Ships Stern Circuit

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Caves Circuit & Ship's Stern Circuit (-28.1966321,153.1871193)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Pacific Motorway, M1 Turn on to then drive for 490 m Turn left onto Gilston Road and drive for another 1.7 km At roundabout, take exit 3 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 670 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 530 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 820 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto McLaren Road and drive for another 185 m Continue onto McLaren Road and drive for another 370 m Keep right onto Beaudesert - Nerang Road, 90, 8 and drive for another 175 m Continue onto Nerang - Murwillumbah Road, 97 and drive for another 2.9 km Turn right onto Beechmont Road, 84 and drive for another 18.5 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Binna Burra Road, 84 and drive for another 10.5 km

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Binna Burra Road(210 metres north of Binna Burra Tea House), Lamington National Park, head towards the white-brown informational signpost next to the green directional signpost gently downhill along the grass path, moving directly away from the road. Follow the “Ships Stern Circuit” signage and follow the dirt track as it leads you deeper into the woodland. Cross the Bell Bird Creek after passing by the campsite to your right to continue along Ships Stern Circuit(clockwise). This is the encouraged direction of travel.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Caves Circuit & Ship's Stern Circuit Start heading along Ship's Stern Circuit (a walking track). Find the sign at the start.
	Continue straight, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 135 m come to the "Binna Burra Mountain Lodge Campsite" (60 m on your right). After another 60 m cross the ford. After another 260 m (at the intersection of Ship's Stern Circuit & Bellbird Lookout) continue straight, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. Then pass the sign (9 m on your right). After another 180 m cross the ford. After another 65 m cross the ford. After another 750 m pass the "Chiminya Falls" (50 m on your right). After another 190 m pass the sign (7 m on your right). Then pass the sign (25 m on your right). Then come to the "Koolanbilba Lookout" (25 m on your right). After another 5 m pass a seat (25 m on your right).
	After another 10 m turn left, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 440 m pass the "Chiminya Falls" (20 m on your left). After another 155 m come to the "Koolanbilba Cave". After another 220 m come to the "Yangahla Lookout" (30 m on your left).
	Turn right, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 8 m pass the sign (6 m on your left). After another 190 m cross the ford. After another 315 m cross the ford. After another 175 m come to the "Wojigumai Cave". After another 140 m cross the ford. After another 65 m cross the ford. After another 155 m (at the intersection of Ship's Stern Circuit & Lower Bellbird Circuit) continue straight, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. Then pass the sign (on your left). After another 690 m cross the ford.
	After another 135 m (at the intersection of Lower Ballunjui Falls Track & Ship's Stern Circuit) turn left, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 40 m pass the sign. After another 105 m cross the ford. After another 560 m pass the "Mimigoginya Cave" (40 m on your right). Then cross the ford. After another 235 m cross the ford. After another 800 m pass the "Goonoomoonee Cave" (105 m on your right). After another 145 m cross the ford. After another 325 m cross the ford. After another 260 m cross the ford. After another 225 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to Charraboomba Rock, which stands 397 metres above sea level. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 125 m (at the intersection of Ship's Stern Circuit & Charraboomba Rock Trail) turn right, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 9 m pass the sign (5 m on your left). After another 125 m come to the viewpoint (20 m on your left). After another 235 m cross the ford. After another 480 m come to the "Moonjooroora Lookout" (110 m on your left). After another 215 m cross the ford. After another 480 m pass the "Jooyamoolya Cave" (on your right).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Kooloobano Point, where you can appreciate the amazing views over the norhtern parts of Lamington and Springbrook National. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 95 m (at the intersection of Ship's Stern Circuit & Kooloobano Point Trail) turn sharp right, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 430 m come to the "Milleribah Lookout". After another 105 m come to the "Nyoongai Lookout". After another 65 m pass the "Ships Stern" (65 m on your right). After another 125 m come to the "Goorooburra Lookout".
	After another 275 m veer left, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 420 m come to the "Burrawong Lookout" (10 m on your left). After another 125 m pass the sign (on your right).
	Turn left, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit.
	After another 2.4 km (at the intersection of Ship's Stern Circuit & Upper Ballunjui Falls Track) veer right, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. Keep left. After another 8 m pass the sign (6 m on your left). After another 50 m cross the ford. After another 220 m cross the ford.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to a viewpoint where you can see the Balanjui Cascades from above. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 95 m continue straight, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 25 m pass the sign.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to Nagarigoon Falls, where you can view the lovely litte waterfall up close. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 230 m turn left, to head along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 105 m come to the "Nagarigoon Clearing" (20 m on your left). Campsite managed byQld Parks & Wildlife.
	After another 30 m (at the intersection of Daves Creek Circuit & Ship's Stern Circuit) turn right, to head along Daves Creek Circuit. After another 40 m continue straight, to head along Daves Creek Circuit. After another 10 m pass the sign (6 m on your right). After another 25 m pass a seat (on your right). After another 20 m cross the ford. After another 185 m cross the ford. After another 95 m cross the ford. After another 760 m (at the intersection of Daves Creek Circuit & Border Track) continue straight, to head along Border Track. After another 450 m pass a seat (on your left)., has no backrest.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to Tullawallal Lookout via the Tullawallal Trail that circles around the said lookout to minimize steepness. Keep in mind that this side trip may add up and average of 20 minutes(out&back) to your trip. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. At the intersection of Border Track & Coomera Circuit continue straight, to head along Border Track. After another 450 m cross the ford. After another 890 m (at the intersection of Border Track & Rainforest Circuit) continue straight, to head along Border Track. After another 460 m (at the intersection of Border Track & Rainforest Circuit) continue straight. After another 40 m pass the sign. After another 35 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left). After another 25 m come to the "Binna Burra Mountain Lodge Campsite" (65 m on your right). Then pass the car park (10 m on your right).
	Veer right, to head along Binna Burra Road. After another 25 m pass the "Binna Burra Teahouse" (25 m on your right). Mo-Fr 09:30-15:30 Sa 07:30-20:00 Su 07:30-16:00
	After another 295 m come to the end.

An optional side trip taking you to Charraboomba Rock, which stands 397 metres above sea level.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Ship's Stern Circuit & Charraboomba Rock Trail Start heading along Charraboomba Rock Trail (a walking track).
	Continue another 310 m to find Charraboomba Rock at the end. "Charraboomba Rock". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 310 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Kooloobano Point, where you can appreciate the amazing views over the norhtern parts of Lamington and Springbrook National.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Ship's Stern Circuit & Kooloobano Point Trail Start heading along Kooloobano Point Trail (a walking track). After 30 m pass the sign (5 m on your left).
	Continue another 100 m to find Kooloobano Point at the end. "Kooloobano Point". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 130 m to the main route.

An optional side trip taking you to a viewpoint where you can see the Balanjui Cascades from above.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	Continue another 65 m to find Ballanjui Cascades (upper) at the end. "Ballanjui Cascades (upper)". About 45 m past the end is "Ballanjui Cascades". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 65 m to the main route.

An optional side trip taking you to Nagarigoon Falls, where you can view the lovely litte waterfall up close.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Ship's Stern Circuit. After another 40 m come to a ford. About 10 m past the end is "Nagarigoon Falls".
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

An optional side trip taking you to Tullawallal Lookout via the Tullawallal Trail that circles around the said lookout to minimize steepness. Keep in mind that this side trip may add up and average of 20 minutes(out&back) to your trip.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Border Track & Tullawallal Circuit Start heading along Tullawallal Circuit (a walking track).
	After another 40 m (at the intersection of Tullawallal Circuit & Tullawallal Trail) veer right, to head along Tullawallal Trail.
	After another 730 m come to the end. About 45 m past the end is "Tullawallal Lookout". Turn around and retrace your steps back the 770 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Ships Stern Circuit

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	17 km
Time	4 h 30 min, 10 h 30 min to 2 days

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Camp site: There are 2 on route, on average they are 5.7 km apart with the largest gap of 13.1 km.

Toilet: There is one 16.7 km from the start.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4.2 km apart with the largest gap of 11.7 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Camp site	160 m	Binna Burra Mountain Lodge Campsite
Seat	1.6 km	[seat]
Camp site	13.2 km	Nagarigoon Clearing
Seat	13.3 km	[seat]
Seat	14.8 km	[seat]
Toilet	16.7 km	[toilet]

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Tweed Heads Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Tuesday 17 September
  
  Clear.
  
  Mostly clear. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h.
  
  Wednesday 18 September
  
  13°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  The chance of fog in the early morning. Sunny day. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the late evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching the mid to high 20s.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Far North Coast: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:30am to 2:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 7 [High]
  
  Thursday 19 September
  
  14°C → 27°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching around 30.
  
  Friday 20 September
  
  14°C → 27°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching around 30.
  
  Saturday 21 September
  
  14°C → 26°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the north in the morning and afternoon. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching the mid to high 20s.
  
  Sunday 22 September
  
  14°C → 27°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Monday 23 September
  
  13°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny.
  
  Tuesday 24 September
  
  15°C → 25°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Lamington National Park alerts
  Partial track closure - West Canungra Creek circuit (update 2 Sep)
  Due to significant fallen trees and landslide which is obstructing the track and impeding safe visitor access, the West Canungra Creek circuit in the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park is only partially open in a clockwise direction to Yerralahla Pool (Blue Pool). Walkers must return the same way. Affected parks: Lamington National Park
  Temporary walking track closure - Lower Bellbird track. (update 27 Aug)
  Due to the potential for rock fall associated with construction works on private property above the Lower Bellbird track, a section of the walking track will be temporarily closed between Rankins Paddock and the junction of the Ships Stern circuit until further notice, to ensure visitor safety. Affected parks: Lamington National Park; Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
  Advisory notice - Planned burn – Binna Burra section – Lamington National Park (update)
  Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) along with the Queensland Fire Department and other partner agencies will be conducting a planned hazard reduction burn in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park during the month of September 2024, pending favourable conditions, as part of the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for parks and forests. Affected parks: Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk; Lamington National Park
  Advisory notice - Planned burn – Green Mountains section – Lamington National Park (update)
  Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) will be conducting planned burning in the Mt Razorback/Lost World & Mt Widgee at Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park, including aerial incendiary ignition, during the month of September 2024, as part of the annual hazard reduction/conservation management program for parks and forests. Affected parks: Lamington National Park
  Safety Advisory Notice: Coomera Falls circuit - High degree of caution required
  Due to several compounding severe weather events and ongoing wet conditions the Coomera Falls circuit has sustained significant damage in parts, particularly in the southern section between the Coomera Falls Lookout and the Border track junction. Affected parks: Lamington National Park
  
  Alert kindly provided by © Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

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