Lake Manchester circuit walk

Lake Manchester is a water catchment facility situated in the south-western corner of Brisbane Forest Park (D'Aguilar National Park) It lies just North of Ipswich on the outskirts of Kholo. To get to Lake Manchester, simply follow Lake Manchester Road which is mostly sealed road.

Lake Manchester Dam was completed in 1916 and named after Mr E.J. Manchester, president of the Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Originally the Dam was called "Cabbage Tree Creek Dam." The Dam was reactivated in 2005 when the Brisbane drought was at a critical point and upgraded in 2007 for security and safety purposes.

Lake Manchester provides popular leisure activities such as bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding and bush camping. There are a number of interesting features such as views of the Lake and surrounding mountains, including the peaks and ranges outside Ipswich. Cabbage Tree Creek and Branch Creek flow into Lake Manchester and are quite pleasant to visit.

The circuit walk is approximately 17km long and was completed in just over 5 hours. It begins at the car park and crosses the creek downstream from the Dam wall. The walk is accessed by a vehicular dirt track that winds it's way through bushland and traverses the surrounding foothills and ranges of Brisbane Forest Park. The route intersects with other Park Management roads, including Branch Creek Road and Light Line Road. There are many routes to consider therefore explorative opportunities in this region are virtually endless.

From the map at the carpark it is easy to assume this walking trail concludes at the car park, however it actually ends up at the T-intersection of Lake Manchester and Kholo Roads, therefore the remaining part of the walk is along bitumen road to get back to the car park. Overall the walk is fairly easy going, however there are some creek crossings to negotiate and steep sections of the track that can be tiresome. It is best completed in a clockwise direction, the route described is as follows:
"North Lake Manchester Road" - "Light Line Road" - "South Lake Manchester Road".

Other walks from BFP that connect Lake Manchester, among others, are via "South Boundary Road" and "Cabbage Tree Creek Road"(please refer to relevant posts on this site). To access the bush campsite, walk anti-clockwise starting at the T-intersection of Lake Manchester and Kholo Road and walk for approximately 6kms until you reach the campsite and Cabbage Tree Creek. For the first 100 metres or so the track is heavily eroded and extremely muddy.

The circuit route described is well signposted, however a map is recommended to assist with orienteering your desired route and calculating rate of travel. For those who want do a shorter walk but do not wish to complete the full circuit, simply follow North Lake Manchester Road for a few kilometres, then take one of 3-4 diversions that turn left from the main track. These meet with Cabbage Tree Range which eventually leads back to the carpark. If completing the full circuit, allow a full day for rest breaks and to explore the surrounding area.

Cabbage Tree Creek via South Boundary Road (circuit walk)

This walk explores the catchment area around Lake Manchester and was completed as a circuit walk, starting at the Mount Nebo end of South Boundary Road. It is approximately 17km in total and requires some basic map reading skills to track progress. It is not 'hard' in the bushwalking 'scheme of things,' however it is quite a long walk and there is some endurance required, therefore I have classified the walk as 'Moderate to Difficult.'

Follow the track from Mount Nebo for about 1.5km then turn right into Augies Road, following this downhill. After about an hour or so you will reach a water tank on the right, then a T-junction. Turn right here and descend to the main branch of Cabbage Creek. There are numerous creek crossings along this stretch of the track which may be difficult to cross if the creek is flowing well, however did not present any problem when I visited earlier this year. Several kilometres south the creek widens and meets with Lake Manchester.

Upon ascent, turn right at the T-junction into Creek Road which leads downhill to the East branch of Cabbage Tree Creek. After the creek crossing it is a relatively steep climb back to South Boundary road. There is also the option to camp at the intersection of Scrub Road and South Boundary Road after completing this walk. For more info on South Boundary Road, please refer to similar posts on this site.

An alternative walk is to start at Mount Nebo, finishing at Lake Manchester,two cars left at either end of the walk. There is also the opportunity to explore surrounding areas such as Mermaid Mountain and Gold Creek.

South Boundary Road to Jolly's Lookout (circuit walk)

This walk is an alternative to the circuit walks around "Boombana" and for those who wish to explore the surrounding area and don't mind the idea of walking off-track. Long pants and a long sleeve shirt would be recommended due to the 'scratchy' nature of this terrain.

The walk begins at South Boundary Road. After walking approx. 1.5kms turn sharp left. (opposite turnoff to Augies Road) where the remnants of an old track can be found. It is easygoing at first but then overgrown along sections. There are some obstacles to negotiate along the way,such as fallen trees and some lantana, but hopefully this will not deter exploration only thwart progress.

It is a great 'starter' walk for those wishing to get used to off-track walking, with the feeling you are safe following a track. It's also an ideal way to practice some basic bush navigation. The region of D'Aguilar Range is abundant with plant and animal life and is an interesting place to explore. Within a short space of time I observed a Lace Monitor, Wallaby, Green Tree snake and a rather angry and surprised Carpet Python which I nearly stepped on!

The track winds it's way through different vegetation types and crosses two tributaries of Enoggera Creek. A map and compass are required to locate the circuit track near Jolly's lookout, which virtually 'touches' the edge of the track on the BFP topographic map. Once located this can be followed to Jolly's Lookout or Boombana, the latter eventually intersecting with South Boundary Road.

Alternatively, continue along the track towards Mount Nebo Road. At the time of descent there was severe Lantana infestation on either side of the track, however the route was feasible. This is a very eroded and steep section to negotiate and stinging nettle can be found at the bottom of the track near Mount Nebo road, so care is required. Once at the creek crossing, simply walk up to the road and walk back towards Jolly's Lookout.

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.