Conondale Range

This spectacular mountain range lies between Jimna and Maleny, and features: deep gorges, thick subtropical rainforests, and many cold but refreshing boulder-strewn creeks, rock pools and waterfalls. A majority of the steep forested slopes of this range lie within the 2126 hectare Conondale National Park as well as adjacent State Forests. These forests provide safe haven for a multitude of plants, birds and animals, which rely on this particular ecosystem to survive. Some species are so rare and unique to this part of the world - they are endangered of becoming extinct.

The mountains within the Conondale Range provide the water source for the Mary River to the north, and the Stanley River, Brisbane River and Lake Somerset toward the south. Since this region receives very high rainfall - especially in the early months of the year, the rivers and creeks are constantly flowing.

This interesting 4WD trek takes in historic towns such as Woodford - one of the earliest settled areas of the shire, and Conondale - an old renowned farming district located at the headwaters of the Mary River. The Conondale Range and the surrounding forests offer plenty of attractions and activities, and experienced bushwalkers and birdwatchers will be thoroughly rewarded.

For more information permits, track conditions and if any access restrictions are in place, please contact either Maleny Visitor Information Centre or the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service - see below.

There are many sections that are very remote and heavily wooded so please carry all the necessities such as: adequate fuel, food and water supplies. GPS navigational equipment and communications equipment such as HF/UHF radios, mobile or satellite phones are a must. Recovery gear such as snap straps, spades and hand winches, etc will assist with bogging issues. You could also consider travelling in a convoy of two or more vehicles for additional safety.

Beware of oncoming vehicles such as logging trucks on the forestry tracks and obey all forestry signs. Please take care and keep you speed down as there are wild deer and other animals that roam the forests. Stay on track and tell a responsible person where you are going and when you should return. Wear sturdy shoes. Carry adequate clothing, water and snack food. Carry a first aid kit — use repellent on exposed skin and shoes to discourage mosquitoes, leeches and ticks (remove ticks immediately).

It is important to check weather conditions, track conditions and access restrictions with rangers or Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in Kenilworth before you embark. This is a high rainfall area and forestry roads and tracks can become boggy and slippery after rain.

The forests in and around Conondale Range, habitat hundreds of plant, bird and animal species - with many depending on this unique ecosystem for survival. In some cases - it is the last stand, and thus being given a vulnerable or endangered status. The Gastric-brooding frog for example has already become extinct - with the last specimen found in the Conondale Range in 1979. The Fleay’s Barred frog, another indigenous animal in the Conondale region is highly endangered.

The various tracks through the Conondale Range and surrounds are formed with gravel, dirt or clay. The drive is relatively easy to moderate, depending on prior weather. As you drive through the forest, the eucalypts you will see are grey gum, Queensland grey ironbark and forest red gum. You should also encounter: bunya pines, flooded gums, giant strangler figs, staghorns and plenty of fungi and ferns. Fauna that you may encounter are: skinks, sugar gliders, pouched frog and the platypus frog, freshwater cray, black-breasted quail, possums, bats, bandicoots, pademelons and even platypus.

Four tribal groups indigenous to the region named Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka, Jinibara and Kabi Kabi had lived a traditional lifestyle for thousands of years, until the arrival of European settlers, which changed the Aboriginal lifestyle forever. In 1942, Governor Gipps declared a large reserve to protect bunya pines which was a significant food source for Aboriginal people. It was therefore illegal to clear or settle on land where bunya pines grew. This lasted until 1860, when the new Queensland Parliament withdrew the reserve status and settlement began in the early 1890s, with forests being cleared for dairy farms and fodder crops. Townships soon sprouted and grew in conjunction with gold fossicking and timber harvesting.

Today, the Upper Mary Valley sustains timber plantations, which continue to provide quality timber resources, whilst old growth native forests are now recognised for their high conservation and recreational values. The Queensland Government also recognises the strong cultural links the descendants of the traditional owners have with the region, and also the rare and endangered species that need careful management practises in place to sustain this for generations to come.