Welcome to Bushwalking in Brisbane Forest Park


This blog is devoted to the different walks I have completed in Brisbane Forest Park. Here I will share my photos and personal experiences, explaining the many different walks within the Park and some of the interesting features of each walk. Brisbane Forest Park is now known as the region of South D'Aguilar National Park, but for the purpose of this blog and my own connection and history with the Park, I still refer to it as Brisbane Forest Park.

Brisbane Forest Park lies northwest of Brisbane, at most an hour's drive from the CBD. The entire Park encompasses approximately 36,000 hectares of natural land and forest consisting of national park, recreational areas and tourist spots that attract day trippers, motorcyclists and those wishing to experience the magic of a rainforest retreat or just enjoy a getaway in the mountains.

The Park is full of interesting features such as creeks, rocky outcrops, mountains, waterfalls, plants, birds and other wildlife which makes it such a diverse and natural place to visit and enjoy.

The walks I will share in this Blog range from easy to quite challenging, but above all are fun to do. Please feel free to send me any of your comments.

Hope you like these as much as I did.

Happy walking :)

Wayne

Please note: The walks described within should be used as a guide only and carrying a topographic map, compass, water, food and a first aid kit is highly recommended when bushwalking. Only undertake walks within your own limits and fitness levels. Please be responsible by notifying a friend or family member before beginning any walk.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

England Creek (Left Branch) via Rocky Outcrop, Joyner's Ridge Road (map & compass required)


This walk is not only an alternative to the obvious and more easier route along England Creek and Joyners Ridge Roads, but also for those who wish to gain skills and confidence with orientation and map reading skills and prefer to go 'off track' and explore England Creek from a different perspective. The walk is a good test of agility and because of the rugged terrain, can be quite challenging at times.

From Joyner's Ridge Road walk approx 1.5hours (from the Mount Glorious end) until a rocky outcrop is found on the right. This is located on the BFP topographic map. From the rocky outcrop a bearing is measured by tracing a line on the map from the rocky outcrop to the crossing at England Creek. Adjust for magnetic variation.

Drop down from the rocky outcrop onto the spur below. This involves scrambling down rocks which are loose and can be dislodged quite easily. The spur is quite steep in descent and the ground is very loose underfoot, therefore it is not uncommon to stumble at least once on the way down!

Eventually a creek bed is found on the left hand side of the spur. Cross this creek bed and contour around to the next spur. Another creek bed is then found and crossed which eventually joins the first creek bed to become one creek. Drop down into this creek and rockhop all the way downstream until you reach the main branch of England Creek. Walk downstream for approx 10 -15 minutes and you will reach the crossing and campsite. To return, walk south up England Creek Road which eventually meets with Joyner's Ridge Road and back to Mount Glorious. Allow a full day for this walk.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Northbrook Gorge via Northbrook Creek


This walk takes in the picturesque Northbrook Creek located in the back country of Brisbane Forest Park. There are several waterholes which you have to swim through to get to the Gorge, which is further up the creek. The walk takes about 1 hour each way. For most of the walk there is a footworn track that is quite visible on both sides of the creek. Care is required negotiating the rocks underfoot.

You will need to make sure everything you bring with you is waterproof. I used a tupperware container for things like my camera and food with plastic bags tied around them, then placed into a backpack. The backpack only got partially wet.

I did the walk in December and found the Gorge to be quite pleasant, therefore I would expect the summer months to be the best time to visit the Gorge.

Northbrook Gorge is a very special place so please respect it.