If Mount Maroon is on your list of Scenic Rim beautiful Mount to hike, be ready for the challenge…
Located in Mount Barney National Park Queensland, the gorgeous Mount Maroon is a 5.6km Grade 4 return hike.
The hike takes approximately 3 to 4 hrs to complete, including well deserved breaks and lunch at the top.
Mount Maroon provides some of the best views in South-East Queensland, with a 360-degree view across Lamington NP through to Mt Barney, the length of Main Range and the Moogerah Peaks. Rising 966 metres over sea level, Mount Maroon is home to its own unique flora species.
The original indigenous name for the mountain is Wahlmoorum, which means sand goanna in the Yuggera language. Another aboriginal name is Dahl-moor-uhn, which means "big fellow waterhole bunyip" attributed to the two small yet deep lagoons on the summit of the mountain.
It’s a challenging hike all around.
There are some trail markers along the way - orange triangles - but you should have reasonable navigation skills to attempt this one.
The first 40 mins are the most challenging part, with continuous natural steps carved into the gully, it feels like it will never end.
You start noticing the beautiful rock cliff formations on your right and the farmland views down below.
Little do you know, it's the start of the rock scrambling.
To be honest, it makes the hike really enjoyable for most of us.
Arriving at the first plateau is one of the greatest views, where I’ll often have a snack and water to take it all in.
But if you are here for the big wowww challenge, take a little break and keep going up - the incredible view is only another 20 mins stroll to the top.
At Arcadia Adventure, we call this short ascension of Mount Maroon the pilagrame as it requires a decent level of fitness to make it to the top.
There are no facilities on the trail, toilet time is on the wild side so be sure to bring toilet paper and a paper bag to carry it back and throw it in a bin.
Bring plenty of water and food/snacks to enjoy along the way - plan to have lunch at the top.
Like most of the hikes in Queensland, now is the best time to get out there.
It's one of the most rewarding feelings on a sunny winter day after hiking, just, sitting at the top of your favourite peak (perhaps with a warm cuppa?) taking it all in...
It's the perfect time to focus on the “here and now” in the wilderness away from the busyness of our lifestyles.
The second time I took a group up this mountain it was a little overcast, however the mist at the top and chill was still magical.
If you are thinking of joining the Arcadia Adventure crew for one of the Wild Mountains Escapes, be sure to pick your challenge according to your level of fitness.
We have the Wild Mountains Escapes with Mount Maroon Grade 4, it's challenging and we recommend for people with a high level of fitness. We also have the Wild Mountains Escapes with Mt Cordeaux Grade 3, we recommend for people with a medium level of fitness.
For further information about grade levels, please check our Trip Grading document located at the button of our home page.
Check out our date and choices available on our event page https://www.arcadiawomenadventure.com/upcoming-adventures
Now grab your backpack and plan your next adventure- whether it's with us or not!
Stay safe, beautiful, and enjoy the adventure.
Its a challenging hike all around.
The first 40 mins are very much the challenging part , the rock scrambling make the hike really enjoyableT