Best trails in Mount Barney National Park

If you're looking for a hike that's as rewarding as it is challenging, the Mount Maroon summit hike is your ticket to adventure. This 5.6km round trip, tucked away in Mount Barney National Park, offers everything from steep climbs and rock scrambles to views that make you forget about that aching feeling in your legs. The trail starts off easy, luring you into a false sense of security as you stroll through open forests and farmland. But don't be fooled – the real fun begins when you hit the cliffs. Here, the hike turns into an impromptu rock-climbing session, complete with boulder scrambles and steep, rocky sections. It's like a fitness test disguised as a nature walk, but hey, who doesn't love a good challenge? As you power through these obstacles, just remember: every grueling step is worth it for the view at the top. The summit greets you with a jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama. You'll see the Scenic Rim unfold before you, with the dramatic outlines of Mount Barney and Lake Moogerah, and if you're lucky, a glimpse of Brisbane's skyline in the distance. It's the kind of view that makes you want to take a thousand photos – or just sit and marvel at the beauty, if you're too exhausted to reach for your camera. But let's talk safety for a moment. Certain sections of the trail are prone to rockfall, so it's wise to keep moving and watch out for hikers above you. And while the descent is faster, it's tough on the knees. Walking poles can be a lifesaver here, making you look both prepared and slightly like a Gandalf wannabe. In the end, the Mount Maroon summit hike is a physically demanding yet immensely satisfying adventure. Whether you're in it for the challenge or the incredible views, it's an experience that stays with you. Just remember to bring plenty of water, avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day, and enjoy every moment of this remarkable trek.

I went up the South East route and down the South route, started at 4am and finished 11 hours later. I went alone for the first time which was a terrible idea! A few suggestions... 1) Bring plenty of water - I suggest at least 5L + a life straw. There is a small creek at Old Hut. 4.2L was not enough for me - and I don't own a lifestraw 2) Start early and beat the heat - wouldn't attempt in any kind of inclement weather because of the slippery rocks. The final ascent is quite exposed to the sun and not for the faint of heart. 3) Bring a friend or at least have some scrambling experience. The first surprising obstacle was a short, step slab. Second was two steep scrambled exposed to a 200m drop near the top - you'll know! Summiting Mount Beerwah and Tibrogargan is a prerequisite for this hike. 4) Do not attempt without AllTrails downloaded offline! The trail is extremely poorly marked - so much that I stopped looking for them! AllTrails shows both the official and suggested route. Some sections they differ - up to you which to choose. This was my first time using AllTrails - this hike is impossible without it. Mount Barney had a few stressful moments but the overall length + elevation was the hardest part. Break it up into 2 days taking South Route in and out if you have any doubts at all. Good luck!

We camped in the saddle overnight, after starting at the campground yesterday morning. We went clockwise and came up to the saddle for the night. Then scaled the larger of the two peaks this morning, which is only 300m up from the saddle camp. The views were incredible towards Maroon Dam as we climbed up the peak, and also over to Mount Barney from the top. We stopped at the beautiful waterfall and swimming hole at the end of the hike this morning. Water freezing but so clear and refreshing. Don't miss the opportunity. It is just after the start of the walk at the red 4x4 sign, at the creek crossing.

Overall a gorgeous area with lots to offer. The first ascent to the saddle and west ridge peak is great. We camped in the saddle then did the last push in the morning before descending along midget ridge. I wouldn’t recommend this however, if you like relentless bushbashing punishment with no trail whatsoever during a 1000m altitude descent then it’s a fun challenge. We camped the second night at lower portals which was gorgeous. We then proceeded to exit via the other mount Barney carpark and walk around back to yellow pinch. This was mainly due to time constraints and realising the trail was fairly non existent in many parts.