The Upper Portals track is a challenging 9km, Grade 4 hike within Mount Barney National Park, Queensland. Expect a return journey of approximately 4 hours. This track is known for its unique geological formations - smooth channels carved by water through rhyolite and basalt rock. Be aware that creek crossings can be treacherous, especially after rainfall when rocks become slippery.
The Upper Portals track itself features steep sections and rough terrain, demanding some rock- scrambling skills. To reach the upstream section, follow the designated trail until it meets the junction of Yamahra Creek and Mount Barney Creek. Continue downstream along Mount Barney Creek to discover the Upper Portals.
Reaching the downstream section requires a different approach. Follow a steep track ascending the northern bank before descending to your destination. This route bypasses a potentially dangerous narrow gorge, particularly during high water levels.
While some consider the initial fire trail section less exciting, the diverse flora provides a delightful counterpoint. Look out for a profusion of wildflowers, butterflies, and even native orchids (depending on the season). The hike culminates at pristine pools, offering a refreshing reward after your exertion.
For an optimal experience, consider taking the clockwise route. This saves the waterfalls as the grand finale, and allows you to potentially time your arrival for a breathtaking sunset illuminating the surrounding range.
The Upper Portals track in Maroon offers a challenging but rewarding adventure. Be prepared for creek crossings, overgrown sections, and steep descents. Recent hikers have mentioned occasional navigation difficulties, so staying vigilant and referencing your map is highly recommended. Following the clockwise circuit and exercising caution on the descent are important safety measures. While June may see some overgrown areas and require creek crossings, the overall experience offers a stunning escape into nature.
- 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.
Total distance: 9087 m
Max elevation: 731 m
Min elevation: 536 m
Total climbing: 410 m
Total descent: -410 m
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Reaching the Upper Portals trackhead requires a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. The trail starts at the end of Waterfall Creek Road, and the drive itself takes roughly 45 minutes from the Lower Portals and Yellow Pinch areas. If you don't have a 4WD, you can park your car at a designated spot before Waterfall Creek Road and hike the access road on foot, adding extra time to your journey.
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
