The Lower Portals Track is a moderately challenging 7.4km return hike in Mount Barney National Park, Queensland. Rated as Grade 4, the track features sections with moderate to steep slopes and uneven terrain. Expect the return journey to take approximately 4 hours.
The track winds its way up and down ridges before reaching Mount Barney Creek. Be aware of two creek crossings with potentially slippery rocks, especially after rainfall. Following the second crossing, look for directional signage to guide you towards the track's conclusion: a deep, inviting pool nestled within a rocky gorge.
While returning, pay close attention to signage to locate the creek crossing once more.
The Lower Portals track is just one of many trails exploring the base of Mount Barney. The surrounding peaks – Mount Maroon, Mount May, Mount Lindesay, Mount Ernest, Mount Ballow and Mount Clunie – are remnants of an ancient volcano that erupted millions of years ago. Notably, Mount Barney itself is the second-highest peak in Southeast Queensland.
As you hike, enjoy the diverse flora. The track begins with open grassy slopes dotted with eucalypts and brush box trees, before transitioning into subtropical rainforest and pockets of wet mallee forest. This habitat provides refuge for endangered species like the Coxen's fig-parrot and the vulnerable plumed frogmouth.
The hike culminates at the Lower Portals – a picturesque swimming hole within a rocky gorge carved by Mount Barney Creek. Remember to exercise caution at the creek crossings due to potentially slippery rocks. Take a moment to appreciate the crystal-clear water and keep an eye out for signs of platypus activity.
For those seeking an extended adventure, consider staying at the Lower Portals remote bush camp. This designated camping area offers three individual campsites situated alongside Mount Barney Creek.
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 Creek may have deep, cold water and submerged obstacles.
- Entering the water can lead to hypothermia, shock, serious injury, or even death.
- Supervise children closely at all times around the creek.
Total distance: 8267 m
Max elevation: 308 m
Min elevation: 254 m
Total climbing: 318 m
Total descent: -318 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
To reach the Lower Portals track, follow Upper Logan Road out of Rathdowney. Turn onto Lower Portals Road and continue until you reach the designated car park at the trailhead.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
Favourite
Mount Barney National Park
Favourite
Mount Barney National Park
Favourite
Mount Barney National Park
Favourite
Mount Barney National Park
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
3 Reviews on “Lower Portals Track (7.4km)”
Tasha Witch-Blade
Thank you so much for the share!!
Van Den Hoogenband tell Tash we all should do this. I have done once. It is hard and that is a reason why 7.5 km takes 3 hrs Great hike
Very easy hike, great swimming holes at the end, def not graded at 5.
Kelsey Ann