A fabulous little gem on our doorstep
We, as Sunshine Coasters, are truly blessed to live in such a spectacular region. We have
bush walks, we have
rainforests to explore, we have
waterfalls to swim in and we have
pristine beaches to enjoy - the majority of which is, quite literally, on our doorstep!
Alongside the creek
Can you image my delight when we stumbled upon a quite-undiscovered (by me) bush walk and cycle trail, tucked away surreptitiously in the heart of Buderim, the
Mountain Creek Recreational Trail. I love these little gems!
Sculptured seats provide good viewing spots
The Mountain Creek Recreational Trail falls within the Mountain Creek Conservation Area, providing an important reminder to nature lovers, of the rich diversity of vegetation that once covered the coastal plains of the Sunshine Coast. This very inviting shady circuit has two loops, roughly resembling a figure of 8. The approximate four kilometre level, very easy grade walk or cycle, took us alongside the creek, through the wetlands and on to tall open forest trails.
Reflections
In days gone by, the waterways and forests of the Mountain Creek Conservation area provided a wealth of resources, including food, shelter and tools for Indigenous people. Today, the area provides an important wildlife corridor through to the
Mooloolah River National Park.
Tall open forests
We couldn't believe how prolific the native birds were on our morning walk, regaling us with their early morning songs. Look out for the nesters in the tree hollows. I managed to spy a small white Cockatoo hiding in a tree, pretending it wasn't there. Magpies and Kookaburras were in abundance! We even saw a juvenile Magpie trying to tackle a small snake for his breakfast. Our unexpected appearance threw the fledgling Magpie off his stride - or is that his peck - and the little snake managed to slither off, before the second imminent attack!
A tranquil area
Some local walkers told us to keep our eyes peeled for the dainty little Blue Wrens and colourful Rainbow Lorikeets, who also love to call this special spot, home.
Cockatoo in hiding
Areas of wallum vegetation along the Mountain Creek Recreational Trail support a number of different frog species including the rare
Wallum Sedge frog and the
Wallum Froglet. Luckily these little friendlies were not out and about in the morning and I certainly wasn't too keen to go looking for them!
Gorgeous blooms up high
The tall open forests within this Conservation Area provide refuge for larger fauna too, including the Swamp Wallaby, the
Yellow-footed Antechinus, the Mountain Brushtail possum and even the Long Nose bandicoot. I am ever hopeful that on our future sojourns through this unspoiled region, a Swamp Wallaby might make itself known - how awesome would that be!
Esplanade Park just off Glenfields Boulevard took us to the Felicia Court entrance
There are quite a few locations to access the Mountain Creek Recreational Trail, but not all of them have suitable or demarcated parking spots. We chose to access the Trail from Esplanade Park just off Glenfields Boulevard. This area boasted a well-equipped park, perfect for a family day out with picnic areas, BBQ's and children's playground, but no ideal parking spots. A short walk from here took us to the Felicia Court entrance of the Mountain Creek Recreation Trail.
All the trails are well marked
The other access points are at Coho Court and Parklea Esplanade. Throughout the trail, walkers and cyclists will find access links to adjoining residential streets, so it just depends where you want to 'get on'.
How to get there - thanks to Adventure Sunshine Coast
'To the starting point: Heading north on the Sunshine Motorway take the Mountain Creek exit, turn left into Glenfields Boulevard and right into Parklea Explanade. Park opposite the park. Heading South on the Sunshine Motorway, take the Mountain Creek exit, turn right on to Karawatha Drive and then left onto Prelude Drive which joins Glenfields Boulevard.
The end point is the same as your starting point.'
Trails are all level
Whether you're a walker or a recreational cyclist, the Mountain Creek Recreational Trail in Buderim is well worth a visit, or two or three. Children who are still learning to cycle will love the relatively flat pathways - a great confidence booster for our future cyclists. I have already bookmarked our next re-run!
Doggy rules and a responsible dog owner with a leash and doggy-do bags
PS Our furry family members, on a leash, are welcome too!
All images courtesy of author
