Growing up on a cane farm with my three sisters meant we were always jumping a fence and heading into the bush on an adventure. Weekends and school holidays were filled with building bush cubbies, playing in creeks, and chasing butterflies and frogs along bush tracks.
There are so many beautiful nature parks located across the greater Bundaberg Region, here are some of our favourites.
Russo Nature Park, North Isis
Stockyard Creek greets you at the entrance of Russo Nature Park and follows you as you explore. We love taking our shoes and socks off and paddling in the pristine water whenever we visit. Keep a lookout for tadpoles, moss, and water plants.
Meadowvale Nature Park, Bundaberg
Only 10 minutes from Bundaberg along Rosedale Road, this natural bushland is a great place to take kids for a short bush walk. All tracks lead to Splitters Creek and the chance to glimpse a platypus.
Utopia Rock Pools, Mt Walsh
Located in the Mt Walsh National Park just outside of Biggenden, these rock pools are simply divine and well worth the travel time. You will know you have arrived when you hear the sounds of running water. Climb up and over the rocks to see Waterfall Creek and the rock pools. Be sure to check the National Park Alerts online before travelling.
Paperbark Forest Boardwalk, Agnes Water
This is an absolute must do! It is a nice short walk over a 400m circuit through paperbark wetlands. It includes dirt tracks, concrete bollard steppingstones and a series of timber boardwalks so you can enjoy the wetlands without getting your feet wet! The crickets are loud as you enter and begin your walk surrounded by lush ferns, a mixture of paperbark trees and cabbage palms.
Other local walks we love to visit:
Sharon Gorge, Bundaberg
Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park, East Bundaberg.
Riverview Environmental Reserve, Riverview
Fay Smith Wetlands Maryborough, Maryborough
Angela Twyford is the co-founder of Wide Bay Kids.