PARK INFORMATION
NPRSR 13 7468
SIZE
13 000 ha
VISITOR INFORMATION
Boonah (07) 5463 2233 | Rathdowney (07) 5544 1222 | www.rathdowney.org.au
LOCATION AND ACCESS
117 km south-west of Brisbane via Mt Lindesay Hwy and Boonah–Rathdowney Rd
CAMPING
Bush camping areas; some accessible only with ranger permission; permit and fees apply
As one of the state's largest areas of pristine vegetation, World Heritage–listed Mount Barney National Park on the Queensland–New South Wales border is a mecca for experienced bushwalkers and climbers. Out of this rugged wilderness rise seven peaks, of which Mount Barney is the highest.
There is a variety of vegetation, from open eucalypt woodlands to subtropical rainforest and montane heath. Antarctic beech and simple fern forest grow on Mount Ballow. Creeks lined with river she-oaks, red-flowering bottlebrushes and golden silky oaks provide a habitat for platypus. Other wildlife to watch out for includes the brush-tailed rock-wallaby and vulnerable marbled frogmouth. Rare plant species include the endangered Maroon wattle, mallee ash and Mount Barney bush pea.
There are three marked trails at the base of Mount Barney: Lower Portals Track (7.4 km return, 3 hours, medium difficulty), Upper Portals Track (8 km return, 3 hours, medium difficulty) and Cronan Creek Track (13 km return, 5 hours, medium difficulty).The long, steep climb on unformed trails leading to the summit of Mount Barney (8–10 hours return, difficult) should only be attempted by very fit walkers. Mount Maroon is popular for rock-climbing.
The Yellow Pinch picnic area at the base of Mount Barney provides toilets, barbecues and tables. There are a number of designated bush camping areas, some of them accessible only with rangers’ permission. No facilities are provided at these sites, so campers must be self-reliant, bringing all supplies and water with them. It is essential to book in advance. There are several privately run lodges and cabins in the Mount Barney area. Hotels, motels, B&Bs and caravan parks are located at Boonah and Rathdowney.