Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD

Quick Info

Location
Crest carpark, Cunninghams Gap, Tregony, Qld 4370
Walking Distance
12.4km return, 6.8km return for only Mt Cordeaux
Elevation
450m
Time
4-5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
Cost / Permit
No cost, no permit required
Opening Times
Only closed occasionally for maintenance
Facilities
Lookout platform, toilets, information board, monument
What to Take
Insect repellent, camera, picnic, water, sunscreen, weather appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes

Map

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock are part of the Cunninghams Gap section of Main Range National Park, which is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Mt Cordeaux is a straightforward out and back climb that takes you to just below the 1135m peak (the summit is not accessible). With views to Brisbane city - a 116km drive away - and everything in-between, Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock are an achievable and rewarding bushwalk.

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD 1

The Mount Cordeaux track begins after first completing half of the Rainforest circuit, the second half can be completed on the way back. The Rainforest circuit is a pretty and simple track that starts from The Crest carpark. The track takes you past some very impressive trees.

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD 2

For the most part, the Rainforest track is lovely. Traversing clockwise, there is a beautiful ferny undergrowth. However the second half of the circuit, encountered on the way back, was covered with weed (Inkweed?)

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD 3

The Mt Cordeaux track is well maintained and near to impossible to get lost. Hazards, such as landslides, can occur without warning, and parts of the track may require impromptu navigation. Exposed cliff edges present potential danger, so keep kids supervised.

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD 4

Various vegetation types will be encountered along the trail, the mossy rocks were particularly lovely.

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD 5

The 500m closest to the top are the steepest, an old gold mine shaft is passed on the way. Views to Brisbane CBD are possible on a clear day.

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD 6

The top is a great place to plan your next hike, with many other mountains visible: Mt Mitchell, Mt Edwards.

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD 7

The track to Bare Rock is straightforward. In places it is overgrown with weed and vines. Morgan's Walk, a 700m return deviation from the main track, offers another lookout point. The track was very overgrown with weed just before the lookout. Bare Rock wasn't so much bare as covered in weed - a result of bushfires just over a year before - but did offer stunning 360 degree views.

Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock Bushwalk, Main Range National Park, QLD 8

While the amount of weed on the bushwalk was disappointing, the views at the top of Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock make this a satisfying, and still beautiful bushwalk.

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