Daves Creek Circuit – 2024
Description: This walk is noted for its variety in vegetation types as the track moves from the rainforest into open heath land with lookouts providing panoramic views over Numinbah Valley. Hopefully, autumnal colours will break up the summer greens as the seasons change.
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 heath land section along the escarpment.
As we move anti-clockwise around the circuit, we’ll explore Molongolee Cave, enjoy the views from Numinbah and other lookouts as well as climb Surprise Rock and wonder at the forces of nature that formed these natural wonders.
Then we dive back into the rainforest before rejoining the Border Track and back to the Binna Burra Teahouse to enjoy well-earned refreshments.
Grading: 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
Directions:Turn off the Pacific Highway at Nerang. Follow the signs to Binna Burra. Also accessible from Canungra. Allow approximately 1hr 45mins from Brisbane Southside.
Bring Adequate food for a medium to long walk – morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea plus snacks, 2+ litres water, hat, raingear, warm jacket, torch, whistle. $5.00 NPAQ fee
Nominations NPAQ website
Leader: For further information, please contact the leader, Frank Freeman ((07) 3824 3954; Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au
Daves Creek Circuit Walk Report
Date: Sunday, 3 March, 2024
Clouds covered the sky as ten walkers left the Binna Burra Teahouse. Fortunately, the expected rain did not eventuate but low clouds did roll in obliterating the expected views from the escarpment.
The rainforest was lush and green from recent rains adding a vibrancy to the area. Normally dry gullies were flowing and puddles along the track were full with flowing water making progress challenging in places without wet feet. Water dripped from the overhangs of Molongolee Cave but did not dampen the spirits of the walkers as they enjoyed morning tea in the natural shelter.
Further along, views from the Numinbah Valley Lookout were obscured by heavy cloud. However, while the grouped walked from this lookout to Surprise Rock, the cloud had lifted providing excellent viewing across the surrounding countryside the few remaining clouds adding to the picturesque scene.
Lunch was enjoyed at the junction of the circuit and the Ships Stern Track where the trees are tall and a seat awaits the weary. From here, it was a 3.5km stroll back to the Binna Burra Teahouse for coffee and cake and a review of the day enjoying old and new friendships.
