Mt Maroon, South East Queensland

The South Peak on Mt Maroon offers impressive 360° views of the entire Border Ranges scenic rim including magnificent Mt Barney. It is traditional to add a stone to the cairn marking the South Summit.

DESCRIPTION:
The grandeur and challenge of Mt Maroon (967 m) has sometimes been overlooked by hikers solely because for its proximity to Mt Barney (1359m). In recent years 'the secret' of Maroon seems to have spread and more people are recognising it as a worthy hiking and trekking destination. The Cotswold Track (regarded as the tourist route) starts from the northern end of the mountain and is used by both hikers and rockclimbers. The track commences on private property with the owners approval so respect their generosity by staying on the track and keeping noise to a minimum. Mt. Maroon has a rich rockclimbing heritage which must also be respected by hikers and scramblers. Climbers regularly carry 30 + kilograms of equipment so give way to them, especially on steeper sections of the track.

Mount Maroon has two peaks (North and South) and is part of the Mt Barney National Park. The South Peak is the highest point on the broad summit area and offers 360° views of the entire Border Ranges scenic rim. Most groups complete the 6 km Cotswold Track in 5 - 6 hours (depending on rest stops and summit options) and it is recommended that this route is used as a fitness indicator before attempting the longer routes of Mt Barney.
LOCATION:

From Brisbane take the Mt Lindesay Highway through Beaudesert (69 kms from the Brisbane CBD) following the signs to Rathdowney (111km from Brisbane CBD). Travel through Rathdowney and turn off into Boonah Rathdowney Road (right turn approximately 1 km past the town). At 15 km begin to look for the left turn onto Cotswold Road which brings you to the Cotswold Track car park after 3.3 km.

As mentioned in the Description, the car park area and the start of the Cotswold Track are both on private property so show due respect to the owners by doing all the basic things like parking in the right places, reducing noise, not littering and definitely not camping in this area. If in any doubt about proper etiquette check out 'Bushwalking Ethics.'

TRACK NOTES:
COTSWORD TRACK (EAST RIDGE)

From the car park walk out the right hand (south west) end to the Cotswold Track and through a gate that leads up a small hill. Some small dams become evident at this point and continue up the ridge as it gradually becomes steeper. An obvious track follows the eastern ridgeline so just keep gaining altitude on it. As the track begins to eventually flatten out look for a track diverging off downhill to the left and take it. As you continue to descend to the track the imposing 200 metre East Face will come more clearly into view. A descent during an ascent will always end in pain so when the track levels out consider taking a short break at the base of the East Face to rest your legs before gaining back the ground just lost.

Continue on the main track until it branches left and ascends into a prominent gully. Another track runs down to the right and is mainly used by rockclimbers seeking to gain access to the East Face. Continue up the left hand gully until it tapers off into thick scrub. Follow the winding track for 100 metres until a small seasonal creek is reached, which is a traditional camp site.

From this point various options unfold. Facing the creek (south) you can choose to:

1. Branch to the left for a short exploration of a lookout point before returning to the camp site.

2. Follow the track up the creek to the right before picking up the main south track to the left which crosses some rocky slabs in its ascent of the South Peak. An unnatural 2 metre pile of rocks marks the traditional summit which is the highest point (967m) providing unhindered views.

3. Follow the track up the creek to the right before picking up a track to the right that leads to the North Peak area above the East Face. On a clear day it is possible to walk in a semi-circle from the natural amphitheatre of the North Summit area around to the South Peak by sight.

Mt Maroon is in close proximity to Mt Barney and therefore subject to the same unpredictable weather patterns. This should influence what options you choose, especially in the summit areas. The views from Mt Maroon's summit are spectacular. If you choose to venture to the South Peak be sure to look for Mt Barney further to the south.

PROVISIONS:

To Wear:

* Hat

* Sunnies (optional)

* Good quality walking / running / hiking shoes in good condition.

Hiking Pack: 45 - 60 litres is an ideal sized day-pack for Mt Maroon. This may sound like overkill to some and even though Maroon is Barney's little sister she is still worthy of respect for she is a BIG girl.

* 4l Water (minimum or more if you drink a lot)

* Food for snacks and lunch on the summit:

- Sizeable lunch of sandwiches / pasta / etc

- Muesli bars- Fruit (fresh or dried)

- Chocolate

* Basic First Aid Kit including:

- Sunscreen

- Insect repellent

- Bandaids

- Pressure bandage

- Elastic ankle support

- Paracetamol

- Personal medications

- Basic first aid book

* Mobile Phone (fully charged) Generally good reception with Telstra 3G network.

* 10 metres (minimum) of good quality rope

* Wet weather gear:

- Spray jacket with hood

* Cold weather gear:

- Space blanket

- Jacket

- Long trousers

- Beanie (head warmer)

- Gloves

- Flint or Matches (waterproof) in case of emergency

* Head lamp and Batteries

* Shovel and toilet paper

Optional Equipment:

* Gaiters

* Camera & Batteries

* GPS

* Change of shirt / clothes for the return car ride (to leave in the car)

HISTORY:

As mentioned in the Description, Mt Maroon has traditionally been recognised for its rockclimbing prowess over and above its hiking routes.