Trail Fast Facts
Rocky Knoll Lookout Trail is a 2.4km, grade 4 hike in Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, Queensland. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Rocky Knoll Lookout trail forms part of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate managed by Ipswich City Council, and is accessed from the Hardings Paddock Picnic Area of Carmichael's Road in Purga, just South of Ipswich. Visitors to the Estate can take in the natural wonders of the area through a range of recreational activities including hiking, mountain bike riding and horse riding. The conservation estate is over 1900 hectares in area supporting extensive forests and rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, and Mounts Blain, Catherine and Goolman. The Estate is an important wildlife refuge supporting 136 bird, 25 mammal, 13 reptile and 8 amphibian species as well as 531 different flora species.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Photo gallery
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.
Track Grade
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.
About the region
Located 20 minutes drive from the Ipswich City, the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate covers over 2,200 hectares. The conservation estate supports extensive forests and rugged volcanic peaks and slopes including Flinders Peak, Mount Blaine, Mount Catherine and Mount Goolman.
A range of recreational activities are on offer to visitors to the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate including bird-watching, hiking, mountain bike and horse riding (bring your own bike or horse) and camping.
Hardings Paddock and Flinders Plum Picnic Areas are the destination highlights within the conservation estate with each area offering barbecues and public toilets. The campground at Hardings Paddock provides the only bush camping opportunity within the 6,000+ hectares of natural reserves in the Ipswich region.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com
Suggest an edit
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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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.
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
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.
Weather
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.