Camp at Boolcoomatta (SA)
The Boolcoomatta camp ground in South Australia's arid rangelands is open from June to September. Bookings are essential and subject to availability and management activities. We recommend a minimum stay of two nights.
Temporary closure
The Paperbark Forest Walk will be closed to public access until further notice while works are undertaken. Sorry for any disappointment this causes.
Reedy Creek Reserve, near the town of Agnes Water in Queensland, protects an intact patch of endangered Queensland coastal and riparian forest including an extensive paperbark and fan palm swamp.
Paperbark forest walk
This short (400m or 15-20 minutes) but spectacular forest walk will take you into the heart of a very special type of forest, rarely seen in such pristine condition.
The track is designed with stepping stones and boardwalk areas, which makes it possible to penetrate the thick lush undergrowth and tiptoe through the wetlands (without getting your feet wet) until you’re completely surrounded by hundreds of Paperbark Tree trunks and the majestic green fronds of Cabbage Palm.
Keep an eye out for butterflies and richly coloured fungi while keeping your ears listening for frog calls as you pass through their habitat.
The walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels but you’ll face obstacles, stepping stones, fallen debris, water crossings, steps and rough surfaces requiring good balance.
It’s a spectacular spot but don’t take our word for it. There are hundreds of positive reviews on Trip Advisor and many visitors have taken to social media to share their experience (enjoy a few in the playlist below).
How to get there
Reedy Creek Reserve is on the coast of Queensland near the town of Agnes Waters, which is about a 130km drive from either Gladstone or Bundaberg. From Agnes Water, follow Springs Rd to the south for a little over 3km. Look for the large Reedy Creek Reserve sign near a gravel car park on the right-hand side. Bollards and a trail icon mark the start of the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk.
Red Rocks walking trail
While you’re in the area the Red Rocks Walking Trail is another great walk to do. It covers 6km and will take at least 2.5 hours (return). Take plenty of water. The track hugs the coastline and provides a great contrast to the paperbark forest.
More reserves you can visit
Camp at Carnaron (Qld)
Central Queensland’s spectacular Carnarvon Station Reserve is one of the few remaining strongholds for woodland species largely lost to the rest of eastern Australia. Carnarvon is open for self-guided camping.
Visit Liffey Valley Reserves (TAS)
Get to know a truly magical wilderness at Tasmania’s Liffey River and Oura Oura Reserves. Stroll along Page’s Creek and through stunning rainforest, keeping an eye out for some of the abundant local wildlife.
Camp at Charles Darwin (WA)
Explore the rich diversity of flora and fauna on WA’s Charles Darwin Reserve, which falls within an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot.
Kojonup Reserve (WA)
Western Australia's Kojonup Reserve stands out from the nearby cleared country as a chaotic, magical bushland filled with chattering bird life. It's the largest protected area of wandoo woodlands in the region.
