Walking the Gold Coast Blog

 
How about this weekend you take a scenic drive through the Gold Coast Hinterland add a short walk to the day through pristine rain forest and then finish the day off by hopping over the border to Northern NSW to enjoy coffee and cake in a train.

The ‘Old Saw Mill’ Cougal Cascades Walk

Sounds good to me, it doesn’t matter whether you are a Gold Coast local or on holiday I bet you haven’t done this in a while and no doubt some of you have never done it!

Your day will go something like this

1. Head for The Cougal Cascades Walk, Currumbin Valley along Currumbin Creek Road. Enjoy a lovely walk through the rain forest with plenty of viewing platforms to soak in the sight of the Cascades, read all the information plaques of the history of this location. Visit the ‘Old Saw Mill’ (there is an additional walk beyond the ‘Saw Mill’ but that’s for another day)
2. Head back along Currumbin Creek Road and turn right at Tomewin Mountain Road, continue along this road and stop at Freeman Lookout on your right this is the site of the ‘banana flying fox’, bananas were hauled up from the slopes below. After soaking up the view take note you were at that location a short while ago Cougal Cascades Walk. (on the valley floor)
3. Back to the car and continue along Tomewin Mountain Road through the NSW tick gates and on to 385 Tomewin Road, Dungay the Red Rattler Gallery for coffee and cake.

Red Rattler Gallery open times

Visiting the Red Rattler Gallery is a fitting end to a morning or afternoon drive, however keep in mind that the Red Rattler Gallery is only open from Wed – Sunday

Inside the train carriage

Enjoy coffee and cake at Red Rattler Galley

The time frame for this scenic drive and walk will depend on how long you spend at Cougal Cascades Walk.

A more detailed account of these locations are in recent posts.

Gene and his son Jhett were enjoying tea and cake, the first time they had visited the Red Rattler Gallery.

See you on my next walk…

How to get to the Gold Coast Hinterland

When you think about the Gold Coast Hinterland, most people think about Mount Tamborine, Springbrook National Park , Lamington National Park and the Natural Arch etc.  However if you live or are holidaying on the Southern end of the Gold Coast you have Springbrook National Park Mt Cougal Section, just behind Palm Beach – Currumbin.

Cougal Cascades Walk, pristine rainforest

The Cougal Cascades Walk

After viewing Arthur Freeman Lookout on Tomewin Mountain Road, your next port of call should be Mt Cougal National Park, after all you have just seen Mt Tallebudgera escarpment, now it’s time to go to the source. The road trip along this stretch is very scenic, you quickly sense the essence of the place, from the sprawling tree lined luxury properties to the remnants of dwellings years long gone. If taking photos is your thing you may have to restrain yourself, there are numerous spots were you are compelled to stop and start snapping. The mountain backdrop gives it a more tropical than subtropical feel and sections remind me of the road to Cape Tribulation in far North Queensland. 

The mountain backdrop reminds me of Cape Tribulation in far Nth Queensland

Be careful driving along Currumbin Creek Road, the speed varies from 60 -80 kilometres some sections much lower. You could encounter slow traffic which usually isn’t a problem with a tourist drive; however locals familiar with the road tend to come up behind you quickly.
Continue travelling along Currumbin Creek Road passed Currumbin Rock Pool until you come to the turn off for Mt Cougal National Park.

Currumbin Rock Pool

The road narrows significantly here so take care. There are a few parking spaces but during peak times I have no doubt that this parking area could fill up fast, my advice, be early! (Weekdays or Saturday mornings are probably best).
This walking trail is sealed and wide, suitable for pushing a wheel chair or stroller. Watch careful with young children and don’t let them run ahead.

Signage at Cougal National Park, Currumbin Valley

There are gullies and viewing platforms with steep stair ways. A number of tables before the start of the walking track may signal for some the need to have a bite to eat, remember to take your rubbish with you. This is a National Park so no feeding the wildlife.

Read more about this location and how to get there, a must scenic Gold Coast drive for holiday makers and Gold Coast local.

See you on my next walk..