Leaving Brisbane and driving west past picturesque valleys, sprawling blue dams, and quaint villages you’ll soon find Crows Nest National Park; a rugged bushland paradise awaits.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Dalla Nation, the traditional Country of the Garumga people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

  • Scenic road trip through the Brisbane Valley
  • Gorge and waterfall views
  • Swimming and picnicking opportunities

Crows Nest National Park

Crows Nest National Park is only small but well worth the two-hour scenic road trip from Brisbane.

Head past the picnic tables by the car park and you’ll come to a creek crossing. This is one place where your rock scrambling skills come in handy and you can head down the creek to get a vantage point of the cascades.

Getting back on the path, follow the easy creekside trail to Kauyoo and Bottlebrush Pools. Bottlebrush Pool is the perfect place for a swim but best after recent rain.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes

 

crows nest national park Lisa Owen QLD Bottlebrush Pool

 

A short walk will take you to a lookout over the Crows Nest Falls and a waterhole – there are a few signs warning you not to go around the lookout fencing, so make sure to follow them.

Don’t miss the walk to the Koonin Lookout, which offers a spectacular view over a gorge, Cressbrook and Perseverance creeks, and the Valley of Diamonds.

 

crows nest national park Lisa Owen QLD lookout

 

Extend your day trip with stops at Wivenhoe Dam on the way to or from the National Park, grab a coffee and bakery treat at one of the small towns you pass through, picnic by the nearby dams of Cressbrook and Perseverance, or visit Ravensbourne National Park.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

 

crows nest national park Lisa Owen QLD waterfall

Essential Gear

  • Camera
  • Swimmers
  • Picnic
  • Hiking shoes
  • Water

How To Get There

From Brisbane, head towards Toowoomba then take the exit for Esk. You’ll pass Wivenhoe Dam, Fernvale, and Esk. Once you reach Esk, take the turnoff to Esk-Hampton Road and follow the signs to Crows Nest. The national park car park runs off Albert Street/Three Mile Road.

Skill Level

Beginner

Distance

5km return, with swimming and rock scrambling opportunities along the way