Mt Peel Walking Tracks

Toowoomba

A network of walking circuits and firebreak trails through eucalypt forest. There are two main summits that include scrambling sections, and the lookout from the South Summit gives walkers 360° views of Toowoomba and its surrounds.

The trails at Mt Peel are officially listed as Grade 3/Medium - Grade 4/Hard (some steep inclines, rough surfaces + scrambling sections). These tracks are interesting for walkers of all ages, though a moderate fitness level is required.

Lookouts
Bird Watching
Picnic Facilities
Scrambling or Climbing
No Dogs Permitted
Horses Permitted
Cycling Permitted
No Camping Permitted
Eucalypt Forest
743m
Maximum Elevation
47m
Total Climb

Getting there:

From Toowoomba, travel south on Anzac Avenue towards Drayton. After the traffic lights at Canning St (end of the industrial area) turn right onto the slip road and continue around the bend until you see the main Mount Peel carpark on the corner of Darling St and Westminster St. The trailhead behind at the main carpark is best for Stephens Lookout, Drayton Lookout, Westbrook Lookokut and Red Ash Walking Circuit.  

Best parking for the North and South summits (Ironbark Walking Circuit & Basalt Walk) is at the smaller parking area at the end of Westminster Street. Note: Do not park in front of the wooden gate - it is a turnaround area for large vehicles.

Maps:

Mt Peel Bushland Park

Route/Trail notes:

The most popular Summit Walk is made up of... 

  • North Summit/Ironbark Walking Circuit (1km loop/45min). Some steep sections - children would need to scramble.

  • South Summit/Basalt Walk (880m loop/45min). Includes scrambling.

  • Wombat Berry Walk (400m one way/10min). Linking track between the two main summits. 

From the trailhead at the end of Westminster St, head to the right of the cement watertank to find the brown sign that leads to the North Summit. Continue straight ahead at the 4 way intersection, then turn left at the next signpost to climb to the summit. Exit carefully down the opposite side of the peak (near the picnic tables - not clearly signed). At the next signpost, turn right onto Wombat Berry Walk until you are in sight of the South Summit. Follow the brown signs and climb to the summit. Exit down the opposide side of the peak, then turn left and head up the grassy hill until you reach the firebreak. Turn right onto the firebreak, which leads directly back to the carpark. 

Walkers may also choose to add-on any or all of these tracks...

  • Kurrajong Walk (600m one way/15min). Linking track between Ironbark Walking Circuit and Red Ash Walking Circuit.

  • Red Ash Walking Circuit (990m loop/30mins). Includes Westbrook Lookout. Some steep but steady inclines.

  • Drayton Lookout, Stephens Lookout + additional Firebreak Trails.

Permits/Costs:

None.

Other References/Comments:

The tracks have some improved signage (2021), but it is still easy to get confused, so would suggest you print off a map or take a photo of the information board at the start.

Some of the tracks are shared pathways with mountain bikes and horse riders. 

Mount Peel Bushland Park (stephtred.wixsite.com)

Comments

Was good advice to take a picture of the map before setting off. Came in handy! Nice, mild hike and pretty views.

Desi on 10 Feb, 2024

Was good advice to take a picture of the map before setting off. Came in handy! Nice, mild hike and pretty views.

Desi on 10 Feb, 2024

Walk these usually once a week, knocking off all 3 summits usually. Lovely trails but a bit overgrown at the moment sadly… though the wild flowers are out at the moment and just look lovely

Sun_mum89 on Feb, 2024

This walk is steadily uphill but its not too steep and takes about an hour to explore the lookouts. Lovely quiet spot

Bobbe on 28 Aug, 2022

A family favourite - my kids love the scrambling sections, but I prefer the Red Ash Circuit for its unique vegetation and small birds. Quite an exposed walk in summer. Worth waiting for a cooler day.

Steph T on 16 Jan, 2022

Without a Navman, I would never have found this place and a friendly Staffie dog greeted me at the car park and wants to come with you for a walk. This was certainly a new perspective of Toowoomba from the west.

F.A.B. on 9 May, 2021

Made an attempt to do this walk however when I arrived i was presented with signage indicating that this area is in fact NOT dog friendly and are banned in all forms by local council. Refer my uploaded photo!

Mark on 18 Feb, 2021

You can walk the foot tracks or map out your own route along the vehicle tracks, though use a map because signage isn't everywhere. There are plenty of options for any length of walk and 5 great lookouts on the mt, some with 360 degree views. Short steep parts but lots of easy walking too. A lot of roos around in the afternoon.

ML on 14 Oct, 2020

We decided to do the loop walk and take in both of the lookouts. The views from the lookout make it well worth while climbing up to them. There is a lot of prickly pear, cactus and lantana throughout the reserve. Wear good ankle supporting shoes and take care on the rock climbs. These climbs would be very slippery in the rain. At the completion of the walk we had covered 4.8K, and enjoyed the walk.

Brian on 26 Sep, 2020

Where

Click here to load this map.

Nearby Walks

Done this walk?

This walk has been ticked 19 times

Aussie Bushwalking can keep track of your bushwalks.

Login/signup to tick this walk off.

Tick walks to keep track of where you've been. You must Login to tick walks. Accounts are 100% free so sign up if you don't have one.