How to do Girraween National Park

Unlike other national parks in Queensland, Girraween National Park replaces rainforests with rocks, making it a distinctly different experience to its neighbours, Springbrook and Lamington.

Spread across 117 square kilometres, Girraween National Park’s natural rock formations prove Mother Nature is the world’s best landscape gardener. Giant, gravity-defying granite formations rise out of the earth, carved into the landscape over tens of millions of years thanks to wind, water and ice. 

The result? A rugged, striking natural wonder that's equal parts a playground for adventurers, and a peaceful home to some of Australia's best native flora and fauna. 

Girraween National Park trails

Pack your hiking boots: walks in Girraween National Park range from short strolls to day-long mountain climbs and overnight backpacking trips.

Before choosing a walking adventure, you’ll need to select your launchpad. Most walks start from Girraween Day Use Area so if you’re short on time, we suggest starting from there.

Best long walks and day hikes in Girraween National Park

Girraween National Park is a destination that rewards hikers who have time up their sleeves to explore the more remote wonders found here. 

The Castle Rock trail is a challenging 5km return walk that will lead adventurers through moderate gradients to a rocky, steep climb up Castle Rock. From up here, take in awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the national park where granite formations and bushland stretch to the horizon. 

Still have gas in the tank? Continue along the trail to The Sphinx and Turtle Rock. Adding this distance will make the trip close to a full-day hike, but well worth the extra distance to take in these fascinating formations that really do resemble their namesakes.

Keen adventurers can then continue on to Girraween's pièce de résistance of climbs - Mount Norman. This is a Grade 4 trek is sure to test any experienced hiker, with rock climbing experience required to reach the top. If you combine all of these sights, it's approximately 15km return - one epic adventure in Girraween National Park. 

Note: Those only looking to tackle Mount Norman could instead choose to park at the Mount Norman day-use area, for a 4km round-trip hike to the summit. 

Short walks in Girraween National Park

For a short, sweat-inducing hike that packs a seriously scenic punch, head to The Pyramid, which winds its way through Girraween National Park to its most famous attraction, Balancing Rock.

This 3.6km return journey takes you to the top of a natural granite pyramid, where you’ll find Balancing Rock perched - almost defying physics - among sweeping views across the park. Getting there is more of a scramble than a stroll, so expect to be on all fours for parts of the climb. Shoes with strong grip are essential as there are no safety rails on this incline. Remember – if it’s raining or snowing, don't attempt this route. 

Prefer a more gentle stroll? Explore the Granite Arch trail which is under 2km and takes around 30 minutes to complete. It's a peaceful walk through the forest to reach Girraween's very own natural stone archway - another great photo opp. 

At 5.2km - around 2 hours return - The Junction is another low-impact hiking trail, best undertaken in spring to see the wildflowers at their peak. 

The flora and fauna of Girraween National Park

In the local Indigenous language, Girraween translates to ‘place of flowers’ and with over 750 plant types, Girraween National Park very much delivers on its name.

The best time to see wildflowers in full bloom is spring, from golden wattles to yellow, red and purple pea flowers. In summer you’ll find flannel flowers and orchids in bloom.

On the cute and cuddly side, there are 22 species of mammals who call this park home, but it’s most common to see red-necked wallabies, brush-tailed possums and plenty of native birdlife. Keep your eye out for spiny echidnas too!

In the warmer months, you’re likely to see slithery inhabitants who otherwise hibernate as the temperatures drop.

The best photo spots in Girraween National Park

For your very own photo that’s akin to holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa with one hand, climb to the top of The Pyramid to pose as if you’re holding Balancing Rock upright. For a great photo without a rock scramble, head to Granite Arch.

Cheesy poses aside, Girraween National Park's curious granite formations make mesmirising photos - catch the views at sunrise or sunset to capture even more magic as golden hour lights up the landscape. 

Landscape and nature photographers should visit during the springtime, when the park flourishes in bloom of wildflowers. The best places to take flower photos is on the easy Wyberba walk, or the Bald Rock Creek circuit where wildflower displays feel artfully-placed among beautiful water-sculpted rock pools.

Local tips for visiting Girraween National Park

Like most of Queensland Country, Girraween National Park experiences four seasons. In fact, winter is one of the most popular times to visit as locals head here in search of a cosy retreat. 

Winter's cooler climes offers perfect hiking conditions and your best chance of constant blue skies, but keep in mind that temperatures can dip below freezing - and sometimes may even leave a smattering of snow. If you plan to hike or camp, bring enough layers to suit the conditions.

Travelling with a dog? While pets aren't allowed in the national park, explore the dog-friendly bushwalking trails nearby at Sentimental Rocks in Stanthorpe. This local secret is like a mini-Girraween, as walkers wind their way through clusters of granite boulders and bushland.

Where to stay when visiting Girraween National Park

Girraween National Park camping

Campers are spoilt for choice in Girraween National Park, with several campsites to unwind after a day of scrambling and hiking the granite peaks. And if you're the kind of adventurer who likes to wind down with a glass of wine, do as the locals do, or drop into a couple of incredible Granite Belt wineries.

Base yourself among the shady trees with views of Girraween's signature peak at Castle Rock camping area. There are sites for all users, including tents, trailers, caravans, plus two dedicated all-abilities sites, including an accessible camp toilet. 

Nearby, Kambuwal camping area has more intimate sites for tents, small caravans and camper trailers, and you'll be surrounded by granite boulders with access to The Pyramid trail a short stroll away.

Travelling with a group? Terrawambella camping area has open spacious sites for camper trailers, large caravans and motor homes. The tent area is only available for large, organised groups.

Bushcamping in remote sections of Girraween National Park is also permitted for walkers - visit Queensland National Parks for more information.

Be sure to check current conditions, including any fire bans, before you set up camp and bust out the mashmallows. Either way, you'll be treated to million dollar views on a clear night: this is one of the best places for stargazing. 

Hotels and resorts near Girraween National Park

Prefer creature comforts over camping? Check into Girraween Environmental Lodge. Set on 400 acres, romantic chalet-style cabins replace your tent canvas for Aspen-esqe wooden walls - and the outdoor spa baths are the soothing antidote to a day of hiking. 

There's a host of accommodation nearby in Ballandean and Stanthorpe to suit all budgets and styles, whether you want to settle into a luxurious glamping tent, or perhaps even sleep at a winery or brewery. 

Ready to visit Girraween National Park? Get the most out of your Granite Belt adventure with a weekend visit to Stanthorpe – the perfect base to explore.

Never heard of Girraween National Park? Discover more lesser-known Queensland National Parks.