D`Aguilar Range parks guide - Department of National Parks, Sport
Transcription
D`Aguilar Range parks guide - Department of National Parks, Sport
D’Aguilar Range D’Aguilar National Park, Samford and Bunyaville conservation parks and surrounds Park guide … the bush on Brisbane’s doorstep Discover remote gorges, sheltered pockets of subtropical rainforest, expansive forests and spectacular views; all within an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Great state. Great opportunity. Courtesy of Jason Flesser Locality map Exploring the range The D’Aguilar Range can be explored in two hours or over several days. Experience the park on foot, by horse or bicycle, or by car or motorbike. To get the most of a visit, this guide is divided into sections to help visitors tailor their experience. More detailed information is available in the park, from Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre or at <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au>. Some activities in Queensland parks and forests require a permit, such as commercial, group or scientific activities. For licence and permit enquiries, email <[email protected]> or phone 1300 130 372. R ILA Kilcoy Road N Woodford To Nambour GU D’A To Nanango Neurum ad Ro smussen Ra k Es HI Kil coy Rocky Hole 19 Road Mount Mee The Gantry 16 Somerset 17 lookout Somerset d Roa Neurum Creek 21 campground 18 W AY Mount Mee 20 Broadwater Falls lookout and Bulls Falls Sell in Roa d Caboolture Mo un t M Roa sk ee Mount Mee To E D’Aguilar National Park GH Road Delaney Creek Archer campground 22 d Mount B ris ba Other reserve Minor road Forest drive k ee Cr WAY Wivenhoe Major road HIGH oad ne R Conservation park Dayboro Ro ad ys ce To B risb nt Mou La Parking Samso Parkway d Ro a n in W un o Road NE McAfees lookout Lake Manchester 13 Lake Manch ester Moggill Conservation Park Kholo Domestic animals prohibited Crosby No water provided ou nt No camping 5 10 15 20 km M To Toowoomba Scale 0 WARREGO AY HIGHW Ro ad ad Waterw or ks Road To Brisbane Mt Coot-tha 1 Road Road Treat water before drinking Ro Walkabout Creek Road Y WA GH Dogs allowed (on leash) Enoggera Reservoir Gap Creek Lake Manchester HI Cafe Bellbird Grove 4 Gold Creek Reservoir Fernvale EY Bus parking 3 2 L VAL 4x4 camping t N eb 14 Camp Mountain lookout 5 ad ern Ro 6 Mo BA Walking track Samford North Boombana 7 IS d Jollys Lookout Bunyaville Conservation Samford Conservation Park 15 Park ld 8 Mount Nebo Roa Glorious ord mf BR t Sa sk un Manorina South D’Aguilar To E Lookout (without platform) Mo Westridge outlook 9 Picnic tables Lookout (with platform) Mount Glorious O Shelter shed Maiala Moggill Lake Wivenhoe d Roa d Sheltered picnic tables 10 ad Ro Wivenhoe outlook Drinking water provided Sa ms Ro onva le ad Clear Mountain Conservation Park 11 Barbecue (gas) Petrie Roa 12 Northbrook e pie White and Red Cedar Barbecue (wood) an Gym t se Wheelchair access Lake Samsonvale n er m So Toilets Da yb oro Ro ad ad Ro WE FRE STER EW N AY Information centre 2 BRUCE Lake Somerset Legend D’Aguilar sbane To Bri Touring and places to visit Embark on an adventure on one of several scenic tourist drives along the range and visit spectacular lookouts, parkland picnic areas and stunning natural features. South D’Aguilar To explore the southern end of the D’Aguilar Range, follow Mount Nebo Road (tourist route number 8) from The Gap. The road winds along the range to the mountain townships of Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious. Alternatively, the park can be reached via Samford along Mount Glorious Road (tourist route number 9). For those looking to circumnavigate the park, the Northbrook Parkway provides a circuit back through Brisbane Valley and Ipswich, or alternatively return via Samford. Public transport access For information on bus services, contact TRANSLink on 13 12 30 or visit <www.translink.com.au>. Westridge outlook Vehicle access 3 Bellbird Grove 10-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 6 Jollys Lookout 2 20-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 1 Mt Coot-tha Catch public transport or drive to the summit of Mt Coot-tha for expansive views over Brisbane city. Alternatively, embark on a short walk from any of the picnic areas at the foothills of the mountain or explore the Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens and planetarium. For further information or to obtain brochures or maps, please visit the Brisbane City Council website <www.brisbane.qld.gov.au> or phone (07) 3403 8888. 2 Walkabout Creek Walkabout Creek is located at 60 Mount Nebo Road, The Gap—12 km from Brisbane’s CBD, and is easily accessible by public transport from the city. The complex includes a visitor and wildlife centre, function rooms and cafe. The Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre and South East Queensland Wildlife Centre are open from 9.00 am to 4.15 pm every day, excluding some public holidays. The function rooms at Walkabout Creek provide a unique and secluded setting for conferences, functions and wedding ceremonies, and adjoin the Green Tree Frog Café. To find out more about the wedding centre and cafe, visit <www. walkaboutcreek.com.au>. Stop and enjoy a picnic or barbecue at this open, grassy day-use area and take a short walk along one of the walking tracks. 4 McAfees lookout 15-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 Named after William Jolly, Brisbane’s first Lord Mayor (from 1925 to 1931), this lookout offers expansive views of Moreton Island, Brisbane Valley and the Glass House Mountains. 7 Boombana 20-minute drive from Walkabout Creek This lookout was named after the first settlers in this area an d offers breathtaking views of Moreton Bay. 5 Camp Mountain lookout 15-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 On a clear day see amazing views of Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains from the lower lookout. Walk along the ridgeline to another lookout offering surprisingly close views of bustling Brisbane city. 2 Boombana, meaning ‘trees in bloom’, fits this area perfectly. During summer the lacebark tree Brachychiton discolor loses its leaves and keeps its large, pink, showy flowers to create a burst of colour through the greenery. Enjoy a barbecue lunch or take a walk through the forest. Start at Walkabout Creek 2 in The Gap and come face-to-face with the amazing diversity of native wildlife that lives in Queensland's national parks at the South East Queensland Wildlife Centre. With Enoggera Reservoir as the backdrop, and surrounded by tall eucalypt trees, the Green Tree Frog Café is a wonderful place to relax, grab a coffee and a bite to eat. Enjoy a stroll along one of the two short walking tracks that start from the visitor centre (Corymbia circuit and Araucaria track), or journey up the mountain by car and visit a number of beautiful destinations within the park, including Bellbird Grove 3 , McAfees lookout 4 and Boombana rainforest 7 . 3 8 Manorina 30-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 Two walking tracks leave from here, offering walkers lush wet eucalypt forest and views of Samford Valley. 9 Westridge outlook 35-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 From the lookout perched on a high rocky outcrop, enjoy views over Lake Wivenhoe with the Great Dividing Range in the distance. 10 Maiala 45-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 Courtesy of Bruce Cowell, Queensland Museum This special area was the first piece of national park declared on the D’Aguilar Range. Originally cleared for a timber mill, some machinery and a remnant hoop pine plantation remain as evidence of Maiala’s loud and laborious past. 11 Wivenhoe outlook 14 Samford Conservation Park 50-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 15-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 This outlook provides a picnic area with scenic views of Lake Wivenhoe. Visit Ironbark Gully or Lomandra day-use areas off Samford Road and enjoy a natural woodland setting for picnics and barbecues. 12 White and Red Cedar 1-hour drive from Walkabout Creek 2 via Northbrook Parkway With open grassy areas and a picturesque stream running behind the day-use area, this is a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery. 15 Bunyaville Conservation Park 20-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 Discover a peaceful bush retreat with walking, mountain bike and horse riding trails close to Brisbane’s CBD. 13 Lake Manchester 1-hour, 20-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 Enjoy a picnic and take a short stroll to the lake’s grassy shores. Connect with Nature A wide range of ranger-guided activities are offered in various parks throughout Brisbane, the Gold Coast and hinterland, and Western Scenic Rim. Connect with Nature offers school holiday activities for adults, children and families as well as curriculum-based school educational activities for primary and secondary years. For more information on Connect with Nature, visit <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au> or phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68). For information about school activities in Bunyaville Conservation Park, please visit the Bunyaville Environmental Education Centre website <www.bunyavileec.eq.edu.au> or phone (07) 3353 4356. For information on the various environmental, cultural and recreational programs and activities offered by Brisbane City Council visit <www.brisbane.qld.gov.au> or phone (07) 3403 8888. The lush subtropical rainforest of Mount Glorious. 4 Rocky Hole. Drive safely • Please obey all park closure notices. Mount Mee is closed after heavy rain—before visiting, please check for park alerts on the DERM website at <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au>. • Please obey speed limits—the maximum speed limit on forest drives is 50 km/hr. Normal road rules apply. All forest drives allow two-way traffic. • Watch out for the unexpected. Drive slowly to allow time to react to changed road conditions and other park users. • Forest drives are unsealed with some sharp curves, narrow sections, loose surfaces and steep grades requiring careful driving. • Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound. Mount Mee The 90-minute drive to Mount Mee from Brisbane meanders through the townships of Samford and Dayboro. Follow Mount Mee Road (tourist route number 29) and turn into Sellin Road, which leads to the park entrance. The northern section of the park is also accessible from Dayboro and Woodford. Please note that the majority of these roads are unsealed and only The Gantry day-use area is accessible via sealed road. These roads are often difficult to navigate in wet conditions and may be closed to vehicle access after heavy rain. Vehicles are permitted on all forest drives and unsealed roads in the Mount Mee section unless otherwise signed. Some roads and trails are designated nonmotorised areas in the interest of visitor safety. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are advised for all unsealed roads in Mount Mee. Vehicle permits are not required, except for group or commercial activities. All vehicles must be registered and driven by licensed drivers. 16 The Gantry 1-hour, 20-minute drive from Walkabout Creek 2 Travel on a sealed road for 150 m from the park entrance on Mount Mee Road to The Gantry, the closest Mount Mee day-use area to Brisbane. The Gantry shelter is a legacy of the sawmill that operated here until 1981. 17 Somerset lookout 19 Rocky Hole 30-minute drive from The Gantry 16 25-minute drive from The Gantry 16 Enjoy spectacular views over the Great Dividing Range, Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe’s headwaters. The lookout can be accessed on foot by walking along the Somerset trail, or by four-wheel-drive vehicles along the Western escarpment forest drive. Surrounded by open eucalypt forest, this site features a rock pool and is popular during summer. Access is along an unsealed, formed gravel road. 18 Falls lookout and Bulls Falls 5-minute drive from The Gantry 16 Falls lookout can be reached by a formed, unsealed gravel road. A 400 m walk to a viewing platform overlooks the northern side of D’Aguilar Range and the picturesque Neurum Valley. Walk a further 80 m to Bulls Falls, offering beautiful views of sheltered rainforest pools and rocky crags. For your safety, do not jump or dive into the waterhole. 20 Broadwater 40-minute drive from The Gantry 16 Enjoy a picnic or barbecue lunch at this small day-use area near a large waterhole. For your safety, do not jump or dive into the waterhole. Escape the crowds and visit this exciting destination for camping and motorised recreational adventures. For a two-hour scenic drive, journey along the Western escarpment forest drive (see trail map on page 6) through scribbly gum forest and take in spectacular views to the west over Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe. Start a half-day adventure on the Mount Mee forest drive (see trail map on page 6) at The Gantry 16 and wander along the tranquil Mill rainforest walk. Continue on to Rocky Hole 19 and relax by the cool water; this is a popular destination during the hot summer months. From here, drive to Broadwater 20 , a great picnic spot overlooking a large waterhole. Return via The Gantry or continue north through the small township of Woodford. Alternatively, drive along and explore the Range Road forest drive (see trail map on page 6). Start at The Gantry 16 and travel south-east along Peggs Road onto the Range Road forest drive. This drive explores open eucalypt forest and rainforest along the highest point of the range, offering views to either side. Exit the park via Laceys Creek Road and finish the tour by visiting the small township of Dayboro. 5 Ra uss sm South D’Aguilar en Mount Mee Ro ad 22 Archer campground Broadwater ad ! 20 Lovedays R o L Traverse 12 Ce ede ntip 19 Rocky oad ek R Cre ays Loved Road um Neur ive ! Settlem ent Ro ad Mill rainforest walk To Mount Mee and D'Aguilar 17 16 The Gantry Sellin Road ! ve dri Pe gg s Ro So m er se t e– Somerset lookout ho rest ent fo arpm esc ! Wiv e n n ter Wes ! oad Neurum Creek campground Falls lookout and Bulls Falls 18 d Top R 21 12 Roa r rest d e fo Mount Me Hole ! R o ad ad Mt oad eR k rea AB an g er Me Th eH Ch ree Ro ky C Jac Jacky Cr ee ad fore st drive Mt Brisbane Ro ad k Centre Road Cr ee kR Road By ron a's Bath oa d oad sR ber am Diana's Bath car park D ia n kR oad Ra ng e er Butch sh op e Cre k Road oad Wi r th Scale 0 y Ro ee k 6 4 km 4 km ad ey Lac 2 2 Ro Rang e Road forest drive C r ee kR Ma Scale 0 Red Cedar r sC Map adjoins top of South D'Aguilar map ad Note: Many trails lead to private property. Get permission from landholders before accessing private property. Many gates are locked and cannot be opened. It is the responsibility of riders and walkers to determine appropriate access requirements. White Cedar Map adjoins bottom of Mount Mee map Day To Dayboro boro Ro ad mia Road North Kobble bush camp Lepidoza South Kobble bush camp y Parkwa 11 Wivenhoe outlook n Ro ad Sams onva le Cl Moun tS a Ro ad Clear Mountain Conservation Park ea rM in ta ad Ro oad Roa d nR so n ou m us Northbrook Mtn bush camp Lawton W in Tenison Woods Mountain Mount Glori o Road 10 Maiala Eatons Cro Mount Glorious e Ro ad ssi ng Ro ad 9 R rious oad Glo unt Mo Samford Ma e Break Westridg ad as 8 Ro Dundas bush camp ck Tra 6 Jollys Lookout ck Collins Road Sa Break nt Ne bo Camp Mountain Roa 5 oad Bo un d ou d ar y 3 ad Ro Light Line Road bush camp M dR Boombana South 4 Bellbird Grove McAfees lookout ad Scrub Road bush camp 2 Sou Walkabout Creek re Ro Light Line Road ra er T J i nk for 7 Ta ylors Bunyaville Conservation Park Lomandra and 14 Ironbark Gully G Mount Nebo 15 Bun ya Ro ad ck Tra Samford Conservation Park Manorina t oa ilm s an m Ro ad nd Du Tree th Bou ndary Road Ce Waterw or k e To Brisban s Ro ad d Sou oa th B oundary R 13 ld R oa d Lake Manchester Lake M anch e 1 Mt Coot-tha Forest* * For further information about Mt Coot-tha Forest or to obtain brochures or maps of the area, please visit the Brisbane City Council website <www.brisbane.qld.gov.au> or phone 3403 8888. ster Road eew Gold Cree k Ro ad ad ro ok fie ay W es tern Fr Up pe rB Gap Creek Ro d oa k R Westridge outlook Ca bba ge ee Cr Jo yn er sR idg England England Creek bush camp nt No o ok br r th bble le Ko Midd break fire To Petrie Lake Samsonvale Middle Kobble bush camp Legend D’Aguilar National Park Conservation Park Other reserve Minor road Management access only Creek Forest trail Forest drive Horses and pedestrians Easy Horses, cyclists and pedestrians Difficult Cyclists and pedestrians only Moderate Parking Camping Walking track 7 Walking tracks The D’Aguilar Range offers a wide variety of walking tracks suitable for beginner and experienced walkers. Walking tracks are classified according to Australian Standards and are only suitable for pedestrian use. Please note that while each track is classified according to its most difficult section, other sections may be easier. Key to walking tracks Class 2 track Australian Standards • Easy level, well-graded track, suitable for all fitness levels. Walkers can also access a number of forest trails throughout the range. These trails may be shared by horse and mountain bike riders, four-wheel-drivers and/or motorcyclists—please see the trail map section of this guide (pages 6 and 7) for more details. Class 3 track Australian Standards • Gently sloping, well-defined track with slight inclines or few steps. • Caution needed on loose gravel surfaces and exposed natural lookouts. • Reasonable level of fitness and ankle-supporting footwear required. Mt Coot-tha Forest has a diverse range of tracks and trails, picnic facilities and seasonal creeks and waterfalls to explore. For information on walking tracks in Mt Coot-tha Forest, please refer to the track map on the Brisbane City Council website <www.brisbane.qld.gov.au>. Class 4 track Australian Standards • Distinct track, usually with steep exposed inclines or many steps. • Caution needed on loose gravel surfaces and exposed natural outlooks. • Moderate level of fitness and ankle-supporting footwear required. Mount Mee Track name and classification Distance/ Time Access point Drive from The Gantry Description (90 minutes from Brisbane) Short walks (less than 1 hour) Lophostemon walk 750 m circuit, allow 20 minutes 21 Neurum Creek campground 15 minutes This circuit begins at the northern end of Neurum Creek campground. Piccabeen walk 1 km circuit, allow 20–30 minutes 16 The Gantry Not applicable This short walk is along a boardwalk and track through a lush piccabeen palm grove. Falls lookout track 1 km return, allow 20–30 minutes 18 Falls lookout and Bulls Falls 5 minutes Falls lookout can be reached by a gravel road off Neurum Creek Road and has a short walk down to a viewing platform overlooking the northern side of D’Aguilar Range and picturesque Neurum Valley. Mill rainforest walk 1.4 km circuit, allow 40–50 minutes Off Neurum Creek Road between The Gantry 16 and Neurum Creek campground 21 10 minutes This subtropical rainforest track provides great opportunities for birdwatching so bring binoculars. The track entrance is accessed by a short unsealed, formed gravel road. 16 The Gantry Not applicable This track passes through scribbly gum forests, rainforest and dry open forest. Take in views to the west overlooking Somerset Dam and Lake Wivenhoe. Longer walks (2–4 hours) Somerset trail 13 km circuit, allow 4 hours South D’Aguilar Short walks (less than 2 hours) 8 Tree discovery circuit 650 m circuit, allow 15 minutes 15 Bunyaville Conservation Park 20 minutes This walking track starts and finishes at the northern end of the day-use area. Atrax circuit 750 m return, allow 15–20 minutes 8 Manorina 30 minutes Walk through tall forest featuring cabbage tree palms. South D’Aguilar Track name and classification Distance/ Time Access point Drive from Walkabout Creek Description Short walks (less than 2 hours) continued Crebra circuit 900 m circuit, allow 20–30 minutes 14 Samford Conservation Park 15 minutes This circuit meanders through a forest of deeply furrowed and dark-coloured ironbark trees. Pitta circuit 1 km circuit, allow 20–30 minutes 7 Boombana 25 minutes This track explores open eucalypt forest and then subtropical rainforest. Mount Nebo village can be accessed from this circuit via a 600 m track from the boardwalk. Western Window track 1.2 km return, allow 35–45 minutes 10 Maiala 40 minutes This track runs along the escarpment to the Western Window—an expansive undulating view to the west. Corymbia circuit 1.5 km return, allow 45 minutes 2 Walkabout Creek Not applicable This track winds down through a wet eucalypt forest gully and climbs back to the visitor centre. The track is quite steep in places. Egernia circuit 1.5 km circuit, allow 45 minutes 6 Jollys Lookout 20 minutes This track loops through wet eucalypt forest and a gully of subtropical rainforest. Bunyaville track 1.6 km return, allow 30–40 minutes Bunyaville Conservation Park 20 minutes This track leaves from the northern end of the dayuse area and goes through open eucalypt forest back to the southern end of the day-use area. Turrbal circuit 1.7 km circuit, allow 40–50 minutes 3 Bellbird Grove 10 minutes This circuit winds through open eucalypt forest, down into a wet eucalypt gully and back to the day-use area. Golden Boulder track 1.8 km circuit, allow 40–50 minutes 3 Bellbird Grove 10 minutes A short track takes walkers along exposed ridges and past historic gold mines. It is quite steep in places, so please supervise children at all times. Rainforest circuit 2 km circuit, allow 1 hour 10 Maiala 40 minutes This walking track winds through stunning subtropical rainforest. Cypress Grove and a section of the Greenes Falls (see longer walks) walking tracks adjoin this track. Cypress Grove track 2.5 km return, allow 1 hour 20 minutes 10 Maiala 40 minutes This is a short walk branching off the Rainforest circuit. 15 Longer walks (2–4 hours) Greenes Falls track 4.3 km return, allow 2 hours 10 Maiala 40 minutes The Greenes Falls track passes over rainforest pools and ends at a lookout adjacent to Greenes Falls. Be prepared for an uphill walk on the return trip. Araucaria track 5 km return, allow 2 hours 2 Walkabout Creek Not applicable This walking track winds past giant hoop pines along the shores of Enoggera Reservoir. Morelia walking track 6 km return, allow 2–2.5 hours 8 Manorina 30 minutes Walk from the Manorina car park through wet eucalypt forest to Mount Nebo lookout and enjoy spectacular views over Samford Valley and Moreton Bay. The track is quite steep in places. Westside track 6.4 km return, allow 2–3 hours 10 Maiala 40 minutes This track branches off the Western Window track (see short walks). Access is from the top of the Maiala day-use area. Walk 600 m to the Western Window, before walking down to a level track perched on the side of a steep slope that finishes at Lawton Road. Thylogale walking track 8 km return, allow 2–3 hours 6 Jollys Lookout 15 minutes This walking track connects Jollys Lookout to Boombana. Walk through pockets of dry rainforest—a vegetation type known for its diversity and abundance of twisting vines. 9 Mountain bike trails and horse riding trails Enjoy riding in a bushland environment on one of the many multiple-use trails in the D’Aguilar Range. Mountain bike riding Cycling is permitted on all forest trails within the southern end of D’Aguilar Range unless otherwise signed (see trail map on pages 6 and 7). Bicycles are not permitted on designated walking tracks, or on roads in Mount Mee as this area is set aside for motorised vehicle-based recreation. Ride safely • When using tracks, cyclists must alert others when approaching them. • Always wear a helmet. • Plan ahead, ride within your ability and according to track conditions. • Avoid skidding and sliding around turns—collision and injury may result. • Avoid riding in large groups. • Avoid riding on soft, wet and muddy tracks. • Cyclists riding downhill must give way to cyclists riding uphill. The give-way code • Cyclists should give way to horses and walkers. • Walkers should give way to horses. For a challenging ride, follow South Boundary Road to Mount Nebo Road, and onto the cool rainforest township of Mount Nebo to enjoy a cold drink at one of the local cafes. Bunyaville Conservation Park 15 and Mt Coot-tha Forest 1 both offer a variety of designated mountain bike trails that are interconnected by multiple-use trails. For more information on mountain bike trails in these areas visit <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au>, or contact Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888 or <www.brisbane.qld.gov.au>. Horse riding Horse riding is permitted on specified forest trails in the D’Aguilar Range (see trail maps on previous pages). To help reduce your impact on these natural areas, please: • do not allow horses to remain in the park overnight • ride only on formed roads and trails designated for riding. Do not take shortcuts or form new tracks as this damages the environment and causes erosion • do not allow horses to enter or remain in or near natural watercourses. Only allow horses to cross natural watercourses at designated crossing points on the trail for the protection of watercourses in the area • minimise damage to vegetation. Do not allow horses to graze on any vegetation while in the area • tether horses at hitching posts or resting areas only for short periods to minimise soil erosion and compaction • avoid spreading weeds—ensure horses’ coats, hooves and equipment are free of seeds before park visits. For more information about horse riding in Queensland’s protected areas, visit <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au>. Courtesy of Tourism Queensland Enjoy a half or day-long ride in the foothills around Enoggera Reservoir and the southern section of the D’Aguilar Range. A series of trails lead into the adjacent valleys of Brookfield and Gold Creek, or ride along the crest of South Boundary Road to Mount Nebo Road, and onto the township of MountNebo. 10 11 With the variety of trails and tourist sites, why not unwind in the D’Aguilar Range over a couple of days. Bed and breakfast, resort and commercial camping accommodation are available in and around the townships of Mount Mee, Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious. For more information about tourist accommodation in the D’Aguilar Range, visit the Tourism Queensland website <www.queenslandholidays.com.au>. Courtesy of Jason Flesser Overnight stays and camping How to obtain a camping permit A camping permit must be obtained prior to arrival; fees are payable and a camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site. People who camp without a permit can be fined. To extend your stay you must amend your permit. Obtaining a camping permit well in advance is recommended for public or school holiday periods. Obtain a camping permit: • online at <www.qld.gov.au/camping> • by phoning 13 QGOV (13 74 68) with credit card details. Camping experiences D’Aguilar National Park has two formal campgrounds and eight remote bush camp sites. Formal campgrounds Remote bush camping Located at Mount Mee, Neurum Creek and Archer campgrounds are not suitable for caravans, campervans or camper trailers. Visitors can test their bush camping skills in the secluded back country of South D’Aguilar. There are eight walk-in-only bush camping sites, with minimal facilities—Dundas Road, South Kobble, Middle Kobble, North Kobble, Northbrook Mountain, Scrub Road, England Creek and Light Line Road bush camps. A network of trails provides access between these camping sites and also link to the townships of Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious. 21 16 Neurum Creek campground 15-minute drive from The Gantry 16 Neurum Creek campground provides opportunities for camping close to Neurum Creek in an enclosed forest setting. 16 22 Archer campground 40-minute drive from The Gantry 16 Enjoy the open, grassy, family friendly, natural bush setting near Neurum Creek. Facilities are provided for campers only. Walkers need to be physically fit, have bushwalking and navigation experience, and have an emergency plan in place with a responsible friend or family member. Always carry a topographic map, compass, first-aid kit, water and food. Mobile phone reception within the park is unreliable. Bush camps within D’Aguilar National Park may be closed during periods of high fire danger or for regenerative purposes. Please check ‘Park alerts’ at <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au> for the latest information on access, closures and conditions. Courtesy of Bruce Cowell, Queensland Museum Open fires are allowed in the fireplaces and fire rings provided. Bring your own firewood—untreated, milled timber off-cuts are recommended. 11 Emergency contacts Ambulance emergency phone 000 non-emergency phone 13 12 33 when low or no mobile service: try phoning 112 for text-only emergency messages106 (This is for people with speech or hearing impairments. No one will speak to you on this service.) Caring for the range By following these guidelines, visitors will help protect the natural environment for the future enjoyment of others and ensure the survival of native plants and animals living here. • Everything within national parks and forests is protected. Do not take or interfere with plants and animals. • Stay on the designated tracks. Shortcutting causes erosion, damages vegetation and can potentially result in injury. • Leave pets at home. Domestic animals are not permitted in the national park. • Remove all rubbish. No bins are provided in the park. To dispose of cigarette butts, carry a small container. • Let native animals find their own food. Human food can make native animals susceptible to disease and can cause overpopulation and aggressive behaviour. • Do not collect firewood. Fallen trees provide homes for insects and small animals. • Show consideration for other park users and wildlife by keeping noise to a minimum. Bushfire safety In conditions of high fire danger, walking tracks and other areas may be closed. For your safety, follow instructions on signs. If you see a bushfire or any illegal activity, please phone emergency services as soon as possible. Further information Visit <www.nprsr.qld.gov.au> • Go to ‘Park alerts’ for the latest information on access, closures and conditions. For your safety By following a few simple steps, visits can be safe and enjoyable. • Never walk alone. Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans, inform them. • Plan to complete walks well before dark. • Obey all safety and warning signs. • Wear appropriate bushwalking shoes. • Avoid walking during wet weather. Tracks can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay away from cliff edges. • Supervise children at all times. • Carry adequate drinking water—drinking water is not provided on park. • Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it. • Carry a mobile phone, but remember that reception may be poor in places. • Use sun protection—wear sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt even on cloudy days. Start longer walks at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion in summer. • Never dive or jump into water as it may be shallow or have submerged hazards. • Do not leave valuables unattended. When visiting these parks, reduce risk of theft—ensure vehicles are locked and all valuables removed. Email <[email protected]>. Phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68). To access Lake Wivenhoe, please phone SEQ Water on (07) 5427 8100; to access Somerset Dam phone (07) 5426 0188. Photographs: unless credited otherwise, photographs are the property of NPRSR. Front cover: background photo courtesy of Bruce Cowell, Queensland Museum Information provided in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing and is a guide only. Conditions change and activities may be prohibited in some places. June 2012 © State of Queensland. Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. BP1600 June 2012. Printed on eco-friendly paper to save energy and resources. 12