Koonin Lookout is a 4.5km, grade 3 Return hike located in Crows Nest National Park Queensland. The hike should take approximately 1.5hrs to complete.

Summary

Wander out to Koonin lookout in Crows Nest National Park for a bird’s-eye view over Crows Nest Creek, the Valley of Diamonds and distant rolling hills. Look along the way for intricate lichen patterns on rocks, spring-time wildflowers and ant trails in trees.

Be sure to take stop off at Crows Nest Falls lookout along the way to see Crows Nest Creek plunge 20 metres over granite cliffs to waterhole below. Or take the Kauyoo Loop (an additional 600 metres) to visit Kauyoo Pool and the Cascades.

About the region

Crows Nest is a national park on the Darling Downs of southern Queensland, Australia. It is divided into a number of section which are located in both Crows Nest and Grapetree, 40 km west of Esk in the South East Queensland bioregion. A 236 ha national park was first declared in 1967. The park has been extended south along the Great Dividing Range and now covers 17.9 km2 (6.91 sq mi).

The geology of the area is dominated by granites with domed outcrops. The vegetation in the park is mostly open eucalypt forest. Species such as the hoop pine, weeping bottlebrush, river she-oak and swamp mahogany can be found along creek banks. The main watercourse in the park is Crows Nest Creek, a tributary of Cressbrook Creek, itself a tributary of the Brisbane River. About 4% of the park is riverine wetlands.

Crows Nest is known for its rugged landscape, waterfalls, and a sparkling gorge called Valley of Diamonds. This valley is so-called because of the mineral felspar which glistens in the sunlight. Lookouts, wildflower heaths, wildlife observing and birdwatching are popular attractions for visitors. A total of 10 rare or threatened species have been identified in Crows Nest National Park.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com