Curtis Falls and Joalah Circuit

Location: Tamborine National Park, South East QLD
Date: 14th December, 2014
Distance: 4.2 km (circuit)
Time: 1 hour

Tamborine National Park Map

Despite owning handy proximity to Brisbane, Mount Tamborine is far from my favourite walking destination. The national park sections are isolated and tiny, becoming increasingly overwhelmed by an ever-expanding number of homes, restaurants and getaway resorts on the mountain. For some reason people bring their shiny, noisy cars up the mountain in fleets. The walking tracks are packed with bus-bourne tourists and locals out on their morning stroll. It's just about impossible to find a quiet spot on any day of the year.

However, Mount Tamborine IS close to Brisbane, and for that reason dad and I filled up our packs and headed up there in a last minute attempt to get ourselves fit for our end of year Tasmanian hike.

First up on the agenda was Curtis Falls, followed by Joalah Circuit, an easy walk that runs alongside and crosses rocky Cedar Creek downstream from the falls.

Towering palm trees are a highlight of the rainforest surrounding
Cedar Creek

Curtis Falls looking fairly miserly, despite the recent rains

We were surprised to spot a large lizard lying lazily on a decaying stump in the sun, who seemed unperturbed
by our presence

At several points along the circuit you can easily dip off the track and wander down to the creek. Rock hopping would probably be an enjoyable way to explore the area.

Not sure why dad thinks squatting is a suitable photo pose

Rock pool and water slide along Cedar Creek

Crossing at Cedar Creek

Bright yellow-and-red flowers peppered the forest floor