Bushwalk Australia

Hi all,

Just wondering what an average driving time from Brisbane to Goomburra section at Main Range is like? According to google maps, it's something close to 3 hours! Surely it's not quite that long? Also, are the roads to access hikes in that area suitable for 2WDs?

Cheers

Which part of Brisbane will make a difference too. It is about an hour (or just over) from our place at Inala to Cunningham's Gap. Then another 30min to 45min to the Goomburra turn off then I'd say another 45min or so in to the NP. Maybe more if you're heading all the way to the top for Sylvesters Lookout etc... I haven't been in to Goomburra for a while so those times are an estimate.

So yeah, I don't think Google would be too far off. You have to drive a long way off the back of the range and then around a long way to get back in.

Once you reach the picnic/camping ground at the base of the range there is a gate on the road that gets closed depending on the road condition. This and the creek crossing just there are the two main variables, so it is best to call the ranger before you leave to see if the gate is open and to see what the creek level is like if you are wanting to drive to the top. Is it a soft roader type 2wd? Or a normal sedan? The creek base is usually no problem, so as long as you aren't too low it is ok.

There are some walks starting at the picnic ground before the gate too, so if the gate is closed or you can't do the creek crossing then you can still do these. Or just walk/slog it up the road to the top.

Hey cams,

Thanks for all the info.

That's a shame, sounds as though the google maps estimate is about spot on. I live in inner northern suburbs and it takes about 1.5 hours to Cunningham's Gap. I guess that's only halfway! I was just trying to do some hikes in areas I haven't been to before, since there seems like so much around Main Range beyond the highway spot, but 5-6 hours round trip is a LOT of driving for one day. Are the walks in that area worth it? I drive a Kia Rio, not sure how favourably that ranks as far as gravel road driving goes (probably not too well).

Cheers,
Munch

Make a weekend of it Munch.....it's worthwhile.
Short to Med length tracks to waterfalls, lookouts, along creek banks, a firetrail with views of the Amphitheatre,
plus couple of 'off track' walks if your experienced.
Campsites are beside the creek & have toilets.....just bring your own fire wood & water.
If my 2wd ute can make it without any problems your Rio will too....unless it's bucketed down for the last 24hrs,
and then there might be a few river crossing issues.

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/main- ... mping.html

We were there last year in June just after some rain, both of our vehicle (Accord and Mirage) with standard tryes made it there without any problem. The only complain from my friends were that the tracks were muddy, especially where the cows passed which ruined her new sneakers.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Will have to get myself out there sometime and check it out.

Cheers,
Munch

Planning an overnight hike at Main Range next weekend... thinking of heading to Goomburra and camping overnight at Mt Castle, or driving to Teviot Gap and overnighting near Lizard Point, as I've yet to visit either of these spots. Goomburra would probably make a better choice in case of bad weather, as I could just stay at the main camp area and do any of the shorter walks that don't require driving on dirt roads. Not sure about access to water in either spot. Any thoughts/suggestions? Are bookings for the remote campsites necessary?

Cheers,
Munch

I was down at Goomburra last weekend...the shady creek running past Poplar Flat & Manna Gum camping areas is still flowing.
Campsite info here..... http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/main- ... _goomburra
There is a water tap at both campsites, but bring your own just in case.
You can check availability/book campsites here... in Location box look for 'Main Range N.P'.
http://parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits/; ... 1588268428
Same site for remote camp bookings...look under 'Main Range Remote camping" just in case you change your mind & head to Teviot Gap.
Should be plenty of room to camp next weekend.

Not sure if Laidley falls on the way to Mt Castle is still running.
Don't rely on it, take water, it's a dry ridgeline walk, but the views are great.
Have a good weekend. Champion_Munch

Hi ofuros,

Thanks for the info!

Did the walk to Spicer's peak on the weekend and noticed a sign saying not to camp at Lizard Point, so I guess that option is out. Unfortunately also during this walk one of my boots fell apart and I may not be able to get a hold of a new pair before the end of the week... so there may be some delay doing this Mt Castle overnighter but I will refer to this thread when the time comes. How much time should I plan in to get out to Mt Castle?

Cheers,
Munch

I wasn't too far away.. climbing Bare Rock & Mt Cordeau via the Boxwood track, while you were climbing Spicers.

Castle Mt can be done as rushed day trip or take your time, get settled in,
take in the setting sun & enjoy the morning sunrise.
viewtopic.php?f=48&t=8451&p=111492#p111492

Nice trip report! I'll have to make sure I take loads of water then... 1.5 L was barely enough for the 3.5 h return to Spicer's, but the heat was immense. Surely you must have been sweltering in December!!