This hiking track takes you to the summit of Mt Edwards, the taller, conical-shaped peak beside Moogerah Dam. This trail crosses the dam wall then leads to the top the mountain with an elevation gain of almost 500m to really get your heart pumping. There is a lookout part-way up the track with views of Little Mt Edwards/Reynolds Creek below the dam wall, while the lookout at the summit faces north-east towards Brisbane and the Fassifern Valley.

Officially listed as Grade 5/Very Hard difficulty (unsigned trail, loose/rocky surface, some tree falls/overgrown sections + steep incline), this trail is suitable for walkers with a moderate-high fitness level who are confident and well prepared (wear appropriate shoes, take plenty of water etc.).

Lookouts
Swimming
Picnic Facilities
BBQ
Toilets
Scrambling or Climbing
No Dogs Permitted
Eucalypt Forest
631m
Maximum Elevation
521m
Total Climb

Getting there

Follow the Cunningham Highway towards Aratula. Follow the signs to Moogerah Dam by turning onto Charlwood Rd, then right onto Lake Moogerah Rd. Continue for 2.7km then turn right onto Moogerah Connection Rd toward Fred Haigh Park. Park near the dam wall. Note: The roads to Moogerah Dam are sealed and suitable for 2WD, but they are also winding, busy at peak holiday times and often have water damage/livestock crossing on the road - take care.

Maps

 

Route/Trail notes

Walk across the dam wall and up a flight of steps to find the beginning of the track. The track is unsigned but well-used so it is clear to follow without a map. The hike to the summit can be divided into three parts. The first part is gradual rise to a rocky slab with good views of Little Mt Edwards and the gorge between them containing Reynolds Creek - be careful near cliff edges. The second section is steep, with larger boulders forming natural steps and lots of loose rocks so care is needed. The final stretch to the summit is a gradual rise again for about 600m, where the path may be overgrown with lantana. Once at the top you can explore left and right for different lookouts offering many vantage points (towards Brisbane - no view of the dam).

Permits/Costs

No costs required

Other References

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/moogerah-peaks/about.html#Mount_Edwards_summit

p244 Take a Walk in South East QLD ISBN 9780957793170

GPS Tracks

Comments

It's all up hill, but I found it quite pleasant. Very rocky, but not slippery. A bit of clambering involved, but I found this a bit more exciting than just the walking. Beautiful view at the top.

Tanya on 19 Apr, 2019

Great to introduce new hikers to. Scenic start crossing over the dam, some incline but nothing tricky. A good morning hike that brings you back down in time for lunch.

JayWalker on 10 Mar, 2019

Nice walk up through the bush with good views at the top.

Allan on 2 Mar, 2019

Do not eat a big breakfast before the walk if you don't want to feel lightheaded on the way! Such a noob move for me. This is a nice walk and good views at the top!

CL on 3 Feb, 2019

Done this plenty of times, but would like to do Little Mt Edwards. Anyone know if this is possible? And if so, which direction is best.

Donizen on 23 Jan, 2019

A hard walk on a very hot day. Took us a little over 1hr going up, with lots of breaks, and 40min on the way back (with 10min at the top). Great views over the valley from the top, but a dry, hot (33'C), rocky, steep hike up.

noniej on 13 Jan, 2019

Incline walk from the get go when you cross the dam bridge. Took just on an hour getting up. Found the track relatively boring compared to Mt Mitchell and Mt Cordeaux. Lots of loose rocks under foot. Slipped on my way down and gave myself a lovely bruise. The views pretty amazing. Overall good workout.

Alana on 30 Dec, 2018

The final Hike of the year on Mt Edwards. Crossing the dam wall at Moogerah I was surprised to see a 3 km distance sign to the summit. Usually I check the distance but didn't on this one. The first km comes up to a nice ridge looking out to Mt Edwards little brother which was nice.
The 2nd km was a lot harder going up as it gets rockier and it was also 34 c on the day. Into the last 600 m it flattens out which was a nice change. Views to the north on the summit and a great refreshing breeze to recover.

KidBear on 30 Dec, 2018

Quite a boring and rough walk up & down, but gorgeous views from the summit

Mittens83 on 9 Dec, 2018

1 hour 22mins up and just over 1hour coming back down. Stunning views.

Karen M on 15 Sep, 2018

I walked this afternoon, took 2 and 1/2 hours including a good rest break at the top. Nice views! Was tiring on the waybuo, but I'd done Mt Mitchell in the morning so was feeling a tad weary. Hiking poles helped especially on the way down. :-)

Caro on 2 Sep, 2018

2/5 stars, 3hrs return at relaxed pace. Overall, a somewhat underwhelming hike. Whilst the summit view is decent, most of the trail is a very dusty uphill walk through the bush. Tbh my knees weren’t feeling great afterwards, a lot of the trail is just pretty much largeish stairs that were not fun going back down. Walk across the dam wall to the start of the trail; the view from the dam is nice of both the lake and the river on the opposite side. The summit has a few trees so a clear photo of the surrounding landscape is a bit difficult. Going off-trail at the peak for a better view is also a little difficult due to the abundance of lantana in the areas away from the track. It should be noted that the peak also faces in the opposite direction as Lake Moogerah, so if you’re wanting a good view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, pick a different hike. The nearby Mt Greville has far better scenery (depending on which Mt Greville trail you take) and is not a lot more difficult. Overall, would not do this hike again. I've done this hike 1 time.

Sam on 17 Aug, 2018

The incline felt challenging (the Scenic Rim website states Mt Edwards is a "Class 5 walk") but there was a lovely clearing at the top where we took in the view & chilled out for twenty minutes or so before coming back down.

Sass on 28 Jul, 2018

Great little mountain hike. Got up and back with photos, breaks and taking easy in 2 hours 12 mins. Saw a few people walking up with no water which was silly as we went through a bit of water on the way up. ** take plenty of water and some snacks for a break at the top and replenish your energy.

Tad slippery in places due to loose rocks and bull dust. Hard on the knees coming back down but nothing too difficult.

Very disappointed that we saw 4 dogs on the track - the people saw the signs and just walked straight past them.

LizMcD on 22 Jul, 2018

This walk is a never ending incline with lots of rocky steps. The first km to the first lookout was pleasant and then it's quite rocky until you get near the top when it starts to flatten out. Hard on your knees on the way down. Stunning view from the top. Great winter walk.

scruffy on 1 Jul, 2018

Incredibly challenging and a complete leg burner but absolutely beautiful. The path is well worn and easy to follow. No skill required just sheer determination to get to the top. Take snacks for a picnic up the top!

Natalie on 1 Jul, 2018

This was a lovely walk with friends not too hard a little steep for our newbies but no problem with anyone took a couple of little ones with us and they loved it we finished with a bbq for lunch. All in all a great day out.

HelenR on 10 Jun, 2018

Great walk, a bit overgrown in parts and the track can become narrow at times but worth the view at the top. Took our 3 kids (8-13yrs) and whilst it was challenging for them, especially over the rocky parts they had a great time.

Familywalker on 6 May, 2018

Great walk, going up can be a mission for some as it’s 2.5km of just uphill walking. I did this with my son he is 7yrs old and he left me behind like usual!
Once you finally make it to the top the view is amazing and great spot to relax have quick bite and recover for the descend back down but be careful of lose rocks and branches

Shara on 25 Apr, 2018

Hi, I'm 8 years old, this is my 3rd hike. My dad and I did this walk in just over 2 hours. I struggled a little on the way up, and I ran out of water in my camelback on the way down.
I enjoyed the view at the top.

Harry the Hiker on 15 Apr, 2018

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