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Main Range National Park

  • Nature, culture and history
  • Park alerts and park summary

    Getting there and getting around

    Cunningham's Gap section

    Main Range National Park is 116km south-west of Brisbane and 50km east of Warwick. The Cunningham Highway crosses the park at Cunningham's Gap.

    The eastern approach to Spicer's Gap is suitable for conventional vehicles and is reached via Lake Moogerah Road, which leaves the Cunningham Highway 5km west of Aratula, then Spicer's Gap Road. Spicer's Gap Road ends at Governor's Chair carpark.

    The western approach towards Spicer's Gap is suitable only for high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and should be avoided in wet weather. The road leaves the southern side of the Cunningham Highway 1.5km west of the Main Range National Park office. The road ends at the Mount Mathieson carpark. Gates must be left as found. Vehicles are to remain on the Spicer's Gap Road at all times.

    Queen Mary Falls section

    Queen Mary Falls is 11km east of Killarney on the Killarney-Boonah Road. The route to the park is well signposted. The approach from Boonah is very steep and should be travelled with care. It is unsuitable for caravans.

    Mount Roberts section

    Mount Roberts section is a remote bushwalking area reached only on foot from the Killarney-Boonah Road, 50km southwest of Boonah. Bushwalking experience and navigational skills are essential to reach this area – see safety in parks and forest.

    Mount Mistake section

    Access to the Mount Mistake section is via the Goomburra section. Note: Mount Mistake section is a remote bushwalking area. Visitors require bushwalking experience and navigational skills — see safety in parks and forests.

    Goomburra section

    Located about 175km southwest of Brisbane, Goomburra section can be reached from both the New England and Cunningham Highways. Turn off the New England Highway 3km south of Allora onto the Inverramsay Road. Follow the Inverramsay Road, then Forestry Reserve Road east about 35km to the park boundary.

    From the Cunningham Highway at Gladfield 25km west of Cunningham's Gap or 13km east of the Cunningham and New England highway junction, turn north and travel 8km to join Inverramsay Road. Follow the Inverramsay Road, then Forestry Reserve Road to the park boundary. The last 6km of road to the park is unsealed and may be closed after heavy rain. Check road conditions with Main Range National Park office before you visit.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    Goomburra section has wheelchair access to toilets in the Manna Gum camping area and a track that is suitable for wheelchairs with assistance — the Dalrymple circuit (1.2km return).

    Park features

    Rugged mountain ranges, spectacular lookouts and rare wildlife feature in this prestigious World Heritage-listed park. Main Range National Park covers 29,730ha. A mosaic of vegetation types occurs in the park. Rainforests grow in moist or sheltered locations, with open eucalypt forest occurring on the drier ridges and valleys. Montane heath vegetation grows on the cliffs and rocky outcrops.

    These diverse habitats shelter much wildlife including the seldom seen Albert's lyrebird, the eastern bristlebird and the black-breasted button-quail. Populations of these birds and other wildlife have been threatened by land clearing and fire. A restricted plant species, the giant spear lily Doryanthes palmeri,also occurs in the park. Careful management is essential for the continued survival of the park's habitats and the wildlife that lives in them.

    Camping and accommodation

    Camping

    Spicer's Gap campground

    This small campground is set in a clearing on the eastern side of the Gap. Composting toilets and picnic tables are provided. Boil or chemically treat all tap water before drinking. Fuel stoves are required for cooking, as barbecues are not provided in the campground. No bins are provided; visitors are asked to take their rubbish with them.

    Goomburra section campgrounds

    Poplar Flat and Manna Gum camping areas are two open, grassy camping areas that hug Dalrymple Creek. Each has composting toilets, tap water and barbecues. Boil or chemically treat all tap water before drinking. Please supply your own firewood for barbecues or use a fuel stove. Firewood must not be collected from the park or roadside — fines apply. No bins are provided; visitors are asked to take their rubbish with them.

    Read Things to know before you go for information about essentials to bring with you when camping in Main Range National Park.

    Queen Mary Falls section

    At Queen Mary Falls, a private caravan park and camping area is located opposite the park's picnic area (ph (07) 4664 7151).

    Remote bushcamping

    Limited bush campsites are available in remote areas of Main Range National Park. These can only be reached by walking. See remote bushwalking for more information.

    Bushwalkers must:

    Group size is limited to between four and eight.

    Bushwalkers intending to bush camp must:

    Please read and follow the guidelines for staying safe and for minimal impact bushwalking.

    Other accommodation

    There are several privately run bed and breakfasts, lodges and cabins in the Main Range area. Hotel, motel, bed and breakfast and caravan park accommodation is available at Boonah, Aratula, Allora, Killarney and Warwick. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Things to do

    Walking

    Choose from 14 walking tracks ranging from short, easy strolls to long, physically demanding hikes. Track gradings and surfaces vary widely, so please check track details before starting out. If you intend exploring more of Main Range National Park, ensure you get a copy of the "Main Range Walking Track Guide" from a visitor information centre (see tourism information links), as it includes colour-coding of the walking tracks.

    Allow 15–20 minutes to walk one kilometre. This time is calculated for people of average fitness and bushwalking experience and who are wearing correct footwear. Allow more time to include rests and to return to your starting point if you are walking with small children or are inexperienced bushwalkers.

    Distances given are from the track entrance and return.

    Key to track standards

    The classification system is based on Australian Standards. Please note that while each track is classified according to its most difficult section, other sections may be of an easier level.

    Class 2 track (Australian Standards)

    Class 3 track (Australian Standards)

    Class 4 track (Australian Standards)

    Cunningham's Gap section

    The majority of walking tracks are located at the top of Cunningham's Gap. These tracks begin at the crest carpark. A selection of short, easy tracks and longer trails are located at Spicer's Gap.

    Tracks from Cunningham's Gap

    1. Box Forest track — 5km return (About 1.5 hours walking time) Class 3

    Begin this walk at either the Cunningham picnic area or western end of the crest carpark. Passing through rainforest and open forest, the track is named after the brush box trees Lophostemon confertus, which line West Gap Creek. Birdlife is plentiful. Return to your starting point via the Box Forest track or arrange to be picked up at either end of the track. It is not advisable to return via the gravel edge of the busy Cunningham Highway.

    2. Rainforest circuit — 1.6km return (30 minutes walking time) Class 2

    The circuit commences at the eastern end of the crest carpark. It passes the Allan Cunningham monument, and is the beginning of an extensive track system on the northern side of the Gap. The Fassifern Valley lookout track forms the eastern part of the circuit. Turn left at the base of the stairs to take the easiest way around the circuit.

    3. Fassifern Valley lookout — 1.2km return (20 minutes walking time) Class 2

    Commencing at the crest carpark, the Fassifern Valley lookout provides a spectacular view over the Moogerah Peaks, Fassifern Valley and Lake Moogerah. The track commences at the eastern end of the crest carpark and forms the eastern part of the Rainforest circuit.

    4. Gap Creek Falls track — 9.8km return to the crest carpark (About 6 hours walking time) Class 3

    The best time to see the falls is soon after rain, as there is little water over the 100m drop in dry weather. The track, mostly through open eucalypt forests, starts at the crest carpark via the Fassifern Valley lookout. Descend the ridge below Mount Cordeaux to the top of the falls. The return trip is uphill and can be very tiring in hot weather. This track requires a high level of fitness and is not recommended for older or very young people or those in poor health.

    5. Palm Grove circuit — 4.4km return (About 2 hours walking time) Class 3 track

    Branching from the Rainforest circuit, this walk ends in a 1km circuit featuring a dense grove of piccabeen palms Archontophoenix cunninghamiana in rainforest and open eucalypt forest. A variety of birdlife can be seen. The track is suitable for all ages.

    6. Mount Cordeaux track — 6.8km return (About 2.5 hours walking time) Class 3

    Mount Cordeaux (1135m) is known to Aboriginal people as Niamboyoo. Branching off the Rainforest Circuit, the track zigzags through rainforest to the exposed upper slopes, ending at a lookout on the southern side. The cliff face of Mount Cordeaux is spectacular in spring and early summer when the giant spear lilies Doryanthes palmeri are in flower. Take care at the cliff edge.

    7. Bare Rock track/Morgan's Walk — 12.4km return (About 4.5 hours walking time) Class 3 track

    Detouring west of the peak of Mount Cordeaux, the track to Bare Rock (1168m) crosses a rocky saddle north of the peak and re-enters rainforest before ending with a brief scramble to a rocky outcrop. From here there are spectacular views over the northern section of the park. Two varieties of tree fern grow near the track and Albert's lyrebirds can be heard in the winter months.

    The 350m Morgan's Walk track leaves the Bare Rock track 680m before Bare Rock and ends in a grove of montane heath.

    8. Mount Mitchell track — 10.2km return (About 3 hours walking time) Class 3

    A graded walking track to the twin peaks of Mount Mitchell begins on the southern side of the highway. Take care when crossing the highway. Rainforest and open eucalypt forest will be encountered on this track, which ends on a knife-edge ridge above a sheer cliff on the east peak of Mount Mitchell (1168m). This peak is known as Cooyinnirra to the Aboriginal people. Take care at the cliff edge.

    Tracks around Spicer's Gap

    9. Pioneer Graves track — 260m return (15 minutes walking time) Class 2

    Adjacent to the camping area, this picnic area takes its name from a local landmark, the Pioneer Graves. At least 13 people are buried in this small cemetery, a short walk from the picnic area.

    10. Moss's Well track — 120m return (10 minutes walking time) Class 2

    Moss's Well, in tall open forest, is a haven for many species of birds. The well is believed to take its name from Edward Moss, the first road contractor. This was the only water for travellers and their teams making their way over the range. The well has deteriorated and the water is now unsuitable for drinking.

    11. Governor's Chair lookout — 300m return (15 minutes walking time) Class 3

    A 150m walking track links the Governor's Chair carpark with the lookout over the Fassifern Valley. Governor's Chair, the large rock on the edge of the cliff face, was so named as it was reportedly a popular resting spot for early governors of Queensland when their journeys took them through Spicer's Gap. Take care at the cliff edge.

    12. Heritage trail — 3.2km return (About 1 hour walking time) Class 3

    From the Governor's Chair carpark, an interesting self-guiding walk, showing various road construction methods, follows the historic road.

    13. Mount Mathieson trail — 3.6km return (About 1 hour walking time) Class 4

    This rough marked trail commences opposite the Pioneer picnic area. The walk to Mount Mathieson is the best-defined section of the trail and is relatively easy. Koalas are often seen in this area. To continue beyond Mount Mathieson, follow the footpad. This footpad eventually emerges on the road, west of Governor's Chair. The distance of the circuit (returning via the historic road) is 8.1km and takes three hours.

    Queen Mary Falls section

    14. Cliff walk — 400m return (20 minutes walking time) Class 2

    This walk takes you to the top of Queen Mary Falls, which is part of the headwaters of one of Australia's longest river systems, the Murray-Darling. Great care should be taken when viewing the gorge below. Supervise children closely.

    15. Queen Mary Falls circuit — 2km return (40 minutes walking time) Class 3

    A leisurely stroll along the walking track reveals changes in vegetation from the eucalypt-covered ridge top to the rainforest gorge. From the Queen Mary Falls lookout, watch Spring Creek plunge over the 40m Queen Mary Falls to continue its twisting journey down the valley floor to join the Condamine River's upper reaches. Continue on the track to view the falls from creek level. On a summer's day, take time to pause for a moment to feel the waterfall's cool spray. Take care on the causeway as the surface can become slippery when wet. Do not attempt to cross when in flood or if water covers the causeway.

    WARNING: Sheer cliffs and waterfall. One slip could be fatal — serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge or swimming in the creek above the waterfall. Keep to the track — supervise children closely.

    Walking tracks in Goomburra section

    16. North Branch track — 7km return (About 3.5 hours walking time) Class 4

    Commencing opposite the Kurrajong picnic area, this trail follows the north branch of Dalrymple Creek, before ending just inside the rainforest edge.

    17. Dalrymple circuit — 1.2km return (30 minutes walking time) Class 2

    Starting at the eastern end of Manna Gum camping area, this circuit features self-guiding signs, which explore the rich history and natural values of the park — ideal for young family groups. (See other things to do for more information.) The track forms the first section of the Cascades circuit and is of an easy grade suitable for wheelchair access with assistance. Several bridges and platforms are a feature of this circuit.

    18. Cascades circuit — 6km circuit (About 3 hours walking time) Class 4

    This track commences at the eastern end of the Manna Gum camping area and winds through sections of rainforest, featuring a series of cascades and rocky pools on the upper reaches of Dalrymple Creek. Look for signs of early timber logging.

    19. Ridge track — 5km circuit (About 2.5 hours walking time) Class 4

    Located in hilly open forest, this circuit track provides views over Dalrymple Creek valley and takes you through sections of New England blackbutt Eucalyptus campanulata. This walk commences from the eastern end of the Manna Gum camping area and contains moderate grades with some steeper sections. Please take care as loose gravel may make the steep sections slippery.

    20. Araucaria Falls — 3.6 km return (About 1.5 hours walking time) Class 4

    This track commences 3.8km along Lookout Road beyond the Kurrajong picnic area. Named after the hoop pine Araucaria cunninghamii, the track passes through subtropical rainforest and leads visitors to the base of Araucaria Falls.

    21. Sylvesters lookout — 940m (return) (30 minutes walking time) Class 3

    Sylvesters lookout offers magnificent views over the coastal plains below including the southern tip of Lake Moogerah and the rugged border ranges to the south. The track starts from Lookout Road — a 4.7km drive from the Kurrajong picnic area. This road is a dry weather road only and is closed by locked gate near Kurrajong picnic area during wet weather.

    22. Mount Castle lookout — 1.2km return (30 minutes walking time) Class 3

    Mount Castle lookout is a natural viewpoint that offers views over the Laidley Valley and the Little Liverpool Range (Mount Castle is directly in front of the lookout). The 600m walking track, which starts from Lookout Road (a 6.3km drive from Kurrajong picnic area), has moderate to steep grades and passes through lush rainforest scattered with magnificent hoop pines.

    23. Winder track — 12km return (About 4 hours walking time) Class 4

    The Winder track is located at the north-eastern end of Lookout Road, 6.3km beyond Kurrajong picnic area. This track passes through rainforest along the crest of the Mistake Range before ending at the "winder", a piece of relic machinery from the early days of timber logging.

    Remote bushwalking

    Main Range National Park offers some of the most spectacular remote area bushwalking opportunities in southern Queensland. However, the extremely rugged mountain terrain can be hazardous for inexperienced or poorly prepared walkers. A high level of physical fitness, navigational skills and cliff scrambling skills are essential.

    Walkers should familiarise themselves with the area before attempting an extended walk. Contact the Main Range National Park office for assistance with route advice and other detailed information. Established bushwalking clubs with experienced off-track walkers regularly organize trips to Main Range National Park. Guidebooks covering most walks are available from specialist camping stores and some bookshops.

    Remote area walking is only advised in the cooler weather, usually April to September. Walking during summer can be very hazardous due to high temperatures and lack of surface water.

    All remote area walkers are expected to follow minimal impact bushwalking and bush camping practices, such as observing proper sanitation and hygiene methods and avoiding polluting water in any way.

    Mount Roberts section

    Located at the park's southern boundaries, this section of the park is undeveloped and access is limited. Mount Superbus is the highest mountain peak in south-east Queensland, rising 1375m. There are several unmarked bushwalking trails and limited bush campsites.

    Mount Mistake section

    Mount Mistake section (5560ha) is the northern portion of the park. Until the 1960s, some logging took place in the open forests and rainforests. While there is no vehicular access to the park, there are several unmarked bushwalking trails and limited bush campsites.

    Picnic and day-use areas

    Cunningham's Gap section

    Picnic areas are located at both Cunningham's Gap and Spicer's Gap. Please supply your own firewood for barbecues at Cunningham’s Gap or use a fuel stove. Limited firewood is supplied at the Spicer’s Gap picnic area. Firewood must not be collected from the park or roadside - fines apply. No bins are provided; visitors are asked to take their rubbish with them.

    Queen Mary Falls section

    Tables, barbecues, toilets and water are provided in a spacious picnic ground set amongst eucalypt forest. Boil or chemically treat all tap water before drinking. Please supply your own firewood for barbecues or use a fuel stove. Firewood must not be collected from the park or roadside — fines apply. Some electric barbecues are available. Visitors are asked to take their rubbish away with them.

    Goomburra section

    The small Kurrajong picnic area containing barbecues and tables is adjacent to Dalrymple Creek. Please supply your own firewood for barbecues or use a fuel stove. Firewood must not be collected from the park or roadside — fines apply. No bins are provided; visitors are asked to take their rubbish with them.

    Viewing wildlife

    The park's numerous habitats provide homes for over 59 mammal, 204 bird, 54 reptile and 31 frog species as well as countless insects and other invertebrates. As many as 12 species of animals are regarded as rare, while the eastern bristlebird and Coxen's fig parrot are endangered. Many animals are considered vulnerable. This means that any major impact on their habitat will endanger the future of these species.

    Other things to do

    Have fun and learn more while exploring the Goomburra section's Dalrymple circuit by doing the activity sheets. Use your powers of observation to find answers within the self-guiding signs. Matching pictures are clues to locate information.

    Note for teachers or parents and carers

    The activity sheets are designed for Year Four (9 years old) or above. All the answers to the activity questions are found in the signs (except the meaning of the words in the "match the word with the statement" activity). You might like to assist younger children with the word matching activity before walking the circuit. It may help enhance their understanding when reading these words on the signs.

    Things to know before you go

    Essentials to bring


    Opening hours

    Main Range National Park is open 24 hours a day. For your safety, walk in daylight hours only.

    Permits and fees

    To camp in the national park or forest reserve a permit is required. For developed campgrounds, advanced bookings are required for Easter, Anzac Day, May and June public holiday long weekends. At other times campers may pre-book or self-register on-site. Try to book and pay six to eight weeks in advance for public holidays. If you wish to extend your stay, you must re-register. Fees apply. A tag with your booking number must be displayed at your campsite. Remember: camping fees must be lodged before camping overnight.

    All remote bush camping sites must be pre-booked online or through Smart Service Queensland, 13 13 04. (See camping for more information on bush camping.)

    Remember:


    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted in Main Range National Park.

    Climate and weather

    Main Range can experience rapid changes in temperature and weather. Winters are usually dry and cold with frosty nights, temperatures dropping to an average minimum of five degrees Celsius. Summers are warm to very hot, especially on the exposed ridges, reaching to 35 degrees Celsius, with cooler nights that average 10 to 18 degrees Celsius. Watch out for late spring and summer thunderstorms, which bring lightning and unseasonably cold weather. Most rain falls between November and March. Weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

    For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Fuel and supplies

    The closest fuel and supplies are available from Aratula, 21km east from Cunningham's Gap (18km from Spicer's Gap) or Allora, which is 38km west of Goomburra section. At Queen Mary Falls supplies are available opposite the park's picnic grounds. For more information see the tourism information links below.

    Staying safe

    To enjoy a safe visit to this area, please:

    To enjoy your remote bushwalking and camping experience, please:

    To sum up — be prepared and use sound judgement.

    Thefts have occurred in this area. Car crime is a problem even here. Help us to STOP this problem.

    In an emergency

    In case of accident or other emergency please:

    The nearest hospitals are located at Warwick and Boonah. Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in Main Range National Park, but may be possible in areas with high elevation.

    For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    Looking after the park

    You can help protect the park and forest by observing these guidelines:

    See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

    Park management

    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages Main Range National Park under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to preserve and present its remarkable natural and cultural values in perpetuity.

    Main Range National Park's outstanding geological history, evolutionary significance and role in nature conservation are recognised through its inclusion in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Management is in accordance with internationally recognised obligations under the World Heritage Convention.

    A management plan for Main Range National Park will be prepared in the future.

    Tourism information links

    Boonah Shire Visitor Information Centre
    Warwick Visitor Information Centre

    For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.

    Further information

    For bush camping permits and detailed information on the national park and bushwalking routes, contact:

    QPWS Main Range

    For information on Queen Mary Falls, contact:

    QPWS Toowoomba
    • 158 Hume Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350
    • ph (07) 4639 4599
    • fax (07) 4639 4524

    Other contacts

    EPA Customer Service Centre
    • 160 Ann Street, Brisbane
    • PO Box 15155, City East QLD 4002
    • ph (07) 3227 8186
    • fax (07) 3227 8749
    • email csc@epa.qld.gov.au
    Smart Service (for camping bookings)

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    Last updated: 28 February 2008