Lower Beechmont Conservation Area

View down to the coast from Freemans lookout

Lower Beechmont Conservation Area covers 775 hectares and is one of the largest conservation areas managed by the City.

This land is part of the Canungra to Coombabah habitat corridor and forms critical links to Mount Tamborine and Springbrook. The corridor is a significant natural landscape, especially for native animals that travel long distances between hinterland and coastal habitat areas in search of food, partners and shelter.

The main ridgeline on which the conservation area is located is a prominent scenic feature of the Gold Coast hinterland landscape. The reserve is located at the northern extremity of the Beechmont Plateau on the McPherson Range. Its position in the landscape makes an important contribution to the forested green backdrop of the city.

This special place was purchased by the City for the people of the Gold Coast due to its outstanding natural values. There is a management plan for this, and a number of other reserves in the area. For information on how we manage the reserves, read the Lower Beechmont – Mount Nathan Conservation Reserves management plan(PDF, 1MB)

Dog prohibited area

This is a dog prohibited area.

City of Gold Coast has numerous areas where you can exercise your dog off leash.

Find an off leash exercise area

Freemans Road section

The Freemans Road section of Lower Beechmont Conservation Area is a great spot for a day trip, featuring picnic tables at the trailhead and a beautiful grassed picnic area at Freemans Lookout, where visitors can take in stunning eastern views of the Gold Coast skyline. A short walk (two kilometres round trip from end of Freemans Road) leads up to the lookout, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Near the trailhead, a frog pond provides habitat for at least 10 frog species, including the rare and vulnerable tusked frog, making this area an excellent location for wildlife enthusiasts.

This special section of Lower Beechmont Conservation Area has its own management plan. For more information on how the City manages this conservation area, read the Lower Beechmont Conservation Area – Freemans Lookout Section Management Plan(PDF, 441KB)

Terrain map(PDF, 507KB)

Barcoo Court to Bellis Road trail

In recent years, the Barcoo Court to Bellis Road trail has been repaired and brought back into public ownership. This trail has always been popular with horse riders, although mountain bikers and bushwalkers are now also known to use it.

Terrain map(PDF, 537KB)

Clagiraba Creek trail

The Clagiraba Creek trail (4.4 kilometres return from the Bellis Road entrance) takes you deep into the green tranquillity of subtropical rainforests. It's possible to access the Clagiraba Creek trail from Barcoo Court, but be prepared for a more challenging route with steeper hills, popular with mountain bike riders and horse riders.

Terrain map(PDF, 537KB)

Lower Beechmont Conservation Area (eastern section)

The trails in this area are used by horse riders, mountain bikers, bushwalkers and nature lovers. This is a rugged, natural environment and you need to be well prepared and self reliant when in the reserve. Some of the trails link with those in Nerang Conservation Park.

Terrain map(PDF, 583KB)