The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Mount Barney National Park

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.

This is a relatively shallow creek crossing; you’ll step across rounded boulders and stones while the clear mountain water flows around the rocky creek bed. Surrounded by open forest and scattered granite rocks, this crossing marks an early point on the walk before the track continues upstream toward the Lower Portals, and you may get your feet wet along the way. It’s a good idea to plan ahead for this to enjoy the rest of this beautiful walk.

Lower Portals is a picturesque gorge on Mount Barney Creek, reached via the Lower Portals Track. Here, the creek flows between massive granite boulders, forming deep natural pools surrounded by rugged mountain scenery. It is a popular place for walkers to rest, swim, and enjoy views of the surrounding forested slopes.

Mount Barney Creek is a clear mountain stream that winds through forested valleys and granite boulder fields below the slopes of Mount Barney. Along the track, it forms natural pools and rocky sections that are a perfect place to cool off on a warm day as you explore this beautiful area.

Lower Portals Track is a popular walking trail that leads from the Yellow Pinch trailhead to the swimming holes at the Lower Portals. As you follow the path through open eucalypt forest and pockets of subtropical vegetation, the trail is dotted with beautiful wildflowers as it gradually descends toward Mount Barney Creek. The walk ends at a rocky gorge along the creek, where the clear water flows between large granite boulders.

nice cool water, be prepared to get wet.