This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. More information.
When we first stopped at Bald Rock about ten years ago, it was just a quick detour on our way from Girraween back to Brisbane. I’m glad we came back to take the time to explore the area properly. We realised we made a few mistakes, so here’s what to know before you do the Bald Rock Summit Walk yourself.
Summary (loop)
Distance: 5 km
Time: 1hr45 (+ time at the top)
Difficulty: moderate
Disclaimer: The hiking time and difficulty are based on our experience. We are experienced hikers with a good level of fitness, used to hiking long distances and scrambling. But we also enjoy pausing to admire the views, check for wildlife and take photos. We possess good navigation skills and use a Garmin watch with a GPS navigation map. Always check the park alerts and notes, as trail conditions change over time, which may affect the hike’s level of difficulty.
Don’t think the Bungoona Walk is just the easy way up
When reading about hiking to Bald Rock Summit, as the signs don’t show the distance or time for the loop, I thought the Bungoona Walk was simply a gentler way to the summit. In reality, it’s a very lovely track through the bush with beautiful boulder formations and changing scenery. We went up the direct route and took the Bungoona Walk on the way down, and I’m so glad we did the loop. It gave us a completely different perspective of the park and made the hike feel more varied. If you visit in spring, keep an eye out for the rock orchids blooming along the Bungoona Walk.
I always prefer doing a steep ascent and a shallow descent. It’s easier on the knees, and it feels more rewarding to climb straight up the granite first before winding back down through the forest.
Don’t assume it’s too hard for you
The straight-up route looks very steep and daunting from below, but it’s more impressive than it is hard. We found it much easier than the Pyramid in Girraween, for example. Even if you’re not super fit and a bit scared of heights, you might surprise yourself if you take up the challenge – just take your time and plenty of breaks (which you’ll want anyway, because the views get better the higher you go).
The track is rated Grade 5, but we saw kids tackling it without any issues. There’s nothing technical; it’s all about steady steps and using your leg strength. Our heart rate went up quickly, and our calves burnt for a bit, but it’s short and fun. The granite has a great grip if you wear good shoes, as long as it hasn’t been raining. A fantastic leg workout, way more fun and scenic than the gym!
As you climb, follow the white markers on the rock – they show the best path to the top and make navigation easy. You never need to use your hands or scramble; the slope is very steep but smooth, and we never felt like we couldn’t stand upright.
Don’t rush
It only took us about 40 minutes to reach the summit, and that included plenty of photo stops. The national park signs give generous time estimates, so don’t feel pressured. That said, it’s not a walk to rush. The landscape is unique – the endless granite, the twisted trees, the patterns in the rock – and the views are breathtaking all the way up. Take your time to soak it all in.
The top of Bald Rock is large, flat and open – the perfect spot to rest, have a snack and enjoy the panoramic views of Girraween National Park and the surrounding countryside. It’s a true 360-degree view, so I can only imagine how stunning it must be at sunrise or sunset (that one’s still on our list for next time).
Don’t forget to explore beyond the summit walk
This was our biggest mistake on our first visit. We didn’t stay long enough to explore the region. Bald Rock National Park has more to offer than just the main summit trail.
Little Bald Rock may sound like a lesser experience from its name, but we really enjoyed it. Morgan’s Gully in Boonoo Boonoo National Park was stunning, and we also loved Boonoo Boonoo Falls, the rockpools, and Basket Swamp Falls. We took the time to hike to Bookookoorara Lookout for another view of Bald Rock – the view was great, but the hike itself on a fire trail through the forest wasn’t particularly exciting. I also highly recommend visiting Quoll Headquarters nearby to learn more about native wildlife and conservation efforts – we found it really inspiring and loved seeing the adorable animals up close. 100% of entry fees fund their efforts, and booking is essential.
Avoid busy long weekends or school holidays
It’s not a huge mistake – you’ll still have an amazing time (we did) – but Bald Rock National Park gets a lot busier. Being only four hours from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, it’s a perfect long weekend destination, which means the Bald Rock Summit Walk attracts many people on popular long weekends. When we visited, we met many other hikers, including groups and families. We didn’t spot any wildlife, not even a skink – probably because of all the noise and movement on the trail.
I’d love to return on a quieter day, as some visitors have been lucky enough to see Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies on the Bungoona Walk. They’re endangered, so spotting one in the wild would make the experience even more special. You’ll increase your chances if you hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Don’t underestimate the weather
Bald Rock sits at a higher altitude than Brisbane or the coast, so the conditions can be quite different. When we visited in early October, it was over 30°C in Brisbane but only around 20°C at Bald Rock during the day and under 10°C at night.
In winter, temperatures drop sharply and frost is common in the mornings.
In summer, be prepared for the granite to get extremely hot with no shade on the dome. Before you go, always check for park alerts and fire bans, as conditions can change quickly in this region, especially in summer when fires are often prohibited to protect the park.
Keep in mind that the summit is very exposed with no shade. If it’s windy, it can get surprisingly cold, and even in summer you might need an extra layer to feel comfortable.
Don’t hike if it’s wet (or if there’s a chance of rain)
Wet granite is no joke. The surface becomes incredibly slippery, and even experienced hikers will struggle. Check the weather before you go and postpone if there’s any chance of rain. It’s just not worth the risk.
Don’t forget water and food
There’s water at the picnic and camping area, but it must be boiled before drinking. Bring plenty of your own, especially on warm days, and pack snacks or lunch. If you need to grab supplies nearby, the closest town, Tenterfield (about 20 minutes away).
Where is Bald Rock Summit Walk?
Bald Rock Summit Walk is in Bald Rock National Park, part of the Granite Belt region on the NSW–Queensland border. The trail starts directly from the day-use picnic and camping area. The access road to Bald Rock National Park is unsealed but well-maintained and suitable for 2WD vehicles. We found parking easy, even on a busy long weekend.
It’s about a four-hour drive from Brisbane and one of the national parks near Tenterfield, around 20 minutes away, where you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation if you’re not camping.
We camped when we visited Bald Rock National Park. We originally planned to stay at the Bald Rock Campground, but it was full, so we camped at Bald Rock Station, a private campground nearby that we found using Hipcamp. If you prefer more comfort or if you’re visiting in winter, Tenterfield also has plenty of accommodation options.
If you’re new to Hipcamp, here’s a coupon code that will give you (and me!) $10 credit for your first stay: ELOISET668EFD.
