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
960m
Maximum Elevation
660m
Total Climb

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

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

Great hike, it was go from the start. Fantastic views and scenery the whole way up. The panoramic views from the summit are just amazing, could even see the Brisbane CBD and Mt Warning.

Kelvski on 19 Sep, 2020

Very well worn track. We spotted a koala and joey, which was very special. So look up! Great views at the summit.

JFoss on 18 Sep, 2020

Beautiful views on this walk. The gravel road in is about 5k long and ok for 2wd. At the fork in the road, continue to the right. Strenuous uphill scrambling over roots, rocks and loose gravel/dirt. Will get your heart pumping! Little exposure although it does drop off dramatically at some points so watch your step. There is one very steep rocky climb which gets you to a rocky outcrop with a view of the false summit and summit. Leave space between parties on this section and watch for falling rocks. There is one final push to the top. Worth it for the incredible 360 degree views. Watch your feet on the way down. Can be slippery and hard on the knees. Would not attempt in the wet. Don’t veer off the track.

Caroline on 5 Sep, 2020

Steep walk and a real heart starter from the beginning but a great walk with stunning views to your right the whole way up! Took about 1.5hours up with a number of breaks to wait for the group - could do in just over an hour I feel. About 45 down. One of my favourites out of Barney and Flinders. Looking forward to doing it again.

Please note there are NO toilets at the carpark unlike Mt Barney Yellow Pinch. Be prepared and stop before you arrive! If you must go in the bushes like I did, then be careful as there are A LOT of people who’ve been in there before! With this walk as popular as it is, surely they will need to put in some facilities soon!

wheres_wally on 23 Aug, 2020

Loved this one! Did Mt Mitchell the day before so a tiny bit tired. But had some bananas which was good fuel. It was about 4hrs return with some nice scrambling. You will need reasonable fitness for this and good grip shoes. There were two of us and we took just under 2 litres of water which was just enough. View was amazing and will definitely do this again! Mt Greville had no view but was incredible and Mt Cooroora was awesome too! My favourite 3 so far. They put out orange arrow markers the same day.

Chesspeople on 14 Aug, 2020

Just did this one. It was a windy day, but our group of 3 managed it with no problems at all!! You're pretty much straight into it after the car park and it's a loose rocky dirt uphill slog until you get to the rock climbing part, this is probably a good spot to have a rest if you need it before tackling this section, as it is unwise to stop anywhere whilst negotiating this part due to rock fall risks.

Once you get past the rock climb part, there will be a rocky lockout to your left where, when facing east, you can see the summit to your right, and a false summit over your left shoulder. The summit is about 20 minutes from there and is easy with a small amount of scrambling involved near the top.

Once you are on the summit, you can take this as a perfect opportunity to enjoy some lunch and soak in the amazing views!!!
It took us just under 2 hours to get to the summit, and just under 2 hours to get back down, this included photo and snack stops.

All in all a very fulfilling climb. Make sure you wear good supportive shoes, have plenty of water, and snacks. Do not attempt this if you struggle with stairs or have bad knees as they will be taxed. Also don't try this if you suck at navigating as some times the trail will not be entirely clear. We had to redirect a daddy daughter duo a couple of times on the way down as they were heading straight into goodness knows where...

Nittus on 10 Aug, 2020

So today I attempted Mt Maroon for my very first time!

It was pretty much straight up from the word go!

There is a short walk from the carpark to the official start point that does head upwards.
From here it is a whole heap of rock scrambling straight up 😳

I took my time and was stopping quite often to find my footing and where the safest and easiest way up looked for myself.

You do need to keep an eye out for markers as they are not easy to spot. A few times I zig zagged a bit off track. So make sure you stop to take a breath and veer back on track if needed.

I stopped for a breather around halfway to admire the view and have a drink.

I finished the rock scramble just under the 2 hour mark.

When I hit the easier part of the hike (that I don't believe was that far away at all from the top) I was high fiving myself 👋 for my achievement when my left foot slipped on some slippery, dusty ground that was on a downward track and went straight out in front of me while I ended up on my butt with my right leg ending up under my butt from my knee to my foot.
I felt something go in my leg below my knee and down my leg.

I decided that today it was more important to get back down safely then to accomplish a mountain climb 😔

I consider myself a safe and mindful hiker and it is not that I did anything wrong. It was just unfortunately an accident that I won't forget in a hurry!
I am so very thankful it was not worse!!!

This hike challenged me from the get go.
I did enjoy it and even though I never made it to the top, I am proud of my achievement.

I would personally suggest a good level of fitness for this one.
I would not recommend this one for children or if you have ankle or knee issues. I would also recommend a supportive pair of hiking boots with good grip 👟

I think it may take a little while to get over this injury, but I will be back to finish this one off 🙏💕

Mt Maroon - 1 🥇
Mel - 0

Instagram :- misslissy79

Mel on 6 Aug, 2020

Great hike. 1 hour 30 minutes to go up and about 45 minutes to go down. Great variety of steep climbs, rock scrambling etc... Need to be reasonably fit. The summit has awesome views and you can spend some time up there having a picnic if you want :)

Andrew Specht on 2 Aug, 2020

Where

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