The Dalrymple Circuit, located in Main Range National Park, Queensland, is a short yet rewarding 1.2km loop that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The trail offers an easy grade 3 walk through a captivating landscape, with plenty of opportunities to pause and appreciate the surrounding nature. Starting at the Manna Gum camping area, the trail crosses several bridges and platforms that span the vibrant waters of Dalrymple Creek, offering clear views of the cascades, riffles, and pools below.
This walk is a great way to introduce children to the wonders of nature, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. Before setting off, you can print out an activity sheet for the kids to complete during the hike, making the experience both educational and fun. As you follow the trail, keep an eye out for a variety of creatures in the creek, including tadpoles, crayfish, platypus, and fish. The area is also home to many species of frogs, including the endangered Fleay’s barred frog, which may be spotted in the water or along the creek banks.
Dalrymple Creek, which is one of the headwaters of the Condamine River, holds significant ecological value. This river eventually flows into the Darling and Murray rivers, contributing to a larger network of waterways that sustain the region. Along the circuit, informative trackside signs provide insight into the rich history and natural significance of this beautiful part of the park, making it an enriching walk for both nature enthusiasts and casual hikers alike.
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.
Total distance: 1278 m
Max elevation: 741 m
Min elevation: 716 m
Total climbing: 37 m
Total descent: -38 m
Login to Download GPXGPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Main Range National Park.
The Dalrymple Circuit is located in the Goomburra section of Main Range National Park, about 175km south-west of Brisbane. To reach the trailhead, start by heading to the Manna Gum camping area, where the circuit begins. If you’re coming from the New England Highway, take the turnoff 3km south of Allora onto Inverramsay Road, then continue on this road and turn onto Forestry Reserve Road, heading east for approximately 35km until you reach the park entrance. Alternatively, from the Cunningham Highway, take the exit at Gladfield, which is 25km west of Cunninghams Gap or 13km east of the junction with the New England Highway. Travel 8km to connect with Inverramsay Road, and from there, follow it to join Forestry Reserve Road, which will lead you to the park entrance.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Main Range National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Main image: QLD Parks and Forests - Maxime Coquard
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>
