Noowongbill Lookout was once part of the graded track leading to Fountain Falls and connected Binna Burra with O'Reillys via the Mid Range Traverse. Sadly, lack of funding has seen these tracks closed many years ago. However, the remains of the old track system are still there to help you find this forgotten lookout.
The challenging trek is approx 12km return and should take roughly 5 hours. Take the usual bush walking precautions, plenty of water, food and suitable footwear. You will be tackling a range of hiking conditions - graded tracks, rock hopping, old tracks and off-track navigation.
Park at Binna Burra lower car park and head down the graded track to Gwongoorool Pool. At WP1 locate the NP sign approx 400m before the pool. Grab the clues then continue along the old track starting behind the sign for approx 200m. This takes you to the creek. Cross here to the right of the large fallen tree in the middle of the creek and locate the start of the old track, marked with ribbons high up on a tree on the far bank.
You could head straight up to the lookout from here, but you will encounter cliffs. There is a way up through a cliff break, aparently, but we were not able to locate it and it would probably involve some rock climbing and use of ropes. The safer, less precipitous route is to follow the old graded track, northwards. Cross a small creek and continue on until you reach the "Leave Track" waypoint. Here you head up following the orange ribbons.
Don't worry if you loose the track, just head upwards untill you reach the Darlington Range ridgeline. The going is steep, but the foliage is not too dense, although you may encounter some scrunge, lantana, stinging trees and lawyer vine as you get near the top. Turn left (south) once on the ridge and head to the lookout. Locate the burned out tree at WP2 and grab the clue. Now head the sort distance to the lookout. After admiring the views, you are looking for the remains of the old NP sign post that marks the location of lookout approx 15m back from the lookout itself, under some bushes.
Fallen trees have reduced the size of the lookout, but we found a second larger lookout approx 400m south. We have rather stupidly named this "Knights of Ni" lookout. Python fans will get the connection to Noowongbill Lookout. This is a good place for a rest and some refreshments, and to admire the small shrubbery!
The cache is NOT at the posted coordinates but is hidden outside the NP boundary. You will need to collect clues on the hike to help you find it.
GZ is at:
S28 11.ABC E153 11.XYZ
Where:
A=Number of arrows on sign at WP1.
B=Number of letter "O" on sign at WP1.
C=Number of openings/windows, including the main entrance, in burned out tree at WP2, multiplied by 3.
X=Number of rusty bolts on remains of old signpost at Forgotten Lookout.
Y=Number of arrows on remains of old signpost at Forgotten Lookout.
Z=Number of arrows on sign at WP1.
Checksum: A+B+C+X+Y+Z =20.
A dip in Gwongoorool Pool is a must on the return trip if it's hot. Enjoy this unique and seldom visited part of Queensland.
It you can, please post a picture of yourselves at the lookout (not compulsory).