Paradise to Westcott track
Experience magnificent rainforest, grassy ‘balds’ and open forest along the cliff line, and expansive views over the western plains.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 6.4km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 2.5hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 3 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
- Bicycle
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Walking
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The rainforest is full of photographic opportunities so remember your camera! Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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Pass through some of the most glorious rainforest on the mountain on the Paradise to Westcott track. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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The rainforest gives way to open forest along the western cliff line. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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Pass through Little Pocket, one of the smallest 'balds' scattered across the mountains. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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You may see the elaborate yellow blossoms of king orchids growing along the cliff edge. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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Look for birds, like Lewin’s honeyeaters, along the Paradise to Westcott track. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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Follow the Paradise to Westcott track along the western cliff line for western views over the plains. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
From Paradise car park, stroll through delightful rainforest to Little Pocket, one of the small natural clearings, or 'balds,' scattered across the Bunya Mountains. Walk on into open forest and follow the cliff line to Westcliff lookout. Soak up the views of valleys and open plains of the Darling Downs in the distance.
Look for Burtons legless lizards and watch peregrine falcons soaring from the cliffs and topknot pigeons feeding in the fig trees sheltered in the valley. In spring, look for king orchids along the cliff edge. The track ends at Westcott picnic area—from here continue on to Cherry Plain or retrace your steps.
Getting there and getting around
Paradise to Westcott track is in the Bunya Mountains National Park, 200km north-west of Brisbane and 125km north-west of Toowoomba in the South Burnett region.
- The track starts from either Paradise car park, 2.5km along Bunya Mountains Road or Westcott picnic area, 4km along Bunya Mountains Road from the south-eastern park entrance.
Several steep, narrow and winding routes, signposted as the Great Bunya Drive, lead to the park. The Bunya Mountains Road passes through the park from the south-east to the north.
From Brisbane via Toowoomba
- Drive 138km west along the Ipswich Motorway and Warrego Highway to Toowoomba.
- Continue 44km along the Warrego Highway to Jondaryan and turn right towards the Bunya Mountains.
- Travel 34km to Maclagan, turn left and follow the signs for about 31km to the park; 2km of this road is gravel.
From Brisbane via Yarraman
- Travel up the Brisbane Valley through Esk, or the D'Aguilar Highway through Kilcoy.
- Drive to Yarraman then turn left onto the New England Highway towards Toowoomba and travel 20km.
- Turn right to Maidenwell on Kingaroy-Cooyar Road, then turn left to the Bunya Mountains; about 3.8km of the road is gravel.
From Nanango
- Drive 30km to Maidenwell on Nanango-Tarong Road and turn right to the Bunya Mountains. This 55km route has about 4km of gravel road.
From Kingaroy
- Drive via Kumbia on the Bunya Highway and turn left onto Bunya Mountains Road and drive to the northern park entrance. This 56km route is sealed road.
From Dalby
- Travel 25km along Dalby-Cooyar Road to Kaimkillenbun, then drive 30km via Yamsion to Bunya Mountains Road and through to the south-eastern park entrance. These roads are sealed.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Paradise to Westcott track is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Bunya Mountains safely and Walk with care.
- Mt Kiangarow track and Cherry Plain to Burtons Well walk closed - due to maintenance. 9 February to 16 June 2023
- Temporary closure of Paradise carpark - Bunya Mountains National Park 3 May to 30 June 2023
- The Bunya Bunya walking track is closed 29 January 2023 to 29 January 2024
- Burtons Well camping area closure 1 February to 30 June 2023