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.

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.

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.

Enoggera Creek via Scrub Road (off Mount Nebo Road)

This walk visits a section of Enoggera Creek and features nice rock pools, a waterfall and a waterhole. The waterfall is not at all high but still rather impressive after good rain, however the waterhole can be quite muddy, most likely due to the water being churned up by the waterfall. Overall though it is a nice spot to walk to and worthy of a visit. The track is relatively easy going, it is gradual in descent. The walk is about 1 hour in total.