Lace up your walking boots, slip on some sunscreen and slap on a hat, it’s time to get back to nature and explore our abundant region with these scenic nature trails.
BAROLIN RESERVE
Calling all nature lovers! With more than 300 hectares of lush grassy bushland, you’ll want to ensure you have your binoculars in hand when exploring the lush flora and fauna of Barolin Nature Reserve. Situated just a stone’s throw from Bargara, this abundant reserve will have you testing your knowledge of our backyard's Botanics and wildlife. Home to more than 120 species of native plants and over 135 species of wildlife, be sure to keep an eye out for Sacred Kingfisher birds, Rose Crowned Fruit Dove and Grey Fantail that call this piece of paradise home.
Fun fact: Did you know Barolin Reserve is home to the largest vegetation for Silver-leaved Paperbark trees in South East Queensland? You can also find one of the rarest plants in the world known as the Clausena Smyrelliana, hidden among the lush bushlands.
Distance: Up to 5km one way
Access points:
Bargara Road near the Bargara State School.
End of Davidson St – best access point to see the rainforest and paperbark trees.
From Mon Repos Road to explore the north-west section of the Reserve.
Turtle Trail intersections (2 entrances)
What to bring? Water bottle, mobile phone, insect repellent, and binoculars for birdwatching.
BALDWIN SWAMP
Pack yourself a picnic and plan a date with Mother Nature among the tranquil surrounds of Baldwin Swamp. With easy to explore walking trails made to suit the whole family, wonder along the winding pathways that will have you exploring patches of rainforest, paperbark trees and healthy wetlands. With Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese and Comb Crested Jacana as your neighbours, roll out the picnic blanket and enjoy a delicious lunch set inside the Shelter Shed. Let nature be your backdrop and enjoy plenty of wide open space, this family-friendly environmental park is also a hidden gem for birdwatchers and artists alike.
Access points:
Princess St
Totten St
Stenidl St (wheelchair access available)
Scotland St
What to bring? Picnic for lunch, water bottle, a good camera to snap some pictures of the wildlife, and insect repellent.
RUSSO ENVIRONMENTAL PARK
Ready for adventure? Just a short 7.5km drive from the charming town of Childers will have you arriving among the serene bushland of Russo Environmental Park. This peaceful and well-maintained park is perfect for a secluded escape with nature where nothing but the soothing sound of flowing streams and native leaves swishing overhead are found. Make your way past towering Blue Gums that have withstood more than 400 years of time and spy over 70 different species of birds that frequent the park. Keep an eye out for the enchanting Barking owl, or velvety blue Fairy Wrens and listen for the high-pitched whip-crack song of the Eastern Whipbird along your trek.
Access Point: After exploring the historical town of Childers, venture along Goodwood Road and turn left at Stockyard Rd. Follow for approximately 400m and turn right into Abington Heights then right into Park Avenue. Continue driving to the end of the road before veering left and down towards the Park entrance.
MEADOWVALE NATURE PARK
Refresh and reconnect with nature among local hidden gem, Meadowvale Nature Park. Begin your journey with a well-nourished Picnic at the parks shaded picnic area before following the trail towards Splitters Creek where, if you’re lucky, you may find a shy platypus wadding upstream or burrowing along the muddy banks. Continue exploring the park until arriving at Cabbage Palm Tree grove and admire the shaded scenery among the native palms before trekking deeper into the reserve. With more than 125 species of plants hidden among the lush landscape, Meadowvale Nature Park is one walking trail worth adding to your next outdoor adventure!
SHARON GORGE NATURE PARK
After wondering through a dense subtropical rainforest with orchards, ferns and palms guiding your path, arrive at the Lookout, where the deep ravines and steep weathered walls of Sharon Gorge hug Burnett River. This shorter 900m trail will have you admiring the peaceful ambience that nature offers. With a picnic area available at the park’s entrance, grab yourself a group of friends or the whole family and plan a morning in the great outdoors.
Access point: Just a 10min drive from Bundaberg, follow the signs along Gin Gin Road before turning left towards the park’s entrance.
VERA SCARTH-JOHNSON WILDFLOWER RESERVE
There is beauty to be found all year round in this picturesque reserve. Boasting the vibrant colours of native wildflowers and shrubbery, you will find some of nature’s rarest gems among the Wallum plants that are a popular sight to be seen among the park. Choose to follow the trail west along a 1km circuit track where a viewing deck and waterhole can be found or north along a 900m trail that follows the reserves boundary. The reserve like most of our regions nature parks offers a shaded picnic area with facilities, making it easy for you to enjoy you day among the wildflowers.
Access point: The walking track entrance can be found along Coonar Road. Simply follow for 9km until arriving at the Entrance on the left side of the road.