The Cronan Creek Falls track is a moderately challenging 12km return hike within Mount Barney National Park, Queensland. Rated as Grade 4, the track is suitable for experienced hikers and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
The hike begins at the Yellow Pinch car park on Upper Logan Road. Follow the main trail until you reach the Yellow Pinch gate. Pass through the turnstile and continue along the designated management trail for 5.4km. Keep an eye out for the Cronan Creek Falls turnoff – a marked track branching 100 metres to the left of the main trail.
This side track leads you alongside the picturesque Cronan Creek, with opportunities for swimming in natural pools along the way. Be prepared for creek crossings, which can become more challenging after heavy rainfall. The track winds through beautiful rainforest scenery, offering glimpses of Mount Lindesay and Mount Barney in the distance. Keep in mind that recent rain can increase water levels and make the hike more difficult.
The hidden waterfall itself lies further along the creek bed. To reach it, follow the track for approximately 6km until you see a small sign on your left indicating the turnoff. From here, a short track leads 100 metres to the creek, where you'll need to navigate some rocks to reach the base of the waterfall. The secluded swimming hole offers a refreshing reward after your hike, but be aware that the water remains cool even during summer months.
- Take care near creeks and pools. Never dive or jump into creeks or pools as the water may be shallow or hide submerged objects.
Total distance: 11784 m
Max elevation: 471 m
Min elevation: 244 m
Total climbing: 411 m
Total descent: -410 m
Download file:
Cronan-Creek-Falls.gpx
To reach the Mount Barney trailhead at Yellow Pinch Car Park, navigate to Upper Logan Road using your preferred mapping app. This scenic route is accessible by conventional vehicles. From either direction on the Mount Lindesay Highway, turn onto Barney View Road near Palen Creek. After following Barney View Road for a short while, take a left turn onto Upper Logan Road. Continue for approximately 25 minutes, passing Barney View and Mount Barney Lodge along the way. You'll arrive at the Yellow Pinch Car Park on your left-hand side. Park your car and look for signage to direct you towards your chosen walking track.
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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.
Mount Barney National Park, a World Heritage Site encompassed by the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, boasts a dramatic landscape. Roughly 120km southwest of Brisbane along the Mount Lindesay Highway, the park is dominated by the rugged peaks of Mounts Barney, Maroon, May, Lindesay, Ernest, Ballow and Clunie. These peaks are remnants of the ancient Focal Peak Shield Volcano, which erupted a staggering 24 million years ago. Notably, Mount Barney holds the title of second-highest peak in Southeast Queensland.
Within the park's boundaries lie cascading creeks and pristine rainforests that provide sanctuary for a wealth of rare plants and vulnerable animals. Visitors seeking a relaxed experience can explore the Yellow Pinch picnic area, where kingfishers flit above the water's surface. For seasoned hikers, the opportunity awaits to ascend the park's sheer peaks and be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of craggy ridges and distant ranges. Less adventurous visitors can enjoy several moderate walking tracks that weave around the base of the mountains.
The park's diverse vegetation ranges from open forests at the foothills to subtropical rainforests above 600 metres and montane heath shrublands closer to the summits. Interestingly, the summit of Mount Ballow features cool temperate rainforest, while Mount Maroon boasts mallee eucalypt shrublands.
A botanical haven, the park offers refuge to numerous rare and unusual plant species. Among these are the endangered Mount Maroon wattle (Acacia saxicola), the near-threatened bell-fruited mallee (Eucalyptus codonocarpa), the vulnerable bush pea (Pultenaea whiteana), and the Hillgrove gum (Eucalyptus michaeliana).
Encompassing a significant portion of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Mount Barney National Park provides a network of four established and graded walking tracks. These tracks offer the chance to appreciate the park's beauty, including its cascading creeks and pockets of subtropical rainforest, without requiring an ascent of the mountains. All four tracks are classified as grade 4, so choose the one that best suits your group's fitness level. Remember to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
