Booloumba Creek

Booloumba Creek runs through Conondale National Park on Jinibara Country in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, about two hours north-west of Brisbane. The creek's series of swimming holes — turquoise, deep, set among smoothed granite boulders — and the small waterfall at Booloumba Falls draw most visitors, but the same valley holds four QPWS-managed campsites along the creek, the Strangler Cairn and Gold Mine walking tracks, and the western gateway to the 56-kilometre Conondale Range Great Walk. Access is by unsealed Booloumba Creek Road, with several creek crossings that require high-clearance 4WD in most conditions; there is no phone reception in the valley, dogs are not permitted, and campsites must be pre-booked through Queensland Parks. The Jinibara People hold native title over the area, determined in 2012 — the first native title determination in south-east Queensland.

Booloumba Creek Road is unsealed with creek crossings that normally have water over them, and it is high-clearance 4WD only. Heavy rain floods the crossings — if it is flooded, turn around. Camping permits must be booked in advance through the Queensland National Parks booking service. Check the park alerts too: sections of the Conondale Range Great Walk have been affected by fallen trees and planned works.