Scenic Rim

Moogerah Peaks National Park

Home to rugged volcanic peaks and some of the Scenic Rim’s most rewarding summit walks, Moogerah Peaks National Park is a playground for adventurous hikers. Located around 70 kilometres South West of Brisbane, the park encompasses three climbable peaks – Mount Greville, Mount Edwards and Mount Moon – each with a different point of view of the flora and fauna surrounds. Check out this map for reference.

Mount Greville

Mount Greville rises from the Western edge of Lake Moogerah, with deep gorges and pockets of palm-filled rainforest shaping the landscape. The 12-kilometre circuit, with 767 metres of elevation gain, takes about five hours to complete, leading hikers through Palm Gorge before looping back via Waterfall Gorge.

Mount Edwards

With Lake Moogerah stretching out below and the dramatic peaks of the Scenic Rim surrounding you, Mount Edwards showcases some of the region’s most impressive scenery. The summit trek takes just over three hours from the Lake Moogerah picnic area, crossing the dam wall before following the well-worn trail through Moogerah Peaks National Park. Hot tip – as there is little signage along the route, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the track before setting off.

Mount Moon

Recognisable by its twin rocky summits, Mount Moon is one of the more challenging hikes of the trio in Moogerah Peaks National Park. Ardent bushwalkers can contact Queensland National Parks to arrange access to the 784-metre-high peak, with the route crossing private property before tackling steep cliffs and a challenging eight-hour hike to the summit.

Mount Barney National Park

Home to 10 of the 24 highest peaks in South East Queensland, Mount Barney National Park is a dream destination for hikers looking to tick off multiple summits in one trip. Check in to Mt Barney Lodge or Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages and spend a few days exploring the park’s rugged peaks, ancient rainforest and dramatic mountain scenery.

East Barney Peak

East Barney Peak is one of Brisbane’s iconic summit challenges, rising 1351 metres above the surrounding Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area. The steep 16-kilometre return hike follows the South Ridge and takes around nine hours to complete, requiring navigation skills, rock scrambling and plenty of endurance. For those looking to break up the climb, Rum Jungle Camp provides a convenient overnight stop between the East and West peaks.

West Barney Peak

Four metres higher than its Eastern neighbour, West Barney Peak takes around nine hours to complete and looks out across the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area and Mount Barney National Park. The trail from Rum Jungle clearing is little more than a goat track in places, with only occasional markers to guide the way, so navigation skills and a compass are a must-pack.

Other Mount Barney National Park peaks

East and West Barney are just the beginning! There are plenty more peaks to conquer in Mount Barney National Park including North Peak which can be tackled as a two-day hike via the Rocky Creek Circuit, while Mount Ernest and the Ballow Range offer even more opportunities to explore the park's mountain landscapes. Experienced climbers can also set their sights on Mount Lindesay, though some routes require private property access, so it's worth planning ahead.

Mount May

For some of the best views of Mount Barney, set your sights on Mount May. The 836-metre-high summit is reached via the national park’s Northern ridge from Waterfall Creek Reserve, with the return route descending past Graces Hut before joining a 4WD track back to the reserve. The just over six-kilometre circuit takes around four hours to complete, including two to three hours to reach the peak – it's well worth the hike for the views up top.

Mount Maroon

From the summit of Mount Maroon, the Scenic Rim seems to unfold in every direction, with views extending across Lamington National Park through Mount Barney, Main Range and Moogerah Peaks. The 967-metre-high summit is reached via the Cotswold Track, a four-to-five-hour trail that follows a reasonably clear route over open hillsides and through a gully lined with towering cliffs. A handful of orange trail markers help point the way.

Main Range National Park

Located on the Scenic Rim’s Western edge, around 110 kilometres South West of Brisbane, Main Range National Park combines soaring mountain peaks, dramatic escarpments and forest-lined ridges within a World Heritage-listed landscape. From shorter summit walks to seasoned scaled tracks, the park offers plenty of opportunities to explore its diverse mountain scenery while keeping an eye out for some of the rare and endangered wildlife that calls the region home. Enjoy a long weekend of hikes and stay at Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins offering walking tours, daily summits in the national park and luxury in its on-site accommodation.

Mount Cordeaux

Mount Cordeaux is known to First Nations peoples as Niamboyoo, a relatively short summit walk, reaching seven-kilometre return – with plenty to see along the way. The trail branches off the Rainforest Circuit and zigzags past exposed upper slopes, ending at a lookout on the Southern side. Visit in spring to see the stunning red giant spear lilies – Doryanthes palmeri in bloom or extend the hike to Bare Rock before descending.

Mount Mitchell

Rising 1175 metres above Main Range National Park, Mount Mitchell, or Cooyinnirra – as known to First Nation peoples – is best known for its distinctive twin peaks. The 10-kilometre return hike takes around three hours, beginning in rainforest before emerging into open eucalypt forest and finishing along a knife-edge ridge above a sheer cliff.

Spicers Peak

Short in distance but big on effort, Spicers Peak packs plenty into its five-kilometre return hike. From Governor’s Chair car park, the route follows a fence line South before climbing over loose dirt, rocks and scrambling sections on the way to the 1222-metre-high summit. Don’t forget your camera because once you have reached the summit, the views are unmatched! Soak up the views before descending again, making it a six- to seven-hour journey.

Mount Mathieson

Mount Mathieson comes with an extra challenge: spotting a koala before your hiking buddies do. The eight-kilometre circuit starts opposite the Pioneer Picnic Area and follows a rough track through eucalypt and rainforest, with koalas regularly seen near the summit. Loop back via the Heritage Trail and Spicers Gap Road, with the full hike taking around three hours.

Mount Alphen

Short on distance but big on views, Mount Alphen is an easy three-kilometre circuit that starts at Pioneer Picnic Area and takes just over one hour return. From here, continue South along the ridge on the Western side of a gully. About 15 minutes in, veer left and walk East towards a deep gully. Cross the gully and find the vantage point with views beyond Governor’s Chair to Spicers Peak and more.

Mount Joyce

Set beside Wyaralong Dam, Mount Joyce combines waterside walking with a steep push to the summit. Starting at the Meebun recreation area, the trail follows a scenic eight kilometres around the dam to the Ngumbi base camp, where camping is free for adventurers. From there, it’s a steep one kilometre climb to the summit - the final ascent may be short, but it's steep enough to ensure incredible views.

Lamington National Park

Lush rainforest, ancient trees and stunning waterfalls make Lamington National Park one of the Scenic Rim’s most rewarding places to explore on foot. Trails weave through the World Heritage landscape, with views stretching across the Scenic Rim and stunning vistas. Looking to venture beyond the parks more popular walks? Set your sights on Mount Wagawn, Mount Hobwee and Mount Bithongabel.

Make a weekend by pitching a tent, booking a Safari Tent or settling into a Sky Lodge at Binna Burra Lodge. The Binna Burra Tea House is the perfect spot to fuel you before your hike or reward yourself afterwards, while O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers accommodation, dining, camping and even a day spa for happy hikers.

Mount Merino

Mount Merino sits halfway between Binna Burra and Green Mountains, making it an ideal excuse to spend a full day exploring Lamington National Park. Allow eight hours to complete the 22-kilometre return hike to the 1160 metre summit, with the route from Binna Burra following the Border Track for 10 kilometres before you hit the Mount Merino junction – just don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks for your full day exploration!

Moreton Bay Region

Northbrook Mountain

Northbrook Mountain puts plenty of kilometres under your boots, with the 24-kilometre Aquila Loop winding through D'Aguilar National Park and past England Creek bush camp before reaching the summit. Enjoy the six-to-seven-hour hike and don’t forget to pick up a topographic map at the Walkabout Creek Visitor Centre before setting off!

Mermaid Mountain

Lake Manchester makes a memorable appearance midway through the climb to Mermaid Mountain, with views opening up across the water and surrounding countryside. Beginning in Mount Crosby, the 18-kilometre hike through Brisbane Forest Park takes around five hours to complete.