Crows Nest Falls National Park
Crows Nest Falls is a tranquil outback destination. Experience cascading gorges and a 20 metre waterfall surrounded by towering granite cliffs.
Crows Nest Falls National Park is a perfect place to getaway from the hustle and bustle.
It’s eucalypt forest and creekland environment attract a variety of wildlife, if you’re lucky you’ll see the rare and iconic platypus or the shy and cute bandicoot or the endangered rock wallaby.
Take to the many walking tracks of Crows nest Falls and enjoy the scenic views - head to Koonin Lookout for unparalleled vistas and perfect photo opportunities.You can also explore the deep gorge known as the Valley of Diamonds.
Just 56 kilometres north of Toowoomba, take the turnoff at the police station at Crows Nest on the New England Highway and continue on the sealed road for 6kms t0 reach the park.
Camp beneath the eucalypts in the small bush campground. It’s unpowered but there are pit toilets, wood barbecues and light amenities. Camping permits are required and fees apply.
Alternatively, you could simply plan a day trip and base yourself in some of the accommodation available around Crows Nest, Toowoomba or the Hampton or Ravensbourne areas.
<h2>Walking Tracks</h2>
The Koonin Lookout is an hour and a half walk, 4.5 km return. Head there for a bird’s eye view of the gorge (this is the Valley of Diamonds) and out over Ravensbourne.
Take the track to Crows Nest Falls itself via the Kauyoo Loop. This track includes The Cascades, the Kauyoo Pool and the Bottlebrush Pool and will take around one hour (2.7 km return). The Bottlebrush Pool is the ideal place to enjoy an swim and relax amongst the river she-oaks. The Kauyoo Pool offers shallow water and a small sandy beach.
Note - access to the Crows Nest Falls waterhole has been closed due to the dange posed by falling rocks.
It’s a remote outback location, so some things to remember. Bring your own water, or boil water collected in the park if used for consumption. Sunscreen and wet weather gear is advised, Queensland weather can turn sour fast. Sturdy walking shoes are needed, additionally, some parts of the walking tracks become very slippery when wet, as there are lichen covered stepping stones. Never dive or jump into the water holes as there may be submerged rocks and obey all signs - some areas are restricted for safety reasons.
Image Credit:
"Crows Nest National Park Waterfall" by Tatters ❀, licensed under CC BY 2.0, sourced from Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/tgerus/2586421123
"Crows Nest National park Koonin Lookout" byTatters ❀, licensed under CC BY 2.0, sourced from Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/tgerus/2587255010