NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY, CROWS NEST
Applegum Walk is an ecologically fascinating short trail that connects Bullocky's Rest Park and Hartmann Park, only a stone's throw from the Crows Nest town center. Enjoy spotting birdlife along this creek-side walk, or search for long-necked turtles at the Pump Hole. Sure-footed walkers can cross the creek to discover unique sandstone features or be surprised by the distinctive native flora along Hartmann Park's walking circuits. The parks at either end of Applegum Walk include facilities for picnic-makers, while the rugged beauty of the walking trails will delight nature photographers, history buffs, plant enthusiasts and explorers of all ages.
About The Name... Bullockys Rest Park was a popular campsite for timber-getters in the late 1800's-early 1900's on their route between Cooyar and Toowoomba. The unromatically-named 'Pump Hole' refers to a period when this waterhole housed a steam pump servicing the local butter factory. The land for Hartmann Park was donated to the Toowooomba Regional Council in the 1970's by Hubert Victor Hartmann, a local resident of proud botanical lineage. (Hartmann Bushland Reserve in Rangeville is named for his grandfather, Carl Heinrich Hartmann, who founded the once famous Hartmann Nursery on the Toowoomba Escarpment.) The Hartmann Park walking trails are each named after local native plants (Montivaga, Tea Tree and Bottlebrush), while Applegum Walk is named for the Rough-barked Applegum (Angophora floribunda) whose twisted branches are an iconic sight along the creek-banks.
BUSHWALKING GUIDE
| Applegum Walk | Hartmann Park Walks (Montivaga, Tea Tree & Bottlebrush) |
Grade |  moderate | moderate |
Distance | 2.1km | 1.3km |
Trail Type | one way | combined |
Walking Time | 40min | 30min |
Amenities/Suitable For:
Location & Parking:
Bullocky's Rest trailhead: Located on the main road into Crows Nest - look for the life-sized statue of a bullock team. There is a compacted gravel parking area, toilets, covered BBQ area and historical signage. The trailhead is located behind the toilet block.
Hartmann Park trailhead: Use the angled street parking at the end of Williams St. Walk down the short, steep driveway to access the Applegum Walk trailhead, toilets and picnic table. Cross the low metal gangway over the creek to complete the network of short trails through Hartmann Park.
Note: The creek floods after heavy rain and bridges may be washed out. Use Hartmann Park trailhead after rain.
Walk 1: Applegum Walk - including short side tracks
This creek-side trail can be completed as an out-and-back walk (approx. 4km return), or follow the signposted arrows to create a loop that returns via town. The track can be rocky or muddy in sections and includes rough steps, but should be suitable for most fitness levels. All intersections are signposted clearly. Some informational signage is included along the trail.
Starting from the Bullocky's Rest carpark, find the trailhead near the toilet block and turn right to cross the wooden bridge. Follow the grassy track along Crows Nest Creek, then cross back to the opposite bank via the metal gangway. (This creek-crossing is usually dry - use caution if crossing after rain.)
Walk up the short, natural stone staircase (slippery when wet) and continue along the dirt track in view of the creek. If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of spots to get down into the creek-bed and explore, depending on water levels.
Turn right at the first Pump Hole signpost to view the waterhole from above, or take the second turn-off, down a set of uneven stone steps, to get up close to the waterhole. Keep an eye out for long-necked turtles or water dragons on the granite slabs above the waterhole. When the creek is flowing strongly there is a waterfall here. Return to Applegum Walk via the stairs. Modern rock artwork suggests this was/is a meeting place for local First Nations people - a nice reminder that this special place has been enjoyed by families for thousands of years. Return to Applegum Walk via the same track.
Ignore the Chasely Park signpost, and continue straight ahead until you reach next intersection, marked by a map. Turn off to the right and walk a short distance to see evidence of an old weir, then cross the creek to see the low sandstone caves on the confluence point between Crows Nest Creek and Bald Hills Creek. Return to Applegum Walk via the same track.
The walking trail continues along the edge of Bald Hills Creek until it reaches the picnic area at Hartmann Park. This section is usually well maintained but may be grassy and narrow after long periods of rain.
Walk 2: Combined Hartmann Park Walks - Montivaga, Tea Tree & Bottlebrush Circuits
This walk combines three short circuits through the granite-strewn landscape on the northern side of Bald Hills Creek. This Grade 3 track includes an initial stone staircase, then continues with a sandy dirt track through sparse eucalypt forest. (Note: shade is minimal - remember to pack your hat/suncreen). Trails are signposted and mostly clear to follow, though the track can be narrow and uneven at points. As this side of the creek is more rugged and less frequently maintained, you may encounter wildlife such as goannas or snakes. Some plant signage is included along the trail.
Starting from the Hartmann Park picnic area, follow the brown signpost arrow down the rocky staircase towards the creek and cross via the metal gangway. (The creek is usually gently flowing at the point - be cautious after rain.)
On the opposite bank, walk up the rocky staircase to your left and continue along Bottlebrush Walk - a wide, dirt pathway passing through interesting plant-life including grass trees and banksias.
For a shorter circuit, turn right at the next brown signpost onto Montivaga Circuit and return to the creek crossing in an anti-clockwise direction.
For a longer circuit, continue straight ahead at the brown signpost to complete the Tea Tree Circuit in an anti-clockwise direction. This trail skirts along the fence-line of a private property then comes in sight of Dingo Mountain Road before curving back towards the creek. There is a narrow, dry creek-crossing on the return journey that may be slippery after heavy rain.
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