Trail Fast Facts
Mount Ernest Summit is a 12km, grade 5 hike located in Mount Barney National Park, Queensland. This challenging hike typically takes 8-10 hours to complete.
Warning
Accessing Mount Ernest via the northeastern ridge from Yellow Pinch requires crossing private property. It's crucial to obtain permission from the landowner to ensure you have the necessary authorisation before proceeding with this hike.
Hike Overview
Mount Ernest, located on the northern side of Mount Lindesay Highway, provides spectacular views of Mount Barney to the north. Though much lower than the main peaks of Mount Barney, the routes to the summit of Mount Ernest are equally challenging and less frequently trodden. The hike offers stunning views of Mount Barney and Mount Lindesay from the ridgeline and requires navigating through unmarked and steep sections with loose rocks and scree.
The initial section follows a creek with some rock hopping. The first ascent is very steep and loose, requiring caution due to falling rocks. The boulder scrambling section, though challenging, is enjoyable. Hikers will encounter multiple false peaks before reaching the summit, with scenic views of Mount Barney and Mount Lindesay from the first peak onward.
The ascent and descent pose safety hazards due to loose scree and falling rocks. Proper footwear and a good level of fitness are essential. This hike is not suitable for inexperienced hikers due to its challenging nature and steep sections.
The route starts on the fire road to the southern Mount Barney routes before branching off and crossing the Logan River three times. The northeastern ridge begins as a grassy slope, quickly leading to steep bands of rock. Several feasible routes exist, but all require caution. The ridge ascends several false summits, with generally straightforward scrambling, except for an unavoidable exposed downclimb with plenty of holds available. Navigational aids are advisable, as a faint track only exists in places. Staying close to the ridge is crucial.
A small rock cairn marks the summit, where a rocky platform provides a great spot to enjoy views of Mount Barney. Views of Mount Lindesay are limited to the earlier sections of the ridge, as vegetation obscures it at the summit. This hike is only for very experienced hikers who know how to read a map. Inexperienced hikers should not attempt this route. It is important to avoid trespassing on private land and to check with National Parks authorities if unsure.
The hike to Mount Ernest is demanding, with no trail to the summit. Navigational skills and fitness are essential. Approximately 70 percent of the hike involves bush bashing, with the remainder requiring rock scrambling or hiking up very steep ridges on loose rock and scree. The strenuous hike spans 12 kilometres with an elevation of 964 metres, taking between 8 to 10 hours for a return trip.
Track Grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 950 m
Min elevation: 240 m
Total climbing: 862 m
Total descent: -863 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
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.
Photo gallery
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About the region
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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Mount Barney National Park? Try these hikes or bushwalks.
Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.