Steamers (2021 Update)

The Steamers are iconic rock formations, said to be the remnants of a thick trachyte lava flow from the Main Range Volcano. This is probably the easiest and quickest track to do the Steamers. Ignore the timings for this track. This event will take about 7 hours with a number of hours of actual moving time.

They are found in a rugged and remote section of Main Range National Park and are named for their resemblance to an old steamship with four high protruding peaks – the Stern, Prow, Funnel and Mast.

Starting from the junction of Old Mill Rd and Steamers Rd which is also one of the National Park campsites the track precedes along Steamers road until are you reach a creek crossing. This is the point where you start the climb up to the cave at the base of the Mast.

There are a huge variety of tracks after you cross the creek that lead off in many directions. In the track the return journey was done by the most efficient route which is the right track from the creek. This track is marked with pink ribbons at the time this hike was done.

The initial climb is basically through bushland following up a spur tell you hit a steep rock slide area. This area is very subject to rock dislodgement by passers-by so when you are with a group you need to be careful what you dislodge.

At the top of the rock slide to the left you will find a cave if you continue up the edge of the escarpment of the mast you will get to an area which looks down on the Stern of the rock formations.

From the cave you could proceed following the track past the mast to an area where you go up to the Funnel which you follow around by the left-hand side up and down to eventually come to another dropdown. From there you descend and then assend up to the Prow end of the rock formations. There is a little steep climb up to the saddle and then the track that leads to the iconic picture point at the end of the Prow.There is a few rock climbing bits along the way. The iconic picture point looks down on the whole Steamers from the Prow.

The return is via the same track that you came out on. Be careful on going down the slide as rock dislodgement is even more possible. The drive to the start point for this event is definitely four-wheel drive only. One of the most magnificent walks you can do in South East Queensland.