Castle Rock

GPS Tracks

425 Castle Rock (GPX)

Panoramic views from Castle Rock are breathtaking including The Pyramids and Mt Norman.

Officially rated Grade 4/Hard, this walk requires a moderate fitness level, some scrambling skills and confidence with heights.

Bird Watching

Picnic Facilities

BBQ

Toilets

Scrambling or Climbing

No Dogs Permitted

Camping Permitted

Eucalypt Forest

1082m

Maximum Elevation

170m

Total Climb

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Getting there:

Girraween NP is situated approximately 260km by road south-west of Brisbane. To reach the park, turn off the New England Highway 26km south of Stanthorpe or 30km north of Tenterfield onto Pyramids Road. The winding bitumen road continues a further 9km east through the Wyberba Valley to the park's Information Centre and day use picnic area.

An alternative road from Stanthorpe to Girraween via Eukey and Storm King Dam has some gravel sections.

Maps:

Girraween National Park

Route/Trail notes:

Walk up through Castle Rock Camping area to the top where the track is well marked and passes through a variety of vegetation types to the base of the rock. The final section is along exposed granite that circles the rock to the summit with the last section through a crevasse to the top. From the summit you get a great view around Girraween's many peaks.

As with all of Girraween's granite it can become very slippery when wet and should not be attempted in damp conditions. The walk is also quite exposed so be prepared if you're wary of heights.

Return by the same route.

Other References/Comments:

With so many bushwalking options in the park, why not take advantage of the excellent camping facilities at Castle Rock.

This walk is often in conjunction with The Sphinx and Turtle Rock which adds an extra 3.7km to your walk.

GPS Tracks

425 Castle Rock (GPX)

Comments

Had perfect weather for this walk and viewed the partial lunar eclipse from the track. The track is well marked. I found one steep section towards the top of the climb particularly challenging. The 360 degree views over Girraween National Park made the scary bits of the climb worth it. Good vantage points to see The Sphinx, Turtle Rock and The Pyramid. Two superb lyrebirds crossed our path which was exciting. Fires went through this area in February 2019. There is new growth appearing from the burnt forest.
Ramona W on 17 Jul, 2019

Really enjoyed the climb, was easier than first thought. There are clear markings to get to summit and quite easy to follow. The views were amazing up top.
Karshing on 20 May, 2019

Depart from Castle Rock Camping Grounds - Great walk with clear track and signage. Going around from the first lookout to the summit is not be for the faint hearted.

Would love to go back on a clear day as we didn't get the great sunset we were hoping for.
CL on 26 Jan, 2019

Easy at the beginning and pretty challenging at the top. Few of my friends resigned from climbing as it required rock hopping and I have to admit sometimes it was a bit scary.
Asha on 26 Jan, 2019

Amazing
Mackamcb on Jan, 2019

Easy and pretty walk. Loved scrambling about the rocks at the top. Sadly it was raining so I couldn’t fully explore as the rocks were very slippery and it’s steep. I didn’t feel like falling and scraping my skin off on the rough surface lol. Thoroughly enjoyed sitting out of the wind and rain eating lunch and just taking in the quiet.
Syd on 12 Oct, 2018

Loved this, a very special hike. The kids made it to the top without a problem, but there are definitely danger points where there is no room for error. Spectacular views.
Anonymous on 22 Sep, 2018

Superb walk - the 360 degree views from atop Mt Castle are absolutely stunning. The last 3-400m can be pretty hectic if it's rainy and/or windy...it's steep granite...but on a calm, sunny day it really is beautiful. Well worth the effort this one - the walk to and from is also idyllic and lovely.
Bush Talker on 2 Jun, 2018

I enjoyed this one - possibly more than the pyramid which I’d done earlier on the same day. Great views of surrounding areas including the pyramids
Juiced Pixels on 13 Dec, 2017

loved it. first part very easy second part of the climb was difficult and the wind was very strong
wendy on 30 Sep, 2017

Brilliant sunrise spot! Well worth it.
dalehikes on 27 Sep, 2017

This would be a fairly straightforward walk in good weather. I was there in the rain though, and it made one or two of the upper sections a little hair-raising due to the rock being slippery, and the slopes that lead to drop offs. Those with no fear were still strolling around in these spots, but I hugged the sides like a limpet.
Rey Leon on Sep, 2017

Fairly easy but steep parts once you get to the top/ back of castle rock
J on 15 Apr, 2017

Captured the most beautiful sunset from up top Castle Rock, nice gradual walk with lovely surrounding scenery.
courtlalala on 6 Jan, 2017

Great walk with beautiful views
HippyDonna on 31 Oct, 2016

Enjoyed this one a lot, was rather exciting navigating around the large rocks.
AliT on 27 Aug, 2016

Nice Climb through great Rock Formations ..
DrummerJeff on 26 Apr, 2014

I've done this walk during Easter 2014. It was a lovely easy climb to the summit where we enjoyed our lunch with the panoramic view of Girraween.
Ahmondjai on 19 Apr, 2014