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.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Mount Glorious to England Creek (Right Branch) via Joyner's Ridge Road



This walk explores one of the main catchment areas of Brisbane Forest Park - England Creek. The walk features some spectacular views of the surrounding park from various spots along Joyner's Ridge Road. It should be noted here that this walk is approx. 18kms in length, therefore good fitness is required and plenty of food and water should be taken with you. Allow at least 6 hours to complete this walk.

The walk to England Creek (Right Branch)starts at the gate/track on the left hand side of Mount Glorious Road, between the Miala motorcycle cafe and Miala picnic ground further up Mount Glorious road. Walk down the stairs and after passing the sign that reads Joyner's Ridge Road, follow the track for about 7.5kms until it arrives at crossroads. At this junction there is the option to walk either straight ahead around a locked gate, turn right to go down to England Creek (Left Branch) or turn left (Right Branch). At the time of this walk the track to go to the left branch of England Creek appeared to be closed off, a sign displaying 'Road Closed' at the junction.

Take the left hand turn and follow this down for about 1.5kms. Just before arriving at the creek the track splits into two. Take either the left fork or walk straight ahead to walk down to the creek. From here, either rockhop up and down the creek but if venturing downstream please be aware that downstream of the creek flows through private land. At the time we visited the creek there were many visible signs there had been severe flooding in this area, most likely caused by the floods earlier this year. This would have been quite impressive as trees growing in the creek as much as 10 feet high were pushed over and large, uprooted trees had been carried all the way downstream. Upon further exploration upstream there appeared to be only tiny rock pools with small rapids, so those wishing to swim here should visit after sufficient rainfall.

To embark from the creek there are a few different routes to consider. Two tracks on the east bank of the creek lead to Mount Nebo Road, the most southerly track winding it's way up towards Dundas Road and eventually leading to the Mount Nebo transfer station. However this route is very steep in ascent but does become easier once you reach the electricity pylons. The other route to Mount Nebo Road becomes quite overgrown toward the top of the ridge(as observed from a previous attempt to descend into the catchment from a track near Mount Nebo Road) but if this is not an issue, this route is fairly feasible. However once again, there are some steep sections to negotiate upon ascent.

Another alternative is to follow the creek upstream to Mount Glorious. This however may prove quite difficult and tiresome and therefore be suitable for more advanced bushwalkers, not only due to thick infestation of lantana and the overall steepness and rugged nature of this terrain but also the need for navigational skills to find the correct route to ascend the slope to Joyner's Ridge Road. The obvious and most easiest return route is the one initially described, but in reverse.

I found this walk overall did not pose that much difficulty. The route is not very steep but can be tiresome at times upon ascent, given it is an 8km return walk from the creek back to Mount Glorious. However the advantage of this walk is that elevation that is lost is gradually regained over a longer distance, therefore it is not as tiring as say another track that would be shorter and therefore steeper in ascent. There is some respite on the flatter graded sections to catch your breath on the way back.

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