The best walks and hikes in Mount Barney National Park

Peasants Ridge is a steep ridgeline climb along Mount Barney’s southern slope. It is a rough forest route along the ridge, so expect to encounter roots and loose rock along the way. It intersects at a midpoint between Mount Barney's eastern and western peaks, making it a good ascent route, or descent route depending on how you plan your hike. Especially approaching the peak, there is a good amount of scrambling and loose rock so take it slow and watch your footing.

This remote saddle campsite is located right below Mount Barney’s summit, between the eastern and western peaks. There are no facilities here, but it is a good staging point for an early summit. It is also a good distance as a turn around point for an out-and-back hike along the ridge.

This trailhead serves as the primary access point to Mount Barney and Yellow Pinch. There is a small trailhead parking area at the gate at the end of Upper Logan Road. At the start of the trail, you follow packed gravel along an old management road, which eventually branches off into routes for South East Ridge, Mezzanine Ridge and Peasants Ridge.

The Mount Maroon caves sit beneath towering rhyolite cliff bands on the western side of the mountain, forming large overhangs and sheltered rock chambers tucked into the escarpment. Reaching the caves involves steep, rough terrain and off-track navigation, but the area opens into dramatic cliff scenery once you arrive. Smaller caves and rock shelters continue along sections of the cliff line, with exposed ridges and views across the Scenic Rim surrounding the area. Loose rock and rockfall are possible beneath the cliffs, so extra caution is needed around the cave walls and steeper sections.

The route to the Mount Maroon caves leaves from the main Mount Maroon trailhead before branching off onto a rough footpad through dense bushland. Unlike the standard summit track, this route is unofficial and includes off-track navigation, bush bashing, scrambling, and steep rocky terrain. Trails fade in and out in sections, so navigation skills are important. The caves sit beneath large cliff faces on the mountain’s western side, with rocky ridgelines and exposed terrain surrounding the area. Only attempt if you're an experienced bushwalker, as this route is considered more technical and adventurous than the main Mount Maroon ascent.

Upper Logan Road is the main access route into the southern side of Mount Barney National Park, leading toward key trailheads for routes like the South East Ridge. The road transitions from sealed to unsealed as it moves further into the valley, passing through rural farmland and open countryside. It’s commonly used as a starting point for hikes in the area, with informal parking near access tracks.

At 1,351 metres, Mount Barney East Peak is the highest point of Mount Barney and one of the most prominent peaks in the Scenic Rim. The summit is reached via steep, unmarked routes such as the South East Ridge, with the final approach involving exposed rock and scrambling. From the top, views extend across the surrounding ranges, valleys, and national park, with little shelter from wind or weather. Conditions can change quickly, particularly with cloud moving across the summit.

The South East Ridge is a steep summit route to East Peak, typically taking 7 to 9 hours return. It’s shorter than the South Ridge but significantly steeper, with sustained climbing, rock scrambling, and exposed sections along the ridge. The route includes narrow sections and rock slabs near the summit, with steep drop-offs nearby, and can become slippery in wet conditions. Some directional markers are present, but route-finding is still required. Please note that due to the steep terrain and exposure, this route is not recommended for descent.