The Southern Downs Region and Granite Belt region is located just 90 mins from the Brisbane city. It is in an area of Great dividing ranges and Darling Downs centered around the town of Stanthorpe. It is a great place to escape to for a weekend getaway. The area gains its name from the predominantly granite rocks that distinguish it from other areas that make up much of South East Queensland. It’s a destination known for its spectacular scenery, incredible food and country hospitality. Interestingly, it’s also renowned for its apples and the region produces virtually all of Queensland’s apple crops.
Main Range National Park
Mount Cordeux
Mt Cordeaux forms the Northern side of Cunningham’s Gap. The track ends at a flat area just below the main peak .There are also good views of the Moogerah Peaks, Mt Barney and North to the Mistake Mountains. The hike is 6.9km return and allow 2-3 hours. We headed up for sunrise and it was well worth the early wake up. The trail isnt too hard and it gradually takes you up the mountain although it is grade 4, we recommend moderate fitness.
Aracucia Waterfall
This is a beautiful little trail in Main Range National Park, Queensland. The path takes you the tranquil Araucaria Falls which are a terrific spot to stop and enjoy the forest. It is located at about 30 minutes from Goomburra down a dirt trail. The trail is 3.6km return walk and a grade 4 trail which moderate fitness is required.
Mount Mathieson
Is locate in the Spicer’s Gap section of the national park. The trail is a 8.1km circuit from Spicer’s Gap Campground. Take in the views of Cunningham’s Gap from the natural lookouts along this rough trail through eucalypts and lush rainforest. It is a moderate hike and allow 3 hours to complete the circuit.
Bald Rock National Park
Bald Rock Hike
Bald Rock Summit walk is a challenging climb up the largest granite rock in Australia. It is located in Bald Rock National Park and is on he NSW side. You will need to pay a National park entrance fee when entering. The first 340m of the track is bitumen and suitable for visitors with limited mobility. This section of the walk passes through beautiful old-growth forest. the remaining section of Bald Rock Summit walk is for you. This challenging leg of the track climbs sharply up the face of Bald Rock. Follow the white dots that define the best route to the summit. Once you reach the top of the spectacular water-streaked dome, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the landscape below. We decided to head back down along the Bungoona trail this was a beautiful trail through the big granite rocks on the way down. Heading back down this way was a 4.3km return walk from the car park.
Girraween National Park
Pyrimid and Granite Arch Hike
From the car park head towards the start of the trail. from here cross over one bridge and turn left towards Granite Arch. From Granite arch continue along the trail and take another left. You will then weave your way steadily uphill through eucalypt forests, past rocky outcrops and grassy flats to the base of the Pyramid. You will also pass around 450 steps to the base. Climb to the top for an exhilarating hike and superb views. You need to have a good level of fitness and stamina to climb the steep section of exposed rock near the summit. At the top, catch your breath sitting under Balancing Rock and prepare to be mesmerised by the expansive views spanning the forests and across to the Second Pyramid. The trail is 3.6km return allow 1.5-2 hours return.
Castle Rock Hike
From the same day use area as the Pyramid rock hike you can also head up to Castle rock. To begin the hike head across the road to the castle rock camping area. There is signs along the way. The hike is 5.2km return and allow 1.5-2 hours. Challenge yourself on this moderately difficult hike to one of Girraween’s granite peaks—Castle Rock. You will walk through shady eucalypt woodlands high on rocky ridges. At the final leg of this hike, tackle the steep climb over exposed granite rocks to Castle Rock and be rewarded by amazing 360-degree views across the park. You can also view turtle rock and the sphinx rock from here. If you did want to continue hiking you can walk up to the Turtle and Sphinx rock it is an additional 1.7km each way. Castle rock is virtually the same view as the Pyramid rock hike but it is less steep and less crowded. It is a great alternative if you did not want to Hike up the pyramid rock.
Underground Creek Trail
A further 3km from Girraween picnic area head to Dr. Roberts waterhole. This is where the Underground Creek trail begins it is a 2.8km and allow 1-1.5 hour return. Stroll through swamp, woodland and shrub lands on the way to Underground Creek. Then encounter a creek that seemingly disappears beneath boulders that have fallen from cliffs above! Underground Creek is an ideal place to explore. From ‘wave rock’ the trail continue to the top of the boulders along an over grown trail. Once up the top you can view where the stream of water begins to disappear into the boulders.
Koreelah National Park
You will find this national park a short drive from Killarney along Spring Creek road.
Dagg’s Falls
A short walk from the carpark is Daggs Fall’s is a 38m drop.
Queen Mary Fall’s
This waterfall is the most popular in the area. It is a short 2km circuit from the carpark to the base of the Fall’s. It is a moderate hike with steps on one side of the cliff and a steep ramp on the other. As you make your way down the hill you cross over a bridge and return along the other side. There is also an easier walk which is part of the cliff walk. Where you can view the waterfall from the top lookout. This walk is 400m return and will take around 20 minutes return.
Brown’s Fall’s
Brown’s Falls is the less busy falls in the area sitting at 15 metres. It is an adventures hike as you rock hop your way 1.2km to the base of the falls. You will then return back along the rocks to the carpark. the walk is a total of 2,4km and allow an hour to complete the hike.
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