Australia: The Land Where Time Began
Main Range National Park
What's special?
In the Central Eastern Rainforests Reserves Australia World Heritage Area, Main Range National Park forms the western part of a semi-circle of mountains in south-east Queensland known as the scenic rim. The park extends from Mt Mistake south to Wilson’s Peak on the New South Wales border and includes Mt Superbus, southern Queensland’s highest peak.The park’s open forests, rainforests and montane heath provide habitat for many animals, including the eastern bristlebird, Coxen’s fig parrot and black-breasted button-quail, which are threatened with extinction.
Spicer’s Gap is believed to be a traditional pathway for Aboriginal people travelling between the inland and the coast. In 1828, Allan Cunningham discovered the route through the mountains now called Cunningham’s Gap. Stockman Henry Alphen discovered Spicer’s Gap in 1847. The Spicer’s Gap Road, used to carry supplies to and from the Darling Downs, is the best remaining example of sophisticated 19th century engineering in Queensland.
Exploring Main Range
Picnic facilities and walking tracks at Cunningham’s Gap, Spicer’s Gap and Queen Mary Falls help visitors enjoy the park’s special attractions. The rest of the park is trackless and rugged wilderness suitable only for experienced, well-equipped bushwalkers.Have a bush picnic beside West Gap Creek near Cunningham’s Gap, at the Pioneer Picnic Area at Spicer’s Gap, or at Queen Mary Falls. Picnic tables, wood barbecues and toilets are provided. West Gap Creek also has a shelter shed and tank water. Boil the water before drinking.
Re-discover the past on the Spicer’s Gap Road — the route taken by early pioneers still shows evidence of early road construction. A small cemetery marks the resting place for a number of early travellers.
Enjoy spectacular views from Governor’s Chair, Sylvester’s or Fassifern lookouts or the summits of Mts Cordeaux and Mitchell.
Go birdwatching along the Box Forest track. Hear bellbirds calling. See satin bowerbirds, Australian ground thrush and king parrots. See spear lilies and flowering orchids in spring.
Camp at Spicer’s Gap. Bookings are required for all public holiday long weekends. Toilets, picnic tables, tank water and wood barbecues are provided.
Bush camping is allowed in the more remote areas of the park by permit from the ranger at Cunningham’s Gap.
Walking
Enjoy short or half-day walks in the park or go hiking. Check for ticks in spring and summer. WARNING: Anyone hiking in undeveloped parts of the park must be physically fit and have sound navigational skills. Leave your trip details with someone reliable and advise your safe return. Take a positioning beacon, topographic map, compass, mobile phone, first aid kit and plenty of food, water and warm clothing.Getting there
Main Range is 116km south-west of Brisbane or 50km east of Warwick on the Cunningham Highway. Cunningham’s Gap is on the highway. Spicer’s Gap camping area is on the Spicer’s Gap Road, which is unsuitable for camper trailers and caravans. Turn off the Cunningham Highway 5km west of Aratula and follow the signs. The western approach leaves the highway 1·5km past the park headquarters and ends 1·6km before Governor’s Chair carpark. (There is no through route.) This western approach is suitable for four-wheel-drive vehicles only and closed in wet weather.
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