Box Forest Track offers an opportunity to step back in time and explore a subtropical rainforest rich in history and natural beauty. Located in Main Range National Park in Queensland, this 5-kilometre hike is graded as moderate (Grade 3) and typically takes around two hours to complete. The track follows the path of West Gap Creek, winding through a forest of towering brush box trees, some of the oldest and largest trees in the area. These giants are a highlight of the hike, with their massive trunks—among the thickest in the rainforest—standing as silent witnesses to centuries of growth. Many of these trees are over 100 years old, and in the summer months, their smooth, salmon-coloured trunks become particularly striking after they shed long strips of bark.
As you walk, the cool shade of the canopy provides a serene atmosphere, and the sound of trickling water from the creek adds to the peaceful environment. The high ridges of the Main Range capture rainfall, creating small creeks like West Gap Creek, which flows westward from the park. Eventually, this water joins the Darling and Murray rivers before flowing into the Great Australian Bight in South Australia, carrying with it the essence of the land.
Main Range National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, a region renowned for its ongoing geological processes, rich evolutionary history, and extraordinary biodiversity. The park is a haven for rare, threatened, and endemic species, making it a vital area for conservation. Walking the Box Forest Track is more than just a hike; it’s a chance to connect with an ancient landscape, surrounded by trees that have stood for centuries, witnessing the slow and constant march of time.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com
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Total distance: 7437 m
Max elevation: 788 m
Min elevation: 672 m
Total climbing: 257 m
Total descent: -257 m
Getting to the trailhead: Main Range National Park.
To reach the Box Forest Track in the Cunningham Gap section of Main Range National Park, head approximately 120 km south-west of Brisbane. The trailhead can be accessed from either the western end of The Crest or the West Gap Creek picnic area. If you’re coming from the Goomburra section, there are two main routes. From the New England Highway, turn off 3 km south of Allora onto Inverramsay Road. Continue along Inverramsay Road, then follow Forestry Reserve Road for about 35 km to the park entrance. Alternatively, from the Cunningham Highway, turn off at Gladfield, located 25 km west of Cunningham’s Gap or 13 km east of the junction with the New England Highway. Travel 8 km to join Inverramsay Road, then follow it and Forestry Reserve Road to the park entrance.
Closest towns to this walk: 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.
Looking for more walks in or near Main Range National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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