Australia: The Land Where Time Began
Jimna State Forest and Forest Reserve
What's special?
On the scenic Jimna and Conondale Ranges, Jimna State Forest and Forest Reserve form a watershed between the Brisbane and Mary River systems.Towering hoop pine plantation forests, rainforest and open forest remnants, panoramic mountain views and crystal-clear mountain streams make Jimna a popular destination. More than 140 species of birds and other animals live in this diverse forest. Both hoop and bunya pines grow in the rainforest.
In the late 1800s, Jimna thrived when prospectors came here searching for gold. Today, the Sunday Creek Environmental Education Centre is on the site of the old gold diggings, a former steam-driven sawmill and the old forest camp. Jimna Fire Tower, the highest in Queensland, took three years to build.
Exploring Jimna
Relax and enjoy the outdoors in this tranquil bush setting. Go for a scenic drive through the forest, stopping for a picnic at Peach Trees, Marumba viewing area or the base of the fire tower. Tables, fireplaces, tap water and toilets are provided at Peach Trees and the fire tower. Marumba has picnic tables and fireplaces. You must obtain a permit to traverse if you plan to explore along the forest roads.Enjoy the 360-degree view over the surrounding mountain ranges from the Jimna fire tower platform or views over the forest from Marumba or Yednia lookouts.
Look for platypus in the creek along the Yabba Creek walk at dawn or dusk. Go birdwatching along the Eugenia circuit early morning or late afternoon. Look for bell-miners, finches, fantails and wrens. Paddle a canoe in the waterhole on Yabba Creek just above Tungi Road bridge in nearby Jimna township.
Stay overnight at Peach Trees on the grassy banks of Yabba Creek. Bookings are recommended for school holidays and long weekends. Campers must register and pay camping fees at the self-registration hut. Coin-operated hot showers, toilets, firewood, water and a public phone are provided. Take drinking water. Hikers wishing to bush camp must get a permit beforehand.
Dogs on leashes are allowed in the forest, but not in the camping area.
Find out more about the forest at the forestry office in Jimna. Contact the nearby Sunday Creek Environmental Education Centre about special programs available for schools, (07) 5497 3139, www.sundaycreec.qld.edu.au.
Walking
Short walks and hiking trails start at Peach Trees.Accessibility
The toilets at Peach Trees and the fire tower are wheelchair-accessible.Getting there
The Jimna forests are about two hours’ drive north of Brisbane and 40km north-west of Kilcoy along the Kilcoy-Murgon Road. Conventional vehicle access is possible but the road is unsuitable for caravans.Peach Trees is about 4km off the Kilcoy-Murgon Road, just north of the Jimna township exit. The fire tower is 500m further along the road from the Peach Trees turnoff.
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