Main Range National Park Brisbane | Southern Queensland Country

Marvel at the changing canopy along the track. Photo credit: © Jennifer Bartlett

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

Ridge track

Enjoy the challenge of this steep circuit that rewards you with views into the Dalrymple Creek valley.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
5km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 2.5hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Branching off the Cascades circuit, wander through open forests of New England blackbutt. These hardwoods, along with manna gum, rose mahogany and yellow carabeen, were logged from this area in the 1970s and 80s. Only a few large trees remain today, in inaccessible places that were difficult to harvest.

Stop at the natural viewpoints to catch your breath, and take in the sights of the Dalrymple Creek valley below.

In the she oak forests, listen for glossy black-cockatoos feeding on the trees’ seeds. These cockatoos only eat a few species of she oaks so the opportunity to see them is a real treat!

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 Ridge track is in the Goomburra section of Main Range National Park about 175km south-west of Brisbane.

Getting to the Goomburra section

  • The Goomburra section can be reached from both the New England and Cunningham highways.
  • From the New England Highway turn off the highway 3km south of Allora onto Inverramsay Road, follow Inverramsay Road, then Forestry Reserve Road east for about 35km to the park entrance.
  • From the Cunningham Highway turn off at Gladfield, 25km west of Cunninghams Gap or 13km east of the Cunningham and New England highway junction, and travel 8km to join Inverramsay Road, then follow Inverramsay Road, and Forestry Reserve Road 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

Ridge 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.