The Granite Regions

The granite regions lie slightly to the west of south-east Queensland, but are popular destinations with south-east Queensland bushwalkers. Typically they are rolling areas of open eucalypt forest, dominated by granite domes and balancing rocks. Such topography is most classically represented at Girraween National Park south of Stanthorpe, and at Bald Rock, which is located on the border adjacent to Girraween but is normally accessed from New South Wales. This chapter also describes two nearby areas of lesser granitic character – Sundown National Park south-west of Stanthorpe and the Boonoo Boonoo River in New South Wales (approximate pronunciation “Bunna Boonoo”). All regions are located near the Queensland-New South Wales border.

Most of these regions don’t have the same style of jagged relief typical of the Scenic Rim areas to the north-east. In general they offer relatively easy bushwalking without massive ascents and descents, although some remote localities in Sundown are exceptions to this principle. Sundown is dramatically different from all other bushwalking areas near south-east Queensland, with stark hillsides and dramatic red gorges reminiscent of landscapes in central Australia.

For people wishing for a greater insight into the nature and beauty of the granite regions prior to their visit, or wanting to preserve their memories afterwards, Errol Walker’s book Granite Wilderness is highly recommended. It is an excellent photographic portrait of this natural region.

Special Notes

Bushwalking Conditions and Hazards

General Terrain: In normal circumstances most of these regions provide reasonably safe bushwalking opportunities. The main hazards to be wary of relate to weather conditions or unusual conditions. Nevertheless some localities still require caution. In particular the more remote parts of Sundown have many rugged localities, with