Bellthorpe National Park Branch Creek Extended (Update 2024)

This is an updated version of the Branch creek rockhop within Belthorpe National Park. This version includes a couple of extra waterfalls and makes the exit from the creek at the four-wheel drive track.

Branch creek is a combination of waterfalls, rock slabs and water pools that provide one of the most interesting creek hikes that you can do in Southeast Queensland. The hike has some very difficult sections that require lifting your body up and also some steep scrambles up the sides of banks to avoid obstacles.

The start point is at the end of Fletcher road at the day use area in Bellthorpe National Park. There is a picnic area at the start and a swimming hole.

The first kilometer involves rockhopping up a wide creek bed. Eventually you start to hit some minor rock obstacles which you work around. As you proceed further up the creek the creek becomes steeper and the effort required significantly increased. This will involve you veering right or left to find the easiest path up the creek.

There is one section where the waterfall is so steep that the only avenue for getting past this is to ascend the left hand bank up a hill before sliding your way back down to the creek.There are number sections in the latter part of the creek where we found it simpler to just swim through the creek.

Eventually you hit the four-wheel drive track called Branch Creek Rd. Here you turn left go up the hill a little bit and you will find an old firetrall heading off to the left also called Branch Creek road.

You follow this trail for the next couple of k's until you hit a National Park sign. There is a photo in the accompanying track. From here you have to essentially contour around the side of the hill and until you hit the next major spur down the hill and then you follow this before eventually descending just before the end of the spur down to the left. You end up at the water hole swimming area next to the day use area.

A spectacular hike with incredible waterfalls and lots of physical climbing and swimming sections. On a hot day the return journey along Branch Creek road that goes across the top of the mountain can be very hot. This track has become somewhat disused in recent times and also in its lower points has been subject to wild pigs digging up the track.

If an incident occurs in your group whilst you do this track the best way to get out is either go back along the creek or go forward to Branch creek road. Both can be accessed by ambulance.

In my recent journey I noticed that a track had formed in the area that people have been using to connect the water hole at the day you see area with the National Park track across the top of the hills. Ignore the time assigned to this hike. It will take you a full day. Enjoy!