Walks in the Conondales

While many visitors are content to set up camp at either Charlie Moreland or Booloumba campgrounds, others ponder what lies in the forest-clad ranges to the west. The following walks will satisfy all, from the novice bushwalker, to the most experienced trekker.

Graded Walks - Easy / Moderate

Fig Tree Walk

Distance: 1.1km [return] Walking Time: 45mins Degree of Difficulty: Easy [wheelchair access]

Access: 6.5 km south of Kenilworth on the Kenilworth/Maleny road, park on the Maleny side of Little Yabba Bridge and walk across the road bridge to the boardwalk entry. The walk explores the riverine rainforest near the junction of Little Yabba Creek and Mary River.

There are picnic areas in the car park.

From Charlie Morland Campgrounds

Little Yabba Creek Circuit

Distance: 1.5km [return] Walking Time: 45mins Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Cross Little Yabba creek and walk through hoop pine plantation and regenerating rainforest. This is a good birdwatching area.

Picabeen Circuit

Distance: 3.5km [return] Walking Time: 2hrs Degree of Difficulty: Easy

An extension of the Little Yabba circuit, this walk explores plantations rainforest and a picabeen palm grove.

From Forest Drive

Peters Creek Circuit

Distance: 500m [return] Walking Time: 15mins Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Walk through open forest and rainforest to a picturesque boulder-strewn creek wit rock pools and cascades.

Booloumba Creek / Breadknife Walk

Distance: 3km [return] Walking Time: 1hr Degree of Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Access from Booloumba Falls carpark. Follow the trail. [back to top]

Graded Walks - Moderate / Hard

Gold Mine Circuit

Distance: 5.2km Walking Time: 2.5hr Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Allan - from Booloumba Creek Campground

from Booloumba Creek Campground Distance: 2.5km [one way] Walking Time: 3hrs Degree of Difficulty: Moderate/Hard [for fit walkers]

Mount Allan - from Charlie Moreland Campground

from Charlie Moreland Campground Distance: 4.4km [one way] Walking Time: 3hrs [return] Degree of Difficulty: Moderate/Hard [for fit walkers]

The Hinterland Great Walk

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, located in the Blackall Range will offer a diverse range of walking experiences from short day walks to three and four day walks with overnight stops. The 56km walk traverses some of the more scenic and spectacular areas of the Blackall Range. The track was opened in December 2005. For more information, go to www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-sunshine-coast.

Also check our Organised Walks page for details on planned group walks in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. More detailed information on these walks, including maps, tracks and fascinating local knowledge is available in 'Walking on the Wilder Side' - the latest publication by the Conondale Range Committee.

Day Walks

These day walks are part of the 3 to 5 day, 58 kilometer Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, that starts from the Kenilworth/Gheerulla area.

From Kenilworth - drive 6.9km along Kenilworth/Eumundi Road to Sam Kelly Road.

From Eumundi - take the first road on the left just past Gheerulla Hall.

Drive along Sam Kelly road to camping information booth and park on side of the road - the walk starts here.

Follow the Great Walk signs to the start of the walks.

Gheerulla to Thilba Thalba - 11 km (return), allow 4 hours

Follow 4WD track through a locked gate to the start of the walk. Thilba Thalba walk involves a 340 metre ascent but the track is well graded with steps in steep sections. Walk for 3.7 km to a detour to Thilba Thalba lookout with excellent views over the valley towards Mapleton and Gheerulla valley. Continue 1.5 km to walkers camp which has tent sites, benches, toilet and tank water. There is also an excellent viewing area just below the camp sites. The track is well signed.

Sam Kelly Road to Gheerulla Falls - 14.8km (return) 5-6 hours

Go through the locked gate at the end of 4WD track and turn left to the Falls.

This part of the track follows Gheerulla Creek to the falls which are spectacular especially after heavy rain.

Gheerulla Circuit - 20.9km (circuit) 7-8 hours

The circuit startsafter the locked gate. Follow the Great Walk signs, left along Gheerulla Creek towards the falls or right up to Thilba Thalba. It is a long day walk for the very fit walker.

alt