Things to do
Forest on the Rocky Creek circuit, Parklands Conservation Park.
Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
In Parklands Conservation Park, banksias are common in the open forest understory.
Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS Volunteer
Camping and accommodation
Camping
Camping is not permitted in Parklands Conservation Park. Reserves with camping areas nearby include Conondale National Park, Beerwah State Forest, and Mapleton National Park.
Other accommodation
There is a range of holiday accommodation on the Sunshine Coast, including private camping areas—see the tourism information links below for further information.
Trails
Walkers, runners, horseriders and mountain-bike riders can explore the park on shared trails. Another 13 trails are provided specifically for mountain-bike riders.
Be aware that there are two emus roaming the park. They were hand raised on adjoining land and are accustomed to being around people they know and can be inquisitive about visitors. For the bird's safety and for your safety, slow down near them and don’t approach or try to touch them.
Shared trails and mountain-bike trails are suitable for bicycles designed for off-road riding. They are not suitable for bicycles designed for smooth road surfaces.
Shared trails—walking, running, mountain biking and horseriding
15km of shared trails are provided for walkers, runners, mountain bikers and horseriders.
Be aware that the trails cross a number of creeks and lead to rock pools and cascades, which flow after heavy rainfall. There are steep sections; walkers should have high fitness levels.
Trail give-way code:
- Travel in a clockwise direction.
- Walkers give way to horseriders.
- Mountain bikers give way to both walkers and horseriders.
Coobong circuit—5.2km return. Sections with steep extremely steep grades (<15%)
Travel through open eucalypt forest where bloodwood and tallowwood trees are common and banksias, wattles, grass trees and hopbush grow in the forest understorey.
In more protected, wetter areas the forest features flooded gum, turpentine, cabbage tree palm, piccabeen palm and some rainforest plants.
You will cross two small creeks and pass apiary bee hives on this circuit.
Rocky Creek circuit—5.4km return. Sections with steep grades, creek crossings, slippery when wet
A grassy forest floor, with trees including tallowwood, bloodwood and casuarina on the high ridges, is characteristic of this track. In the lower areas scribbly gum, bracken fern and palm groves grow in protected gullies where the soil retains more moisture.
Lemon Tree circuit—7.8km return. Sections with steep grades, creek crossings, slippery when wet
Similar to the Rocky Creek Circuit, this track includes dry, rocky ridges with views to the coast. Some sections are more exposed, making the dry open forest a hotter area through which to travel, especially during the warmer summer months.
Komine circuit—11km return. Section with extremely steep grades (<15%) that require riders to dismount
Cooler winter months are the best time to explore this circuit. It winds through open scribbly gum forest and includes large sections of track with little shade.
Mountain-bike trails
- Parklands Conservation Park shared trails and mountain-bike trails map
- Parklands mountain-bike trails sign map
Mountain-bike riders can choose from multiple trails that vary in length and difficulty—easy, intermediate and difficult trails. Tracks pass through tall eucalypt forests, past rocky platforms, steep gorges and trickling creeks.
Trails are managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and maintained with the assistance of Sunshine Coast trail Alliance and incorporated volunteers.
- Some trails are to be ridden in one direction for safety—check the direction of each trail on the map before commencing your ride.
- Watch out for other users and wildlife.
- Make sure your bike is suitable—trails are designed for mountain bikes, not road bikes.
Choose trails that suit your ability. Trails are classified according to difficulty using these standards:
| Classification | Description |
|---|---|
 Easy
| Wide trail with gentle gradient and smooth surface. Some obstacles such as roots, logs and rocks. For beginner mountain bikers with basic mountain-bike skills and off-road bikes. |
 Intermediate
| Narrow trails with moderate gradients, variable surface and obstacles. May include steep sections. Suitable for skilled mountain-bike riders with mountain bikes. |
 Difficult
| For experienced mountain-bike riders. Challenging trail. Large, unavoidable obstacles and features. Steep climbs or descents and loose surfaces. |
| Trail details | Distance | Time | Traffic flow | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trail 1 Features: Rookie Road trail | 770m | 10min | Two-way trail | Easy
|
| Trail 2 Features: Lush trail | 3.1km | 45min | One-way trail: clockwise | Easy
|
| Trail 3 Features: Blue Tongue trail | 550m | 3min | One-way trail: downhill only | Intermediate
|
Trail 4 | 6km | 1hr | Best direction: clockwise | Intermediate
|
Trail 5 | 5.9km | 1hr | Best direction: clockwise | Intermediate
|
Trail 6 | 5km | 1hr | Best direction: anticlockwise | Intermediate
|
Trail 7 | 2.4km | 30min | Two-way trail | Intermediate
|
Trail 8 | 1.4km | 15min | Best direction: clockwise | Intermediate
|
Trail 9 | 2.1km | 30min | Best direction: clockwise | Intermediate
|
Trail 10 | 700m | 10min | Two-way trail | Intermediate
|
Trail 11 | 320m | 5min | One-way trail: downhill only | Difficult
|
Trail 12 | 530m | 5min | One-way trail: downhill only | Difficult
|
Trail 13 | 750m | 5min | One-way trail: downhill only | Difficult
|
Ride responsibly
- Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
- Ride according to trail conditions.
- Slow down and warn other riders when approaching. Follow the give-way code.
- Bike riders: avoid skidding and sliding around turns and downhill to prevent collisions and minimise trail damage.
- Horseriders: rest horses for short periods only to minimise soil erosion and compaction. Do not allow horses to graze on park vegetation.
- Keep trails in good condition by not riding during or immediately after wet weather.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.