Yellow Pinch Lookout offers a fantastic option for hikers seeking breathtaking views in Mount Barney National Park without the commitment of a long and challenging hike. This moderately challenging, 2-kilometer return hike is conveniently located and typically takes only 1 hour to complete.
The initial section is a gentle 1-kilometer climb, leading you to Yellow Pinch Summit. Here, the imposing pyramid peak of Mount Barney dominates the landscape, offering a dramatic introduction to the park's majesty.
For those seeking a shorter adventure with a big payoff, Yellow Pinch Lookout provides the closest vantage point to Mount Barney without undertaking the challenging 8-hour summit climb. It also complements other scenic park walks like Lower Portals or Cronan Creek.
This well-maintained, moderately trafficked trail is relatively easy to navigate despite lacking signage. Be aware of loose rocks and uneven terrain, especially along sections of the ridge track. While short, the track is steep, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. However, with proper pacing, all fitness levels can potentially complete the hike.
This lookout is ideal for those camping within Mount Barney National Park or nearby campsites. Breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Mount Barney and Mount Lindesay await you at the summit. Remember, for optimal visibility and safety, consider undertaking this hike early in the morning. Close supervision is required for children at the peak due to steep drop-offs and cliffs.
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Total distance: 2135 m
Max elevation: 370 m
Min elevation: 244 m
Total climbing: 151 m
Total descent: -151 m
Getting to the trailhead: Mount Barney National Park.
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.
Closest towns to this walk: Barney View, Beaudesert, Boona, Boonah, Canungra, Harrisville, Kalbar, Mount Barney, Rathdowney, Wonglepong
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 views 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.
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Barney National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Mount Barney National Park
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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.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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