Karawatha Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Karawatha Forest |
|
|---|---|
Forest track
|
|
| Type | Nature reserve |
| Nearest city | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Operated by | Brisbane City Council |
| Open | Open all year |
Karawatha Forest is a large area of natural bushland in Brisbane, Australia. It covers about 900 hectares, which is like 900 football fields! It's one of the biggest remaining natural areas in the city. You'll find lots of dry eucalypt trees and woodlands here, with smaller native plants called heath growing underneath.
A group called the Karawatha Forest Protection Society was formed to help keep this bushland safe from buildings and roads. Today, the forest is owned and looked after by the Brisbane City Council. Money from a special Bushland Preservation Levy helps buy land to protect Karawatha Forest even more.
This amazing natural area has important wetland spots along Scrubby Creek and another unnamed creek. Both of these flow into Slacks Creek, which then joins the Logan River. Some cool places to look for in the forest include Poet's Rock, the Old Quarry, Curtisii Lookout, "the Rocks," Frog Hollow, and the Illaweena Lagoon system. The Gateway Motorway runs along the western side of the forest.
Contents
Animals of Karawatha Forest
The wet areas in Karawatha Forest are home to many special animals. Some of these are rare or in danger of disappearing.
Threatened and Endangered Species
- Powerful Owl: This is Australia's largest owl. It needs big, old trees to live in.
- Glossy Black Cockatoo: These beautiful black parrots have red tail feathers. They love to eat seeds from she-oak trees.
- Green-thighed Frog: This frog has bright green patches on its legs. It lives near water.
Other Amazing Animals
You can also spot other cool animals in the forest, even if they are not endangered:
- Red-necked Wallaby: A type of wallaby with reddish fur on its neck and shoulders.
- Swamp Wallaby: These wallabies prefer wetter areas and have darker fur.
- Eastern Grey Kangaroo: The most common type of kangaroo, often seen grazing.
- Greater Glider: A large gliding possum that can glide long distances between trees.
- Squirrel Glider: A smaller glider, known for its bushy tail.
- Sugar Glider: These tiny gliders are very cute and active at night.
Helping Animals Move Safely
.jpg)
In the southern part of the forest, there's a special bridge over Compton Road. This bridge helps animals move safely between different parts of the bushland without crossing the busy road. It's called a wildlife land-bridge, and it connects Karawatha Forest to the Kuraby bushland to the north.
This land-bridge is one of the most studied in Australia. It helps scientists learn how to protect animals better. The area also has two tunnels under the road for animals, three rope ladders, and a line of poles for gliders to use.
Fun Things to Do in Karawatha Forest
Karawatha Forest is a great place to explore and enjoy nature!
Walking and Picnics
There are about 33 kilometers (that's over 20 miles!) of walking tracks that are looked after by the Brisbane City Council. These tracks are perfect for a hike or a leisurely stroll.
You can't camp in the forest, and motorbikes or horse riding are not allowed to protect the natural environment.
There are two picnic areas with tables and drinking water taps. These spots are perfect for a family lunch or a snack break. The picnic areas are open every day from 6 AM to 7 PM.
Swimming Spot
There's also an old quarry in the forest. Some people like to visit this disused quarry for a swim when the weather gets hot.
