Take a Hike with Andrea Taylor

TAKE A HIKE IN THE HINTERLAND with Andrea Taylor Amama walking track

AMAMOOR STATE FOREST

FINALLY the sun is out and the tracks are drying up. Set in Amamoor State Forest, this trail is only 20 minutes from the Puma service station at Traveston. The drive out is lovely passing farms, locals on horseback and a couple of little road side stalls. It really gives you that country feeling.

The trail starts across the road from the Amama day use area and there are a few options for this hike. All start together, so it’s really up to you how far you would like to venture.

The challenging grade 4 trail is 2.2kms and takes about 2hrs return. This loop will take you past Diamondfield Lookout which is quite picturesque. There are a few creek crossings and about 200m of rock hopping. One of the signs was not that clear - I always take a photo of the map located at the start of the trail so I can refer to it if needed. I took my granddaughter Bonnie in a carrier and would only recommend this for experienced hikers. Kids could definitely do it, but must be able to follow instructions. The water is crystal clear and flowing nicely at the moment, the canopy of the trees is keeping it quite cool.

The Cascades is 1.2km and there’s nothing better than being in a rain forest in the rain. The leaves glisten on the vines, as they drape over the landscape and the mossy rocks look soft and mystical. I love the droplets of water sitting on the tiniest of fungi which was abundant when I was there with Bella. Platypus have been spotted as well as goanna, frogs, birds and the familiar bush turkey. As you reach the Cascades you will come across an amazing Bunya Tree, with marks Indigenous Australians made for toe holds so they could climb up the tree to reach the Bunya Nuts. The Cascades are very pretty. Sit and listen to the water running over the rocks, relaxing taking in the nature around you.

Fig Tree circuit is 800m and is a part of the Macadamia walk. You do have a couple of creek crossings and get to walk through a magnificent Fig tree. This little walk is popular with the puppies, but remember they must be on a leash.

Macadamia walk is 540m and new signs have been put in so you can easily spot the Bauple nut trees, more commonly known as Macadamia nut trees. Macadamia species evolved in Australia about 30 million years ago. We are so lucky to have one of the largest remaining wild habitats growing in this beautiful rainforest. The flowering trees invite native bees, sulphurcrested cockatoos and yellow-tail black cockatoos.

At the day use area there is short walk along the creek, and it’s suitable for swimming in the warmer weather with sheltered picnic tables and clean toilets.

I’ve been a couple of times now, and this is definitely one of my fav’s.

If you go on a Sunday and time it right you can visit the little market and see the steam train at the Amamoor Station. The Kandanga Hotel is only 7kms from Amamoor for a great lunch.

Remember plenty of water, sunscreen and hat. Happy Hiking Dog friendly - on leash