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Loose Outdoors A guide to getting outdoors in South-East Queensland, including bushwalking, mountain hiking, kayaking, scenic 4WD tracks and more.

23/10/2023

📍 Larapinta Falls, Lamington National Park (Southern Section), Scenic Rim.
Distance: 11.4 kms
Time: Allow 4 hrs
Elevation: 302 m
Difficulty: Hard
This adventure is a great introduction to off-track hiking, taking you up Christmas Creek, past the historic Westray’s Grave, to a seriously impressive waterfall!
After a creek crossing, the walk starts along a relatively distinguishable path all the way to Westray's Grave - the burial place of James Westray, who survived the initial Stinson crash, before going for help, falling down a cliff and later succumbing to his injuries.
From here, there is plenty of rock hopping across and along the creek. There is one branch in the creek to navigate and caution should be taken on the rocks, which are often slippery.
You will pass numerous small waterfalls before arriving at the awe-inspiring Larapinta Falls. The sheer cliffs that envelope the falls add to the scale.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/larapinta-falls-%26-westray's-grave) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

18/10/2023

📍 Caves Circuit, Lamington National Park (Binna Burra), Scenic Rim/Gold Coast.
Distance: 5.3 kms
Time: Allow 2 hrs
Elevation: 192 m
Difficulty: Moderate
This unique walk has incredible views, as well as a series of caves, including the amazing Kweebani Cave.
The trail winds along the top of the cliff edge with spectacular views across to the Darlington Range (where you'll see one of the largest intact stands of hoop pine in Australia) and down into Coomera Valley, where Coomera River can often be heard flowing.
You will pass a series of three caves, the first quite small and the second found after passing through a short tunnel carved out of the rock, where the path winds downhill through the rock.
The most spectacular of the caves is Kweebani Cave (pictured), a cave used by the traditional Yugambeh people for shelter and cooking (where the cave gets its name – ‘I cook’).
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/caves-circuit) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

12/10/2023

📍 Wild Horse Mountain, Glass House Mountains National Park, Sunshine Coast.
Distance: 1.4 kms
Time: Allow 30 mins
Elevation: 78 m
Difficulty: Moderate
This short, steep walk takes you to a fire tower, sitting at 123m above sea level, with spectacular and uninterrupted 360 degree views of the Glass House Mountains and to the Sunshine Coast.
Looking west, you can see all of the Glass House Mountains, including the prominent Mount Tibrogargan and Beerwah, Mount Ngungun and Coonowrin, as well as all other mountains in the park.
Looking east, there are views across the Pumicestone Passage to Bribie Island and Moreton Island, as well as the coastline up to Caloundra.
Interpretive signs provide information on how the fire tower is used, as well as about the surrounding area.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/wild-horse-mountain) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

05/10/2023

📍 The Sphinx and Turtle Rock, Girraween National Park, Southern Downs.
Distance: 7.1 kms
Time: Allow 2.5 hrs
Elevation: 231 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Girraween is full of interesting rock formations, and the the Sphinx and Turtle Rock are no exceptions.
The Sphinx involves a giant boulder resting atop a granite pillar, which resembles the famous Sphinx in Egypt, while the Turtle Rock gets it's name as it resembles a turtle in its shell.
The walk is great, through eucalypt forest and granite slabs, and is one of the quieter day walks in the park.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/the-sphinx-and-turtle-rock) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

03/10/2023

📍 Tabbil-ban Dha-gun Circuit, Boondall Wetlands Reserve, Brisbane.
Distance: 1.7 kms
Time: Allow 30 mins
Elevation: 1 m
Difficulty: Easy
This short walk is beautifully diverse, taking you through mangroves along wooden boardwalks, with platforms offering views to Moreton Bay and Nudgee Creek.
Meaning ‘place of salt water’, the walk begins leads through the Boondall Wetlands, hugging the banks of Nudgee Creek, and includes a bird watching hut which is particularly interesting at low tide when the tidal flats come to life with crabs and other crustaceans and become a feeding ground for many species of birds.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/tabbil-ban-dha-gun-circuit) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

28/09/2023

📍 Lower Portals Track. Mount Barney National Park, Scenic Rim.
Distance: 7.5 kms
Time: Allow 3 hrs
Elevation: 360 m
Difficulty: Moderate
It's starting to heat up again, which means it is time to escape into nature and find some natural swimming holes, and it doesn't get much better than the Lower Portals in Mount Barney National Park.
It is the perfect place to cool off after trekking through undulating eucalypt forest in the foothills of Mount Barney, with sneak peaks of the imposing mountain through the tress at various points along the walk.
There are a number of creek crossings on the way, as well as a tight squeeze up, through and over some large boulders just prior to the pools, which make the walk more adventurous.
The portals are pristine and set within a rocky gorge, with water cascading over rocks into the pools. The crystal-clear water starts shallow, but there are some deep sections. It is the perfect place to cool down after the walk.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/lower-portals-track) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

22/09/2023

📍 Warrie Circuit, Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast.
Distance: 15.2 kms
Time: Allow 6 hrs
Elevation: 526 m
Difficulty: Hard
Warrie Circuit - the longest walk in Springbrook National Park - rewards hikers with some of the most spectacular waterfalls and lookouts in the park.
Start from Canyon Lookout, which offers breathtaking views into the valley and across the cliff line dotted with waterfalls, including the prominent Rainbow Falls, before descending from the plateau into the depths of the forest.
The walk features numerous waterfalls, as well as the Meeting of the Waters, aptly named due to it being where several creeks merge. You'll get to cool down as you walk behind Blackfellow Falls (pictured) on your way back up to the starting point.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/warrie-circuit) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

20/09/2023

📍 Boonoo Boonoo Falls & Rockpool Ramble Track, Boonoo Boonoo National Park, Country NSW.
Distance: 0.7 kms
Time: Allow 45 mins
Elevation: 47 m
Difficulty: Easy
How good is it when you can have an epic lookout, as well as a waterfall, at the same time?! That's exactly what you get at the most popular walk in Boonoo Boonoo National Park.
This short track leads to a beautiful natural rockpool, which then cascades downstream to Boonoo Boonoo Falls. From the constructed platform at the end of the track, look down onto the falls as they plummet into the valley below, including where Brach Gully joins the Boonoo Boonoo River. The views north to the ranges surrounding the river, as it snakes its way through the landscape, are incredible.
The rockpools are a popular place for a swim on hot days. As with any natural swimming hole, exercise caution when entering the water, as there may be submerged rocks and other objects, and help keep the fragile environment pristine by taking all rubbish with you and minimizing the use of chemicals (such as sunscreen) if you are swimming.
The track to the falls lookout is paved and has railings, so is accessible to all, including wheelchairs and strollers. Note that there are stairs to reach the wooden lookout platform, but the view is still pretty great from the top of the stairs.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/boonoo-boonoo-falls-%26-rockpool-ramble-track) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

18/09/2023

📍 Wishing Tree Walk, Lamington National Park (Green Mountains), Scenic Rim/Gold Coast.
Distance: 2.5 kms
Time: Allow 1 hr
Elevation: 110 m
Difficulty: Easy
When it comes to walks involving suspension bridges at Lamington National Park, everyone's first thought is usually the Booyong Treetop Walk, and for good reason as it is an amazing little walk. But did you know there are some other little bridges hidden in the Lamington forest nearby?!
The short walk to Mick's Tower and the Wishing Tree is perfect for families or those with limited time while visiting the park. It features a hollowed-out Strangler Fig and an impressive rainforest observation tower.
The walk starts behind the O’Reilly’s guest houses via the road to the right of the Stinson plane replica. It’s worth reading about the history of the Stinson plane crash and the heroic stories of the search and retrieval of the survivors.
The track gradually zig-zags down the hill through lush rainforest. Follow the short side-track to Mick's Tower, an 18m high rainforest observation tower, with each deck featuring informative signs about the surrounding flora.
As you head further down the hill to the Wishing Tree, a beautiful hollowed out Strangler Fig, surrounded by seats, you'll pass through other hollowed out trees and across a series of suspension bridges, making this a fun little walk that often goes unnoticed.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/wishing-tree-%26-mick's-tower-track) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

14/08/2023

📍 Booloumba Creek, Conondale National Park, Sunshine Coast.
Distance: 0.1 kms
Time: Allow 15 mins
Difficulty: Easy
While winter is still upon us, the last few days of warmth reminds us that it will soon be time to put on the swimmers and get out to some natural swimming spots, and they don't get much more pristine than the rock pools at Booloumba Creek.
The pools are surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest and are perfect for swimming or a picnic as a day trip, but also located within a camping area if wishing to make for a relaxing weekend getaway.
The pools are mostly shallow, with a few deeper sections, and feature crystal clear water and pebbled bottoms. There are a few exposed rocks in the pools which provide a perfect place to sit and relax, while one side of the shoreline is a pebbled beach.
There is a small rope swing that is only suitable for children given the shallow depth of the water.
It is also possible to join the track to the Strangler Cairn and Gold Mine Track, or the longer Artists Cascades track from this location.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/booloumba-creek) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

07/08/2023

📍 Noosa Everglades (Harry's Hut to Camp Site 3), Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola), Noosa/Sunshine Coast.
Distance: 6.1 kms
Time: Allow 2 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
The Noosa Everglades are one of only two Everglade systems in the entire world, making them an unmissable adventure in the south-east!
There are loads of different options for paddling, all the way from Lake Cootharaba, to historic Harry's Hut, to Camp Site 3 (arguably the best camp site on the Upper Noosa River), and beyond.
Glassy waters on the river, lined with a variety of vegetation, including paperbark trees (whose leaves release the tannins that give the river its tea-coloured appearance), scribbly gums and other natives and heath grass, make this a beautiful experience.
The jetty at Camp Site 3 is an exceptional location to watch both sunrise, and in particular sunset, and is also the starting point for the 12 kilometre return walk to the Cooloola Sand Patch.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/noosa-everglades%2C-hut-to-camp-site-3) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

28/07/2023

📍 Gwongoorool Track, Lamington National Park (Binna Burra), Scenic Rim / Gold Coast.
Distance: 4.8 kms
Time: Allow 2 hrs
Elevation: 259 m
Difficulty: Moderate
On this walk you'll descend through open eucalypt forest into the rainforest, past towering cliff edges and a spectacular waterfall, to a pristine set of rock pools on the Coomera River.
As you descend, the vegetation gradually changes to lush rainforest. The towering cliff edges and rocky overhangs come to life after rain, with small waterfalls carving their way through the rocks.
While Barrabareen Falls is a sight after rain, arguably the main attraction is the pristine Gwongoorool – a large series of rock pools, where water cascades through the rocks into still sections.
As inviting as they may look on a warm day, it is important not to swim at the pools, as they are an important habitat for hylid frogs, as well as a number of other wildlife, and the environmental impact of human interaction is detrimental to them.
Note that the walk to Gwongoorool involves a steep descent, and so the walk back to Binna Burra involves a steep ascent (approximately 200 steps and a high number of switchbacks).
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/gwongoorool-track) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

20/07/2023

📍 Morans Falls Track, Lamington National Park (Green Mountains),
Scenic Rim / Gold Coast.
Distance: 3.7 kms
Time: Allow 1.5 hrs
Elevation: 123 m
Difficulty: Moderate
This short walk leads you to a popular waterfall, which is a cracking spot to watch a sunset. The walk leads you through beautiful rainforest past a lookout with views towards the spectacular single plunge waterfall that plummets 80 metres into the gorge below.
From the top of the waterfall, there are epic views across the Albert River valley towards Mount Barney. If making your way to the top of the falls, be careful, as the rocks can be very slippery, particularly after rain and there is no barrier or fencing at the top of the falls.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/morans-falls-track) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

12/07/2023

📍 Eagle Rock & Curracurrong Falls, Royal National Park, New South Wales.
Who else feels the urge to disconnect at times and take a little break from the screen, especially social media? I'm imagining most of us, as we are lovers of the outdoors, but I've been feeling that urge more and more as of late.
While I love managing Loose Outdoors and sharing outdoor activity ideas with others, it is a lot of work - which is all on top of my day job. You may or may not have noticed over the last few months a few moments where I haven't posted for a week or so. Part of this is feeling slightly burnt out by running the socials and adding new activities to the website, and part of it has been because I have been out and about doing things.
While I have a lot of work ahead of me - about 50 activities to add to the website to be precise - there are some exciting things coming to Loose Outdoors. I have decided to branch out and add walks from outside of south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
I've already added Boonoo Boonoo National Park and Bouddi National Park walks, but in the coming weeks and months you can expect to see places like Bald Rock National Park, Jervis Bay, Royal National Park, multiple walks around the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and Sydney too. I'll also include an extensive array of walks in Tasmania as well. And you can expect more guides as well.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/) for more ideas for your next adventure.

10/07/2023

📍 Bullocky Rest, Joyner, Moreton Bay Region.
There is something pretty special about winter sunsets! The vibrant colours and rugging up to ward off the evening chill.
If you're looking for a pretty exceptional spot not too far from the Brisbane CBD to watch the sun set (almost) into the water, then why not try Bullocky Rest - a great picnic area located in Joyner, in the Moreton Bay Region.
While it is a pretty popular spot, there is lots of room to spread out, so it never feels too crowded.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/) for more ideas for your next adventure.

05/07/2023

📍 First Pyramid & Granite Arch, Girraween National Park, Southern Downs.
Distance: 3.9 kms
Time: Allow 2 hrs
Elevation: 165m
Difficulty: Hard
This is a must-do when visiting Girraween, taking in some of the most famous landmarks in the park, including Balancing Rock and the Granite Arch.
The track to the Granite Arch is relatively flat and suitable for all fitness levels. Marvel at the natural architecture, with a giant granite boulder lofted up by two other rock formations, providing a natural archway which you walk through.
From here the path becomes much steeper, with a considerable number of steps before reaching a steep, slabby granite section. While it is somewhat exposed and may test those who are not confident with heights or who have balance issues, it should be suitable for most fitness levels if you take your time.
At the summit, you are rewarded with spectacular views to Second Pyramid, the ever-photogenic Balancing Rock and uninterrupted 360 degree views of the park, including Castle Rock, Mount Norman, the Sphinx and Turtle Rock.
A tip for those wanting to view sunset from the Pyramid but uncertain about coming down in low-light – head to the bottom of the slabby section and watch sunset from here – it is still a beautiful view.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/first-pyramid-%26-granite-arch) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

01/07/2023

📍 Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah, Glass House Mountains National Park, Sunshine Coast.
With winter upon us, and sunrise occurring at a later time, now is a great time to chase some mountain peaks for sunrise! And the Sunshine Coast has some epic vantage points to enjoy.
From the ever-popular Mount Ngun Ngun and Mount Coolum, to lesser known peaks such as Mount Tibberoowuccum, to short but steep points like Mount Beerburrum, or even more family-friendly locations like Wild Horse Mountain or Emu Mountain, there is plenty to keep you going.
While Mount Beerwah and Mount Tibrogargan are both popular advanced climbs, consider the fact that indigenous peoples have requested that people don't climb these mountains. With clear alternatives such as Mount Greville and Mount Maroon in the Scenic Rim, there really is no need to disrespect these requests.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/) for more info, photos and directions on hikes on the Sunshine Coast.

29/06/2023

📍 Toolona Creek Circuit, Lamington National Park (Green Mountains), Scenic Rim.
Distance: 18.8 kms
Time: Allow 6 hrs
Elevation: 610m
Difficulty: Moderate
This magnificent walk through Toolona Gorge, takes you over multiple creek crossings and past countless amazing waterfalls and lookouts.
While Chalahn Falls and Toolona Falls are two of the most popular waterfalls on the walk, I'm always most excited to see Gwongurai Falls. Surrounded by rush rainforest, and with a viewing area perched high above the pool to which it falls into, it gives you a great view of the cascades above the falls.
Head to the Loose Outdoors website (https://www.looseoutdoors.com/activities-search/toolona-creek-circuit) for all the info, photos and directions you'll need.

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📍Mount Mitchell, Main Range National Park, Scenic Rim. . Even if you're not a morning person, you've got to admit these sunrise views from the summit of Mount Mitchell in the beautiful Scenic Rim are pretty great right? . #mountmitchell #mainrangenationalpark #scenicrim #visitscenicrim #igersscenicrim #scenicrimguide #queensland #qldparks #thisisqueensland #destinationscenicrim #destinationqueensland #visitqueensland #australia #seeaustralia #mountains #sunrise #goldenhour

📍 Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane. . Sunset picnic spot sorted 👌 . Have a great weekend everyone! . #brisbanecity #brisbane #brisbaneanyday #bne #viewsofbrisbane #visitbrisbane #igersbrisbane #kangaroopoint #kangaroopointcliffs #queensland #qld #australia #sunset #goldenhour

📍Greenes Falls Circuit, Mount Glorious (D'Aguilar National Park), Moreton Bay Region. . When it comes to family-friendly walks close to Brisbane, did it get much better than this? Plenty of beautiful flora and fauna to keep the kids (big and small) interested! . #daguilarnationalpark #mountglorious #visitmoretonbayregion #brisbane #brisbaneanyday #visitbrisbane #bne #mybrisbane #brisbanecity #viewsofbrisbane #discoverbrisbane #igersbrisbane #queensland #qld #qldparks #thisisqueensland #discoverqueensland #destinationqueensland #australia #hikeaustralia #waterfall #bushwalking #bushwalk #hiking

📍 Lake Moogerah, Scenic Rim. . With clear skies on the horizon for the weekend ahead, why not plan a day trip to Lake Moogerah in the Scenic Rim? With walks and water activities, camping options, as well as plenty of space to spread out for a picnic, there is something for everyone. . #lakemoogerah #scenicrim #visitscenicrim #destinationscenicrim #igersscenicrim #lake #qld #queensland #thisisqueensland #visitqueensland #destinationqueensland #discoverqueensland #qldparks #australia

The Waterfall Way is an absolute delight for lovers of the outdoors! If you've been, what was your favourite spot? If you'd like to go, which spot are you most eager to see? . #thewaterfallway #oxleywildriversnationalpark #newenglandnationalpark #cathedralrock #eborfalls #dangarfalls #dorrigonationalpark #promisedlands #newenglandhighcountry #nehighcountry #nsw #visitnsw #nswparks #newsouthwales #australia #hikeaustralia #hiking #bushwalking #bushwalk #waterfall #lookout

📍Redcliffe and Scarborough, Moreton Bay Region. . There are some hidden gems around the Redcliffe and Scarborough area for sending up the drone 🚁 . #redcliffe #scarborough #visitmoretonbayregion #brisbane #visitbrisbane #bne #discoverbrisbane #mybrisbane #viewsofbrisbane #brisbaneanyday #igersbrisbane #queensland #thisisqueensland #destinationqueensland #discoverqueensland #australia #drone #dronephotography #dronestagram

📍Kondalilla Falls, Kondalilla National Park, Sunshine Coast. . One of the most popular waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast, and for good reason 👌 . #kondalillafalls #kondalillanationalpark #sunshinecoast #sunshinecoasthinterland #visitsunshinecoast #thesunshinecoast #igerssunshinecoast #qld #queensland #qldparks #australia #waterfall #rainforest #bushwalking #bushwalk #hiking

📍 Cedar Creek Falls, Mount Tambourine, Gold Coast. . A short, easy, family-friendly walk to add to your list. And you can swim at the base of the falls 👌 . #goldcoast #puregoldcoast #visitgoldcoast #hellogoldcoast #cityofgoldcoast #insidegoldcoast #destinationgoldcoast #mygoldcoast #igersgoldcoast #ilovegoldcoast #goldcoastlife #scenicrim #visitscenicrim #igersscenicrim #queensland #qld #qldparks #destinationqueensland #discoverqueensland #australia #bushwalk #bushwalking #hiking #waterfall

📍Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast. . If you're looking for an incredible way to spend a weekend on the Sunshine Coast, then it doesn't get much better than paddling along one of just two everglades systems in the world. . With glassy, tea tree stained water and beautiful sights all along the way, there is plenty of exploring to do, including out of the water - Cooloola Sand Blow anyone? . Get some mates, get some kayaks or canoes or SUPs, and get out on the water 👌 . #noosa #noosaeverglades #cooloola #greatsandynationalpark #sunshinecoast #thesunshinecoast #igerssunshinecoast #sunshinecoasthinterland #visitsunshinecoast #visitnoosa #queensland #qld #qldparks #thisisqueensland #visitqueensland #destinationqueensland #australia #kayak #kayaking #canoe #canoeing #paddleboarding #paddle

📍Lower Portals, Mount Barney National Park, Scenic Rim. . With south-east Queensland firmly in the grip of a heart wave at the moment, who else will be searching for some natural swimming spots this weekend? And do they get much better than the Lower Portals in the foothills of Mount Barney?! . #lowerportals #mountbarneynationalpark #scenicrim #visitscenicrim #igersscenicrim #destinationscenicrim #sqcountry #queensland #qld #visitqueensland #thisisqueensland #destinationqueensland #qldparks #australia #bushwalk #bushwalking #hiking #wildswimming

📍Jervis Bay, South Coast New South Wales. . Over the Christmas break I had the privilege of heading to Jervis Bay on the South Coast of New South Wales and was blessed with beautiful weather, which made for some epic days snorkelling the many rocky reefs and kelp forests found along he coastline! . #jervisbay #southcoast #southcoastnsw #nsw #newsouthwales #nswparks #visitnsw #australia #snorkelling #snorkeling #snorkel

📍Paperbark Trail, Agnes Water. . Sometimes those magical places that are popular on social media, live up to and exceed expectations! The Paperbark Trail in Agnes Water is one of those places. . #agneswater #1770 #seventeenseventy #gladstone #gladstoneregion #centralhighlands #centralqueensland #queensland #qld #qldparks #queenslandlifeandstyle #travelqld #destinationqueensland #discoverqueensland #australia #hiking #hikeaustralia