📍8 Best National Parks Near Stanthorpe, QLD Within 150km For Hiking & Sightseeing (2025.)

LOOKING FOR THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS NEAR STANTHORPE?

If there is one thing that Stanthorpe does epically it’s national parks. That’s because this place is a nature lover’s paradise thanks to it being smack bang in the middle of the Granite Belt, which means there are giant boulders strewn all across the landscape, with the biggest and best sitting alongside the significantly more impressive giant exposed monoliths that reside within the pristine wilderness of Girraween and Bald Rock.

But that’s not all. Between the several national parks near Stanthorpe, there are plenty of other incredible terrains to explore, such as glistening granite-carved rivers and creeks, towering mountain-fed rainforest waterfalls and the many lookouts showcasing several variations of breathtaking rugged terrain. And here are my favourites.

1. Girraween National Park.

The outstanding must-visit highlight of any trip to Stanthorpe and the greater Southern Downs region is Girraween National Park, which is located on the QLD/NSW border and the breathtaking epitome of why this part of Australia is famously known as the Granite Belt. This is thanks to its spectacular, jaw-droppingly epic boulder-strewn scenery that is headlined by the staggering natural landmark known as the Pyramid.

This massive exposed sloping rock face that rises dramatically out of the landscape and comes to a soft point is impressively and unforgettably one of Queensland’s largest granite monoliths. But it’s not just a mesmerising site to behold, it is also an epic surmountable peak not for the faint of heart. However, those willing to climb this naked rock face with no ropes, chains, bars or any such assistance to massive boulders at the summit are rewarded with spectacular views overlooking the picturesque countryside, including some of the other landmark features within this breathtaking national park.

And that’s just one spectacular hiking trail in a jam-packed place full of them. The Granite Arch and Spinx & Turtle Rocks tracks feature incredible stacked boulders, while Castle Rock is another massive slope offering more outstanding views of the outlying areas. Plus, along with several short picturesque creek walks and challenging multi-day tracks, there is always something extraordinary for every intrepid hiker to discover.

So you’ll definitely want to dedicate a decent block of time to exploring these magnificent landscapes. Luckily, the national park has several beautiful rustic campgrounds, plus bush camping opportunities to facilitate!

• Distance From Stanthorpe: 35.8km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 30 mins.
• Length Of Visit: 5-6 days.
• Where To Stay: National Park Campgrounds.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Ballandean Pyramid.

2. Sundown National Park.

Keeping on theme, the only national park near Stanthorpe west of the township on the Queensland side of the border is Sundown, which features even more of the beautiful granite terrain this region is renowned for, only it’s less about monoliths and boulders and more gorgeous rock-lined rivers and creeks.

This breathtaking wilderness features plenty of incredible river walks, wild swimming and paddling opportunities thanks to most of the trails being along the breathtaking granite-lined Severn River.

Those with conventional 2WD vehicles can access Broadwater Campground, located on the southwestern side and all the scenic riverside trails that depart from there, which includes the sparkling Permanent Waterhole. You can also drive to the northern entrance’s gate at Nundubberemere Falls Campground, which is just a short distance from the stunning landmark of the same name.

On the eastern side, access is limited to 4WD vehicles, but if you can make it, you’ll discover even more incredible places, such as Red Rock Gorge, Hell Hole, Rats Castle, several waterholes, and some fascinating old mines. To fully enjoy these attractions, consider staying a few nights at one of the three campgrounds available in that area.

• Distance From Stanthorpe To Red Rock Gorge Camping Area: 35.8km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 30 mins.
• Length Of Visit: 4-7 days.
• Where To Stay: Conventional Vehicle Accessible. – Broadwater Camping Area.
  4WD only accessible. – Red Rock Gorge Camping Area, Reedy Waterhole Camping Area, Burrows Waterhole Camping Area.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: –

2. Bald Rock National Park. – NSW.

Sitting side-by-side with the aforementioned on the NSW side of the border lies Bald Rock National Park which goes hand-in-hand with the equally spectacular extension of Girraween thanks to its even more impressive granite landscapes.

The unequivocal highlight of this place is the titular bold rock which is not only an even more impressive sloping slab of pure rock forming its own mountainous entity, but this massive landmark is also the state’s largest granite monolith, so you know it’s got the goods.

Like the Pyramid, you can also scale to the summit of this magnificent behemoth, where every step along the exposed rock face is an unending visual feast of the spectacular natural landmark and the gorgeous countryside around it.

There are also several other fantastic tracks to embark upon, with the Little Bald Rock and Bald Rock Trig Lookout trails offering an easier alternative to the Grade 5 difficulty of its bigger sibling. Meanwhile, Bald Rock Base Walk offers an up-close look at the foundations and allows you to appreciate the mammoth size of the thing!

• Distance From Stanthorpe To Bald Rock Campground: 43km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 35 mins.
• Length Of Visit: 4 days.
• Where To Stay: Bald Rock Campground.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Girraween National Park.

4. Boonoo Boonoo National Park.

A little further east of Bald Rock continues the breathtaking lineup of national parks near Stanthorpe that extends along the Queensland/NSW Wales with Boonoo Boonoo.

This place is a fantastic visit with its short walks to gorgeous rocky creeks that provide excellent wild swimming opportunities for those steaming hot and humid summer and spring days while the lovely Boonoo Boonoo waterfall provides even more scenery diversity to a region already packed with different landscapes.

• Distance From Stanthorpe To Bald Rock Campground: 50km.
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 45 mins.
• Length Of Visit: 2 Days.
• Where To Stay: Cypress Pine Campground.
• Other Places To Visit En Route:

5. Main Range National Park.
(Queen Mary Falls Section.)

If you’re heading to Stanthorpe from Brisbane or the Gold Coast (or vice versa) then there is no route more breathtakingly scenic to navigate than the Falls Drive, a through road which winds its way through the lower section of Main Range National Park, a vast expanse of pristine wilderness atop the monumental continent-spanning Great Dividing Range!

What makes this magnificent roadway one of my all-time favourites is that it meanders through stunning valleys flanked by formidable isolated peaks and lush hills, rugged crags, and babbling brooks as it slowly changes elevation from the rolling countryside of the incredibly gorgeous Scenic Rim you have to traverse through into the spectacular mountainous terrain that gives the region its befitting name.

And then there’s the name of the route itself: The Falls Drive. This route is essentially South East Queensland’s waterfall way, with the most unmissable and spectacular stop being the iconic Queen Mary Falls. This breathtaking landmark sees the picturesque Spring Creek plunge a towering 40m over a sheer basalt cliff into the lush rainforest below, and you can observe this happening from both the top and bottom along the short 2km circuit, which looks especially beautiful after a heavy downpour.

But that’s not all. There’s also a spectacular hidden hike to Browns Falls, the roadside and wheelchair-accessible Daggs Falls and Carrs Lookout, all worthy stops reachable by 2WD. Meanwhile, If you have a 4WD, you can venture directly through one of the most scenic sites along the road, the sheer Condamine Gorge. On the sign it says, The Head, which means the headwaters of the notable Condamine River, which runs downstream for a whopping 657km before contributing to the nationally significant rivers, the Darling and the Murray Rivers, two of Australia’s longest waterways.

• Distance From Stanthorpe To Queen Mary Falls: 73km
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 60min.
• Length Of Visit: 1 Day.

6. Basket Swamp National Park.

Located just over the border in New South Wales next to Boonoo National Park lies, Basket Swamp National Park, an under-the-radar hidden gem that offers a tantalizing mix of scenic waterfalls, panoramic lookouts and rugged bushland, without the crowds of the more famous national parks near Stanthorpe.

Some of the best natural attractions it has lying within its boundaries include the titular waterfall that cascades over a series of striking rock terraces creating a stunning multi-tiered effect that is best viewed after heavy rainfall as it can sometimes be a trickle.

For even more beautiful scenery, there’s also Timbarra Lookout, which boasts a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding wilderness.

• Distance From Stanthorpe: 61km
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 55min.
• Length Of Visit: 1 Day.

7. Tooloom National Park.

For lush rainforests south of the border, Tooloom is a picturesque national park near Stanthorpe to visit for a day trip quick escape. Nestled within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, one of the best things to do here is visit Tooloom Falls, an impressive waterfall that cascades over a wide rock face into a serene plunge pool. Unlike some other falls in the region, Tooloom Falls is easily accessible, making it a great spot for a quick scenic stop, a fulfilling picnic by the water, or a refreshing dip if its summer or spring!

The park is also a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, with rare and endangered species calling the area home, so it’s a great place to take your binoculars and long photographic lens to see them up close, particularly on the 1km Tooloom Walking Track Loop.

• Distance From Stanthorpe: 122km
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 40min.
• Length Of Visit: Half a day.

8. Torrington State Conservation Park.

Firmly in NSW southwest west of Stanthorpe, Torrington State Conservation Area is one of the lesser-known nature escapes, but also one of the most unique thanks to its fascinating rock formations it features.

For places to appreciate the greater terrain’s scope and beauty, there’s no place here like Thunderbolts Lookout, which is just one of many places named after the infamous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt is said to have “visited”, and offers spectacular 360-degree views across the rugged landscape from a platform atop the boulders.

But that’s not all this breathtaking under-the-radar place has to offer. One of the coolest and most striking features it has within its boundaries is Mystery Face, a granite rock formation that eerily resembles a human head as if a giant was cast in stone to spend all of eternity here.

There’s also a hike to Ugly Corner Falls that is only 1.5 kilometres away from the trail head and involves a bit of fun adventure hopping across a few creeks to the stunning waterfall at the end of a granite cul-ed-sac, making it a fantastic day trip outing from both Stanthorpe and Tenterfield.

• Distance From Stanthorpe: 122km
• Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 40min.
• Length Of Visit: 1-2 days.
• Where To Stay: Blatherham Falls Campground.

From the largest east-coast’s granite monoliths residing in side-by-side wildernesses straddling the Queensland/NSW border to precariously balancing boulders stacked atop each other and towering waterfalls plunging off rainforest escarpments, the national parks near Stanthorpe offer exceptional variety for all kinds of nature lovers.

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