Briagolong State Forest

Situated just north of the township of Briagolong, along the southern fall of the Great Dividing Range lies the Briagolong State Forest. The Briagolong State Forest has a rich history, with the original inhabitants of the region, the Briakoloong People, using the vast forest resources for building of canoes and shelters, as well as sourcing food, clothing and tool making. The early European explorers relied heavily on Koori guides during the exploration that was responsible for the opening up of the region. In the late 1800’s, these forests teemed with prospectors searching for that ever-elusive gold to bring them instant wealth.

Evidence of Aboriginal occupation can still be found today throughout the area with the recording of many archaeological sites including scarred tress, grinding grooves and artefact scatters. The Freestone Creek, Lees Creek and Granite Creek areas were the location of several alluvial gold mines. These were first discovered in the mid-1860s and though not highly profitable, continued to be worked into the twentieth century. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, a track existed to service the needs of the miners, connecting Briagolong and Gladstone Creek to the goldfields at Lees Creek and Granite Creek.

Nowadays, the Briagolong State Forest is home to fantastic bush-walks, with picnic and camping spots available for use to the public, and is known for the Blue Pool, a gem deep in the bush, that is now a beloved swimming hole that was formed in a basalt gorge.