Please do not climb on, damage or remove any part of the sculpture.
Beginning in the Booloumba Creek day-use area, this walk along the Conondale Range Great Walk track leads to an impressive 3.7m high Strangler Cairn© sculpture by artist Andy Goldsworthy. It is made from many hand-cut granite and metamorphic blocks and includes a rainforest strangler fig sapling that is growing from the top of it. The artist's intention being that over time the fig's roots will grow to eventually cover and strangle' the cairn. Goldsworthy is internationally known for creating ephemeral works in natural environments around the world.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 5878 m
Max elevation: 214 m
Min elevation: 156 m
Total climbing: 189 m
Total descent: -189 m
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The Conondale National Park is located 15km south of Kenilworth township, and about one hour west of Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. 130km north of Brisbane.
From Brisbane, follow the Bruce Highway north, and take the Kenilworth exit. Follow the signs for Kenilworth, travelling along the Eumundi-Kenilworth Road for about 28km. Go through Kenilworth and continue toward Maleny. The turn-off to Sunday Creek Road is about 7km past Kenilworth and the turn-off to Booloumba Creek day-use and camping areas is a further 500m.
Alternative access is via Maleny. Go through Maleny and follow the signs to Kenilworth. On the way to Kenilworth, pass through a small town called Conondale. The turn-off to Booloumba Creek day-use and camping areas is about 13km past Conondale and the turn-off to Sunday Creek Road is a further 500m.
All park roads are gravel and at present are only suitable for high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Booloumba Creek area roads include several natural creek crossings. Heavy rain can flood creek crossings. If it's flooded, forget it! Wait it out. Visit the QLD parks and forests website for current Park alerts and closures.
- 4WD Access
- Gravel Road
- Vehicle Ford
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Camping Area
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A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Conondale National Park is 130 km north of Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland near the town of Conondale in the south east Queensland bioregion. The park covers an area of 35,648 hectares protecting large areas of subtropical rainforest, woodlands, wet and dry sclerophyll forest including Queensland's tallest tree. The park contains areas of regenerating forest which have been previously logged; areas of forest plantations also border the park. The park is currently managed by the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sports and Racing (NPRSR) under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Since the 1860s the Conondale region has been impacted by land clearing for agriculture, mining and logging, today the park is a refuge for many species now rare and threatened. Threatened species such as the plumed frogmouth, giant barred frog, Conondale crayfish, spotted-tailed quoll, Gympie nut and richmond birdwing butterfly have been recorded in the park and are currently targeted for conservation management to mitigate threats to their survival. Species of interest include the southern gastric brooding frog which mysteriously disappeared in 1981 and is presumed extinct.
The landscape has a rugged topography with gorges, valleys and a number of mountains above 700m with the highest peak being Mount Langley at 868m. Throughout the park there are scenic waterfalls such as Booloumba Creek Falls, cascades and numerous boulder strewn creeks. The Conondale range forms a catchment divide between the Brisbane River and Mary River with the southernmost tributaries of the Mary river forming in Booloumba and Yabba creek.[6] The park also contains wetlands of national significance. These tributaries are important for the threatened Mary river cod which has declined in these creeks.
Gold mining at Kilcoy Creek, 1933
The region has a sub-tropical climate with a mean annual rainfall of 1,500 mm, the majority of rainfall occurs seasonally in summer (DecemberMarch) usually with heavy downpours and winters generally cold and dry with occasional frosts. Major vegetation types include a mix of complex notophyll vine forest, sub-tropical rainforest, woodlands, bangalow palm forests, wet sclerophyll and dry sclerophyll forest with rainforest occurring mainly at higher altitudes and along watercourses.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Conondale National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
3 Reviews on “Strangler Cairn Walk (6km)”
You like your short walks don’t you
TJ Craig I like all walks. I try to cover everything from accessible walks to long distance trails so everyone has something to explore. Multi-day are my favourites though.