Bally Mountain Summit

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

It it's rainy or hot its best to leave this one for another day.

Probably not suitable for trail running.

The high point of this run is the view at the top of Bally Mountain, you can see from Mt. Warning to Coolangatta, Surfers Paradise and North towards Brisbane.

This is a class 5 track recommended for experienced bushwalkers. The trailhead is at the end of Bonogin road. Some other trails in the area traverse private property, so be sure to stick to the marked trails. The trail begins as a well-maintained gravel road. About 50 meters in, follow the road to the right.

A recreational track also veers off to the left if you wish to explore it. It's a relatively easy climb up the road. Before you begin a slight downhill descent, the road turns to the left, and you'll see the Bally Mountain summit. At 1 kilometer, signage on the right side of the road marks the route up to the summit. At this point, cross the creek and follow the trail towards the summit.

There is a log bridge to traverse before begging the 2 kilometer uphill trek. It's a long and steep climb from here to the summit. The trail is washed out in several places and requires careful navigation. There's not much else to say about the track until you reach the top. There is a grassy knoll with signage indicating the trail turns to the left.

Follow the path to the left, and you'll come to a steep, rocky outcrop that requires some rock scrambling skills. Once up and over the outcrop, follow the path onto the summit where the track ends. You'll be rewarded with an incredible 300-degree view from Mt Warning to Point Danger, to Surfers Paradise and north towards Brisbane. Return the way came.

It's not unusual to see Black Cockatoos in this area.