Crows Nest Falls Circuit

GPS Tracks

Crows Nest Walks (KML)

Crows Nest Falls via Kauyoo Loop (including The Cascades, Kauyoo Pool and Bottlebrush Pool).

Explore the creek on your way to Crows Nest Falls. Steep crevices and slippery rocks lead to the Cascades, where you can hear the ‘tock tock’ calls of striped marsh frogs echoing around the boulders in summer. A short scramble over low boulders brings you to Kauyoo Pool, where a sandy beach allows easy access to the normally shallow water - a perfect swimming spot for families with small children. Further along the trail, a long staircase leads you down to Bottlebrush Pool, which is an ideal place to enjoy a swim and relax. Keep an eye out for brush-tailed rock wallabies as they move quietly around the surrounding granite hills and boulders.

Caution: Take care on the steps leading down to the creek and when rock-hopping across the creek, as these surfaces can be slippery when wet.

Note: BYO drinking water. Water from the picnic/camping areas must be boiled before use.

Waterfalls

Lookouts

Swimming

Bird Watching

Picnic Facilities

Toilets

No Dogs Permitted

No Cycling Permitted

Camping Permitted

Eucalypt Forest

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Getting there

Turn off the New England Highway at the police station at Crows Nest (56 km north of Toowoomba) and take the sealed road 6 km to the park.

Caution: after heavy rain, creek crossings may be flooded.

Maps

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/crows-nest/pdf/crows-nest-np.pdf

Route/Trail notes

Take a creek-side walk to waterholes and to lookouts with spectacular views.

Setting out from the picnic area, continue along the trail for approx. 500m then turn right at the 'Pools Loop' signpost. Rock-hop across the creek to explore the boulder-filled landscape near The Cascades.

Return to the main path, which follows the steep-sided gorge in the upper reaches of Crows Nest Creek. There are two short side-tracks to explore before you reach the Crows Nest Falls lookout. Kauyoo Pool is accessed via a natural-stone staircase. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, turn right and scramble over a short stretch of low boulders until you reach the sandy beach of Kauyoo Pool. Further along the path, you will find Bottlebrush Pool at the bottom of a long, steep stone staircase. There is a bench-seat conveniently located halfway down the staircase in case you need a rest on the way up/down.

The Crows Nest Lookout overlooks a waterfall that tumbles down a 20 metre rock-face into the deep pool below. The falls are most impressive after rain, but even in dry seasons there is always water at the bottom of the falls. Note: The area around the lookout/falls is fenced off due to unstable cliff-faces - swimming is not permitted.

Return directly to the carpark via the bush-track, or add the extra 2km out-and-back walk to Koonin Lookout for an impressive view over a deeper gorge known locally as the Valley of Diamonds.

Caution: Have fun exploring in and around the creek, but be careful and supervise children closely. Rocks and stepping-stones can be slippery, expecially after rain.

Permits/Costs

Camping fees apply. Day-use entry is free.

Other References

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/crows-nest/index.html

GPS Tracks

Crows Nest Walks (KML)

Comments

Nice easy hike. Crows nest creek was very dry. Good leg stretcher with plenty of steps.
ian parker on 10 Aug, 2024

watch out for kookaburras at carpark
Apples on 9 May, 2023

Did all the circuits, walk out to the fartherest lookout (can’t remember the track name) is worth the effort
Amy on 15 Oct, 2022

Late arvo walk rewarded me with interesting light/ shade.
Wanderlust on 3 May, 2022

Water flowing swiftly over Crows Nest Falls at the moment thanks to the recent rain. Creek crossing at The Cascades is pretty-much underwater - watch your step. Multiple families enjoying a swim at Kauyoo Pool & Bottlebrush Pool today - the water is looking cleaner than it has in months. You can even hear the creek flowing far below you from Koonin Lookout. So good to see the vegetation thick and healthy after the 2019-2020 fires.
Steph T on 2 Apr, 2022

I haven’t been to Crows Nest for over 10 years but used to visit regularly when I lived in Toowoomba and I haven’t seen it flowing as fast and full as it at the moment. The valley of Diamonds had a beautiful flowing creek through the gorge. Mosquitos were prehistoric size however so use insect repellant.
Bobbe on 11 Dec, 2021

The area is still fairly dry but there was water running in the creek. Lots of stairs! We walked in via the creek path with the side tracks to water holes, and came back from Koonin lookout directly to the carpark with a distance of 4.8km.
Robyn on 20 Jun, 2021

Very picturesque, easy walk, lots of different water holes to see. Some stairs to get to swimming hole and a bit of rock hopping. Will do this one again.
Boots on 11 Jun, 2021

Gentle walk
samkramer on 29 Sep, 2020

Good walk would love to see it with flowing water but I think that would take a lot of rain.
Jules on 16 Aug, 2020

Still recovering from fires/droughts. But nice views at look outs.
Hannah on 18 Jul, 2020

A relatively easy walk. We did the walk in the rain, which added atmosphere and colour contrast and personally we feel made it better. A very rocky environment.
Shazlex on 14 Jun, 2020

Even though there wasn't a lot of water, it was still a great walk. Fair few stairs to get to the lookout itself, but worth the effort. I got there nice and early and there was a bit of fog in the valley, making the view spectacular.
insidelane on 12 Jul, 2019

Family hike
Pat on 14 Apr, 2019

Very dry when there December 2018
Mackamcb on 30 Dec, 2018

Easy walk. I had my kids (4 & 5 years old) with me and they managed with no issues.
It was dry. No water flowing but a good opportunity to explore the Cascades.
Jo on 30 Dec, 2018

Loved this walk. Shame you need a permit to get down to the water, the other swimming holes aren't that nice. The views of the valley are amazing, well worth the climb up the hill.
Samuel Armstrong on 21 Feb, 2017

bugger all water. but still enough for a dip on a hot day
wendy on 26 Jan, 2017

All the trails are quite easy. A number of steps but nothing too difficult.
Steve F on 16 Oct, 2016

We were here shortly after a controlled burn so it wasn't at it's best but it still had it's charms. The rock pools and gorges were very scenic, the cascades and waterfall were small but flowing and there were still plenty of birds around. There are a LOT of stairs on this walk, especially if you continue on to the lookout at the end, so it definitely earns it's Medium rating in my eyes. The wind through the valley is very strong and cold at times so be prepared for extra windchill - and probably a hat that can be secured would be a plus.
SweetLorikeet on 6 Sep, 2016