Mt Mitchell

GPS Tracks

Mt Mitchell Walk (GPX)

Mt Mitchell, one of two peaks on either side of Cunningham's Gap, is a good track walk which provides great views of Main Range, the Moogerah Peaks and through to Mt Barney. There is a wide variety of biome types along the track, including luxuriant rainforest, eucalyptus forest, and montane heath, as well as impressive natural rock formations, making this an incredibly scenic walk.

Lookouts

Bird Watching

No Dogs Permitted

Rainforest

Eucalypt Forest

1174m

Maximum Elevation

424m

Total Climb

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Getting there

From Brisbane follow the Cunningham Highway towards Cunningham's Gap. At the top of the gap turn right into 'crest' carpark adjoining the highway. The Mt Mitchell track leaves on the opposite side of the road, so take care when crossing! Note that the carpark is rather small, so try to get there early to maximise your chances of securing a spot.

Maps

The track is clearly marked so no map is required, however the Sunmap Cunninghams Gap sheet covers the area.

GPS Tracks

Mt Mitchell Walk (GPX)

Comments

I went up here during the rain, I knew I wouldn't get a view but I'd driven all the way out here on a chance that the weather might clear which it didn't but it still made a very interesting walk, apart from the leeches it was worth it. and there was lots of wild raspberries up here as well.
mika28au on Oct, 2010

Great little walk for those who like formed tracks well worth the effort though, limited space on the summit lookout, don't get too close to the edge !
Best done in dry conditions otherwise you will be a leech magnet !
exo karpos on 13 Jun, 2010

Fairly easy stroll / moderate walk, easy to follow track. Stunning views from the top.
luke Jackson on 10 Jun, 2010

A great day for a walk. To my surprise there had been track work. Since the last time I was up this way. The weeds were removed and track cleaned up. Fallen trees had been cut in half. It was good to see.
Along the way up we saw kings parrots and doves in the bush just after the first set of stairs approx @ approx 900m and some bush doves (the brown ones).
Making our way out of the bush and along the exposed side facing Mt. Cordeaux my wife came acroos her first snake. A dark green snake they both moved so fast. (I've never seen my wife move so fast !)
Once we rounded the side of the mountain it became much cooler and more pleasant to walk. We soon were at the top what views. That's where we had lunch and spent 2hrs without anyone else up there. A great introduction for my wife.
I've know on top of Mt. Mitchell can sometimes be a carpark. Some weekends i've seen more than 15 people trying to get to the edge and get some photos.
It happened just right for us for when we had packed up and left another group was just heading up. Perfect timing. And further down the mountain another couple was on their way up in the late afternoon. Also a good time to see the sun setting over the west.
I would also like to add, be prepared when going to the top it can be so hot and you can sunburn very easily there, also on the other hand in a moments notice you can be wet be a passing shower. It rained twice while we were up there during the 2hrs .

Another day....Another walk
Boris Zoubakin on 18 Apr, 2010

A great walk todo in the early morning. And have lunch at the top. Allow 2hrs if stopping and taking photos along the way.

I would REALLY suggest to take gaitors and gloves. Once you get through the first part of the rain forest and the track starts to open up. There is the beginning of overgrowth mainly weeds, stinging vines, wait-a-whiles and lantana. This occurs for the rest of the way up the mountain.

Across the top saddle there are so many weeds that the track once out of the last rainforest section becomes so obsecure near the "sheer cliff" sign to the top.

Take care on the final exposed steps near the top some moisture is still coming out of the ground and the surface can be slippery.

Once at the top fantastic views.
Boris Zoubakin on 13 Feb, 2010

An excellent early morning walk although crossing the Highway at base can be hairy.
Laurence Hallam on 14 Jan, 2010

Nice walk, if a little "are we there yet" due to looping around the back of the mountain and the general monotony of much of the dry sclerophyl forest on the back side of the mountain. Quite a bit of the time I wondered if I had missed a turnoff. When I eventually reached the east Peak, it was a nice view in an area about 5 meters wide and 15 meters long with sheer cliffs on 3 sides. Nice view, as you would expect from an elevation of 1168m.

I am not all that fit, but managed the walk reasonably well. A couple of days with very sore and stiff archiles tendons is all I suffered.

It took me a few minutes over 2 hours to reach the East Peak from the Cunninghams Gap car park, stopping on the way to take the odd photo. It took around 1 hour 30 minutes to walk back, and I stayed on the peak for around 15 minutes. So, a more accurate walking time would be 3 and a half hours, as signposted on the commencement of the walk.

There are signs in places warning of sheer cliffs - and all very appropriate; some of the sections with stone steps are quite dangerous given the variable tread depth and riser height, not to mention the uneven surface. Not too bad on the way up, but on the way down can be a little unsettling with the sheer drop off 30 or 40cm to one side! If you do take kids with you - keep them very close to you when you see the signs!

I'd suggest this walk to people who are just past the beginners stage, looking for a bit of training for longer walks. If you are real keen, you can combine this walk with the Mt Cordeaux walk.
Anonymous on 2 Aug, 2009

Stopped for a dump and dropped my pack right on top of a dirty big carpet snake
Paul Elliott on Aug, 2009

This is a great walk snaking around the mountain. Something for everyone. the Track is well marked, my 10yo daughter 'city girl' even managed it. You get rain forest and dry scrub. 2-3 hours up and 1 hour back.
Mark Whitford on 8 May, 2009