Mt Maroon provides some of the best views in South-East Queensland, with a 360 degree views ranging from Lamington NP through Mt Barney, the length of Main Range and the Moogerah Peaks.

No facilties on site, be sure to bring toilet paper etc.
Bring plenty of water and food/snacks.

Lookouts
Scrambling or Climbing
Navigation Required
Eucalypt Forest

Getting there

The track leaves from the end of Cotswold Rd which turns South of Boonah-Rathdowney Rd 2.7km East of Maroon township. The track ends at a small dam about 3.5km from the turnoff.

Maps

The Maroon 1:25000 covers the area.

Route/Trail notes

Follow the open hill just south-west of the dam. A reasonably clear track leads up the hill reasonably quickly (I wouldn't say it's steep, but if you've been doing graded tracks it'll get the heart pumping... ok, it's fairly steep!).

This track leads into a gully with some spectacular cliffs off to the right. If you're into rock climbing this cliff offers some good options. Just search for Ruby of India to get started.

Climb up the gully, taking care not to dislodge rocks down on your fellow hikers. At the top of the gully a track leads through a small area of vegetation before emerging at the base of the main, bald peak. Simply wind your way up this peak to the large cairn at the top and enjoy the views.

There are some trail markers along the way - orange triangles - but you should have reasonable navigation skills to attempt this one.

GPS Tracks

Comments

Mt Maroon is on Yuggerah country. This one was tough - it brought me to near tears and slight panic - and I would not recommend going alone, like I did, unless you are good at navigating or have a compass/AllTrails. Both which I did not until now... lesson learned. The view was absolutely stunning and worth it, however I did get lost a couple of times coming down and it can be really disorientating. It took me 1 hour 50 minutes up, and 1 hour 20 minutes down. Most of the hike is actual scrambling and I would recommend hiking shoes. I do think this walk requires a good level of fitness at minimum, and for me it was challenging but certainly not impossible or tempting to turn around at any point from a fitness perspectives. It was a fairly heavily trafficked walk even though I went later and on a weekday.

Babs on 27 Aug, 2021

Hard but worth it. 360 views from the top are magnificent. It’s quite a steep trail up the gullies involving rock scrambling so a reasonable level of fitness and flexibility is needed. Took us 5 hours return, plus 30 minutes on the summit for morning tea with views!

Olwyn on 21 Aug, 2021

Really good hike. If you do attempt this make sure you arrive early (and if you want it nice and quiet go on a week day, weekends are usually rather busy. On the way back down from the summit make sure you pay attention to the trail and carry some sort of GPS device/map. Made the mistake of not paying attention properly and ended up veering off track. Should take about 3 and half hours or so return.

melted_cheese on 20 Aug, 2021

Lovely climb. Lots of uphill walking. Don’t be fooled, there is a section where the arrows stop pointing up and direct you downhill - this is the way to the climbing section so rest assured you are still on the right track. The climb is great! Not too challenging but satisfying enough for those who want a thrill. The top is breathtaking! The stream at the top is the most serene sight and you’ll see gigantic trees! Definitely recommend.

Warlock Bride on 12 Jul, 2021

Went up my first time for a sunrise. Nice and challenging on the legs; it wasn’t too difficult to find my way up in the dark, just with a headlamp.
Took map and compass, though it wasn’t needed.
Departed the car park at 3:50 am, and arrived at the summit at 6:13

Tim-E on 4 Jul, 2021

rewarding

Blythe Bishop on 27 Jun, 2021

A steady, steep climb to the summit. Beautiful views, but very busy being a weekend which detracted from the experience. I'd like to do it again on a week day when it's hopefully less crowded.

Monstar on 20 Jun, 2021

Not too strenuous hike of 3h45 minutes up and down (about 700m from car park to summit) with a few short breaks on the way up and down. (5.4km round trip). Walk-able climb to start, a dip, then a scrambling climb to a pre summit flat area and then easy climb walk to summit.

Monte Hague on 20 Jun, 2021

Second time climbing Mt. Maroon. Amazing views from the top. Challenging, but satisfying!

Sally on 29 May, 2021

Did this for the third time in 4 weeks as prep for Logans Ridge hike at the end of the month. Started walking at 7am and made the summit at 8:18 and had the place to ourselves until 2 others joined us, they planned on getting there for sunrise but got lost and spent hours finding the way up, but were still very cheerful. Lots of others coming up as we went down so glad we started fairly early and beat the crowds. Getting very busy as this time of the year on Saturdays so start early if you don't want others sending rocks down on your head.

jgmansell on 15 May, 2021

Did this walk for the second time this month in perfect conditions. We arrived at about 7am to find over 20 cars parked, I hadn't realised that there was so much parking space before. As we started climbing we soon passed a couple of small groups going up before several others came down after they went up early to catch the sunrise. We got to the summit in an hour and a half and only had to share the space with 4 other walkers. On the way down there were a few large groups of over a dozen in each heading up and when we got back to the carpark there was over 30 cars, so my advice is get there early if the weather is good and it is a weekend, or else the summit will be crowded.

jgmansell on 8 May, 2021

A tough constant uphill walk but really pleasant in partial cloud and 24 degrees.

Leanne Loch on 3 May, 2021

The first 1-2 km are a killer and you just have to endure the steep incline, once the rock scrambling starts it gets a little easier and then you are almost at the top.

Anonymous on 17 Apr, 2021

Tiring on the legs but well worth the view!

Kaina on 14 Mar, 2021

A tough challenging hike all round. Rock scrambling made the hike really enjoyable.
Took 3 hours round trip.

ripmech on 6 Feb, 2021

First half of the walk is a bit of a slog, however it becomes quite enjoyable after that, with probably the best views at the top of a climb I have experienced yet. Took 1hr 10 to the top and 1 hr coming back down, consumed just under 2L of water. Would recommend at least 3 litres of water (possibly more) if starting much after 7am. Watch your footing on the descent, especially on the loose gravel sections.

Regarding getting to the climb, I managed the gravel track in a MX5 (only a mildly stressful experience), so I imagine most other 2WD's will have no issues.

Hagan on 24 Jan, 2021

Started the new year with a hike to the summit. Absolutley loved it, definitely one of my favourite hikes and will be doing it regularly. Physically it's demanding if you aren't fit otherwise i found the whole thing a moderate hike with the chute up to the saddle the only bit that was a bit difficult but just requires concentration as you go up through it. Planning a trip back for sunrise soon.

Chewie on 1 Jan, 2021

3rd time up. Has to be my favourite walk but the most tiring especially coming back down.

ian parker on 10 Nov, 2020

Challenging hike and subsequent climb, but well worth it for the view.

HikingBiker on 11 Oct, 2020

A nice challenging hike - quite rocky. Lovely views on the way up and at the top. As it gets hotter I recommend a good supply of water. Took about 4 hours in total.

Briony B on 28 Sep, 2020

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