Introduction to today's journey
The remote central section of the D'Aguilar Range between Northbrook Mountain and Kluver's Lookout beckons intrepid adventurers into the realm of rugged eucalypt wilderness and untamed beauty. The challenging trails winding their way around the remote densely forested hills envelopes the traveller into a profound sense of solitude. The still air is filled with the eerie ringing of the bellbird song and the percussive rhythm of the rustling leaf litter underfoot enhanced by the scent of the untouched eucalypt flora. Dark legends abound with the whispers of elusive yowies, mythical creatures said to roam the shadows. Whilst the prospect of potentially encountering these beings adds an element of mystery to the journey, it's the raw unspoiled beauty in this most secluded section of the range just five days walk away from the centre of a major city which makes it such an amazing journey for the few who venture here.
Today's journey begins descending the range to cross Northbrook Creek before rising steeply along a track to another trail following the top of the range towards the junction of the Mount Sim Jue track. From here I continue northward along the main range through the remotest corner of the park for several hours before descending to a saddle where the track reaches the four wheel drive road coming up from Lacey's Creek and continuing along the top of the range towards Mount Mee. I follow this track along a long ascent to Kluver's Lookout, where I stop before continuing along the road descending to the junction of of the horse trails, where I set up camp.
Distance hiked today: 23.7km
Total distance hiked: 129.4km
Today's Journey
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Departing Northbrook Bush Camp just after sunrise, I follow the Goodes Road track as it winds down the ridge through a dense eucalypt forest. The descent is easy and peaceful, with only the sounds of nature accompanying me in this remote corner of the national park. As I make my way through the forest, I catch glimpses of the shimmering waters of Wivenhoe Dam nestled in the Brisbane Valley. The Great Dividing Range appears a little closer today than it did yesterday. Turning off Lawton Road, I follow Cattleyard Break, descending a long spur towards Northbrook Creek. The track is a bit rough in places, but otherwise a gentle descent. |
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Reaching the bottom of the valley, I am greeted by the gentle flow of Northbrook Creek as it meanders its way along the bottom of the valley towards Wivenhoe Dam. Once across the stream, I reach Mount Glorious Road which has descended from the heights of the range, to continue westward towards the heart of the Brisbane Valley. Crossing the road, I one more enter the bush, following a narrow track that leads me deeper into the wilderness. |
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I tackle the unnamed track steeply rising towards the top of Switchback Spur. As I reach the crest of the spur, I follow Switchback Road, another rough track which initially rises gently, offering a brief respite. The road is aptly named, with its winding path reminiscent of a switchback, zigzagging through the dense bushland. The gentle incline soon gives way to a steeper ascent, and I feel the strain on my legs as I push onwards towards the top of the range. |
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Once I find myself back atop the majestic D’Aguilar Range, I am greeted by the convergence of Switchback Road and Range Road. This junction marks a significant point in my journey, with Range Road stretching out towards the distant Wivenhoe Lookout, about an hour’s trek in the opposite direction. As I continue along Range Road, it follows the top of the range, guiding me towards Mount Mee still a long way away. This path offers me a relatively straightforward passage along the crest of one of the most secluded sections of the range. |
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As I descend slightly to navigate over a saddle, I come across a couple of small clearings nestled against the steep drop. These openings offer views across to Kluver’s Hill, my destination for today. From this vantage point, Kluver’s Hill appears much closer than it had seemed from Northbrook Mountain yesterday, yet I am fully aware that there is still quite a distance to cover. |
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The track undulates with the natural contours of the range, initially guiding me westward along a long ascent before veering northward at the juncture where I transition from the southern end of the national park to its northern expanse. From this point, I continue my journey along the ridge, enveloped by an open eucalypt forest. The forest is alive with vibrant green undergrowth, a stark contrast to the towering, silver-barked eucalypts stretching skyward. The air is filled with the fresh, invigorating scent of eucalyptus, and the occasional call of a kookaburra echoes through the trees. |
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It is just after midday when I finally descend to a saddle, a pivotal point where the gravel Laceys Creek Road intersects with the descending Range Road Track. This junction feels like a gateway, marking the transition from the remote, vehicle-free heart of the national park to a more accessible area. From here, the road having climbed from the valley, continues rising following the side of the range. It is a four-wheel drive road along which the occasional vehicle lumbers along. This is a stark contrast to the solitude I’ve enjoyed thus far today. |
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The long road gradually ascends the northern section of the range, winding its way through pristine forest. As I hike, the dense canopy occasionally parts, offering me breathtaking views across vast expanses of untouched wilderness. The climb is long and the air is thick with humidity under the overcast sky. |
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The track is in excellent condition, maintaining a steady gradient as it meanders along the crest of the range, gracefully curving around the hilltops. This section of the D’Aguilar Range is geologically fascinating, composed of meta-sediments that have been deformed and uplifted over millennia, interspersed with outcrops of volcanic rocks and granitic intrusions. |
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The road is steadily rising along the range, gaining altitude with each step before finally reaching a small car park near the summit of Kluver’s Lookout in the late afternoon. This lookout sits atop the highest peak of the northern section of the range at 683 metres above sea level. A van full of people left the car park shortly before my arrival, leaving the lookout otherwise abandoned. Standing on a very small raised hilltop, a small gap in the trees reveals a view down to the quaint town of Dayboro and the winding Pine Rivers in the distance, with the shimmering waters of Lake Samsonvale just visible to the right, the shores of which I'll be hiking much later in this trek. |
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Behind the lookout, I notice a large solar-powered communications tower, strategically positioned at the highest point of the range. It is the only sign of civilisation up here on this mountain.
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After resting at Kluver’s Lookout, I continue hiking along Range Road, descending through the dense forest. I hike for about an hour, eventually reaching a small, secluded camp spot at the first junction of May Creek Road horse trail. Given the absence of designated camping grounds for many kilometres in either direction, I decide to settle here for the night. |
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