10 Best hikes and trails in Girraween National Park

Best trails in Girraween National Park

4.5(2,509 reviews)

Australia
:
#43 of 638 national parks

Girraween National Park is located in the Darling Downs region of Queensland on Yidindji land. The southern boundary of the park is the state border between Queensland and New South Wales and is part of the Granite Belt. It is popular for its dramatic landscape of granite outcrops, tors and boulders as well as bush forests that are home to unique fauna such as wombat, spotted quoll, lyrebird and the turquoise parrot. Its name means place of flowers" in the local language and in spring it is filled with colours when the wildflowers bloom. It is a great place for hiking and rock climbing.

Top trails

#1 - The Pyramid and Granite Arch

4.8(898)

•Hard

•2.7 mi

This is a beautiful hike in Girraween National Park. The final section to the top of Pyramid Rock is very steep and not for the faint-hearted. As you scale the rock, you will need to use your hands and feet to reach the summit. Girraween National Park gets its name from the Aboriginal word Girraween, meaning 'place of flowers', which is not from the local language in the area but emphasises the year-round wildflower blooms. The area is part of a granite landscape belt, which carries a rich...

#2 - The Junction Track and Bald Rock Creek Circuit

This is a wonderfully scenic and unique walk along Bald Rock Creek in Girraween National Park. From the main car park at Bald Rock Creek Camping Area along Pyramid Rd. The paths are well-maintained as they pass by unique rock formations and large boulders strewn through the creek. In spring there are a dazzling display of colourful wildflowers to see, and plenty of great swimming opportunities throughout.

#3 - Turtle Rock via Castle Rock

This is a straightforward walk in the GIrraween National Park. The trail leaves from the Bald Rock Campground, where further information and parking are available. Expect good views of the surrounding park! You will begin hiking along the Castle Rock Track to Castle Rock Summit before continuing on to the Turtle Rock Track up to The Sphinx and Turtle Rock Summit. Remember a decent pair of shoes, water and something to eat at one of the summits.

#4 - Castle Rock Track

4.8(210)

•Moderate

•3.2 mi

A stunning walk through this unique and rocky landscape up to Castle Rock. This is a fairly moderate climb up but can be tricky insections although you'll find lots of rocks to hold on to as you navigate. This walk makes for a great short day trip with plenty of room to picnic and relax nearby at the Castle Rock Camping area.

An enjoyable trail through the Girraween National Park in south east Queensland, located not too far from the New South Wales state border. This out and back route begins from the parking area on Pyramids Road, and can also be started from the Castle Rock Camping Area. Follow the Castle Rock Track and then the Mount Norman Track to the summit and back.

#6 - Underground Creek

A lovely and fantastic route that takes you to some scenic landscape and interesting geological features. This route takes you past some stunning shrub land, woodland and swamp. This odd geological feature known as the Underground Creek is due to boulders landing over the waterway and covering the creek with a few points to view this feature.

#7 - Castle Rock, Mount Norman, The Sphinx, and Turtle Rock

4.7(127)

•Hard

•9.4 mi

This is a fantastic trail through the Girraween National Park, located close to the Queensland and New South Wales state border - not too far from the rural locality of Wyberba. This out and back route begins from the day use car park near the Information Centre odd Pyramids Road. The trail itself features a range of different scenery and terrain which keeps it interesting. There are some challenging steep sections towards the top where proper footwear would help!

#8 - Granite Arch Track

This spectacular family-friendly trail in Girraween, QLD, showcases the impressive Granite Arch. The arch is made up of giant balancing boulders that make it a great place to explore and climb for people of all ages. Follow well-maintained footpaths through quintessential Australian bush before reaching the main event. There are some steps on the route so keep this in mind for anyone with limited mobility. Clear running streams and spectacular wildflowers are a feature of the landscape and...

#9 - Castle Rock, Mount Norman, The Sphinx, and Turtle Rock

A challenging but rewarding track up to Castle Rock and Mount Norman that will test your navigation skills as you make your way up and down from this scenic summit and it's intriguing and spectacular rock formations. This walk can be undertaken as a day hike or even an overnight walk camping among the huge granite boulders. Keep your eye out for white dashes along the trail that mark the correct route but using the offline maps is always an option.

#10 - Castle Rock to Mount Norman via Underground Creek Loop

A terrific longer trail in the Girraween National Park. A great choice if you're looking to camp overnight somewhere. Visitors will find plenty of parking close to the Girraween National Park information centre near where this trail begins. Utilizing the Castle Rock Track the path visits Castle Rock itself before heading to the spectacular Mount Norman. From the track heads to Haydens Ridge remote bush camp. Visitors choosing to bed down here should take the opportunity to check out the...

Showing results 1–10 of 17

Explore more trails

Trail reviews for Girraween National Park

2,997 trailgoers Busiest in April

Darcy Doyle

Jan 3, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Fantastic views of the Granite Belt and the main attraction of Girraween National Park. Last section of the ascent is a little steep and exposed so avoid in wet conditions.

Difficulty: Moderate

The Pyramid and Granite Arch

David Johnson

Apr 23, 2025•Hiking

Good viewsEasy to parkNot crowded

Castle Rock Trail – Girraween National Park Well-signed and with easy parking near the campground, the Castle Rock trail begins with a gentle incline that quickly gives way to a steady climb featuring a number of built-in steps. As you ascend through native bushland, you’ll be treated to a series of spectacular granite rock formations that define Girraween’s unique landscape. The final section is a steep scramble across exposed rock surfaces, with limited handholds and no railings. It’s not recommended in wet or windy conditions, but if you’re fit, sure-footed, and take your time, the views from the top are absolutely worth the effort. Go as high as you feel comfortable, and soak in the stunning panoramas over the park.

Difficulty: Hard

Castle Rock Track

Justin Fritz

Jul 6, 2025

Great conditions

Good for those wet days at Girraween when you don’t want to fall off a granite outcrop.

Underground Creek

Tee Dee

Apr 23, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

The Junction Creek circuit was one of my favourite walks, easy but stunning, and to relax by the creek (the junction) at the furtherest point was magic. I couldn’t go up to the top of the pyramid due to rain and too slippery, but will have to go again (and had done castle rock the day prior anyway) Girraween is truly a beautiful national park, and don’t miss the junction where the two creeks join. The swimming hole near the carpark and ammenities is also a highlight, and is so nice to jump into after hiking!

The Junction Track and Bald Rock Creek Circuit

Josh Squire

May 5, 2025•Hiking

Great views

Must do in Girraween. Tough walk up the steep Pyramid but well worth the effort. Best to go in dry conditions, it can get pretty slippery.

Difficulty: Hard

The Pyramid and Granite Arch

Andrew McCormack

Jul 25, 2024•Hiking

Always a good track. physically demanding with a bit of a open cliff edge traversal but nothing to sketchy. Track well maintained. Flowers still in bloom. Girraween never disappoints.

Castle Rock Track

Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Girraween National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Girraween National Park is The Pyramid and Granite Arch, which has a 4.8 star rating from 898 reviews. This trail is 2.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 708 ft.

What is the longest trail in Girraween National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Girraween National Park is Girraween Circuit. This trail is estimated to be 32.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Girraween National Park?

There are 17 trails in Girraween National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 2,509 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Girraween National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Girraween National Park has you covered. Girraween Circuit boasts the most elevation gain with 5,524 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Castle Rock, Mount Norman and Creek Trail Loop, which will get you 2,322 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Girraween National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Girraween National Park and the most popular is The Pyramid and Granite Arch with an average 4.8 star rating from 898 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Girraween National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 running trails in Girraween National Park and the most popular is The Junction Track and Bald Rock Creek Circuit with an average 4.7 star rating from 339 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Girraween National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Girraween National Park which is Girraween Circuit with an average 4.4 star rating from 55 community reviews.