National parks and reserves Attractions - Holiday Gold Coast

GOLD COAST ATTRACTIONS

ATTRACTIONS NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES

Daisy Hill Koala Centre

Koala Centre, Daisy Hill QLD 4127

***Please Note: In response to COVID-19, the Queensland Government is taking proactive steps to reduce potential risks to vulnerable people in the community. As a result, Daisy Hill Koala Centre is closed until further notice. They apologise for any inconvenience.*** Visit Daisy Hill Koala Centre to see koalas in a natural outdoor setting. Come and be captivated by these amazing marsupials and discover more about the secret life of koalas. Admission is free. You can see the resident koalas from two different viewing levels so don't forget your camera. Visitors are unable to handle or pat the koalas. Discover the secret world of koalas! Learn more about koalas by exploring the fun and informative displays in the centre. Watch short films in the Woodland Theatre, discover all about the koala's life cycle and unique biology, learn the signs and symptoms of a sick or injured koala, learn how you can contribute to the conservation of koalas, find out what the Queensland Government is doing to help koalas, learn about other interesting Queensland wildlife species. The centre is wheelchair accessible....

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Hinchinbrook Island National Park

Hinchinbrook Island, Cardwell QLD 4849

Delve into the wild paradise of this spectacular World Heritage-listed island. Explore the park by hiking the challenging and world-renowned Thorsborne Trail; fishing the famous Hinchinbrook Channel and Missionary Bay; kayaking from one perfect beach to the next; or by simply enjoying a day visit to one of the many picnic areas and secluded beaches. The cloud-covered mountain spine of the island is cloaked in fragile heath, and patches of lush rainforest and fragrant eucalypt woodlands descend to mangrove-fringed channels. The coastline is adorned with sweeping bays that meet golden beaches and rocky headlands. Rugged mountain streams and thunderous waterfalls dot the landscape and the waters surrounding the island are rich with colourful fringing reefs and lush seagrass beds. Camping areas dot island's coastline. Choose from an open grassy area overlooking the channel or a secluded beach-side spot with ocean aspects and uninterrupted sunrise views. The Aboriginal Traditional Owners of this area lived on Hinchinbrook Island for many thousands of years. Middens and fish traps made of stone are reminders of their long history. Today, the Traditional Owners work with our Park Rangers to take care of this precious place....

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Iningai Nature Reserve

- Jundah Road, Longreach QLD 4730

Iningai Nature Reserve is named after the Inangai, the traditional owners who lived along the Thomson River prior to European settlement. It is currently a reserve and the town common. You'll find bushwalking tracks leading from just south of town where car parking is available. The many different walks and loops make an enjoyable expedition and showcase much of the local flora and fauna....

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Black Mountain (Kalkajaka) National Park

Mulligan Highway, Cooktown QLD 4895

Black Mountain, an imposing mountain range of massive granite boulders, is home to unique wildlife and rich in Aboriginal culture. The brooding Black Mountain resembles a pile of huge black granite boulders, some the size of houses, stacked seemingly precariously upon one another. Stop at the Black Mountain lookout on the Mulligan Highway on the eastern side of the crest of the Black Mountain boulder field. Learn about the geology, natural environment, culture and history of the area from signs at the lookout. There is no other access to the park. Do not risk injury by venturing onto the boulder field. People have been injured and have died trying to climb Black Mountain. The wet tropics and drier savanna woodland regions meet in Black Mountain National Park, at the northern end of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and an unusual range of wildlife finds refuge here, including species that are found nowhere else. Known as Kalkajaka (meaning 'place of spear'), Black Mountain is an important meeting place for the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people and is the source of many Dreaming stories....

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Porcupine Gorge National Park

Kennedy Developmental Road, Hughenden QLD 4821

Towering sandstone cliffs and lush vine-forest fringing Porcupine Creek provide a striking contrast with surrounding flat plains. Porcupine Gorge is an impressive canyon that has been carved into the landscape by the eroding action of Porcupine Creek, revealing strata of sedimentary rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years. In the wider section of the gorge the creek has also created the Pyramid, an isolated monolith of multi-coloured sandstone rising from the floor of the gorge, shaped as its name suggests. The gorge is a great place for viewing wildlife, especially birds. Explore the sculptured sandstone and deep pools of the gorge floor along the 2.4 kilometre (return) Pyramid track. Enjoy the bird calls and look for wallaroos and red kangaroos. The short walk to the Pyramid lookout is well worth the scenic views over the gorge. Set up camp in the camping area and enjoy the solitude of the outback....

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Mount Mee Forest Reserve

46601 - Mount Mee QLD 4521

White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

School Road, Redbank Plains QLD 4301

Located just 20 minutes from the Ipswich Central Business District and 35 minutes from Brisbane Central Business District, White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate features the distinctive, sculptured, rocky outcrops of White Rock and Spring Mountain. Covering over 2,500 hectares of regionally significant bushland, the Estate also features extensive forested ridges, escarpments and valleys that are home to an amazing array of plant and wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy the full gamut of outdoor activities including hiking, bird-watching, horse riding (bring your own horse), mountain bike riding and nature study. For the bushwalker, there's everything from a leisurely 200 metre walk to the more challenging 19 kilometre round trip trail, with most of the trails suitable for hiking and mountain bike riding. If you're on horseback, then the Yaddamun Trail is perfect. The entry to the Estate is the Paperbark Flats Picnic Area, at the end of School Road in Redbank Plains. Amenities on site include toilets, picnic facilities and horse float parking. Don't forget to take a hat, sunscreen and drinking water. Visit the website for trail updates and to download the trail guide....

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Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park

Cape Pallarenda Road, Townsville QLD 4810

Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park was a quarantine station in the early 1900s and a strategic defence location in World War II. Nestled in a scenic coastal location amongst open woodland and vine thickets, the historic quarantine station, established in 1915, was initially used to quarantine passengers on incoming ships. During World War II the area became a strategic defence location. Concrete structures were built on the headland in 1943 to protect Townsville and the harbour from raiding enemy ships. American and Australian armies set up camps on nearby beaches and used the Quarantine Station as a hospital. Spend time in the station's historic display centre to find out more about the quarantine days. Then set off on foot or by mountain bike to explore the shared Cape Pallarenda Trails to enjoy scenic coastal views and discover the historic World War II structures on Cape Pallarenda headland. Choose from short strolls to longer hikes or rides around the slopes of Many Peak Range. Explore picturesque beaches and forested slopes of Many Peak Range. Enjoy a picnic on the foreshore. Look for wallabies, lizards and many kinds of birds in the woodland....

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Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha

Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mount Coot-tha QLD 4066

Brisbane will come at you with riverside vistas around almost every corner, but it takes a short drive from the city centre and a few twists and turns up Sir Samuel Griffith Scenic Drive to find the city's best angle. Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha provides a remarkable vantage point to view Brisbane and beyond. Set amongst beautifully manicured gardens and nestled in the natural bushland of Brisbane Forest Park, is the Summit Restaurant and Bar, Function Centre, Kuta Cafe, Gift Shop and Observation Deck. Interpretive facilities pointing out well-known Brisbane landmarks are located on the observation deck. On a clear day, you can take in striking views of Brisbane City and right out to Moreton Bay. By night, the spectacle switches on with the city lights and star-lit skies. There are also a handful of bushwalks around the vicinity of the Lookout. Take the Aboriginal Track down to Slaughter's Falls and keep your eye out for some original Aboriginal art. Mt Coot-tha is also scattered with picnic areas fully equipped with gas barbecues. ...

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Mothar Mountain Rockpools

Noosa Road, Gympie QLD 4570

Looking for a relaxing, sheltered place to while away some hours, you can't go past the Mothar Mountain Rock Pools. Located in the Woondum National Park, about a 20 minutes, 16 kilometres drive from Gympie's Central Business District, the Mothar Mountain Rock Pools day area provides the perfect family friendly location for a barbecue or picnic. Tables, wood fire barbecue, water and public amenities are all provided for your use on site. On a hot day immerse yourself into the pools to cool off. Set amongst a mixture of tall Eucalypts and rainforest you can take the opportunity to relax and unwind to the sound of water gently flowing over ancient granite outcrops. Or if you are feeling more energetic, enjoy one of the nature walks. There is a short 500 metre (20 minute) forest walk or a rather more serious 3.5 kilometre (2 hour) walk to explore....

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Somerset Trail

The Gantry, Mount Mee QLD 4521

The Somerset Trail in Mount Mee offers hikers a clearly signposted trek through open-forest, pine-forest and pockets of rainforest which should take no more than 3 to 4 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. It is suitable for children who've been on bushwalks before and who have a reasonable level of fitness. Things you need to know: - Classification: Easy - Distance � 13 kilometre return - Circuit or looped trail - Time - 3 to 4 hours - Signposted - Well-maintained - Take drinking water (there are no drinking taps along the Brisbane bushwalks trail) - Bring energy snacks, a hat and sunscreen - Picnic and toilet facilities at The Gantry Day Use Area, not on the trail - Comfortable walking boots/shoes - This trail is mostly up a slight incline and like all rainforest walks, sections can be a bit slippery after rainfall - No domestic pets are allowed - Horses, Four Wheel Drives and Trail Bikes are allowed on certain tracks which cross Somerset Trail...

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Bladensburg National Park

Off -Jundah Road, Winton QLD 4735

Bladensburg National Park features Mitchell Grass Downs and Channel Country, including unique birdlife, plants and animals. It is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife, including tiny mammals called dunnarts. Impressive flat-topped plateaus and residual sandstone ranges provide a scenic backdrop to vast grassland plains and river flats, river red gums and rocky scarp. The park is important to Traditional Owners, the Koa people, and also contains reminders of the area's pastoral history. At the original homestead complex, learn about the early days of station life and the park's plants and animals. Camp at Bough Shed Hole beside Surprise Creek, and enjoy spotting prolific birdlife. Camping fees apply. Visit Scrammy Gorge for impressive views. Take the Route of the River Gums drive and visit the stony Top Crossing, once used by horse-drawn wagons. The night skies are amazing so make sure you spend time stargazing!...

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Mount Barney National Park

Upper Logan Road, Mount Barney QLD 4287

The distinctive peaks of mounts Barney, Maroon, May, Lindesay, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie dominate the skyline in Mount Barney National Park. These rugged peaks are the remains of the ancient Focal Peak shield volcano that erupted 24 million years ago. Mount Barney is the second highest peak in South East Queensland and most of the park lies within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The park's cascading creeks and pristine forest habitats preserve many rare plants and vulnerable animal species. For a leisurely visit, drive to Yellow Pinch picnic area and photograph kingfishers swooping over the water. Very experienced walkers can climb sheer rugged mountain peaks to awe-inspiring views of craggy ridges and distant ranges. For the less adventurous, there are a few moderate walks around the mountains' bases....

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Coongarra Rock

Lords Road, Biggenden QLD 4621

For Four Wheel Drive enthusiasts, Coongarra Rock and Falls provide an opportunity to explore rocky outcrops, caves, rock pools and natural vegetation. It is possible to climb the rock but should only be attempted by fit and experienced bushwalkers. It is situated 24 kilometres south of Biggenden and Coalstoun Lakes. Lords Road is the turn off to Coongarra Rock. The road goes to within a short distance of this spectacular outcrop in a dry scrubby State Forest. The road to the falls branches off the road to Coongarra Rock and goes within walking distance of the top of the falls. The roads should only be attempted by Four Wheel Drive vehicles. These roads can be dangerous after heavy rain and care should be taken at all times....

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Girraween National Park

Pyramids Road, Ballandean QLD 4382

Huge granite boulders tower above open forests in the spectacular and popular Girraween National Park, outside Stanthorpe in southern Queensland. Camp at Castle Rock or Bald Rock Creek camping areas or relax with a picnic in the shady Bald Rock Creek day-use area. Explore the park on almost 30 kilometres of walking tracks. Stroll the 280 metre Wyberba Walk alongside Bald Rock Creek; capture your own snap of the famed Granite Arch; climb The Pyramid for great views over the park; or spend the day walking to granite monoliths or waterholes along the creek. Learn from displays in the visitor information centre and at the day-use area. Wildflowers in spring are a sign to behold! Gaze at changing reflections in the rock pools or go birdwatching for blue wrens, rare turquoise parrots and other forest birds. Spy bearded dragons and jacky lizards on the granite rocks, soaking up the sun. Go spotlighting at night to see ringtail possums high in the eucalypt trees. There is much to do in Girraween, and if you are lucky, you may see a wombat or hear superb lyrebirds imitating the calls of other birds....

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Mount Coolum National Park

David Low Way, Mount Coolum QLD 4573

Mount Coolum's impressive dome dominates the skyline of the Sunshine Coast lowlands. Follow the rough, 800 metre track to the 208 metre summit of the mountain. Here you'll be surrounded by rare montane heath�a plant community with many rare and threatened species. Mount Coolum National park is one of only two places it grows on the Sunshine Coast. Catch your breath and take in the stunning 360 degree views stretching from Point Cartwright and the Glass House Mountains in the south, to the Blackhall Range in the west and Noosa Heads to the north. South and west from the summit, the park extends across flat lowlands cloaked in wallum, paperbark wetlands, eucalypt forests and rainforest remnants. These vegetation communities were once common across the Sunshine Coast. Approximately half of all the plant species that occur on the Sunshine Coast are found in Mount Coolum National Park....

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Hell's Gates

Noosa National Park, Noosa Heads QLD 4567

The dramatically named Hell�s Gates is a high bluff with spectacular views of the coastline north to Double Island Point and south over Alexandria Bay. Visit this area during July to November to view migrating whales. The area is home to dolphins and turtles and you�ll often see pied cormorants drying their outstretched wings in a sunny spot on the rocks. The area is also home to many spectacular birds of prey including Osprey and Sea Eagles and if you�re lucky you may see one tucking into lunch of freshly caught fish. Caution: Enjoy the scenery in the designated viewing areas as there is no cliff barrier and a 10 metre vertical drop....

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Fitzroy Island National Park

45588 - Fitzroy Island QLD 4871

Fitzroy Island National Park is rugged with diverse landscapes featuring granite outcrops, open woodlands, rainforest, mangroves and coral beaches. This island national park, close to Cairns on the mainland, and its surrounding waters form part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Fitzroy Island, named by Lieutenant James Cook, has an interesting history as a quarantine station for the Palmer River Goldfields in the late 1800s, and later as part of an Aboriginal mission growing fruit and vegetables. Explore the rainforested Secret Garden track (one kilometre return) or walk to Nudey Beach (1.2 kilometres return) to relax in the shade, swim and snorkel. Tackle the 3.6 kilometre return Lighthouse track to the lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the ocean and, in winter, migrating humpback whales. Look for birds such as rose-crowned fruit-doves and metallic starlings and large goannas. Challenge yourself on the 3.6 kilometre return boulder-strewn Summit track which climbs through woodland to the island's summit (269 metres) where slabs of granite and windswept casuarina trees frame magnificent views over the island, surrounding reefs and mainland. Stay overnight in the resort's camping area or unit accommodation....

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Haig Street Quarry Bushland Reserve

38678 - Brassall QLD 4305

Located only six kilometres from the Ipswich Central Business District, the Haig Street Quarry Bushland Reserve is an oasis in the suburbs and home to many water birds that live in and around the Quarry Pond. The reserve is a great place for bird-watching, especially along the aptly named Willy Wagtail Circuit, and the Tom Craik Lookout is perfect for viewing the planes taking off and landing at the Amberley RAAF Base. Picnic spots including picnic shelters, a playground, toilets and nearby parking the Haig Street Quarry Bushland Reserve an ideal location for a day in the bush. ...

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Langford Island

Langford Island, Whitsundays QLD 4802

Langford Island, near Hayman Island in the northern Whitsundays is a popular spot with sailors, divers and snorkellers. Many of the bareboats and crewed sailing boats will anchor near Langford Island. Langford Island is relatively small, but features a long sand spit that all but disappears at high tide. This is an excellent spot for a picnic, sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. The best diving is found on the north-western end of the beach where scattered bommies offer an interesting maze to explore and there are a few shallow walls at the eastern end of the island. The majority of fish life is small, but abundant. Expect reasonable protection from all but the strongest wind conditions and moderate tidal currents at all but slack tides. Snorkellers will enjoy the ability to snorkel straight off the length of the beach, with the best areas to explore being closest to the island....

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Lochern National Park

Tonkoro Road, Longreach QLD 4730

This is Queensland�s channel country, where flooding rains and devastating droughts are part of western Queensland life. Lochern has 20 kilometres of Thomson River frontage, fringed with huge old coolibahs. All four species of Mitchell grass grow here. A newly described subspecies of turtle, Emmott�s short-necked turtle, lives in the park�s waterholes. Remnants of European history reflect the innovative nature of early farming life. Take binoculars to see Major Mitchell cockatoos, red-tailed black-cockatoos and Bourke parrots. Observe wildlife around waterholes and along the 40 kilometre Habitat Drive. Go fishing (size and bag limits apply). Camp at Broadwater Waterhole, camping fees apply, and relax in the shade of the coolibah trees. See the shepherds� yards....

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Goldsborough Valley, Wooroonooran National Park

Road, Goldsborough QLD 4865

Nestled below the rugged Bellenden Ker Range, the picturesque Goldsborough Valley is cloaked in lush lowland rainforest along the clear flowing waters and deep pools of the Mulgrave River. Enjoy a relaxing picnic by the river or set up camp in the spacious camping area. Take a short walk through the rainforest to Kearneys Falls or embark on the 19 kilometre one-way Goldfield trail, which will take you over a saddle between Queensland's two highest peaks (Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker) to the Boulders Scenic Reserve near Babinda. Canoe on the river (best between March and May) or ride a mountain bike 8km along the Goldfield trail to the East Mulgrave causeway. Wooroonooran National Park stretches along the coastal hinterland from Innisfail to Gordonvale and is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area...

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Fairbairn Dam, Lake Maraboon

Selma Road, Emerald QLD 4720

If you love fishing, you're going to love this holiday destination. Lake Maraboon is stocked with eight different kinds of fish including barramundi, golden perch, silver perch and red claw crayfish, making it a popular spot for anglers. Apart from fishing, there are other things to keep you and the kids occupied like swimming, walking and waterskiing. There are several picnic tables and free electric and wood barbecues in the area. A fishing permit is required to fish at Lake Maraboon....

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Nerang Mountain Bike Trails

8 Hope Street, Nerang QLD 4211

Nerang is 12-kilometres from Surfers Paradise, a few kilometres from the Nerang train station and home to over 1700-hectares of mountain bike terrain. Nerang played host to the mountain bike events for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018). For cycling enthusiasts there's much on offer. Load up the mountain bikes and enjoy the excitement of tackling 20-kilometres of designated mountain bike tracks through dry rainforest and open eucalypt forests. Trails range from the easy Casuarina Grove circuit to intermediate tracks through tall forest and rough terrain. The most popular starting point is accessed by parking at the Nerang Velodrome on Hope Street and cutting through the middle of the facility (watch for traffic on the criterium circuit). Expect a variety of fire trails with off-shoots of technically challenging singletrack through rock gardens, small drop offs and creek beds. Exploration is the key to find the tracks. There are lots of single tracks running off the fire trails so get out there and go hard. If you want to explore the area with someone in the know, go to the Nerang Mountain Bike shop in Nerang West as the Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club run a social ride most Saturdays....

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Green Island National Park

27 kilometres east of Cairns, Green Island QLD 4871

This small rainforest-clad coral cay is surrounded by coral reefs and is one of the Great Barrier Reef's most popular destinations. A true coral cay, it was formed over thousands of years by the build-up of sand and coral rubble deposited on the calm side of a platform reef. Tropical vine forest covers the island. Palm-fringed sandy beaches slope gently to the clear, blue-green waters of the surrounding reef, which is within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Stroll around the island's boardwalks to explore the rainforest and birdlife and find out about the island's colourful history. Walk around the island's beaches to view seabirds and enjoy views over the reef. Relax on the beach and listen to the birds in the forest behind you. Take a break from the beach and picnic on tables placed in the cool shade of the forest. Swim or snorkel or paddle a kayak in the clear reef waters. Go for a ride in a glass-bottomed boat or join a guided nature walk. Visit Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat....

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Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek Trail Head, Barron Gorge QLD 4870

Stoney Creek is located in Barron Gorge National Park in Cairns. To get there, drive to Kamerunga and turn off onto Stoney Creek Road from Cairns Western Arterial Road just before the Barron River, Kamerunga Bridge. Follow the road through the valley to the Stoney Creek car park at the end. From the car park, it�s a short walk to the creek where you will find a small footbridge. You can swim below the bridge or cross over and follow a track that runs parallel to the creek to discover many private swimming holes. After approximately 20 to 25 minutes, you will reach the Old Weir Falls. From Stoney Creek, you can also take the Douglas Track up to Glacier Rock with the option to continue onto Speewah on the Atherton Tablelands. The trailhead starts to the right just after you�ve crossed the footbridge. ...

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Mapleton Falls National Park

Falls National Park, Mapleton QLD 4560

In the heart of the glorious Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Mapleton Falls National Park is a place of scenic beauty and natural treasures, featuring a mix of riparian rainforest and open eucalypt forest. Find a prime spot on the viewing platform high above the Obi Obi Gorge and Mary River Valley. Take in the endless views of luxuriant green rainforest, piccabeen groves and the top of Mapleton Falls as it begins its 120 metre plunge to the pool below. Look for Australian peregrine falcons soaring and roosting near the waterfall. Spread out a picnic rug in the shade and enjoy some peaceful downtime in the fresh air, before heading off to explore the forest on the Wompoo Circuit. As you walk, listen out for the wompoo fruit-dove, whose booming call reaches the ground from its feeding sites among the tree-tops. During warmer months listen for frogs in the pool beside the causeway. Take a close look at rocks around the pool and you'll see distinctive hexagonal shapes formed by volcanic activity 25 million years ago....

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Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area

41762 - Springbrook QLD 4213

The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area is famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity (especially of rare, threatened and endemic species). It is an important refuge for many animals and home to impressive examples of ancient songbirds. Many plants and animals here are threatened species�relying on the protection of the parks for survival. Visit one of the parks along the New South Wales and Queensland border to experience rainforests similar to those that once covered the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana. Containing a fascinating diversity of plants and animals, these rainforests are biodiversity hot-spots with species from ancient times as well as those recently evolved. Explore this World Heritage in Queensland in Lamington, Springbrook, Mount Barney and Main Range national parks....

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Samford Conservation Park and Bunyaville Conservation Park

Forest Reserve and Bunyaville Forest Reserve, Samford QLD 4520

Just a stone's throw from the Brisbane Central Business Distrct, these parks offer the chance to have a break from the bustle of city life. Samford Conservation Park, around 20 kilometres from the city is a refuge for native flora and fauna, protecting important habitats for reptiles, mammals and birds. Enjoy a barbecue or picnic in the shade and then spend the day exploring the parks by foot, atop a mountain bike or on horse back. You can even take your dog on the shared trails ... as long as it's on a leash. Listen to the multitude of birdcalls as you explore the parks, and keep an eye on the canopy and you may just spot a koala in one of the many eucalypt trees. Bunyaville Conservation Park is the perfect spot for a picnic or barbecue under the forest canopy. Barbecues, firewood, picnic tables, drinking water and toilets are provided. Enjoy bushwalking, horse riding and cycling at Bunyaville. Dogs are allowed on shared trails only, provided they are kept on a leash at all times....

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Baroon Pocket Dam

Baroon Pocket Road, North Maleny QLD 4552

Baroon Pocket Dam is a picturesque lake tucked away between Montville and Maleny. The dam offers a range of fantastic recreational facilities and you could easily spend the whole day exploring the shores and waterways. There are picnic tables, free barbecues and playgrounds for the kids making it the ideal spot for a get together with family or friends. What to do? Take a dip in the calm waters, kayak the lake and its tributaries or simply cast your rod and wait for the Australian Bass to bite. The shoreline with its abundant wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, is a paradise for bushwalkers and nature lovers. Hike through open forest ridges, cross bridges and boardwalks over tree-lined streams to Baroon Lookout and take in the stunning views of the Obi Obi Gorge, Baroon Pocket Dam and its catchment. ...

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Eagleby Wetlands

293 Logan Street, Eagleby QLD 4207

If you love nature and especially bird watching, these wetlands are a must. Positioned on the Albert River, they are home to more than 200 native Australian bird species, including 19 of the 24 Australian raptors and almost half of the bird species found in Queensland. Explore melaleuca wetlands, a freshwater lake, woodland and cane fields to spot them....

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Dowling Track

Dowling Track, Thargomindah QLD 4492

The Dowling Track - a journey of discovery. Travel in the footsteps of Vincent James Dowling and other early pioneers over 100 years ago discovered this area, known as the �Plains of Promise�- people travelled the track looking for a new life and new opportunities. The Australian author, Henry Lawson walked from Bourke to Hungerford and back in the hellish summer heat looking for work. The Dowling Track is Four Wheel Drive experience linking Back �o� Bourke and beyond to Quilpie in South West Queensland, total kilometres, 567. Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse heritage as you travel this unspoilt land. See the stars stretch for-ever, it is where your journey becomes more important than your final destination....

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Cleveland Point Reserve

Point Reserve, Cleveland QLD 4163

Visitors to Cleveland Point Reserve could be forgiven for thinking they had landed on an island paradise. With magnificent Moreton Bay on three sides, Cleveland Point is one of many must-visit sites on Redlands Coast. The reserve is family-friendly with a park, children�s playground, shaded picnic areas and toilets � and it even has a link to the city�s historic past with its own lighthouse, a Redlands Coast and South East Queensland icon. With a road that takes you to Cleveland Point looping around the whole park, you don�t even have to leave your car. But there are plenty of reasons to stop and stay a while. The Lighthouse restaurant and attached fish and chippery serves up great seafood and other fare to either eat in or take away and enjoy at one of the many picnic tables available. Why not try a coffee and cake or drink from the caf� as you gaze across the bay to North Stradbroke Island. Visit Cleveland Point and you will understand why movie makers chose to shoot the third movie of the hit Narnia series � the Voyage of the Dawn Treader � there. This picturesque family park is definitely worth checking out. ...

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Binna Burra, Lamington National Park

via Nerang, Beechmont QLD 4211

Binna Burra, Lamington National Park has recently been affected by fire. Check Park alerts (https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/) for information on access, closures and conditions. Visit for a day or camp overnight. Take short walks or long treks deep into the park�s forest, exploring boulder-strewn mountain streams, dramatic lookouts, rugged cliffs and plunging gorges. As you explore the park, pay homage to the earliest inhabitants�the Yugambeh Aboriginal kinship group. They know this area as Woonoongoora and the mountains are sacred and spiritual�places to be nurtured and respected. There is a rich volcanic history under the spreading greenery of the park. Tamborine, Springbrook, Beechmont and Lamington are remnants of the Tweed shield volcano�s northern flank. Mount Warning is all that remains of the volcano�s core and the Tweed Valley is a large erosion caldera carved from the eastern flank. This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity (especially of rare, threatened and endemic species). It is an important refuge for many animals and home to impressive examples of ancient songbirds. Many plants and animals here are threatened species�relying on the protection of the park for survival....

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Salvator Rosa, Carnarvon National Park

Cungelella Road, Tambo QLD 4478

Crystal clear springs add more than ten million litres of water a day to peaceful Louisa Creek and the Nogoa River as they meander beneath a backdrop of rocky sandstone crags and spires. Named by explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1846, Salvator Rosa, a section of Carnarvon National Park, is at the western edge of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt. The course-grained sandstones of Salvator Rosa are very crumbly. Erosion of the sandstone has left behind many interesting features that dominate the skyline, including Spyglass Peak and the Sentinel. Wildflowers add colour to the landscape in spring. Large white flannel flowers and cream sprays of narrow-leaved logania contrasts with the pink flowers hanging from the shrubby Homoranthus. Of the more than 300 plant species recorded in the park, at least ten are considered rare or threatened. Image credits�Robert Ashdown � Queensland Government...

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Devils Thumb (Manjal Jimalji) Trail

Karnak Road, Whyanbeel QLD 4873

Located in the Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park, the Devils Thumb (Manjal Jimalji) trail begins at Little Falls Creek. This challenging trail provides an opportunity for explorers to discover the unique vegetation of the upland and lowland rainforest, as well as the amazing range of bird life native to the region. Manjal Jimalji is the Eastern Kuku Yalanji place name for the locally known Devils Thumb and is a significant cultural site that tells the story of fire creation. On a clear day, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the coastline from the lookout. The trail requires a decent level of fitness � so be prepared for steep ascents and slippery surfaces. The trail is broken up into sections identified by natural landmarks and distance markers have been placed at one kilometre intervals along the route to help you track your progress....

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Expedition National Park

Glenhaughton Road, Taroom QLD 4420

Rugged gorges with towering sandstone cliffs, spectacular views of the Carnarvon ranges, and colourful wildflowers in late winter and spring, are highlights of this rugged outback park, which includes Robinson Gorge, Lonesome and Beilba sections. Expedition National Park is part of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt. Most of the park is covered by dry eucalypt forest. Scenic Robinson Gorge winds 14 kilometres between sheer sandstone cliffs up to 100 metres high, lined with cabbage palms (a relic from the era of dinosaurs), bottlebrushes and wattles. Lonesome offers spectacular, panoramic views to the southern end of Arcadia Valley, Dawson River, the Carnarvon ranges and mountain spurs. Beilba section protects escarpment country and wildflowers provide splashes of colour in spring. Experience this remote outback park through walks in Robinson Gorge or bush camping in all three sections of the park. The park is part of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt. All sections are remote�it�s about six hour�s drive to reach Lonesome and Beilba from Robinson Gorge�and you need to be self-sufficient....

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Donnellys Castle

Donnellys Castle Road, Pozieres QLD 4352

The original bushranger hideout for 'Thunderbolt' who roamed the New England Tableland. Donnelly's Castle is a granite rock formation that you can walk between, around and over! The massive boulders are just as spectacular as some of the rock formations in Girraween National Park, and is far more accessible for young adventurers. This rock formation, which you will find a short drive out of Stanthorpe near Pozieres, was named after Ned Donnelly, an early settler of the area. Now a crown recreation reserve, the area is maintained with picnic tables and barbecues. The site offers boulders to scramble over and hidden passageways to explore, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding area from the 200 metre walk to the top....

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South Head Parklands and Playground, Burnett Heads

Jones Street, Burnett Heads QLD 4670

Located on the waterfront at the gorgeous Burnett Heads, this beautiful park offers plenty of space to run and play. For the kids there is a large climbing frame and a smaller playground. For the adults, sit back and enjoy the view of the pristine blue water whilst watching the kids play in the great outdoors. There is also a skate park in the vicinity. This is also the start of the Turtle Trail walk which will take you all the way to Bargara - perfect for a walk or bike ride....

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Goold Island National Park

Goold Island, Cardwell QLD 4849

Offshore from Cardwell, in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, this forest-clad island features granite outcrops overlooking white sandy beaches. Dugong and sea turtles feed on seagrass beds in shallow waters surrounding the island. The area is significant to Aboriginal people and the island contains reminders of their special culture, including middens and fish traps. Relax, bush camp and picnic on the Spit (Western Beach) and enjoy superb views of nearby Hinchinbrook Island. Explore the island on walking tracks, ranging from four kilometres to 15 kilometres return, through open eucalypt woodland and rock-hopping around the beaches. Discover patches of rainforest flourishing in rocky gullies. Watch mudskippers and crabs amongst the mangroves. In summer, listen for Pied Imperial-pigeons as they feed in the rainforest then fly off in the afternoon to nest on nearby Brook Island. Image credits: Qld Govt (sign); Paul Candin, Qld Govt (bird)....

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