Sunshine Coast and hinterland national parks - Queensland National Parks
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Queensland National Parks Sunshine Coast and hinterland national parks
Contents
Parks table...........................................................2 Bellthorpe National Park ...................................15
Welcome..............................................................3 Glass House Mountains
National Park ...............................................16–17
Map of the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland..... 4–5
Mapleton National Park ...............................18–19
Plan your getaway................................................6
Mapleton Falls National Park .............................20
Choose your adventure........................................7
Kondalilla National Park ....................................21
Noosa National Park ....................................... 8–9
Conondale National Park and
Tewantin National Park ......................................10
Imbil State Forest ........................................22–23
Eumundi National Park ......................................11
Jimna and Amamoor state forests ................24–25
Parklands Conservation Park ............................12
Slow down on a Great Walk ...............................26
Mount Coolum National Park .............................13
Be prepared ......................................................27
Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur)
Further information............................................28
Conservation Park .............................................14
Short walks
Horseriding
Wheelchair
Parks at
permitted*
Four-wheel
Mountain
Camping
facilities
Summit
driving
access
Toilets
Hiking
routes
Scuba
biking
diving
Picnic
Fires
a glance
Amamoor SF v l
Beerburrum & Beerwah SFs v l
Bellthorpe NP v l
Brooyar SF
Conondale NP v l
Currimundi Lake (Kathleen
McArthur) CP
Dularcha NP l
Eumundi CP l
Ex-HMAS Brisbane CP
Glass House Mountains NP
Imbil SF v l
Jimna SF v l
Kondalilla NP ©
Parklands CP l
Mapleton NP l
Mapleton Falls NP
Mooloolah River NP
Mount Coolum NP
Noosa NP
Tewantin NP
Tuchekoi NP v l
Weyba Creek CP
Woondum NP l
* Fires permitted in fire rings and barbecues, except when fire bans are in place
v On management roads and/or shared trails only unless otherwise signed
l On SEQ horse trail network and some forest roads
l On SEQ horse trail network and/or forest roads and shared trails where horses are permitted
l Some shared trails only
© Great Walk walkers’ camp only
Wheelchair-assisted access only
For a more comprehensive guide of the parks and recreation opportunities listed above, visit qld.gov.au/NationalParks.
Always check Park Alerts before you visit for the latest information on closures and conditions, visit qld.gov.au/ParkAlerts
Tranquil rockpools, Kondalilla Falls National Park © Tonya Stone (front cover);
Brahminy kite, Noosa National Park © Meri Pilloni (this page).
2
Welcome to
Sunshine Coast
and hinterland parks
Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples
welcome you to the protected
areas of the Sunshine Coast and
Hinterland. Parks and forests
within this area are of traditional Welcome to the stunning natural
beauty of these incredible parks!
and contemporary significance Immerse yourself in the beautiful
to both groups, who have an coastal fringes of rugged headlands,
fragile sand dunes, mangrove-lined
active role in looking after the creeks and blooming heathland, then
values for future generations. venture to the enticing hinterland
for tranquil forests, rambling rocky
We hope you will enjoy your creeks, mesmerising waterfalls
visit and respect the sacred and breathtaking views of ancient
volcanic intrusions. Come and see
places you visit. what we see!
Ranger Bronwyn
on behalf of the Sunshine Coast and
Hinterland Queensland National
Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers
Hike for days on a Great
Walk or take a short
stroll to scenic lookouts
where you can soak up
epic mountain views and
coastal scenery.
Appreciate stories of the First Nations peoples of this land. Reconnect
Imagine a traditional lifestyle of hunting and gathering this rich with nature on a
coastal bounty—feasts and ceremonies bringing people together. camping escape.
Pitch your tent or
pull up your caravan
Listen to the sounds of
and swap the city
Australian summer—cicadas
lights for stars.
humming, weathered bark
crackling underfoot, laughing
kookaburras and waves
breaking gently on the beach.
Seek adventure—at your
own pace, in your own style.
Hit the trails mountain biking,
rumble down 4WD roads, dip
your toes in cool rainforest
pools or relax with a gourmet
picnic beside a waterfall.
Venture deep into the
green hinterland, beneath Photos (from top left, clockwise):
ancient trees and rainforest © Matthew Stewart; © Tourism and Events
Qld; © Tourism and Events Qld; Robert
vines, letting nature’s healing Ashdown © Qld Govt; © Ben Edmonds
power rejuvenate your spirit. Photography; © Tourism and Events Qld.
3
To Maryborough
Rain
bow
Bea
ch Rd
Brooyar
d
Bay R
Wide Bay High n
way Ca
Tin
Brooyar
SF Kin
Kin
Rd
Gympie
Glastonbury
Broolo ie
Noo
sa R
Gymp
d
Kin Kin
o Rd
Woondum Teewah
NP
Amamoor
Tuchekoi Weyba Creek CP
NP Pomona
Tewantin
Amam oor NP Noos
SF Bruce Highway
Cooroy Tewantin
d Su
Noosa R
Cooroy
David
Low
th Rd Way
ilwor Pereg
Ken Eumundi Sun
Brooloo shi
di ne
n
mu Eumundi
Eu
Imbil CP Rd Coolum
SF m
olu
Yandina Co
Motorway
Ea
Yandina
Mo
st Ced a r C
Mapleton
re
ek
Kenilworth
Su
Ro
ns
ad
hi
Parklands CP
ne
Co
NP
as
tH
int
er
nd
la
Gr
e at
Wa Image
lk Fla
tR
O bi
oa
d
Mapleton Mapleton Rd
Ob
our–Mapleton R
Na m b
Falls NP
oa
d
d
iR
Mapleton
ad
o
iR
Ob
Nambour
Obi
Marooc
Jimna Kondalilla
NP Buderim M
Ke M
nil ale Montville
way
wo ny
rth nshine Motor
Jimna Conondale Rd Su
SF Mooloolah
NP Conondale River NP
Maleny Dularcha Beerwah
NP
Lan SF Calou
ds ndra
y Mal boroug Rd
d eny h
ive a nle
t R
ny-S Rd
r
R
Male
Landsborough
Mooloolah Ri
Meridan section
Kilc
oy
-M R d
urg
on Bellthorpe wah
Rd eer Glass House
NP yB
K ilco Mountains
Steve Irwin Way
Glass House
Mountains NP Beerburrum
Highway
Kilcoy D’Aguilar East SF
To Dalby
Brisban
Beerburrum
e Valley
D’Aguilar Beerburrum
West SF
Bruce Highway
Hig
h wa
Esk
y
-
Kilc
oy
Road
Caboolture
4 To Esk To Brisbane
Map of the
Sunshine Coast and Hinterland
Track and trail classifications
(these classification symbols are used thoughout this brochure)
Grade/ Suits Track description
Class
Scale
0 10 20km Wheelchairs with assistance Tracks have flat even surface with no steps or steep
and strollers sections.
No bushwalking experience required. Tracks may have
Families with young children a hardened or compacted surface with gentle incline
sections and some steps.
People with some Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have
bushwalking experience short steep hill sections, rough surface and many steps.
Tracks may be long, overgrown, rough and very steep.
Experienced bushwalkers Directional signs may be limited.
High level of physical fitness and map-reading skills
Very experienced required. Unformed tracks. Likely to be very rough, very
bushwalkers steep and unmarked.
Novice riders with basic skills Wide trails with a gentle slope and a relatively obstacle-
and fitness free, hardened natural slope.
sa Intermediate riders with Trails with obstacles, variable surface and moderate slope.
moderate skills and fitness May include steep sections.
unshine Beach Challenging trails. Large, unavoidable obstacles and
Experienced riders
Noosa NP features. Steep climbs or descents and loose surfaces.
Novice riders and horses with Wide trails with a gentle slope and a relatively obstacle-
moderate skills and fitness free, hardened, natural surface.
gian Beach
Experienced riders and
horses with moderate skills Trails with obstacles, variable surface and moderate slope.
and fitness
Advanced riders and
m Beach Challenging trails with many obstacles, variable surface
horses with high skill and steep sections.
and fitness levels
ount Coolum NP
Legend
(these symbols are used thoughout this brochure)
Ex HMAS Brisbane CP
Publication maps legend
chydore National park Visitor information centre (VIC) Camping
State forest Wi-Fi access Camping—car access
Mooloolaba
Conservation park QldParks–Wifi Camping—4WD access
Waterways Information Caravan
Nicklin Way
h Township Information shelter Camper trailer
Mountain Toilets Motorhome
Currimundi Lake Gate Wheelchair accessible Walking track
(Kathleen McArthur) CP Locked gate Shower Hiking
Grid Parking Running
Caloundra
Bridge Lookout
iver NP Bus parking
n Fence Lookout–constructed
Picnic table
Railway Lookout—wheelchair accessible
Sheltered picnic table
Highway Mountain bike riding
Shelter shed
Sealed road Trail bike riding
Telephone
Unsealed road Horseriding
Petrol
4WD road Canoeing
Tap water
4WD road Playground
(dry weather only) Fire ring
Rock climbing
Management road Open fireplace
Abseiling
Walking track Barbecue—wood
Dog on leash area
Great Walk Barbecue—gas
Horse paddock
Horse Trail Network Barbecue—coin operated
Airport
Shared trail Wildlife spotting
(walking, mountain Surf life saving club
biking and horseriding) Scenic drive
Tank water—treat
Trail bike trail 4WD access before drinking
Mountain bike trail Fire tower Generators prohibited
5
Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt
Enjoy a walk with the family on the Tibrogargan circuit
Plan your getaway Guided tours
If your time is limited or you prefer
Whether you visit for a day or holiday for a week, you’ll be swept up
someone else to do the planning,
by the Sunshine Coast’s laidback way of life. Kick off your shoes and you can join a guided tour with an
squeeze sand between your toes. Bathe in the glow of morning sun and experienced and friendly local.
rippling waves—you’ll feel like a local in no time. From half-day visits to multi-day
excursions, tour providers cater for
Best time to visit Best way to visit special interests and can take you
The Sunshine Coast boasts an almost The best way to visit is with the freedom to less-visited corners of our parks.
perfect year-round climate. Autumn and of your own vehicle. Most parks are Visit queensland.com for details
spring are the best times to visit, with day accessible by 2WD. Bellthorpe National of tour providers. When booking
temperatures averaging 25°C on the coast Park, Conondale National Park and some your tour, look for the ECO Certified
and the hinterland tending to be a degree parts of Mapleton National Park are the logo. For more information visit
or two cooler. Summer temperatures can exception and require a 4WD. Some coastal ecotourism.org.au
soar above 30°C with afternoon storms parks have bus services that stop nearby.
rolling in, so plan your activities during
cooler and earlier parts of the day. During Add some local flavour
winter, daytime temperatures are still Make the most of your visit and time your
warm with 20°C averages on the coast. holiday with a local regional event.
Light winter frosts can occur in the Choose from country shows, fishing
hinterland with temperatures dropping competitions, mountain-bike rides and
below 0°C, so pack a warm jacket! races, sailing and swimming events,
and music, food and cultural festivals.
There is something happening at all
times of the year, so join the fun!
Visit visitsunshinecoast.com.au/events
Wildflowers blooming in Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur)
Conservation Park (left); coastal heathland (above); sunset over
Mount Tinbeerwah in Tewantin National Park (right).
© Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer (left and above); © Ian Hallmond (right)
6
© Sarah Haskmann
Mount Ngungun, Glass House Mountains National Park
Choose your adventure Parks where you can:
Go four-wheel driving
Bellthorpe, Conondale, Imbil
Diverse as they are beautiful, parks of the Sunshine Coast will spoil you
Feel the ocean breeze
for choice. Perfect strips of white, sandy beaches, open forest trails,
Noosa, Mount Coolum, Currimundi Lake
cool hinterland rainforest and rushing cascades set the scene for relaxed
Delight in spectacular views
outdoor adventures. Mount Coolum, Tewantin, Glass House
Mountains, Noosa
If you’re travelling to the region for the first Choose to spend one or multiple days
Find a perfect picnic spot
time, choosing where to go is easy. There’s immersed in nature with your friends and Mapleton, Mapleton Falls, Imbil,
something for every visitor. the wild residents for company. Conondale
Noosa to Coolum Blackall Ranges Witness majestic waterfalls
Kondalilla, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Pick a spot high on the foreshore during a Discover the magical beauty of Kondalilla
Great Walk, Conondale Range Great Walk
bushwalk through popular Noosa National National Park and Mapleton Falls National
(Summer Falls walkers’ camp)
Park and watch dolphins ride rolling waves Park, walking under a verdant shady canopy.
and humpback whales breach on the Four-wheel drive past tall forests, through Walk to a mountain peak
horizon (between July and October). Mapleton National Park to Point Glorious Mount Coolum (Mount Coolum summit
walk), Tewantin (Mount Tinbeerwah
with coastal views, including southern
If you’re keen to get away from the crowd, lookout track), Glass House Mountains
Cooloola and Lake Cootharaba.
take a short drive to Tewantin National (Mount Beerburrum and Mount Ngungun
Park or Eumundi or Parklands conservation To the west summit walks), Conondale and Imbil
parks, where forest trails beckon walkers, (Mount Allan walks).
If you are looking for a little more adventure,
mountain-bike riders and horseriders. take a short break and make good use of Camp by a waterhole
your 4WD, exploring forestry roads through Conondale, Imbil, Jimna, Amamoor
Coolum to Caloundra Mountain bike and horseride on
the rugged Conondale Ranges, where the
A hop, skip and a jump from Coolum Beach bush roads
everyday seems a lifetime away.
lies the imposing dome of Mount Coolum Tewantin, Parklands, Eumundi, Mapleton,
National Park. Walk up many steps to the Discover creek-side camping, walks, horse Bellthorpe, Conondale, Imbil, Jimna,
summit and admire brilliant ocean views. trails and roads for mountain-bike adventure Amamoor
in Jimna, Imbil, and Amamoor state forests. Go for a bushwalk
Unwind on a tranquil springtime ramble
Conondale National Park also offers superb Mapleton Falls, Kondalilla, Noosa, Glass
through flowering coastal heath at
camping areas along Booloumba Creek. House Mountains, Conondale,
Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur)
Conservation Park, where local birdlife Continue your adventure in the Conondale Eumundi, Imbil, Jimna
welcomes you with song. Range tackling a half-day, full-day or See wildflowers bloom
multi-day bushwalk on the Conondale Noosa, Mount Coolum,
The Hinterland Range Great Walk. Travel through a Currimundi Lake,
Drive to Glass House Mountains lookout variety of landscapes, taking time to Glass House Mountains
for expansive views of the peaks. Walk unwind at the Great Walk camp sites. Encounter birdlife
around Tibrogargan viewing its many Conondale National Park features the built Noosa, Currimundi Lake,
angles. Trek to the top of Beerburrum and public art of world-renowned artist, Andy Jimna, Imbil, Amamoor
Ngungun. Take a rock scrambling and Goldsworthy—behold his egg-shaped Immerse in
walking adventure on the Yul-yan-man sculpture called © Strangler Cairn. culture and art
track traversing amazing country between Conondale
Tibrogargan and Beerburrum. Picnic beside the beautiful rock pool at
Stony Creek day-use area in Bellthorpe
Continue your hinterland adventure on the Eastern grey kangaroos
National Park, and listen to the gentle laze in Jimna State Forest
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. sounds of cascading water. Adam Creed © Qld Govt
7
Kate McGuiness © Qld Govt
View from Hells Gates to Alexandria Bay, Noosa National Park
Noosa National Park
With its beautiful and iconic mixture of beach
Must dos
and forest, Noosa National Park is one for the
• Take a morning walk along the
Coastal track 3 savouring the
bucket list—a natural gem you simply must visit.
breathtaking views. Fringed lily
• Walk through a kaleidoscope of colour
Wind your way along the stunning Things to do © Ross Naumann,
QPWS Volunteer
rocky coastline, watching surfers
in late winter and spring, when coastal Wildlife spotting
catch early morning breaks, dolphins
heathland bursts into flower. Flowering heath areas in the park are a great
• Visit nearby Weyba Creek gliding through sparkling waves, and
place to watch birdlife. Look for lace monitors,
Conservation Park for a walk along the koalas snoozing in the eucalypts
honeyeaters and koalas in trees near the walking
boardwalk to explore mangroves and above. Covering 2,883ha, the park has
tracks and picnic area, or walk to Hells Gate or
discover wildlife. a diversity of landscapes for you to Dolphin Point at Noosa Headland to spot a turtle
explore. The hardest part is choosing
Getting there or see dolphins cruising the waves. Nearby,
Noosa is 160km north of Brisbane via
where to start! Weyba Creek Conservation Park is great at low
the Bruce Highway M1 and the Sunshine tide for crabs and other tidal area wildlife.
Motorway Route 70. There are 4 main
sections—Noosa Headland, Peregian, Picnicking
Emu Mountain and East Weyba. Have a family picnic overlooking beautiful
Laguna Bay with its sweeping views from Noosa
to Cooloola. Picnic tables, electric barbecues,
Noosa locality map drinking water and public toilets are provided in
Noosa Headland at the end of Park Road.
Scale
0 2 4km Noosa
Headland
P de
Noosaville sa
No o Noosa Heads
Tewantin
Eenie Cr e e k Rd Sunshine
d
osa R Beach
Weyba
n di No
Creek CP
y
w Wa
Eumu
D avid Lo
Lake
Weyba Pacific
East Ocean
Weyba Bushwalk in Noosa
NP (above); walking
Em
uM in East Weyba (above
o unta right); tawny frogmouths
in
Peregian (right); koala (far right)
Ro
Beach
ad
Peregian © Tourism and Events Qld
(above); © Ross Naumann,
Sunshine Motorway Emu Mountain QPWS volunteer (above
right and far right); Trevor
Hatfield © Qld Govt (right)
Coolum
na oad Coolum Beach
n R
di
Ya
8
Dolphin
Noosa Headland Point
Granite Bay
Places to go
Boiling Picnic Noosa Headland
Pot Tea Tree Cove Hells
Headland Gates
entrance
Bay Winch 1 Palm Grove walk
Cove
3 1.1km circuit (15–30min)
Emergency Find respite from the summer heat in cool
2 radio
Noosa Heads Surf
Life Saving Club Laguna
3 rainforest with hoop pines and piccabeen
Noosa Hill
Bay
(limited Alexandria Bay palms.
1 views)
2 2 Tanglewood walk
Has Emergency
Unpatrolled beach 8km return (2–3hr)
Noos tings St radio
a reet Park Rd Swimming is
P a ra d not advised Alternatively return via the part of the
Morwong
e
Dr
Noosa Coastal walk for a scenic 7.1km circuit.
Heads
ive
Meander through rainforest and eucalypt
r
Noosa D
Lion
3 Rock woodland on this quiet inland walk to
4
Laguna Lookout
northern Alexandria Bay.
Viewland 3 Coastal walk
Drive McA ally D r
10.8km return (4hr)
n
Su eac
B
ns h R
300m one way to Boiling Pot
hi
ne d
To Weyba Creek S eaview
Enterprise St
Conservation Park 1.5km Da Parked Tce 1.2km one way to Dolphin Point
vid ge Rd
Lo Surf St 2.7km one way to Hells Gates
w
Wa Solway Dr
y
et
Bi Sunshine 3.3km one way to the northern end
Cooyar Stre
ce
nte Beach
nn of Alexandria Bay
D av i d L o w W
Drive
ial
Dr
4.4km one way to southern end of
Ben Lexcen
D
St
uk
e
Scale ay Sunshine Alexandria Bay
0 0.5 1km Beach Sunshine Beach
Surf Life Saving Club 5.4km one way to Sunshine Beach
Follow the shore around several bays
Legend with spectacular coastal views.
Peregian and Emu Mountain
Bus stop
Swim between the flags 4 Laguna lookout
Mt Coolum To Noosa
Peregian High School Beware—swimming Enjoy wheelchair-accessible access paths
Springs not advised
Havana Rd East Rough surf to the lookout with views over Noosa,
Laguna Bay, and Noosa River.
Peregian
6
rway
Emu
Mountain
Pacific Ocean 5 Ocean Beach walk
t Moto
1km return (30min)
oas
Emu Mountain Walk along a boardwalk through paperbark
eC
y
summit (71m) 5 swamp and sedgelands, down a sandy
ow Wa
shin
track through heathland and she-oak
Sun
id L
l
hC Peregian Beach
Dav
Wara t a Unpatrolled beach forests to the beach. Enjoy seeing splashes
Kanooka
Ave
Peregian
Lupin
Swimming is not advised
Place
of wildflower colour and quirky-named
Coolum Row dune plants like beach bean and pigface.
Pony Club Ne
an
t
ed
C
Emu Mountain
le
Ct
i t o n ia Dr
Tr
6 Emu Mountain summit walk
Scale
0 200m Coolum To Stumers
To Coolum Beach Creek 1.1km 1.1km return (45min–1hr)
Take a short, uphill walk to the summit
(71m) for panoramic views over the
coast. Sections of the track are uneven,
Beware: swimming is not advised Please note: Map reference numbers so take care. The montane heath boasts
for beaches surrounding the park. used here are different to the map a colourful array of wildflowers as well
Swimming is only recommended at nearby references used on park signs that
as threatened plants, including the Emu
Surf Life Saving patrolled beaches. provide information about all tracks.
Mountain she-oak.
9
© Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
Mount Tinbeerwah, Tewantin National Park
Tewantin National Park
If you are after a spot for some outdoor exercise with a dash of adventure,
Must dos nestled behind the glitter of Noosa are hilly subtropical rainforest, open
• Enjoy a forest ramble 1 —see eucalypt woodland and remnants of wallum heath, with trails for all kinds
tiny pea flowers, jewel-coloured
of adventurers.
butterflies and alien-like fungi
on the forest floor.
Walk to panoramic views over the coastal Things to do
• Test your mountain-biking lowlands and to the Sunshine Coast
skills on one of the mountain Mountain biking
hinterland from the top of a small volcanic
bike trails. Mountain bikers can ride 11 mountain bike
plug remnant. Wipe the sweat from your
• Capture a bird’s eye view from trails, leaving from Wooroi day-use area.
brow pedalling mountain-bike trails or
Mount Tinbeerwah lookout 2 . There are easy, intermediate and difficult trails
complete a vertical climb up or abseil
• Visit nearby Tuchekoi National to choose from.
down the sheer face of Mount Tinbeerwah.
Park, which boasts a steep
Abseiling and rock climbing
summit route for experienced
Experienced and suitably-equipped climbers
rock scramblers.
can scale or rappel the cliff face of Mount
Getting there Tinbeerwah behind the designated safety fence.
Tewantin National Park is 2km
west of Tewantin and 10km Places to go
from Noosa along the Cooroy–
Noosa Road. The turnoffs to the
1 Mount Tinbeerwah lookout track
Look out for colourful yellow and 1km return (45min)
2 park entrance points—Mount orange pea flowers in spring (above);
Tinbeerwah and Wooroi—are native hibiscus (below left); rider on Milk Bring binoculars to take advantage of the
Maid trail (below right).
from this road. spectacular 360 degree view from the summit.
© Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer (above
and below left); © Riley Taylar (below right) The beginning of the track to the first lookout
is sealed and suitable for assisted wheelchair
Mount and stroller access.
Tinbeerwah
Road
2 Palm Grove walk
1
1km return (30min)
Enjoy a walk through the cabbage tree and
Mount piccabeen palm forests along Wooroi Creek.
Tinbeerwah
lookout Wooroi This track is accessed via a shared trail—watch
day-use area
in
out for mountain bikers.
Scale ant
0 500m 1km Tew
h To
wa d
Beckma
To C yR Dr
Road r
o
ee
oroy or o yndi e r
a Co
Tinb
Noos
G
ns Rd
2
Su To Noosa
Visit qld.gov.au/Tewantin for
nr
ise Rd
detailed mountain bike trails information
To Eumundi
10© Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
Walk or ride along Eumundi’s rainforest trails
Eumundi Conservation Park
Travel to the heart of historical timber-getting country, on hoof, foot or
Must dos wheel, and explore dry open forests on the hills and moist tall eucalypt
• Escape the summer heat with
forests and rainforests along the creeks and gullies.
an invigorating mountain bike
or horseride through pockets of
Imagine a past with voices echoing 3 Figbird trail
rainforest, swamp paperbark forest
‘timber!’ as huge cedar, beech, blackbutt 4km return from Seib Road gate.
and grassy open forest.
and tallowwood trees were felled in this
• Go birdwatching early morning or 6.1km return from Eumundi Road gate via
forest from the late 1800s. Logging ceased
late afternoon and see fairy-wrens, the Blackbutt and Geebung circuits.
honeyeaters, pardalotes and lots of
in 1996 and it was declared conservation
10.1km return from North Arm gate.
other birds in the forest understorey. park in 2009 to protect the forest and
wildlife. Walk, mountain bike or horse ride Travel through open forest and wet
Getting there on a network of shared trails, with the eucalypt forest on this trail.
The park is a few minutes’ drive from piercing call of eastern whipbirds echoing
4 Ironbark trail
Eumundi township via 3 access points: in the forest and bearded dragons basking
5.1km one way from Seib Road gate to
Eumundi Road gate entrance, Seib in the sunshine.
Road gate entrance and North Arm North Arm gate.
gate entrance. Places to go 6.6km one way from Eumundi gate via the
Blackbutt trail and then Ironbark trail to
1 Blackbutt trail
North Arm gate.
Eu
2.3km one way from Eumundi Road gate to
mu oos
a Venture through grassy open forest to
n di Noo
s a Rd To N Seib Road gate.
To Eumundi Eumundi sheltered creeks and gullies with
1 Rd gate Pass through blackbutt, pink bloodwood swamp paperbark.
Cattle
yards Scale and brushbox forest before taking a break
0 0.5 1km
& dam
at the old cattle yard and dam.
Verrierdale 3 Venning
R d
Forest Rd
2 2 Geebung circuit
3.6km return from Seib Road gate.
Seib Rd
Seib Rd gate
6.1km return from Eumundi Road gate.
Pr y or
4 9.3km return from North Arm gate.
d R
Allandale Explore hills, creeks and gullies along
Rd gate
this trail through tall eucalypt forest,
A ll
rainforest and open woodland.
an
da
le
R d
Mountain bike riding on
Hidden Valley shared trails (right);
Rd gate Fig Tree bearded dragon (below)
Lane
4
ey d e n
Rd
Hi d l © Ross Naumann,
Va l QPWS volunteer (right);
© John Augusteyn
Nor th Arm (below)
Yandina Creek Rd
North Arm
North Yandina Creek Rd
Arm gate
To Coolum
Valdora Rd
11© Ross Naumann, QPWS Volunteer
Open forest on the Komine circuit
Parklands Conservation Park
Explore this valuable wildlife habitat on 15km of wide shared trails and
Must dos another 13 purpose-built mountain bike trails.
• Test your mountain-bike skills at the
mountain bike skills development area The trails lead you through tall Things to do
(access from the Radar Hill Road car
eucalypt forest and rainforest, past Mountain biking
park, located near map reference 1 ).
rocky platforms and steep gorges. Riders can choose from 13 purpose-built
• Put on your running shoes and soak
up a run in nature. Some trails have creek crossings and mountain bike trails that vary in length and
• For a slower pace enjoy a leisurely switchbacks that wind you through the difficulty. See qld.gov.au/Parklands for
horseride or walk on one of the four fern understorey. Plan your activities detailed mountain bike trails map.
wide shared trails. for the cooler parts of the day, as trails
2 Easy grade trails for the whole family
through the dry open forest can be hot
Getting there and exposed. Cooler winter months are
(totalling 3.8km).
Access the main entrance at Radar Hill 8 Intermediate trails (totalling 24km).
the best time to visit.
Road by taking the Parklands exit off 3 Difficult grade trails offer a
the Bruce Highway about 4km north of challenging ride for experienced
Nambour and 5km south of Yandina. riders (totalling 1.6km).
Shared trails
You may encounter 2 emus Four shared trails offer options for mountain
in the park. For the birds safety and bikers (Intermediate or Difficult); horseriders
for your safety, slow down near (Class 2 or 3). All are Grade 4 walks.
them and don’t approach them.
1 Rocky Creek circuit
To Yandina
5.4km return from Radar Hill entrance.
Bli Bli-Ya
ndina Rd Sections with steep grades, slippery
To To Bli Bli when wet.
Yandina
Rocky Creek
Forest Road A grassy forest floor, with trees including
Na
tallowwood, bloodwood and casuarina
mb
ou
1
r Con
Mountain bike on the high ridges, is typical of this trail.
skills area
There is also scribbly gum forest with
nectio
bracken fern, and in protected, moist gullies
n Rd
Radar Hill palm groves grow.
entrance Radar
Hill Rd
2 Komine circuit
11km return from Radar Hill entrance.
2 Atkinsons Section with extremely steep grades (more
Bruc
Road
Beginner rider trying out the than 15%) that requires riders to dismount.
e H
mountain bike skills area
Wind through open scribbly gum forest.
igh
(top); coast banksia, Banksia
wa
Scale integrifolia (above) This challenging trail includes large sections
y
To 0 500m
Nambour To Brisbane © Eugene Craddock (top); © Ross
Naumann, QPWS Volunteer (above) with little shade.
12© Kate McGuiness
The view from the top of Mount Coolum
Mount Coolum National Park
Encounter a sunrise like never before from the
Must dos impressive green-cloaked dome of Mount Coolum, 208m
• Get a natural high on a steep trek above the Sunshine Coast lowlands. With spectacular
up the volcanic peak 1 . 360 degree views of the coast and hinterland, it’s time to
• Sit quietly and sketch or brush off your walking boots, get prepared and start hiking!
photograph wildflowers.
• Look for passing whales during the This park protects a significant area of Places to go
annual winter migration. montane heath on the mountain peak and
1 Mount Coolum summit walk
includes important pockets of wallum,
Getting there 1.6km return (2hr)
paperbark wetlands, open eucalypt
Access is from David Low Way, 3km Trek upwards through woodlands and
forest and rainforest remnants that have
north of Marcoola and 6km south of shrublands to low montane heath—a
otherwise largely disappeared from this
Coolum Beach. Turn into Tanah Street threatened plant community surviving on
part of Queensland.
to reach the car park. this exposed summit. This walk has many
steps so make sure you are fit enough for
Things to do
the challenge.
Wildlife spotting
Mount Coolum, in the traditional
See honeyeaters darting through the
lands of the Kabi Kabi people, has very Safety
montane heath, while peregrine falcons,
high spiritual and cultural significance. Never attempt the Mount Coolum
the world’s fastest animal, dive-bomb at up
Please respect the park’s cultural and summit walk in wet weather—rock
to 200km per hour on the hunt for prey. In
conservation values by looking after surfaces become dangerously slippery.
winter and spring, migrating whales can be
this precious area and leaving no
spied from the summit, breaching offshore.
evidence of your visit.
Toolga Stre
et To Coolum Beach
Tanahst)
(We
1
St
Mount Tanah St (East)
Coolum
ay
summit W
w
Lo
vid
ve Da
Dri
l il
Jarnah
Mount Coolum dome (above); Suncoast Beach Drive
the stair climb up Mount Coolum Scale
(right); a peregrine falcon (top) 0 250 500m
To Maroochydore
Photos: © Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
13© Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
Heathland in Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park
Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Conservation Park
Visit a living legacy—a family-friendly park reflecting the passion of
Must dos local conservationist and artist, Kathleen McArthur. Walk peacefully
• See the gorgeous patchwork of
through precious remnants of wallum heath—a habitat under threat in the
wildflowers in late winter and spring
—pinks, purples, creams, yellows,
Sunshine Coast— for views of the lake and ocean.
blues and greens form a rainbow-
Spy shimmering green, blue and gold in sandy walking track continues through
hued landscape.
the shrubbery—honeyeaters, rainbow bee- woodlands filled with banksias, wattle,
• Grab your binoculars or camera
and watch for birds flitting through eaters and wrens visit the heath to hunt for casuarinas and heath plants.
the heath. their insect meals.
2 Beach access track
• Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk
Things to do 2km return (1hr)
through wildflowers nearby in
Mooloolah River National Park Coastal Pathway Meander through woodlands to the back
where yellow-tailed black-cockatoos, of the sandy dunes where low-growing
Ride, walk or run past the park, soaking up
rainbow bee-eaters and ospreys take rainforest plants grow. Walk up the dunes
views of the heathland and woodlands, on
to the skies. past casuarinas and pandanus trees for
the council’s adjoining Coastal pathway as
expansive beach views.
Getting there per map.
Currimundi Lake (Kathleen McArthur) Rainbow bee-eater (right);
Conservation Park is 4km north of Places to go wedding bush flower (below)
© John Augusteyn (right);
Caloundra. Travel on the Nicklin Way, at 1 Heath circuit © Ross Naumann, QPWS
Wurtulla turn east into Gayandi Street, volunteer (below)
1.4km return (40min)
then right into Mandara Drive and left
into Coongarra Esplanade. A sealed path at the entry leads to a
lookout over Currimundi Lake then the
To Maroochydore Ma
nd a
r a Drive way
l path
An Coasta
un
St a
y
Wa
rive
lin
k
Nic
D
ra
nd
Bareki S
Pacific
Ma
Gayandi St Ocean
treet
To Caloundra
1 2
planade 1 2
Coongarra Es
Crummunda Park Scale Currimundi Lake
0 200 400m
14© Jodie Bray
Stony Creek, Bellthorpe National Park
Bellthorpe National Park
Explore rugged terrain framing picturesque cascades and creeks in this
Must dos historic park with a forestry past. Rumble along gravel roads in your 4WD,
• Picnic beside the beautiful
rock pool and gentle sounds of
tackling water crossings, hill climbs and descents into open eucalypt forest
cascading water at Stony Creek and rainforest.
day-use area 1
Sheltered pockets of vine and rainforest in Walking, mountain biking
• Experienced drivers can enjoy
a low-range, high-clearance this park provide precious habitat for elegant and horseriding
4WD trip along Branch Creek treefrogs and whipbirds. Stand quietly—you Mountain bikers and horseriders can
Road with rocky climbs and might hear a male whipbird’s high-pitched ‘whip embark on adventure riding trails in the
picturesque creek crossings. and crack’ call, closely followed by a female’s SEQ horse trail network. Visit qld.gov.au/
Getting there sharp ‘choo-choo’. HorseTrails for information. Mountain-
bike riders can also access management
The park is about 85km north-west
of Brisbane and west of the Glass
Things to do roads in the park unless otherwise signed.
House Mountains. Follow the Scenic driving
D’Aguilar Highway west through Several roads in the park offer challenging and Places to go
Woodford township and take the stunningly-scenic low range, high clearance 4WD 1 Stony Creek day-use area
Stony Creek Road exit, following opportunities for experienced four-wheel-drivers.
signs to Stony Creek day-use area. Remnants of Brandons timber sawmill can be
seen on West Bellthorpe Road. Some roads can Stop and enjoy a picnic at this beautiful
only be traversed in dry weather so pay attention creek-side site—toilets, picnic tables and
to the signs and never cross flooded trails. wood barbecues are provided.
Trails and
Po s t m
roads west To Jimna
of Brandons Road a Rd an Track
To Maleny
o d
dl
s anley Riv e r R
are very steep.
Go
St
To venture here S t anley R er Rd
Bellark Rd
Plum
rs
Me aan e iv
P
you need to be
thor
Old Brandon’s p Rd L
sR
Ga To Beerwah
very experienced
pe
k
Cree Rd Sawmill Site
d
in traversing Be
d ar
llthorpe W B
steep terrain.
Non
est
Ce
Bran d o
e k Rd
R Ra th o pe
ners
d
ell
mus R
ng r
Bran
Kir
e Rd Com
issio
c h Cr eek Rd
Cre
by
ns
Rd Fla m
d
dy
R
San t Rd
d
a
Be
ou
M
d
Rd
Elegant treefrogs Do g Big
Tree reak
hR
co n
McC a ul ys rwa
ntf
(above); remnants e B Bee
ord
Lane 1
Rd
of Brandons sawmill (left) Go oy
Rd
r
c
Kil
Mar y S m
© Rowena Thomas
Fletcher
ge B
(above); Mark Lythall Beacon St
Rd
eak on East
© Qld Govt (left) view
r
Woodrow Boundary
y Ck d
Break
ok
sC Rd
R
e
ur
nd
Du
ree
kR Dur uB r e
ak
nn i
e
Eat
Lan
d eR ng Lane
d
Legend
Cov
on
ys
4WD tracks
Gra
Lane
(dry weather)
Scale
4WD tracks Woodford Folk 0 2.5 5km
Shared trails To Kilcoy r Highway Festival Site
Horse Trail D'Aguila Woodford
15Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt
One of the many views from the Yul-yan-man track
Glass House Mountains National Park
Pause and imagine the powerful forces that forged the towering
Must dos volcanic plugs that rise dramatically above the surrounding scenic
• Drop into the Glass House Mountains patchwork of pine plantations, bush and farmland. Reflect on their deep
Visitor Centre for more ideas on
spiritual significance to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi people, for whom
places to explore.
• Visit Glass House Mountains lookout these mountains and surrounding plains are home.
3 to the west in Beerburrum State
Forest for a spectacular view of all the Be enchanted as you walk beneath Summit routes
Glass House Mountains’ peaks or at changing forest canopies—see During your visit consider enjoying views of
the many vantage points along the candlestick banksias blooming bright the mountains from the many walking track
local roads. yellow, rainbow lorikeets peeking from vantage points rather than climbing the
• Explore many walks around the peaks. tree hollows, and spectacular views mountains. Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples
Behold the striking monument of that stretch to the horizon. do not climb these mountains as they have
Organ Pipes—viewable from Beerwah
great cultural significance and ask visitors
day-use area 1 —where volcanic Things to do also to refrain from climbing the mountains.
magma has cooled and cracked into
Bushwalking
impressive hexagonal columns. If you decide to ascend, note that only
Enjoy bushwalks to lookouts and
• Walk, horse or bike ride into the experienced, very fit and well-prepared
shadows of a historic rail tunnel in
through the forests around the
climbers can reach the summits of Beerwah
nearby Dularcha National Park and mountains. For families, the Mount
and Tibrogargan. These summit routes are
imagine a time when puffs of steam Ngungun summit walk 2 is a
extremely challenging, with exposed rocky
and the sounds of ‘clickety-clack’ filled adventurous walk with spectacular
sections, steep cliffs and areas requiring
the passage. bird’s-eye views of nearby Tibrogargan,
rock scrambling and climbing skills. If you
Beerwah and Coonowrin. For an extra
Getting there are inexperienced or have young children,
challenge and feeling of remoteness trek
The Glass House Mountains area is these climbing routes are not for you.
along the Yul-yan-man track 5 , taking
about 70km north of Brisbane. Follow
in the views on the Trachyte Ridge.
the Bruce Highway to the Glass House
Mountains tourist drive exit and follow
the signs to the park. Each recreation
node—Beerburrum, Beerwah, Ngungun
and Tibrogargan—has a different access
road.
Rainbow lorikeet (left);
Yul-yan-man track
(right); rock scrambling on
Mount Tibrogargan summit
route (far right)
© Tomek Z Genek (left);
Kate McGuiness © Qld Govt
(right); © Qld Govt (far right)
16To Landsborough To Sunshine Coast
Legend and Dularcha NP
Glass House
d
Roa
Mountains
K i l c oy Beerw National Park
Running trails
ie
ah Rd
mp
Old Gy
Go for a forest run on 3 running trails R
oy Beerwah oad
Peachester Kilc
and a shared trail in Glass House
Bells
Mountains Conservation Park and Beerwah
sR
d Cree
k Rd
Roy
Beerburrum West State Forest, just
off the D’Aguilar Highway, between
Coochin Roy
Wamuran and D’Aguilar townships. sR
d
Steve Ir w in Way
Beerwah
SF
Beerwah entrance 2 Ngungun
Railway Pde
Safety Glass House
hway
Never attempt mountain 1 Sah Mountains 1
a r a Rd
e Hig
walks or summit routes in Beerwah
Coonowrin
Bruc
wet weather—rock surfaces Fullertons Rd Bow Coochin Creek
Mo
un en R
become dangerously slippery. Glass House tB Rd d camping and
owrin
Mountains lookout Coon day-use area
ee
wa
hR Rd Johns
r
d rrs Road n
to
Ba
Places to camp 3 Marsh
Wild Horse
Mountain lookout
s Rd Tibrogargan
Camping is not permitted in Glass 4
House Mountains National Park, but Tibberoowuccum
To Glass House
you can visit nearby Beerwah State Mountains CP
Beerb
urrum W Beerburrum
Forest and stay overnight in your tent, oodford Rd
Beerburrum East SF
camper trailer, campervan or caravan Beerburrum
Beerburrum
at Coochin Creek camping area 1 . West SF
Beerburrum
5 train station
See qld.gov.au/NationalParks for Tunbubudla
(The Twins)
Old Gymp i e Rd
more information.
Places to go Do
nn
ybr
oo
1 Mount Beerwah day-use area k
Rd
Bruce Highway
Enjoy a picnic with a view at this peaceful
Elimbah
day-use area, only a 100m walk from the
Scale
car park. There are toilets and a picnic Miketeebumulgrai Elimbah To Brisbane 0 2 4km
table available.
2 Mount Ngungun summit walk
2.8km return (2hr)
4 Trachyte circuit
Enjoy great views of Tibrogargan, 5.7km return (2–3hr)
Coonowrin and Beerwah from the summit
Wind through open woodland and heathland
of this walk.
between Tibrogargan and Tibberoowuccum.
4 Tibrogargan circuit Enjoy views from Jack Ferris lookout on
800m to Mountain View lookout (10min); Trachyte Ridge.
4.1km full circuit (1hr 30min) Yul-yan-man track
5
Circumnavigate the mountain and see 9km return (3–4hr)
it from many different perspectives.
Take your time to enjoy spectacular country
Stop at Mountain View lookout to admire
that has breathtaking views, rock scrambling
views of Beerwah and Coonowrin.
challenges and diverse plant communities.
Follow the circuit through casuarina and
Marvel at the feeling of remoteness as you
melaleuca forest looking for yellow-tailed
trek along the Trachyte Ridge, taking in 360
black-cockatoos and birds of prey soaring
degree views without any sign of civilisation.
above.
5 Mount Beerburrum summit walk
Did you know? 3.5km return (1hr)
The Glass House Mountains are Fig trees and open forests feature on this
evidence of igneous intrusions around steep walk to a small fire tower.
25–27 million years ago. Weather has
long eroded away the surrounding
softer rock, leaving behind the harder View of Beerwah (above right);
rock of the magnificent craggy peaks candle-stick banksia on the Trachyte
circuit (right). Cheryl Thomson © Qld Govt
we see today. (above right); Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt (right)
17Photo: Adam Creed © Qld Govt
Upper Gheerulla Valley view on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Mapleton National Park
Get active and explore this park many different ways. Ride your horse,
Must dos mountain bike or trail bike, drive along forest roads, climb majestic
• Laze in your camping chair beside
cliffs, or camp beneath the starry night sky.
Gheerulla Creek 1 and listen to the
wind blowing through the trees.
This park protects significant tall, Hike the Great Walk
• Bring your mountain bike and try some
wet sclerophyll forests, home to the
of the 30km of shared trail network For energetic hikers, the Sunshine Coast
on offer. endangered giant barred frog and red
Hinterland Great Walk, passing through
• Dangle above the forest below, goshawk. Delight in small waterfalls and
Kondalilla, Mapleton Falls and Mapleton,
abseiling from the grass tree-lined creeks, fragrant scribbly gum forest, and
is an exhilarating challenge with overnight
bluffs at Point Glorious, 400m above tall rainforest and palm groves in this
camps. There are many short, part-day
sea level. glorious hinterland park.
• Satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie on walks within. Visit qld.gov.au/GreatWalks
the trail bike circuit. Things to do Trail bike riding
Getting there Scenic driving Explore 26km of trail bike track A over
From Brisbane, travel 105km north along Take the scenic route along Mapleton hilly terrain with tall blackbutt and scribbly
the Bruce Highway to Nambour, then Forest Road starting just north of gum forests. Riders must be licenced and
travel 11km west to Mapleton. Roads in
Mapleton township, passing riding road registered trail bikes.
Mapleton National Park are unsealed—
Cooloolabin Dam leading to Point
Mapleton day-use area is accessible by
conventional vehicles, while most other Glorious, which has expansive views Places to camp
roads require high-clearance 4WDs. to the coast. This forest road is unsealed 1 Gheerulla camping area
Roads become very slippery in wet and suitable for high-clearance
conditions so plan to visit in dry weather. 4WDs only.
Pitch your tent in the bushy setting beside
Mountain biking Gheerulla Creek. Fire rings and toilets
and horseriding are provided for campers. If you plan to
Ride your horse along scenic trails use the fire rings bring your own clean,
forming part of the SEQ horse trail milled firewood. Do not collect wood from
network and shared trails. Mountain the park. Access to the camping area is
bikers can also access these trails as via Eumundi–Kenilworth Road by high-
well as forest roads unless otherwise clearance 4WDs.
signed. Visit qld.gov.au/HorseTrails
Great Walk walkers’ camps
for detailed information.
Forest drive (left); explore tall
rainforest (opposite page top); There are three secluded walkers’ camps
a scenic ride on one of SEQ’s horse
trails (opposite page bottom) provided on the Sunshine Coast
Chris Whitelaw © Qld Govt (left);
© Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer (opposite page top); Hinterland Great Walk—Thilba Thalba,
© Bluedog Photography (opposite page bottom)
Ubajee and Flaxton.
18Mapleton National Park trail map Places to go
1 Oaky Creek lookout trail
To Point Glorious
19km return
Cooloolabin
Dam Explore the different forest communities
Oaky Creek Cooloo
lookout Bonyee
la b
in R d as you travel along this designated
Gheerulla trail head
Sam
mountain bike trail, with spectacular
Ke
To Kenilworth yR
views of the Conondale Range and Mary
ll
d
E a st C
A ar C Valley from the Oaky Creek lookout.
ed
re
Mapleton
ek R
Gheerulla
National
camping area 2 Turpentine trail
d
Park
t Rd
1
7.8km return
es
2 or
Mapleton nF
day-use area
to
Pass through wet eucalypt forest
a ple
Kureelpa
Ghe
M
eru Falls
Thilba Thalba
walkers’ camp A 1 into scribbly gum forest with a heath
lla
Cre
understorey. Return along the same
ek
D To Kureelpa
route or via East Cedar Creek Road and
eli
a Falls Rd
ci
Legend Gheerulla
4
Ro
Falls
a
Great walk
Mapleton Forest Road.
d
Mountain bike trail
Shared trails
Leafy Lane
3 trail head
Trail bike track Ubajee
To Nambour
3 Piccabeen circuit
Parking (suitable walkers’ camp
for horse floats) Mapleton Mapl eton R
d 6.7km return
–
Generators prohibited our
mb Discover creek crossings and rainforest
Rd
Na
Mapleton Falls National Park
Scale To Montville
communities on this trail.
bi
Delicia Rd
iO
0 1 2km
trail head
Ob
4 Kureelpa Falls circuit
Mapleton National Park and surrounds 8.5km return
Travel through tall open forest down to
To Eumundi
To Cooroy
South Maroochy River, taking a short walk
Ken Creek Rd
To Noosa
ilwo
Eumundi
halfway to view Kureelpa Falls.
r th Sk
Point Glorious
yring
1
Bu
Scale
s Rd
ckb
0 2 4km
R d
y
io u
Glor
in t
Po
Rd
Bruce Highway
r th
Mapleton
o
ilw
Ken
Gheerulla National Bro
ndi−
trail bike wn
Park s Cre
u
circuit
Eum
ek
Rd
Cooloolabin
Dam
Rd
Co
olo
ola b in
Gheerulla Sa m
Mary Roa Yandina
d l ly
Ke
Riv e r
Wappa
Dam
To Kenilworth
Mapleton
Gheerulla day-use area Mapleton
camping area Conservation
d
st R
1 Park To
n Fore
Brisbane
Ghe Im
Poona ag
to
eru
See trail Dam e
Maple
F lat Rd
ll a
Thilba Thalba map
Ck
walkers' camp
Ubajee walkers' camp
Gheerulla
Falls Nambour−Maple
Delicia Road Delicia Rd to n
Great Walk entrance Rd
23 Nambour
Mapleton Falls National Park Mapleton
Mapleton Falls
Great Walk entrance
Ob
23
iO
iC
k Creek
b
ter
ax Flaxton walkers' camp
B
Danger Kondalilla Great
Walk entrance Flaxton
Kondalilla Kondalilla Falls
People have died or been National
Park
permanently paralysed
after slipping over Montville
waterfalls in these parks. Baroon Pocket Baroon Pocket Dam
Great Walk entrance recreational area
Stay behind fences and Lake
Baroon
follow a
ll warning signs. To Maleny
19© Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
The view from Mapleton Falls lookout
Mapleton Falls National Park
R d
To Mapleton National Park
ar
ym
Da
Enter shadowy forest where peace
Must dos is only punctuated by the booming
• Have a picnic with your family and ‘wallack-a-woo’ and ‘book-a-rook’ 2 2
friends, and some of the park’s furry of wompoo fruit-doves calling from
and feathered local residents.
the treetops.
Wom
• Feel the golden glow of sunset from
Mapleton Falls lookout 1 .
p
Situated in the heart of the Sunshine
oo c
• Be enraptured by the view over the
Coast Hinterland, Mapleton Falls National 2
ircu
Obi Obi Gorge and scenic Mary River
Park is a place of intense beauty and
valley beyond.
it
• Take a short walk on the Wompoo
natural treasures. Find a prime spot on the 2
circuit 2 . viewing platform high above Obi Obi Valley Peregrine
and admire luxuriant green rainforest and lookout
Getting there piccabeen groves below. To the right you
From Brisbane, travel 105km north can glimpse the top of Mapleton Falls as it
ree
k 1
along the Bruce Highway to Nambour, begins its 120m plunge. cil C
Pen
then travel 11km west to Mapleton. Mapleton
Falls lookout
Turn left onto Obi Obi Road then right Things to do
Map l e
into Mapleton Falls Road which leads
Picnicking
on t
to the park’s car park. Scale
Fal
There are picnic tables and an open 0 100 200m To Mapleton 3.5km
grassy area—ideal for spreading out ls Rd
a picnic rug or two and enjoying some
downtime in the fresh air.
Places to go
1 Mapleton Falls lookout
50m return (5min)
Look for Australian peregrine falcons
soaring near the cliff edges of Mapleton
Falls to their roosting sites during August
and September.
2 Wompoo circuit
1.3km return (45min)
Wind through rainforest and eucalypt
forest with teasing glimpses of the vast
mountain ranges stretching grandly to the
west. Peregrine lookout is the perfect spot
to let the serenity of the Obi Obi Valley
Mapleton Falls (left); boardwalk
on the Wompoo circuit (above) wash over you.
Photos: © Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
20Maxime Coquard © Qld Govt
A tranquil rockpool on the Kondalilla Falls circuit
Kondalilla National Park
Explore a magical landscape, complete with reflective rock pools, little
Must dos cascades, twisting paths and tree hollow homes for local wildlife.
• Discover the subtropical, boulder-
strewn oasis at the base of the Kondalilla—a First Nations peoples word Picnicking
falls—well worth the walk down. meaning ‘rushing water’—aptly describes
A 100m downhill walk with steps leads
• Explore the nearby parks and the park’s main waterfall plummeting
villages or check out the Great Walk from the car park to a large grassed
90m into the rainforest valley below.
for next time you visit. picnic area featuring barbecue facilities,
Navigate the steep curving steps
• For a leisurely walk a short bitumen picnic tables and toilets. The walking
carefully down to the viewpoint to see the
track leads to picturesque Picnic tracks start from this area.
gushing falls in all its glory. Be captivated
Creek Falls.
by the verdant rainforest buzzing with Places to camp
Getting there sounds and flickers of wildlife all around. No vehicle-accessible camping is available
The park is about 103km north of in Kondalilla National Park. Camping is
Brisbane near Montville. Follow Things to do only permitted at Flaxton walkers’ camp
Montville–Mapleton Road and turn
Wildlife spotting —a bush camp provided especially for walkers
into Kondalilla Falls Road.
Possums, pademelons, wallabies, on the 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland
goannas, platypus, echidnas and Great Walk. For more information visit
While the waterfall cascades more than 107 bird species live in the qld.gov.au/SunshineCoastGreatWalk
all year round, it is thundering and sheltered rainforests of the Blackall
spectacular during the summer Ranges. Watch for goannas and water Places to go
rainy season, dying to a gentle dragons wandering the tracks as often as 1 Picnic Creek circuit
trickle in the drier winter months. we do! Sling your camera strap over your 1.7km return (45min–1hr)
shoulder and capture images worthy of Meander through cool, dappled eucalypt
David Attenborough’s attention. forest with patches of rainforest and see an
exquisite small waterfall and cascades. Linger
to enjoy views over the valley from a lookout.
Kondalilla
picnic area 2 Kondalilla Falls circuit
Kondalilla Falls 4.7km return (2–3hr)
lookout
Walk through rainforest and open forest to a
Ske
Obi Valley
n
Creek lookout cool rock pool at the top of the falls. Descend
e
into lush rainforest as you walk down to the
2 1 valley for the best waterfall view. What goes
2
down must come back up! There are over 300
Rock
pools stairs on the Kondalilla Falls circuit so you
Scale
0 250 500m
need to be reasonably fit and allow enough
Echidna
© Meri Pilloni time to enjoy this steep walk.
21Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt
Artists Cascades and lower pools in Conondale National Park
Conondale National Park and Imbil State Forest
Conondale National Park Things to do
Must dos Discover subtropical rainforest tucked
Conondale National Park Wildlife spotting
• Stop and soak up the serenity of the into the rugged Conondale mountain Listen from your tent at night for the eerie
crystal-clear pebble-strewn Booloumba ranges. Magnificent forests, deep squealing screams of rarely-seen yellow-
Creek. gorges and spectacular views make bellied gliders as they leap from tree to
• Visit the unique 3.7m high rock sculpture
this 35,500ha park a wondrous tree feeding on sap oozing from nicks in
Strangler Cairn © 2 in Booloumba Gorge.
• Walk through tall open forest to discover place to visit and the perfect day-trip the trunk. If you’re lucky you may spot
Booloumba Falls. Admire the impressive adventure for the whole family. northern brown bandicoots and red-necked
outlook over the Breadknife rock formation, pademelons, two of many animals found in
rushing cascades and waterfalls. Enjoy short and long Great Walk
this park and the surrounding ranges.
Imbil State Forest adventures wandering through one of
• Drive through rainforest and native pine the largest remnants of subtropical Mountain biking
plantation. rainforest in south east Queensland. and horseriding
• Laze beside Little Yabba Creek on a Horseriders can use trails in the Horse
Dip your toes in cool rock pools and let
camping holiday in Charlie Moreland
your tension melt away to the sound Trail Network. Visit qld.gov.au/HorseTrails
camping area 3 .
• Hike or ride (mountain bike and horseride) of rushing cascades. Camp overnight for detailed information. Mountain bikes
to Mount Allan fire tower. A hitching rail is under the stars beside rainforest and can also be ridden on the SEQ horse trail
provided near the top, as the last 300m is network and vehicle tracks within the
mountain streams where frogs call
by walking only.
into the night. Sense the significance national park, unless otherwise signed.
Getting there of this landscape to the Traditional
Mountain bikes and horses are not
Conondale National Park permitted on walking tracks.
Owners—the Kabi Kabi people—who
From the Bruce Highway the main exits to
the park are the Landsborough–Maleny exit
have walked these high mountains and Scenic driving
or the Eumundi–Kenilworth exit, following valleys for thousands of years. Pack your lunch and set off in your 4WD for
road signs for Kenilworth. The turn-off to the day, cruising along forest roads to either
Booloumba Creek day-use and camping areas
Imbil State Forest Booloumba Falls, Peach Trees camping area
is 13km past Conondale township or 7.5km
past Kenilworth. All park roads are gravel and See beautiful rainforest giants with in nearby Jimna State Forest, or through the
suitable for high-clearance 4WD only. buttress roots in Imbil State Forest. park along Sunday Creek Road.
Imbil State Forest Look for long scratch marks on tree
Follow the Bruce Highway and take the trunks—a sign of scrambling lace
Landsborough exit to Maleny. Continue on monitors. Say g’day to kookaburras
Maleny–Kenilworth Road and turn into near the Charlie Moreland picnic and
Sunday Creek Road, 13.5km north of
Conondale township. Charlie Moreland camping areas before heading out on
camping area is 5km along Sunday Creek an adventure through hoop pine
Road. Alternatively take Eumundi-Kenilworth plantation and native forest.
Road off the Bruce Highway and travel
through Kenilworth to the Sunday Creek
Road turn-off 7km from the township. Crossing Booloumba Creek (right);
Conondale Great Walk (centre);
common jezebel butterfly (far right)
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