Governors Chair lookout track
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 Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 15min walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 3 walking track
Accessible by
- 4WD
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Walking
Perched high on the edge of a cliff face, this large rock was reportedly a popular resting spot for early Queensland governors when their journeys took them through Spicers Gap. Originally known as Governors Rock, the name changed to Governors Chair in 1854 in honour of Sir Charles Fitzroy—the then Governor-General of the Australian colony.
The resting spot was also a favourite destination for Queensland's first governor, Sir George Bowen, who would visit here from Brisbane town to feast his eyes upon the 'incomparable panorama'.
Other notable visitors include Lord Lamington and Aldous Huxley's grandfather.
This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, famed for its ongoing geological processes, evolutionary history, and diversity (especially of rare, threatened and endemic species).
Getting there and getting around
The Governors Chair lookout track is in the Spicers Gap section of Main Range National Park about 120km south-west of Brisbane.
- The track starts at the end of Spicers Gap Road, 4.9km from the park entrance.
Getting to the Spicers Gap section
Eastern approach
- The eastern approach to Spicers Gap is suitable for 4WD vehicles.
- From Brisbane, drive about 95km south-west on the Cunningham Highway.
- About 5km west of Aratula turn onto Lake Moogerah Road, drive 6km then turn onto Spicers Gap Road and a further 6km to the park entrance.
For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Governors Chair lookout 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 Main Range safely and Walk with care.
- Main Range National Park - Cunninghams Gap section walking track closures 7 February to 5 May 2024
- Roadworks at Cunninghams Gap - Mount Mitchell track temporarily realigned 10 November 2023 to 31 July 2024
- Box Forest track - Fallen trees across track 27–28 April 2024