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.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Archer Campground, Mount Mee section


Archer campground is one of two camping areas located in the northern section of Brisbane Forest Park (D'Aguilar), more popularly known as Mount Mee. Archers has 9 campsites to choose from, each have a firepit and are situated beside a creek. The campground has toilet facilities and there is tank water usually available. Archers campground can be accessed via Woodford by car, access to Mount Mee is by 4WD only. The other campsite, Neurum Creek, has 13 campsites and is 6.3kms from the southern access to the Park (Mount Mee) or 13.5kms from the Northern access (Woodford). It can be easily confused with 'Neurum Bush Retreat' a privately owned and operated campground nearby.


'Broadwater' is a swimming hole situated not far from the campsite which has a toilet and a rest area.



Please note: There are no official graded walking tracks at Archers Campground. For more info on bushwalking and camping in Mount Mee, please copy and paste the following web links into your browser:

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/daguilar/pdf/mount-mee-trail-map.pdf

http://www.qld.gov.au

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Gold Creek Dam via Payne Road


This walk begins overlooking Enoggera Dam, off the Payne Road/Gap Creek Road roundabout at the Gap. It is about a 5 hour leisurely walk and access is via South Boundary Road, an unsealed management road which runs along a southerly ridge all the way to Mount Nebo. Being situated adjacent to a residential area, South Boundary Road is very popular with cyclists, runners, bushwalkers and those even riding on horseback. The road is mostly flat but has some hilly sections to negotiate along the way, however only moderate fitness is required. To access the Dam, simply walk along South Boundary Road for about 2 hours, then take the left turn off South Boundary Road immediately after reaching the overhead electricity pylons. It is then about a half hour walk down to the Dam.


The Dam has an unusual spillway which was damaged during floods in early 1890. It was replaced by an un-reinforced concrete stepped spillway, the first of its type in the world. Most of the 1890 concrete stepped spillway cascade is still in use.


The Dam is a great place to explore, with a number of footworn tracks to the right of and above the spillway. There are grassy areas below the Dam to sit and relax and just take it all in. Gold Creek Dam is very peaceful and scenic place to visit and enjoy and if travelling by car, vehicle access to the Dam is via Gold Creek Road from Brookfield.


It is also possible to walk all the way to Mount Nebo Road, or even undertake an overnight walk, camping at South Boundary Road at the corner of Scrub Road, then returning the following day. South Boundary Road is one of the main management roads in the Park and is an excellent access route for other bushwalking pursuits in D'Aguilar National Park.

For more information please go to the relevant postings on this site.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

England Creek Bush Camp via Joyner's Ridge Road.


England Creek bush camp is located between two ridges, Joyner's Ridge Road and Lawnton Road, which extend westward from Mount Glorious Road. In conjunction with England Creek Road, this route is also known as the 'Aquila Loop' and is popular with both bushwalkers and mountain bike riders.

The walk along Joyner's Ridge Road to England Creek starts at the management road gate, adjacent to 'Miala' a busy picnic ground further along Mount Glorious Road. From here the walk to the bush camp is approximately 10kms and can be completed in about 3-4 hours, depending on rest stops and rate of travel. The start of the walk begins in a section of lush rainforest before opening up to sclerophyll forest, with spectacular views of the surrounding Park, including Northbrook mountain and further West towards Wivenhoe and Toowoomba. There are some interesting features along the walk including birdlife, rocky outcrops and a variety of plant species. Bellbirds can be heard echoeing their distinctive 'tinkling' sounds in the surrounding trees and Lace Monitors can often be spotted if not heard, rustling in the leafy undergrowth of the trees bordering the track.


The walk to England Creek is fairly easy going and the road gradually descends to the catchment below, however there are some uphill sections to negotiate just before the campsite is reached. It should be noted here that on return the ascent to Mount Glorious can become long and tiresome, especially when carrying a heavy backpack! After about 7kms or so, turn right (left turn will take you down to England Creek Right Branch. Please see other relevant posts on this Blog) at the intersection and follow 'England Creek Road' for about 1.5 hours. Mobile reception on the flat stretch of road just before you reach the campsite is relatively good here.


My friend and I recently camped here and upon arriving at the campsite, noticed it had been maintained since our last visit. Prior to this, the tent sites had been left in poor condition and were overgrown with weeds and there were some old rotting logs hastily arranged around a firepit. The condition of the campsite has dramatically improved since then and the old logs have been replaced with much larger logs sculpted into benches to sit on and there are two distinctive areas to pitch tents with minimal weed infestation. The creek crossing appears to have been severely damaged possibly by the 2010 flood, as part of the concrete slab has been washed a bit further downstream.


England Creek Bush Camp is for those looking for that authentic remote bush camping experience. After walking for a few hours the creek is immediately inviting and the campsite awaits for complete rest and relaxation. The night we stayed at the campsite it was very pleasant with very few mosquitoes and the temperature was mild and fairly comfortable at night, but a bit cooler the next morning. It wasn't cold enough to light a fire and also due to possible fire restrictions, we decided to use a portable gas stove and billy instead. Later that night we were greeted by some very bright stars (as well as an unexpected 'drive-by' from someone driving a Landcruiser - possibly a Park Ranger) and when the moon rose in the sky, the stars disappeared and the light from the moon cast an unusual 'glow' on the surrounding trees. The creek was quite low, however it was enough to take a dip, which was a great way to freshen up for the return walk the next morning!


What I think makes England Creek Bush Camp so memorable and unique is the location and the peaceful surroundings. The gentle, soothing sound of water running past in the creek lulled me straight off to sleep in my tent! A special place to camp and just take it all in.