Mount Barney National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Mount Barney National Park, Ian Beattie / Auscape International

Introduction

As one of the state’s largest areas of pristine vegetation, World Heritage-listed Mount Barney National Park on the Queensland–New South Wales border is a mecca for experienced bushwalkers and climbers. Out of this rugged wilderness rise seven peaks, of which Mount Barney is the highest. There is a variety of vegetation, from open eucalypt woodlands to subtropical rainforest and montane heath. Antarctic beech and simple fern forest grow on Mount Ballow. Creeks lined with river she-oaks, red-flowering bottlebrushes and golden silky oaks provide a habitat for platypuses. Other wildlife to watch out for includes the brush-tailed rock-wallaby and vulnerable marbled frogmouth. Rare plant species include the endangered Maroon wattle, mallee ash and Mount Barney bush pea. There are three marked trails at the base of Mount Barney: Lower Portals Track (7.4 km return, 3 hours), Upper Portals Track (8 km return, 3 hours) and Cronan Creek Track (13 km return, 6 hours). The long, steep climb on unformed trails leading to the summit of Mount Barney (8–10 hours return) should only be attempted by very fit walkers. Mount Maroon is popular for rock-climbing. The Yellow Pinch picnic area at the base of Mount Barney provides wheelchair-accessible toilets, barbecues and tables. Bush camping areas have no facilities provided, so campers must be self-reliant, bringing all supplies and water with them. It is essential to book in advance. There are several privately run B&Bs, lodges and cabins in the Mount Barney area. Hotels, motels, B&Bs and caravan parks are located at Boonah and Rathdowney.

Fact file

Camping

Bush camping: Mt Barney, Mt May; permit and fees apply

Location and access

117 km south-west of Brisbane via Mt Lindesay Hwy and Boonah–Rathdowney Rd

Park Information

• NQIS (07) 3227 8185
• QPWS Coulson (07) 5463 5041

Size

11 500 ha

Where to Stay

Boonah (07) 5463 2233
Rathdowney (07) 5544 1222


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• Campsites

Campsites

Mount Barney camping area (bush camping)

Mt Barney’s steep climbs and rugged conditions offer an enjoyable challenge for seasoned hikers, but are a no-go zone for inexperienced campers. There is no access for vehicles (walk-in only), no facilities in the... Find out more

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