White Rock Short Trail Combo
Ipswich
White Rock - Spring Mountain Conservation Estate
A short walk through scenic bushland around the lower section of White Rock, with a few little rock formations and lookouts.
This moderately trafficked hike starts from the car park at the Paperbark Flats Picnic Area near Ipswich.
The walk begins along the main fire trail that heads up to White Rock, but soon diverts onto the Six Mile Creek Boardwalk.
The track meanders through open eucalypt forest and paperbark trees across a number of wooden boardwalks, before a short side-track circuit to Bluff Lookout, which looks into the surrounding forest from an interesting rock formation clearly visible from the track.
The track then crosses more wooden boardwalks before crossing the main fire trail and connecting with the Little White Rock Lookout Circuit. This circuit ascends somewhat via gravel paths and rock steps to the lookout, with views to the surrounding forest.
The track then descends via rocky slab steps and connects to the main fire trail. You then have the option to return to the car park or continue on to White Rock.
Track: The track is graded and easy to follow, with a number of wooden boardwalks and some steep sections involving rocky steps and slabs.
Difficulty: The track is suitable for most fitness levels. Some of the sections are somewhat steep, but short, with rocky steps.
Direction: The track involves connecting three shorter walks, which share some sections. While the connecting circuit can be completed in either direction, completing the walk in an anticlockwise direction makes the most sense – starting with Six Mile Creek Boardwalk, including the short side circuit to Bluff Lookout and then finishing with Little White Rock Lookout Circuit.
getting there
The trail starts from the car park at the Paperbark Flats Picnic Area near Ipswich, 45 minutes drive south-west of Brisbane.
The car park is ample, however can become busy on weekends and some afternoons.
Be advised the carpark is closed overnight – be sure to check the times on the sign and time your walk accordingly. There is an option to park outside the main parking area and walk a couple hundred metres to the trailhead if wishing to complete the walk at sunrise or sunset.
best time to go
The walk can be completed year-round, however is somewhat exposed to the sun, so may be less enjoyable during the warmer months.
Check the Ipswich City Council website for updates on track closures.
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.