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.
- 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.
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Total distance: 8267 m
Max elevation: 308 m
Min elevation: 254 m
Total climbing: 318 m
Total descent: -318 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Barney View, Beaudesert, Boona, Boonah, Canungra, Harrisville, Kalbar, Mount Barney, Rathdowney, Wonglepong
Getting to the trailhead in Mount Barney National Park.
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.
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 views 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.
Looking for hikes and trails in Mount Barney National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
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.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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