The White Rock Ridge Hike is a 6 km, grade 3 trail located within the White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate in Queensland. Typically completed in about three hours, this challenging, steep track is recommended for experienced walkers with advanced navigational skills and high fitness levels. The trail ascends a rocky ridge, offering views of the surrounding region, and culminates in a lookout that provides the best view of White Rock and the surrounding bushland. Along the way, caves and cliffs shelter wildlife such as peregrine falcons, wedge-tailed eagles, and wallabies. Some sections of the track are steep and require rock scrambling skills, adding to the difficulty level.
This estate holds deep significance for the Traditional Owners of Ipswich. While walking and riding are allowed on marked trails, climbing on White Rock, the caves, outcrop overhangs, and the adjacent southern ridge is strictly prohibited, and penalties apply for non-compliance.
Important Note: While the Ipswich City trails guide rates this hike as Grade 5 – Difficult due to unmodified ground surfaces, indistinct paths, and the need for specialised skills like navigation, user feedback suggests that the difficulty might be lower. Since I have not yet completed this hike myself, I aim to balance official ratings with community insights. Therefore, I have downgraded the classification of this hike to Grade 3. If you believe this assessment is incorrect, please share your thoughts in the comments below. More detailed information can be found in the trails guide, available for download on the Ipswich City Council website.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 6796 m
Max elevation: 170 m
Min elevation: 80 m
Total climbing: 174 m
Total descent: -174 m
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To reach White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, take Redbank Plains Road, accessible from the Cunningham Highway. Head south on School Road, then continue onto White Rock Drive until you arrive at the Paperbark Flats Picnic Area. The horse float parking area is located on the left as you enter Paperbark Flats.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate encompasses nearly 3,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, including weathered rocky outcrops, forested ridges, escarpments, and valleys. The estate holds significant natural and conservation value, supporting over 600 plant species and 150 animal species, including five threatened flora and three fauna species. It also contains three endangered vegetation types and serves as the headwaters for seven major waterways. This rich biodiversity makes the estate an important habitat in the region.
The conservation estate offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, bird-watching, horse riding, mountain biking, and nature study. Visitors can explore multi-use trails designed for bushwalking, horse riding, and mountain biking. It is important to share these trails responsibly and be mindful of other users.
Before heading out, consider the fitness levels of your group, the difficulty rating of the trail, weather conditions, and the amount of time available. For horse riders, the estate provides facilities at the designated Horse Float Parking Area, which includes hitching rails, a water trough, and a picnic table. Please note that water for horses is available only at this location. Be sure to review and follow the council's Trails Guidelines prior to your visit.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
1 Review on “White Rock Ridge Hike (6km)”
While the Ipswich City trails guide rates this hike as Grade 5 – Difficult due to unmodified ground surfaces, indistinct paths, and the need for specialised skills like navigation, user feedback suggests that the difficulty might be lower. Since I have not yet completed this hike myself, I aim to balance official ratings with community insights. Therefore, I have downgraded the classification of this hike to Grade 3. If you believe this assessment is incorrect, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
While I think it’s great you have considered another persons point of view, I do question why the Council has graded this a grade 5 trail. Surely the council has done its due diligence and that grade accurately portrays the most difficult part ( as required). Just saying id be careful listening to other people’s opinions. This is why I love your site, because I can trust the grading. Unlike AllTrails where people just make stuff up and don’t follow any official protocols. That’s why I dislike AllTrails and come here instead. .