Mount Cougal (Ningeroongun and Barrajanda)

Mount Cougal West Peak as seen from the East Peak

Location	Springbrook National Park
Distance	8.5 km return (East Peak only), 10 km (including West Peak)
Time	3-4 hours return (East Peak only), 4-5.5 hours (including West Peak)
Grade	Moderate-Hard
Track	Not a signed or graded track. However, navigation is straightforward as it mostly follows the QLD-NSW border fence. Bush track becomes more obscure once the cliffs below the East Peak are reached, and care is required during descent of either peak to avoid taking dead-end trails.
Terrain	Steep terrain throughout, particularly during ascent of both peaks. East Peak summit is reached via a scramble over scrubby-rock terrain without exposure. West Peak involves slightly more difficult scrambling due to crumbly dirt underfoot.
Vegetation	First 30-45 min is on private property, through thick sugarcane and lantana. Remaining track before reaching the peaks is in subtropical rainforest. Vegetation on the rocky peaks is dominated by grass trees and spear lillies.
Highlights	Spectacular views of the Springbrook plateau and West Peak from the East Peak

Description:

The twin peaks of Mount Cougal can be accessed via a steep off-track walk from the eastern section of Springbrook National Park, separate from the park's popular plateau region. Unfortunately, the first 30-45 min is steep uphill through private property and the track is smothered in high grasses and weeds. The rewards for pushing on are glimpses of Mt Warning to the south and the Cougals up ahead.

After what seems like an etrenity, the horrible vegetation disappears into rainforest as you enter the national park. The track steepens considerably prior to meeting the rocky cliffs below the East Peak where the border fence ends. Veer right of the cliffs and look for a rough track leading uphill over rocks and tree roots to the east summit. Views from the summit are spectacular and worth the effort to reach it (or not, depending on how well you have blanked the start of the walk out of your mind).

By far the best views are gained from the East Peak, but since the thought of returning through the high grass back to your car is still undesirable, travelling on to visit the West Peak seems worthwhile. You will need to push your way through thick grass tree spikes in several places to locate the steep track, which is very dusty and crumbly. Some good views are possible from the saddle (the main track runs slightly to the right/north of here, a short side-track will need to be taken to see anything) but most of the views from the West Peak are obscured by vegetation. The steep southern face of Mount Cougal and along to the East Peak can be seen from one vantage point just short of the actual summit, but great care should be taken here as the height exposure is significant.

As most of this walk is through rainforest, the Cougals can be climbed throughout the year. Avoid rainy days as the steep slopes will become slippery and dangerous.

Trip Reports: 29th June, 2014

Photo Gallery:

En route to the twin peaks of Mount Cougal

Looking into NSW over the border fence

Steep ascent through rainforest to the East Peak

Looking back to Mount Cougal East Peak from the West Peak