The Cream Track is a heritage-listed trail which offers adventurous creek crossings, views of the Gold Coast, hiking past banana plantations, wildlife spotting, scrambling over fallen logs and passing through 100-year-old farmland with beautiful long hair highland cows.
The trail starts at the end of Tallebudgera Creek Road, is 10.5 km return, allow about 6 hours. The Cream Track is a challenging trail with about 760 metres gain in 5 km. It has steep and rough sections. The trail is under the canopy of the forest.
Hiking in a group. Photo by Author.
The Cream Track connects Springbrook Plateau with Tallebudgera Valley. It is recommended to start the hike at Tallebudgera Valley in order to do the hardest uphill part first.
Starting the hike at Tallebudgera Valley. Photo by Author.
The Cream Track is one of my favourite trails! It offers enough challenges, different vegetation, the magic forest, a view of wildlife and at the top is possible to enjoy a nice coffee at the lovely English Garden Cafe.
The forest is an amazing ecosystem and there are different plants in bloom according to the seasons.
Beautiful white orchid. Photo by Author.
Bring a medium day backpack with 2-3 litres of water, lunch and snacks. Long sleeves and long trousers are preferable. Put in your backpack first aid kit, insect repellent in form of cream; please avoid the spray since the aerosol created during the spray is going to spread in the environment. Pack a raincoat, torch, tissues and phone. Wear hiking boots or hiking shoes and make sure they are clean.
Fitness and previous experience is required to enjoy the hike. Hike with your family, friends or in a group. Never alone!
At the trailhead, there is a pathogen control station. After brushing your boots with the brushes in the station, spray the sole with the pump to kill possible microorganisms which are fatal for native frogs and plants.
Pathogen station. Photo by Author.
There are three creek crossings before starting to climb. The level of water in the creeks is rain-dependent. Walking poles can be helpful when trying to cross the creeks. If the level of water in the creeks is high, the rocks can be very slippery. Take with you a pair of sandals and then switch to hiking boots once crossed all the creeks.
First creek crossing. Photo by Author.
Putting the boots on. Photo by Author.
Third creek crossing. Photo by Author.
After the third creek, the trail starts to climb on a steep ridge. Recently, wooden steps have been put on the trail to avoid further erosion of the land and damage to the trees. Prior to the installation of the steps, it was a steep, slippery muddy section and lots of hikers grabbed the thorny plants to avoid falling.
The new steps. Photo by Author.
Banana plantations. Photo by Author.
It is cooler under the canopy of the forest, Photo by Author.
The trail is well signposted, especially at the junctions. Be careful not to enter private properties.
The trail is well signposted. Photo by Author.
Funky fungi in the forest. Photo by Author.
Earth star fungi. Photo by Author.
Incredible blue fungi, Photo by Author.
Walking Stick Palm, understorey palm with edible red fruit. Photo by Author.
When nearing the Springbrook Platea,u the trail is very steep.
In Serenity Farm, the Highland cattle graze In the paddocks.
Highland cattle. Photo by Author.
On top of the Springbrook Plateau is possible to admire Goomoolahra Falls at Goomoolahra Lookout. The Lookout overlooks the Warrie Circuit in Springbrook National Park and the Pinnacle. On the horizon is the Gold Coast.
Goomoolahra Falls. Photo by Author.
Goomoolahra lookout. Photo by Author.
Have a break and grab some refreshments at the lovely English Garden Cafe.
Hmmm...coffee..Photo by Author.
Usually, it is faster descending the trail. On my way home, I usually stop with my hiking group at Hideaway Cafe for refreshments. I often buy a plant to enrich my collection.
Hideaway Cafe. Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
Related articles by Cris:
www.weekendnotes.com/english-gardens-springbrook www.weekendnotes.com/heritage-hideaway-cafe
