Barolin Nature Reserve

Three hundred hectares of natural bush, grassy plains and wetlands spread behind the coast at Bargara, crossed by more than four kilometres of walking paths. Over 120 native plant species grow here, from tall blue gums and shady white figs to the largest stand of silver-leaved paperbarks in South East Queensland, reached on the 2.3-kilometre Melaleuca Circuit. Cattle grazed the reserve until the council retired the last of them in 2022, and the old yards still stand near the Bargara Road entrance. Further entrances open off Davidson Street and Mon Repos Road, where the Turtle Trail links the reserve towards Mon Repos.

No toilets within the reserve — the closest are at the end of Mon Repos Road and at Nielson Park, Bargara. Wear insect repellent and sturdy footwear, stay on the tracks and keep out of the old cattle yards.