Ben Bennett Bushland Park
Enjoy pathways and vegetation variety through this 21 hectare bush reserve in central Caloundra.
Suitability
Suitable for walkers out to see a range of native bush types in a small area.
Highlights
This hidden gem is so close to town yet feels like a natural bushland track. Perfect for those who like to leave the car at home as it's a five to ten minute walk from many Caloundra residents.
There are about a dozen interesting trails through the park ranging from 800m to 1100m return. (See maps at the Queen St entrance.) Start with the perimeter loop through several different vegetation zones. The Middle third is a rich rainforest. Other flora you'll encounter include: eucalyptus Melaleuca woodland, paperbarks, dry and wet heath, giant Tallowwood and Bribie Island Pines.
The park is a great place for bird watching and because of the botanical species in the park, it’s part of the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival held each August.
Note: During summer some of the lower tracks may be underwater.
All in all, this is a very family friendly and central piece of peacefulness with toilets, electric BBQ, tables and huts, medium grassed area and bitumen parking.
Afterwards
Head to Kings Beach for a swim or the The Esplanade at Caloundra for refreshments – both locations are close by and part of the Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway, which you can walk or cycle.
How to get there
To the starting point: Ben Bennett Bushland Park (Also referred to as Botanical Park) is located just east of Nicklin Way. (But not accessible form Nicklin Way.) You need to access it from Queen Street. On the left hand side as you are going up the hill, just past Caloundra High School there is a sign for Ben Bennett Bushland Park. There you will see bitumen parking spaces and an information board.
To the end point: The end point is the same as your starting point. You can go in and back or do a larger circuit going via suburban roads and streets, coming out on Arthur Street or West Terrace.
Accessibility guide
Starts on weathered bitumen from the car park, then becomes a pebbled path with inclines, declines and sandy sections through the heathland. Manual wheelchair users should expect a challenge over the uneven ground - power assist or a freewheel makes it easier. Walking the circuit clockwise keeps most of it downhill.
Starting from the Carpark, the trail begins with a weathered bitumen surface, providing a solid stable pathway for walkers and mobility equipment users. As you progress deeper into the park, the trail transitions into a more natural setting, featuring a pebbled path. Due to the pebbled ground cover and the presence of inclines and declines on the trail, individuals using manual wheelchairs should be aware of potential challenges. Using assistive power technology or attaching a freewheel can assist in navigating the uneven terrain and managing the slopes and sandy sections in the Heathwood sections of the trial more easily.
Although the trail may require extra effort for manual wheelchair users, it remains suitable for individuals who rely on mobility devices. It presents an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the bushland park, and the extra effort is well worth the experience. Those using power wheelchairs or other mobility equipment may find the trail more manageable, but it is still advisable to exercise caution and be mindful of the varying conditions along the path.
It is advisable to complete this circuit in a clockwise direction, which offers an easy trail experience primarily downhill. The trails are loop trails that return to the car park.
This hidden gem is so close to town yet feels like a natural bushland track. Along the way, you'll journey through several different vegetation zones and could spot wildlife, including scrub turkeys and wallabies. The smaller circuit takes you past a natural lily pond. Here, you can sit and listen to the chorus of frogs. Other flora you'll encounter include eucalyptus Melaleuca woodland, paperbarks, dry and wet heath, giant Tallowwood, and Bribie Island Pines.
The park is a great place for bird watching, and because of the botanical species in the park, it's part of the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival held each August.
- Accessible parking spaces.
- Accessible toilet facilities.
- Sheltered park bench and BBQ at the main car park and trail head.
The starting point to Ben Bennett Bushland Park (also known as Botanical Park) is located just east of the Nicklin Way along Queen Street in Caloundra. Coming along Sugar Bag Road, the entrance to the parkland is just next to the school. The entrance is marked by a large street-side sign that reads Ben Bennett Bushland Park. There you will see bitumen parking spaces, a day-use area, and a trailhead information board.
If you're looking for a meal or a coffee, the Caloundra RSL is conveniently located up the road on West Terrace. The RSL offers accessible parking and serves excellent meals for lunch or dinner.
Suitability
Starting from the Carpark, the trail begins with a weathered bitumen surface, providing a solid stable pathway for walkers and mobility equipment users. As you progress deeper into the park, the trail transitions into a more natural setting, featuring a pebbled path. Due to the pebbled ground cover and the presence of inclines and declines on the trail, individuals using manual wheelchairs should be aware of potential challenges. Using assistive power technology or attaching a freewheel can assist in navigating the uneven terrain and managing the slopes and sandy sections in the Heathwood sections of the trial more easily.
Although the trail may require extra effort for manual wheelchair users, it remains suitable for individuals who rely on mobility devices. It presents an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the bushland park, and the extra effort is well worth the experience. Those using power wheelchairs or other mobility equipment may find the trail more manageable, but it is still advisable to exercise caution and be mindful of the varying conditions along the path.
It is advisable to complete this circuit in a clockwise direction, which offers an easy trail experience primarily downhill. The trails are loop trails that return to the car park.
Highlights
This hidden gem is so close to town yet feels like a natural bushland track. Along the way, you'll journey through several different vegetation zones and could spot wildlife, including scrub turkeys and wallabies. The smaller circuit takes you past a natural lily pond. Here, you can sit and listen to the chorus of frogs. Other flora you'll encounter include eucalyptus Melaleuca woodland, paperbarks, dry and wet heath, giant Tallowwood, and Bribie Island Pines.
The park is a great place for bird watching, and because of the botanical species in the park, it's part of the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival held each August.
Facilities and activities
- Accessible parking spaces.
- Accessible toilet facilities.
- Sheltered park bench and BBQ at the main car park and trail head.
Getting there
The starting point to Ben Bennett Bushland Park (also known as Botanical Park) is located just east of the Nicklin Way along Queen Street in Caloundra. Coming along Sugar Bag Road, the entrance to the parkland is just next to the school. The entrance is marked by a large street-side sign that reads Ben Bennett Bushland Park. There you will see bitumen parking spaces, a day-use area, and a trailhead information board.
Afterwards
If you're looking for a meal or a coffee, the Caloundra RSL is conveniently located up the road on West Terrace. The RSL offers accessible parking and serves excellent meals for lunch or dinner.
Disclaimer:
This trail accessibility review has been undertaken by Spinal Life Australia. Please note that the trails reviewed are not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Instead, these reviews are intended to provide additional information to assist trail users and carers in assessing the usability of each trail, including details about accessible parking, trail surfaces, and amenity facilities.
About this place
- Suitable for walking
- Walking track grade
- Grade 2
- A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.
Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)
- Managed by
- Sunshine Coast Council
To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:
Safety
Hazards on this trail
As with most trails, insect repellent is recommended at dawn and dusk.
In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!
- Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
- Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
- Always bring more water than you think you will need.
- Be Sun Safe!
- Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
- Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
- Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.
So much to see in this beautiful reserve - heaps of birdlife, almost guaranteed to see lace monitors and if you are walking through in late autumn/early winter you can hear wallum froglets calling in the wetland. Easy walking and a great way to get some exercise and reconnect with nature.
Great, easy walk. The wide trails were perfect for walking my dog. Make sure you pick-up a brochure at the trail head to learn more about the species in the park.
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Printed from Adventure Sunshine Coast · https://adventures.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/trails/2002/ben-bennett-bushland-park
Always check current conditions and closures before you set out.