Senses Trail: Downfall Creek Bushland Centre

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Posted 2012-03-07 by Lucy ⇒ follow

Listen, Smell, See, Touch is the theme of this special needs inclusive trail located only twelve kilometres north of Brisbane's city centre. Part of Raven Street Reserve , which is part of The Mountains to Mangroves Corridor , Downfall Creek Bushland Centre's Senses Trail is a 250 metre self guided walk with full wheel chair access and clearly numbered (braille and raised) signs (1-12) and a continuous hand rail.

Taking this trail is an educational experience. Huge silver tubes have been set up to help you spot kookaburra nests or possum boxes.

"Widen your nostrils, can you smell the soil or the onset of rain?" encourages one sign, near the interactive activity station.
"Tic, tac toe - give it a go", and the kids have to match up a row of arthropods or a picture of a Native Giant Woodmoth. You can smell different native bush leaves, such as Lemon Scented Gum or Peppermint. Even the Water Cycle and Carbon Cycle are clearly explained using diagrams.

Another sign shows different animal footprints and their droppings all cast in bronze so you can have a good feel without getting too smelly. I had no idea what a koala dropping looked like until now.

Downfall Creek Bushland Centre and Playground (with picnic tables and BBQs) is also located next to the Senses Trail and they are both worth visiting. This place is perfect for fostering kids' appreciation of our local environment, but I love that it is so inclusive of many special needs groups.