Girrakool Loop to Wondabyne Station via Scopas Peak

We started the walk from Girrakool Picnic area in this freezing morning. I was planning to bail on this walk due to the strong wind, cold temperature, and shower the day before. After a few threats from my friend, I thought I better turn up.



First we did the Girrakool loop, a short and easy walk passing the Aboriginal rock engraving site, Illoura lookout, Andamira lookout, and waterfalls. The loop goes back to the picnic area.












We started the walk again on the Piles Creek loop track, through the bushlands, down to the Phil Houghton Bridge. We had our picnic lunch next to Piles Creek, underneath the bridge. The view was very picturesque and the surrounding was very calm.





There was a bit of a tiring climb up to Scopas Peak. Luckily the weather was pretty cool which didn't make the climb as strenuous or dehydrating.
 
The sun was breaking through the clouds by then, shinning on the views from the top of Scopas peak. You could see Mooney Mooney bridge in the distance.
 


 And the view over Mooney Mooney Creek.
 
 Passing many interesting looking trees, such as this....

The walk ended down a steep decline to Wondabyne station. This is the only station in Australia that doesn't have road access. It is the smallest station I have ever seen, with the length of shorter than one train carriage. Only the last carriage door opens to let people on and off. The station, and the train track, is right next to the water. You would wonder how it will survive global warming.



Another day of great walk. I am glad I got out of my warm bed for this.

Total distance: 11.75km
Climb: 664.8m
Time: 4hours 16minutes

http://beyondtracks.com/walks/brisbane-water-national-park/girrakool-to-wondabyne-via-piles-creek/

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