This easy ‘out-and-back' trail traverses 3.12km within the 334-hectare Doonan Creek Environmental Reserve and will take approximately 1 hour. The reserve encapsulates seven diverse vegetation communities, including the endangered Gallery Forest vegetation class. 29ha of the reserve remain as cleared open space from previous agricultural activities. The reserve is open year-round to the public and can be accessed any time. It is also pram and wheelchair accessible for part of the way.
The Kabi Kabi First Nation’s People have also identified the reserve as culturally significant, located adjacent to ceremonial pathways and songlines.
Nestled within secluded bushland, the start of the trail can be accessed via Doonan Bridge Road East. From here you’ll wander through revegetated bushland alongside old remnant forest and swampland to the center of the environmental reserve and return to the same spot to finish.
Along the trail you can expect to see the classic Australian Koala and Eastern Grey Kangaroo, as well as the Broad-leaf Paperbark and Blackwood tree. You may also see the Lesser Wanderer and Orchard Swallowtail butterflies, or even the Eastern Yellow Robbin or Brahminy Kite. Those who keep their eyes peeled could also spot the Lace Monitor or the Eastern Bearded Dragon.
The site was purchased by Sunshine Coast Council in August 2013 under the Environment Levy Land Acquisition Program to protect the area's biodiversity and support a critical link in Commonwealth mapped Maroochy - Noosa Wallum Corridor. Throughout the years several tree plantings have been hosted at the trail, demonstrating the power of citizen science for revegetation. You can get involved today by adding your observations from along the trail to the ClimateWatch app. In doing so you’ll help scientists and the Sunshine Coast council to understand how our region is changing due to climate change and to inform strategies to address these impacts.
