Meaning “place of cockspur thorn” (a native, woody vine with yellow-orange, raspberry-like fruit and sharp thorns), Koolanbilba Lookout is a signposted vantage point just off the Ships Stern Circuit track.
Koolanbilba Lookout offers sweeping views down the Numinbah Valley, and on a clear day all the way to the distant peaks of Nerang National Park and North Stradbroke Island.
In the middle of the Numinbah Valley is Egg Rock (known as Kurraragin in the Yugambeh language), a volcanic plug of rhyolite, and a prominent geological feature. Although Egg Rock could once be climbed – it was featured on the illustrated front cover of The Queenslander on 4 May 1938 with visitors “climbing the rock and enjoying the 360 degree views from the summit” – access to the rock itself is now strictly prohibited as it’s a significant Aboriginal heritage site and sacred site.
To the right of Egg Rock is Turtle Rock (Yowgurrabah), which can be climbed via various access routes (some involving private property and requiring permission).
Getting to Koolanbilba Lookout
The signposted lookout is along the Ship Stern Circuit walking track from Binna Burra, about 1.7km from the trailhead. Although typically visited as part of a longer loop walk, on a clear day it’s worth heading here the expansive views.
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