Summary

Boarding NSW and the pacific Ocean, it is not uncommon for hikes to have views of both worlds (ocean and hinterland). Hikes here are typically on the great dividing range.

History

Any interesting history for the region?

Features

What are the standout bushwalking features?

Access

How do you get there? Include all access points if there are many?

Maps

Which maps cover the region?

Accommodation

Where can I stay there? or near there?

Camping

Council Areas:

1. Scenic Rim Regional
2. Gold Coast City
3. Logan City
4. Redland City
5. Ipswich City
6. Lockyer Valley Regional
7. Brisbane City
8. Somerset Regional
9. Moreton Bay Regional
10. Sunshine Coast Regional
11. Noosa Shire

Contact details

See Qld National parks website

Walks in Karawatha Forest

Easy

8 km

2 hrs

The Rocks Circuit (from Illaweena Street)

Starting from Stretton Reserve on Illaweena St, head to the far end of the picnic area and across the bridge over the lagoon. Start following the power lines and head slightly up hill. About 700 metres in, follow the sign to the right Dianella Trail. There's an interesting and rather random car wreck in here. Keep following it at any sign posts by heading to the Wallaby track.

When you reach the Wallaby track, head right for 170 metres then left for 120 metres onto the Rocks circuit. Head right (ignore the path in front of you) and keep following it around. Stick to the Rocks Circuit. You'll eventually come to an unsigned junction. Don't go uphill to the left (that will take you back to the Wallaby track) but head right down the gully and then up some stairs. This will eventually take you to an excellent little picnic area at the highest point in the park, with a nice view of the local area.

From the picnic area, head west on the Entolasia track towards the reservoirs and mobile phone towers. After the mobile tower (but before the huge/second water reservoir) head left where the sign says Wallaby track, but don't head onto the Wallaby track. There'll be a green arrow painted on a tree. Follow that arrow and head down the Casuarina track. If you ever wander off track, just follow the main track under the power lines until you get back to the bridge and lagoon.

Easy

2.5 km return

30 mins

Wild May Lagoon Trail

A short walk in Karawatha Forest which follows a fire trail and passes some lagoons.
Picnic tables at taps at start of trail

Walks in Kondalilla National Park

Easy

4.9 km return

2 hrs

Baroon Lookout

A great family walk up the side of the gorge to the lookout out across Obi Obi Creek as it heads north from the Baroon Dam and into the Blackall Range to join the Mary River.

Medium

20 km

5 hrs

Baroon Pocket to Kondalilla Falls (return)

A stroll through the Southeast Queensland rainforest, with spectacular views down Obi Obi Creek.

Medium

3.3 km one-way

90 mins

Baxter Falls - Northern Approach

This walk leads through open eucalypt forest, dropping almost 300m down to the suspension bridge across Baxter Creek and the Falls to your left. The water falls into a 'bowl', before cascading into the bottom of the creek. Access to the 'bowl' is thought to be by bush bash to the left, but was not tracked.

Medium

7.6 km return

3 hrs

Baxter Falls - Southern Approach

This walk leads through open eucalypt forest, past rocky outcrops and down the side of the gorge to Baxter Creek with its suspension bridge and beautiful waterfall.

Hard

20 km

Great Sunshine Walk - Baroon Pocket Dam to Mapleton Falls

Great walk - half the great sunshine walk, enables you to do half one weekend and the other half later. Start at Baroon Pocket Dam, camp at flaxton camp and then finish in Mapleton Falls.

Medium

4.7 km

2 hrs

Kondalilla Falls Circuit

Kondalilla Falls (80m) is one of the most spectacular and accessible falls on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The walk down to the falls is 'family friendly' with some rock stairs and a maintained path. Great views of the rainforest valley from the natural rock pools at the top. You can swim in the rock pools at both the top and bottom of the falls.

Very Hard

14 km one-way

8.5 hrs

Obi Obi Gorge

Either a rock hop and swim down Skene Creek and Obi Obi Creek. Alternatively you can follow the Great Walk Path ( A lot easier but not as scenic).

Easy

1.7 km return

45 mins

Picnic Creek Circuit

This easy walk crosses Picnic Creek, passes through tall eucalypt forest and patches of wet sclerophyll (a mix of eucalypt and rainforest species). Enjoy views over the valley from a lookout point.