An excellent short hike in the forest of D'Aguilar National Park, Brisbane backyard.
The trail is 4.5 km return, allow 2 hours; it is classified by the National Park Grade 3: this means the track is signposted, may have rough surfaces, steps and some short steep sections, some hiking experience required.
Aspect of the Greenes Trail, a fallen log on the trail has been cut to make sure the people get through. Photo by Author.
I have hiked this trail a few times and it is very enjoyable meandering in the forest between huge trees and spotting wildlife. There is a small waterfall at the end of the boardwalk, which flow relies on the rains.
At the end of the boardwalk there is a little waterfall. You can watch the waterfall safely from the trail. Photo by Author.
Check Park Alerts on the Qld Parks websites when you are planning your hiking:
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/daguilar
Put on hiking boots, long trousers and shirt with long sleeves; bring a medium day backpack with 2 L of water, snacks; light raincoat just in case, first aid kit; and phone. Hike with a friend, family or in a group.
The hike starts at Maiala carpark, 31 Mount Glorious Qld 4520.
The sign with all the trails clearly marked. Photo by Author.
There is an ample carpark and there is also a sign with information about D'Aguilar National Park, Maiala section. Take a photo of the map and start to walk in the North direction.
Take a photo of the map, it can be helpful. Photo by Author.
There is a little shed at the beginning of the trail. Photo by Author.
The Greenes Falls walking trail branch off Rainforest Circuit and Cypress Grove Track.
On old steam boiler, what remain of the old mill. Photo by Author.
Rainforest Circuit and Cypress Grove Track can be done on the way up or on the return leg. Just make sure to take the correct trails at the intersections.
There are few intersections on the track. Photo by Author.
The trail has boardwalks and stairs and you can admire the luscious vegetation of the rainforest with old Sydney Blue Gums.
Beautiful trees in the forest, they are now protect. Photo by Author.
The strangler figs are present in the forest. Photo by Author.
The big buttresses of the trees in the forest. Photo by Author.
The trail is well maintained and there are stairs to help preserving the land avoiding the erosion. Photo by Author.
When I hiked this trail, I spotted some birds and I took a photo. I could not take a photo of the pademelon jumping on the boardwalk since it took quickly refuge into the thick.
A couple of white headed pigeons, with a distinctive white head, neck and breast. Photo by Author.
The fungi have different shapes and colours in the rainforest, they have the important role to break down wood and make available the nutrients. Photo by Author.
Once you have returned from Greenes Falls, you can add the Western Window track, 1.2 km return, allow 40 minutes, the trail is very easy.
The Western Window Track starts from the top of Maiala day-use area, on the south side of Mount Glorious Road and runs along the escarpment to the Western Window. Here there is a lookout overlooking to the west.
The views from the Western Window. Photo by Author.
After the hike is time for a well deserved coffee and refreshments. Just 500 m down Mount Glorious Rd is Mount Glorious Café.
This café is very popular for motorbikes pit stops, you often can see all the motorbikes line up outside on the side of the road.
There are tables inside and there is also a veranda at the side of the cafe where you can see an old plane. Sometimes birds are there watching humans and the food they are eating.
There are benches outside too. Remember to grab a number if you are sitting indoors; if you are outside your name will be called out.
Mount Glorious Café is at 1850 Mount Glorious Rd, Mount Glorious QLD 4520.
Inside Mount Glorious Cafe indoor has a quirky atmosphere. Photo by Author.
At Maiala carpark, turn right onto Mount Glorious Rd and 400 metres on your right is Elm House Cafe.
Elm House Cafe is surrounded by rainforest, it has an incredible lounge that is a mix from a Middle Age laboratory, 19th Century toy shop and Harry Potter Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!
Interior of the Elm Cafe, Here you can relax and enjoy food and hot drinks.
If you are going back to Brisbane, travel onto Mount Nebo Rd and stop at Café in the Mountains. This is a delicious place, with seats on the back veranda, indoor and outside, in a relaxing atmosphere where the café looks like a house than a business.
Café in the Mountains is at 1863 Mount Nebo Rd, Mount Nebo QLD 4520.
An aspect of Cafe in the Mountains. Photo by Author.
A bit of history.
In 1930 Maiala was declared the first national park in the D'Aguilar Range. Declaration of other national parks followed, including Jollys Lookout (1938), Manorina (1949) and Boombana (1950). Camp Mountain lookout was constructed in the 1970s.
Originally cleared for a timber mill, Maiala is now a spacious and peaceful place to visit. Some machinery and remnant hoop pine plantation remain as evidence of Maiala's loud and laborious past.
Enjoy a picnic, barbecue and rainforest walks!
