Visit Currumbin Valley (Qld)

Location

Currumbin is in the hinterland in the south east corner of Queensland (not far from the NSW border).

Conservation value

Currumbin Valley Reserve is a small patch of regenerating rainforest that used to be part of the extensive rainforest of south-east Queensland. Together with the adjacent Nicoll Scrub National Park it protects the only substantial area of rainforest remaining in the lower Currumbin Valley.

The reserve protects a number of rare plants such as smooth and rough shelled macadamias, Black Walnut, Fine-leaved Tuckeroo and Smooth Scrub Turpentine.

It also plays an important role as a conservation buffer for the national park, which is known habitat for the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, and shows evidence of Long-nosed Bandicoots, Green Catbirds, Scrub Turkeys and a number of Honeyeater species.

Facilities

There are no facilities on Currumbin.

When to go

Currumbin Reserve is open to the public for day visits any time. Avoid visiting in extreme weather conditions or after heavy rains as the ground can be slippery.

Please don't drive onto the reserve as vehicles can easily get stuck and there are no staff to help. There’s no designated parking so be mindful when parking along the residential street not to block driveways or general access.

What to see

The only accessible part of the reserve is the small memorial garden, which has been landscaped with rocks, lawns, exotic and native plants. The gardens are attended to by the families whose ashes have been laid here.

You’re welcome to wander around the gardens, where you can view the surrounding native vegetation and glimpse views through the canopy.

The rest of the reserve is steep and slippery under foot and there are no foot tracks. We ask visitors not to attempt walking through other parts of the property.

While on the reserve

Do not disturb or remove plants, animals, or any historical or cultural items. Before you leave, please check you’ve taken your rubbish with you.

Preparation

Take care when visiting this reserve. Your safety is our concern but your responsibility. In an emergency, call 000.

Dr Alex Griffiths

Dr Alex Griffiths bought the property in 1994, then transferred it to the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland. In his will Dr Griffiths expressed a wish for Bush Heritage to take over ownership and care of the land.

Dr Griffiths is best known for founding the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which he donated to the people of Australia. Dr Griffiths died on 29th July 1998. He'll be remembered for his unwavering devotion to the welfare of birds and conservation of the environment.

Conservation work

The majority of our work is directed to managing invasive weed species. As the rainforest recovers, the canopy is shading out many of the weeds.

How to get there

It’s approximately 105km from Brisbane and 21km from Murwillumbah. The reserve can only be accessed from Brocks Road which runs off Tomewin Mountain Rd. This is a long road that extends from Murwillumbah to the south west to Currumbin Creek Rd in the Currumbin Valley.

There are numerous ways to reach it following a good road map. We’ve also provided a detailed map (at the top of this page) to help you on the final leg of your journey.

Once you turn onto Brocks Rd it’s about 1km to the reserve. This is a no-through road residential area and is narrow and windy (not suitable for caravans).

The reserve is on the left. There are two entrances, the first being the most obvious and marked by a Bush Heritage Reserve sign (set back from the road) and a grass drive. Don’t drive down it. Find somewhere safe to park.

Larger map

Thank you

Thank-you to all our supporters, whose donations fund the day-to-day cost of managing this reserve and to the many dedicated people involved in our work, including volunteers, partners and contractors.

How you can help

Supporting Bush Heritage Australia is an excellent choice for those who love the bush and want to protect it for future generations. Help us preserve our remaining tracts of native vegetation and maintain crucial habitat for endangered species.

Donations to Bush Heritage are tax deductible and contribute to the protection of our unique and natural heritage.