Boarding NSW and the pacific Ocean, it is not uncommon for hikes to have views of both worlds (ocean and hinterland). Hikes here are typically on the great dividing range.
Any interesting history for the region?
What are the standout bushwalking features?
How do you get there? Include all access points if there are many?
Which maps cover the region?
Where can I stay there? or near there?
See Qld National parks website
11
km
return
9
hrs
IMPORTANT: The route to Mount Ernest from Yellow Pinch via the northeast ridge involve traversing private property. You should contact NPRSR to obtain contact details for the landowner in order to obtain permission to enter private property.
Mount Ernest lies on the opposite (northern) side of Mount Lindesay Highway from its namesake, and provides spectacular views of Mount Barney to the north. While much lower than the main peaks of Mount Barney, routes to the summit of Mount Ernest are less trodden take just as long.
5
km
return
4
hrs
A walk up from Cotswold trailhead to a cave on the northern side of the mountain.
Off track bush-bashing and some climbing.
12.9
km
return
6
hrs
This alternate route up Mount Maroon begins from the end of Dynans Hut Road following the fire trail until Paddy Plain Remote Bush Camp after which the small creek named Paddys Gully is followed upstream for a short way before turning right at the fork in the creek and following this mostly dry tributary up the Southern flanks of Mount Maroon. The exposed creek bed is followed up hill for a while until you exit it on the righthand side to join the forested gully you follow for the majority of the way up until the plateau. Once the plateau has been gained its not long until you run into the main tourist path and follow it up to the summit. Trail up the Southern flanks of Mount Maroon is off trail / overgrown and navigation skills will be needed.
9
km
return
5.5
hrs
A challenging half day circuit walk of Mount May with great views of the surrounding mountains.
12
km
return
8
hrs
A slightly less travelled walk up a steep grassy ridge and then disappear into rain forest to get to a small cleared rocky slab with wonderful views out to Mt Barney.
17
km
return
10
hrs
South Ridge is the easiest track up Mt Barney (but it's NOT easy!). Sometimes referred to as Peasants' Ridge (a dig that only Peasants would take such a boring route up the mountain), South Ridge is an excellent choice for a first ascent of Barney. The track has triangular trail markers but there are still opportunities for navigational difficulties if you're inexperienced.
You MUST start early in the day. Expected time is 8-10 hours with almost 1200m of climbing from the carpark. Make sure to leave early to allow time for any mishaps and be prepared to turn back if necessary.
15.4
km
one-way
6
hrs
The original route taken by Captain Patrick Logan & Allan Cunningham. AC actually gave up leaving Logan to climb on alone. It's the steepest, sharpest most direct route up to East Peak short of needing ropes, harnesses and belays etc. The views are spectacular. Rock scrambling experience, sound navigational skills and a good head for heights are an absolute must for this walk. NEVER climb it alone. There have been dozens of rescues off this ridge, don't be next. Extensive signage recently installed at Yellow Pinch do not mention Logan's Ridge, for good reason.
15
km
return
10
hrs
Ascent of Mt Barney via South East Ridge and descent via Peasants Ridge: a challenging but rewarding hike. The views are amazing and certainly worth the effort. If coming from Brisbane leave early and aim to be at Yellow Pinch car park by 7:30-8 am. Allow 3-4 hours for the ascent via the South East Ridge track and 2-3 hours for decent via South Ridge (Peasants Ridge) track.
7
km
return
8
hrs
Very challenging route up Mt Barney with some technical rock climbing required. You must have some decent scrambling experience and a high level of fitness. Whist there is some exposure it is the technical climbing that is the most challenging. Allow plenty of time and plenty of water and if in doubt (as we were numerous times) just stick to centre of the ridge. There are times where you have to rely on your boots for grip so make sure you are comfortable with you choice of footwear. I recommend a day pack only with this route as there are several sections where you need to haul yourself over ledges that would be almost impossible with a full pack. I rate the SE ridge as a 5 and Logan's ridge as a 9 in terms of difficulty. Take this on board and give it a go :)
15
km
return
10
hrs
Very tough. Be prepared for plenty of rock scrambling at height and no trail markers on the summit. Long walk back to the car park from South ridge track.