Mount Barney National Park is located 10km from the town of Rathdowney which is just under 2 hours from Brisbane. There is some epic day hikes at the National park. If you are up for the challenge you can hike up to the summit of Mount Barney. Which is the second tallest mountain peak in South East Queensland. If You are staying in a tent or Caravan whilst in the national park. We stayed at Flannagan Reserve Bush Camping which we can recommend. There is basic facilities such as a dump point, Toilets and Hot showers at an additional cost. It is $30 per night and before it was the long weekend there was only a few others staying there. To Book and find out more information Click Here.
Cotswold Track- Mount Maroon Hike
To get the beginning of the track the road is definitely more suited to FWD or high clearance vehicles as the road is quite rocky and has some higher raised roads. The hike is 5.2km 4 hour return hike from the carpark. The trail begins passing through an open grassy space that goes around a small dam and up a skinny cow trail that belong to private property. The trail the begins to open up though a eucalypt forest before the steep climb begins. There is a few arrows along the way to keep you on track but you pretty much go straight up.
Once up the top of this small mountain the trail will head downwards into a gully and a spectacular view. Before heading up another large rock scramble. You will then continue through the forest to the right heading further up the mountain. There is a few arrows but we followed all trails and didn’t get lost on the way back as the trail is quite over grown. After the forest there is one more rock climb right to the top where you will reach the summit of Mount Maroon. You will then head back the same way you just came up. We recommend to start the hike early as it is quite exposed hiked and can get very hot.
Lower Portals
The trail is 7.4km 2 hour return hike. The trail is quite dry and exposed to the sun. There is two creek crossings along the way. When we were there the first crossing there was not too much water but the second crossing we had to rock hop up and over the rocks to the other side. You will then come to a T intersection where the right heads to a campground and the right heads to the water hole where you can take a refreshing dip in the water. You will then return the same way back.
Yellow Pinch Trail
From the Yellow pinch carpark walk up the hill until you reach the swinging gate that leads to the start of the National Park. At the gate immediately turn right and begin heading up the hill. follow the trail all the way to the summit where you will find great views of Mount Barney. The trail is 2.1km 1 hour return walk.
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