Main Range National Park Brisbane | Southern Queensland Country

It's only a short walk to spectacular views over Lake Moogerah and the volcanic landscape of Main Range. Photo credit: © Gareth McGuigan

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

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

  • Conventional vehicle

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 conventional 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.

Western approach

  • The western approach towards Spicers Gap is suitable only for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and should be avoided in wet weather.
  • From Warwick drive 44.5km east on the Cunningham Highway or, from Cunninghams Gap drive 4.5km west on the Cunningham Highway.
  • Turn south onto Spicers Gap Road and drive about 4km to the park entrance.
  • Leave gates as you find them and stay on Spicers Gap Road at all times.

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.