Flinders Peak

GPS Tracks

Flinders Peak (GPX)

A steep climb up the northwestern ridge of Flinders Peak, passing over several crests giving expansive views north to Brisbane on the way up. As it climbs higher, views expand to include the Fassifern Valley and south west to Lamington plateau.

The final segment descends from Little Flinders across a col and ascends again to Flinders Peak. This is the most rugged section of the track and extra caution is required. Rock scrambling skills and strong boots are essential. Views from the peak can be stunning.

Lookouts

Picnic Facilities

Toilets

Scrambling or Climbing

Rainforest

Eucalypt Forest

678m

Maximum Elevation

600m

Total Climb

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Getting there

Commences at Flinders Plum Picnic area. Take Mount Flinders Road off the Ipswich-Boonah Road near Peak Crossing.

Maps

QTopo: FLINDERS PEAK 9442-24 (1:25,000)

Route/Trail notes

This is a challenging track with rough surfaces, steep inclines, cliff edges, limited signage and no water sources.

Starting from the picnic ground, a wide clear track leads south up the ridge line. After a few hundred metres, the track narrows to an obvious footpad and begins to climb steeply. The track is unformed and the ground is loose in places. After a climb of 10 minutes or so, a group of rocks on the east provide the first good views north and a chance to catch breath. After another short climb, an open wooded grassy ridge affords good views through the trees to Brisbane to the north. Another ascent, with views over the Fassifern, leads to a steep climb up Little Flinders which is progressively more boulder strewn. The track disappears as the ridge flattens out, but there are occasional triangular trail markers leading through the rocks to the peak and views along the Main Range down to Lamington Plateau. Flinders Peak proper can be seen from here, with a descent to a col between the peaks and a steep ascent on the far side (approximately 130 metres elevation gain). Picking your way through the rocks takes care and effort, but although the climb is difficult in parts, there is little exposure.

Views from the Peak can be had in any direction - take the time up here as that's what you came for! You share the summit with a helipad and a UHF transmitter.

Permits/Costs

Free

Other References

http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/23776/Flinders-Goolman_Trails_Guide.pdf

GPS Tracks

Flinders Peak (GPX)

Comments

Flinders Peak was my 'very first hike' and it nearly killed me! It was HARD!! The group I went with advertised this hike as a 'casual stroll up Flinders Peak', hence the reason I thought I could conquer it with ease. I have since learnt to do my own research before embarking on a hike. Don't rely on other's! What one might consider a 'casual stroll' may well be a difficult venture for another.

Completed hike in: 5.5 hours (6:30am - 12:00pm).
Faith on 18 Feb, 2023

Total time up is about 2 hours, and 1.5 hours down. Did this hike solo, which is best described as broken up into four sections.

The first section after the wide forest trails is about a 30-45 degree climb, reasonably easy, but do go at your pace, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the views as you climb.

The second section is about a 45 to 75-degree hike and scrambles in some sections. This is the longest section by time spent, with a lot of dirt and loose rocks, so take your time with this one to ensure your safety.

The third section is what I'd describe as akin to a plateau run from LOTRs, though it is more rocky ledges than green expanses. Very enjoyable; make sure you have good hiking shoes or boots. Not physically taxing, and I would even recommend that some stop the hike here and go back around.

The fourth section is the last push before the summit, a bit more steep climb and scrambling, with plenty of orange markers to guide the way. The summit is somewhat anti-climax, as it doesn't offer the best views. You get close to 360 views, but the telecom tower and the helipad kind of ruin it.

A fun little note is on the way back down. In the fourth section, an alternative misdirection route gets you into the secret cave. Very cool if you find it, though it is off-track.
supamanwalks on 10 Feb, 2023

Personally I didn't enjoy it, it took too long it was 4 hours and 20 mins for us with a few breaks. And the walk up was torturous. We got lost on the way down and found the cave, so make sure to be careful coming down and always follow the arrows as then we had to backtrack.
Clem on 22 Dec, 2022

We took 5.5hours return. When came down, we got lost to go to other way, and we saw a big cave. Somebody is cliff climbing there which is very cool. Normally we should took 4.5hours.
Penny on 8 Oct, 2022

Popular walk with around 6 groups there this morning. Easy to follow track with triangle markers. 1.5 hrs up and 1.25 hrs down. Brilliant views at the top and a nice ridge walk. Saw a carpet python across the crack in the grassy area. He slithered away without incident but we heard heaps of rustling thereafter!!
Leanne Loch on 2 Oct, 2022

Trail is currently closed, with the road blocked off a kilometer or so before the carpark.
Megan on 1 May, 2022

Walk is open and seemed popular (saw about 6 groups this morning). The track is very overgrown with long grass (in the lower sections) but its easy enough to follow the track if you keep an eye on your feet. Lovely view from the top. Driving to Plum picnic area can be hard to get to if there has been a lot of rain recently as there are a few creek crossings.
Chris on 6 Feb, 2022

Steep, long and a definitely a fitness challenge, bring lots of water.
David Pawley on 2 Feb, 2022

The walk is still closed sadly...
Morgan Meyer on 31 Dec, 2021

Road to the car park was closed off approx 2.5km from the car park. Can someone confirm if it's open yet please?
Jason on 11 Dec, 2021

Done the summit hiking track many many times, and countless other off-track routes... inc Bastion Rock (aka Flinders Tooth) six times but it's only for ppl with rock-climbing skills and equip as the last 10 metres are exposed.
Often here in afternoons, sometimes mornings, and rare night hikes last one being previous blood-moon.
Average time up for me is 1hr-1hr10m... quickest about 45m.
Average time down 45m-1hr quickest (running) 32m.
exo karpos on 17 Nov, 2021

Awesome like treasure
Jemma on 7 Nov, 2021

I found it quite a challenge and took about 3hours 40min, including a good break. The walk along the ridge and across the large boulders was the best part - a lot of fun.
Carmen on 26 Sep, 2021

Lots of cacti. Extremely steep and dusty during the dryer months. Interesting sight at the top with the static station and heli pad, loved the yellow flowers. On your way down from the top you will encounter a part where the path seems to split and it’ll seem as through the descending path is the correct way to go. It’s not. Unless you wish to go bouldering in the caves (which I encountered by accident). You’ll know you’re heading this way if you see a purple flowering tree above a steeply inclined relatively flat rock. To get to plum car park please continue walking along the ridge - don’t descend. Took me 5 hours all up.
Warlock Bride on 24 Sep, 2021

Lovely walk, great views along the way, fairly steep first half. Easy to follow trail.
Bruce on Sep, 2021

Did this hike today. Took us about 4 hours in total. Would probably take you about an hour and a half to get to the summit/reasonably close, as well as an additional hour and a half getting back down. We weren't in a rush today and just went our own pace, taking as many stops as we wanted to pictures n whatnot. Really stunning views throughout the whole trail. I'd personally recommend going on a week-day as weekends get very busy.
melted_cheese on 15 Aug, 2021

A short but quite steep climb with a small amount of scrambling. One can be rewarded with spectacular views.
Andy Seward on 14 Aug, 2021

I've done Flinders 3 times, and I definitely recommend doing this hike just after rain so the track is not too loose and dusty. Not a track you want to attempt in summer, it gets too hot . A fairly intense, steep track but the payoff is worth it. The track is easy to navigate. The rock scrambling sections are really fun, just give people enough space to avoid being stonkered by falling rocks. Do this track early, as the carpark fills up quickly from 6:30am. Also, you'll hopefully avoid the loud-talkers and people that insist on playing music - I really don't understand that one. Keep that stuff at home and enjoy nature. If you're lucky and quiet, you'll see brush-tailed rock wallabies and quail. Wedge tailed eagles and peregrine falcons can often be seen at the summit.
Ryno87 on 14 Aug, 2021

A nice hike. Took about 2:45, moderate fitness, haven't done a tough hike in a while. Good boots recommended. Great mix of gentle walking, steep climbs, scrambles and rock hopping. Great views at the top.
Jamie Muchall on 25 Jul, 2021

Beautiful steep walk that’s worth the effort. Saw people walking in skate shoes but wouldn’t recommend it as a bit steep and dusty in places. I would recommend shoes with a bit of grip but other than that it seems popular with all ages.
Chantelle on 17 Jul, 2021