A steep climb up the northwestern ridge of Flinders Peak, passing over several crests giving expansive views north to Brisbane on the way up. As it climbs higher, views expand to include the Fassifern Valley and south west to Lamington plateau.

The final segment descends from Little Flinders across a col and ascends again to Flinders Peak. This is the most rugged section of the track and extra caution is required. Rock scrambling skills and strong boots are essential. Views from the peak can be stunning.

Lookouts
Picnic Facilities
Toilets
Scrambling or Climbing
Rainforest
Eucalypt Forest
678m
Maximum Elevation
600m
Total Climb

Getting there

Commences at Flinders Plum Picnic area.  Take Mount Flinders Road off the Ipswich-Boonah Road near Peak Crossing.

Maps

QTopo: FLINDERS PEAK 9442-24 (1:25,000)

Route/Trail notes

This is a challenging track with rough surfaces, steep inclines, cliff edges, limited signage and no water sources.

Starting from the picnic ground, a wide clear track leads south up the ridge line. After a few hundred metres, the track narrows to an obvious footpad and begins to climb steeply. The track is unformed and the ground is loose in places. After a climb of 10 minutes or so, a group of rocks on the east provide the first good views north and a chance to catch breath. After another short climb, an open wooded grassy ridge affords good views through the trees to Brisbane to the north. Another ascent, with views over the Fassifern, leads to a steep climb up Little Flinders which is progressively more boulder strewn. The track disappears as the ridge flattens out, but there are occasional triangular trail markers leading through the rocks to the peak and views along the Main Range down to Lamington Plateau. Flinders Peak proper can be seen from here, with a descent to a col between the peaks and a steep ascent on the far side (approximately 130 metres elevation gain). Picking your way through the rocks takes care and effort, but although the climb is difficult in parts, there is little exposure.

Views from the Peak can be had in any direction - take the time up here as that's what you came for! You share the summit with a helipad and a UHF transmitter.

Permits/Costs

Free

Other References

http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/23776/Flinders-Goolman_Trails_Guide.pdf

GPS Tracks

Comments

We took 5.5hours return. When came down, we got lost to go to other way, and we saw a big cave. Somebody is cliff climbing there which is very cool. Normally we should took 4.5hours.

Penny on 8 Oct, 2022

Popular walk with around 6 groups there this morning. Easy to follow track with triangle markers. 1.5 hrs up and 1.25 hrs down. Brilliant views at the top and a nice ridge walk. Saw a carpet python across the crack in the grassy area. He slithered away without incident but we heard heaps of rustling thereafter!!

Leanne Loch on 2 Oct, 2022

Trail is currently closed, with the road blocked off a kilometer or so before the carpark.

Megan on 1 May, 2022

Walk is open and seemed popular (saw about 6 groups this morning). The track is very overgrown with long grass (in the lower sections) but its easy enough to follow the track if you keep an eye on your feet. Lovely view from the top. Driving to Plum picnic area can be hard to get to if there has been a lot of rain recently as there are a few creek crossings.

Chris on 6 Feb, 2022

Steep, long and a definitely a fitness challenge, bring lots of water.

David Pawley on 2 Feb, 2022

The walk is still closed sadly...

Morgan Meyer on 31 Dec, 2021

Road to the car park was closed off approx 2.5km from the car park. Can someone confirm if it's open yet please?

Jason on 11 Dec, 2021

Done the summit hiking track many many times, and countless other off-track routes... inc Bastion Rock (aka Flinders Tooth) six times but it's only for ppl with rock-climbing skills and equip as the last 10 metres are exposed.
Often here in afternoons, sometimes mornings, and rare night hikes last one being previous blood-moon.
Average time up for me is 1hr-1hr10m... quickest about 45m.
Average time down 45m-1hr quickest (running) 32m.

exo karpos on 17 Nov, 2021

Awesome like treasure

Jemma on 7 Nov, 2021

I found it quite a challenge and took about 3hours 40min, including a good break. The walk along the ridge and across the large boulders was the best part - a lot of fun.

Carmen on 26 Sep, 2021

Lots of cacti. Extremely steep and dusty during the dryer months. Interesting sight at the top with the static station and heli pad, loved the yellow flowers. On your way down from the top you will encounter a part where the path seems to split and it’ll seem as through the descending path is the correct way to go. It’s not. Unless you wish to go bouldering in the caves (which I encountered by accident). You’ll know you’re heading this way if you see a purple flowering tree above a steeply inclined relatively flat rock. To get to plum car park please continue walking along the ridge - don’t descend. Took me 5 hours all up.

Warlock Bride on 24 Sep, 2021

Lovely walk, great views along the way, fairly steep first half. Easy to follow trail.

Bruce on Sep, 2021

Did this hike today. Took us about 4 hours in total. Would probably take you about an hour and a half to get to the summit/reasonably close, as well as an additional hour and a half getting back down. We weren't in a rush today and just went our own pace, taking as many stops as we wanted to pictures n whatnot. Really stunning views throughout the whole trail. I'd personally recommend going on a week-day as weekends get very busy.

melted_cheese on 15 Aug, 2021

A short but quite steep climb with a small amount of scrambling. One can be rewarded with spectacular views.

Andy Seward on 14 Aug, 2021

I've done Flinders 3 times, and I definitely recommend doing this hike just after rain so the track is not too loose and dusty. Not a track you want to attempt in summer, it gets too hot . A fairly intense, steep track but the payoff is worth it. The track is easy to navigate. The rock scrambling sections are really fun, just give people enough space to avoid being stonkered by falling rocks. Do this track early, as the carpark fills up quickly from 6:30am. Also, you'll hopefully avoid the loud-talkers and people that insist on playing music - I really don't understand that one. Keep that stuff at home and enjoy nature. If you're lucky and quiet, you'll see brush-tailed rock wallabies and quail. Wedge tailed eagles and peregrine falcons can often be seen at the summit.

Ryno87 on 14 Aug, 2021

A nice hike. Took about 2:45, moderate fitness, haven't done a tough hike in a while. Good boots recommended. Great mix of gentle walking, steep climbs, scrambles and rock hopping. Great views at the top.

Jamie Muchall on 25 Jul, 2021

Beautiful steep walk that’s worth the effort. Saw people walking in skate shoes but wouldn’t recommend it as a bit steep and dusty in places. I would recommend shoes with a bit of grip but other than that it seems popular with all ages.

Chantelle on 17 Jul, 2021

Hard one. It is great to test your willpower and motivation. You climb one peak and then the second peak with the tower becomes visible from a lookout point and you need to motivate yourself to continue and summit. Going up the track and way up is not difficult to find and navigate. Coming back down you need to pay attention to the route. I got distracted and went the wrong way that led to fabulous caves where a couple were rock climbing. It was a dead end though and I had to track back up and find the right track down to the car park. I lost about 15 minutes but it was worth it as the caves where beautiful and I would not have seen them if I had not got lost. You need to be fit to do this one and it needs good supportive shoes.

Anonymous on 10 Jul, 2021

3rd time

Michael Barcelon on 28 Jun, 2021

Take your time to look around at the top. Walk around up near the radio tower and you’ll get a good view of Brisbane city and the coast.

Pped on 19 Jun, 2021

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