Access:
There are three different ways of accessing this bushwalking area. All three provide limited parking, but also offer very convenient access to one of the most beautiful sections of the Tamborine National Park.
A. Entry from “Curtis Road”(E6)
Turn into Curtis Road heading East, the road ends after about 100meters, parking is on the left as you enter the large turning circle.
Car parking spaces: 2
Disabled car parking spaces: NO
Bus parking spaces: NO
Public Toilets: NO
BBQs: NO
Picnic Settings: NO
Sheltered Picnic Settings: NO
Additional seating: NO
Views: NO
Information Board: YES – General Information
Giant strangler fig
Palm Grove Circuit (F6) from Curtis Road (2.5km return, allow 1 hour, easy grade)
The first section of this bushwalk is simply called “Access track”, which highly underrates the breathtaking rainforest scenery that awaits you. The track descends downhill, first gradually zigzagging then straightening out. Walkers will encounter a number of huge trees such as strangler figs, ghost gums, and the like, some of these leaning and forming some fascinating buttress root growth formations (44 stairs).
A huge fallen strangler fig blocking the path has been partly cut allowing walkers to pass safely. The “T” junction to the “Palm Grove Circuit” track allows time to admire a gigantic leaning strangler fig on the left.
B. Entry from “Palm Grove Avenue” (E6)
Head south on Eagle Heights Road and turn into Palm Grove Avenue when the road veers left, you will reach the end of the road after about 200 meters. Car parking spaces are not clearly marked, but recognizable; there is a turning circle and some picnic facilities at the entrance to the bushwalk.
Trail entrance at “Palm Grove Road”
Car parking spaces: 6 to 8
Disabled car parking spaces: NO
Bus parking spaces: NO
Public Toilets: NO
BBQs: NO
Picnic Settings: 1 x 8-seater
Sheltered Picnic Settings: NO
Additional seating: 1 Bench
Views: YES
Information Board: YES – General Information
Palm Grove Circuit (F6) from Palm Grove Road (2.5km return, allow 1 hour, easy grade)
Cleared path for walkers’ enjoyment!
The track starts just past the picnic area, slowly descending through subtropical rainforest and crossing a couple of small runoff creeks via timber plank bridges. The “T” junction to the “Palm Grove Circuit” with the gigantic leaning strangler fig (see above) is reached after a pleasant 15-minute stroll.
Views to the Gold Coast
From here, keep heading downhill until a few minutes later you reach another “T” junction, marking the beginning of the actual circuit.
“Palm Grove Circuit” passes peaceful palm groves and huge subtropical rainforest trees, some of which have grown to an impressive size. This part of the “Palm Grove” section of the Tamborine National Park is covered by an often very dense rainforest canopy, offering walkers cooler temperatures on hot summer days.
Jenyns Circuit (F7) (4.5km return, allow 1 1/2 hours, moderate grade)
When combining the various tracks of the “Palm Grove” section, walkers can enjoy over 2 hours of beautiful scenery and breathtaking views.
Incorporating parts of the “Palm Grove Circuit”, parts of the “Jenyns Falls” trail lead into drier eucalyptus forest. Hoop pones, brush boxes, and grey gums abound and walkers will pass through a grove of ancient cycads.
While the lower section of this walk allows occasional glimpses of the Gold Coast, there are two distinct lookout points. At all times, please watch for steep cliff edges and remain on the tracks at all times.
Please note that sidetracks to both “Jenyns Falls” and “Burrawang Lookout” tracks are currently closed.