Located a short drive from the township of Amamoor is the Amamoor State Forest – Amama Day Use Area. With a day use area on one side of the road, it is a perfect spot to relax. Or cross the road and take a hike.
The Day Use Area
The day use area is a very basic facilitated rest area with a wood fire BBQ and very basic amenities. There are some covered and uncovered tables and seating available. Skirting the back of the day use area is a very short walking track that follows the Amamoor Creek. There are viewing platforms where if you are lucky can get a glimpse of the local Platypus.
The Trails
Across the road is where the more serious hiking trails are. There are three tracks available, ranging from a quick 10-minute walk suitable for beginners and children, a longer one that is more challenging that ends at the cascades and waterfall. The waterfall is an excellent place to catch your breath, or cool down on those warm days. If they seem too easy, there is a full 2 km loop that is for the more experienced hikers. Criss-crossing a creek multiple times, sections of the track can get rather slippery. Then there is a very steep section that incorporates the Diamondfield Lookout, which overlooks the Mary Valley and the Amamoor State Forest. This stretch of the hiking trail does get rather difficult for novices. After this it is an easy downhill trek back to the day use area.
The on-track signage is a little lacklustre and mobile phone reception is spotty at best, so do take care with this track. For more information about this challenging, yet beautiful hiking trail, visit the Parks and Forests page.