Lost World and Christmas Creek

• Where
• Between  the outer south of Brisbane and Gold coast Hinterland lies The Scenic Rim.  This area was once many volcanoes and now over millions of years has become the Rims, hence the word Scenic Rim.

This is an area of National Parks, farming, mostly horse, cattle and Dairy.  Horse training is big in this shire also called The Scenic Rim.  Up until recently it was known as Beaudesert Shire until council amalgamation was forced into being, then split and renamed.

For those wanting to see a bit more of rural Australia without heading out to far this is a lovely area to explore and at little cost. From Brisbane and the Gold Coast you are looking at under 100ks and can get there in an hour tops. You can picnic, camp, swim or walk and there is even wine tasting and Bed and Breakfast for those that don't like to ruff it too much.

For those that have heard of O'reillys, this is also situated in The Scenic Rim.  The area visited for the third time is basically just at the base in a secluded valley.  This cannot be accessed from O'reillys.  To view this area  go Google Earth, click on Maps and view the area as a whole from the sky.

• What to take
• Sunscreen, Hat, insect repellent, first aid kit and plastic shoes for the rocks, thongs are OK but will float away.  Plenty of water to drink, food, blanket to sit on etc.
• How to get there
• Head to Beaudesert  taking Mt Lindsay Highway from Brisbane or Nerang-Beaudesert Road from Gold Coast area,  continue through the township, taking the Kerry Road, a continuation of Mt Lindsay Highway.  Camping and  picnicking facilities at  Dalrington which you pass on the way.  This has been upgraded and has a playground, toilets, kiosk and is run by Scenic Rim Park Rangers. The road goes smack through this Domain/campsite which is also used for picnicking.  A lovely freshwater creek flows to one side and is not the usual dirty brown, but clear and very cold for Australian standards. Those from New Zealand, southern states and cold climates will not think so. This is a very popular area at peak times but there is plenty of space for a private spot without being on top of other people.
• Driving through, follow the road to a sign saying Lost World, there is the The Lost World Guest House and the Cedar Glen Farm Stay on each side of the river.  After parking the car in the paddock parking area, (this is private farmland )so be careful of cows and litter. Squeezing through the gate which is padlocked and used for car access to the Guest House, step into the river and freeze.  It's cold enough to keep the beer cold  and deeper than the last time after recent rains.  Finding a spot and keep an eye on your gear, cows a nosy creatures and will investigate your things. You thenhead for the river for a very invigorating dip.  Wedge yourself in between some rocks and let the water rush around you.  Take in the smells, all of them, the quietness and the beautiful mountains and bush.One has to watch out for the odd horse flies which can give a nasty bite.

The scenery is very beautiful a little like the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand but without the sand-flies. This is a trampers or bush-walkers paradise and one is reminded at the gate to leave notice where you are headed if you were wanting to explore the bush. The summer is not the time to do it.  But if you were wanting to go bush walking you need to be experienced and leave details of where you are going and for how long.  This is mountainous country and getting lost or injured is a strong possibility. Average search and Rescue in the warmer months is every 2 weeks.

Christmas Creek

This is linked by the Darlington Connection Road, linking the Kerry Road  and Christmas Creek Road so you can explore both places on the same day. The turn off is close to Darlington, take the Darlington Connection Road, turn right at Widgee Creek Road, left at Christmas Creek Road. You can also gain access from Beaudesert- Boonah Road and turn off at Laravale. This is also very beautiful and you will pass many dairy farms.  There are two areas to camp and picnic along the way. These sites have toilets, river and picnic tables. $5 a night an adult, fill out the permit and drop envelope in the  honesty box. Rangers may appear at any time so be honest. The first picnic spot  at Bursges Park has a wide river and is great for floating on with canoes, tyres etc even airbeds. You need to take your rubbish with you. The second is Stinson Park which  has a rocky creek at the camp site but has designated area for camping and has more modern toilets and plenty of trees to camp under. There is rubbish bins to use. You are up in the base of the mountains now and it is very quiet, this is the more beautiful of the two spots and not as open to the road or day tripers if you were wanting to camp. There are no shops etc here you need to bring it all with you.  This is a great day trip but can be used to stay a night or two before going off to other parts.

You need to bring if you are camping, money for camp fees, water, usual stuff, insect repellent, sunscreen etc.

You can get permits through Environmental Protection Agency. Check out the web Beaudesert Council Camping for maps etc and more information.

Other areas worth seeing are Mt Barney, Maroon Dam via Rathdowney.  Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm at Mt Alford.

If time is of the essence you can do this area in a day, leaving early and arriving late, car is essential.  Taking a tent or making use of the guest accommodation in the areas and exploring at a more leisurely pace.

Enjoy