Mount Maroon Summit Hike (Cotswold Track)
The Mount Maroon summit hike via the Cotswold Track is a challenging 5.6km return journey located within Mount Barney National Park, Queensland. Rated as grade 4, this hike typically takes 3 hours to complete.
While shorter than its neighbour, Mount Barney, Mount Maroon offers a challenging half-day adventure with a 965-meter elevation gain. The route is mostly untracked, following ridgelines and steep, rocky gullies. Despite the difficulty, Mount Maroon is considered one of the most scenic peaks in the Scenic Rim region. During spring, the summit comes alive with spectacular wildflower displays.
The hike begins on Cotswold Road. Follow the open hill southwest of the dam. A reasonably clear track leads up this incline at a brisk pace. Though not excessively steep, hikers accustomed to graded tracks will find their heart rates rising.
This track enters a gully with impressive cliffs to the right. Rock climbers will find opportunities here, with "Ruby of India" being a popular route. Ascend the gully, taking care to avoid dislodging rocks that could injure fellow hikers below.
Upon reaching the gully's peak, a track emerges, passing through a small vegetated area before reaching the base of the main, bald peak. Simply wind your way up this final section to the large cairn at the summit, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views. The panorama encompasses Lamington National Park, Mount Barney, the entire Main Range, and the Moogerah Peaks.
While orange triangle markers are present along the way, this hike demands a reasonable level of navigational skills due to the untracked sections.
Total distance: 4482 m
Max elevation: 938 m
Min elevation: 368 m
Total climbing: 571 m
Total descent: -571 m
Download
The Mount Maroon summit hike begins at the end of Cotswold Road. To reach the trailhead, travel east from Maroon township for 2.7km on Boonah-Rathdowney Road. Look for Cotswold Road turning south off the main road. Follow this road for 3.5km until you reach a small dam, which marks the end of the drivable route. Parking is available near the dam, where you can begin your hike towards the summit.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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 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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Mount Barney National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Favourite
Mount Barney National Park
Favourite
Mount Barney National Park
Favourite
Mount Barney National Park
Favourite
Mount Barney National Park
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
3 Reviews on “Mount Maroon Summit Hike (5.6km)”
Renee Lancaster Neil Lancaster
Sam Esposito
This has always been one of my favourite walks. There are several routes to the top and all are excellent. Don’t miss the side trip to North Peak!
This sounds fantastic !
We were able to complete the track in 3 Hours. Certainly a challenging trek, both up and own. The sheer elevation at times was tough. Plenty of kind-hearted folk on the track. The views from the top make it all worthwhile!
Yep, this one is on my bucket list within the next month.