The Witches Falls section was declared a park in 1908, making it Queensland's first national park. The park protects Tamborine Mountain's rainforest where piccabeen palm grows, There is a wet eucalypt forest and the rainforest provides shelter and food for wildlife.
Witches Falls trail is beautiful and rich in vegetation with strangler figs, huge buttresses and piccabeen palms.
Huge buttresses of the trees in the forest. Photo by Author.
Witches Falls Circuit is classified Grade 4, meaning bushwalking experience recommended and track may be rough. The trail in total is about 4 km long, allow about two hours.
The track passes a landslip area. Please follow the instructions on the signs—no stopping along the landslide section of track as marked by the sign. Photo by Author.
The trail is made up of two sections: Witches Falls Circuit -3.6 km- and Witches Chase track -2.6 km.
Witches Falls trail starts off Main Western Rd in Tamborine Mountain Qld 4272.
There are signs with directions along the trail. Photo by Author.
Branching off the Witches Falls circuit, the track leads to Witches Chase, off Beacon Road.
The Group Hiking South East Qld and More on the trail. Photo by Author.
On the trail is Witches Falls lookout and walk through the rainforest with large red cedar trees and eucalypt forest. Return along the same track to re-join the Witches Falls circuit.
The area with the lagoons. Photo by Author.
Witches Falls circuit has seasonal lagoons with lots of piccabeen palm groves. With the rains, the lagoons fill up with water and with wildlife, especially frogs and insects.
The Group Hiking South East Qld and More. Photo by Author.
The hikers had lots of fun hiking Witches Falls. Tamborine is a great place and the hikes in the rainforest are fantastic. The hike is relatively short, so we also hike The Knoll trail, Joalah section and Palm Grove Circuit.
After hiking a couple of trails, we have a break in Spice of Life Cafe, 28 Main St, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272. The cafe has different options and it has indoor and outdoor sitting areas.
The cottage style and quaint Cafe Spice of Life. Photo by Author.
Majestic trees in the forest. Photo by Author.
Along the trail there is a little bridge over a creek Photo by Author.
Witches Falls Lookout. Photo by Author.
The creek that feeds Witches Falls. The waterfall flows well after rain. Photo by Author.
An aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
Views along the trail. Photo by Author.
Flowers along the trail. Photo by Author.
An aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
Flowers along the trail. Photo by Author.
The Group Hiking South East Qld and More in the picnic area. Photo by Author.
Hiking gear: a hiking medium backpack, long trousers and shirt with long sleeve, light raincoat, very recommended hiking ankle supportive boots, first aid kit, insect repellent (it works for leeches; give preference to cream or roll-on that are more environmentally friendly than the spray), sunscreen, gloves, walking poles if you like to use them, socks protectors or gaiters.
Consider packing some extra clothes and leave them in the car. Pack some clean footwear and socks.
For this hike, consider carrying a map or download a good app on your smartphone that can help you to navigate in the bush.
Bring a medium day backpack with lots of water, especially if it's a hot day, 1.5 litres of water and snacks. During summer, you can bring electrolytes to dissolve in water to compensate for the loss through perspiration.
You may consider packing sandwiches, fresh fruit, dry fruit, energy bars and small meals.
Walk with family, friends or in a group. Never alone!
In the days prior to the hike, make sure to check:
Weather Website
www.bom.gov.au
Park Alerts
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range
Road Conditions
https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
An aspect of the trail. Photo by Author.
A forest of piccabeen palms. Photo by Author.
View of the canopy of the forest. Photo by Author.
From Brisbane City, take the M3 that becomes M1. Exit at n 38, at Yatala, travel on Stanmore Rd, then turn left onto Beaudesert Beenleigh Rd.
When you are at the Tamborine roundabout, follow the Tamborine Mountain Rd. the hike starts at 32-138 Main Western Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272, just off Main Western Rd.
The start of the hike. Photo by Author.
Map of Witches Falls trail. Photo fromhttps://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/tamborine
