Mt Cotton Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area Day Walk
Description: This is the same walk that was offered on 7 April but was cancelled because of inclement weather.
The Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area has been purchased by Redland City Council and developed as a multi-activity area including walking, mountain biking and horse riding. Approximately 29 kilometres of trails have been developed.
While there are challenging trails in the reserve, we will be enjoying some of the tracks in the lower reaches of the area around the headwaters of Eprapah Creek avoiding the steep, challenging climb to the top of Mt Cotton. (Maybe we can do this another time!)
The Leo Lands Track follows the upper levels of the creek bank through dry forest more or less paralleling West Mt Cotton Road to the start of the Summit Track. Leaving the Summit Track before it starts its ascent to the top of Mt Cotton, we’ll walk down the Upper Main Track for some distance before joining the Adapt Track, a short track that takes us to Eprapah Creek. From here, we’ll basically follow Eprapah Creek downstream, Because of the wet summer/autumn conditions, changes to the vegetation will be noted, as the area becomes swamp-like with an abundance of paperback trees towards the end of our downstream meanderings. Reaching Gate 9 on the fence line bordering the reserve, we’ll turn left, rejoining the Leo Lands Track at its eastern end and ascend through the drier forest back to the start.
While the wildlife can be quite shy and hard to spot, birds, reptiles, wallabies and koalas are known to frequent the area. Hopefully, there are no snakes but plenty of the others.
Following the walk, there is a good coffee shop at Mt Cotton or several in Capalaba.
Walk Grading: Medium (Blue) About 9km but some steep gully crossings covered in loose stones requiring care.
Meet: Gate 2, West Mt Cotton Road at 9.00am. There is a shelter shed, toilets and water tank at Gate 2 although I suggest you bring your own water.
What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, light jacket, rain gear (just in case), torch, whistle, 2 litres of water, morning tea, lunch, positive outlook, $5.00 NPAQ Fee
Directions: Travel east along Old Cleveland Road towards Capalaba. At Capalaba, turn right into Redland Bay Road (first right after crossing Tingalpa Creek). Follow Redland Bay Road to Lyndon Road (first right after Indigiscapes). At the end of Lyndon Road drive straight across the intersection into Mt Cotton Road. Turn right into West Mt Cotton Road. Gate 2 is about 800m along West Mt Cotton Road. Plenty of parking.
Nominations: NPAQ Website.
Leader: Frank Freeman (07) 3824 3954; Mobile: 0427 655 514 Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au
NPAQ Report
Mt Cotton Eastern Escarpment Day Walk
Date: Sunday, 14 July, 2024
Before leaving Gate 2 of the Mt Cotton Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area, the group decided to change the route to include the summit of Mt Cotton to enjoy the views as well as take up the challenge of climbing the steepest slope in the park during the ascent. The summit was soon reached albeit with several rest stops ascending “The Mongrel” as the steep slope is known by the locals. The views, stretching from Mt Petrie in the west to Redland Bay in the south east, were well worth the effort.
Descending to Eprapah Creek via the Escalade Track, the group followed the creek to Gate 9 on the eastern boundary of the park. In the lower, moister, reaches of the creek the walkers were pleasantly surprised by the rich diversity of plants including paperbark trees, palms, etc. lending a sub-tropical feel to the area.
Back at the start, it was time to eat before heading home. A very enjoyable day.