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Waterfall

Environment

The Cream Track from Tallebudgera Valley

The Cream Track from Tallebudgera Valley

10.5 km return

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

10.5 km

Return

Starting from the car park on Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera Valley, this walk takes you to the car park of Goomoolahra(Bilbrough) Falls and back via The Cream Track. Crossing Tallebudgera Creek multiple times along the way, the track explores a dense rainforest and goes through some private property as well. Enjoy the refreshing scenery as you hike along the creek and look for some wildlife hiding in the dense vegetation. When you make it to the car park near Goomoolahra, you can take your time and go see the amazing views from atop the waterfall, have a picnic in the recreation area, or go to the cafe nearby to refuel. Keep in mind that you’ll be needing a permit to pass through the private property, but it’s easy to obtain(online) and free of charge. Grippy shoes and hiking poles are recommended. Don’t schedule the walk after/during heavy rainfall as the clay hills become extremely slippery when wet. You can make this a one-way trip to avoid going back down the steep hills, but you’ll be missing out on a cool dip in the creek after a challenging hike. 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

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment

Artists Cascades from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area

Artists Cascades from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area

10.5 km return

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

10.5 km

Return

Starting from the Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the Artists Cascades and back via the Conondale Range Great Walk Track, visiting the Strangler Cairn and potentially the abandoned gold mine along the way. Try to allow as many hours as possible to this walk as you won’t understand how much time has passed whilst enjoying the lovely swimming spot at the end. Besides the refreshing water, the track offers possible side trips to a unique cairn and a historic gold mine from the 1920s. Additionally, the wildlife in the area include goannas, skinks and wallabies as well as different species of snakes. Scan the treetops for a chance to spot yellow robins and black cockatoos. All in all, this adventure of a walk is rated amongst the best walks in eastern Queensland. Keep in mind that the track can be quite slippery when wet, along with an increased number of leeches. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek (twice) on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. 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

Nerang Ridgeline Circuit

10.5 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Nerang Ridgeline Circuit

10.5 km

Circuit

Starting from Wunburra Circuit, Pacific Pines, this walk takes you on a circuit in the woodland of Nerang National Park, visiting the northwestern ridgeline along the way. Expect a scenic circular track that has great westerly views, going through some diverse vegetation throughout. It’s surely challenging (even if you take it slow), but the scenery and the wildlife is worth it for many. In fact, you’re almost guaranteed to run into some fellow eastern grey kangaroos whilst making your way through the rocky tracks. Mountain bikes are allowed on these tracks as well. Notice the change in vegetation as you listen to the lovely birdsong in the otherwise quiet park. Try to avoid this track in hot summer days and keep an eye out for snakes. 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

Mtb

Run

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Booloumba Creek Day Use Area to Wongai Walkers Camp

Booloumba Creek Day Use Area to Wongai Walkers Camp

10.7 km oneway

4 h to 6 h

Starting from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the Wongai Walkers Campground via the first section of the 56 km long Conondale Range Great Walk track. This journey along Booloumba Creek is full of highlights such as the Strangler Cairn and the abandoned barred-up gold mine from the 1920s. You’ll also pass by two gorgeous waterfalls named Artists Cascades and Booloumba Falls. This adventurous hike can be made into a return walk as well, if you’re not doing the great walk. Keep in mind that the track can be quite slippery when wet, along with the higher number of leeches. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek twice on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. 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 near the end of Dalrymple Road, Dalrymple Heights, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Dalrymple via a singular track, crossing multiple creeks along the way. You can expect a truly panoramic view over the whole hinterland around you that will make this journey worthwhile. Hike through a forest that looks so ancient you may lose your sense of time and feel like you’ll run into a velociraptor as you turn a corner. Strangler figs and all kinds of majestic plants add to the scenery as well. There are heaps of leeches in the area due to the humidity, so cover yourself well and bring insect repellent. Take lots of water and also consider wearing hiking boots with ankle support. 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 Dalrymple

10.7 km return

6 h to 8 h

Environment

Mount Marlow Circuit

10.8 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

Starting from the Esplanade, Pallarenda, this walk takes you to Mount Marlow via the Many Peaks Track, visiting Tegoora Rock along the way. Then, you’ll pass by the Bald Rock and loop back via the Lagoon Trail. Expect a varied gradient and interchanging scenery as you make your way through the woodland. Speaking of, keep an eye out for the gorgeous maidenhair ferns along the track. The views from the viewpoints are exceptional and worth the effort for many. If they don’t cut it for you, the amazing birdlife in the area may just will. Although Many Peaks Trail is mostly shaded, the Lagoon Trail is quite exposed. Sunscreen, a hat and mozzie(mosquito) spray may come in handy. Decent hiking shoes with ankle support are recommended. The track may be extremely overgrown in parts, turn back for your safety if so. Watch out for snakes. 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 near Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, The Gap, this walk takes you on a circuit around Enoggera Reservoir mostly via the Araucaria Walk, looping back to the start behind the dam. Listed as a heritage site, this reservoir is famous among kayakers and canoeists, as well as families coming here to enjoy the waters with their kids. The track is undulating and wide enough(excluding some parts) to comfortably run, and will provide you with some picturesque views of the dam whilst the trees give you some cover. There are lots of birds and turtles for you and your children to observe, along with other wildlife. Notice the change of scenery throughout the track as you’re strolling around this peaceful piece of nature. Just keep an eye out for snakes. Keep in mind that the site closes at 17:30 from May to August, and 18:30 from September to April. 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

Enoggera Reservoir Loop

10.9 km circuit

3 h to 5 h

Enoggera Reservoir Loop

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment

Manjal Jimalji Track to Devil's Thumb

Manjal Jimalji Track to Devil's Thumb

10.9 km return

7 h to 10 h

Starting near the end of Karnak Road, Whyanbeel, this hike/scramble takes you to the summit of Devil’s Thumb and back via the Manjal Jimalji Track. The summit provides you with exceptional views over the coast and surrounding mountains. You’ll be able to see the Mossman lowlands, the Dagmar Range and the Thornton Peak on a clear day. The eastern Kuku Yalanji people named this place ‘Manjal Jimalji’, which is also used for the track. Notice the environment change as you ascend, and with it, the birdlife and vegetation. This is a challenge that will test you mentally and physically, but the rewarding view and the feeling of conquering this challenge makes it worthwhile for many. Schedule your journey on a clear, dry day to avoid leeches and make sure you get the views that you came for. Bushmans spray, long sleeves and pants and grippy footwear is recommended. You’ll need a high level of fitness and lots of water for this hike. Turn back if it becomes too dangerous or you feel like you’re not going to make it back before nightfall. 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 Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre, Carnarvon Park, this walk takes you to an exceptional Aboriginal Art Gallery and back via the Big Bend Walk track, visiting the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre and Ward’s Canyon along the way. You’ll be dazzled as you walk along the 62-metre long wall that is full of engravings, ochre stencils and free-hand paintings. This sandstone wall has more than 2000 pieces on it, and it’s quite hard to believe they’re thousands of years old because of how fresh and new they look. The Aboriginal people of Bidjara and Karingbal surely knew how to make paint last. Don’t forget to read the information boards to fully understand the messages and meanings of the art. The Art Gallery of Carnarvon is considered to be one of the best places to view Aboriginal stencil art. Take plenty of water and avoid midday hikes in summer to have a better experience. You’ll cross the creek multiple times, so hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Bidjara & Karingbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Aboriginal Art Gallery

11 km return

3 h to 5 h

Aboriginal Art Gallery

Environment

Enoggera South Boundary Circuit

Enoggera South Boundary Circuit

11.3 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 5 h 30 min

11.3 km

Circuit

Starting from the end of Payne Road, The Gap, this walk takes you on a circuit in the southern side of the reservoir mostly via the South Boundary Road and Reservoir Tracks. Start with a peaceful forest hike including a couple of steep parts, then descend to the foreshore of the reservoir for a lovely change of scenery, Here, you’ll be accompanied with various bird species along with other wildlife. Expect picturesque views of the reservoir as you walk along the lakeside track. Additionally, you can get to the other side of the dam and cool off in the designated swimming area. The tracks are mostly shaded but remember to bring lots of water just in case. Take extra care in steep declines and keep in mind that the lakeside track can be muddy in parts. 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

Run

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

Northbrook Mountain via Lawton Road

Northbrook Mountain via Lawton Road

11.5 km return

4 h, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

11.5 km

Return

4 h, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

Run

2 h 30 min to 3 h 45 min

Starting from Mt. Glorious Road, Mount Glorious, this return walk takes you to the summit of Northbrook mountain via the Lawton Road(fire trail), visiting Northbrook Mt. Bush Camp along the way. You may huff and puff along the track and maybe think that this was a waste of time and energy, but those thoughts will leave their place to pure satisfaction as you reach the lookout at the top. Expect to see literally hundreds of kilometres over the gorgeous set of mountains covered with dense forests. As you might’ve guessed, this spot makes for some incredible sunsets as well. The campsite near the summit is also a delight, a place where you can peacefully spend the night. You’ll be able to see plenty of wildlife including some interesting bird species such as the eastern whipbird and pitch-black drongos. The birdsong throughout the track only implies there are much more species out there for you to see. If you choose to stay at the campsite, make sure you prepare accordingly as the site doesn’t have toilets or water. Keep an eye out for snakes. 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 end of Euodia Close, Barron Gorge, this circuit walk takes you to the Glacier Rock Lookout, then loops back to the start via Douglas, Gandal wandun and Smiths tracks. Crossing Stoney Creek multiple times, you’ll also visit Toby’s Lookout along the way. The panoramic view from the Glacier Rock Lookout will let you see almost all over Cairns. As you make your way through the dense rainforest, slow down and observe your surroundings to see how interesting the flora and fauna is. You’ll have a chance to see a cassowary, so keep an eye out for its droppings(feces). Echidnas and parrots reside in the area as well. If the timing is right, you’ll hear the rumble of the train and have the opportunity to catch some good frames. Don’t forget to bring swimmers so you can cool off in Stoney Creek after the hike. Try not to attempt the hike after/during rainfall, and bring hiking poles to relieve significant pressure from your knees. The area may be busy on weekends, so schedule for a weekday 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

Glacier Rock Circuit

11.7 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Swim

Environment

Starting from the Yellow Pinch Carpark on Upper Logan Road, Mount Barney, this return walk takes you to the Cronan Creek Falls and swimming hole, passing by two campsites along the way. Expect a secluded little swimming hole in a beautiful rainforest setting. Continue along the creekbed to find the hidden waterfall that is best viewed after decent rainfall. The interchanging vegetation is home to many wild animals, from House(Red) Finches and butterflies to wallabies and lace monitors. You’ll also be able to view Mt Lindesay and Mt Barney from the start. Keep in mind that recent rains can raise the water level and up the difficulty 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

Cronan Creek Falls

11.7 km return

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Environment