Fig Tree Walk is a short but captivating stroll through the lush riverine rainforest of Imbil State Forest. This gentle 1-kilometre loop, suitable for all abilities, winds beneath the towering canopy of Moreton Bay fig trees, piccabeen palms, flooded gums, and white cedar trees. Some of these ancient Moreton Bay figs have stood for more than 150 years, their sprawling buttress roots creating a striking natural sculpture along the forest floor.
The walk follows a well-maintained, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, making it easy to take your time and absorb the sights and sounds of this thriving ecosystem. Interpretive signs along the way offer insight into the diverse plant and animal life that call this rainforest home. Australian brush-turkeys scratch through the leaf litter, skinks bask in patches of dappled sunlight, and butterflies flutter through the undergrowth. If you pause for a moment, you'll hear the layered sounds of the forest—a constant chorus of birdsong, from the sharp, whip-like call of the eastern whipbird to the eerie, wailing cry of the green catbird.
The forest feels alive with movement and sound, yet there’s a peacefulness here, a sense of being wrapped in nature’s quiet rhythms. The walk is best enjoyed at a slow pace, allowing time to appreciate the intricate textures of the rainforest and the play of light filtering through the dense canopy. While the forest is open 24 hours a day, it’s best to explore during daylight hours when the track is at its most inviting.
Grade 1 (All-abilities) -Â Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the
AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.
Total distance: 1086 m
Max elevation: 128 m
Min elevation: 113 m
Total climbing: 28 m
Total descent: -28 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Imbil State Forest.
To reach the Fig Tree Walk trailhead, head south from Kenilworth along Maleny–Kenilworth Road for about 7km until you arrive at Little Yabba Park, a scenic rest area on the banks of Little Yabba Creek. As you cross the Little Yabba Creek bridge, you’ll find park entrances on both sides of the road—the one on the right has public toilets. Parking is available here, making it a convenient spot to begin your walk. To access the trailhead, simply follow the pedestrian path across the bridge, where the rainforest welcomes you with its cool shade and towering fig trees.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Imbil State Forest is a perfect spot for a family getaway. Here you can escape the city for a day, a night or even a week. Walk, hike, swim, mountain bike, horse ride or just relax beside a rainforest creek.
Imbil State Forest is also home to over 120 bird species that occasionally visit the Amamoor State Forest. Check out the Bellbird Feature Protection Area, where visitors will be treated to the delightful song of bellbirds as you walk about or have a picnic. BBQs and picnic tables are already provided here.
Enjoy a picnic under a shady tree or cook up a feast on the barbecue, along the banks of Little Yabba Creek. After lunch relax with a dip in the creek or spend some time exploring the park on Little Yabba or Piccabeen circuits. Along these walks you will discover Imbil's diverse landscape including lush rainforest, open eucalypt forest and hoop and exotic pine plantations that are home to more than 120 species of birds.
Up for a challenge? Then you can take a hike up Mount Allan and be rewarded with spectacular 360 degree views of the Mary Valley and surrounding ranges. Horses and mountain bikes are also welcome on this shared trail.
At night, relax beside a camp fire under a starry sky before falling asleep to the sounds of the Australian bush in the Charlie Moreland camping area, which is a terrific location for camping, fishing, canoeing, and boating. Additionally, you may want to spend a night or two at the Borumba Dam because camping is prohibited within the forest.
The forest and its surroundings also have several fantastic trails that can be explored on a bicycle or on foot. The Fig Tree walk, which is a 780m long circuit, is one of the most popular, but be sure to wear closed shoes because of the stinging nettle. Little Yabba Circuit is 1.5km return, and Piccabeen circuit is 3.5km return.
Looking for more walks in or near Imbil State Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Main image: QLD Parks and Forests
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