past           national parks. Your route follows
Multi-day trips
                                                 waterfalls to take in scenic views             an ancient volcanic rim through the
• Camp in Mount Barney National Park
                                                 at Lamington National Park, before             Numinbah Valley and sections of the
  and spend a couple of days exploring
                                                 camping under the stars or staying             Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
  the rugged landscape on epic
                                                 at a local guesthouse.                         World Heritage Area.
  summit routes and rock climbs.
  For experienced walkers only!                • Enjoy an outdoor barbecue on a                 Visit parks.des.qld.gov/great-
• Take your hiking boots or ride your            weekend retreat to Springbrook                 walks-gold-coast-hinterland
  horse and discover the rocky                   National Park, venturing on                    for more information.
  escarpments of Glen Rock State                 bushwalks with waterfalls, rock
  Forest, camping overnight at                   caves and breathtaking views.                    Camping in a remote bush camp site at
                                                                                                  Lamington National Park (above); bushwalking
  Casuarina camping area.                      • See panoramic views at Mount French              in the rainforest (below).
                                                 section in Moogerah Peaks National          Photos: Lightcapturer © Qld Govt

                                                 Park before driving to Queen Mary
                                                 Falls. Return via Cunninghams Gap
                                                 section in Main Range National Park
                                                 for a rainforest walk on the escarpment.

                                                                                                                                                 7
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
Photo: © Qld Govt
              Headland, Burleigh Head National Park

              Burleigh Head National Park
                                                                                  Discover tumbled basalt boulders, pandanus groves and sweeping
                    Highlights                                                    ocean views on a walk through this peaceful coastal park.
                    • Stand atop Tumgun lookout and
                      be mesmerised by humpback
                                                                                  Meander through a living museum of          Places to go
                      whales breaching gracefully in
                                                                                  rainforest, mangroves and eucalyptus
                      the coastal waters during winter
                                                                                  trees and imagine a time when this was       1        Oceanview track
                      and spring.                                                                                             1.2km one way (30min)
                                                                                  once an abundantly-forested golden
                    • Glory in sea, surf and sun hitting                          coast. Venture to the top of the headland   Wander the rocky coastal headland from
                      the waves on a surfboard at the                             and discover hexagonal-shaped basalt        Tallebudgera Creek, exploring rainforest
                      world-renowned Burleigh Heads                               columns jutting out from the earth,         and pandanus groves.
                      surf break.                                                 cracked from the ancient Tweed Valley
                                                                                                                               2        Rainforest circuit
                    • Escape the summer heat with                                 lava flow. Feel the sea spray blowing in
                                                                                                                              2.3km return (45min)
                      a bushwalk through cool                                     from the ocean as you watch waves roll
                                                                                                                              Duck into cool rainforest on this uphill
                      rainforest.                                                 into the beach.
                                                                                                                              hike to superb views of the coast from
                                                                                                                              Tumgun and Jebbribillum lookouts.
                    Getting there                                                 Things to do
                    Travelling from Brisbane on the Pacific
                    Motorway, take exit 89 and drive into
                                                                                      Wildlife spotting                              Safety
                                                                            Spy water dragons and mottled carpet              Sections of the Oceanview track may
                    Burleigh Heads. Turn right onto the
                                                                            pythons sunning themselves on rocks,              be closed during or after high winds,
                    Gold Coast Highway and left into
                                                                            and Australian brush-turkeys obsessively          heavy rainfall or extreme temperatures
                    Goodwin Terrace. Travelling from New
                                                                            tending their leafy nesting mounds.               and fire. Check park alerts at qld.gov.
                    South Wales, take exit 92 and drive
                                                                            In mid-summer, jewel-coloured Richmond            au/ParkAlerts for the latest safety
                    into Palm Beach. Turn left onto the Gold
                                                                            birdwing butterflies flit through the             information. Please comply with warning
                    Coast Highway and right at the traffic
                                                                            forest feeding on rainforest nectars.             and safety signs.
                    lights north of Tallebudgera Creek.
                                                                            Walk along the rocky foreshore and
                                                                            delight in dolphins playing in the waves,
                    Goodw                                                   and white-bellied sea-eagles and                        See whales breaching (left);
                          in Terr                                                                                                   Walk around the headland (below).
                                 ace                           Jebbribillum whistling kites riding the ridge updrafts
                                                                                                                               Photos: © Qld Govt (left); Jess Rosewell © Qld Govt (below);
                                  Northern                     lookout
                                  entrance                                  on the hunt for fish.
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Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
Photo: © Robert Ashdown

                          Estuarine (saltwater) crocodile

                          David Fleay Wildlife Park
                                                                   Venture into this much-loved wildlife park, beneath dappled eucalypt
                             Highlights                            and arching fig tree canopies, in search of some of Queensland’s most
                             • Flinch at the ‘snap’ of jaws        intriguing and rarely seen animals.
                               closing, as estuarine crocodiles
                               launch out of the water to snatch
                               prey from Park Rangers at feeding
                                                                   Imagine yourself on safari, glimpsing           Places to go
                                                                   prehistoric-looking cassowaries, tree-          Free attractions outside the park.
                               time (September–February,
                                                                   kangaroos, dingoes, emus and iconic
                               subject to change).
                                                                   koalas from the boardwalk.                       1         Mangrove boardwalk
                             • Marvel at the playful escapades     Wander through wetlands, rainforest             800m return (15min)
                               of Wally, the resident platypus,    and open woodlands, where animals roam          Weave through fringing plants living
                               as he forages for crayfish and      free in the natural surroundings. The park      between land and water, peeping through
                               slides down his waterfall.          is open from 9am to 5pm daily, except           to stunning views of Tallebudgera Creek.
                             • Feel like an excited kid again as   Christmas Day and ANZAC Day morning—            Delight in azure kingfishers and rainbow
                               Park Rangers introduce you to       opening at 1pm. Admission fees apply.           bee-eaters darting through the mangroves.
                               amazing wildlife, some rarely       Phone (07) 5669 2051.
                               seen in the wild.                                                                    2 Canoeing and kayaking
                                                                                                                   Be enchanted on a peaceful paddle along
                                                                   Things to do
                             Getting there                                                                         mangrove-lined Tallebudgera Creek,
                             Take the West Burleigh turn-off
                                                                       Watch daily wildlife shows                  where you can drift past fish, stingrays,
                                                                   Join Park Rangers to learn about the            sea-eagles, and if you’re lucky, dolphins.
                             (exit 89) from the Pacific Motorway
                                                                   unique wildlife that share our backyard,
                             and follow the signs along West
                                                                   as well as elusive, endangered and even
                             Burleigh Road to the park entrance.                                                         Enjoy our Fleays in Flight show (left);
                                                                   dangerous critters! Snakes, gliders,                  Wally the platypus (middle).
                                                                                                                    Photos: Steve Browne © Qld Govt (left);
                                                                   cassowaries and crocodiles all have their        Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (middle)
                                                                   time in the spotlight.

                                                                                                                                       David Fleay
                                                                       Visit the nocturnal house                                     Conservation Park
                                                                                                                  Scale
                                                                   Uncover the secret night-time antics of        0                 200m
                                                                   platypus, woma pythons and mahogany
                                                                   gliders inside the nocturnal house. Have                        David Fleay
                                                                   a ‘Eureka’ moment far from the hot, dry                         Wildlife Park
                                                                                                                               d
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                                                                   grasslands of their native outback homes,
                                                                   discovering endangered bilbies and the
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                                                                                                                            Motorway                                            2
Gold Coast and Scenic Rim - national parks Queensland National Parks - Queensland ...
Photo: © Shane Cresser
                  Mountain biking in Nerang National Park

                  Nerang National Park and State Forest
                                                                            Whatever your pace, whether on foot, horseback or mountain bike, take time
                         Highlights                                         to enjoy the forested hills and gullies of this delightful bushland park.
                         • Listen for the ‘crack’ of glossy
                           black-cockatoos greedily breaking                Crisscrossed with a network of shared          Places to go
                           open casuarina seeds above.                      trails and designated mountain bike trails,    Try some of the old favourites or check the
                         • Tiptoe along the creek line in                   explore this popular bush retreat by foot,     link or QR code below for any new trails.
                           search of shy golden swamp                       hoof or wheel. Just make sure to look out
                           wallabies, koalas and echidnas.                  for other trail users!                             Casuarina Grove circuit
                                                                                                                           2.1km circuit plus optional 1km loop
                         Getting there                                      Things to do                                   (20min riding time)
                         Nerang National Park is 12km from                                                                 Enjoy an easy, family-friendly ride through
                         Surfers Paradise and 70km south                         Mountain biking                           a grove of casuarina trees.
                         of Brisbane. Access is along Hope                  Grab your mountain bike and test your
                         Street or Yarrayne Road, from the                  skills on one of the technically-challenging       Goanna
                         Pacific Motorway, Nerang township                  single mountain bike trails, mastering         5.2km one way (30min riding time)
                         or Beaudesert–Nerang Road.                         small drop-offs and rock gardens as you go.    Travel through eucalypt forest and dry
                                                                                                                           rainforest on this mostly easy ride with
                                                                                 Horseriding                               a few minor challenges.
                                                                            Saddle up for a more relaxed adventure
                                                                            riding horseback along mountain ridges             Three hills
                                                                            bathed in golden afternoon haze.               2.7km one way (20min riding time)
                                                                                                                           Downhill—one way only! Wind through
                                                                                                                           open forest of ghostly grey gum and
                                                                   Scale                                                   tallowwood with steep hilly sections.
                                                                   0           1km

                                                                                                                               Pete’s and Pete’s extension
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                                                                                                                           2.1km one way (15min riding time)
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                                                                                                                           Enjoy a flowing ride from the North–East
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                                                                                                                           corner of the park back to the car park.
    Rd

                                                                                                                               GC2018 Loops 1–3
                                                                                                               ot

                                                                                                                           4km return (1hr riding time)
                                                                                                         orwa

Beaudesert                                                                 Check link or QR code
−Nerang Rd                                                                                                                 One way only! Test your fitness and
                                                                                                             y

                                                                                                                           technical skills on these challenging loop
                                                                                                                           trails designed especially for the 2018
                                                                                                                           Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
                                                                                                                           (distance and time are total of the 3 loops,
                        an Rd

                                                                                                                           not each)
                    Nath

                                                                                                                              For a detailed mountain bike trail map visit
                                                                                             St
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                                                                                             ce

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                                                            Be
Photo: Bernard Hicks © Qld Govt

                                  Banksia woodland

                                  Pine Ridge Conservation Park
                                                                             Escape the bustling coast to the golden banksia woodland and flowering
                                     Highlights                              heathland of a park rich with Aboriginal cultural significance.
                                     • Breathe in the perfume of
                                       delicate wildflowers—wallum           Connect with this sacred land of the
                                       wedge pea, yellow peabush and         local Aboriginal people, a place where
                                       prickly broom heath bloom in late     meals made from local bush foods, fish
                                       winter and spring.                    and shellfish have been shared by the
                                     • Peek through binoculars and spy       Traditional Owners for thousands of
                                       sacred kingfishers, rainbow bee-      years. Discover shell heaps (middens)
                                       eaters and variegated fairy-wrens     piled with oyster shells and imagine past
                                       darting through the paperbark         feasts. Be a botanist for the day and
                                       swamp forest.                         try to distinguish the abundant forest
                                                                             types growing here—eucalypt forest
                                     Getting there                           with fragrant wattle, banksia woodland,
                                     Pine Ridge Conservation Park is in      paperbark swamp and coastal heath
                                     Runaway Bay, 10km north of the Gold     bursting with wildflowers.
                                     Coast city centre, accessed via Oxley
                                     Drive off the Gold Coast Highway.       Things to do
                                                                                   Picnic
                                                                             Relax with a picnic under the shaded
                                                                             forest canopy. Picnic tables are provided.

                                                                                        Walking and cycling
                                                                             Unwind on a gentle bushland walk or
                                                                             cycle along the forested trail, past the last
                                                                                                                             Oxley Drive

                                                                             remaining patch of wallum banksia heath
                                                                             on the Gold Coast.

                                                                                   Wildlife spotting
                                                                             Watch for echidnas snuffling in the leaf
                                                                             litter, and koalas and goannas in the tall
                                                                             bloodwood trees.
                                                                                                                                                                Poinsett
                                                                                                                                                                        ia Ave

                                                                                   Rainbow bee-eater (left);
                                                                                   pink boronia (above right).
                                                                             Photos: © Qld Museum (left);
                                                                             © Alison Ilic (right)
                                                                                                                                           Scale
                                                                                                                                           0       250   500m
                                                                                                                                                                        11
Photo: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt
     Palm Grove section, Tamborine National Park

     Tamborine National Park
                                                   Escape to the mountains and lose yourself in the shade of white-washed
        Highlights                                 flooded gums and rainforest gullies thick with piccabeen palms.
        • Witness Cameron Falls tumbling
          over the cliff top on the Sandy          Walk through ethereal rainforest and         Things to do
          Creek circuit.                           silvery eucalypt woodland, the fresh
        • Trace the footsteps of folklore          air revitalising your every step.                Wildlife spotting
          on a walk at Witches Falls—local         Admire sweeping views of Flinders            Listen for strange gurgling sounds beneath
          children once believed this forest       Peak, the Scenic Rim and Brisbane.           your feet—these may be giant Tamborine
          was haunted by witches and giants.                                                    earthworms travelling through waterlogged
                                                   Declared in 1908, Tamborine National         underground burrows. Look for Richmond
        • Go for a scenic drive stopping           Park was Queensland’s first national park,   birdwing butterflies and colourful noisy
          for a relaxing picnic with a view        (originally Witches Falls National Park).    pittas in summer. Red-necked pademelons
          at The Knoll.                            Today’s park has 14 separate sections        bound between slender palm trunks and
                                                   for visitors to explore.                     towering buttress roots, while platypus
        Getting there                                                                           and frogs dip into cool lagoons.
        Tamborine Mountain is 80km south
                                                   Did you know?
        of Brisbane. Travel via Nerang–                                                             Picnicking
                                                   The place name ‘Tamborine’ means
        Beaudesert Road and Oxenford–                                                           Enjoy popular picnic areas in Cedar Creek,
                                                   ‘wild lime’ and refers to the finger lime
        Tamborine Road from the Pacific                                                         Palm Grove, The Knoll, Witches Falls and
                                                   trees that grow wild on the mountain
        Highway, or Tamborine Mountain                                                          MacDonald sections.
                                                   and were eaten by the traditional
        Road from Canungra.
                                                   Aboriginal people of this area.
                                                                                                    Horseriding
                                                                                                Ride your horse on designated trails
                                                                                                in some sections of the park.
                                                                                                Access is from Beaudesert–Beenleigh
                                                                                                Road or Tamborine Mountain Road. Visit
                                                                                                parks.des.qld.gov.au/experiences/horse-
                                                                                                trails for information about the SEQ horse
                                                                                                riding trail network.

12
Places to go
 1       Cedar Creek Falls lookout track      6          Palm Grove circuit                                                             9              Witches Falls circuit
500m return (15min)                          2.7km circuit (1hr)                                                                      3.6km return (1hr)
Take a walk to Cedar Creek Falls lookout     Discover peaceful piccabeen palm groves,                                                 Zigzag down the mountain side through
and admire views of the gorge, waterfalls    rainforest with emergent strangler figs                                                  an open forest of banksia trees and into
and rock pools. The track to the lookout     and distinctively-buttressed yellow                                                      rainforest before reaching Witches
is suitable for strollers and assisted       carabeens. See fascinating fungi                                                         Falls lookout.
wheelchair access.                           along the way.
                                                                                                                                       10              Sandy Creek circuit
 2       Cedar Creek Falls track              7          Jenyns circuit                                                               2.6km circuit (1hr)
1.1km return (30min)                         4.8km circuit (1.5hr)                                                                    Explore lush rainforest with towering trees
From Cedar Creek Falls lookout, descend      Veer off Palm Grove circuit into drier                                                   emerging through the canopy. Admire
through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest   eucalypt forest featuring a grove of                                                     views across the valley to the southern
to the rock pools below.                     ancient cycads.                                                                          suburbs of Brisbane and D’Aguilar Range
                                                                                                                                      from Cameron Falls lookout.
 3       Curtis Falls track                   8          Witches Chase track
1.1km return (30min)                         2.6km return (1hr)
                                                                                                                                                  Safety
Be enchanted on a walk beneath towering      Wander down this track to Witches Falls
                                                                                                                                      The steep narrow roads from Nerang,
flooded gums into lush rainforest to         lookout and continue through rainforest
                                                                                                                                      Oxenford and Canungra are unsuitable
Curtis Falls.                                with large red cedar trees and
                                                                                                                                      for buses, trailers, caravans and trucks.
                                             eucalypt forest.
 4       Lower creek circuit
2.5km return (1hr)                                                                                                                          Parking
Branch off Curtis Falls track and cross                                                                                               There is limited car parking at Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek before passing a giant,                                                                                                   section and limited bus, caravan and
fallen strangler fig.                                                                                                                 motorhome parking in Joalah and
                                                                                                                                      Witches Falls sections.
 5       MacDonald rainforest circuit
1.4km return (30min)
Enjoy an easy, gentle walk past strangler                                               Cedar Creek section
                                                                                                                                                                                            To Oxenford
figs and lush groves of piccabeen palms.                                                 1     2                                                                                            and Nerang

                                                                                        Wheelchair-assisted access is available
     Curtis Falls (below left),                                                         in the day-use area and to Cedar Creek
     Palm Grove (below middle);                                                         Falls lookout only.
                                               Ta
                                                                                                                                                                      R o ad

“Noisy pitta (below right).
                                                 m
Photos: © Lev Evison (below left);                   bo
© Queensland Museum (below middle);                    rin                                         Cedar Creek
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Adam Creed © Qld Govt (below left)                             ou                                  Falls Road                                                  xenf
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                                                                                                                                                          5                          Panorama
                                                      The Knoll section                                                        Joalah                                               Point section
                                                                                                                                                             MacDonald
                                                                                                                               section                        section
                                                      10
                                                                                                                                                  Pirralilla
                                                                                                    Kn
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                                                      Wheelchair-assisted access is                                                               section
                                                                                                                              i ve
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                                                      available in the day-use area only.
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                                                                                                                                                                  Wongawallan Road
                                                                                                                                                Drive
                                                                                                               Main St

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                                                                                                                                                               Grove
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                                                                                                                                                             Curtis
                                                                                                                                                             Road              Palm Grove
                                                  Witches Falls section                                                 Eagle Heights                                           section
                                                                                                                            Road
                                                     8    9
                                                                                                 M ain W

                                                  Wheelchair-assisted access
                                                                                                        estern R oad

                                                  is available in the day-use
                                                  area only.
                                                                                                                              Scale
                                                                                                                              0                       1                   2km                       13
                                                                             To Canungra
Photo: Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt
     Springbrook National Park

                  Springbrook National Park
                                                  Spectacular waterfalls and cool ancient forests await you in this
       Highlights                                 beautiful World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.
       • Stand on the suspension bridge
         and feel the spray of Purling Brook
                                                  Strap on your hiking boots and submerge        Things to do
         Falls plummeting into the rock pools.
                                                  into lush subtropical rainforest, open
       • Walk among ancient Antarctic             eucalypt woodland and montane heath,                 Wildlife spotting
         beech trees in the cool temperate        the sound of tumbling creeks and               Spot brilliant blue spiny crays, frogs
         rainforest on the Best of All            songbirds in the air. Witness the power        and long-finned eels swimming in
         lookout track.                           of roaring cascades as they continue to        the sparkling mountain streams.
       • Visit Natural Bridge by day to see       sculpt rocky escarpments and caves.            Shy pademelons, swamp wallabies
         the unique waterfall. At night, be       Feel you’ve reached the world’s edge as        and potoroos roam the forest floor and
         entranced by the blue-green lights       you venture atop lookouts and take in          glossy-black satin bowerbirds forage
         of thousands of glow-worms living        breathtaking views of the valleys below.       for blue treasures to decorate their
         in the cave.                                                                            bowers. At night, glow-worms provide
                                                                                                 a magical experience inside the cave
                                                  Did you know?
       Getting there                              Glow-worms seen at Natural Bridge are
                                                                                                 at Natural Bridge.
       Springbrook has four sections—the          not actually worms but the larvae of a
       plateau, Mount Cougal to the east and
                                                                                                       Horseriding
                                                  small fly. The light you see is a chemical     Enjoy a country-style horseride along
       Natural Bridge and Numinbah to the west.   reaction occurring inside the glow-worm’s      the specified trails in Numinbah and
       Springbrook plateau section                body. Known as bioluminescence, meaning        Austinville sections of the park. Visit
       Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang        ‘living light’, this quirk of nature is used   parks.des.qld.gov.au/experiences/horse-
       and follow Nerang–Murwillumbah             to lure prey.                                  trails for information about the SEQ horse
       Road to the Springbrook turn-off                                                          riding trail network.
       at Pine Creek Road or take the             Rangers’ tip
       Mudgeeraba turn off and follow
                                                      Book in advance with a local tour                Blue spiny crayfish (left); Natural Bridge (below);
       the Gold Coast–Springbrook Road.                                                                Twin Falls (right); Eastern yellow robin (far right).
                                                  operator for a night-time glow worm tour.
                                                                                                 Photos: © Robert Ashdown (left); © Tourism and Events
       Mount Cougal section                       Find out more at destinationgoldcoast.com      Qld (below); Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (right);
                                                                                                 Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt (far right)
       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.

14
Places to go                                                                                                                                                                Places to camp
 1      Goomoolahra Falls                         6                            Natural Bridge circuit                                                                        1 The Settlement camping area
        lookout and track                     1km return (1hr)
200m return (5min)                            Walk across Cave Creek to witness the
                                                                                                                                                                            Pitch a tent beside your car or bring your
Take in the view stretching to Stradbroke     waterfall plunging into the arched cave.
                                                                                                                                                                            camper trailer or campervan to this
and Moreton islands from several              At night, the cave is illuminated by glow-
                                                                                                                                                                            beautiful mountain top camping area.
lookouts at the top of the 60m high           worms and fungi and alive with the flutter
                                                                                                                                                                            Slumber peacefully under a starry sky
Goomoolahra Falls.                            of little bent-wing bat wings. This track
                                                                                                                                                                            then a short walk to the top of Purling
                                              is best walked in a clockwise direction.
                                                                                                                                                                            Brook Falls.
 2      Best of All lookout track
600m return (30min)                               7                            Cascades track
Venture past Antarctic beech trees to a       1.6km return (1hr)                                                                                                                       Safety
spectacular view of northern New South        Walk through subtropical rainforest                                                                                           Be cautious near cliff edges, remain on
Wales dominated by Mount Warning, an          beside Currumbin Creek to a viewing                                                                                           formed walking tracks and stay well
ancient extinct volcano.                      platform overlooking scenic cascades                                                                                          outside the restricted access area at the
                                              and an old bush sawmill.                                                                                                      top and base of Purling Brook Falls, and
 3      Purling Brook Falls circuit                                                                                                                                         on Cave Creek at Natural Bridge. Do not
4km return (2hr)                                                                                                                                                            jump into rock pools at Mount Cougal.
Pass through open eucalypt forest with                                                                                                                                      Serious injuries have occurred.
tall New England ash, ancient
lepidozamias, hakeas and wildflowers
                                                                   To Nerang                                                                                                                    Scale
                                                                                                                                                                                                0       1    2    3km
before descending into the gorge to view
the falls from the suspension bridge over
the rock pools. With 265 steps this walk is
                                                                                                              Pine Cree k R

                                                                                                                                                            To Mudgeeraba
best travelled in a clockwise direction.
                                                                                                                                                                          oad
                                                                                                                                        Numinbah                        kR
 4      Twin Falls circuit
                                                                                         Waterfa ll Creek

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4km return (2hr)
                                                                                                                        ad  o

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                                              Nerang Rive

Pass behind two waterfalls, through                                                                                                                        Sp
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rock clefts and among palms and
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treeferns on this exciting bushwalk
                                                                                                                                         Gol

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                                                                    Numinbah
through changing forests.                                           Valley
                                                                                                  Wunburra                                       Seqwater
                                                                                                                                                  estate            Little
                                                                                                   lookout
 5      Warrie circuit                                                                                                                                              Nerang
                                                                                                                                                                    Dam
14km return (allow 5–6hr)
                                                                             Apple Tree Park
Follow the base of The Canyon cliffs to
Goomoolahra Falls before descending into
the mossy green depths of the rainforest                                                                                                           Springbrook
to reach the ‘Meeting of the Waters’,                                                                                                              National Park
where all watercourses draining                                                                                                                                                    Gwongorella
The Canyon meet.                                                                                                                          3                                        picnic area
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                                                                          Bochow Park
                                                                                                                                          Road

                                                                                                                                                 The Settlement
                                                                                                            Lyreb

                                                                                                                                                 picnic area
                                                                 illumba

                                                                                                                                                                                         Gauriemabah—
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                                                                                                                                                                        lookout
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                                                                                     Bridge                                                        4                       picnic area
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                 To Currumbin
                                                                                     section
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                                                                                                                                                  Tallanbana
                                                                                     6                                                                                                                      Mount Cougal
                                                                                                                                        ea

                                                                                                                                                  trailhead
                                                                                                                                                                                                              section
                                                                                                                                    R ep

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7
                                                                                                                                                             Numinbah
                                                                                                                                                           Nature Reserve
                                                                                                                              2
                                                                                    To                                              Best of
                                                                                   Murwillumbah                                     All lookout                                    New South Wales
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            15
Photo: © Bevin Rijkaart
     Elabana Falls

                     Lamington National Park
                                                Walk upon cloud-drenched mountains and over rugged cliffs
        Highlights                              and crystal-clear creeks.
        • Admire sweeping views across
          Ships Stern, Turtle Rock,
          ‘Kurraragin’ (Egg Rock) and
                                                Reinvigorate your spirit on a short or         Rangers’ tip
                                                full-day bushwalk past roaring cascades        The best way to truly experience this
          down into Numinbah Valley from
                                                and rainforest groves, under the twisted       historic World Heritage gem is to stay
          Koolanbilba lookout along the
                                                arms of ancient Antarctic beech trees          overnight. Discover the park’s special
          Bellbird track.
                                                and through blankets of flowering heath.       stories at the Binna Burra and Green
        • Feel cool spray kiss your face as
                                                Lamington’s rainforests are remnants           Mountains information centres.
          you walk past rushing cascades
                                                of ancient Gondwanan forests that once
          and wild waterfalls on the
                                                covered Australia. With each step feel
          Toolona Creek circuit.
                                                a connection with this beautiful land.         Places to go
        • Rest in quiet contemplation at
                                                                                               Green Mountains section
          Collin’s chair on the Caves track
          and take in views down into           Did you know?                                   1      Centenary track
          Coomera Valley.                       The Albert’s lyrebird can imitate sounds of    1.8km return (30min)
        • Hike the rainforest-clad cliff        up to 20 different bird calls. If you hear a   Pass through tall hoop pines into
          line along the state border on        kookaburra laughing in the rainforest, the     subtropical forest on this easy walk,
          the Border Track, from Green          chances are it’s a male Albert’s lyrebird      stopping to pause at the bench seating
          Mountains to Binna Burra.             broadcasting his remarkable vocal              provided to watch for regent and satin
                                                abilities to impress potential mates.          bowerbirds darting through the branches.
        Getting there
                                                                                                2           Rainforest return
        Lamington National Park has             Things to do
        two sections—Green Mountains                                                           1.4km return (30min)
        (O’Reilly) and Binna Burra.                  Wildlife spotting                         Watch for logrunners and yellow-throated
        If you’re using GPS directions type     Listen for the whip-cracking call of the       scrubwrens among the leaf litter on this
        ‘Binna Burra’, and ‘O’Reilly’s’ or      eastern whipbird. See the brilliant red        short rainforest stroll at the start of the
        ‘Lamington National Park Road’          and blue colours of the crimson rosella        21.4km Border Track. The first 700m of
        for Green Mountains.                    and the magnificent green and red of           this track is accessible for wheelchairs
        Green Mountains section                 the Australian king-parrot. In the cooler      with assistance.
        Exit the Pacific Motorway at            months you may be lucky enough
        Beenleigh or Nerang and follow          to hear the fluid calls or spy the
        signs to Canungra. The 36km             gossamer plumage of one of the
        road to the park from Canungra is       park’s songbirds—the Albert’s
        unsuitable for large campervans,        lyrebird—along the rainforest tracks.
        camper trailers or caravans.
        Binna Burra section
        Exit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang
        and follow signs west to Lamington
        National Park, Binna Burra. The final
16      1km of the 10km drive is very narrow
        and winding.
3      Python Rock track                      7      Caves track                                         Places to camp
                                              3.5km circuit return (1hr)                                  Privately-managed campgrounds are
4.9km return (1.5hr)
                                              Wind through open forest and rainforest,                    located close to the park at Green Mountains
Pass through rainforest into an open
                                              taking in views of Coomera Valley.                          and Binna Burra.
eucalypt forest scattered with grasstrees.
                                              View Kweebani Cave from a safe
Enjoy views of Morans Falls, Castle Crag
                                              distance—avoid lingering near the cave
and the Razorback and the distant                                                                                   Safety
                                              as rockfalls may occur. Return along the
peaks that form the scenic rim from                                                                       A high level of physical fitness and
                                              same track.
Python Rock lookout.                                                                                      navigational skills are essential to walk
                                                                                                          more remote parts of this extremely
 4                                             8      Tullawallal circuit
        Morans Falls track                                                                                rugged mountain park. Arrive early to
                                              5km return (1.5hr)
6.2km return (2hr) via the Centenary track.                                                               complete any full-day walks and avoid
                                              Walk through subtropical rainforest before
See Morans Falls and a scenic panorama                                                                    getting lost at night.
                                              arriving at a pocket of cool temperate
from Morans clearing lookout with views
                                              rainforest dominated by ancient                                  Red-necked pademelon (left); Crimson rosella (middle);
over the Kerry Valley and distant ranges                                                                       Python Rock track, Green Mountains section (right).
                                              Antarctic beech trees.
that frame the scenic rim.                                                                                Photo: Leanne White © Qld Govt (left);
                                                                                                          Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt (middle/right)

Binna Burra section

                                                                                    d
                                                Binna Burra

                                                                                  oa
 5      Rainforest circuit
                                                                                aR
                                                  section
                                                                             urr
1.2km return (30min)                                                                        Binna Burra
                                                                           aB

                                                                                            Mountain Lodge
Listen for the calls of bowerbirds and                                                                                       6
                                                                       Binn

                                                   Lower picnic area
catbirds as you pass through warm                  and trailhead
subtropical rainforest.

 6      Bellbird track
10km return (4hr)                                                                              Saddle
                                                                                               trailhead
Descend through rainforest and open
forest to Koolanibilba and Yangaha
lookouts for spectacular views of Ships                                 7                                               6
Stern, Turtle Rock, Kurraragin (Egg Rock)
and into Numinbah Valley. Return to the                                                                                                     Creek
                                                                                                                                       Bird
start of the track by walking back along                                                                                         Rifle
                                                         Kweebani                                5
the track.                                               Cave
                                                                                                     Bord

                                                                       Binna Burra
                                                                                                            Tr
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                                                                                                               a   ck                                          Yangahla
                                                                                                                                                               lookout
                                                                                                 Lo
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                                                                   Binna Burra trailhead                                    Koolanbilba
                                                                                                        k

                                                                                                                                lookout

                                                                                                                8

                                                 Green
                                               Mountains               3                                     Lamington
                                                section                                                     National Park
                                                                                                                Road                          West Canungra
                                                                                                            1                                  Creek circuit

                                                                                        4
                                                    Python Rock
                                                         lookout
                                                                                                                                                    2
                                                    Morans Falls lookout           Morans              O’Reilly’s
                                                                                    Falls              Campground                                       Top Walk
                                                   Morans Clearing lookout                                                    O’Reilly’s
                                                                                                                              Rainforest Retreat                Border
                                                                                                                                                                Track
Photo: © SarahHaskmann
     View to Mount Mitchell from Mount Cordeaux

                  Main Range National Park
                                                  Spend a few hours, a day or a week discovering this historic arc of
        Highlights                                mountains stretching spectacularly from Mount Mistake to Wilsons Peak.
        • Stand at the edge of the receding
          escarpment at Sylvesters lookout
          and feel as if you’re soaring           Ramble along rugged escarpments with             Things to do
          above the valley below.                 giant spear lilies clinging to almost-
                                                  vertical slopes beneath. Subtropical                 Wildlife spotting
        • Behold spectacular Queen Mary
                                                  rainforest hugs the park’s moist gullies         Glimpse brush-tailed rock-wallabies
          Falls plunging 40m into the lush
          boulder-strewn valley below.            while the sunny slopes burst with                balancing precariously on the cliffs or
        • Follow the footsteps of early           eucalypt trees, grasstrees, wattles and          Cunninghams skinks sunning themselves
          explorers and pioneers at               casuarinas. Discover the secret world of         on rocky outcrops. Listen for the throaty
          Cunninghams and Spicers gaps.           the endangered eastern bristlebird and           ‘ok-ok-ok-ok-ok-ok’ call of the Fleay’s
                                                  vulnerable black-breasted button-quail.          barred-frog after rainfall. Delight in
        Getting there                                                                              wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead
                                                  Stroll along easy trails to visit heritage
        The park has four sections—
                                                  sites and amazing lookouts, or head              and treecreepers scurrying up tree trunks
        Cunninghams Gap and Spicers
                                                  off-track for a challenging hike into            to sneak unsuspecting prey.
        Gap at the top of the range and
        Goomburra and Queen Mary Falls in         remote areas where you’ll feel like
        the sheltered foothills.                  the only soul around.
                                                                                                       Picnicking
                                                                                                   Enjoy a scenic picnic at Cunninghams Gap,
        Cunninghams Gap section
        Cunninghams Gap is 116km south-                                                            Spicers Gap, Queen Mary Falls (pictured
        west of Brisbane, 21km from Aratula,
                                                  Did you know?                                    below) or Goomburra.
        or 50km north-east of Warwick.            History is alive in these hills! It’s believed
        Spicers Gap section                       that up to 13 people are buried at the
        To access Spicers Gap turn south off      Pioneer gravesite at Spicers Gap. One
        the Cunningham Highway into Lake          grave is reputed to be that of Mrs Collins,      Rangers’ tip
        Moogerah Road then turn right into        the wife of a bullock driver, who fell from         Stop for 5 minutes in
        Spicers Gap Road. This road is steep      a loaded wool dray while descending              a quiet place and become
        in places and is not suitable for         the ‘pinch’ (narrow road), and after             part of the bush—it’s amazing what
        campervans or caravans.
                                                  whom Mother Collins Pinch was named.             you’ll see and hear!
        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
18      steep and not suitable for caravans.
Places to go                                               5           Rainforest circuit                            Places to camp
                                                                 1.6km return (25min)                                       Camping at Goomburra is a fantastic family
         1       Queen Mary Falls circuit
                                                                 Pass the Allan Cunningham monument                         experience with plenty to see and do.
       2km return (40min)
                                                                 before detouring to Fassifern Valley                       Book your camp site well in advance for
       Take a leisurely stroll through the
                                                                 lookout, offering a spectacular view                       school holidays and long weekends to
       eucalypt-covered ridge top to the
                                                                 over distinctive volcanic peaks,                           make sure you don’t miss out.
       rainforest gorge and witness
                                                                 Fassifern Valley and Lake Moogerah.
       Queen Mary Falls from the lookout.
                                                                                                                             1 Poplar Flat camping area—
         2                                                        6           Box Forest track                                      Goomburra
                 Sylvesters lookout
                                                                 5km return (2hr)
       940m return (30min)
                                                                 Pass through rainforest and open forest to                 Enjoy an open, flat, grassy camping area
       Take in magnificent views over the coastal
                                                                 arrive at brush box-lined West Gap Creek.                  adjacent to Dalrymple Creek.
       plains from Sylvesters lookout, including
       the southern tip of Lake Moogerah and
                                                                  7           Pioneer Graves
       the rugged Border Ranges to the south.
                                                                 260m return (15min)                                         2 Manna Gum camping area–
                                                                                                                                    Goomburra
                                                                 Venture on a short walk from the
         3       Mount Castle lookout
                                                                 picnic area to a small cemetery where
       960m return (30min)                                                                                                  Manna gums provide ample shade during
                                                                 13 people are believed to be buried.
       Gaze at views over Laidley Valley                                                                                    the warmer months in this open, flat,
       and the Little Liverpool Range                                                                                       grassy area next to Dalrymple Creek.
                                                                  8           Governors Chair lookout
       from Mount Castle lookout.
                                                                 300m return (15min)
                                                                 Visit Governors Chair, the large rock                       3 Spicers Gap camping area
         4       Dalrymple circuit
                                                                 on the edge of the cliff face, which was
       1.2km return (30min)
                                                                 reportedly a popular resting spot for early                For a more cosy experience, pitch a tent
       Explore the rich history and natural values
                                                                 governors of Queensland journeying                         in this small, grassy area set in a clearing
       of the forest on this self-guided signed
                                                                 through Spicers Gap. Look out over                         on the eastern side of Spicers Gap.
       circuit, ideal for young family groups.
                                                                 Fassifern Valley.
                                                                                                                                    Remote camping
                                                                 These are just a few of the 22 walking
                                                                                                                            Some opportunities for remote, walk-in
                                                                 tracks on park, visit qld.gov.au/MainRange
                                                                                                                            bush camping are available. You must be
                                                                 for detailed information on the walks.
                                                                                                                            fit, experienced and suitably prepared and
                                                                                                                            purchase camping permits before you go.
                                                                       Safety                                               There are no facilities.
                                                                 Take care near cliff edges and remain
                                                                 on formed walking tracks.

                                                                                                                                         To Brisbane                            To
                                                                                     1   2 2 3 4                                                                               Beaudesert

      Fleay’s barred-frog (left);                                                 Goomburra section                 5 6
      Queen Mary Falls (above);             To Toowoomba                                                                                 Aratula
Dalrymple Creek crossing on the Cascades
circuit in Goomburra section (below).      Allora
Photos: Harry Hines © Qld Govt (left);                                                                       Cunninghams                                                  Boonah
Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt (above/below)                 Inverrams                                             Gap section
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                                                                                                                                                                       0       5        10km
                                                                      Gladfield
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                                                                                    Queen Mary Falls
                                                                                                         Sp r i

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                                                                                                                                                                   New
                                                                                         Killarney                                                              South Wales        19
Photo: Steve Browne © Qld Govt
     Mount Barney’s East Peak

                   Mount Barney National Park
                                                 Only the very experienced can climb sheer, rugged mountains to
        Highlights                               witness awe-inspiring views of craggy ridges and distant ranges.
        • Watch the many moods of Mount
          Barney from the Yellow Pinch lookout   Rising dramatically above the surrounding               3                Lower Portals track
          and don’t even raise a sweat!          grazing and farmlands, mounts Barney,                  7.4km return (3hr)
        • Sit quietly beside crystal-clear       Maroon, May, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie                 Discover the delights of beautiful rock pools
          Mount Barney Creek at the Lower        form a hiking mecca. These peaks are                   along a gorge on Mount Barney Creek.
          Portals and scout for tell-tale        important refuges for animals such as
          bubbles of platypus activity           the endangered Eastern bristlebird and                  4                Upper Portals track
          breaking on the water’s surface.       threatened brush-tailed rock wallaby.                  8km return (3hr)
                                                                                                        Crisscross Yamahra Creek through patches
                                                 You don’t have to climb Mount Barney                   of rainforest, eucalypt and hoop pine forest
        Getting there                            to discover the park’s many gems.                      before refreshing at a cool waterhole.
        From Mt Lindesay Highway turn right
                                                                                                        Summit routes
        onto Boonah–Rathdowney Road at
                                                 Things to do                                           Summit routes are not walking tracks! Climb
        Rathdowney and left onto Barney
                                                                                                        with a capable, experienced leader and follow
        View–Upper Logan Road, following              Wildlife spotting
                                                                                                        a route guide to navigate over the steep terrain.
        signs to either Lower Portals or         See kingfishers swoop over rock pools
        Yellow Pinch.                            and honeyeaters and robins flitting in the
                                                                                                        Places to camp
                                                 trees. Grey kangaroos and red-necked
        To get to the Upper Portals track,                                                                      Remote bush camping
                                                 wallabies bound through the foothills.
        turn off the Boonah–Rathdowney                                                                  All remote camping sites in Mount Barney
        Road onto Newman Road, then turn                                                                National Park can only be reached by foot.
        left onto the Waterfall Creek Road.      Places to go                                           Minimal impact camping is encouraged within
        A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is                                                                 the park—please, if you pack it in, pack it
                                                  1      Yellow Pinch lookout
        required for access beyond Waterfall                                                            out. There are no facilities at the camp sites.
                                                 2km return (1hr)
        Creek Reserve.                                                                                                                  To Boonah               To Rathdowney
                                                 Learn about the geological history
                                                 of this ancient landscape—volcanoes                                                                        Boonah–Rathdow
                                                                                                                           Maroon                                         n
                                                                                                                                                              Cots w old
                                                                                                                                                                    Rd

           Safety                                and ring faults, and be mesmerised                                         Dam
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     Climbing the peaks of Mount Barney          by the commanding presence of          0                           5km
                                                                                                                                            Ne                                       r
                                                 Mount Barney before you.
                                                                                                                                                                               ive

     National Park is extremely challenging,                                                                              Waterfall
                                                                                                                                                          Mt Maroon
                                                                                                                                                                             nR

                                                                                                                          Creek Rd        Mt May
     with exposed rocky sections, steep cliffs
                                                                                                                                                                             ga

                                                  2      Cronan Creek Falls                                         Rd
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     and areas requiring rock scrambling and                                                                   ek
                                                 12km return (4hr)                                           re
     climbing skills. All summit routes should                                                                                    4
                                                                                                                                                                             Mt
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                                                                                                                                           Lower
                                                 Walk along the picturesque                                                                               3
                                                                                                                                                                              Ba

                                                                                                                                           Portals
                                                                                                   rne

     only be attempted by fit and experienced                                                               Mt                Upper
                                                                                                                                                                                  rn
                                                                                                 Bu

                                                 rock-tumbled Cronan Creek
                                                                                                                                                                                  ey

                                                                                                        Ballow                Portals                                                    R
     people. Clouds on the summit can make                                                                                                       East Barney           Upper                 d
                                                 as it meanders through cool                                                      West              Peak              Logan Rd
     navigation challenging. A high level of                                                                                   Barney Peak
                                                                                                 t Ck

                                                 green riparian rainforest                                                                                       1    Yellow Pinch
     fitness, bush navigation and map reading                                                                                              2                          Reserve
                                                                                          Burnet

                                                                                   Mt
                                                 to the falls.                     Clunie
     experience, and thorough preparation
                                                                                  Mc
     are essential.                                                                  Ph                       New South                        Mt Ernest
                                                                                  Ra erso                       Wales
                                                                                     ng   n
20                                                                                      e
                                                                                                                    To Woodenbong         Mt Lindesay          Mt Lindesay
                                                                                                                                          Highway
Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt

                                   Bushwalking at Mount French

                                   Moogerah Peaks National Park
                                                                                     Marvel at the ancient volcanic peaks of mounts French, Greville, Moon
                                      Highlights                                     and Edwards, standing sentinel as the remnants of a once-forested
                                      • Feel on top of the world looking             Fassifern Valley.
                                        out over Fassifern Valley,
                                        Cunninghams Gap and                          Explore the mountains, venturing through          Places to camp
                                        Mount Barney from lookouts                   eucalypt woodland, extremely rare
                                        on Mount French.                             brigalow scrub and dry rainforest featuring        1 Frog Buttress camping area
                                      • Soak in the rainbow hues of                  hoop pines, vines and slender piccabeen
                                        wildflowers—ruby-red pea                     palms. Emerge onto rocky summits with             Relax in a small grassy area set in open
                                                                                     montane heath hugging the craggy outcrops         eucalypt forest close to walking tracks.
                                        flowers, yellow dogwood and
                                                                                     and the wind blowing across your face.            This spot is often booked by international
                                        creamy Leptospermum colour
                                        the springtime landscape atop                                                                  and local rock climbers during the
                                        Mount Greville.                              Things to do                                      climbing season (April to September).

                                                                                          Rock climbing                                          Mount French vehicle camp sites
                                      Getting there                                  Crack climbing at its best! Chalk up and
                                                                                                                                       Two vehicle camp sites are available
                                      Mount French is 9km west of the                scale the sheer rock face of world-famous
                                                                                                                                       adjacent to the Mount French car park.
                                      turn-off just south of Boonah.                 Frog Buttress on Mount French. This is for
                                                                                                                                       Toilets, picnic tables and electric
                                      Mount Edwards is east of the                   experienced climbers only!
                                                                                                                                       barbecues are provided in the picnic
                                      Cunningham Highway and 9km                                                                       area nearby.
                                                                                          Wildlife spotting
                                      south of Aratula. Mount Greville
                                                                                     Be amazed by the acrobatics of peregrine
                                      is 25km south-west of Boonah via               falcons performing near-vertical dives into
                                      Mount Alford Road or 11km south                the valleys. Colourful finches dart through
                                      of Lake Moogerah. Mount Moon is                the grass and goannas cling to the tree
                                      surrounded by private property.                trunks around you. Small populations of                                     To Ipswich                   Boonah–Fas
                                                                                                                                                                                                              sifern Rd To
                                                                                     the rarely-seen black-breasted button-                                                                        d                             Ipswich
                                                                                                                                                                                                 hR     Mount
                                                                                     quail live on Mount French.
                                                                                                                                                                                           era
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                                         Safety                                                                                                   Aratula                                           French section
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                                   The rough trails to the summits of Mounts                                                                                              ar                                  French         Boonah
                                                                                                                                                                               l w o od
                                                                                     Places to go
                                                                                                                                                                         R
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                                                                                                                                  To                                                                                 R   d
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                                   Edwards and Greville are spectacular but should                                                Warwick                  Mount                              1 2         1
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                                   only be tackled by fit, experienced walkers.       1      North cliff track                                            Edwards
                                                                                                                                                                               Rd
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                                                                                                                                     Cun   nin            section
                                        Rock climbing at Mount French.               720m return (15min)                                                                              Tunst                                  Rd
                                                                                                                                                                           ah

                                        Photo: © Cameron Semple                                                                                                                                                         rd
                                                                                     Walk to Logans lookout for panoramic
                                                                                                                                                                          ger

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                                                                                                                                              Lake                                              Rd                lfo
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                                                                                     views over Fassifern Valley, with the           o og
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         B o onah–Rathdo

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                                                                                     Main Range escarpment to the west and                   R d ak
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                                                                                                                                   Mount                                                 nt            Alford
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                                                                                     Flinders Peak and beyond to the east.                                                     or
                                                                                                                                   Greville                                         d Rd
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                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ganthorpe
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                                                                                             Mee-bor-rum circuit
                                                                                                                                                        Croftby–Lake

                                                                                                                                                                       Mount
                                                                                                                                                                                       yer Ridg
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        wn

                                                                                     840m return (25min)                                                                Moon
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                   d
                                                                                     Pass through heathland and delight in views                                       section                                   kR
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                                                                                     of Tamborine, Lamington, Mount Barney and
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Cr

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Scale
                                                                                                                                           Creeynolds

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                                                                                     the southern section of Mount French.
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                                                                                                                                                   To Killarney                                  To Rathdowney
Photo: © Robert Ashdown
     Standing on Glen Rock with views to Mount Philp

     Glen Rock State Forest
                                                       Explore open woodlands, rocky escarpments and rainforest in this
        Highlights                                     beautiful park nestled in Tenthill Valley near Gatton.
        • Watch the setting sun pass over
          volcanic outcrops and forested               Venture along forest roads, past                        2           Blackfellow Creek trail
          hills before it disappears beyond            twisted eucalypt trees and grasstrees.                 16km return
          the sweeping pastel plains.                  Named after a prominent volcanic                       Follow the creek from the fertile, alluvial
        • Picnic leisurely by Blackfellow              rock outcrop, this park bounds                         flats to the headwaters of Blackfellow
          Creek or camp overnight and                  the most westerly extent of the                        Creek, ending at the historic Top Yards.
          listen for the storybook ‘whoo-              Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
          hoo’ hoot of the powerful owl.               World Heritage Area.                                    2       Mount Machar walking track
                                                                                                              3.2km return
        Getting there                                  Things to do
                                                                                                              Take a stroll to a small knoll with views
        Glen Rock State Forest is 40km                                                                        over the valley.
        south of Gatton and located at the                  Wildlife spotting
                                                       Be a wildlife detective and look for tracks
        southern end of East Haldon Road                                                                      Places to camp
        on Blackfellow Creek. From the                 and oval-shaped scats left by brush-tailed
        Gatton–Toowoomba Road at the                   rock-wallabies. Search for the bright red               1 Casuarina camping area
        western edge of Gatton take the                flash of a glossy black-cockatoo’s tail in
        Mount Sylvia Road turn-off. Travel             nearby casuarina trees.                                This open, flat, grassy camping area
        south through Tenthill to Junction                                                                    is close to Blackfellow Creek and is
                                                       Walking, horseriding and cycling
        View. At Junction View State Primary                                                                  dominated by the dramatic ridgelines of
        School turn left and follow East                                                                      the surrounding valley. Suitable for tent
        Haldon Road to the park.                       The management roads provide paths                     camping, trailers, caravans and camper vans.
                                                       for walkers and riders to explore the
                                                                                                 Ea s

          View from Glen Rock.                                                                                To Gatton
                                                       unique landscape. Swap boots for
                                                                                                     tH

          Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt
                                                                                                       al

                                                       hooves and ride in the footsteps of               on
                                                                                                          d
                                                                                                              Rd

                                                       early settlers and farmers on the trail                                   Mount Philp
                                                       to Top Yards and Christies Loop.                 1                                                   Main Range
                                                                                                                       Glen Rock gully                       National
                                                       Cyclists can enjoy a flowing ride along                                                                 Park
                                                       the shared trails, taking in views down                                         Glen Rock
                                                       to the rainforest gorge.                                 1                           Glen Rock
                                                                                            Casuarina camping                              State Forest
                                                                                             and day-use area
                                                       Places to go
                                                        1           Christies loop                                                       Abbotts
                                                       5.2km return                                                                      Yards

                                                       Climb this steep and rocky trail
                                                                                                               Main Range                               2
                                                       to admire views over Blackfellow
                                                                                                                National
                                                       Creek Valley and the signature red                                                                         Point
                                                                                                                  Park                                            Pure
                                                                                                                                                  Top
                                                       rock outcrop that is Glen Rock.                                                          Yards
22                                                                                                             Scale
                                                                                                               0           2km        No horses and mountain
                                                                                                                                       bikes beyond this point
Photo: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt

                                  Lamington National Park

                                  Travel safely
                                                                               Be safe                                     Be responsible
                                     Packing checklist
                                                                               • Walk with a group and avoid               • Rubbish—pack it in, pack it out.
                                         Adequate drinking water, food           walking alone.                              All rubbish (including food scraps,
                                         and emergency supplies.                                                             cigarette butts and sanitary and
                                                                               • Allow plenty of time to reach your
                                         Complete first-aid kit. Include sun     planned destination before dark.            hygiene items) must be carried out.
                                         and insect protection.                                                            • Stay on formed tracks and do not take
                                                                               • Treat all water from taps, creeks and
                                         Detailed map showing travel             lakes before drinking.                      shortcuts.
                                         routes and distances.                                                             • Where permitted, light campfires only
                                                                               • Wear sturdy boots, protective clothing
                                         Reliable camping gear in good           and insect repellent to avoid bites,        within existing fire rings.
                                         working order.                          scratches and stings.                     • Avoid the spread of weeds by checking
                                         Sturdy rubbish bags and/              • Stay well back from cliff edges             clothing and equipment regularly for
                                         or sealable, animal-proof               and waterfalls.                             seeds. Wash boots at pathogen control
                                         containers. No bins are provided.                                                   stations where available to stop the
                                                                               • Never dive or jump into creeks,
                                         Long distance walkers: take a                                                       spread of dangerous fungi.
                                                                                 waterholes or lakes.
                                         topographic map, compass and                                                      • Be frog-friendly—please do not disturb,
                                                                               • Remember mobile phone coverage is
                                         personal location beacon (PLB).                                                     handle or remove frogs, their eggs
                                                                                 limited in most parks away from the
                                                                                                                             or tadpoles.
                                                                                 coast. Inform family or friends of your
                                                                                                                           • Leave your pets at home.
                                  Camping                                        planned itinerary.
                                  It’s best to book well in advance as                                                     • Please don’t feed wildlife.
                                  camp sites in popular parks are in great           Your safety                           • Wash away from streams, gullies and
                                  demand during peak periods such as           In high fire danger conditions, walking       watercourses, minimising use of soap
                                  long weekends and school holidays.           tracks and other areas may be closed.         and detergent.
                                                                               In the case of a bushfire or any illegal    • Where toilets are not provided, bury
                                  Book your camp sites and purchase
                                                                               activity, please call Triple Zero (000)       all faecal waste and toilet paper
                                  your camping permits online
                                                                               as soon as possible.                          15cm deep and at least 100m from
                                  at qld.gov.au/Camping
                                                                                                                             waterways, tracks and camp sites.
                                                                                    Lamington National Park
                                                                                    (left/right).
                                                                               Photos: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt (left);
                                                                               © Sarah Haskmann (right)

                                                                                                                                                                       23
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