Benarkin National Park and State Forest

Here, on the Blackbutt Range, you can see majestic hoop pines rise above dense subtropical rainforest. Pines planted in the 1920s thrive near blue gum and ironbark forests.

At Benarkin picnic area, leave the D'Aguilar Highway for a forest drive leading to 2 camping areas. From Clancy's, walk the dog or ride your mountain bike or horse on the National Bicentennial Trail.

At Emu Creek, look for turtles, platypus, and pigeons feeding in fig trees. On the Silky Oak walk, see lizards sunbathing and honeyeaters feeding in the bottlebrushes.