Starting from the car park at the end of Dapsang Drive, Tamborine Mountain, this walk takes you on a circuit in the tropical rainforests of the Tamborine National Park, crossing Cedar Creek multiple times and visiting Curtis Falls with a side trip. The trip separates you from the city as soon as you dive into the dense eucalypt rainforest, filled with birdsong. Speaking of birds, the distinct call of the Albert’s Lyrebird which the Aboriginal people called ‘Joalah’ (haunt of the lyrebird) can be heard if you listen carefully. The walk is shaded the whole way, making you feel even more remote, like in a terrarium. The lovely little waterfall named Curtis Falls is well worth the side trip, sitting beautifully amidst fern and rocks covered in moss. You can even see some water dragons nearby if you’re lucky. Although you can't take a shower under the waterfall, you can swim in the waterholes up north. Keep in mind that the track might require small amounts of rock scrambling, or climbing over a fallen tree. Good trekking shoes may come in handy, as the track is rocky, muddy and slippery after rainfall. Come early to avoid the crowd and minimize the noise coming from the road. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn right onto Entertainment Road and drive for another 780 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Michigan Drive and drive for another 2.1 km
Turn left onto Tamborine Oxenford Road, 95, 8 and drive for another 1 km
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Tamborine Oxenford Road, 95, 8 and drive for another 17.1 km
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Gallery Walk, 95, 8 and drive for another 510 m
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Eagle Heights Road, 95 and drive for another 760 m
Turn right onto Dapsang Drive and drive for another 135 m
Turn left onto Dapsang Drive and drive for another 110 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park at the end of Dapsang Drive(near Pavilion Garden Bar), head towards the concrete footpath between the white informative signpost and the “Tamborine National Park - Joalah Section” signpost. Head into the woodland along the concrete footpath, passing between the said signposts. Follow the track as it descends through the eucalypt rainforest and crosses the creek. After around 815 metres from the trailhead, turn right and cross the creek to continue along Joalah Lower Creek Circuit (counterclockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 20 m pass the toilet (10 m on your left).
After another 4 m continue straight, to head along Curtis Falls Track.
After another 270 m come to the viewpoint (15 m on your left).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip to Curtis Falls is very much recommended. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 120 m (at the intersection of Lower Creek Circuit & Curtis Falls Track) turn right, to head along Lower Creek Circuit.
After another 90 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 320 m turn right, to head along Lower Creek Circuit.
After another 5 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 345 m cross the ford.
After another 330 m continue straight, to head along Lower Creek Circuit.
After another 320 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip to Curtis Falls is very much recommended. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Curtis Falls Track & Lower Creek Circuit) turn left, to head along Curtis Falls Track.
After another 390 m continue straight, to head along Curtis Falls Track.
After another 25 m come to the end.
This little side trip to Curtis Falls is very much recommended.
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Curtis Falls Track & Lower Creek Circuit Start heading along Curtis Falls Track (a walking track).
After another 110 m come to the end.
A viewpoint.
About 15 m past the end is "Curtis Falls".
About 135 m past the end is "Curtis Falls Cafe".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 110 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Joalah Lower Creek Circuit
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
2.3 km
Time
45 min to 1 h 15 min
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Bushwalk
45 min to 1 h 15 min
Toilet: There is one 20 m from the start.
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After another 270 m come to the viewpoint (15 m on your left).
After another 90 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long)
After another 345 m cross the ford.
About 15 m past the end is "Curtis Falls".
About 135 m past the end is "Curtis Falls Cafe".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 110 m to the main route.