Mount Barney (Queensland)

Mountain Prominent Scenic Rim peak known for steep climbs

A twin‑peaked mountain in Queensland’s Scenic Rim with steep climbs and rainforest gullies; bushwalkers and climbers tackle long approaches and technical scrambles.

Main image

Mount Barney is a prominent mountain in Queensland’s Scenic Rim, within Mount Barney National Park, rising to about 1,359 metres. It is known for its steep cliffs, rugged ridges, and distinctive twin peaks.

Hikers and climbers use a mix of walking tracks and technical scrambles to reach the summits; routes can include steep bushwalking, exposed rock scrambling, and roped climbs on some lines. The mountain is popular with experienced bushwalkers and rock climbers seeking sustained routes.

The mountain is part of a national park established to protect the Scenic Rim landscape and its native vegetation, and it has long been a feature in regional outdoor recreation. The massif’s twin peaks have been the focus of climbing since European exploration of the area.

Mount Barney sits inland in southeast Queensland near the township of Rathdowney, within the Scenic Rim region and roughly south of Brisbane by road. Access to trailheads is via park roads and marked walking tracks.

  • Elevation: The mountain rises to about 1,359 metres and is one of the prominent summits of the Scenic Rim in southeast Queensland.
  • Route difficulty: Routes range from steep walking tracks to technical scrambles and rock climbs, so parties should be prepared for exposed sections and route-finding.

What to See #

  • East and West peaks: A twin-peaked massif with distinct East and West peaks offering different climbing profiles; the East Peak is the higher and more technical of the two.
Mount Barney (Queensland)
Mount Barney National Park, Queensland, Australia
-28.2833, 152.7000
Park open year-round
Free entry; camping and permits may have fees

Tips for Visiting Mount Barney (Queensland) #

  • Aim to begin hikes at first light outside summer months - the lower-elevation approaches heat up quickly and afternoon storms can develop, so early starts give the best conditions for summit attempts.
  • Use official Mount Barney National Park access points (the established car parks and marked tracks) and check Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service updates - the marked routes (Lower/Upper Portals) are the usual approaches and are safer than bushwhacking.
  • If you plan to attempt the East Peak scramble, recognize it's steep and route-finding can be challenging; treat it as a technical scramble, allow plenty of time, and avoid it in wet conditions when rock sections become slippery.

Best Time to Visit Mount Barney (Queensland) #

Visit Mount Barney during the dry season (roughly May-October) for the most reliable and safest hiking conditions.

Dry season (best for hiking)
May - October · 10-25°C
Cooler, more stable weather with fewer thunderstorms - the preferred time for climbs and overnight trips.
Wet season
November - April · 18-30°C
Hotter, humid and prone to heavy afternoon thunderstorms and slippery trails; increased lightning risk makes climbing less safe.

Weather & Climate near Mount Barney (Queensland) #

Climate

Mount Barney (Queensland)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1367 mm/year), wettest in January.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (190 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 25°

Weather

190 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 24°

Weather

187 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 20°

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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