About Wongabel

• Getting there and getting around
• Forest features
• Camping and accommodation
• Things to do
• Things to know before you go
• Staying safe
• Looking after the forest
• Forest management
• Tourism information links
• Further information

Getting there and getting around

• Tablelands parks and forests (south) map (PDF, 219K)* 

Drive south from Atherton for 8 km on the Kennedy Highway. Turn left where the Wongabel State Forest entrance is signposted and follow the signs the short distance to the car park.

Wheelchair accessibility

Both tracks at Wongabel State Forest are gravel surfaces with occasional protruding rocks. Wheelchairs may be able to traverse the tracks, with assistance. The tracks do not meet Australian Standards for wheelchair-accessibility.

Forest features

Wongabel State Forest protects a remnant of endangered mabi forest, less than four per cent of which now remains. The name 'mabi' is derived from a local Aboriginal word for the near threatened (rare) Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo, the largest mammal found in this rainforest.

In 1903, red cedar seedlings were planted in the forest to replace the mature trees that were harvested from the area. Now, commercial plantations of hoop, kauri and Caribbean pine grow beside the native forest.

Enjoy the 750 m walk through the forest or take the longer, 2.5 km heritage route. Signs tell of the history of the area, as well as forestry practices and local ecology. Look for Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos and possums while spotlighting at night. The two tracks in Wongabel State Forest have been designed with consideration for walkers who are vision impaired.

• Read more about the nature, culture and history of Wongabel State Forest.

Camping and accommodation

Camping

Camping is not permitted in Wongabel State Forest.

Other accommodation

There is a range of holiday accommodation on the Atherton Tableland. For more information, see the tourism information links.

Things to do

Walking

Forest walk(Grade: easy)

Distance: 750 m return
Time: allow 15 mins walking time
Details: This short walk takes you deep into rare mabi forest. Experience the unique features that make this forest special and the animals that call it home.

Heritage walk(Grade: easy)

Distance: 2.5 km return
Time: allow 1 hr walking time
Details: Mabi forest and hoop pine plantations flank this walk. Learn about the history and culture of the area from trackside signs.

Things to know before you go

Essentials to bring

To enjoy your time at Wongabel State Forest remember to bring:

• drinking water
• sunscreent and a hat
• appropriate footwear
• insect repellent.

Opening hours

Wongabel State Forest is open 24 hours a day. Parts of the walking track are occasionally closed during the harvesting of adjacent plantations. See park alerts for up-to-date information.

Permits and fees

Special permits are required for commercial or organised group activities. Contact us for further information.

Pets

Dogs are permitted on the walking tracks in Wongabel State Forest but they must be on a leash at all times.

Climate and weather

The lower humidity and daytime temperatures at Wongabel State Forest are a pleasant escape from the coastal extremes. Maximum summer temperatures for Atherton are around 30 °C while winter temperatures can fall below 10 °C at night. Most of the rain falls during the wet season, between November and March. For more information, see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available in Atherton. For more information, see the tourism information links.

Staying safe

• Always carry water, wear a hat and sturdy footwear and try to walk in the cooler part of the day.
• Scrub itch is irritation and rash caused by mites. To avoid scrub itch, remain on the track at all times and do not sit on the ground or lean against trees or branches.
• Apply repellent for protection against scrub itch and biting insects.
• Avoid stinging trees. These plants grow to 4 m high and have large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Do not touch these plants as it will result in a very painful sting. If you are stung and symptoms are severe, seek medical advice.

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Looking after the forest

Spotlighting

If planning a spotlighting trip there are a few things that will make the experience memorable:

• Keep bulb wattage to 30 or less. This will increase the chance of finding animals (by not warning them of your arrival) and will extend your viewing time.
• Bring binoculars to get a good view.
• Use your senses to find wildlife. Look for eye shine, listen for leaves rustling and inhale the smells.
• Use a white light to explore then add a red or orange filter to view wildlife. Cellophane is useful.
• Remember that loud voices and sounds will scare away the wildlife and ruin your experience.
• Lights should never be trained on nesting birds; this can cause them great distress.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks

Forest management

Wongabel State Forest encompasses 181 hectares of hoop, kauri and Caribbean pine plantations and 263 hectares of mabi forest. Forestry Plantations Queensland Pty Ltd is responsible for management of the area. You can contact them on 07 4095 78509.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages and protects the walking track.

Tourism information links

Atherton Tablelands Information Centre
www.athertoninformationcentre.com.au
Cnr Silo Rd and Main St, Atherton QLD 4883
Phone: (07) 4091 4222
Email: infocen@athertonsc.qld.gov.au

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland Holidays.

Further information

Contact us

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Last updated 4 May 2012

Wongabel State Forest

• About Wongabel
• Nature, culture and history
• Tour operators