Expand your horizons with a visit to Ipswich mountain peaks featuring stunning views, natural wildlife and thrilling heights…
Flinders Peak
The highest public accessible peak in Ipswich is Flinders Peak. It is located inside the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate and reaches some 680m high into the sky. While Flinders isn’t the highest peak in the region (Mt Beau Brummell located on privately owned land at 700m high takes that title) it is the highest peak you can climb. Expect a steep climb up passing over several crests, expect views to Brisbane, the Fassifern Valley and Lamington Plateau as you ascend. The final segment is the most rugged section, rock scrambling skills and rugged boots are essential.
This hike is a class 5 rated trail for very experienced bushwalkers and should take about six hours to complete.
The starting place for the hike is the Flinders Plum Day Use Area.
Mt Blaine
For a peak that is a little easier (but not much) than Flinders, take the Mt Blane summit circuit. It’s still a class five walk with some rock scrambling and off-track walking through unmarked parts of track. At the top expect 360 degree views of Brisbane, Ipswich, the Scenic Rim and over to Flinders Peak. This summit is 457m into the sky and takes about three hours to complete the 4.3km return trail. The hike is located from the Flinders Plum Day Use Area in the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate.
Mt Goolman lookout
Also located inside the Flinders–Goolman Conservation Estate you can find a hike to the Goolman Lookout. It is a 1.58km return trail with views of Mt Goolman and Ivory’s Rock.
This walk will take about two-and-a-half hours to complete and is a class 4 moderate track. It is accessed from the Horse Trail Circuit at Hardings Paddock which is a 9km return trail.
Mt Catherine Trail
This trail lets you explore the rocky peak of Mt Catherine with views to Mt Blaine. The track is 300m one way and should take about 10 minutes to complete. It is accessed from the Mt Blaine trail in the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate.
Main Ridge Lookout and Gunpit Ridge Lookout
In the White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate you’ll find a number of hikes. Some of them are easy 10 minute walks, others moderate tracks that ascend to tree top views. For the best views, and to access the Gunpit Ridge Track and the Main Ridge Track, head off on the White Rock Trail, a 7km return hike.
The 6.2km return Gunpit Ridge track is a challenging ascent to views over White Rock to Brisbane City and a side trail has remnants of military training gun pits. While the Main Ridge Track features a lookout with the best view of White Rock and surrounding bushland. There are steep edges and difficult sections and rock scrambling skills are required. It is a 3.6km return hike.
