Journeys

Walking

• Danbulla National Park and State Forest locality and road maps (PDF, 207.2KB)

There are five walks of varying length along Danbulla Road. Large groups need to divide into smaller groups of no more than 12 people and stagger their departure at five minute intervals. This avoids congestion and ensures an enjoyable experience for all walkers. Non-commercial walking group activities operated in this manner do not require a permit. Please note: the numbers beside the walks and drive listed below correspond to these map (PDF, 207.2KB) references.

(3) Regeneration walk—2.3km one way (1hr) Grade: 3

This easy walk links the Downfall Creek and Kauri Creek camping areas. Listen for the raucous calls of the chowchilla as you pass from native forests into tall pine plantations. This area was used for dairy farming before the dam was built, and was then either left to regenerate or planted with pines. The forest that you now enjoy is the result of a natural revegetation process that has been occurring since 1959. Informative signs along the walk explain how this process occurs as well as what is involved in the establishment of forestry plantations.

(4) Jungaljungal walk (first section)—600m one way (15min) Grade: easy

This short walk links the Kauri Creek camping and day-use areas. Stop for a while at Kauri Creek and watch the clear water gently flow past you on its way to Lake Tinaroo. This area of Danbulla is alive with birds so take your binoculars and walk quietly.

(6) Jungaljungal walk (second section)—5.1km circuit (2.5hr) Grade: 4

Start this circuit track at the Kauri Creek day-use area. The first part of the walk winds through rainforest along the bank of Kauri Creek. The track then crosses the creek (be prepared to get your feet wet!) and passes through forest before joining an old logging road. You have another chance to dip your toes in the sandy-bottomed Kauri Creek before joining the return track, which is steep and narrow in places and should be undertaken only by fit and experienced walkers.

(8) Lake Euramoo—500m circuit (10min) Grade: 2

Lake Euramoo is a maar—a dumbbell-shaped volcanic crater formed about 10,000 years ago by two massive explosions resulting from super-heating of groundwater. An observation platform affords excellent views of the crystal clear water and the wide array of birdlife. An easy circuit track winds through the rainforest providing occasional glimpses of the lake through the trees.

(10) Mobo Creek Crater walk—630m circuit (15min) Grade: 3

A few kilometres from the eastern end of the road you will find the Mobo Creek Crater. The geology of this crater has perplexed scientists for many years and several theories exist as to how it was formed. You can draw your own conclusions as you enjoy the circuit walk that passes through upland rainforest, following the edge of the crater. Trackside labels help you identify some of the many tree species; quiet visitors may spot a platypus in the creek.

(11) Cathedral fig tree—300m return (10min) Grade: 2

At the eastern end of Danbulla Road is one of the most impressive strangler fig trees you will ever see. A boardwalk around the tree helps to protect the fragile roots and prevent soil compaction while providing great views up the trunk and into the canopy of this rainforest giant. Dawn chorus at the cathedral fig tree is one of the best on the Atherton Tableland—be sure to bring your camera and binoculars. Remain on the boardwalk at all times.

Driving and cycling

(7) Mount Edith and Kauri Creek roads (Tinaroo Range road network)

This 43km road circuit climbs 450m into the Lamb Range and offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of rainforest, dry open forest and tall wet sclerophyll forest as well as many creeks and streams. It takes at least two hours to drive and a full day to cycle the network. To protect the driving surface, the roads are closed during periods of wet weather. This road network is suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.