Wilson's Peak

Trip report from a recent walk along the QLD-NSW border fence to Wilson's Peak at Main Range National Park.

The first several km follows the rabbit-proof fence through some very pleasant open forest - a mix of gums, grass trees and ferns.

Rabbit fence in good nick

An hour in and Wilson's Peak towers ahead. Looks like a long way up, and the track is still heading downhill at this point!

Eventually the long, arduous ascent begins and shortly thereafter the track (and fence) enters subtropical rainforest. The scenery is very similar to that of the climb up to the Cougals, with crumbly dirt and leaf litter making the horribly steep terrain a slippery experience.

Wilson's Peak rises to 1230 m above sea level, so as you continue to climb the subtropical rainforest eventually gives way to far prettier temperate rainforest.

Rainforest scenery helps detract from the steepness of the track

After cresting what seemed like a never ending series of false peaks, the rocky summit pinnacle finally came into view. There were also some excellent views east towards the rugged Mount Ballow massif, which turned out to be the best viewpoint of the walk.

Wilson's Peak's peak appears

Mount Ballow dominates the view to the east. The twin double peaks of Mounts May and Maroon are on the far
 left, and Mount Lindsey is at the right

From here the cliffs are impossibly steep (and the rabbit fence finally ends), but the track contours to the right around the base until a rocky chute is located on the far (western) side.

Start of the short rock climb to the summit

This final section requires a bit of scrambling but seems very easy after the steep rainforest climb. Views from the top are limited to a small opening on the north-eastern edge, but the soothing calls of Albert Lyrebirds have continued to follow me and it's a peaceful place to stop and have a snack before heading back.

Cleared area at the summit

View from near the summit of Wilson's Peak; Moogerah Peaks ahead and Flinder's Peaks in the far distance