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Day Trip to Ravensbourne National Park

There is nothing quite like a daytrip, exploring new terrain and quality family time in the great outdoors. If you are looking for an activity the whole family will enjoy, Ravensbourne National Park is the perfect choice! Located just 45 minutes North of Toowoomba, your next adventure awaits you.

Things to see and do at Ravensbourne National Park

Ravensbourne National Park is a true delight to the senses. Tap into nature and immerse yourself in the lush rainforest and all it has to offer. With an array of palm groves, orchids, Elkhorn’s, and Sydney blue gums just to name a few, you will fill a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Trickling water streams are perfect for cooling off little toes after a long walk! A must see is the Gus Beutel lookout, which provides breathtaking views of the nearby Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim.

Bird lovers won’t be disappointed, with over 80 species inhabiting the National Park. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot the paradise riflebirds, or a red-tailed black-cockatoo.

Preparing to visit

No daytrip is complete without a picnic lunch! Ravensbourne National Park has two beautiful picnic areas to choose from, including a sheltered area in case the weather takes an unexpected turn. Cedar Block day-use area and Blackbean are the two picnic spots, with BBQ and toilet facilities available. (You will need to BYO wood for the BBQ.)

There is no camping allowed at the National Park, however there is accommodation in nearby towns for those who want to extend their daytrip a little longer. Alternatively, you can continue on a little further North, to the nearby Crow’s Nest National Park to set up camp (permits and fees apply).

In addition to food, you will also need to pack the following for your trip to the Ravensbourne National Park:

  • Practical walking shoes
  • Plenty of water
  • Hats
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera
  • Basic first aid supplies

Planning your walk

With a variety of short walking tracks you can map out ahead of time which part of Ravensbourne National Park you are going to explore. While it is family friendly, parents of young children are advised that some of the walking tracks have steep drop offs and steps, requiring adult supervision at all times. There is no wheelchair or pram access available.

For a list of the different walks, including the distances, time to allow, and details of what is included on the tracks, click here.

Ravensbourne National Park is located a short distance from Toowoomba, making it perfect for your next family daytrip.

For a map of Ravensbourne National Park, click here.

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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