Search bushwalks Page 3

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Mapleton Falls Road, Mapleton, this walk takes you on a circuit in the lush rainforest of Mapleton National Park via the Wompoo Circuit, visiting Peregrine Lookout along the way. Also, you can visit the Mapleton Falls Lookout after/before your hike to enjoy some exceptional views over the Queensland hinterland along with the waterfall. The dense rainforest is teeming with interesting wildlife, and the towering trees around add an extra layer of serenity to the experience. The Peregrine Lookout features a cozy sat with a backrest that you can refuel as you savor the views of the mountains covered in green. With interpretive signs and undulating tracks, this walk makes for a great opportunity for little kids to get started and learn about nature. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the area. 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.

Highlights

Wompoo Circuit

1.5 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Waterfall

Environment

The Boulders - Devil's Pool Walk

The Boulders - Devil's Pool Walk

1.5 km return

30 min to 45 min

Starting from the end of Bartle Frere Goldfield Road, Babinda, this return walk takes you to the foreshore of Babinda Creek where there are rock pools and cascades, visiting a couple of lookouts along the way. You should definitely pack your swimmers for this one as the charming swimming holes along the creek are not to be missed. Some of the granite boulders will dazzle you with their sheer size, adding to the scenery. After all the fun, you can have a nice picnic in the day use area where there are BBQs as well. Come early or on a weekday to avoid the crowd. Take care around the fast moving waters. 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.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

Starting from Mountain Street, Pomona, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Cooroora via the same-titled hiking trail, then loops back to the start through the dense forest. You will be rewarded by the spectacular 360-degree views from the top as you feel the gentle wind on your face. The vast mountain ranges covered with different types of trees look excellent, especially during sunrise/sunset. Relatively short but demanding, this walk involves some rock scrambling, but there are chains to assist you on your climb/descent. There are also lots of scenic spots to stop and catch your breath. You will be needing shoes/boots with great grip to make the experience safer. Try to avoid the track if there’s even a possibility of rainfall, as the rocks easily get slippery and dangerous. It is a popular hike(amongst trail runners too) so come early to avoid the crowd. 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.

Highlights

Mount Cooroora Circuit

1.5 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Mount Cooroora Circuit

Environment

Mount Tibberoowuccum Track

Mount Tibberoowuccum Track

1.5 km return

1 h to 2 h 30 min

Starting from Marshs Road, Beerburrum, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Tibberoowuccum and back, exploring the eucalypt woodland of Glass House Mountains National Park along the way. The magical 360 views from the summit are going to surprise you, making you think why you haven’t cleared this hidden gem of a mountain before. Savor the unimpeded views over Sunshine Coast to the north along with the surrounding Glass house Mountains. The hike is short enough to be of great value, but not so easy that you’ll feel like you were just given the views. In fact, there’s a 5-10 metre rock scrambling part near the peak. Don’t give up on this walk if that scares you though, the views are still available to you from the base of the peak. Come real early and watch the sun rise, or schedule the walk on a full moon to have a completely different experience. Wear grippy shoes and avoid doing this walk under wet conditions to be safe. An insect repellent will come in handy against the mozzies(Australian word for mosquitos). 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.

Highlights

Environment

Coot-tha Pinnacle Circuit

Coot-tha Pinnacle Circuit

1.5 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Starting from J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area, Mount Coot-tha, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of The Pinnacle via the Pinnacle Link Track, then loops back to the start. Listen to the birdsong as you stroll along the East Ithaca Creek. Then make your way up to the Pinnacle along the scenic fire trails of Coot-tha. As it is a less popular walk in the area, the absence of people leads to a more secluded and serene feel to it. With mostly undulating tracks and 2 well-equipped picnic areas, this hike can make for a great afternoon trip with the family. Additionally, you can take your four-legged companion with you as well, considering he/she’s on a leash. 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.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Starting from the Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, Edge Hill, this walk takes you on a circuit in Mount Whitfield Conservation Park via the Red Arrow Circuit track. With its well maintained track leading up to a great viewpoint, this scenic circuit is a regular cardio destination for many. You’ll be able to see planes and helicopters landing at Cairns Airport from up close. Along the way, you’ll come across a lovely part of the forest consisting of bamboo trees where you can slow down and appreciate your surroundings. While observing the environment, remember to keep an eye out for echidnas and red-legged pademelons. The area is quite popular, so scheduling it on an early weekday morning can help avoid the crowd. Keep in mind that there are heaps of steps in steep parts of the track. 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.

Highlights

Red Arrow Circuit

1.6 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Cafe

Environment

Main Range NP - Rainforest Circuit

Main Range NP - Rainforest Circuit

1.6 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Starting from the Crest Carpark on Cunningham Highway(National Highway 15), Tregony, this walk takes you on a small circuit in the rainforest of Main Range National Park. Expect a gorgeous setting and environment that provides you heaps of shade under the canopy. The track is undemanding, well-maintained and uncomplicated. You can also extend this walk and do the Palm Grove Circuit or the Mount Cordeaux(and Bare Rock) tracks, but those may not be as well-maintained. Keep in mind that domestic pets are not allowed in Main Range National Park. 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.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park on Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley, this return walk takes you to the historical sawmill located along Currumbin Creek via a singular bitumen track, potentially visiting some lovely rock pools along the way. A peaceful stroll of a walk takes you to the old sawmill at the end, and the informative signposts along the track tells you all about the history of the area. In fact, this place used to be a banana plantation back in the day. The paved and undemanding footpath lets you focus on the scenery and nature around you. You can rock hop/scramble a little bit to get to the rock pools along Currumbin Creek. The track is quite popular so avoid peak times to have a more secluded experience. 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.

Highlights

Currumbin Creek Sawmill

1.6 km return

30 min to 45 min

Currumbin Creek Sawmill

Ruins

Swim

Environment

Starting from the Bunyaville Picnic Area, Bunya, this circuit walk explores the dry open eucalypt forest of Bunyaville Conservation Park via the Bunyaville Track. If you’re new to hiking, or just want to stretch your legs for a little with your kids, this peaceful hike is definitely for you. As you stroll around the diverse woodland, keep an eye out for koalas on trees. Listen for the laughing kookaburra and the pied currawong and you might spot them as well. The generally quiet picnic area can be a great finish to this little journey. Look out for snakes in warmer months, especially the mesmerizing carpet python. Come early or on a weekday to minimize traffic noise. 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.

Environment

Bunyaville Circuit Track

1.6 km circuit

20 min to 45 min

Bunyaville Circuit Track

Starting from Bellbird Grove Road, Enoggera Reservoir, this circuit walk visits the historical mines of Bellbird Grove that date back to the 1860s, providing information about the area through signposts spread along the track. You’ll be exploring the dense lively forest as you go back more than 150 years, visiting the various gold mines in the area. Keep an eye out for sulphur-crested cockatoos and eastern whipbirds in the canopy. If you’re here in spring, expect a colourful blanket of wildflowers around. The creeks and streams are best viewed after some decent rainfall. Keep in mind that this track involves steps in steep sections to ease the ascent/descent. 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.

Highlights

Golden Boulder Circuit

1.6 km circuit

30 min to 1 h

Golden Boulder Circuit

Ruins

Environment

Castle Hill via the Goat Track

Castle Hill via the Goat Track

1.7 km return

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Starting from Hillside Crescent, Townsville, this walk takes you to the summit of Castle Hill and back via the Goat Track, which includes 1300 steps(one way). A great way to view the city of Townsville whilst getting in your daily cardio workout, this track features 360-degree views all over the hinterland and the coast. No matter how experienced you are, the sheer number of steps and the steepness are bound to make you feel your calves and quads. Although it’s demanding, the aforementioned views make this challenge quite worthwhile in the eyes of many. You’ll be able to see the Magnetic Island and beyond to the east as you catch your breath. Speaking of, a local legend says the American soldiers that were here during WWII offered to blow up the hill and use the debris to build a bridge all the way over to Magnetic Island. Keep in mind that you can also drive up to the summit and make this a one-way walk, if you arrange transport. 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.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park off Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, this track takes you from the southern end of Captain Cook Bridge to Story Bridge foreshores via a scenic waterside track. The Cliffs Boardwalk offers a unique experience as it is located between the Brisbane River and the towering cliffs, hence the name. The walk features mangroves, scenic gardens, picnic spots with BBQs and artworks from World Expo 88. Kangaroo Point offers fantastic views, showcasing stunning urban views enhanced by the river. As night falls, the city views become even more gorgeous, providing a different perspective. The walk is right in the heart of the city and provides an opportunity to watch climbers, or even join them. Dogs are allowed on a lead, making it a great spot for a scenic stroll with your furry friend. Although it is an excellent choice for an afternoon jog, the walk can get crowded at peak times. Keep an eye out for cyclists. 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.

Highlights

The Cliffs Boardwalk

1.7 km oneway

20 min to 45 min

Environment

Starting from Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this return walk takes you to a hollow tree of impressive height width, where people used to sit under and name their wishes. Located behind the O’Reilly Rainforest Retreat, this walk features a timber suspension bridge built by Peter O’Reilly and Peter Main(local engineer). The said bridge takes you through a gully of tree ferns in the dense rainforest. You'll have the option to take a detour and visit Mick's Tower along the way. Standing 18 metres above the ground, this metal tower has informative signposts about the flora at the top. Birdwatching can be fruitful from the tower and along the track, with the chance to different types of rosellas, whipbirds, catbirds and many more species. Don’t miss out on the land mullets(Australia's largest skink) and red-necked pademelons along the track as well. After you make it to the hollowed tree, turn left and head south to make it to the ‘Glowworm Gully’. This place is home to a magical light show at night as the glowworms light up the creekside area. Although, keep in mind that unguided access is not allowed after dusk. 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.

Highlights

The Wishing Tree

1.7 km return

40 min to 1 h 15 min

Cafe

Environment

Starting from Yeppoon Road, Ironpot, this hike/climb takes you up to the summit of Mount Baga(formerly known as Jim Crow) and back, exploring the woodland of Baga National Park along the way. A short but quite intense journey takes you to the peak, where you’ll be met by panoramic views all over the surrounding area. The road up gets quite steep, but the shortness of the trip and the gorgeous views make it worthwhile for many. This track can be used as a training hike for more demanding ones. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be confident and not have a big fear of heights for this journey. A moderate level of fitness is recommended as well, as there is a decent amount o f rock scrambling involved. 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.

Highlights

Mount Baga(Jim Crow)

1.7 km return

40 min to 1 h 15 min

Environment

Rural