Mount Hobwee Circuit is a beautiful trail in Binna Burra National Park, passing through mystic rainforests with ancient Antarctic beech, majestic trees and bubbling creeks.
The Group Hiking South East Qld and More at the summit of Mount Hobwee. Photo by Author.
The National Park classifies Mount Hobwee Circuit Grade 4, meaning the track is rough and long, could be overgrown, it may have some fallen trees and slippery rocks. A moderate fitness level is required to enjoy the hike and hiking boots are strongly recommended. Hike with your family, friends or in a group. Never alone!
Hiking in group. 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 a 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.
The trailhead is at the upper car park, near the Binna Burra Tea House. The trail is 18.2 km long with few creek crossings. If you hike the Dacelo Lookout, add 1.3 km to the total length of the hike. Allow about eight hours and hike the circuit in a clockwise direction. At the start of the trail, there is a pathogen cleaning station to spray your boots, in order to protect the flora and fauna in the park.
Mount Hobwee Circuit is a stunning hike through the prehistoric forest with Antarctic beech, ferns and fungi.
"The most lingering memory of Mount Hobwee is the dark lush and verdant shades of green of the ferns, mosses and lichens that grow under the shade of the Antarctic Beech trees", by Michael Burridge.
Antarctic Beech. Nothofagus moorei, commonly known as Antarctic beech, is an important Gondwana relict of the rainforests in Australia. Photo by Author.
The morning hours in the forest are fantastic with the steam lingering between the luscious vegetation. It is humid and cool in the forest.
Magic in the forest. Photo by Author.
There are many native Walking Stick Palms in the understory of the rainforest bearing edible red fruits.
Edible fruits of the Walking Stick Palms. Photo by Author.
Mount Hobwee Circuit branches off the Wagawn track 2 km after the Border Track junction. Darrayabroo Lookout is on the way to the summit with great views over the McPherson Ranges towards Bithongabel.
Views from Darrayabroo Lookout. Photo by Author.
Mount Hobwee is at 1,164 m and it offers a "window" with views.
View from the summit. Photo by Author.
Just after descending the summit of Mount Hobwee is Dacelo Lookout, an interesting off chute with views.
Photo by Author.
View from Dacelo Lookout. Photo by Author.
There are few fallen logs to contend with on the trail.
Negotiating a fallen log. Photo by Author.
Photo by Author.
You can hear from a distance the creeks running over rocks making a distinctive clear crispy noise. Along the creeks, the vegetation is very green, luscious, different. The creeks form miniature waterfalls, they are the souls of the forest. A few creek crossings make the hike more interesting and challenging.
Water is life, luscious vegetation along the creeks. Photo by Author.
Crossing Dragoon Bird Creek. Photo by Author.
Second creek crossing. Photo by Author.
The dim light in the forest and the humidity favours the growth of moss, lichens and fungi.
Green lichens growing on the tree giving it a special colour. Photo by Author.
Coral like fungi. Photo by Author.
Funki Fungi. Photo by Author.
I hiked the trail in mid March 2021 on a cloudy day with my hiking group. The weather forecast chance of rain but there was no rain on the trail. It rained in the previous days and the creeks on the track were flowing with force though the crossings were relatively easy.
The mist lingered in the forest all morning and the lookouts offered views with many fast moving clouds. Sometimes it was possible to catch glimpses of the mountains and the valleys around.
The Walking Sticks Palms were bearing lots of red fruits, adding so much colour to the many shades of green of the forest. Around the creeks there were lots of flowers just passed the peak of the blooming and turning brown.
I did not come across much wildlife, with the exception of some birds, too fast to take photos though. I had the feeling that Mount Hobwee Circuit hasn't been trodden for a little while since the vegetation was growing undisturbed.
It is absolutely unbelievable how the spider webs remain taut despite the droplets of water. Photo by Author.
Hiking with friends. Photo by Author.
With the group, we had a break at the summit but there were many leeches, so the break was short, just enough time to have a snack.
Hikers almost disappearing in the forest. Photo by Author.
It took the group about 6 hours to hike Mount Hobwee Circuit. Generally, we would spend more time to the lookouts and having a couple of breaks but the hikers were keen to move on avoid the leeches.
An aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
Aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
Anatomy of the forest. Photo by Author.
After the hike it's great to have some refreshments and then drive home. We decided to stop at
The Nook and Kranny Cafe, Pizza, Bar at Lower Beechmont.
It is about 25 minutes drive from Binna Burra Tea House.
The Nook and Kranny Cafe is at 707 Beechmont Rd, Lower Beechmont QLD 4211.
Photo by Author.
While driving on Beechmont Rd, you can stop at Rosins Lookout. There is a stunning view over Numimbah Valley and here is where brave gliders launch themselves in an exhilarating, spectacular flying experience.
Rosins Lookout. Photo by Author.
