Crows Nest NP, SBW Valley of the Diamonds (Perserverance Creek)

The SBW (Short Bushwalk) is the easier walk option. A reasonable level of fitness is still required for hills. Please ensure you are registered for the correct event to suit your fitness & abilities.

Venue: Crows Nest NP

Date: Sunday 26th April 2026

Leader: Monica den Hertog for the SBW  (Mark Evans is leading the CDW option)

Leader Details:  0402 205 897    monicadenhertog@gmail.com

Meeting Point: Cobb+Co car park, RHS of the Museum, Lindsay St.

Meeting Time: 6:45 am for 7:00 am departure

Travel Distance & Time: 50km & 50mins.

Walk Distances & Estimated Times: 8-9 km (4 hrs + extra in Crows Nest Town)

Walk Ratings: S44

Distance; S - Short under 10km.

Terrain; 4/10 - Minor scrub, rock hopping, scrambling

Fitness; 4/10 - Medium, reasonable fitness required.

General Information: 

Crows Nest National Park is on the headwaters of Crows Nest Creek on the Great Dividing Range north of Toowoomba. The native forest has a wonderful variety of eucalypt trees from gums to stringybarks, bloodwoods and ironbarks. The park is a haven for wildlife including platypus, swamp wallabies, echidnas, bandicoots, lace monitors, birds, and the brush-tailed rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata, which is vulnerable to extinction in Queensland.

Walk Description: 

The pre-walk on Tuesday, 21st April, was very helpful, as the route all the way down to Perseverance Creek is accessible, though somewhat overgrown in spots. The good news, there is good clearance through the lantana.

The plan is for both groups to start together. The SBW group will stop at Perserverance Creek for smoko, then return the same way, while the CDW group continues along the creek and into the gorge and Valley of Diamonds.

From the carpark, we'll begin on the official National Park tracks, then cross the creek near the Cascades. The water levels are very low, it's no trouble crossing. We'll head for a kilometre or so on a small path which is narrow but mostly clear - long pants and long sleeves are still advisable to avoid scratches. The path then opens up to a wide fire trail which is overgrown with grass – gaiters are recommended. At the end of the fire trail there is a track that leads down a gully with some lantana which is easy to navigate through without getting too scratched. We cleared a few branches on the pre-walk. As it levels out, there are some green grassy areas. It's quite pretty as it opens up to Perseverance Creek, where we'll push through the grass to find a sandy spot for smoko, before we re-trace our steps.

On our way back we'll do a side trip to a lookout, to catch our breath, and catch glimpses of the other side of the gorge. After we cross back at the Cascades, we'll turn right to end up at the Kauyoo Pool where we can stop for lunch on the sandy beach. The water levels are a bit low to even tempt me for a swim, but we can certainly wade tired feet.

Most of the walk takes us off the designated National Park trails (off-track) – it’s an adventure! This walk is an excellent introduction to walking 'off-track' giving us the chance to see much more than the official tracks, which only span 4-5 kilometres.

After the Walk:

There will be the option of going to a coffee shop in Crows Nest afterwards, for coffee. If you're an art lover, the Crows Nest Art Gallery is showing an exhibition by local artists worth seeing. If you're short on time, consider bringing your own vehicle to Crows Nest.

What to Bring:

Carry at least 2 litres of water (in case it warms up)

Bring smoko and lunch

Boots or substantial footwear are required

Gaiters are required, we're walking through long grass and to avoid prickles

Wear long-sleeve pants and a long-sleeve shirt

Bring a hat for sun protection

Cash (small notes) for carpooling

Raincoat (some rain is expected)

All walkers should carry a basic first aid kit with snake bandage, stingose, insect repellent. 

Please register on Member Jungle to attend.

CANCELLATION POLICY - To ensure a more enjoyable experience, we prefer to keep our groups small. Please submit any cancellations to Leaders at least 24 hours in advance so those on the waiting list have the opportunity to join at the last minute. We understand that illnesses can arise unexpectedly, but whenever possible, we appreciate early cancellations.

WAITING LIST: NO

Web Links: 

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/crows-nest

https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/Places-and-activities/Sport-and-recreation/Cycling-and-walking/Bushland-walks-and-trails

YouTube: 

Crows Nest National Park Toowoomba Region