Conondale Range Great Walk Brisbane | Sunshine Coast

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Visiting the Conondale Range Great Walk safely

    Most access roads to the Great Walk are unsealed.

    Most access roads to the Great Walk are unsealed.

    Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

    Getting there and getting around

    The main entrance point for the Conondale Range Great Walk is located at the Booloumba Creek day-use area.

    From Brisbane, follow the Bruce Highway north, and take the Kenilworth exit. Follow the signs for Kenilworth, travelling along the Eumundi-Kenilworth Road for about 28km. Go through Kenilworth and continue toward Maleny. The turn-off to Sunday Creek Road is about 7km past Kenilworth and the turn-off to Booloumba Creek day-use and camping areas is a further 500m.

    Alternative access is via Maleny. Go through Maleny and follow the signs to Kenilworth. On the way to Kenilworth, pass through a small town called Conondale. The turn-off to Booloumba Creek day-use and camping areas is about 13km past Conondale and the turn-off to Sunday Creek Road is a further 500m.

    All park roads are gravel and suitable for high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles only. Booloumba Creek Road includes several creek crossings.

    For your safety please observe the following:

    • Obey all road closures—roads may be closed due to deep water levels at creek crossings or wet and slippery conditions.
    • Obey road signs—speed limits apply.
    • Slow down—allow time to react to unexpected situations and changed conditions. You share the road with other drivers, logging trucks, cyclists, walkers, horse riders and wildlife.
    • Be courteous—pull over to the left to allow vehicles to pass. For photography and enjoying the scenery, find a safe place to pull over or turn around. Do not stop on the roadway.
    • Watch out for corners—stay on your side of the road. Avoid sudden slowing as the vehicle may slide.
    • Take extra care on steep and wet roads—shift down a gear.
    • When creek water is across the road, check water depth and road surface before crossing. Water usually covers the Booloumba Creek crossings.

    Warning! Heavy rain can flood creek crossings. If it’s flooded, forget it! Wait it out. Flood waters in this area rise and fall quickly and are a hazard to life and property. Even in a small amount of water, the current can pick up your car and sweep you away.

    Roads in the area may be closed after heavy rains.

    Roads in the area may be closed after heavy rains.

    Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer

    Make sure you purchase a copy of the Great Walk topographic map before setting out.

    Make sure you purchase a copy of the Great Walk topographic map before setting out.

    Photo credit: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government

    Fires are not permitted on the Great Walk, so bring a fuel stove for cooking.

    Fires are not permitted on the Great Walk, so bring a fuel stove for cooking.

    Photo credit: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government

    Understanding local conditions will make your walk more enjoyable.

    Understanding local conditions will make your walk more enjoyable.

    Photo credit: Adam Creed, Queensland Government

    Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before travelling.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    The Great Walk is not accessible by wheelchair.

    Wheelchair-accessible toilets are provided at Booloumba Creek camping areas 1 and 3. Some assistance may be required to negotiate grassed and gravelled areas.

    Staying safe

    Refer to the visiting safely information for Conondale National Park.

    Before you visit

    Thorough planning can be the difference between a safe and memorable adventure or a miserable and dangerous experience. Be aware of what to expect and be prepared to deal with potential problems. The Great Walk is remote and rugged and natural hazards do exist.

    To journey on the entire Conondale Range Great Walk you need to be a physically fit, experienced bushwalker who is properly prepared and safety aware. You will need to have at least one other person with bushwalking experience with you. Allow at least four full days to complete the entire walk.

    Purchase a topographic map

    Topographic map brochures contain vital orientation information and are essential for your safety.

    Purchase a copy of the Conondale Range Great Walk Topographic Map from a number of Great Walks topographic map sales outlets.

    Essentials to bring

    Facilities are limited, so you must be fully self-sufficient. Your equipment should, at least, include the following:

    • Your camping permit.
    • Water containers—ensure they are big enough to hold water for a full day’s walk.
    • Clothes for all conditions—hot, cold, wet, dry.
    • Strong, lightweight tent—no shelters are provided at walkers’ camps.
    • Lightweight sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
    • Waterproof bags and sealable containers for clothes, bedding, rubbish and food.
    • Nourishing lightweight food and high-energy snacks.
    • Sturdy enclosed footwear, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
    • Small hand trowel, spade or human waste disposal kit and toilet paper.
    • Compass, torch, extra batteries and pocket knife.
    • Lightweight cooking and eating utensils.
    • Fuel stove and fuel, waterproof matches or lighter—fires are not permitted.
    • An emergency beacon device.
    • Satellite phone.
    • Remote area first-aid kit—and know how to use it. At least one person in your group should be first aid trained.

    Emergency beacon devices

    Walkers should ensure they carry at least one type of emergency communication device. A hand-held EPRIB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is recommended however coverage may be variable. These devices can be hired from various outlets. Before you leave, ensure you register you EPRIB or PLB. For more information on how to obtain and register an EPIRB or PLB contact the Australian Maritime Safety Authority by phone 1800 406 406 (business hours), or email: ausbeacon@amsa.gov.au.

    Climate and weather

    Consider the weather and time of year when deciding when to walk. Avoid high rainfall or hot conditions that make walking more difficult.

    Generally, walking conditions are most pleasant from mid spring, depending on seasonal variation.

    In summer, temperatures rise above 30°C and nights are warm. Winter brings mild, sunny days with shorter daylight hours and temperatures below 0°C overnight.

    Afternoon storms are more likely to occur in spring and summer. Wildfires tend to occur from mid-winter through to early summer, depending on seasonal variation.

    The Great Walk may be temporarily closed during fires, adverse weather conditions, for essential track maintenance or for safety reasons. Before you go, check park alerts for information about current access, closures and conditions.

    For more information see tourism information or the Bureau of Meteorology website.

    Permits and fees

    Permits are required for camping in all Queensland national parks and reserves. You will be sharing with other camp users and camp sites may be limited so make sure you book early. Bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance.