Main Range National Park Brisbane | Southern Queensland Country

This circuit is a great short walk for the whole family. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Queensland Government

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

Rainforest circuit

This short and easy walk has breathtaking views of volcanic peaks, the Fassifern Valley and Lake Moogerah.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
1.6km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
Time suggested
Allow 25min walking time.
Grade
Grade 3 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (constructed)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  • Walking

The beginning of an extensive track system on the northern side of Cunninghams Gap, this circuit winds through rainforest and past a monument acknowledging botanist Allan Cunningham. Stop to read about this adventurer, who explored the area in 1828.

Read about Gondwana and the different species along the track before climbing the stairs to spectacular views over ancient volcanic peaks, the peaceful Fassifern Valley and stunning Lake Moogerah.

During the cooler months, listen for the distinctive call and mimicry of male Albert’s lyrebirds.

Our Park Rangers reckon it’s an easier walk if you turn left at the base of the stairs and walk the circuit in a clockwise direction.

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 Rainforest circuit is in the Cunningham Gap section of Main Range National Park, about 120km south-west of Brisbane.

Getting to the Cunninghams Gap section

  • From Brisbane drive 116km south-west on the Cunningham Highway.
  • From Warwick drive 50km east on the Cunningham Highway to Cunninghams Gap.

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

Rainforest circuit 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.