Profile for Jim Craigen - Aussie Bushwalking

This Year

Number of Walks Ticked

0.0m

Total Distance Ticked

All Time

Number of Walks Ticked

128.2km

Total Distance Ticked

Ticks

Name	Date	Difficulty	Distance/Duration
Upper Byron Creek (D'Aguilar National Park)	13 Oct, 2023	Medium	12.5km return 5 hrs
My walking buddy and I did this walk today. We got a bit bushed, entirely because I did not read the directions carefully enough. What follows is me sharing the experience for what it's worth - it is in NO WAY a criticism of the Aussie Bushwalking directions. You might want to check out the Mt Mee Forest Drives and Trails map https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/159028/mount-mee-trail-map.pdf showing 4WD roads in the area. The majority of this walk as described is on these 4WD roads, specifically Chambers Rd and Peggs Rd. That's OK, it's a pretty area with big trees and steep gullies and bell-birds calling, but it's not a walking track as such. Only the loop at the top (shown on Aussie Bushwalking map) where you follow the creek is walking track. In my opinion the Summerset Trail walk starting from the Gantry is a much nicer walk. That said, the starting point per description is a small parking area at the end of Mt Brisbane Rd and start of Chambers Rd, marked with a "P" on Forest Drives map. It's sealed road all the way to that point, any car will get there. If (and only if) you have a 4WD you can drive up Chambers Rd to the start of Peggs Rd, taking a bit of up-hill grind out of it. It's not an overly difficult 4WD road, my Mitsubishi Triton did it easily, a normal car might make it but would likely suffer some damage over the bumps. Ideally you could drive further, up Peggs Rd to the causeway over the creek, and just do the short walk along the creek which is the nicest part of the walk, but parking at the causeway is a bit tight. One final point; leave Dayboro along Mackenzie St, which becomes Laceys Creek Rd, then BEAR RIGHT to Mt Pleasant Rd. That's what the directions say and that's what you need to do! I saw the sign to Laceys Creek Rd bearing left and thought "that's where we need to go" and off we went - and ended up driving the Range Road Forest Drive from south to north (per Mt Mee map). Silly me! We laughed it off, the Triton handled it just fine and we had an unexpected adventure, but if you have a normal car please do NOT try it.
Artists Cascades (Conondale National Park)	3 May, 2023	Medium	12.2km return 3 hrs
We did the Artists Cascades walk today, starting from car park 2 which involved three creek crossings. The walks map suggests (or it did to me) that the Cascades, Gold Mine and Strangler Cairn are three separate walks. In fact there is one walk to the Cascades with short side detours to the Mine and the Cairn (both worth doing). Some parts of the track is a narrow path cut into the side of a steep hill. The track up to the Cairn is graded 3 on the 1 - 5 scale used by Qld Parks, increasing to 4 for the last 2km or so to the Cascades which is steeper and in parts narrower - there is a warning sign that only experienced walkers should do that last bit. I reckon it's fine, just take care where you put your feet. There are several waterways to be crossed which were dry on our walk but would need care in wet weather.
Yul-yan-man Track (Glass House Mountains National Park)	17 Apr, 2023	Hard	8km return 4 hrs
It's interesting to read the comments; some say this is pretty easy, others describe it as hard. Noting I have seen Tibrogargan Summit described as easy (??), obviously a lot depends on your fitness level, how steady you are on your feet and how you go with heights. Did YYM with my walking buddy and I was very glad I had him with me. He managed it fine, I struggled. He stepped comfortably across the rocky sections while I inched across on my backside. A few spots he had to talk me through. I don't handle heights so well, I get dizzy, which does not help when boulder-hopping! I do NOT want to put anyone off with this, the track is not especially high and for the most part is well tree covered so exposure in minimal. Some parts were enough to get my nerves jangling but I made it. I think it rates as "hard" for the up-hill scramble at the start and one or two rock faces to get across shortly after the scramble. The track along the ridge is fine and has some amazing views, some loose stone and minor exposure but any average walker would handle it. The steep decline at the end (immediately past the second lookout) looks worse than it is, I went down comfortably enough (again, crab-walking on my backside). From the top you can't see the track at the bottom but trust me, it's there. Once you're down that it's easy going the rest of the way.
Bunya Crossing Reserve (South East Queensland)	14 Apr, 2021	Easy	3km return 45 mins
I did this walk with my dog starting from Sargent Reserve in Eatons Hill, over Sth Pine River at Bunya Crossing, past the picnic area to the end at Cressbrook Drive, then back the same way. Very easy walking, a nice alternative to concrete footpaths around the suburbs, but I'm not sure I'd call it a "bushwalk".
Mt Ninderry (Sunshine Coast)	3 Nov, 2020	Medium	3.3km return 90 mins
Agree with other comments, allowing that one person's "nice easy climb" is another person's "uphill challenge". It is a short but reasonably steep uphill walk - not a climb or a scramble but enough to get the heart pumping for all but the very fit. Stairs in a few places help and the track zig-zags across the uphill to make things a bit easier (unlike Mt Mike for example, which goes straight up). However it's not that far and the view is well worth it, especially to the east looking over Mt Coolum and the coast. Even the not-so-fit should give this a go, just take breaks when you need to. My extra comment is for those, like me, who find heights with exposure a bit difficult. This walk is fine. Plenty of tree coverage all the way so you never get that staring into space feeling. For context, Mt Elimbah beat me - I had to turn back when I got above the tree-line.
Postmans Track (South East Queensland)	30 Sep, 2020	Medium	4.8km return 50 mins
Nice walk, no view of the lake but plenty of birdlife. We saw a raptor of some sort (too far away to identify). At risk of being pedantic, the description says the blue trail is easy and the red trail more hilly. In fact if you go clockwise the first half is hilly (red trail to midway on blue) while the second half (blue back to red) is a very easy stroll back to the carpark. A few steep-ish hills and loose stony ground had us watching our footing on the downhill bits but nothing to be concerned about.
Somerset Trail (D'Aguilar National Park)	24 Sep, 2020	Medium	13km return 3 hrs
Finally got back to this walk after trying late 2019 and finding it closed due to fire risk. Glad I went back, thoroughly enjoyed the walk. Other comments cover it pretty well. My additional thoughts; The main reason I can see for this to be graded medium is it's more than 10km. Otherwise it's nothing out of the ordinary. Probably a bit too rough to be graded easy (the usual tree roots, stones etc) and a few uphill sections (you can't go on a bush walk and not expect a few hills) but nothing I would call difficult. For perspective I'm 64 and moderate/average fitness. A few comments that the trail is not as well marked as it could be. The walking tail crosses the 4WD road and fire management tracks several times and there are numerous side trails. The walking trail is clearly marked with arrows. I'm no expert navigator but unless you go off track to explore side trails I don't see you could feel lost.
Kureelpa Falls (Mapleton National Park)	14 Sep, 2020	Easy	2.5km return 1 hr
Did the 8.5km circuit from Mapleton NP Day Use Area today. As others have commented this is a really nice walk. The nearby Piccabeen Circuit is graded medium and having done both I would say the falls circuit is similar. At risk of splitting hairs, I'd put both at the "easy end of medium" - I've done harder "medium" walks. To put that in context, I am 64 years old and consider myself moderate to average fitness at best. If you like a nice walk in the bush this is for you. If you like to extend yourself, confront your fears, maybe try somewhere else.
Piccabeen Circuit (Mapleton National Park)	3 Sep, 2020	Medium	6.9km return 2 hrs
Did Piccabeen Cct today. Enjoyed the walk. Interesting that it's graded medium; I've done other medium walks that were a fair bit harder than this. A few steep-ish sections but OK even for average fitness, just stop for a breather when necessary. The track is wide and easy to follow with very clear directions. Creek crossings were no issue today but could be after rain. I saw a snake stretched across the track - coastal carpet python I think - see photo.
Point Glorious (Mapleton National Park)	3 Sep, 2020	Easy	6.7km return 105 mins
Agree with the comments about the gravel road making a not very exciting walk but the views from the lookout are worth making a visit. I cheated and drove to the top, having already done a walk. The road is currently in very good condition. A low-slung sports car might struggle but anything else should be fine.
Dularcha NP - Roses Circuit (Sunshine Coast)	Aug, 2020	Medium	8.1km return 2.5 hrs
I've walked in Dularcha NP twice, both times from the southern entry. First time I did Myla Track, second time I did Roses Circuit cutting across Gully Track. Myla Track is very steep and loose gravel in places, so much so that on one downhill section I figured I had the choice of sit down or fall down - chose the former and went down on "all fives". Back on Roses Circuit it's not so bad. The western section beyond Gully Track is the highest/steepest part so if you prefer a shorter, not-so-steep walk go Roses Circuit and cut across Gully Track. That still has uphill sections but bypasses the worst of it. If you're after a workout go the full Roses Circuit including Myla Track.
Mt Elimbah (The Saddleback) (Glass House Mountains National Park)	2 Jul, 2020	Medium	1.7km return 75 mins
Agree with comments. Relatively easy walk with great views. I stopped and turned back about half way when the vegetation thins out, simply because I don't handle any level of exposure. OK going up with the track in front of you, but turned to face the magnificent view and that old feeling of staring into the void got to me. Don't be put off, it's fine for most people, just I'm a pretty extreme case.
Mt Miketeebumulgrai (Glass House Mountains National Park)	2 Jul, 2020	Medium	1.2km return 75 mins
Had a go at Mt Mike on same day as Mt Elimbah, I can see why the recommendation to do both. Track is narrow but easy enough to follow and plenty of pink tape, but very steep and goes straight up, ie no zig-zagging across the hill. That's fine on the way up, stop to catch your breath as necessary. However, coming down with the steepness, loose rocks, leaf litter etc it's very slippery and I saw a busted ankle coming up. It's a little-used track, I was solo walking, figured discretion is the better part and turned back part way. Might try again with someone with me.
Merdian Hill, Mooloolah River National Park (Sunshine Coast)	27 Jun, 2020	Easy	1km return 30 mins
Did this walk today and updated the description for some minor changes since whoever did the previous version. I put most of my thoughts in the updated description - it's OK but should be combined with other walks in the area to make it worthwhile. Two specific suggestions: Drive down Old Caloundra Rd for nice short walks off to the left. There are 6 - 8 starting points, and the further from Steve Irwin Way the less you will have traffic noise in the background. These tracks used to be for trail bikes but now not permitted since moving from state forest to national park (tyre tracks suggest some are not respecting the new rules). Old Caloundra Rd is a well maintained unsealed road for its full length, any vehicle will handle it easily. However unless you have a 4WD do not be tempted to try the side roads. They quickly deteriorate to logging tracks, popular with 4WDers and trail bikers keen to get dirty but nothing to see (logged out pine forest).
Dularcha NP - Tunnel Track (Sunshine Coast)	27 Jun, 2020	Easy	6.6km return 2 hrs
Did the tunnel track with my partner. Easy walk, nice environment.
Trachyte Circuit (Glass House Mountains National Park)	10 Mar, 2020	Medium	5.9km return 2 hrs
Good walk, easy going with only a few hills and not too steep. Great views from Jack Ferris lookout, some variety in vegetation keeps it interesting. I saw a pair of red-tailed black cockatoos. I did the walk straight after rain so the stepping stones at the two creek crossings were under water - see photos. First one (I went anticlockwise) could still see the stones but the second could not. I tapped around with a stick to find them - now I have some idea how a blind person feels. Not a big problem, but that is the first time I have ever taken my boots off during a walk!
Mount Beerburrum (Glass House Mountains National Park)	17 Jan, 2020	Medium	3.5km return 90 mins
This is certainly a steep walk and there are no level sections to give a break, it is steep or steeper all the way. However it is not a climb, there is no hand-over-hand stuff, just steep walking on concrete paving all the way. My partner and I are in our mid 60's and low to average fitness and we managed by taking it slowly. If you, like me, tend to avoid Glass House Mountains due to a fear of heights I would recommend this one. I have a paralysing fear of high, open spaces - will NEVER attempt Tibrogargan or Beerwah - but this one was no problem.
Tibrogargan Circuit (Glass House Mountains National Park)	11 Jan, 2020	Easy	3.3km return 90 mins
As I type this walk has been ticked 148 times so it's popular, and with good reason. I note other comments suggesting joining the Tibrogargan and Trachyte circuits. Probably a good idea, I was tempted, but mid January in Brisbane (temp 34, humidity 65%) I decided discretion is the better part and just did the walk around Tibrogargan. Thoroughly enjoyed the walk, met a small goanna on the path. Out of curiosity I went up the summit track to the point it starts getting seriously steep, took one look at it and my stomach started hollowing out!! If you're up for it I admire you, it's not for me.
Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park (South East Queensland)	30 Dec, 2019	Easy	4.4km return 1 hr
Nice easy walk, tracks are clear and well sign posted, mostly flat, some gentle hills. If you want something more energetic I suggest Bunyaville Conservation Park in Everton Hills, similar vegetation but steeper tracks and deeper gullies. Guided by other comments I entered via Phelps Rd, but don't do what I did and drive along Caboolture River Rd expecting a sign to Sheep Station Creek Park. There is no signage until you arrive. You need to look for Phelps Rd - which is easy enough.
Bullocky Rest to Forgan Cove Loop (South East Queensland)	20 Dec, 2019	Easy	8km return 110 mins
Nice easy walk if you feel like blowing a few cobwebs away but only have a couple of hours to spare. From Forgan Park to the main walk it's either along the base of the dam wall (ok now as water level low from drought) or along the road (if it's wet). I usually leave out the last approx 1.5km to Forgan Cove (sign posted) and take the track to the left, then the first left again which returns to Forgan Park. Starting from Bullocky Rest that's about a 5km circuit.