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Mooloolah River National Park: Mooloolah River Circuit

Walking0.5 kmEasyCircuit 3.5

The Jowarra section of Mooloolah River National Park is one of the few remaining coastal rainforest areas and if you are lucky you may see platypus here at the right time of day.

Suitability

An easy bush track suited to all walkers, but rough surfaces mean not for wheelchairs

Highlights

Although Google Maps says Beerwah Forest Reserve the walks here are part of the Jowarra Section of the Mooloolah River National Park. The Jowarra section is an important home for wildlife including the Wompoo pigeon, eastern yellow robin, and the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly, and the ubiquitous bush turkeys

There are 2 short walks. Both clearly signed.: the Mooloolah River Circuit, 500 m return, and the Melaleuca walk, 1.3 km return.

The Mooloolah River Circuit is a rainforest walk that winds along the river/creek. The fruiting fig trees make this is a good spot for birdwatching. Rainbow bee-eaters (bright turquoise, orange and green) can sometime be seen through here.

The Melaleuca Walk is a longer rainforest through piccabeen palm groves, eucalypt forest and melaleuca swamp. The river here is home to platypus, which may be seen by quiet and observant visitors at dawn and dusk.

These walks are right by a major road junction and somewhat noisy depending on the time of day. Note: mosquitos can be prevalent in this area, so come prepared.

Afterwards

Just a couple of kilometres north on the Bruce Highway is “Aussie World” and many adjoining shops – fancy some fudge or some retail therapy - with coffee and other refreshments available.

How to get there

Take Steve Irwin Way off the M1 Bruce Highway (Caloundra/Landsborough off ramp), heading west, turn right into the Information Centre Car park in front of Beerwah Forest Reserve, adjoining Daisy's Place . At the rear of the car park you will find the entrance of park leading to the Mooloolah River Circuit.

The end point is the same as your starting point.

About this place

  • Suitable for walking
  • Toilets on site
  • Camping permitted
Walking track grade
Grade 2
A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.

Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)

Managed by
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Mooloolah River National Park(opens in a new tab)

To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:

Safety

Check park alerts before you go

Mooloolah River National Park is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Check their park alerts for closures and track conditions. Park alerts in the Sunshine Coast region(opens in a new tab)

In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!

  • Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
  • Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
    • Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
    • Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
    • Always bring more water than you think you will need.
    • Be Sun Safe!
    • Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
  • Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
  • Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.

2 ratings
Review by Alan7 years ago

A flat, easy walk for all ages under giant figs, ancient flooded gums and other rainforest trees. Good birdwatching when it is quiet.

Review by Phoebe7 years ago

Two nice short and easy walks. The vegetation is beautiful with lots of strangler figs and a few massive eucalypts. Despite the constant hum of traffic from the nearby highway there are still plenty of birds to hear. We were also lucky enough to see a Richmond birdwing butterfly and a goanna. Good place to stop for a rest and a leg stretch if driving between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

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