Main Range National Park Brisbane | Southern Queensland Country

Impressive mountain peaks, escarpments and ridges offer breathtaking views. Photo credit: © Janette Asche

Be inspired: A magical history tour of Queensland’s earliest national parks

South-East Queensland is the cradle of Queensland National Parks. So let’s take a tour of 4 of our earliest parks to learn the fascinating stories behind their creation and find out how to best enjoy them today. Photo credit: Nick Hill © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Camping at Main Range is perfect for kids who never stop!

We love them dearly, but high-energy kids are hard work. They’re courageous and inventive, making their own adventures wherever they go (anyone else got one that climbs everything?), and while we admire their creativity, there’s no denying that the task of managing their energy levels is enough to deplete our own. Photo credit: © J Asche

Be inspired: Favourite hikes for groups of ‘besties and buddies’ around Brisbane

When it comes to bushwalking with your ‘besties’ (friends or family), in Queensland National Parks near Brisbane, you’re truly spoilt for choice! Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Be inspired: Short walks for the family around south east Queensland

Walking in Queensland National Parks is a fun way to be healthier and happier, and to share special times with family and friends. Photo credit: Ellie Jamieson © Queensland Government

Journeys

  • The Scenic Rim Trail is a 47km, 4-day hike for experienced bushwalkers through World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park. Find out where the trail goes, where to get camping permits and what you will discover along the way.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    47km trail network
    Time suggested
    Allow 4 days walking time
    Grade
    Grade 5 walking track
    • Camping allowed
    • Campfires prohibited
    • Toilets
    • No showers
    • No barbecue
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No scenic drive
    • No generators allowed
    • No dogs permitted
    • Hiking
    • No walking
  • Discover the spectacular beauty of the Araucaria Falls on this short track flanked by lush subtropical rainforest.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    3.6km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 1.5hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Trek through high-altitude cool-temperate rainforest to magnificent views spanning the northern Ramparts and Darling Downs.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    6.8km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 4.5hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • Toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Step back in time as you wander through Gondwanan subtropical rainforest and giant brush box trees along West Gap Creek.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    5km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 2hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 3 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Wander through a canopy of rainforest and open forest alongside the upper reaches of Dalrymple Creek.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    6.5km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 3hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Walk to the top of Queen Mary Falls and the headwaters of one of Australia’s longest river systems—the Murray Darling.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    570m return
    Time suggested
    Allow 20min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 2 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Follow this informative circuit to bridges and platforms overlooking the vibrant aquatic life of stunning Dalrymple Creek.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    1.2km circuit
    Time suggested
    Allow 30min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 3 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Follow this track down the eastern side of Mount Cordeaux to sweeping views of Gap Creek Falls and the Fassifern Valley.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    9.8km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 6hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Sit back and take in the ‘incomparable panorama’ from this historically-significant vantage point over Lake Moogerah and Main Range.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    300m return
    Time suggested
    Allow 15min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 3 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Step back in time and sample Queensland’s best-known example of sophisticated 19th century civil engineering.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    3.2km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 1hr walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Take the whole family on this short walk to a natural spring named after the area’s first road contractor.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    120m return
    Time suggested
    Allow 10min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 2 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • This short walk has superb views over Laidley Valley, Little Liverpool Range, Mount Castle, Brisbane and beyond.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    960m return
    Time suggested
    Allow 30min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 3 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Delve into lush subtropical rainforest and montane heath to a lookout just below the 1135m peak of Mount Cordeaux.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    6.8km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 2.5hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Immerse yourself in early pioneer history and experience the rugged landscape of Main Range on this physically challenging walk.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    8.1km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 3hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Offering unparalleled views from Mount Mitchell's summit, get back to nature on this this energetic walk through woodland, rainforest and montane heath.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    10.2km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 3hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Explore Goomburra's fragrant eucalypt forest alongside a pristine mountain stream that is alive with birdlife.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    7km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 3.5hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Follow gentle land contours below Mount Cordeaux to a dense grove of tall and stately piccabeen palms.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    4.4km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 2hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Step back in time and pay homage to the early pioneers and their families who are buried at this cemetery.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    260m return
    Time suggested
    Allow 15min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 2 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Take a leisurely stroll through changing forests to the top, and then the base, of spectacular Queen Mary Falls.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    2km circuit
    Time suggested
    Allow 40min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 3 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • This short and easy walk has breathtaking views of volcanic peaks, the Fassifern Valley and Lake Moogerah.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    1.6km circuit
    Time suggested
    Allow 25min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 3 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Enjoy the challenge of this steep circuit that rewards you with views into the Dalrymple Creek valley.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    5km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 2.5hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Discover magnificent views as cool breezes flow up the cliff faces at this lookout on the edge of the Great Dividing Range.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    940m return
    Time suggested
    Allow 30min walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 3 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • Lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive
  • Walk through beautiful subtropical rainforest on this undulating track to the remains of an old logging winch.

    Journey type
    Walk
    Distance
    12km return
    Time suggested
    Allow 4hrs walking time.
    Grade
    Grade 4 walking track
    • No tent camping
    • No toilets
    • No picnic tables
    • No wheelchair access
    • No lookout
    • Walking
    • No scenic drive