Mount Walsh National ParkRising to 703m above sea level in the Coastal Range, Mt Walsh National Park is a rugged park with spectacular exposed granite outcrops and cliffs. The “Bluff” area of Mt Walsh, at the park’s northern end, is a prominent landmark in the Biggenden area. The park’s diverse vegetation includes vine forest in sheltered pockets, scrubland and heath on rock pavements and open eucalypt forest and woodland. Shrubs are common in the forest and woodland understorey, heath and shrubland. Common rainforest trees include tuckeroo, python tree, canary beech and the native witch hazel with its white perfumed flowers. The park is a wildlife refuge and home to rare and threatened species including the heart-leaved bosistoa Bosistoa selwynii, powerful owl Ninox strenua and the grey goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae. Exploring Mt Walsh Have a picnic or barbecue below The Bluff. A shelter shed, toilets, barbecue and tank water are provided in the local authority picnic ground next to the park. Most of this rugged park is suitable only for experienced, well-equipped bushwalkers with sound bush skills. WARNING: Granite rocks are slippery when wet. Wear shoes with good grip or avoid walking during or after rain. Bush camping is allowed in the park. No facilities are provided so visitors must be totally self-sufficient. Take a fuel stove. Open fires are not permitted. Camping may be closed in periods of high fire danger. Take plenty of drinking water. Talk to the Ranger before rockclimbing or abseiling in remote parts of the park. Walking A 300m trail leads from the picnic area through open forest to a rocky creek gully fringed with dry rainforest. Continue 200m to the treeline for views over the surrounding countryside. Only experienced walkers should attempt the 2·5 hour hike to the summit of Mt Walsh. Walkers should take a topographic map and compass when exploring the park. Never walk alone. Take a first aid kit and plenty of drinking water. Wear sturdy shoes and tell someone responsible your bushwalking plans in case you get lost or injured. Getting there Mt Walsh is 84km west of Maryborough or 50km south of Childers. Turn off the Maryborough-Biggenden Road 2km east of Biggenden or 79km west of Maryborough. Travel a further 5·3km along the signposted National Park Road to the picnic area. |
