Mount Barney is the second highest peak in South East Queensland and stands majestic in the Scenic Rim corner of Queensland. Mount Barney National Park’s camping areas can only be reached by foot. However there are four privately-run camps all located under beautiful Mount Barney, only 9 to 19 km from Rathdowney.
This is a special World Heritage Area of Gondwana Rainforests and the national park also includes Mount Maroon, Mount May, Mount Lindesay, Mount Ernest, Mount Ballow and Mount Clunie, remnants of the Focal Peak Shield Volcano.
Bring noodles, pool floats or inflatable tubes because all have access to natural swimming. You can fish and bring your dog for the first three options plus they have access for Big Rigs. All have facilities – toilets, showers and water plus allow campfires, and there is even a winery…
1. Bigriggen Park
This is a favourite camping spot for our eldest, he has been back plenty of times. The Burnett Creek meets the Logan River, you can see the beautiful swimming hole. He says bring two inflatables – because there is always a blowout on the rapids.
He likes this spot because of the creek, good facilities, hot showers and open spaces – including a dirt bike track for kids. It is large, level and grassy, so you can spread out and just relax.
This campground is the closest to the Boonah–Rathdowney Road and town. Price range is $+ and it has accessible facilities.
Images Jack Gilmore and Alise Heinzel
2. Flanagan Reserve Bush Camping near Rathdowney, Queensland
Budget priced ($) and out of all four sites it is kindest on the hip pocket! The camping surface is gravel and dirt and there are limited, although accessible facilities. Showers are coin operated and there is a kiosk.
You can camp right beside the Logan River under beautiful scenery of Mt Barney and wildlife abounds!
Image by Judy and Graham Gardiner
3. Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages
A new listing for the CAMPS App – this gorgeous location is $++ priced.
CAMPS Ambassadors Dale and Tracey said this was an awesome camping spot with two separate areas for camping and is an ideal spot for a small group (maximum of 20 campers). Expect beautiful green grass and camp beside Mount Barney Creek. Cottages with facilities are available and they recommend some wine tasting at the cellar door during your stay.
Images Adams Family Travels
4. Mount Barney Lodge
Our final site is closest to Yellow Pinch Reserve, a day use area with picnic tables, toilets and barbecues. So close, the base of Mount Barney is just across the road. In fact, they offer guided Mount Barney expeditions and most walks start from the campsite.
This site is priced $+ camping and you can opt for deluxe camper trailers, Queensland homesteads and rustic cabins. Family friendly with full creek frontage and a swimming hole! Even with a kid’s holiday program. As well as no pets, there is no wifi, generators, drones or chainsaws and limited mobile phone coverage. Paradise to many!
Bushwalks in Mount Barney National Park
There are four maintained grade 4 tracks at Mount Barney’s base: Yellow Pinch (2 km return), Lower Portals (7.4 km return to a deep pool and rocky gorge), Cronan Creek Falls (12 km return and includes creek crossings) and Upper Portals (8 km return and 4WD required to reach it). There are no walking tracks to the summit of Mount Barney – National Parks say it is unsuitable for young children and “inexperienced people who cannot climb unassisted”. The Scenic Rim’s Moogerah Peaks and Main Range national parks have easier walks to tackle.
Bookings are essential. For more information, see the Camps App and guides.
Check out more camps around the Scenic Rim – Canungra Showground and O’Reillys at Lamington National Park.
If you would like order your own CAMPS Pendium, here is a special coupon code for you:
…and you’ll receive $20 off! Add the code into the checkout!
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