Hinze Dam from the Pinnacle’s Rocky

The first time I heard about Pages Pinnacle was on Instagram. I saw the spectacular view you could get of Hinze Dam from the pinnacle’s rocky outcrop, and of course, I had to go hike it myself…

Highlights

• Short hike with amazing views over Hinze Dam
• Fun rock scramble across a razorback ridge
• Only a 90-minute drive from Brisbane

The Lowdown

Teaming up with four fellow explorers, we carpooled from Nerang and headed down Springbrook’s Pine Creek Road to the trailhead – which is actually a fire trail.

We started down the fire trail, took a slightly wrong turn that took us to the dam’s edge, rock-hopped across a small creek, and headed uphill along the fire trail.

There are a few fire trail routes in this area – but to get to the pinnacle, first you have to hook right, and then follow a left hand trail, then you’re looking for a narrow trail on your left leading off the fire trail into long grass and trees. If it’s your first time here, you’ll find the Maps.me app handy to keep you on the Pinnacle trail.

The turnoff from the fire trail into the trees is marked by a rock cairn but it’s easy to miss.

Once you hit the trees, it’s smooth sailing – if rock scrambling along a ridge with steep drops on either side is your thing.

You’ll soon hit the razorback ridge – but the good news is there are lots of footholds so it’s easy to scramble your way along it – as long as you’re not scared of heights.

There’s a great lookout over the Hinze Dam before you hit the actual pinnacle – and you can see over to Egg Rock and Binna Burra – so take some time here for those breathtaking views before you push on.

There’s a bit of bush bashing to reach the top of the pinnacle which has views out on its right side. Be careful though, the ground is slippery and there’s a big drop so take care on the pinnacle edges.

Essential Gear

• Camera
• Long pants for the bush bash to the pinnacle
• Grippy shoes for the ridge rock scramble and the Pinnacle summit

How To Get There

From Brisbane, take the Pacific Motorway and get off at Exit 69. Follow Nerang-Murwillumbah Road towards Springbrook and then take the left turn to Pine Creek Road. Head along here for a couple of minutes and on a sweeping bend, you’ll see some gates, a national park sign and a car parking area on your left. Park here and head along the fire trail using the Maps.me app or similar to keep on the trail.

 Activities

• Hiking
• Rock scrambling
• Photography

Skill Level

Intermediate. It’s an easy hike leading up to the ridge, but you need to do some rock scrambling to reach the pinnacle.

Distance / Elevation / Time Taken

6.5km /185m / 2hrs