You may have noticed some changes in available tracks and climbs. The Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science has been busy working on our public spaces ensuring we have good sturdy trails on which to train and explore. Unfortunately, this means track closures from time-to-time. To stay up-to-date with current closures and works; the following links may be of assistance:
Twitter: @QldParkAlerts
Web: www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/
Current closures of note are:
Mt Tibrogargan: Major upgrade and temporary closure of Mt Ngungun Summit Track. The Summit Track will be closed until Saturday 27 July 2019. QPWS advise as alternate; visitors use the extensive trail network at the nearby Tibrogargan Section of the Glass House Mountains National Park. Please note however, Tibrogargan summit should only be attempted by experienced climbers.
Mt Coolum: Until Friday 31 May 2019 the Mount Coolum National Park summit viewing area and upper section of the walking track will be closed to the public between the hours of 7am and 5pm weekdays. These works aim to improve the visitor experience and – more importantly – reduce impacts to the natural environment of the mountain.
Mt Cootha Summit Track: Closed until mid-2019. During this time an alternative route linking the Summit and JC Slaughter Falls Picnic Area may be taken via the Mahogany track. See maps posted in the JC Slaughter Falls park area.
See whales! For those out and about on the coastal tracks, trails and roads, the Humpback whale migration is taking place June through to mid-November. Marathoners at the Rainbow Beach Trail Festival should take particular note after the climb to the lighthouse as whales are frequently spotted close to shore. Go fast enough to get there but slow enough to see.
Beware, magpies: Less desirable is the Magpie breeding season rapidly approaching. This is July through to November. Be aware in grassy lightly treed areas. They tend to aim for the sneak-attack so keeping them in sight and facing them will usually minimise the risk of physical contact.
Lastly some etiquette: Trail running is something we all love but we must always be mindful that we share the trails with other users. In my experience, trail runners are the most polite of sports people. A group where the tail can mix with the elite where there is mutual respect for what each of us achieves out there. Please offer assistance to any who might need it, slow down and do not rush those on narrow sections of trail, be polite when passing and always thank those who have given way. Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time.