Girraween National Park Southern Queensland Country

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

Things to do

    Image of Girraween National park which is a great place for walking.

    Girraween National park is a great place for walking.

    Photo credit: Jolene Nelson © Queensland Government

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Camp at either Bald Rock Creek or Castle Rock camping areas. Walk-in bush camping is permitted in some parts of the park, subject to limits on numbers. Camping permits are required and fees apply.

    Other accommodation

    A range of holiday accommodation is available in and around Stanthorpe and Tenterfield. For more information see the tourism information links.

    Image of people walking up The Pyramid.

    Walking up The Pyramid.

    Photo credit: Jolene Nelson © Queensland Government

    Walking

    Girraween has 17km of walking tracks, ranging from a 280m stroll beside Bald Rock Creek to an 11km return walk to Mount Norman. Most walks start near the visitor information centre and day-use area—except where indicated. Main tracks are well defined but expect rocky sections and steep upper slopes.

    More experienced walkers with navigation skills can access an extensive fire trail network. A topographic map is required when using these remote tracks, none of which are described here.

    Walking tracks at a glance

    Matching experience and expectations—to make your planning easier, simply match your expectations and experience with the most suitable track or trail.

    All track distances are measured as return distances to their starting point unless otherwise indicated.
    Track nameDistanceDurationClassification
    Wyberba Walk 280m 15min Grade 2
    Granite Arch 1.6km 30min Grade 3
    Bald Rock Creek circuit 2.2km 1hr Grade 3
    The Pyramid 3.6km 2hr

    Grade 3 and Grade 4

    The Junction 3.7km 1.5–2hr from camping area Grade 3
    The Junction 5.2km 2hr from day-use area Grade 3
    Dr Roberts Waterhole 1.2km 30min Grade 2
    Underground Creek 2.8km 1–1.5hr Grade 2 and Grade 3
    Castle Rock 5.2km 1.5–2hr Grade 3 and Grade 4
    The Sphinx & Turtle Rock 7.4km 3–4hr Grade 3 and Grade 4
    Mount Norman 11km 4–5hr Grade 3 and Grade 4
    Mount Norman day-use area 4km 1.5–2hr from Mount Norman day-use area Grade 3 and Grade 4

    Northern section walks

    Tracks start from Bald Rock Creek day-use area or Bald Rock Creek camping area.

    Short or easy walks

    Wyberba walk

    Grade 2

    Distance: 280m
    Time: Allow 15 minutes return
    Details: Stroll beside the peaceful waters of Bald rock Creek for views of The Pyramid and spring wildflower displays. Glimpse wrens, thornbills and bowerbirds; or even a short-necked Bells turtle during the warmer part of the day.

    Granite Arch

    Grade 3

    Distance: 1.6km circuit
    Time: 30 minutes return
    Details: If time is limited, or if you prefer an easy stroll, this circuit track is ideal. Cross bald Rock Creek and wind through blackbutt and stringybark forest to Girraween's very own natural stone archway.

    Bald Rock Creek circuit

    Grade 3

    Distance: 2.2km circuit
    Time: 1 hour return
    Details: This circuit is ideal for a sample of Girraween’s finest features, with ample opportunity to see some of Giraween’s feathered, furred or scaly residents.

    Cross Bald Rock Creek and follow it downstream along The Junction Track until it meets the track from the camping area. Use the stepping stones to cross the creek again and return to the day-use area via the camping area.

    The Junction

    Grade 3

    Distance: 5.2km
    Time: 2 hours return from the Bald Rock Creek day-use area or
    Distance:     3.7km

    Time: 1.5-2 hours return from the Bald Rock Creek camping area
    Details: Enjoy an easy walk along the northern bank of Bald Rock Creek downstream to its junction with Ramsay Creek. In dry seasons, these creeks may not run.

    A must for wildflower lovers, this track is scattered in spring with superb wildflower displays. Flowering shrubs fringing the creek provide nectar for honeyeaters and parrots. Superb fairy-wrens, red-browed firetails and thornbills move through creek bank thickets seeking insects.

    Longer or more difficult walks

    The Pyramid

    Grade 3 and Grade 4

    Distance: 3.6km
    Time: 1.5–2 hours return
    Details: If the climb doesn't take your breath away, views of Balancing Rock, the Second Pyramid and over Girraween National Park will. Leave the Granite Arch track and weave steadily uphill through eucalypt forests, past rocky outcrops and grassy flats to the base of this massive granite dome.

    A good level of fitness is required to make the climb up The Pyramid as the ascent of the exposed rock face is steep and may be tiring. Take your time to rest and enjoy the view.

    Warning: the summit has steep cliffs and potentially slippery surfaces. Avoid climbing when wet. Keep to the track and supervise children closely.

    There is no walking track to the Second Pyramid and considerable rock climbing experience is necessary to scale it.

    Northern tracks combined

    Bald Rock Creek circuit and Granite Arch

    Grade 3

    Distance: 2.7km
    Time: 1.5–2 hours return
    Details: Add a 250 m detour to Bald Rock Creek circuit by including a visit to the majestic Granite Arch.

    The Pyramid, Granite Arch and Junction Tracks

    Grade 3

    Distance: 8.3km
    Time: 3.5–4 hours return
    Details: Combine The Pyramid, Granite Arch and Junction tracks for a memorable half day hike. Take a break atop The Pyramid before heading back to Granite Arch and down to the cool refreshing waters of Bald Rock Creek at The Junction.

    Southern section walks

    Tracks start from the southern side of Pyramids Road near the Girraween Information Centre or Castle Rock camping area.

    Castle Rock

    Grade 3 and Grade 4

    Distance: 5.2km
    Time: 1.5–2 hours return
    Details: Panoramic views from Castle Rock are breathtaking. The track varies from gentle to moderate gradients until the steep climb over exposed granite rocks to the summit. Black cypress, stringybarks and orange gums grow in woodlands on the rocky ridges, while yellow box and brown gums provide shade and good birdwatching along the way.

    Warning: the summit has steep cliffs and potentially slippery surfaces. Keep to the track and supervise children closely.

    The Sphinx and Turtle Rock

    Grade 3 and Grade 4

    Distance: 7.4km
    Time: 3–4 hours return
    Details: Branch off before Castle Rock and take an easy walk along a ridge top with some granite slabs. The Sphinx is a granite pinnacle bearing a large balancing tor, while Turtle Rock is a large granite monolith resembling a turtle's back.

    Mount Norman

    Grade 3 and Grade 4

    Distance: 11km
    Time: 4–5 hours return
    Details: Continue past Castle Rock and trek to the rocky slabs below Mount Norman, where the gradient varies from gentle to moderate. See the Eye of the Needle on Mount Norman's northern face. The track ends at the base of the Mount Norman monolith. The final approach to the summit is steep and rock climbing experience is needed to reach the absolute top. Do not attempt to rock climb alone.

    Southern tracks combined

    Grade 3 and Grade 4

    Distance: 15.4km
    Time: 6–7 hours return
    Details: For a full day hike, combine Castle Rock, The Sphinx and Turtle Rock tracks with a hike to Mount Norman. For a shorter 5.5–6 hour option, walk to Castle Rock and Mount Norman. A hike to Castle Rock, The Sphinx and Turtle Rock takes 4–5 hours.

    Mount Norman (from Mount Norman day-use area)

    Grade 3 and Grade 4

    Distance: 4km return
    Time: 1.5–2 hours
    Details: The walk through rock gardens and stands of graceful Wallangarra white gums on the southern face of Mount Norman is gently sloping, but has some steep sections. Look south for picturesque views of South, Middle and West Bald Rocks. The track ends at the base of the Mount Norman monolith. The final approach to the summit is steep and rock climbing experience is needed to reach the absolute top. Do not attempt to rock climb alone.

    Remember: take water, as it is not available at the Mount Norman day-use area.

    Eastern section walks

    Tracks start from Dr Roberts carpark 4km east of the Girraween Information Centre along unsealed Pyramids Road.

    Dr Roberts Waterhole

    Grade 2

    Distance: 1.2km
    Time: 30 minutes return
    Details: Take the gently sloping track to gaze at reflections in the still waters of Bald Rock Creek. Ground orchids, banksias, conesticks, geebungs and crinkle bushes are prominent in spring, as are the many colourful bird species living among them.

    Underground Creek

    Grade 2 and Grade 3

    Distance: 2.8km
    Time: 1–1.5 hours return
    Details: Leave the Dr Roberts Waterhole track to pass through swamp communities, woodland and shrub land on the way to Underground Creek. Features of this walk include spectacular wildflowers, varied birdlife and a creek that disappears beneath boulders that have fallen from cliffs above.

    Guided tours and talks

    There may be ranger-guided walks and talks in holiday times. Contact the Girraween National Park Visitor Information Centre for more details.

    Information Centre

    Spend time in the Girraween National Park Visitor Information Centre learning about Girraween's fascinating natural and cultural heritage, its wildflowers and dramatic landforms.

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Bald Rock Creek day-use area is next to the Girraween National Park Visitor Information Centre, at the base of The Pyramid, 9km from the New England Highway. Toilets, picnic tables, electric barbecues and water are provided. It is recommended that you boil or treat water before drinking, or bring your own drinking water supplies.

    Mount Norman day-use area can be reached by 2WD vehicles along unsealed Mt Norman Road about half an hours drive from Wallangarra. Pit toilets and picnic tables are provided, but water is not. Only 4WD vehicles may continue 12km north to meet with Pyramids Road.

    Viewing wildlife

    Girraween offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. See kangaroos, possums and many colourful birds. Enjoy the colourful wildflower displays in spring.

    With over 750 plant, 150 bird, 22 mammal, 23 frog and 45 reptile species, Girraween guarantees its visitors a close encounter of a natural kind.

    See the description of the park's natural environment for more details about Girraween's diverse wildlife.