Written & Photographed by Selina Ferrais
In need of some bush medicine? A good hike or walk in the bush might be just the cure to all that ails you, or at least offer a moment in time to be present to wonderous natural beauty and forget the “busy-ness” of life. Whether it be a sense of achievement, the smell of the native flora, or revelling in the beauty of the natural landscape, for many, a walk in the bush becomes their happy place.
For me, there’s no greater remedy for stress than a bush wander. From a mountainy ramble to a rainforest trek or an expansive desert expedition, bush walking can bring a glorious sense of awe for you to immerse in. Let’s not forget, it’s also good to get the heart pumping!
The natural world is always on hand to offer us adventure, so grab your sneakers, your childlike sense of exploration and let’s take a look at five of our region’s nature walks for you to tick off your bucket list! (P.S don’t forget your water bottle!).
Cania Gorge National Park
With over eight different walking tracks, you’ll uncover towering cliffs, ancient caves and sheltered gorges adorned with Aboriginal free-hand art. A sandstone wilderness with stunning backdrops, Cania Gorge National Park makes for a pleasant all-day weekend hike.
Take a leisurely stroll by the creek or push your fitness boundaries with a strenuous climb to the Giant’s Chair Lookout. If you’re looking for stunning views, then you can’t go past Castle Mountain Lookout, a 22km return track for the more experienced trekkers, it offers breathtaking (if you have any breath left after the hike) views of Lake Cania.
Mt Walsh National Park
Just outside of Biggenden, at the end of National Park Road, is where the summit tracks for Mt Walsh begin.
As a warm mountain welcome, you’ll enjoy a light-hearted stroll, through bush with a well-defined trail. The real fun begins as you ascend the mountain. Be prepared to climb over rocks and through tight crevasses. No ropes are needed but hand over hand climbing is required for the last part and although a smidge tricky is well worth it. A paradise to natural beauty, even more visible from the flat mountain top, the summit can be explored quite easily and from this vantage point it’s possible to see out to the ocean and the entire area.
Allow a good half day or full day if intending to hike in surrounding bushland.
Tin Can Bay Foreshore Bird Walk
Running from Norman Point to the end of Toolara Rd, this 4km stretch of easily accessible Tin Can Bay foreshore (wheelchair and stroller friendly) meanders between lawns and beneath shade trees just above the intertidal zone, making it a pleasure for keen and casual bird watchers, as well as for families out for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. With a list of 140 species sighted, it is becoming quite the talk of the town in avid bird watching circles.
There are public toilet facilities at each end, and Norman Point has a cute-as-a-button playground, picnic/BBQ facilities. The path is also dotted with picnic shelters and water fountains along the way.
Mary Valley Trail
A great way to take in the picturesque countryside of the Mary Valley, the 5km Mary Valley Rail Trail, mainly through state forest, embraces all fitness and skill levels.
Following the old railway corridor, the trail is relatively flat despite the hilly terrain it carves its way through. You can start the trail at either end, and return via the same route. From open grassy woodland, Hoop Pine plantations and rainforest to farmland, the landscapes you’ll encounter are diverse. One of the highlights of the trail is the Bellbird colony that resides permanently in the middle section of the trail.
You will come across a world of hidden wildlife, old gullies, water crossings and road crossings while seeing parts of the former railway that once serviced the line.
The trail has unique interval markers along the way, to allow you to work out where you are on the trail, which, if you’re like me, can get lost in a brown paper bag, is very handy indeed!
Sharon Gorge National Park
Located just 10 minutes outside of Bundaberg heading north on Bundaberg Gin Gin Road you’ll uncover the tranquil, lush green and somewhat tropical rainforest feel that is Sharon Gorge – quite a juxtaposition of being only metres from a main road!
Just under 1km in each direction, you’ll follow the path amidst the wide diversity of plant life down to the Burnett River. The mostly dirt track with a couple of board walk sections, ends with a welcoming bench seat and viewing deck, under the gum trees to sit, watch the water and be treated to the dulcet tones of native wildlife.
So, whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or need a break from the “great indoors”, why not take a hike this weekend and explore the natural landscapes of the Wide Bay Burnett Region.
Enjoy!