Sunshine Coast Council

A short easy walk through the lower section of a varied rainforest in Meridan Plains that borders the suburb known as Kawana Forest

SUITABILITY
Suitable for walkers – an easy route, but being a bush path is not suitable for wheelchairs

HIGHLIGHTS
Kawana Forest is a large conservation reserve in Meridan Plains that lies to the west of Kawana Way. The Kawana Forest Walking Trail is a short easy walk that loops into remnant paperbark and eucalypt forest – part of what is called a littoral (threatened) rainforest on Australia’s east coast. (* See explanation below). The trail is 957 metres long and full of variety. You’ll see white trunks of towering gums, vibrant green fan palms, vines, orchids, ferns and figs. You may also get to see different butterfly species, and Pale-headed Rosellas, Brown Cuckoo-Doves and Scarlet Honeyeaters. Note: The eastern section stays flooded /wet for some time if it's rained recently, with mosquitos being prevalent.

* Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia Ecological Community (hereafter referred to as Littoral Rainforest), are listed as Critically Endangered under the Australian Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Littoral Rainforest was listed as Critically Endangered because its geographic distribution is severely fragmented and primarily consists of numerous small and disjunct patches.
The key historic and ongoing threat to Littoral Rainforest is coastal development and, given its distribution, Littoral Rainforest is also highly susceptible to the interacting effects of climate-change and sea-level rise, both of which exacerbate the existing threats of habitat fragmentation and invasion by transformer weeds.

AFTERWARDS
You can extend the walk by taking the pathway east to Kawana Wetlands.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Head to Woodlands Boulevarde off Kawana Way Link Road,
Turn right at the roundabout into White Cedar Drive and look to park near the park that adjoins Lacebark St or Lillypilly Court. Alternatively, you can access this walk from the end of nearby, Tulipwood Court, where there is signage.

TO THE END POINT: A circular walk with the track rejoining the path a litte further along from the start. Follow the paved path back to the start point