McPherson Range Mountains

The McPherson Range is a mountain range in southeastern Queensland, Australia, forming part of the eastern extension of the Great Dividing Range and contributing to the Queensland-New South Wales highlands. It comprises forested ridges and escarpments rather than a single high peak.

The range contains waterfalls, lookouts and walking routes and is an important area for regional biodiversity and water catchments. It also provides scenic drives and viewpoints used by day visitors and hikers.

Historically the area was used for timber harvesting and grazing before sections were set aside for conservation; many slopes are now protected as part of regional parks and reserves. The range runs roughly along the state border zone in southeast Queensland, inland from the Gold Coast and within driving distance of Brisbane.

• Geographic role: Forms part of the Great Dividing Range and contributes to the drainage divide between coastal and inland catchments in southeast Queensland.

The McPherson Range is reached from the Gold Coast and Brisbane via the Pacific Motorway and various hinterland roads (e.g., the Mount Lindesay Highway, Springbrook Road). Public buses reach some towns; a car is the most flexible way to explore lookout points and trails.

• Drive the range's scenic roads slowly: local drivers know the turns and the wildlife crossings.
• Stop at Mount Mee or other lookouts for short rainforest walks and viewpoints over the coastal plain.
• If planning bushwalking, check Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service alerts for closures or fire risks.