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.
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
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