The Gap Creek Falls Track, a challenging 10km walk in Main Range National Park, takes you on a journey through diverse landscapes, offering a blend of rugged terrain, lush vegetation, and stunning views. The hike begins at The Crest and follows a ridge beneath Mount Cordeaux, guiding you down into a fern-filled gully. As you descend, the track zigzags its way towards a rocky creek, where the sound of rushing water fills the air. When you reach the large slab that overlooks Gap Creek Falls, you’ll be in awe of the sight before you. The 100m cliff face comes alive as water tumbles down in a silvery cascade, with the cool mist offering a refreshing pause in the midst of your hike.
Beyond the falls, the cliffs are adorned with vibrant spear lilies, and Mount Cordeaux stands tall, watching over the landscape below. While the falls are most impressive after rainfall, the views down the valley are captivating no matter the weather. This track is a reminder of the area's geological beauty and natural wonders, and as you walk through it, you'll be immersed in the unique flora and fauna that make Main Range National Park a special part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Whether you're seeking a physical challenge or simply wanting to connect with nature, this hike offers something to inspire at every turn.
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: 10147 m
Max elevation: 814 m
Min elevation: 411 m
Total climbing: 700 m
Total descent: -700 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Main Range National Park.
The Gap Creek Falls track is located in the Cunninghams Gap section of Main Range National Park, around 120km south-west of Brisbane. To reach the trailhead, head to The Crest, where the track begins. From Brisbane, take the Cunningham Highway and drive approximately 116km south-west to reach Cunninghams Gap. If you’re coming from Warwick, it’s a 50km drive east along the same highway to get to the gap. Once you arrive, you’ll find the track ready to lead you into the natural beauty of the area.
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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.
Looking for more walks in or near Main Range National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Main image: QLD Parks and Forests - Cameron Semple
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