Great Walks of Ipswich – City Lights Hiking Tour at White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

Discover White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate at dusk. Watch the moon rise into the sky as the sun sets. Meet the furry locals and their feathery friends on this rare opportunity to explore the estate as the sun goes down on a guided walking tour to experience nature after the park has closed.

The city lights twinkling in the distance will beckon you to book onto this walking tour that will give you access to the Conservation Estate at dusk.  Brisbane City lights will provide the perfect backdrop for a well-deserved rest after learning about the environment and history of White Rock – Spring Mountain.

The tour stops at the main ridge lookout that takes in the wondrous landscape stretching from Springfield to Mount Coo-tha and due North West, you may spy the runways of RAAF Base Amberley from afar. BYO snacks and water to refuel before returning on the night trail.  Switch the torches on for the hike back and spot the locals as they come to life along the forest floor and among the trees. Creep along the soft moonlit trails that will guide you back to the beginning of this wondrous walking adventure with Discover Ipswich.

Located just 20 minutes from the Ipswich Central Business District and 35 minutes from Brisbane Central Business District, White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate features the distinctive, sculptured, rocky outcrops of White Rock* and Spring Mountain.  Covering over 2,500 hectares of regionally significant bushland, the Estate also features extensive forested ridges, escarpments and valleys that are home to an amazing array of plant and wildlife species. White Rock itself is registered Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and climbing it is prohibited.

Where: White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, Paperbark Flats Picnic Area (end of Schools Road, Redbank Plains).  Park in lower car park (located at the very end).

When: TBA
Numbers are strictly limited, book now to avoid disappointment.

Time:  Meet 15 minutes prior at 5:15pm for a 5:30pm departure start.  The tour is expected to return at approx. 8:30pm.
Please plan ahead to arrive on time as courtesy to other guests, so the tour can depart and return on time.  Unfortunately, the tour cannot be delayed for latecomers. You are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure times.

Cost: $20 Adult. $18 Concession, $60 Family (2A,2C)* or (1A,3C)*
*Please note that this tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old. All patrons must be able to hike unassisted for the duration of the tour.  Children up to the age of 17 years can be included into the family bundle. The Great Walks of Ipswich walking series are no longer subsidised by Enviroplan and rates are kept as low as possible to encourage participation.  Please read important information below:

Important information:
Is this activity suitable for me?

• Alcohol and drug free event
• This walk requires a reasonable level of fitness and good balance
• Secure enclosed footwear suited to bush walking is required
• This walk is expected to take around 3.5 hours
• The walk is an unsealed bush track of moderate difficulty and includes steep, rocky, loose and sloping surfaces
• The return walk will be after dark (headlamps provided)
• Wildlife including snakes may be encountered on this walk
• This walk is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs and or mobility aids.

Please bring

• Water
• Snacks
• Binoculars
• A light jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes and suitable clothing

You will be required to read and acknowledge the Risk, Responsibility & Waiver Form when booking, and is available to read here: Risk Waiver Acknowledgement

*This Estate remains sacred to the Traditional Owners of Ipswich.  Some of the Cultural Landscapes within this estate include White Rock, the caves and outcrop overhangs.  These sacred sites are very important to the Traditional Owners as they provide a link between Country and personal identity and allow the passing on of cultural knowledge.  As per Cultural Protocol the Traditional Owners have requested no one climbs White Rock.  Pictured above is the view from the Main Ridge Lookout.

Acknowledgement of Country
Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners as custodians of the land and waters with which we share.  We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.