Mt Maroon hike: the best 360° view in SE Queensland

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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.

Why we chose the Mt Maroon hike

From what I read online, this hike seemed like the perfect short training climb. Many reviews mentioned one of the best 360° views in South-East Queensland from the summit. Honestly, I’m not sure if it’s the best, but the view is definitely worth the effort!

We left Brisbane late in the morning and stopped for brunch along the way, passing through some charming small towns. By early afternoon, we reached the base of the mountain, ready to tackle the trail.

The hike experience

The Mt Maroon hike starts relatively gently, winding through farmland and a small forest. Earlier in the year, a bushfire had left some burnt remains, creating an unusual, almost eerie beauty.

As we approached the cliffs, the trail became steeper and more interesting, with light scrambling in parts. If you enjoy climbing, this section will feel exciting. The cliffs are dramatic and surrounded by gorgeous scenery, making the effort worthwhile.

The trail is classified as Class 5, so it’s mostly unmarked. While most of the track is easy to follow, there’s a 300 m gully where you need some navigation skills and careful observation. You’ll also need to use your hands in a few spots, though the climb is steep rather than vertical. Despite being scared of heights, I felt safe throughout the ascent.

Descending was more challenging on our knees, so walking poles are highly recommended. I wouldn’t do this hike on a hot day. Winter is ideal, offering clear skies and cool temperatures, with almost no shade on the way up.

When we did it just the two of us, we were back in less than 3 hours. It took us 3.5 hours with a couple of less experienced (but fit!) walkers with us.

The summit: 360° views worth every step

Reaching the top of Mt Maroon is an incredible reward. The summit offers sweeping 360° views, including Mount Barney and, on a clear day, even Mount Warning. On our hike, we were lucky to spot Brisbane City on the horizon as well.

The climb itself also offers plenty of views worth pausing for. Each bend in the trail revealed new perspectives—farmland, distant peaks, and unique forest formations. All the effort to reach the summit is well worth it.

Other hikes nearby

If you enjoyed Mt Maroon, consider exploring these nearby peaks: Mount Barney, Yellow Pinch Lookout, Mount Edwards, Mount French, Wilson’s Peak, Mount Mitchell, Mount Cordeaux, Mount Greville (via Palm Gorge), Mt Mathieson… There’s so much to do on the Scenic Rim!

If you want to turn your Mt Maroon hike into a full weekend exploring the Scenic Rim, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby. We love camping and often use Hipcamp to find private campgrounds right at the trailhead, which makes starting the hike early a breeze.

If you’re new to Hipcamp, here’s a coupon code that will give you (and me!) $10 credit for your first stay: ELOISET668EFD.

Where is Mt Maroon?

Mt Maroon rises 966 m as part of the McPherson Range in Mount Barney National Park. It’s about 1.5 hours’ drive from Brisbane, and you can combine it with a scenic drive along the Scenic Rim Wine Trail.

As you approach the end of the drive, drive slowly as wildlife and cattle can block the road. The start of the track was not easy to find with the GPS: go to the end of Cotswold Rd, off Boonah-Rathdowney Rd (2.7km east of Maroon township).

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