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Blue Lake (Kaboora)

Redlands

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

KEY INFO

Distance (kms):

8.2 kms

Time (hrs):

Allow 3.5 hrs

Elevation gain (m):

153 m

Max. elevation (m):

154 m

Difficulty (Grade):

Moderate (Grade 3)

Route type:

Loop

Traffic:

Light

Access:

2WD Sufficient

Click to see full image.

A delightfully diverse walk through bushland and wildflowers to a scenic lookout and serene lake.

This lightly trafficked walk starts from the carpark on Alfred Martin Way, in Naree Budjong Djara National Park on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).


The walk actually combines three separate tracks to form a loop circuit – the Neembeema track, Dakabin track and Kaboora track.


The Neembeema (‘to see’ in the local Aboriginal dialect) track winds uphill through bushland, past a large number of scribbly gums, to a sandy ridge featuring an elevated wooden lookout offering views to the Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast.


From the lookout, descend back down the hill to the lake via the Dakabin (‘grass tree’) track, through grass trees and ferns, as well copious amounts of wildflowers during springtime.


At the bottom of the hill lies Kaboora (Blue Lake), which mean ‘deep silent pool’ in the local Aboriginal language. The lake is calm and stunning, disappointingly often overlooked for it’s more accessible sister, Brown Lake.


It is important to note that you cannot swim in Kaboora given the cultural significance of the lake to the local Indigenous community. Swimming at nearby Brown Lake is permitted though.


Return to the car park via the Kaboora track, passing Tortoise Lagoon, a perched lake that sits above the water table.


Note that the track, in particular the Neembeema and Dakabin tracks, are sandy and quite exposed to the sun, and therefore can be quite hot and physically challenging during warmer months.


Track: Sandy tracks and graded paths. The track is well signed and easy to follow.


Difficulty: The track is a moderately difficult walk along predominately sandy tracks that are soft underfoot. In summer and other warmer months, the exposed nature of the track adds to its difficultly.


Direction: While the track can be completed in either direction, it is recommended to do the track clockwise.

getting there

The trail starts from the car park on Alfred Martin Way on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). The trail is located 10 minutes drive east of the Dunwich ferry terminal.


Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is located about 50 kms east of Brisbane and is accessed via ferry from Cleveland (45 minutes drive east of Brisbane). 


A standard vehicle is sufficient for visiting the majority of Minjerribah, including this walk.


Parking is ample for how trafficked the walk is.

best time to go

The walk can be completed year-round. However, given the exposed nature of the walk, it is recommended to do the walk in the cooler months or during the cooler part of the day.


Spring is an especially nice time to do the walk, when the wildflowers are in bloom.


Always check the Queensland Parks website for updates on track closures.

Click title on the map above to view larger map
in new window [on the Garmin website]

Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure. 

I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.   

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