gold coast and scenic rim journey guide

oct 2017

Prin

ted April 2016

Gold Coast and Scenic Rimnational parks

Journey guide

Experience exhilaratingly

Parks at a glance C

ampi

ng

Park

in

form

atio

n ce

ntre

Toile

ts

Picn

ic a

rea

Look

out/

view

ing

poin

t

Shor

t wal

k

Hik

ing

trac

k

Mou

ntai

n bi

ke r

idin

g

Hor

seri

ding

Fish

ing

Burleigh Head NP

David Fleay Wildlife Park

Nerang NP

Pine Ridge CP

Tamborine NP l

Springbrook NP u l

Lamington NP

Main Range NP

Mount Barney NP

Moogerah Peaks NP

Glen Rock SF

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

This is not a comprehensive guide of all the walks available in the parks. There are a number of longer walk options available. Find out more at queenslandnationalparks.com.auPhoto (front cover): Mount Barney National Park © Ben Blanche. Photo (this page): Mount Barney National Park © Lachlan Gardiner

Contents Parks at a glance ......................................................................................... 2

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

Be inspired ................................................................................................... 3

Map of Gold Coast and Scenic Rim ........................................................ 4

Maps legend ................................................................................................ 4

Track and trail classifications ................................................................... 5

Plan your getaway ...................................................................................... 6

Choose your adventure ............................................................................. 7

Burleigh Head National Park .................................................................... 8

David Fleay Wildlife Park .......................................................................... 9

Nerang National Park and State Forest ............................................... 10

Pine Ridge 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

Camping. Be safe. Be responsible ......................................................... 23

Connect with Queensland National Parks .......................................... 24

2

Photo: Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt

Be inspired!

Treadthe ancient paths of Aboriginal

people, their stories woven around the rocks, animals and trees. Sit quietly beneath the forest canopy and feel your

own connection with the land.

Gazeout from windswept headlands

to whales and dolphins breaching playfully in the ocean and eagles

soaring through the vanilla dawn sky.

Ventureinto 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.

Rechargeunder a brilliant night sky, your camp site cocooned by shadowy rainforest

and nocturnal wildlife rustlings. Bathe in stellar celestial views far

from the glow of city lights.

Photos (clockwise from top left): © Lisa Frost; © Lachlan Gardinar; Darren Jew © Tourism and Events Queensland; © Ben Blanche; Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt; © Tourism and Events Queensland

Witnessprehistoric landscapes

carved by tumbling waterfalls and cascading creeks.

Imagine megafauna roaming beneath the towering hoop pines and Antarctic beech

trees in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

Breathecrisp mountain air laced with the

scents of wildflowers, native herbs and mint-fresh gum leaves. Stand high atop the summit with arms

thrown wide and your spirit soaring.

Welcome to

Gold Coast and Scenic Rim

parks

Welcome to the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim! From the ocean to the

majestic mountains framing the western skyline, we invite you to explore

this beautiful wilderness. Come for a day or several weeks and uncover

this region’s hidden gems. Be well prepared and respect the land and you

will be rewarded with many unforgettable and magical experiences.

Andy Dutton, Park Ranger

on behalf of the Park Rangers of the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim

3

Moogerah Peaks National Park

Boonah

Kalbar

Milbong–Munbilla Rd

Mount Alford

Lake Maroon

MountBarney

NationalPark

Mount Chinghee National

Park

Rathdowney

Innisplain

KerryKooralbyn

Scenic Rim Regional Council Mount May Reserve

Scenic Rim Regional CouncilYellow Pinch Reserve

Main RangeNational Park

Emu Vale

Killarney

Tannymorel

Legume

Freestone

Queen Mary Falls

Glen RockState Forest

Spicers Gap RoadConservation Park

Warril View

Munbilla

Gladfield

Mount BeauBrummel

Conservation Park

Cunnin

gham

Cunnin

gham

Highway

Highway

HighwayHighway

Mount LindesayMount Lindesay

Head Gate Road

FletcherRd

Newman Rd

Cotswold Rd

Innisplain Rd

Mundoolum Connection Rd

Advancetown–Mudgeeraba Rd

Beechmont Rd

Beaudesert–

Nera

ng

Road

Widgee Creek Rd

Lake Moogerah RdGanthorpe Rd

Waterfall Creek Rd

South Pacific Ocean

North Tamborine

Canungra

Beechmont

CanungraConservation Park

Rosins LookoutConservation

Park

Beaudesert

Beenleigh

North Stradbroke

Island

Springbrook National

Park

LamingtonNational

ParkGreen

Mountains (O'Reilly)

BinnaBurra

NEW SOUTH WALES

QUEENSLAND

Coolangatta

Surfers Paradise

Nerang

Jimboomba

Coomera

Oxenford

Mudgeeraba

To Byron Bayand Ballina

To MurwillumbahTo Murwillumbah

To Brisbane

To IpswichTo IpswichTo Gatton

To Warwick

To Urbenville

To Kyogle

To Stanthorpe

To Brisbane

Pacific Highway

P acific Highway

Gold Coast Highway

Mount L

inde

say

High

way

East Haldon Rd

Inverramsay Rd

Swanfels R

d

Yang

an

Kilar

ney R

d

Border Rd

Emu Creek Rd

Carneys Creek Rd

Gambubal Rd

Whi

te S

wamp Rd

Conda mine Rd

Head Rd

Uppe

r Logan Rd

Lake Moogerah R d

Croftby–

Burn

ett C

reek Rd

Christmas Creek Rd

Kerry R d

Running Creek Rd

Dw

yer R

idges

Rd

Boon

ah-R

athd

owne

y Ro

ad

Spring Cre e k R

dWarwick–Kilarney Rd

Tunstall Rd

Boonah–Fassifern Rd

Ipsw

ich-

Boon

ah R

d

Jimboomba–

Mundoolum Rd

Wat

erfo

rd-T

ambo

rine

Rd

Beaudesert-Nerang Rd

Boonah-Beaud

esert Rd

Beau

dese

rt–B

eenl

eigh R

d

Lam

ingt

on N

atio

nal P

ark

Rd

Binn

a Bu

rra

Rd

B eech

mont Rd

G old Co

ast-Springb

rook

Rd

Tallebudgera

Creek Rd

Currumbin Cree k R

d

Ner

ang-

Mur

willu

mba

h Rd

Mun

billa

–P

eaking

Cros

sin

g Rd

Mou

nt Alford Rd

Coopers Gully Rd

Lake

M

ooge

rah

Rd

Mount French RdCharlwood Rd

Lake Moogerah

Wyaralong Dam

Hinze Dam

15

15

13

13

13

13

1

1

Oxenford-Gold Coast Rd

Southport

-Nerang Rd

Nerang-Broad beach Rd

Burleigh HeadNational Park

David FleayWildlife Park

NerangNational

Park

NerangState

Forest

TamborineNational

Park

Pine RidgeConservation Park

South StradbrokeIsland Conservation Park

Southern Moreton Bay Islands

National Park

NerangConservation

Park

WickhamNational

Park

PlunkettConservation

Park

WickhamTimber Reserve

Tamborine Mountain

To Kyogle

Gold Coastairport

5 10kmScale0

Gold Coast and

Scenic Rim

LegendNational park

State forest

Conservation park

Wildlife park

Timber reserve

Waterways

Restricted access

Township

Mountain

Ranger station

Information

Parking

Disabled access

Toilets

Cafe

Accommodation

Telephone

Tap water

4WD access

Lookout

Camping

Camper trailer

Caravan

MotorhomeMountain bike ridingHorseriding

Fishing

Canoe launch area

Nocturnal house

Horse yards

Airport

Amphitheatre

(these symbols are used throughout this brochure)

Wildlife spotting

Open fireplace

Barbeque—wood

Barbeque—gasBarbeque—coin operatedWalking track

Hiking

Picnic table

Sheltered picnic area

Shared trails legendShared trail (walking, mountain biking and horseriding)Shared trail (walking and mountain biking only)

Mountain bike trail

State border

Sealed road

Unsealed road

Walking track

Access track

Great Walk

Horse step over

Stairs

Visitor information Centre (VIC)WiFi access (VIC)

PARKS OF THE

GOLD COAST AND SCENIC RIM

4

Moogerah Peaks National Park

Boonah

Kalbar

Milbong–Munbilla Rd

Mount Alford

Lake Maroon

MountBarney

NationalPark

Mount Chinghee National

Park

Rathdowney

Innisplain

KerryKooralbyn

Scenic Rim Regional Council Mount May Reserve

Scenic Rim Regional CouncilYellow Pinch Reserve

Main RangeNational Park

Emu Vale

Killarney

Tannymorel

Legume

Freestone

Queen Mary Falls


Spicers Gap RoadConservation Park

Warril View

Munbilla

Gladfield

Mount BeauBrummel

Conservation Park

Cunnin

gham

Cunnin

gham

Highway

Highway

HighwayHighway

Mount LindesayMount Lindesay

Head Gate Road

FletcherRd

Newman Rd

Cotswold Rd

Innisplain Rd

Mundoolum Connection Rd

Advancetown–Mudgeeraba Rd

Beechmont Rd

Beaudesert–

Nera

ng

Road

Widgee Creek Rd

Lake Moogerah RdGanthorpe Rd

Waterfall Creek Rd

South Pacific Ocean

North Tamborine

Canungra

Beechmont

CanungraConservation Park

Rosins LookoutConservation

Park

Beaudesert

Beenleigh

North Stradbroke

Island

Springbrook National

Park

LamingtonNational

ParkGreen

Mountains (O'Reilly)

BinnaBurra

NEW SOUTH WALES

QUEENSLAND

Coolangatta

Surfers Paradise

Nerang

Jimboomba

Coomera

Oxenford

Mudgeeraba

To Byron Bayand Ballina

To MurwillumbahTo Murwillumbah

To Brisbane

To IpswichTo IpswichTo Gatton

To Warwick

To Urbenville

To Kyogle

To Stanthorpe

To Brisbane

Pacific Highway

P acific Highway

Gold Coast Highway

Mount L

inde

say

High

way

East Haldon Rd

Inverramsay Rd

Swanfels R

d

Yang

an

Kilar

ney R

d

Border Rd

Emu Creek Rd

Carneys Creek Rd

Gambubal Rd

Whi

te S

wamp Rd

Conda mine Rd

Head Rd

Uppe

r L

ogan Rd

Lake Moogerah R d

Croftby–

Burn

ett C

reek Rd

Christmas Creek Rd

Kerry R d

Running Creek Rd

Dw

yer R

idges

Rd

Boon

ah-R

athd

owne

y Ro

ad

Spring Cre e k R

dWarwick–Kilarney Rd

Tunstall Rd


Ipsw

ich-

Boon

ah R

d

Jimboomba–

Mundoolum Rd

Wat

erfo

rd-T

ambo

rine

Rd

Beaudesert-Nerang Rd

Boonah-Beaud

esert Rd

Beau

dese

rt–B

eenl

eigh R

d

Lam

ingt

on N

atio

nal P

ark

Rd

Binn

a Bu

rra

Rd

B eech

mont Rd

G old Co

ast-Springb

rook

Rd

Tallebudgera

Creek Rd

Currumbin Cree k R

d

Ner

ang-

Mur

willu

mba

h Rd

Mun

billa

–P

eaking

Cros

sin

g Rd

Mou

nt Alford Rd

Coopers Gully Rd

Lake

M

ooge

rah

Rd

Mount French RdCharlwood Rd

Lake Moogerah

Wyaralong Dam

Hinze Dam

15

15

13

13

13

13

1

1

Oxenford-Gold Coast Rd

Southport

-Nerang Rd

Nerang-Broad beach Rd

Burleigh HeadNational Park

David FleayWildlife Park

NerangNational

Park

NerangState

Forest

TamborineNational

Park

Pine RidgeConservation Park

South StradbrokeIsland Conservation Park

Southern Moreton Bay Islands

National Park

NerangConservation

Park

WickhamNational

Park

PlunkettConservation

Park

WickhamTimber Reserve

Tamborine Mountain

To Kyogle

Gold Coastairport

5 10kmScale0

Class Suits Track description

1 Wheelchairs and strollers No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections.

2 Families with young children No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.

3 People with some bushwalking experience Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.

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

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

Novice riders and experienced horses with basic skills and fitness Wide trail with a gentle slope and a relatively obstacle-free, hardened natural slope.

Experienced riders and horses with moderate skills and fitness Trail with obstacles, variable surface and moderate slope. May include steep sections.

Track and trail classification

5

Escape magically

(Above) Albert’s lyrebird; (right)exploring David Fleay Wildlife Park; (below) Lamington National Park.

Photos: (clockwise from top left) © Bruce Thomson; Briony Masters © Qld Govt; Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt

Best time to visitAlong the coast the climate is mild and subtropical with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C in summer and from 11°C to 21°C in winter. But in the west and on the mountain plateaus winter mornings can fall below a frosty 0°C and hot summer days can reach a simmering 25°C to 40°C, especially on the exposed ridges.

Walking in the cooler months from April to September is best when rain and leeches are less common.

Add some local flavourAdd one of the region’s fun-loving events or tourist attractions to your journey.

Slow dance with a special someone at a jazz festival, steal through neon-lit city streets for some late-night shopping, treasure hunt at a local market or scream upside down on a rollercoaster ride.

Dress up and enjoy a day out at the country races, ride your bike past farmland and open country plains, celebrate at a firefly festival or savour regional flavours at a country pub, teahouse or winery.

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

Plan your getawayVenture into the green beyond the gold, where open woodland and rainforest adorn rolling valleys and peaks, and seemingly impassable ranges reach to the clouds. Write your own story on a day trip or holiday to this vast and beautiful landscape, exploring all that this region has to offer.

Guided toursIf you prefer someone else to do the planning,

or you’re simply short of time, you can join

tours with experienced guides—for just a day or

several nights. See visitscenicrim.com.au and

visitgoldcoast.com for more information.

Phot

o: ©

Tou

rism

and

Eve

nts Q

ueen

sland

Lamington National Park.

6

Photos: (above) © Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH); (right) © Myoko Inagaki

(Above) Bushwalking in the rainforest; (right) camping at Mount Barney NP.

Choose your adventureWhether 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 (Warwick)

Day and overnight trips• Enjoy a peaceful morning tea and

easy bushwalks with great views at

Mount French section, Moogerah

Peaks National Park.

• Stroll through rainforest and

take in spectacular lookouts and

cascades at Goomburra section,

Main Range National Park. With

plenty of space for the kids to run,

this is the perfect place to camp

overnight with the family.

• Picnic amid tall forest and witness

a majestic waterfall at Queen

Mary Falls section, Main Range

National Park.

Multi-day trips• Stay at a local cottage or camp in

Mount Barney National Park and

spend a couple of days exploring

the rugged landscape on epic

bushwalks and rock climbs. For

experienced walkers only!

• Take your hiking boots or ride

your horse and discover the rocky

escarpments of Glen Rock State

Forest, camping overnight at

Casuarina camping area.

Travelling from the East (Brisbane and Gold Coast)

Day and overnight trips• Visit David Fleay Wildlife Park for a

wildlife encounter, ranger-led show and

Devonshire tea, before walking along

Tallebudgera Creek mangrove boardwalk

to ocean views at Burleigh Head

National Park.

• Begin with a morning bike ride in Nerang

National Park and State Forest then

drive to Tamborine National Park to

discover cool rainforest walks, cafes and

boutiques, and the local hospitality of a

cosy bed and breakfast.

Multi-day trips• Bushwalk through rainforest and past

waterfalls to drink in scenic views at

Lamington National Park, before camping

under the stars or staying at a local

guesthouse.

• Enjoy an outdoor barbecue on a weekend

retreat to Springbrook National Park,

venturing on bushwalks with waterfalls,

rock caves and breathtaking views.

• See panoramic views at Mount French

section, Moogerah Peaks National Park,

before driving to the waterfall at Queen

Mary Falls section, Main Range National

Park, staying at the privately-owned

campground. Return via Cunninghams Gap

section, Main Range National Park for a

rainforest walk on the escarpment.

Tackle a Great WalkChallenge yourself on this 54km track linking Lamington and Springbrook national

parks. Your route follows an ancient volcanic rim through the Numinbah Valley

and sections of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Visit

npsr.qld.gov.au /parks/great-walks-gold-coast-hinterland/ for more information.

7

(Left) Walk around the headland; (above) see whales breaching. Echo

Beach

SouthPacific Ocean

The Cove

Tumgun lookout

Goodwin Tce

George St

Gold

Coa

st H

ighw

ay

200 400mScale0

12 2

Photos: (left) Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt; (above) © Qld Govt

Meander through a living museum of rainforest, mangroves and eucalyptus trees and imagine a time when this was once an abundantly-forested golden coast. Venture to the top of the headland and discover hexagonal-shaped basalt columns jutting out from the earth, cracked from the ancient Tweed Valley lava flow. Feel the sea spray blowing in from the ocean as you watch waves roll into the beach.

Things to do Fishing

Throw a line out at Echo Beach to catch a seafood dinner fresh from Tallebudgera Creek. There is a wheelchair ramp to the fishing platform on Tallebudgera Creek.

Burleigh Head National ParkDiscover tumbled basalt boulders, pandanus groves and sweeping ocean views on a walk through this peaceful coastal park.

Phot

o ©

Que

ensla

nd G

over

nmen

t

Headland, Burleigh Head National Park.

Wildlife spottingSpy bearded dragons and mottled carpet pythons sunning themselves on rocks, and Australian brush-turkeys obsessively tending their leafy nesting mounds. In mid-summer, jewel-coloured Richmond birdwing butterflies flit through the forest feeding on rainforest nectars. Walk along the rocky foreshore and delight in dolphins playing in the waves, and white-bellied sea-eagles and whistling kites riding the ridge updrafts on the hunt for fish.

Places to go1 Oceanview track

1.2km one way (30mins). Grade 3

Wander the rocky coastal headland from Tallebudgera Creek, exploring rainforest and pandanus groves sheltering abundant wildlife.

2 Rainforest circuit2.3km return (45mins). Grade 3

Duck into cool rainforest on this uphill hike to superb views of the coast from Tumgun lookout.

Must dos• Stand atop Tumgun lookout and be

mesmerised by humpback whales breaching gracefully in the coastal waters during winter and spring.

• Glory in sea, surf and sun hitting the waves on a surfboard at the world-renowned Burleigh Heads surf break.

• Escape the summer heat and crowds and retreat into cool rainforest.

Getting thereTravelling from Brisbane on the Pacific Motorway, take exit 89 and drive into Burleigh Heads. Turn right onto the Gold Coast Highway and left into Goodwin Terrace. Travelling from New South Wales, take exit 92 and drive into Palm Beach. Turn left onto the Gold Coast Highway and right at the traffic lights north of Tallebudgera Creek.

8

Fleays Wildlife Park Road

Creek Rd

Wes

t Bur

leigh

Roa

d

Talle

budgera

Cree

k

100 200mScale0

1

Entry to David Fleay Wildlife Park

2

To Pacific Motorway

LomanLane

(Top) Enjoy our Fleays in Flight show; (above) Wally the platypus.

Photos: (top) Steve Browne © Qld Govt; (above) Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt

Must dos• Flinch at the ‘snap’ of jaws closing,

as estuarine crocodiles launch out of the water to snatch prey from Park Rangers at feeding time (September–February, subject to change).

• Marvel at the playful escapades of Wally, the resident platypus, as he forages for crayfish and slides down his waterfall.

• Feel like an excited kid again as Park Rangers introduce you to amazing wildlife, some rarely seen in the wild.

Getting there Take the Burleigh Heads turn-off (exit 89) from the Pacific Motorway and follow the signs along West Burleigh Road, West Burleigh to the park entrance.

Phot

o: ©

Rob

ert A

shdo

wn

Estuarine (saltwater) crocodile.

David Fleay Wildlife ParkVenture into this much-loved wildlife park, beneath dappled eucalypt and arching fig tree canopies, in search of some of Queensland’s most intriguing and rarely seen animals.

Things to do

Watch daily wildlife shows

Join Park Rangers to learn about the unique wildlife that share our backyard, as well as elusive, endangered, and even dangerous critters! Snakes, gliders, cassowaries and crocodiles all have their time in the spotlight.

Visit the nocturnal house

Uncover the secret night-time antics of platypus, woma pythons and mahogany gliders inside the nocturnal house. Have a ‘Eureka’ moment far from the hot, dry grasslands of their native outback homes, discovering endangered bilbies and the story of the people trying to save them.

Places to go Free attractions outside the park.

1 Mangrove boardwalk 800m return (15mins)Grade: very easy; wheelchair accessible

Weave through fringing plants living between land and water, peeping through to stunning views of Tallebudgera Creek. Delight in azure kingfishers and rainbow bee-eaters darting through the mangroves.

2 Canoeing and kayaking Be enchanted on a peaceful paddle along the mangrove-lined Tallebudgera Creek, where you can drift past fish, stingrays, sea-eagles, and if you’re lucky, dolphins.

Imagine yourself on safari, glimpsing prehistoric-looking cassowaries, tree-kangaroos, dingoes, emus and iconic koalas from the boardwalk. Wander through wetlands, rainforest and open woodlands, where animals roam free in the natural surroundings. The park is open from 9am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day and ANZAC Day morning—opening at 1pm. Admission fees apply. Phone (07) 5576 2411.

9

1kmScale0 Beaudesert Nerang Rd

Mt N

atha

n Rd

Pacific Motorw

ay

Price

St

Maudsland Rd

21

34

5

Beaudesert -Nerang Rd

Nerang National Park and State Forest

Phot

o: ©

Sha

ne C

ress

er

Mountain biking in Nerang National Park.

Feel your adrenaline surge as you horseride or mountain bike through the forested hills and gullies of this delightful bushland park.

Places to go1 Casuarina Grove circuit

2.7km circuit plus optional 800m loop (30–40mins riding time)

Enjoy an easy, family-friendly ride through a grove of casuarina trees.

2 Three hills track 2km one way (20–30mins riding time)

Wind through open forest of ghostly grey gum and tallowwood with steep hilly sections.

3 Brett’s track2.7km one way (30–40mins riding time)

Challenge yourself on a ride through dry sclerophyll forest and cool green gullies, with steep climbs and exciting descents.

4 Pete’s track 1.7km (15–20mins riding time)

Enjoy a flowing ride from Brett’s track back to the car park.

5 Pete’s extension track650m (5–10mins riding time)

Hone your skills on this quick and fun access track with technical trail features, linking to the Casuarina Grove circuit.

For a detailed mountain bike trail map visit npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/nerang or scan this QR code with your smartphone camera and use a QR-app to download the map.

Crisscrossed with a network of exhilarating shared trails and designated mountain bike tracks, explore this popular bush retreat by foot, hoof or wheel. Just make sure to look out for other trail users!

Things to do

Mountain bike and horseridingGrab your mountain bike and test your skills on one of five technically-challenging single mountain bike tracks, mastering small drop-offs and rock gardens as you go. Saddle up for a more relaxed adventure riding horseback along creek banks bathed in golden afternoon haze.

Wildlife spottingSee goannas dozing in gum trees or photograph a royal blue forest kingfisher swooping for lizards from low branches.

Must dos• Listen for the ‘crack’ of glossy

black-cockatoos greedily breaking open casuarina seeds above.

• Ride along Pete’s, Brett’s or the Casuarina tracks for one last mountain bike challenge before you leave.

• Tiptoe along the creek line in search of shy golden swamp wallabies, koalas and echidnas.

Getting thereNerang National Park is 12km from Surfers Paradise and 70km south of Brisbane. Access is along Matilda or Coolibah roads, from the Pacific Motorway, Nerang township or Beaudesert–Nerang Road.

10

(Above) Rainbow bee-eater; (right) pink boronia.

Photos: (above) © Qld Museum; (right) © Alison Ilec

Oxle

y D

rive

Poinsettia Ave

250 500mScale0

Must dos• Breathe in the perfume of delicate

wildflowers—wallum wedge pea, yellow peabush and prickly broom heath bloom in late winter and spring.

• Peek through binoculars and spy sacred kingfishers, rainbow bee-eaters and variegated fairy-wrens darting through the paperbark swamp forest.

Getting there Pine Ridge Conservation Park is in Runaway Bay, 10km north of the Gold Coast city centre, accessed via Oxley Drive off the Gold Coast Highway.

Phot

o: B

erna

rd H

icks

© Q

ld G

ovt

Banksia woodland.

Pine Ridge Conservation ParkEscape the bustling coast to the golden banksia woodland and flowering heathland of a park rich with Aboriginal cultural significance.

Connect with this sacred land of the

Kombumerri-Ngarangwal people, a place

where meals made from local bush foods,

fish and shellfish have been shared by

the Traditional Owners for thousands

of years. Discover shell heaps (middens)

piled with ‘kinyingurra’ (oyster) shells and

imagine past feasts. Be a botanist for the

day and try to distinguish the abundant

forest types growing here—eucalypt

forest with fragrant wattle, banksia

woodland, paperbark swamp and coastal

heath bursting with wildflowers.

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

remaining patch of wallum banksia heath

on the Gold Coast.

Wildlife spotting

Watch for echidnas snuffling in the leaf

litter, and ‘borobi’ (koalas) and ‘yowgurrah’

(goannas) in the tall bloodwood trees.

11

(Far right) Noisy pitta; (right) Palm Grove.

Photos: (far right) Adam Creed © Qld Govt; (right) © Queensland Museum

Walk through ethereal rainforest and silvery

eucalypt woodland, the fresh air revitalising

your every step. Red-necked pademelons

bound between slender palm trunks and

towering buttress roots, while platypus

and frogs dip into cool lagoons. Admire

sweeping views of Mount Warning, Mount

Barney and Lamington National Park and

the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Declared in 1908, Tamborine National

Park was Queensland’s first national park,

(originally Witches Falls National Park).

Today’s park has 14 separate sections for

visitors to explore.

Did you know?The place name ‘Tamborine’ comes from the

local Yugambeh language. It means wild lime

and refers to the finger lime trees that grow

wild on the mountain and were eaten by the

traditional Aboriginal people of this land.

Tamborine National Park

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Joalah section, Tamborine National Park.

Must dos • Witness Cameron Falls tumbling

over the cliff top on the Sandy

Creek circuit.

• Trace the footsteps of folklore

on a walk at Witches Falls—local

children once believed this forest

was haunted by witches and giants.

• Go for a scenic drive stopping for

a relaxing picnic with a view at The

Knoll or Palm Grove.

Getting thereTamborine Mountain is 80km south

of Brisbane. Travel via Nerang–

Beaudesert Road and Oxenford–

Tamborine Road from the Pacific

Highway, or Tamborine Mountain

Road from Canungra.

Lose yourself in the shade of white-washed flooded gums and rainforest gullies thick with piccabeen palms on a scenic mountain escape.

Things to do

Wildlife spotting

Listen for strange gurgling sounds

beneath your feet—these may

be giant Tamborine earthworms

travelling through waterlogged

underground burrows. Let Richmond

birdwing butterflies and colourful

noisy pittas beguile you in summer.

Picnicking

Enjoy popular picnic areas in

Cedar Creek, Palm Grove,

The Knoll, Witches Falls and

MacDonald sections.

Horseriding

Ride your horse on designated trails

in some sections of the park.

Access is from Beaudesert–Beenleigh

Road or Tamborine Mountain Road.

Visit npsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/

horse-trails/ for information about

the SEQ horse riding trail network.

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MacDonaldsection

Cedar Creek section

Joalah section

Knoll Rd

Cedar CreekFalls Road

Palm

Grov

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PalmGrove

section

Eagle Heights Rd

Main St

Curtis Rd Witches Falls section

The Knoll section

Geissm

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Main W

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Tam

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Rd

Tamborine Mountain Rd

To Oxenford

To Canungra

1 2

103 4

5

6 7

Beacons Rd

8 9

1 2 3kmScale0

Curtis Falls.

Photo: © Lev Evison

Places to go

1 Cedar Creek Falls lookout track 500m return (15mins). Grade 1

Take a walk to Cedar Creek Falls lookout and

admire views of the gorge, waterfalls and rock

pools. The track to the lookout is suitable for

strollers and assisted wheelchair access.

2 Cedar Creek Falls track 900m return (30mins). Grade 3

From Cedar Creek Falls lookout, descend

through eucalypt forest and dry rainforest to

the rock pools below. This section from the

lookout to the rock pools is not suitable for

strollers or wheelchairs.

3 Curtis Falls track 1.1km return (30mins). Grade 3

Be enchanted on a walk beneath towering

flooded gums into lush rainforest.

4 Lower creek circuit 2km return (1hr). Grade 4

Branch off Curtis Falls track and cross

Cedar Creek before passing a giant, fallen

strangler fig.

5 MacDonald rainforest circuit1.4km return (30mins). Grade 2

Enjoy an easy, gentle walk past strangler

figs and lush groves of piccabeen palms.

6 Palm Grove circuit 2.6km circuit (1hr). Grade 3

Discover peaceful piccabeen palm groves,

rainforest with emergent strangler figs and

distinctively-buttressed yellow carabeens.

See fascinating fungi along the way.

7 Jenyns circuit4.5km circuit (1.5hrs). Grade 4

Veer off Palm Grove circuit into drier eucalypt

forest featuring a grove of ancient cycads.

8 Witches Chase track1.5km one way (1–2hrs). Grade 3

Wander down this track to Witches Falls

lookout and continue through rainforest with

large red cedar trees and eucalypt forest.

9 Witches Falls circuit3.1km return (1hr). Grade 3

Zigzag down the mountain side through

an open forest of banksia trees and into

rainforest with giant strangler figs before

reaching the lookout.

10 Sandy Creek circuit2.6km circuit (1hr). Grade 4

Explore lush rainforest with towering trees

emerging through the canopy, admiring

views across the valley to Flinders Peak

and Brisbane from Cameron Falls lookout.

SafetyThe steep narrow roads from Nerang and Canungra are unsuitable for buses, trailers, caravans and trucks.

Note: Limited bus, caravan and

motorhome parking is available in

Joalah, MacDonald and Witches Falls

sections only.

13

(Above) Blue spiny crayfish; (right) swamp wallaby.

Photos: © Robert Ashdown

Strap on your hiking boots and submerge into lush subtropical rainforest, open eucalypt woodland and montane heath, the sound of tumbling creeks and songbirds in the air. Witness the power of roaring cascades as they continue to sculpt rocky escarpments and caves. Feel you’ve reached the world’s edge as you venture atop lookouts and take in breathtaking views of the valleys below.

Did you know?Glow-worms seen at Natural Bridge are not actually worms but the larvae of a small fly. The light you see is a chemical reaction occurring inside the glow-worm’s body. Known as bioluminescence, meaning ‘living light’, this quirk of nature is used to lure prey.

Springbrook National Park

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Twin Falls circuit.

Must dos• Stand on the suspension bridge and

feel the spray of Purling Brook Falls plummeting into the rock pools.

• Walk among ancient gnarled Antarctic beech trees dripping with wispy lichens in the cool temperate rainforest on the Best of All lookout track.

• Visit Natural Bridge by day to see the unique waterfall, and by night to be entranced by the blue-green lights of thousands of glow-worms.

Getting thereSpringbrook has four sections—the plateau, Mount Cougal to the east and Natural Bridge and Numinbah to the west.

Springbrook plateau sectionExit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang and follow Nerang–Murwillumbah Road to the Springbrook turn-off at Pine Creek Road. Or take Mudgeeraba turn-off and follow Gold Coast–Springbrook Road.

Mount Cougal sectionExit the Gold Coast Highway at Currumbin and follow Currumbin Creek Road to its end.

Numinbah and Natural Bridge sectionsExit 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.

Spectacular waterfalls and cool ancient forests await you in this beautiful World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.

Things to do Horseriding

Trot along the specified trails in Numinbah and Austinville sections of the park for a country-style horseride. Visit npsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/horse-trails/ for information about the SEQ horse riding trail network.

Wildlife spotting

Spot brilliant blue spiny crays, frogs and long-finned eels swimming in the sparkling mountain streams. Shy pademelons, swamp wallabies and potoroos roam the forest floor wary of visitors and glossy-black satin bowerbirds forage for blue treasures to decorate their bowers. At night, glow-worms provide a magical experience inside the cave at Natural Bridge.

Rangers’ tipEnjoy the drive through the scenic Numinbah Valley, passing the stunning Egg Rock ‘Kurraragin’, on the way to Natural Bridge.

Places to camp1 The Settlement camping area

Pitch a tent beside your car or bring your camper trailer or campervan to this beautiful mountain top camping area and slumber peacefully under a starry sky. Take a short walking track from here to the top of Purling Brook Falls.

14

Numinbah Valley

MountNimmel

Wunburra lookout

Apple TreePark

The PinnacleBochow Park

Numinbah Valley

Canyonlookout Goomoolahra

picnic area

Mount Cougalsection

Tallanbana picnic area

Numinbah section

Forest Park picnic area

Pine Creek Rd

Go

ld Coast−Sp ring

broo

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Best of All lookout

Lyre

bird

Rid

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Springbrook Rd

Nerang–M

urwillum

bah Rd

To Nerang

To Mudgeeraba

To Currumbin

To Murwillumbah

LittleNerangDam

Natural Bridge section

New South Wales

The Settlement camping area

The Settlement day-use area

Cave

Currumbin Ck

Nera

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2 4kmScale0Ck

Springbrook plateau section

Repe

ater

Stat

ion

Road

1

2

3

4 5

6

7

1

(Top) Natural Bridge; (above) Twin Falls.

Photos: (top) © Scott Viney; (above) Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt

Places to go1 Goomoolahra Falls lookout

and track

200m return (5mins). Grade 2

Take in the view stretching to Stradbroke

and Moreton islands from several

lookouts at the top of the 60m high

Goomoolahra Falls.

2 Best of All lookout track


Venture past Antarctic beech trees to a

spectacular view of northern New South

Wales dominated by Mount Warning, an

ancient extinct volcano.

3 Purling Brook Falls circuit

4km return (2hrs). Grade 3

Pass through open eucalypt forest with

tall New England ash, ancient lepidozamias,

hakeas and wildflowers before descending

into the gorge to view the falls from the

suspension bridge over the rock pools.

With 265 steps this walk is best travelled in

a clockwise direction.

4 Twin Falls circuit


Pass behind two waterfalls, through

rock clefts and among palms and

treeferns on this exciting bushwalk

through changing forests.

5 Warrie circuit

7 Cascades track1.6km return (1hr). Grade 2

Walk through subtropical rainforest beside

Currumbin Creek to a viewing platform

overlooking scenic cascades and an old

bush sawmill.

17km return (allow 5–6hrs). Grade 4

Follow the base of The Canyon cliffs to

Goomoolahra Falls before descending into

the mossy green depths of the rainforest

to reach the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, where

all watercourses draining The Canyon meet.

6 Natural Bridge circuit

1km return (1hr). Grade 2

Walk across Cave Creek to witness the

waterfall plunging into the arched cave.

At night the cave is illuminated by glow-

worms and fungi and alive with the flutter

of little bent-wing bat wings. This track is

best walked in a clockwise direction.

SafetyBe cautious near cliff edges, remain on formed walking tracks and stay well outside the restricted access area at the top of Purling Brook Falls and on Cave Creek at Natural Bridge. Do not jump into rock pools at Mount Cougal. Serious injuries have occurred.

15

Crimson rosella.

Photo: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt

Reinvigorate your spirit on a short or full-day bushwalk past roaring cascades and rainforest groves, under the twisted arms of ancient Antarctic beech trees and through blankets of flowering heath. Lamington’s rainforests are remnants of ancient Gondwanan forests that once covered Australia. With each step feel a connection with this beautiful land—a sacred and spiritual place for the Yugambeh people.

Did you know?The Albert’s lyrebird can imitate sounds from its surrounding, from bird calls to human sounds, including chainsaws, car horns and alarms, barking dogs, crying babies and musical instruments.

Things to do

Wildlife spotting

Listen for the whip-cracking call of the eastern whipbird. See the brilliant red and blue colours of the crimson rosella or the magnificent green and red of the Australian king-parrot. In the cooler months you may be lucky enough to hear the fluid calls or spy the gossamer plumage of one of the park’s ancient songbirds—the Albert’s lyrebird—along the rainforest tracks.

Lamington National Park

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Elabana Falls.

Must dos• Admire sweeping views across

Ships Stern, Turtle Rock, ‘Kurraragin’ (Egg Rock) and down into Numinbah Valley from Koolanbilba lookout along the Lower Bellbird circuit.

• Feel cool spray kiss your face as you walk past rushing cascades and wild waterfalls on the Toolona Creek circuit.

• Rest in quiet contemplation at Collin’s chair on the Caves circuit and take in views down into Coomera Valley.

• Hike the rainforest-clad cliff line along the state border on the Border Track, from Green Mountains to Binna Burra.

Getting thereLamington National Park has two sections—Green Mountains (O’Reilly) and Binna Burra. If you’re using GPS directions type Binna Burra, and O’Reilly’s or Lamington National Park Road for Green Mountains.

Green Mountains sectionExit the Pacific Motorway at Beenleigh or Nerang and follow signs to Canungra. The 36km road to the park from Canungra is unsuitable for large campervans, camper trailers or caravans.

Binna Burra sectionExit the Pacific Motorway at Nerang and follow signs west to Lamington National Park, Binna Burra. The final section of the 10km drive is very narrow and winding.

Walk upon cloud-drenched mountains, over rugged cliffs and crystal-clear creeks, and experience the grandeur of this ancient World Heritage-listed national park.

Rangers’ tipThe best way to truly experience this historic World Heritage gem is to stay overnight. Discover the park’s special stories at the Binna Burra and Green Mountains information centres.

Places to camp

1 Green Mountains camping area

Enjoy tent and campervan camping on this grassy, gently-sloping camping area 200m from the Green Mountains information centre. Large campervans, camper trailers or caravans are not permitted. A private campground is located at Binna Burra.

Remote bush campingA few bush camp sites are available in remote areas of Lamington National Park, accessed by walking using either a topographic map or GPS. All remote bush camping sites are closed from 1 December to 31 January.

16

Green Mountains section

MoransFalls

WestCanungra

Creek circuitDarraboola

Falls

Python Rocklookout

Morans Fallslookouts

Green Mountainscampground

O’Reilly’sRainforest Retreat

Yerralahla (pool)

Tree TopWalk

Park Rd

3

Lamington

National

4

2

1

1

Binna Burra section

BellbirdCk

Rifle B

ird C

reek

Binna BurraMountain Lodge

Kweebani Cave

Binna Burra

Loop Track

8

5

76

Green Mountains section.

Photo: Anna Osetroff © Qld Govt

Places to goGreen Mountains section1 Centenary track

1.8km return (30mins). Grade 1 Pass through tall hoop pines into subtropical forest on this easy walk, stopping to pause at the bench seating provided to watch for regent and satin bowerbirds darting through the branches.

2 Rainforest return1.4km return (30mins). Grade 2 Watch for yellow-throated scrubwrens and logrunners among the leaf litter on this short rainforest stroll at the start of the lengthy Border Track. Go a little further to see the historic track building camp at Morans Creek.

3 Python Rock track3.1km return (1hr). Grade 1Pass through rainforest into an open eucalypt forest with grasstrees, hakeas and various wildflowers. Enjoy views of Morans Falls, Castle Crag and the Lost World from Python Rock lookout.

4 Morans Falls track 6.2km return (2hrs) via the Centenary track. Grade 4See Morans Falls and drink in the scenic panorama across Morans Creek Gorge to Fassifern Valley and distant ranges.

Binna Burra section5 Rainforest circuit

1.2km return (30mins). Grade 2Pass through warm subtropical rainforest listening for bowerbirds and catbirds on this self-guided walk.

6 Bellbird lookout2km return (1hr). Grade 4Descend through rainforest and open forest to Bellbird lookout with excellent views of Ships Stern, Turtle Rock, ‘Kurraragin’ (Egg Rock) and Numinbah Valley.

7 Caves circuit5km return (1.5hrs). Grade 4Wind through open forest and rainforest taking in views of Coomera Valley.

8 Tullawallal circuit5km return (1.5hrs). Grade 3Walk through cool temperate rainforest before arriving at a pocket of ancient Antarctic beech trees.

SafetyA high level of physical fitness and navigational skills are essential to walk more remote parts of this extremely rugged mountain park. Arrive early to complete any full-day walks and avoid getting lost at night.

17

Ramble along rugged grasstree-lined

escarpments with coral-red giant spear

lilies clinging to almost-vertical slopes

beneath. Subtropical rainforest hugs

the park’s moist gullies while the sunny

slopes burst with fragrant eucalypt

trees, wattles and casuarinas. Discover

the secret world of the endangered

eastern bristlebird and vulnerable

black-breasted button-quail. Stroll along

easy trails to visit heritage sites and

amazing lookouts, or head off-track for a

challenging hike into remote areas where

you’ll feel like the only soul.

Did you know?History is alive in these hills! It is believed

that up to 13 people are buried at the

Pioneer gravesite at Spicers Gap. One

grave is reputed to be that of Mrs

Collins, the wife of a bullock driver,

who fell from a loaded wool dray while

descending the ‘pinch’ (narrow road),

and for whom Mother Collins Pinch was

named after.

Things to do Wildlife spotting

Glimpse brush-tailed rock-wallabies

balancing precariously on the cliffs or

Cunninghams skinks sunning themselves

Main Range National Park

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View to Mount Mitchell from Mount Cordeaux.

Must dos• Stand at the edge of a receding escarpment

when you visit Sylvesters lookout and feel as if you’re soaring above the valley below.

• Guess the age of gnarled giant brush box on the Rainforest circuit boardwalk at Cunninghams Gap.

• Behold spectacular Queen Mary Falls plunging 40m into the lush boulder-strewn valley below.

• Follow the footsteps of early explorers and pioneers at Cunninghams and Spicers gaps.

Getting thereThe park has four sections—Cunninghams Gap and Spicers Gap at the top of the range and Goomburra and Queen Mary Falls in the sheltered foothills.

Cunninghams Gap sectionCunninghams Gap is 116km south-west of Brisbane, 21km from Aratula, or 50km north-east of Warwick.

Spicers Gap sectionTo access Spicers Gap turn south off the Cunningham Highway into Lake Moogerah Road then turn right into Spicers Gap Road. This road is steep in places and is not suitable for campervans or caravans.

Goomburra sectionGoomburra 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 sectionQueen Mary Falls is 11km from Killarney and 64km south-west of Boonah on Killarney–Boonah Road. The scenic road from the east is steep and not suitable for caravans.

Spend a few hours, a day or a week discovering this historic arc of mountains stretching spectacularly from Mount Mistake to Wilsons Peak.

on rocky outcrops. Listen for the throaty

‘ok-ok-ok-ok-ok-ok’ call of the Fleay’s

barred-frog after rainfall. Delight in

wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead and

treecreepers scurrying up tree trunks to

sneak unsuspecting prey.

Picnicking

Enjoy a scenic picnic at Cunninghams Gap,

Spicers Gap, Queen Mary Falls (pictured

below) or Goomburra.

Rangers’ tipStop for 5 minutes in a quiet place and

become part of the bush—it’s amazing

what you’ll see and hear!

18

(Left) Queen Mary Falls; (top) Fleay’s barred-frog; (above) Dalrymple Creek crossing on the Cascades circuit in Goomburra section.

Photos: (far left) © Tourism and Events Qld; (top) Harry Hines © Qld Govt; (above) Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt

5 10kmScale0

Allora

New England Hwy Gladfield

Killarney

Queen Mary Falls section

NewSouth Wales

Boonah Inverramsay Road

Cunningham Highway

SpicersGap Rd

Carn

ey’s

Ck R

d

Goomburra section

Spicers Gap section

The Head Rd

To Toowoomba

To Rathdowney

Warwick

To Beaudesert

Cunninghams Gap section

Sprin

g Creek Rd

To Brisbane

1

2 43

5 6

7 8

1 2

3

Places to campCamping at Goomburra is a fantastic family

experience with plenty to see and do.

Book your camp site well in advance for

school holidays and long weekends to make

sure you don’t miss out.

1 Poplar Flat camping area— Goomburra

Enjoy an open, flat, grassy camping area

adjacent to Dalrymple Creek.

2 Manna Gum camping area– Goomburra

Manna gums provide ample shade during

the warmer months in this open, flat, grassy

area next to Dalrymple Creek.

3 Spicers Gap camping area

For a more cosy experience, pitch a tent in

this small, grassy area set in a clearing on

the eastern side of Spicers Gap.

Remote campingSome opportunities for remote, walk-in

bush camping are available. Minimal impact

camping is encouraged within the park—

please, if you pack it in, pack it out. There

are no facilities at these remote camp sites.

Places to go

1 Queen Mary Falls circuit

2km return (40mins). Grade 3

Take a leisurely stroll through the

eucalypt-covered ridge top to the

rainforest gorge and witness Queen Mary

Falls from the lookout.

2 Sylvesters lookout


Take in magnificent views over the coastal

plains from Sylvesters lookout, including

the southern tip of Lake Moogerah and

the rugged Border Ranges to the south.

3 Mount Castle lookout


Gaze at views over Laidley Valley and

the Little Liverpool Range from Mount

Castle lookout.

4 Dalrymple circuit

1.2km return (30mins). Grade 3

Explore the rich history and natural values

of the forest on this self-guided signed

circuit, ideal for young family groups.

5 Pioneer Graves track


Venture on a short walk from the picnic

area to a small cemetery where 13 people

are believed to be buried.

6 Governors Chair lookout


Visit Governors Chair, the large rock on the

edge of the cliff face, which was reportedly

a popular resting spot for early governors

of Queensland journeying through Spicers

Gap. Look out over Fassifern Valley.

7 Rainforest circuit

1.6km return (25mins). Grade 3

Pass the Allan Cunningham monument

before detouring to Fassifern Valley

lookout, offering a spectacular view over

distinctive volcanic peaks, Fassifern Valley

and Lake Moogerah.

8 Box Forest track


Pass through rainforest and open forest to

arrive at brush box-lined West Gap Creek.

19

5kmScale0

Mt MaroonMt May

McPherson Range

Mt Clunie

LowerPortals

Upper Portals

MaroonDam

Yellow Pinch Reserve

Rathdowney

Mt ErnestNew SouthWales

Mt Lindesay

MtBallow

Burn

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k

Wat

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N ewman

Rd

Cots

wol

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Boonah–Rathdowney Rd

Mt Barney Rd

Burn

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Rive

r

To Boonah To Rathdowney

To Woodenbong

Rd

Upper Logan Rd

Mt Lindesay Highway

1

5

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3

West BarneyPeak

East BarneyPeak

Mount Barney National Park

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Mount Barney’s East Peak.

Must dos• Challenge yourself and scale Mount

Maroon to delight upon spectacular wildflowers on the summit in spring. For experienced climbers only!

• Sit quietly beside crystal-clear Mount Barney Creek at the Lower Portals and scout for tell-tale bubbles of platypus activity breaking on the water’s surface.

Getting thereFrom Mt Lindesay Highway turn right onto Boonah–Rathdowney Road at Rathdowney and left onto Barney View–Upper Logan Road, following signs to either Lower Portals or Yellow Pinch.

To get to Upper Portals track, turn off the Boonah–Rathdowney Road onto Burnett Creek Road or Newman Road, then turn onto Waterfall Creek Road. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required for access beyond Waterfall Creek camp site.

SafetyClimbing the peaks of Mount Barney National Park is extremely challenging, with exposed rocky sections, steep cliffs and areas requiring rock scrambling and climbing skills. They should only be attempted by fit and experienced bushwalkers. Clouds on the summit can make navigation challenging. A topographic map, navigational and map reading skills are essential.

Very experienced bushwalkers can climb sheer rugged mountain peaks to witness awe-inspiring views of craggy ridges and distant ranges.

epic summit of Mount Barney. This climb is arduous and should only be undertaken by very fit and experienced bushwalkers.

5 Cotswold track8hrs. Grade 5In spring, admire spectacular wildflower displays set against the craggy peaks of the Scenic Rim on this challenging summit hike to Mount Maroon.

Places to camp Remote bush camping

All remote camping sites in Mount Barney National Park can only be reached by foot. Minimal impact camping is encouraged within the park—please, if you pack it in, pack it out. There are no facilities at the camp sites.


See kingfishers swoop over rock pools and honeyeaters and robins flitting in the trees. Grey kangaroos and red-necked wallabies bound through the foothills.

Rising dramatically above the surrounding grazing and farmlands, mounts Barney, Maroon, May, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie form this hiking mecca. Feel sheltered beneath tall spreading eucalypts and brush box trees on the grassy slopes, rising into subtropical rainforest and wet mallee forest—home of the endangered Coxen’s fig-parrot and vulnerable plumed frogmouth.

For the less adventurous, embark on a more moderate bushwalk along the mountains’ base.

Places to go1 Lower Portals track

7.4km return (3hrs). Grade 3 Discover the delights of beautiful rock pools along a gorge on Mount Barney Creek.

2 Cronan Creek track13km return (5hrs). Grade 4Walk along the fire trail past the base of South Ridge into cool green riparian rainforest.

3 Upper Portals track8km return (3hrs). Grade 4Crisscross Yamahra Creek through patches of rainforest, eucalypt and hoop pine forest before refreshing at a cool waterhole.

4 South Ridge track8–10hrs. Grade 5Leaving from Yellow Pinch car park, walk 1hr (3.5km) along Cronan Creek track before starting your long climb to the

20

Rock climbing at Mount French.

Photo: © Cameron Semple

Lake Moogerah

1 2 3kmScale0

To IpswichTo Ipswich

To KillarneyTo Rathdowney

To Warwick

Highway

Highway

Charl wood Rd

L

ak

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ooge

rah

Rd

Ganthorpe Rd

Cree

kCr

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dRd

Mt French RdMt French Rd Boonah

Aratula

Mount Alford

MountEdwardssection

Mount Frenchsection

Cunn

ingha

m

Cunn

ingha

m

Mount A lford Rd

CarneysCarneys

Croftby –Lake Mooge

r ah Rd

Tevio

tBr

ook

Cree

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Alfo

rds

Tunstall Rd

MountMoon

section

Cree

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Reyn

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Mount Grevillesection

Lake Moogerah Rd

Dwyer R

idges

Rd

Lake

Moo

gerah

Rd

Mount Alford

Rd

Boonah–Rathdowney Rd

Legend

National park

Water

Waterways

Sealed major road

Unsealed road

Highway

Dam wall

Information

Parking

Camping

Car camping

Toilets

Wheelchair access

Water

Barbecue / fireplace

Picnic table

Lookout

Walking track

HikingPathogen control stationNo water provided


1 21

Explore the mountains, venturing through eucalypt woodland, extremely rare brigalow scrub and dry rainforest laced with hoop pines, vines and slender piccabeen palms. Emerge onto rocky summits with montane heath hugging the craggy outcrops and the wind blowing across your face.

Things to do Rock climbing

Crack climbing at its best! Chalk up and scale the sheer rock face of world-famous Frog Buttress on Mount French. This is for experienced climbers only!

Wildlife spottingBe amazed by the acrobatics of Peregrine falcons performing near-vertical dives into the valleys. Colourful finches dart through the grass and goannas cling to the tree trunks around you. Small populations of the rarely-seen black- breasted button-quail live on Mount French.

Places to go1 North cliff track

720m return (15mins). Grade 2 Walk to Logans lookout for panoramic views over Fassifern Valley, with the Main Range escarpment to the west and Flinders Peak and beyond to the east.

2 Mee-bor-rum circuit840m return (25mins). Grade 3Pass through heathland and delight in views of Tamborine, Lamington, Mount Barney and the southern section of Mount French.

Moogerah Peaks National ParkMust dos• Feel on top of the world

looking out over Fassifern Valley, Cunninghams Gap and Mount Barney from lookouts on Mount French.

• Soak in the rainbow hues of wildflowers—ruby-red pea flowers, yellow dogwood and creamy Leptospermum colour the springtime landscape atop Mount Greville.

Getting thereMount French is 9km west of the turn-off just south of Boonah. Mount Edwards is east of the Cunningham Highway and 9km south of Aratula. Mount Greville is 25km south-west of Boonah via Mount Alford Road or 11km south of Lake Moogerah. Mount Moon is surrounded by private property.

SafetyThe rough trails to the summits of Mounts Edwards and Greville are spectacular but should only be tackled by fit, experienced walkers.

Marvel at the ancient volcanic peaks of mounts French, Greville, Moon and Edwards, standing sentinel as the remnants of a once-forested Fassifern Valley.

Places to camp1 Frog Buttress camping area

Relax in a small grassy area set in open eucalypt forest close to walking tracks. This spot is often booked by international and local rock climbers during the climbing season (April to September).

Mount French camp sitesTwo vehicle camp sites are available in the Mount French car park. This spot is often booked by international and local rock climbers during the climbing season (April to September). Toilets, picnic tables and wood barbecues can be found at the picnic area nearby.

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Bushwalking at Mount French.

Top Yards.No horses and mountain

bikes beyond this point.

Point Pure

Abbotts Yards

Glen Rock

East Haldon Rd

Mount Philp

Casuarina camping and day use area

To Gatton


Main RangeNational

Park

1 2kmScale0

1

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Glen Rockgully

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Hear the crunch underfoot as you journey

along the park’s gravel roads, where twisted

eucalypt trees and grasstrees dot the

landscape. Named after a prominent volcanic

rock outcrop, this park is the most westerly

extent of the Gondwana Rainforests of

Australia World Heritage Area.


Be a wildlife detective and look for tracks and oval-shaped scats left by brush-tailed rock-wallabies. Search for the bright red flash of a glossy black-cockatoo’s tail in nearby casuarina trees.

Walking, horseriding and cycling

The park’s management roads provide paths for walkers and riders to explore the unique landscape. Swap boots for hooves and ride in the footsteps of early settlers and farmers on the trail to Top Yards and Christies Loop. Cyclists can enjoy a flowing ride along the shared trails, taking

in views down to the rainforest gorge.

Glen Rock State Forest

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Standing on Glen Rock with views to Mount Philp.

Must dos• Let your heart melt as the

setting sun passes over volcanic outcrops and forested hills before disappearing into the sweeping pastel-brown plains.

• Picnic leisurely by Blackfellow Creek or camp overnight and listen for the storybook ‘whoo-hoo’ hoot of the powerful owl.

Getting thereGlen Rock State Forest is 40km

south of Gatton and located at the

southern end of East Haldon Road

on Blackfellow Creek. From Gatton–

Toowoomba Road at the western

edge of Gatton take the Mount

Sylvia Road turn-off. Travel south

through Tenthill to Junction View.

At Junction View State Primary

School turn left and follow East

Haldon Road to the park.

Explore open woodlands, rocky escarpments and rainforest in this beautiful park nestled in Tenthill Valley near Gatton.

Places to camp

1 Casuarina camping area

This open, flat, grassy camping area

is close to Blackfellow Creek and is

dominated by the dramatic ridgelines

of the surrounding valley. Suitable for

tent camping, trailers, caravans and

camper vans.

Places to go1 Christies loop

5.2km return

Climb this steep and rocky trail to

admire views over Blackfellow Creek

Valley and the signature red rock

outcrop that is Glen Rock.

2 Blackfellow Creek trail16km return

Follow the creek from the fertile,

alluvial flats to the headwaters of

Blackfellow Creek, ending at the

historic Top Yards.

22

Top Yards.No horses and mountain

bikes beyond this point.

Point Pure

Abbotts Yards

Glen Rock

East Haldon Rd

Mount Philp

Casuarina camping and day use area

To Gatton


Main RangeNational

Park

1 2kmScale0

1

2

Glen Rockgully

1

(Left) Lamington National Park; (above) camping along the Gold Coast Great Walk.

Photos: (left) © Daniel Barber; (above) Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt

CampingIt’s best to book well in advance as camp sites

in popular parks are in great demand during

peak periods such as long weekends and

school holidays.

Book your camp sites and purchase your

camping permits online at qld.gov.au/camping

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Lamington National Park.

Packing checklistq Adequate drinking water, food and

emergency supplies.

q Complete first-aid kit. Include sun and insect protection.

q Detailed map showing travel routes and distances.

q Reliable camping gear in good working order.

q Sturdy rubbish bags and/or sealable, animal-proof containers. No bins are provided.

q Long distance walkers: take a topographic map, compass and personal location beacon (PLB).

Be safe• Walk with a group and avoid

walking alone.

• Allow plenty of time to reach your

planned destination before dark.

• Stay on formed tracks and do not

shortcut.

• Treat all water from taps, creeks

and lakes. Boil water for 10mins or

use sterilisation tablets.

• Wear sturdy boots, protective

clothing and insect repellent to

avoid bites, scratches and stings.

• Stay well back from cliff edges and

waterfalls.

• Never dive or jump into creeks,

waterholes or lakes.

• Remember mobile phone coverage

is limited in most parks away from

the coast. Inform family or friends

of your planned itinerary.

Your safetyIn high fire danger conditions, walking

tracks and other areas may be closed.

In the case of a bushfire or any illegal

activity, please phone emergency

services Triple zero (000) or 112 from

your mobile phone as soon as possible.

Be responsible• Rubbish—pack it in, pack it out.

All rubbish (including food scraps,

cigarette butts and sanitary and

hygiene items) must be carried out.

• Where permitted, light campfires only

within existing fire rings.

• Avoid the spread of weeds by checking

clothing and equipment regularly for

seeds. Wash boots at pathogen control

stations where available to stop the

spread of dangerous fungi.

• Be frog-friendly—please do not

disturb, handle or remove frogs, their

eggs or tadpoles.

• Leave your pets at home.

• Please don’t feed wildlife.

• Wash away from streams, gullies and

watercourses, minimising use of soap

and detergent.

• Where toilets are not provided, bury

all faecal waste and toilet paper

15cm deep and at least 100m from

waterways, tracks and camp sites.

23

Journey wisely

© State of Queensland 2016. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service,

Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing. BP1993 April 2016, accurate at the time of printing.

Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources. Photo: Burleigh Head National Park © Lisa Frost

Connect with Queensland National Parks

queenslandnationalparks.com.au

book at qld.gov.au/camping

facebook.com/qldnationalparks

@QldParks; #QldParks

Useful contacts Emergencies: Dial Triple Zero (000) or 112 from your mobile phone.

Road conditions: Visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads at 131940.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40.

Tourism information:Gold Coast Tourism visitgoldcoast.com

Scenic Rim Regional Council visitscenicrim.com.au [email protected]

gold coast and scenic rim journey guide

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