Girraween National Park - The Pyramid

Girraween, meaning 'place of flowers' in the local Kambuwal language, protects 117 square kilometres of ancient granite landscape shaped over hundreds of millions of years. The park's signature formations include the Pyramids, Castle Rock at 1,112 m, and Mount Norman at 1,267 m, the highest point in Queensland's south-east corner. More than 120 bird species and approximately 40 mammal species make their home here, including wallabies, echidnas, and a rich variety of honeyeaters.

The Pyramid walk departs from the Bald Rock Creek day-use area and is rated strenuous, requiring scrambling on all fours for the upper section of the bare granite face. There are no handrails, so sturdy closed-toe shoes with excellent grip are essential. The effort is well rewarded: Balancing Rock teeters impossibly on the summit and the views extend for kilometres in every direction. Early morning visits offer the softest light for photography and the best chance of encountering wildlife on the lower slopes.

The park's upgraded visitor precinct includes a contemporary architecturally designed visitor information building, ample coach parking, and modern amenities. Camping is available at the Bald Rock Creek and Bald Rock Creek West campgrounds, bookable through the Queensland Parks online booking system. The park is open year-round and is equally beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom and in winter when frost settles on the granite.