Sheer cliff edges. Remain on the track, stay behind fences, away from cliff edges and supervise children at all times.
The Mount Mitchell Track offers a rewarding adventure for those looking to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes of Main Range National Park. Spanning 10.2km, this grade 4 hike typically takes around three hours to complete, though the stunning surroundings make every step worthwhile. Starting from The Crest, the track begins with a steady climb up the northern slope of Mount Mitchell. As you ascend, you’ll find yourself winding around the steep West Peak, standing at 1162 metres, before reaching the saddle that connects the peaks. From here, the trail continues along a narrow ridge that leads to the East Peak at 1175 metres, where you’ll be greeted by sweeping views from a natural lookout perched above sheer cliffs.
The views from the summit are nothing short of breathtaking. From this elevated vantage point, you can take in the expansive views of the Fassifern and Millar Vale Creek valleys, as well as the distant peaks of Mounts Maroon, Lindesay, Barney, and Ballow. The landscape below, with its lush valleys and rugged peaks, creates a striking contrast to the sharp cliff faces around you. Keep an eye on the skies as you take in the view—peregrine falcons, known for their incredible speed, often patrol the heights above. These skilled hunters can dive at speeds of up to 180km/h, adding to the excitement of this remarkable walk.
The hike itself is a mix of woodland, rainforest, and montane heath, offering a rich tapestry of ecosystems to explore. The effort required to reach the summit is rewarded not only by the panoramic views but also by the chance to connect with nature in its most rugged and pristine form.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com
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: 10423 m
Max elevation: 1089 m
Min elevation: 788 m
Total climbing: 842 m
Total descent: -842 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 Mount Mitchell Track is located in the Cunningham Gap section of Main Range National Park, roughly 120km south-west of Brisbane. To reach the trailhead, head to The Crest, where the track begins. If you’re driving from Brisbane, take the Cunningham Highway and travel 116km south-west towards Cunninghams Gap. For those coming from Warwick, drive 50km east along the Cunningham Highway until you reach Cunninghams Gap. The Crest is easily accessible from this point, marking the starting point for your hike.
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 >>
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 >>
