It took my breath away the first time I saw the Great Dividing Range. Its ridges appeared suddenly on the outer edge of the Fassifern Valley, if you look closely enough, you can see the wave like rims across the bodies of the mountain. I haven't had a chance to take a picture, which is really a shame. However, this provides a great opportunity for you to experience it yourself!
The Cunningham Gap is located about one hour south west of Brisbane, in the Scenic Rim region just outside of Ipswich. It is the link between the Darlingdown Region and Brisbane, through the Great Dividing Range. Mt Cordeaux and Mt Mitchell peaks lays on each side, safe guarding this important connector. These are also two fantastic hiking trails with an unobstructed view at the top lookout. The tracks are winding and of a moderate grade, Mount Cordeaux (6.8km return) together with Bare Rock track are about 12km return, and Mount Mitchell is 11km return. Suitable to bring children along, if they enjoy the long distance walks.
Mount Cordeaux trail starts at the right hand side of the Crest Car park driving from Bonnah direction. The small car park is right on the side of the Cunningham Highway, it is rather small and most of the time you will need to park along the left hand side of the busy highway and walk across, so do be careful crossing the road. Given the circumstances, if you are traveling with a group, I would strongly recommend carpooling.
At the beginning of the trail, you will see a stone Monument standing just above the highway. This is in memory of Allan Cunningham, who is the discoverer of the original track which turned into the Cunningham Highway today. You can imagine the difficulty of his journey to establish the first trading route that opened up the Great Southern Down region.
After the monument, follow the Rainforest Circuit for a while, until you reach the beginning of the Mount Cordeaux trail (signposted). From here on, you will pass through palm tree forest, dry rain forest on the way. Even though the most of the trail is uphill, there is nothing too difficult. Only the last few hundred meters towards the submit has a few stairs. The view from the forest clearing should be able to keep you distracted enough to get through it. There is a small lookout before the submit which provides you with the opportunity to observe the vast plain and its surrounding mountains, such as Mt Barney, you can also see Mt Mitchell which is just on the opposite side of the Cunningham Gap. There is a rocky downward tube next to the hand-rail protected lookout, I'm not sure what it is, but it looks really deep, so maybe it is an inactive volcanic plug.
After a few meters after the lookout, you will see a sign which directs you to the Mt Cordeaux Submit. Follow that direction, and you will reach relatively small platform. Unfortunately, there is no way to reach the top of Mount Cordeaux, as it is closed off for vegetation and plants recovery. However, the view is already fantastic enough to lure you back time and time again.
As the morning tends to be foggy, I would recommend a late start for maybe after 9 or 10am, on a non-rainy day, you should have a clear view at the summit towards early afternoon but be mindful to leave enough time to complete the track during daylight. If you are indeed lucky enough, you may be able to spot couple of lyrebirds on your way down!
The section of the track towards Bare Rock is overgrown, which provides people with a false sense of security, but it is very close to the cliff edge with narrow road, so please be careful and try to avoid the track in wet season. Don't recommend to bring small children for this part of the track.
Having said that, it is quite a unique track towards Bare Rock so it is worth your while to go the extra 3km. The tree trunks along the track are covered in green moss following the ridges of the mountain, unique environment like this is usually seen in deep trenches of the mountain. This combined with the thick morning fog creates a scenery often described in fairy tales, the only thing missing is a red cape and the big bad wolf!
If you continue on the track, you will reach a sign at where the road split in two directions, one track lead to Morgans Walk, the other to Bare Rock. There are shades at Bare Rock for you to enjoy your lunch while enjoy the great view of the valley beneath. If you have stopped at the Mount Cordeaux Submit, there are also nice spots there but less shade if you are going in summer.
On the way back, once you have entered the Rainforest Circuit, follow the trail to the left, you will reach a viewing platform and after that, if you continue to follow the trail, it will lead you back to the carpark.
Hope you enjoy your day at Mount Cordeaux!
