Top 5 things to do in Girraween National Park, Queensland

The best things to do in Girraween National Park, Queensland, include climbing the Pyramid and Castle Rock, camping, picnicking and wildlife-watching.

The top 5 things to do in Girraween National Park are:

Climb the Pyramid – and get a photo next to Balancing Rock.
Tackle the Castle Rock walk for impressive 360 degree views.
Look out for wildlife along the Bald Rock Creek Circuit.
Go for a picnic (or barbecue) at the Bald Rock Creek day use area.
Camp at the Castle Rock campground.

Where is Girraween National Park?

Girraween National Park is a national park in the Granite Belt region of Queensland. It is on the Queensland/ New South Wales border near the wine village of Ballandean, and it neighbours Bald Rock National Park.

Things to do in Girraween National Park: Climb the Pyramid

The classic challenge in Girraween National Park is climbing the Pyramid – an enormous granite dome. The 3.6km return walk from the Bald Rock Creek day use area is relatively short, but it is steep and exposed.

Once at the top, you can survey the landscape, and get the obligatory photo next to Balancing Rock. This precariously-balanced but freestanding giant rock boulder looks like it could teeter over at any minute.

It’s worth noting that the Girraween National Park Pyramid and the nearby man-made Ballandean Pyramid are completely separate (and unrelated) attractions.

The Castle Rock walk in Girraween National Park

There are several alternative walks in Girraween National Park, with the Castle Rock walk in the southern section providing arguably the most impressive views. The 5.2km Castle Rock trail starts near the Girraween Visitor Centre car park, and passes through eucalypt woodland and along ridge lines until it reaches the granite hilltop. There are 360 degree views from the summit.

Hiking at Castle Rock in Girraween National Park. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Things to do in Girraween National Park: Wildlife-spotting

According to the Queensland Government’s Parks and Forests department, 22 mammal species, 45 reptile species and 150 bird species live in Girraween National Park. You’ll be exceptionally unlucky not to see any wildlife here.

The 2.2km Bald Rock Creek Circuit is a good bet for sightings.

Picnics in Girraween National Park

There are two day use areas in Girraween National Park, but the Bald Rock Creek day use area has better facilities than the Mount Norman day use area. Here, picnic tables and electric barbecues are provided, as well as toilets and water.

Camping in Girraween National Park

There are several campgrounds for anyone who wants to go camping in Girraween National Park. The best facilities are at the Castle Rock campground and the Kumbawal camping area. Both of these offer picnic tables, barbecues, toilets and showers.

For more information, visit the national park webpage.