Highlights

Mount Barney Summit is a must-do Aussie Bucket List hike for experienced hikers only, located in south-east Queensland's the Scenic Rim. Summit routes are not walking tracks and are unsuitable for inexperienced people who cannot climb unassisted or young children.

Summit routes are suitable for people with a high level of fitness, and experience and skills in rock scrambling. The summit routes are long, with very steep rocky sections and irregular surfaces with loose stones. They are unmarked and undefined and require GPS or topographic maps to navigate.

South Ridge summit route

Allow 8–10hr to East Peak and returning via the same route. South Ridge summit route is a constant, strenuous climb. It traverses sections of very steep ridges and involves several climbs. Care must be taken near cliff edges and loose earth can make the route slippery. Once at Mount Barney saddle, there is still about 267m in altitude to climb before summiting on East Peak—1354m above sea level. This final climb may take up to 1.5hr one-way. Return via the same route. When descending from Mount Barney saddle, follow the directional markers. You will need to climb up over a small knoll before descending the route.

South East Ridge summit route

Allow 7–9hr to East Peak and returning via South Ridge summit route. Although a shorter summit route than South Ridge, it is much steeper. This route requires greater fitness levels, rock scrambling and climbing skills. It is recommended you climb with a capable, experienced leader on this route. South East Ridge summit route is a steep, strenuous climb with exposed rock faces and sheer cliff edges. Rocky slabs are slippery in wet conditions. Care is to be taken when traversing the razorback ridge and the rock slab near the summit—beware of a 300m drop nearby. For your protection, ropes are recommended for some steep sections, especially when carrying heavy backpacks. Descending via South East Ridge summit route is not  recommended. It is a very steep and difficult descent.

Mount Barney Summit Routes Map

Activities

• Hiking
• Photography

Facilities

• Car park
• Unmarked trail - 1354m elevation - allow 8-10 hours for this challenging summit hike.