Paperbark Forest Walk, Agnes Water - A Short Stroll Through a Tranquil Wetland Wonderland

Wander * Explore * Discover
Oct 24, 2023
2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Paperbark Forest Walk, Agnes Water - A Short Stroll Through a Tranquil Wetland Wonderland

Please note: This walk is currently closed for maintenance

Check for local updates before planning your visit.

The Paperbark Forest Walk is a short but enchanting circuit walk through one of the most peaceful pockets of bushland near Agnes Water. Located in the Reedy Creek Reserve, just three kilometres from town, this easy walk winds its way through a beautiful wetland forest filled with towering paperbark trees, lush undergrowth and birdlife.

Even though it’s only a 400-metre loop, this walk offers a quiet, immersive nature experience that feels far removed from the nearby coast.

Walk Details at a Glance

Distance: 400-metre circuit
Time: Around 15 minutes
Grade: Easy–Moderate (Grade 3)
Location: Reedy Creek Reserve, Agnes Water

Walking Through the Paperbarks

The Paperbark Forest Walk follows a gently winding trail made up of boardwalks and stepping stones, allowing you to walk through areas of thick, swampy undergrowth without disturbing the fragile environment.

As we wandered along the track, we were soon surrounded by hundreds of paperbark tea trees, their pale, peeling trunks creating a calm, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The combination of filtered light, earthy scents and birdsong makes this a wonderfully peaceful place to slow down and reconnect with nature.

While the walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, there are sections where you’ll need to balance on stepping stones and navigate a few uneven surfaces, so it’s worth taking your time.

A Protected and Endangered Ecosystem

The Reedy Creek Reserve protects an important and increasingly rare ecosystem — an intact patch of Queensland coastal and riparian forest. This includes an extensive paperbark and fan palm swamp, which provides vital habitat for native birds, insects and wildlife.

The dominant tree here is the Paperbark Tea Tree, which grows naturally along Australia’s east coast from Cape York in Queensland to Botany Bay in New South Wales. These trees thrive in silty, swampy soils and play an important role in stabilising wetland environments.

Best Time to Visit

When open, the Paperbark Forest Walk can be visited year-round. However, it may be closed or inaccessible after heavy rain or during periods of high fire danger, so it’s always a good idea to check local conditions before heading out.

Early mornings are especially lovely, when the air is cool and the forest feels alive with birdsong.

Tips for Visiting

Check locally to confirm the track has reopened after maintenance
Wear shoes with good grip for stepping stones and uneven sections
Take your time — this is a walk to enjoy slowly
Bring insect repellent, especially after rain
Combine with other Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy nature walks

Why the Paperbark Forest Walk Is Worth Doing

Short, gentle and quietly beautiful, the Paperbark Forest Walk is proof that you don’t need a long hike to enjoy a meaningful nature experience. When it reopens, it’s a lovely addition to any visit to Agnes Water, offering a peaceful contrast to the region’s beaches and coastal scenery.