5 trails to explore in Girraween National Park

Covering an area of the Granite Belt in the Southern Downs region, Girraween National Park's landscape is dramatically speckled with surreal balancing boulders and an impressive diversity of springtime wildflowers, with granite outcroppings, such as the Pyramid, dominating the scenery.

With more than 17 km of walking tracks, there are plenty of options from a short stroll to an all-day trek.

Here are 5 trails to get you started:

1. Granite Arch

Granite Arch, Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

1.6km (30 minutes return)
For a gentle stroll choose the Granite Arch. Cross Bald Rock Creek and walk past blackbutt and stringybark forest before passing through Girraween's very own natural stone archway. Stop for a photo and remember to tag #sqcountry.

2. The Pyramid

Balancing Rock, Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

3.6km (2 hours return)
The Pyramid trail will challenge both your legs and your nerves. Passing eucalypt forests and grassy flats, the walk culminates in a steep climb up exposed rock face. Take some time at the top to take in views of Balancing Rock and the Second Pyramid.

Tip: The walk has steep cliffs and slippery surfaces. As with all hikes around Southern Queensland Country, wear a good pair of hiking books and avoid climbing in the wet.

3. The Junction

The Junction, Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

5.2km (2 hours return)
The walk along Bald Rock Creek to its junction with Ramsay Creek is a highlight of this picturesque trail. Time your walk for spring to see the superb wildflower displays that attract all sorts of birdlife from fairy-wrens to thornbills.

4. Castle Rock

Castle Rock, Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Image: @andyholt_

5.2km (2 hours return)
A challenging walk that takes you from moderate gradients to a rocky and steep climb. The summit offers incredible views as far as the eye can see.

5. The Sphinx & Turtle Rock

The Sphinx, Girraween National Park, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

7.4km (4 hours return)
A popular all-day hike that includes a gentle walk along a ridge taking in stunning views of the country. While the distant views are incredible, the stars of the show are definitely the rock formations from which the hike gets its name. The Sphinx is a granite pinnacle with a large balancing boulder on top while Turtle Rock is a granite monolith resembling a turtle shell.