Daves Creek Circuit 2020
Description: Join us for the final activity for 2020 to explore Daves Creek Circuit in the Binna Burra Section of Lamington National Park. This walk is noted for its variety in vegetation types as the track moves through the rainforest into open heathland with lookouts providing panoramic views over Numinbah Valley. Hopefully, there will still be signs of new growth and plenty of blossoms on the plants as the seasons move from spring to summer.
From Binna Burra, the trail follows the Border Track through sub-tropical rainforest before veering left and descending along the Ships Stern Circuit then branching right to the heathland section along the escarpment overlooking Numinbah Valley.
As we move clockwise around the circuit, we’ll explore Surprise Rock, enjoy the views from Numinbah and other lookouts as well as have a look at Molongolee Cave and wonder at the forces of nature that formed these natural wonders.
Then we dive back into the rainforest before re-joining the Border Track and back to the Binna Burra Teahouse to enjoy well-earned refreshments.
N.B.: This activity will be conducted in keeping with current Covid-19 health department guidelines regarding social distancing and good hygiene practices. Be aware that, if you are over 70 (over 50 for people of indigenous background), and/or have co-morbidities, you are at greater risk of Covid-19.
If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend this activity.
Limit – 20
Easy to Moderate. A reasonable level of fitness is required to complete the 12-13km circuit. The track is rough and stony in places with a few long, steady climbs
Meet: Binna Burra carpark by 8.00am for an 8.15 start
Turn off the Pacific Highway to Nerang. Follow the signs to Binna Burra. Also accessible from Canungra. Allow approximately 2 hours from Brisbane.
Bring Adequate food for a medium walk – morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea plus snacks, 2-3litres water, hat, raingear, warm jacket, torch, whistle. $5.00 NPAQ fee
Nominations Via the Website
Leader: For further information, please contact the leader, Frank Freeman ((07) 3824 3954; Fax (07) 3824 3954; email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au
Leaders Report: Daves Creek Circuit 2020
Sunday, 6 December, 2020
With the temperature rising, the group of four walkers left Binna Burra at 8.15am following the Border Track for a couple of kilometers before turning left along the Ships Stern track, descending towards Ballunjui Falls. The walkers paused to watch a slow-moving carpet snake leave its rock beside the track but were unable to catch sight of the wompoo dove or cat birds heard calling from the tree tops.
Leaving the rainforest, the heat rose considerably as the walkers took time out to admire the views over the escarpment from the top of Surprise rock at the same time enjoying light refreshments. Flowers and new growth on the plants added a variety of colours to the scene. Descending towards the escarpment, the magnificent views from the Numinbah Lookout provided a great opportunity to enjoy lunch as well as observe a friendly skink looking for tidbits of food dropped by the diners.
Following the escarpment, the heat intensified so a short respite in the shelter of Molongolee Cave was most welcomed. A little further on, the group paused to admire the views across the Numinbah Valley towards Springbrook before turning back to the rainforest where, again, there was a welcomed drop in temperature.
Back on the Border Track, a black snake beside the track paused the walkers for a brief period as they headed towards Binna Burra for refreshments at the teahouse before their long drive home.