THE TRAIL
The Cream Track spans 5.3km from the Springbrook hinterland to Tallebudgera Valley. This heritage listed trail offers valley creek crossings, hike past small banana plantations, climb over fallen trees that break the path, pass through 100-year-old farmland with beautiful wide-eyed highland cows and finally take in the view from the top of the world in the Springbrook highlands. The Cream Track is a challenging climb best tackled with a group, you will find that you rarely come across another hiker (if at all) and so you will almost certainly see an array of native Australian wildlife.
HISTORY
Martin Sheils and his family acquired a section of land in upper Tallebudgera in 1905 and as a working farm grew bananas and constructed a dairy. To make life a little easier and avoid the long trek through Mudgeeraba, Martin created a trail spanning from the mountainous Springbrook Plateau down to Tallebudgera Valley. This allowed cream to be transported more directly down the mountain. From here the cream would be taken to West Burleigh train station and onto Kingston and Tweed Heads butter factories. To begin with the track was only wide enough for a pack horse to pass carrying the cream stocks however it was used more thoroughly during World War 2 for soldiers and the transportation of military equipment. The last part of the track travels through New England Blackbutt forests and then finally through the 100-year-old Serenity farm which is still working today as a Highland Cattle Stud. You may meet some of these beautiful furry faces along the way.
DIFFICULTY
Hard – best to walk with someone or a group and assess your fitness level before starting the climb.
DISTANCE
5.3km each way
TIME 2-3 hours each way
KEY INFO & TIPS
Start at the bottom as it’s a tough walk but much nicer to know once you make it half way the return is all downhill.
Avoid private property, you will see signs marking ‘no entry’ zones along the track. Toilets are at the top where you come out at the picnic area.
Remember your water, sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent and some easy snacks can also make the journey more enjoyable.
PERMIT
It is important to register for your license to do the walk and allow passage through the farmland along the way. Simply fill out the online form at http://www.thecreamtrack.com.au/ and remember to carry a copy of your permit with you on the hike.
More information can be found at:
https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/mobile/thegoldcoast/the-cream-track-49868.html
http://www.thecreamtrack.com.au/
(River crossing in Tallebudgera Valley on The Cream Track)
(Springbrook Plateau, top of the Cream Track)
(Martin Sheils carting cream cans in 1910)
Highland Cattle