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Best trails in Girraween National Park

Best trails in Girraween National Park

4.6(2,947 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#42 of 637 national parks

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Girraween National Park is located in the Darling Downs region of Queensland on Yidindji land. The southern boundary of the park is the state border between Queensland and New South Wales and is part of the Granite Belt. It is popular for its dramatic landscape of granite outcrops, tors and boulders as well as bush forests that are home to unique fauna such as wombat, spotted quoll, lyrebird and the turquoise parrot. Its name means place of flowers" in the local language and in spring it is filled with colours when the wildflowers bloom. It is a great place for hiking and rock climbing.

Top trails

  1. #1 - The Pyramid and Granite Arch

    4.8(1066)
    ·Hard
    ·2.7 mi
    This is a beautiful hike in Girraween National Park. The final section to the top of Pyramid Rock is very steep and not for the faint-hearted. As you scale the rock, you will need to use your hands and feet to reach the summit. Girraween National Park gets its name from the Aboriginal word Girraween, meaning 'place of flowers', which is not from the local language in the area but emphasises the year-round wildflower blooms. The area is part of a granite landscape belt, which carries a rich...

  2. #2 - The Junction Track and Bald Rock Creek Circuit

    4.7(423)
    ·Easy
    ·3.3 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Gazing out over the ancient granite landscape of Girraween National Park, you’ll experience a world of balancing boulders and cascading crystal-clear waters. This loop combines the Bald Rock Creek Circuit with the path to The Junction, where Bald Rock Creek and Ramsay Creek meet. It is a fantastic choice for those who want to see the park’s famous granite formations and "dazzling" wildflowers without the steep, heart-pumping climb of The Pyramid. A highlight of the journey is the detour to...

  3. #3 - Turtle Rock via Castle Rock

    4.7(287)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.4 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This out-and-back journey starts at the Bald Rock Campground and climbs through a landscape of precariously balanced monoliths, characterised by towering granite boulders and spectacular views. The route summits two major peaks: Castle Rock, which offers a dramatic 360-degree vantage point, and Turtle Rock, named for its distinctive reptilian shape. Along the way, you'll also pass The Sphinx, another iconic rock formation that looks like a sentinel guarding the granite garden. The trail is...

  4. #4 - Castle Rock Track

    4.8(233)
    ·Moderate
    ·3.2 mi
    Stunning granite formations and expansive 360-degree panoramas define this rewarding ascent through the heart of Girraween National Park. Starting near the information centre, the path begins with a gentle wander through native bushland before transitioning into a steady climb. You will find yourself navigating a significant number of built-in steps that provide a solid workout for the legs while winding past the park's signature boulders and vibrant wildflowers. As you reach the final...

  5. #5 - Mount Norman

    4.8(165)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.8 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Gazing out over the high-altitude granite wonderland of the Granite Belt, the trek to Mount Norman offers a panoramic view of the Queensland-New South Wales border. This journey through Girraween National Park takes you across a landscape dominated by the Stanthorpe Granite. The name Girraween translates to "place of flowers" in an Indigenous language, and it is a fitting title for this area, which the Kambuwal people once used as a significant "meeting place" for trade and ceremony. As you...

  6. #6 - Underground Creek

    4.5(217)
    ·Easy
    ·2.2 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Massive granite boulders and hidden waterways define this fascinating route through Girraween National Park. The journey takes you through a picturesque mix of shrubland, woodland, and swamp. It is a largely flat and well-maintained gravel path, though there are some steps along the way that might be tricky for prams. During spring, the surrounding bushland often puts on a spectacular display of wildflowers. Birdwatchers should bring their binoculars, and you might even spot kangaroos or...

  7. #7 - Castle Rock, Mount Norman, The Sphinx, and Turtle Rock

    4.8(147)
    ·Hard
    ·9.5 mi
    Dramatic granite monoliths and ancient precariously balanced boulders define this spectacular journey through the Granite Belt. Starting from the Pyramids Road day-use area, the track leads you deep into a landscape of massive stone formations. You’ll visit the iconic Sphinx, a natural granite sculpture topped with a balancing tor, and Turtle Rock, which offers a brilliant vantage point looking back across the park. For those after a bit of a challenge, the steep ascents of Castle Rock and...

  8. #8 - Granite Arch Track

    4.6(70)
    ·Easy
    ·1.3 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This spectacular family-friendly trail in Girraween, QLD, showcases the impressive Granite Arch. The arch is made up of giant balancing boulders that make it a great place to explore and climb for people of all ages. Follow well-maintained footpaths through quintessential Australian bush before reaching the main event. There are some steps on the route so keep this in mind for anyone with limited mobility. Clear running streams and spectacular wildflowers are a feature of the landscape and...

  9. #9 - Castle Rock, Mount Norman, The Sphinx, and Turtle Rock

    4.7(81)
    ·Easy
    ·2.7 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Spectacular granite tors and sweeping views define this journey through Girraween National Park, a place where the landscape is dominated by massive precariously balanced boulders. Starting from the Mount Norman day-use area, the path winds through heathlands that burst into colour with wildflowers during the spring. You will encounter iconic formations like the Sphinx and Turtle Rock, each offering a unique silhouette against the sky. The granite platform of Mount Norman provides a...

  10. #10 - Castle Rock to Mount Norman via Underground Creek Loop

    4.8(69)
    ·Hard
    ·11.2 mi
    ·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    A terrific longer trail in the Girraween National Park. A great choice if you're looking to camp overnight somewhere. Visitors will find plenty of parking close to the Girraween National Park information centre near where this trail begins. Utilizing the Castle Rock Track the path visits Castle Rock itself before heading to the spectacular Mount Norman. From the track heads to Haydens Ridge remote bush camp. Visitors choosing to bed down here should take the opportunity to check out the...
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Girraween National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Girraween National Park is The Pyramid and Granite Arch, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,066 reviews. This trail is 2.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 725 ft.

What is the longest trail in Girraween National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Girraween National Park is Girraween Circuit. This trail is estimated to be 32.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Girraween National Park?

There are 17 trails in Girraween National Park.These trails have an average 4.6-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Girraween National Park?

Girraween Circuit has the most elevation gain with 5,623 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Castle Rock, Mount Norman and Creek Trail Loop, which has 2,322 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Girraween National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 camping trails in Girraween National Park and the most popular is The Pyramid and Granite Arch with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,066 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Girraween National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Girraween National Park and the most popular is The Junction Track and Bald Rock Creek Circuit with an average 4.7 star rating from 423 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Girraween National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Girraween National Park which is Girraween Circuit with an average 4.4 star rating from 63 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Girraween National Park?

Yes, there are 12 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Girraween National Park, including The Pyramid and Granite Arch, Turtle Rock via Castle Rock, Castle Rock Track, Mount Norman, and Castle Rock, Mount Norman, The Sphinx, and Turtle Rock.