Castle Mountain Lookout

This walk start from the main car park. Head off toward the Gorge lookout then it continues on from there to a fire trail that runs up the eastern side of the range. Fairly easy going and slowly works uphill with a steeper section at the end to get the heart pumping. Along the fire trail there are the odd resting chair and glimpse of views off to the east. Take plenty of water as there is no water anywhere on the trail or lookout. The maps at the start said 22km return but I had 24km on my return.

Lookouts

Picnic Facilities

Toilets

No Dogs Permitted

Rainforest

Eucalypt Forest

573m

Maximum Elevation

245m

Total Climb

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Getting there:

From Monto, head north on the Burnett Highway and after 11.5km turn right into Cania Road (signposted Cania Gorge). Follow this for 13.7km and park by the picnic area and information board on the right, about 1km beyond the Cania Gorge Tourist Retreat.

Maps:

Cania Gorge .

Route/Trail notes:

A detailed description of the walk! .

Permits/Costs:

None.

GPS Tracks

No GPS available for this walk yet.

Comments

A pleasant walk along a fire trail, great views over Lake Cania from the lookout. It's too bad there isn't a picnic table at the lookout, as it's a lovely spot to have lunch, take off shoes ,etc. The published time to complete is generous, I'm in my 60s of average fitness and managed to complete the walk well under 5hrs.
Donho on 15 May, 2021

The view at the end is definitely well worth the long return walk!
Shassen79 on 29 Jun, 2020

I walked this alone. Very easy to follow along a fire trail. I left at 8am, five degrees and returned by about 1.30pm. I allowed an hour rest stop at the top (husband and daughter met me on their mountain bikes!). Track does not have a lot of shade and it got hot quite quickly. Take plenty of water and a shady hat. It's out and back. Lovely view from the lookout.
KarlaW on 12 Jul, 2019

Quite easy , just a long one for some. First 2/3 rd of walk not much scenery then once you get close to the gorge you'll notice red soils, rocks , bush opens up a lot with plenty black boys and get's a lil hilly. Sure worth the view , if you're fit you do it in 6hrs !
J on 9 Sep, 2017

Take plenty of water & good shoes. Very enjoyable solo track.
Bundy Ben on 7 Sep, 2017

First wall 2014, then 2017, 2018 and now June 2019.

The castle mtn hike is not one frequented by walkers, it is more of a fire trail but can be overgeown in places. I have successfully walked this at 150kgs so don't think its out of your league! First time it took me 10hrs... the 2nd time was 7hrs. The average time for someone with good fitness is 6hrs but recommended for 6-8.

There are steep hilly parts in the last 3rd before the lookout where the red soil becomes rocky and in full sun. The ants are active and dont allow you to stand still! Keep moving. Take loads of water with you and a snack for the top. The view is worth it or i would not have done it multiple times! Plus I like the challenge.

I have bad knees and used 2 trekking poles which helped dramatically on the return. There are stairs in the first section of this but nothing major, on the way back they are death with fatigued legs haha.

Happy to talk to anyone who has questions.
Cee on 2014