Girraween National Park Southern Queensland Country

The Sphinx is a giant granite pinnacle with a huge balancing tor on top. Photo credit: © Ted Colles

Girraween National Park's spectacular granite landscape is a must-see! Photo credit: Darren Jew © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Camp amongst a ‘Flower and garden’ show that outshines all others at Girraween

‘It’s bloomin marvellous’, as Australian gardening guru, Peter Cundal, would say. You don’t need to fly to the UK for the Chelsea Flower Show or trek to Melbourne for the International Flower Show because, when it comes to wildflowers and rock landscaping, Girraween National Park outclasses them all. Photo credit: © Sarah Haskmann

Be inspired: ‘Girraween Vacation’—a family camping adventure in a ‘nature park’

If an escape from the family school day routine appeals (like, really appeals!) but the idea of a family road trip and camping holiday conjures up images of the Griswolds on vacation, leaving you in a cold sweat, we have a solution! Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government

The Sphinx and Turtle Rock

Hike along a ridge top to an ancient granite pinnacle and a large balancing tor, both towering over the landscape.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
7.4km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 3-4hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle
  • Bicycle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Walking

Branch off Castle Rock and take an easy walk along the ridge top to see these huge granite features. Marvel at The Sphinx, a granite pinnacle bearing a massive balancing topside tor—how does it stay perfectly balanced? Then discover the large granite monolith resembling a turtle's back. Look for the interesting plants and animals that thrive around the base. Can you find the angle from which this granite formation looks like a turtle?

Natural lookouts along the way offer superb views across the open woodlands of southern Girraween. You'll need around 4hrs to complete the hike combining Castle Rock, The Sphinx and Turtle Rock.

Getting there and getting around

The Sphinx and Turtle Rock is one of the southern walking tracks in Girraween National Park, located on the Queensland–New South Wales border, 260km by road south-west of Brisbane.

The Sphinx and Turtle Rock track begins on the southern side of Pyramids Road, near the Girraween Visitor Centre car park. There are two access roads (northern and western) to the centre, both accessible by conventional vehicles.

From Brisbane to western entrance

  • Drive about 220km south-west along the New England Highway via Warwick to Stanthorpe.
  • Continue 26km along the New England Highway to Wyberba (30km north of Tenterfield).
  • Turn onto Pyramids Road and follow this winding bitumen road through the Wyberba Valley 6km east to the western park entrance.
  • Drive about 3km to the Girraween Visitor Centre.

From Brisbane to northern entrance

  • Drive about 220km south-west along the New England Highway via Warwick to Stanthorpe.
  • Turn onto Sugarloaf Road, which turns into Eukey Road and drive about 15km via Storm King Dam towards Eukey.
  • About 1km before Eukey, turn onto Breens Road, drive 2.5km then turn onto Pyramids Road and drive about 6km to the northern park entrance.
  • Drive about 4km to the Girraween Visitor Centre.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

The Sphinx and Turtle Rock 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 Girraween safely and Walk with care.

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

View all park alerts