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Ranger Isla is passionate about her patch and proud to be a Ranger helping conserve the wildlife and stunning natural landscapes of World Heritage-listed Springbrook National Park.
It was Isla’s passion for conservation and enjoyment of the outdoors that drew her to becoming a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Ranger.
‘When I first started as a Ranger, I didn’t think this journey would entail what it’s become. I love the diversity of the work I get to do and especially the place I get to do it. I see lots of wildlife and on most days I also get to see beautiful waterfalls!’
Isla is a OO4 Ranger. On any given day she could be doing track maintenance, visitor compliance, site assessments, visitor communication or assisting on a fire line.
‘There are challenges that come with the diversity of the job, but I love the variety. The weather extremes can make things difficult though, from bushfire to cyclone and flood clean up. Seeing the destruction can be heartbreaking.’
So, what helps Ranger Isla get through those moments of devastation?
‘My colleagues, they are definitely a highlight of my job. I love getting out on park with them, having fun and discovering new things about our patch and each other. I consider many of them my friends and we actually do a lot of community-based things related to our jobs outside of work, like attending Friends of Parks initiatives. We get a lot of enjoyment out of working on our fauna and flora identification skills.’
Rangers Rachael, Melissa and Isla conducting a health check at Springbrook National Park.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Rangers Isla, Blair and Melissa
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Rangers Amy and Isla at Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
Rangers Isla and Amy conducting assessments.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
‘I also really enjoy being part of our internal grassroots gender equity committee. What we’re doing is working towards more diversity and inclusion in QPWS. It started off being a support network for women in parks but has slowly developed over the years to become an open, safe space for all parks people to share their stories and build connection and support.’
Ranger Isla’s connection to Springbrook National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is evident when asked to pick her favourite part of the park.
‘All of it! But if I had to pick a favourite spot it would be the Best of All lookout track. It’s a short, easy walk through cool, temperate rainforest where you can see the majestic Antarctic beech trees (Nothofagus moorei). The walk ends at a lookout which, on a clear day, has pretty spectacular views.’
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Best of All lookout track.
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
The other walk that Ranger Isla recommends to visitors who want to get a taste of why Springbrook National Park is so special is the Twin Falls circuit.
‘The Twin Falls circuit walk is pretty amazing, it features my favourite waterfall—Twin Falls. Along the walking track you get to walk under 2 waterfalls and there’s stunning views with lots of great photo opportunities that can be taken safely. The circuit also has different vegetation types, you’ll be walking through beautiful rainforest and then go into a wonderful montane heath section. You’ll have the opportunity for lots of great wildlife encounters too. You can see land mullets, pademelons, eels and heaps of different birdlife. The Twin Falls circuit really gives you an idea of the beauty and diversity of this spectacular national park.’
Twin Falls
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
Walking behind one of the waterfalls on the Twin Falls circuit
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
Land mullet
Photo credit: Sherri Tanner-McAllister © Queensland Government
Eastern yellow robin
Photo credit: © Tomek Z Genek
In mentioning safe photo opportunities, Ranger Isla reflected on some of the dangerous behaviour and unsafe risks she’s seen visitors take on park, trying to get that ‘special’ shot.
‘We’ve had to close an area around Purling Brook Falls for the safety of our visitors. At the end of the day, we’re here to ensure everyone has a safe, fun day out. We’ve created national park tracks and trails so people are able to get their full enjoyment of the natural environment while staying as safe as possible. There’s no need for visitors to go off track to get their selfies, so we do ask visitors to heed the signs and not to go into restricted access areas.’
‘Goomoolahra Falls and Canyon lookouts provide panoramic views of the whole landscape and down to the Gold Coast. There are also some really good, safe photo opportunities at the eastern and western lookouts on the Purling Brook Falls circuit. You’ll get a good front on view of the waterfalls as well as side on views from these lookouts without having to go into the restricted access area.’
View from Canyon lookout at sunrise.
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
View of Purling Brook Falls from the western lookout
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
View of Purling Brook Falls from the eastern lookout.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
Snap a picture of the stunning Twin Falls
Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government
What advice would Ranger Isla give to first time visitors to Springbrook National Park?
‘My top tip for first time visitors is to make sure to plan your journey prior to heading to Springbrook, even if you’re just coming for the day. Check the information on our parks and forest website to work out what walks you want to do, what part of the park they’re in and how to get there, and especially check the park alerts for information about park conditions and any closures.’
‘My other advice is to expect quite a few other visitors. Springbrook is one of the most visited parks in Queensland because we’re so close to the Gold Coast. It’s only a quick 35mins from Mudgeeraba up to the park, so we get quite a lot of day trippers.’
When asked what other parks she’s has worked at, Ranger Isla happily stated none.
‘I’m very proud of my patch, I genuinely love the place so much. I live as well as work up at Springbrook and I really appreciate the whole landscape and the climate up on the plateau. Even on my days off you’ll most likely find me on park. I love doing the Twin Falls circuit after work, even after doing it during work time.’
‘I also bring a lot of my friends to Springbrook and it truly never gets old.’
Ranger Isla’s genuine passion for Springbrook is really inspiring. Ready to spring into planning your trip to Springbrook National Park?