Girraween National Park – The Pyramid Hike
I have been on the road with my ARB mates for the last few days exploring the high granite country around the QLD/NSW border. This is an area that seems to get overlooked as a camping /touring destination sometimes and it blows me away to see just how much is on offer in the region if you’re prepared to have a dig around. If you enjoy breath-taking views and challenging hikes, Girraween National Park is the place for you!
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How To Get To There
Situated only 260km from South-West Brisbane. One can access the park by turning off the New England Highway, just 26km south of Stanthorpe. You can also access it about 30km North of Tenterfield which leads you on to Pyramids Road. With Windy bitumen road, travel another 9km East through the Wyberba Valley. Here you will find the Park’s Information Centre and Day Use Picnic Area.
One of the stars of the area is Girraween National Park. A leisurely 3km climb up a granite monolith known as The Pyramid…for obvious reasons. It’s an adventurous climb and I would suggest wearing appropriate footwear and taking plenty of water. The QPAWS office is staffed and located at the entrance to the park and can answer any questions you may have, along with offer alternate walks if this one isn’t for you.
WARNING: As the surface of the granite is quite smooth, it’s important to remember that the rock can become very slippery when wet, it’s advised you do not attempt to climb the granite in wet conditions. Being quite exposed, it’s also important to be wary of heights.
Trails & Tracks In Girraween National Park
Starting at the Day Use Picnic Area, you can follow the signed track and cross creek at the concrete crossing. This bridge follows the same track as the Granite Arch. As you head along the track follow the signpost to the base of the pyramid, leaving the Granit Arch Track completely. Here begins the steep incline and an increase in difficulty. Follow the track through the forest and up the exposed granite. You’ll notice that the standard white markers to help guide you along the way. Keep on powering up that rock face until you reach the top!
Above the treeline, the steps give way to some painted lines on a smooth rock path to the top….and the views are incredible. Balancing rock halfway up is ….as the name suggests. At the summit 360 degree views and a clear understanding of how the country got its name. From the Northern Side of the summit, you can see everything from Castle Rock, The Sphinx, Mt Norman, as well as Bald Rock. South of Stanthorpe in the Ganache Belt, This Australian pyramid Hike is a beautiful sight to see!
Don’t forget to check out Episode 11 of the Campr series for all the info about Girraween National Park and “The Pyramid”. Girraween National Park is south of Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt. ARB has all the tricks to get you out and about exploring this type of country.
