The Araucaria Falls Track offers a glimpse into the enchanting beauty of Queensland's subtropical rainforest, leading you to one of Main Range National Park's hidden gems. At 3.6 km in length and graded 4, this track takes most hikers around 1.5 hours to complete. The walk begins gently, winding through a gully lined with sturdy brush box trees, before gradually climbing toward the falls. The path crosses the creek at the top of the falls, then drops steeply toward the deep, cool pool below, where the cascading water creates a serene atmosphere.
The waterfall itself is named after the towering hoop pines, or Araucaria cunninghamii, that line the track. These ancient trees, once abundant in the Goomburra area, stand as silent witnesses to the history of logging in the region. Today, only a few of these majestic pines remain, rising high above the surrounding canopy. As you sit by the pool, surrounded by the lush rainforest, take a moment to appreciate the resilience of these trees and the history they carry. On your return journey, keep an eye out for any of these ancient survivors still standing tall in the forest.
Main Range National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, a place renowned for its rich geological history, evolutionary significance, and remarkable biodiversity. The park is home to a variety of rare, threatened, and endemic species, making every hike here a chance to connect with a landscape that has remained relatively unchanged for millions of years.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 3412 m
Max elevation: 1030 m
Min elevation: 899 m
Total climbing: 159 m
Total descent: -159 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Main Range National Park.
The Araucaria Falls Track is located in the Goomburra section of Main Range National Park, approximately 175 km south-west of Brisbane. To reach the trailhead, take Lookout Road, which begins 3.8 km past the Kurrajong picnic area. The Goomburra section can be accessed from both the New England and Cunningham highways. If you’re coming from the New England Highway, turn off 3 km south of Allora onto Inverramsay Road, then follow it and Forestry Reserve Road for about 35 km until you reach the park entrance. Alternatively, from the Cunningham Highway, turn off at Gladfield, located 25 km west of Cunninghams Gap or 13 km east of the junction between the Cunningham and New England highways. From there, travel 8 km to join Inverramsay Road and continue to the park entrance via Forestry Reserve Road.
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Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Allora, Boonah, Boondooma, Clifton, Crows Nest, Cunninghams Gap, Dungarees, Emu Vale, Esk, Gatton, Harrisville, Kalbar, Killarney, Laidley, Legume, Maryvale, Peak Crossing, Stanthorpe, Tannymorel, Toowoomba, Warwick, Yangan
Main Range National Park, located in the Scenic Rim of South East Queensland, is a place where nature’s beauty and geological history come together. Covering over 30,000 hectares, this park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, which is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and ancient landscapes. The park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from cool subtropical rainforests to dry eucalypt forests, montane heath, and rocky outcrops. These varied habitats provide a sanctuary for a wide range of rare and endangered species, including the Albert’s lyrebird, the eastern bristlebird, and the black-breasted button-quail. The park's complex topography and rich soils support an impressive array of plant life, from towering trees to delicate wildflowers, each playing a vital role in the region’s delicate ecological balance.
The park’s most prominent feature is the Main Range itself, a dramatic escarpment formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago. Once part of a giant shield volcano, the range offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. Over time, erosion has sculpted the landscape, creating rugged peaks and deep gorges, with numerous lookouts offering visitors a chance to take in the incredible scenery. The Main Range’s geological significance is matched by its ecological importance, with ancient plant species such as the giant spear lily and various rainforest trees still thriving in its protected environment.
Visitors to Main Range National Park can explore a range of walking tracks that showcase the park’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife. Whether it’s a short walk through the rainforest or a more challenging hike up to one of the park's higher peaks, there’s something for everyone. The park is not only a place of natural beauty but also a site of historical significance. Early European explorers such as Allan Cunningham paved the way for the development of transport routes through the range, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the region’s development. Today, the park remains an important destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking to connect with the natural world in a truly special place.
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Looking for more walks in or near Main Range National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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