Main Range National Park Brisbane | Southern Queensland Country

Take in views of Mount Mitchell and Mount Cordeaux. Photo credit: Cameron Semple © High and Wide

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

Mount Mathieson trail

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 Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 3hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Walking

Take in the views of Cunninghams Gap from the natural lookouts along this rough trail through lofty eucalypts and lush rainforest.

From the Pioneer picnic area the first part of the trail, to Mount Mathieson, is a gentle grade. From there the trail is more rugged and you’ll need to tackle quite steep, rocky and narrow sections.

As you walk through the rainforest keep an eye out for the timber jinker (wagon), a relic from the early timber-cutting years.

Learn about the early pioneering years from informative signs along the trail.

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 Mount Mathieson trail is in the Spicers Gap section of Main Range National Park about 120km south-west of Brisbane.

  • The trail has two trail heads at the:
    • Pioneer picnic area
    • western end of Spicers Gap Road, 2.7km from the park entrance (4WD only). Close all gates after passing through.

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

Mount Mathieson trail 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.