The Steamers Hike Has the Best View in Main Range National Park

The Steamers are rock formations found in a rugged remote area of Main Range National Park, QLD. Here’s a guide to the most amazing lookout in all of South East Queensland.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Highlights

• Good old Aussie bushbashing
• Jaw-dropping rock formations
• Heaps of birdlife
• Challenging navigation

Please note: This track is only to be completed by EXPERIENCED hikers who have sound navigation skills

The Steamers

I spent most of the year fascinated by The Steamers. To this day, I have re-visited the area which is a part of the Main Range National Park over half a dozen times. The terrain, the sound of local bellbirds, and the Stern lookout never cease to amaze me.

I have guided a couple of friends to this lookout and while they admit the terrain is testing and at times unforgiving they gasped in awe when they finally arrived at the lookout. I always aim to be in front of them on their final approach to the lookout and watch their eyes beam as the Mast fills their view.

Read more: How To Hike Off-Track 

A Tough But Rewarding Hike

The Steamers are a perfect challenge for hikers with experience and who wish to be tested physically and navigationally. I can guarantee you will be rewarded for your efforts with what I think is the best view in South East Queensland.

They are named ‘the steamers’ due to their magnificent stature that resembles the shape of a steamboat. The high protruding peaks are named the Stern, Mast, Funnel, and Prow and project above deep valleys on both sides.

I have been undecided whether to share this trail on the internet as it was quite an experience finding the lookout from a topographical map.

However, I have provided directions that will take you to the base of the Prow. I recommend you try finding your own way up if you wish to be properly tested.

Also, you’ll be able to enjoy some small caves along the way (perfect for snack and water breaks).

Essential Gear

• Minimum 5L water in winter and 8L in summer
• Food for up to 8 hours and for worst-case scenarios
• Mount Superbus Topo map (1:25000)
• Camera
• First Aid Kit (including compression bandages)
• Gaiters or long pants

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

How To Get There

The Steamers from Brisbane: 2.5 HOURS

From Emu Creek Road (4WD Required)

Head to Emu Vale (East of Warwick) and drive approx. 20-25km along Emu Vale Road. This road turns to dirt after approx 3-5km and shortly after turning to dirt you will find the first of four decent sized river crossings (only suited for 4WD’s).

Follow this road almost to the end at which point you will find another road on your left (Old Mill Road) which will not be signed, however, there is a gate that you will need to open and shut again. From this point you will need to follow Old Mill Road across another nine river crossings before veering right down a vehicle track (again no signs).

Follow this track until you hit another gate and your journey on foot begins. That is all the direction I will give as there are no definitive tracks to follow so your approach will be determined by your hiking and navigation skills (this is the fun part – so enjoy).

From Teviot Falls (No 4WD Required)

Park at the top of Teviot Falls at the junction of Head Road and Brett Road and follow the trail toward Mt Roberts and Lizard Point via Brett Road. You can use the app Maps.Me to assist you on this trek if you are not confident with reading topographical map, but knowledge of topographical maps is highly recommended. This trek is overgrown in some places and is quite lengthy in comparison to the Emu Creek Road approach. Research, research, research!!!

It doesn’t matter which way you approach The Steamers, ensure you are very familiar with the terrain and have a detailed approach in mind. The directions I have provided are the first steps in getting there; however, the rest (the fun part) is your responsibility. Exploring and path finding is the best bit of any new adventure and you should relish in the challenge because I can assure you the reward is certainly worth it.

Skill Level

Expert – This trail should only be attempted by experienced hikers who are comfortable using topographical maps of those who own a GPS.

This trail isn’t officially graded but should be considered as very hard due to the remoteness and difficulty of the terrain. So be sure to do your planning and research of the area (Google Maps) before attempting, always have a backup plan.

Distance Covered / Elevation Gain

15.3km / 720m (max elevation of 1087m)

The hike took 4 hours (excluding breaks) but this time is quite quick as I know the terrain well. Because of this, I suggest planning for 6-8 hours if it’s your first attempt starting from the base of the Funnel.