Crows Nest National Park features a variety of eucalypt species supporting abundant animal life. Creeks running through the park provide a focus for wildlife. Many birds can be seen, as well as the Swamp Wallaby the vulnerable Brush- tailed Rock-wallaby. If you wait quietly by the creek, you could be lucky enough to see a Platypus in the cool of dusk or dawn.
Located east of Crows Nest township, the Crows Nest Falls section of the park was originally declared a recreation reserve in 1905 and was converted to national park in 1967. Subsequent additions have increased the Crows Nest Falls section of Crows Nest National Park to 492ha.
Facilities
Picnic and camping areas are provided. A camping permit is required. The campground includes unpowered sites for tents and caravans. Showers, toilets, barbecues, tables are also provided. Firewood is no longer supplied. Do not collect firewood from the park. Preferably, bring gas or fuel stoves. Water is scarce until the drought breaks, so take some with you. Advance bookings are recommended for school holidays and long weekends. Bookings can be made by contacting the Toowoomba office (07 4699 4334.) up to 12 months in advance, or use the EPA website . A booking is confirmed only when the appropriate fee is paid. At other times, campers can also register at the park's self- registration station. Fee is $4.85 per person per night (Mar 2009).
Vegetation
The Crows Nest Falls section supports many species of eucalypts. Queensland Blue Gum Eucalyptus tereticornis, often a called Forest Red Gum, can be seen on the slopes between the picnic area and the Cascades. Smooth-barked, Rough-barked or Broad-leafed Apples Angophora spp. can often be found nearby. Creek banks support lusher vegetation of Weeping Bottlebrush Callistemon viminalis, River She-oak Casuarina cunninghamiana and Swamp Mahogany Lophostemon suaveolens. Wildflowers flourish and provide colourful displays in spring and summer.
Animals
Open eucalypt forests support many species of native animals. At night, you could be lucky enough to see a Sugar Glider, Feathertail Glider or Greater Glider soaring between trees, or hear the antics of a Brushtail Possum. You might also see the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby grazing on steeper cliffs, or the dark-brown Swamp Wallaby closer to the creek.
Various birds feed on the nectar and blossoms of shrubs and trees. Look for the Pale-headed Rosella, Rose Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush, Blue-faced Honeyeater and Noisy Miner.
Things to do
Explore Crows Nest Creek, the falls and the Valley of Diamonds by following walking tracks that start at the picnic ground. Lookouts provide views over the Valley of Diamonds. Seasonal wildflowers provide interest for photographers and naturalists, and spotlighting for nocturnal native animals can be rewarding.
Crows Nest Falls lookout
2.1km return. Allow 45 minutes.
At Crows Nest Falls Lookout watch water tumble over 20m high granite cliffs ( a rare sight during the current drought). For your safety, never attempt to climb around the lookout barriers to access the waterhole or waterfall - to do so could cost you your life or result in serious injury.
Crows Nest Falls via Kauyoo loop including The Cascades and Kauyoo Pool
2.7km return. Allow 1 hour.
Check out The Cascades and listen for the 'tock tock' calls of striped marshfrogs echoing around the boulders in summer. Visit Kauyoo Pool where a sandy beach allows easy access to the shallow water. You may see a Rock-wallaby on the cliffs.
Waterhole below Crows Nest Falls
2.2km return. Allow 45 minutes.
The waterhole below Crows Nest Falls is reached via a 50m rough trail leading from the intersection of Crows Nest Falls track and the Koonin Lookout track. Watch your step, as the going is steep and rocky. Never dive or jump into the waterhole - water may be shallower than it looks or hide submerged objects.
Koonin lookout
4.5km return. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes return.
Wander out to Koonin lookout for a bird's-eye view of the gorge and distant rolling hills. Look along the way for intricate lichen patterns on rocks, striders on the water and ant trails in trees.The gorge is called the Valley of the Diamonds because the sun glints on the crystals in the granite.
Access
From Toowoomba, take the New England Highway 50km to Crows Nest. At Crows Nest, turn off the Highway at the Police Station in Albert Street. Follow the signs along a 6km bitumen road to the park. Take care at creek crossings during rainy periods.
Information from QPWS