Love Creek Falls

There are a number of different ways to access Love Creek Falls, however the most obvious route will only be explained in this post. Only confident bushwalkers should attempt this walk as there are a number of waterfalls to negotiate along the creek, therefore experience with rock scrambling is essential. This walk can be quite slow and challenging due to the slippery nature of the terrain, so extreme care should be taken at all times.

Turn right onto Alex Road about 1km or so from Mount Glorious and at the car park, simply descend into the creek and follow it all the way downstream. There are a number of watefalls, rock pools and interesting palm groves along the creek which flows well after prior rain. Once at the falls, there are breathtaking views of the valley below. For those willing to explore the surrounding area, there are a number of other routes to consider that follow old logging trails which connect with Greene's Falls and Maiala picnic ground.

A collection of plant species in Brisbane Forest Park

I studied Horticulture a few years ago, so being into all things bushwalking I decided to compile a list of plants that I have on occasion observed while I have been exploring in Brisbane Forest Park. I guess I kinda felt like putting this up on my Blog to rekindle my interest and love of plants that I have, like so many other things from time to time, put aside or forgotten about being so busy!

This list is growing, watch this space for more photos once I have put them up...



Stinging tree
(Dendrocnide excelsa - also known as Laportea gigas)
(Dendrocnide moroides - also known as Laportea moroides)




Bird nest
(Asplenium nidus)






Cunjevoi
(Alocasia brisbanensis)
(Alocasia macrorrhizos)






Staghorn fern or Elkhorn
(Platycerium bifurcatum)







Grass Tree
(Xanthorrho​ea)







Australian Fan Palm or Cabbage Palm

(Livistona Australis)

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.

South Boundary Road to Scrub Road

This is a very easy but satisfying walk through the forest, being mostly flat-graded track. The walk departs from the side of Mount Nebo Road and winds it's way through the Southern 'back country' of Brisbane Forest Park. The route visits some interesting places along the way including Enoggera Creek and offers some views of the surrounding ranges. It is frequently used by mountain bikers who cycle all the way from Gap Creek Road to Mount Nebo, about a 22km ride one way.

There is camping available at the intersection of South Boundary and Scrub Road and access to Enoggera Creek is possible by walking along Scrub Road until you reach the creek crossing. (For more info on camping, please visit the 'D'agulair National Park' link I have listed at the bottom right hand side column of my blog). It is also possible to walk to Mermaid Mountain, Lake Manchester and Gold Creek from South Boundary Road, making it one of the most interesting and accessible walks in the Brisbane Forest Park.

For information on alternative routes along South Boundary Road, please refer to the list of walks posted on this blog.

Wivenhoe Lookout to Cedar Flats via Northbrook Parkway

This walk leaves from a gate on a sharp bend of Northbrook Parkway, adjacent to Wivenhoe Lookout. It winds it's way along several ridges before descending to 'Red Cedar' picnic ground, which can be found further down Northbrook Parkway. The route is popular with cross country runners and mountain bikers, who often utilise this track to run and cycle between Cedar Flats and Mount Glorious.

Although this route does not pose much difficulty, there is some navigation required as there are other tracks which veer off in other directions along the management road. A topographic map of Brisbane Forest Park is recommended to navigate and locate the correct route to 'Red Cedar.'

There are some steep sections to negotiate upon descent which can impact quite heavily on the knees and in some sections it may be required to crouch and slide, or run and slide down on your feet. The walk eventually comes to a creek and then the main road, a short walk further along the road will lead to the picnic ground.

It is possible to diverge from the route described to locate 'White Cedar' another popular picnic ground located further along the Parkway. However this route may cross private land, therefore permission may be required to gain access.

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.

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.

Rocky outcrop @ Joyner's Ridge Road

From Mount Glorious, follow Joyner's Ridge road for about 1.5 hours into the Park. You will possibly need a map to locate the rocky outcrop which is clearly shown on the BFP topographic map.

From here you will notice a diversion off to the right from the management road that looks like a beekeeping site. Follow this up the slope to your right until you reach the rocks. It is quite high in elevation and provides sweeping views as far as Wivenhoe and the Toowoomba range, the surrounding ranges of Brisbane Forest Park and the peaks of Northbrook Mountain and Mount Glorious. From here, either walk back the same way or continue along Joyner's Ridge road where you will come to crossroads. From here it is possible to visit both left and right branches of England Creek.


For related posts see 'England Creek(left branch)via Rocky Outcrop,Joyner's Ridge Road.'

North Kobble Creek via 'Lepidozamia'

This walk leaves from the gate on the'Lepidozamia' track at Mount Glorious. At the carpark walk along the management road which follows the ridge. About an hour into the walk you will come across a fire break to the right. Take no notice of this but instead continue walking along the ridge which later starts to descend. Another track which is quite distinct heads off to the right and eventually meets up with another track. To the right, leads to a waterfall, to the left, North Kobble Creek. Turn left here and walk down the track, which is quite steep in sections and eventually reaches a creek crossing at the bottom. From the crossing either rockhop along the creek or continue walking along the track. There are some small rock pools along the creek and some interesting features. Upon returning to Mount Glorious, this walk is very steep in ascent and requires good fitness to climb it. There are a few options here such as returning the same way or walking straight ahead at the crossroads, returning via the fire break that also leads back to the 'Lepidozamia' track. Allow a full day for this walk.

Greenes Falls, Mount Glorious

This is an easy walk through lush rainforest on a flat walking track that features creeks, a waterall and small rock pools.

Start at Miala Picnic Ground. There is the option to walk one way to Greenes Falls, then return a slightly different way. There are some bridges along the track and a viewing platform at the falls. The creek and waterfall flow well after rain, but slow to a trickle most of the time.

There are more explatory opportunities from the Falls for those wishing to explore this area further, including walking downstream from the Falls then upstream to Love Creek, or simply downstream from the falls to Cedar Creek.