The
Goomburra Section of the Main Range National Park is the loveliest, with the highlight being The Araucaria Falls. Luckily it is only 1.8 kms down a walking track from Lookout Road, and well worth the short walk. There is also a spot for swimming at the base of the falls.
Araucaria Falls is the nicest falls in the Goomburra Section of the Main Range National Park
Goomburra is not often visited because, while it is in the Main Range, from Brisbane you have to drive over Cunninghams Gap and keep driving west until you can take the road that heads back east to that section of the national park. So it is not that often visited on a day trip from the city, but it is popular for campers.
Camping at Goomburra
The Araucaria Falls Walking Track starts off Lookout Road. This road is advertised as a 2 wheel drive accessible road. However, signs on the road itself recommends that you don't drive it in a 2 wheel drive on rainy days. My experience last time I was there was there after recent rains was that it is marginal for 2 wheel drive cars, including a creek crossing across a stoney creek bed and some big potals in the road. In fact, I only saw 4 wheel drives on the road there, with maybe a few All Wheel Drive SUVs. But I know people who have driven Lookout Road in 2 wheel drives.
The walk starts off the Lookout Road in Goomburra
It is fairly straight forward track to the falls. There is one easy creek crossing at the start of the walk and some stoney sections on the track. Otherwise, it is a pleasant want through the rainforest. There is one section leading down that is a little steep that on a rainy day, you might want a hiking pole to ensure you don't slip in the mud.
The track down to the top of the Araucaria Falls
The track takes you to the top of the falls. You will need to do the easy rock hop across the top of the falls to the other side of the creek where the path leads down to the base of the falls.
It is an easy rock hop across the top of the Araucaria Falls to the track that takes you down to the base of the falls
The walk down is easy enough with some rough stairs leading down to the base of the falls. It is well worth the extra effort to get down and back up again.
The steps leading down to the base of the Araucaria Falls
At the base of the falls there are plenty of places to sit and relax. There is a pool at the base as well that is great for a swim on a warm day. Then it is just an uphill walk back to the car park.
The Araucaria Falls. You can't see the nice pool for swimming before the falls in this photo.
Normally after a hike I would recommend a cafe or pub. The nearest location is the Maryvale Hotel, which is a 30 minute drive away from the national park. The only other options require that you drive over the range down to Aratula or drive west out to Warwick.
So maybe instead, bring your own tea, coffee and cake when visiting Goomburra. Luckily there is a lovely picnic area at the start of Lookout Road where you can use their tables and wood burning barbecues. Of course, you can also take a picnic lunch with you and enjoy it at the base of the falls.
Overall
If you were on a day trip to Goomburra, I would prioritise this walk along with the 2 lookouts, especially the nearby
Sylvesters Lookout, to fill your day. Though I am split between doing the Araucaria Falls or the
Cascades circuit. Both are pretty short and with enough time you can do both plus the lookouts.
