Things to do
Waterfall Creek section features a walk to the Rock pools.
Photo credit: Brian Tighe, Queensland Government
Cabbage palms, Livistona decora, growing near the rock pools occur here at their most western limit.
Photo credit: Brian Tighe, Queensland Government
Wedge-tailed eagles and other birds of prey are often seen soaring above the park.
Photo credit: Ross Naumann, QPWS volunteer
Camping and accommodation
Remote bush camping
Bush camping (walk-in only) is permitted in some remote areas of Mount Walsh National Park. Campers must be self-sufficient and experienced in remote bush walking and navigation.
Bush camping is prohibited in these areas:
- On the summit of Mount Walsh and within 500m surrounding the peak to protect the fragile, natural environment.
- Within the Waterfall Creek catchment, including along the Rock Pools walking track, to protect the fragile riparian vegetation and water quality.
Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Find out more about camping in Mount Walsh National Park.
- Book your camp site online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Other accommodation
A small range of holiday accommodation is available in Biggenden. For more information see the tourism information links.
Exploring Mount Walsh
There are several access points to begin your visit to Mount Walsh National Park from—Mount Walsh day-use area, Waterfall Creek section and Coongara Rock section.
Refer to the Mount Walsh National Park map and access details to ensure you arrive at the correct entrance point for your chosen activities.
From the Mount Walsh day-use area a summit route leads suitably experienced and equipped people to the top of Mount Walsh—a high level of fitness, bush navigation skills and rock scrambling and climbing experience are essential.
In the Waterfall Creek section (sometimes referred to as Utopia section)A you can explore on the Rock Pool walk—its diverse features include dry rainforest, open forest, heath and rock pools.
If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, Coongara Rock section is a spectacular place to visit. Featuring the stunning granite monolith of the rock itself surrounded by hoop pine vine forest and eucalypt forest. Be aware that the four-wheel-drive tracks are narrow in sections and there are limited opportunities for passing oncoming vehicles.
Mount Walsh day-use area
At the northern end of the park, enjoy a picnic with a spectacular mountain view featuring the rugged granite top of Mount Walsh. Sheltered picnic tables and non-potable water (treat before drinking) are provided.
Walking track
Most of this rugged park is suitable only for experienced, well-equipped bushwalkers with sound bush skills. The park has one Grade 4 walking track.
Grade 4
- Bushwalking experience recommended.
- Tracks may be long, rough and very steep.
- Directional signage may be limited.
Rock Pool walk (Grade 4)
Distance: 3km return
Time: allow 1hr
Access: from the Waterfall Creek section car park.
Caution!
- Granite rocks are slippery when wet.
- Wear shoes with good grip and avoid walking during or after rain.
- Take care around the rock pools as wet feet can make previously dry rock surfaces very slippery.
White-throated treecreepers are usually seen foraging on the trunks and larger branches of fibrous barked trees.
Photo credit: courtesy of Nigel Sethack, Orbit Photography
Acacia pubicosta is rare outside this area, but common here on exposed rock and cliffs.
Photo credit: courtesy of Tony van Kampen
Details: Begin your walk in hoop pine dominated dry rainforest and vine thickets fringing a moist gully. Further on, open forests and grassy woodlands feature and merge into shrubby heath along Waterfall Creek.
The creek cascades through a series of rock pools that have been potholed into the granite by years of water erosion. It is a great place to cool down in the shade and enjoy nature.
Cabbage palms Livistona decora growing near the rock pools occur here at their most western limit. Further along Waterfall Creek, impressive water gums Tristaniopsis laurina, grow to over 25m high and wrap buttressed roots around rocks.
Look for wildlife as you walk. You might see wonga pigeons in the dark shaded understorey of the rainforest or catch a glimpse of white-throated treecreepers in the open forest and woodland. Swamp wallabies also use the track and red-necked wallabies often feed around the rainforest fringes.
Mount Walsh summit route—rock scrambling skills required
Critical skills:
- People accessing the summit route must be well-prepared climbers with a high level of fitness and bush navigation skills.
- Rock scrambling and climbing skills are essential to navigate the exposed, very steep rocky sections.
- If you feel unsure about your ability to climb and keep up with the rest of your group, don't attempt it.
- This route is unsuitable for young children and inexperienced people who cannot climb unassisted.
- Loose rocks and rock debris—they can fall at any time.
- Steep, exposed rock faces and slabs.
- Narrow ridges and vertical cliff edges.
- Very slippery rocks in wet conditions.
- Heat exposure—can lead to heat exhaustion and dehydration.
- Poor visibility in cloud, mist or fading daylight.
- Inexperience, poor preparation and inappropriate gear.
Serious injuries have occurred here and death could occur. Rescues are risky, even for the rescue team.
Mount Walsh summit route details
Access: from the Mount Walsh day-use area
Details: Allow at least 4hr to complete this route.
Do not attempt this route:
- In wet conditions or if it is likely to rain—wet rocks are dangerously slippery.
- If you can see a fire; or the weather is extremely hot.
The total climb height to the summit is 462m or 1640 stairs in an 86 story building—are you fit enough, experienced and prepared for this route? Read walking with care information before you choose to tackle this route (it is not a walking track).
To protect the fragile plant communities and the natural environment, camping is prohibited on the summit of Mount Walsh and within 500m surrounding the peak.
The first 300m of the route passes through open forest to a rocky creek gully fringed with dry rainforest. Dry rainforests are important remnants of a forest type that has largely been cleared. Distinctive silhouettes of hoop pines emerge above the forest and vines are common in the understorey.
Continue upwards through open eucalypt forest to the treeline for views over the surrounding countryside. From this point onwards the route becomes steeper and requires sound bush navigation skills and a high level of fitness and rock scrambling skills.
On the rocky summit a rich mix of plant species grow. Isolated montane heaths and shrublands are considered a hot-spot for rare and restricted plant species.
For your safety
- For your safety always check the current park alerts before you visit the park.
- Check the weather. Conditions can change suddenly—temperatures can drop and cloud or mist can obscure key landscape features and cause disorientation.
- Never climb in wet conditions or if it is likely to rain—wet rocks are dangerously slippery.
- Have an experienced group leader and set a suitable group pace—keep to the pace of the least experienced in your group.
- Make sure everyone in your group has suitable sturdy footwear, suitable clothing and enough water.
- Allow enough time to return in daylight. It can take twice as long to descend than it takes to get to the top.
- Plan for emergencies. Pack a fully charged mobile phone, a first-aid kit and extra clothing, water and food.
- Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)—in an emergency, this will assist Emergency Services to locate you. Mobile phone reception within the park is unreliable.
- Carry a GPS and topographic map and know how to use them—don’t run the risk of getting lost. Download a QTopo map of the area relevant to your plans.
- Let a reliable person know your plans and what to do if you do not return as expected. Remember to let them know if your plans change.
On a summit route:
- Avoid dislodging rocks as they might hit people below you. Even small rocks can cause serious injury.
- If you accidentally dislodge rocks, shout loud warnings.
- Stay with your group or in pairs.
- Save your mobile phone battery life by minimising use—you might need it to make an emergency call.
- Take your time and enjoy the climb—take short rest breaks.
- Keep track of the time—return in daylight.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.