Your guide to exploring Mount French within the Scenic Rim

Words and images: Lachlan Gardiner

The Scenic Rim is full of impressive rocky peaks that rise steeply from the landscape, Mt French is not such a mountain. Instead, its shape is squat and crouched low upon the landscape, rising gently from the surrounding farmland. But unlike many of those other mountains, this one has a sealed road to the top, and provides very easy pedestrian access to several scenic viewpoints. Let’s take a deeper look into what makes Mount French unique and worthy of a visit.

Aboriginal Significance: The traditional owners of the mountain are the Yuggerah & Ugarapul people. They named the two peaks Punchagin (the South peak) and Mee-bor-um (the North Peak). These names, along with stories and connections to the land weave a tapestry of ancient wisdom and traditions. Infusing the landscape with a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

Colonial History: In 1927 the peak was originally named Mount Dumaresq by Patrick Logan, however the name was later changed to Mount French after it was discovered his colleague Allan Cunningham had already given that same name to another mountain nearby.

Geology & Ecology: Unlike many of the other prominent mountains of the Scenic Rim, Mount French is not a steep-sided volcanic plug. The geological formation of Mount French is instead known as a ‘white rhyolite sill’ and it was formed when molten magma was forced between parallel layers of sedimentary rock. Over the course of millions of years, natural erosion has gradually worn away these layers, resulting in the plateau with exposed cliffs on several of its sides that we see today. This vertical columnar rhyolite is what makes Frog Buttress at Mount French so appealing to rock climbers.Mount French is ecologically significant in that it holds the largest significant remnant of a type of dry rainforest known as ‘Fassifern scrub’ which is dominated by a tree called acacia harpophylla (brigalow). Much of the mountain is covered by this, along with other scrub types and providing a habitat for a wide variety of native flora & fauna. Notably, two endangered species of lichen that occur on the rhyolite summit of Mount French, are found nowhere else on earth!

Driving Directions: Mount French is located between 1 – 2 hour drive from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast. The mountain and its National Park are accessed by passing through the nearby town of Boonah. After navigating to Boonah, take the Boonah Rathdowney Road out of town, and after about 500m turn right at the Dugandan Hotel onto Mount French Road. Follow Mount French Road for approximately 9 km. This will take you directly to the Mount French section of the Moogerah Peaks National Park.

The Mount French section of the Moogerah Peaks National Park, more commonly known as Frog Buttress, is the only section of Mount French open to visitors. Here you will find a carpark, picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a toilet, along with some short walking trails and lookouts as described below. There is also a campground which we’ll cover in more detail later.

North Cliff Track: From the carpark, this is an easy and relaxed track that is open year round and totals about 700m return. The trail is fairly level through eucalypt scrub and culminates at Logan’s Lookout. Our tip is to visit early in the morning in the Winter months, when fog often blankets the Fassifern Valley below creating a spectacular scene! 

Mee-Bor-um circuit: This easy 840m circuit heads away from the main cliff-line through the forest and includes the East Cliff Lookout. From here views towards Tamborine Mountain, Mount Barney and the Lamington Plateau can be had.

Rock Climbing: Mount French is by no means an impressive mountain by most people’s standards, however the prominent line of cliffs known as Frog Buttress are internationally celebrated and renowned with rock climbers. This roughly 40m high and 400m long stretch of vertical topography harbours some of the best quality traditional “crack climbing” to be found in Australia. The unique columnar rhyolite formations have created an abundance of thin vertical crack systems in the rock. These are perfectly sized for human hands and feet to jam into and as such make Frog Buttress a true climbers paradise. There are literally hundreds of outstanding routes of varying difficulty for experienced climbers to tackle. Discovered by climbers in the 1960’s, Frog, as it’s referred to by enthusiasts, has remained popular ever since. Especially in the cooler months between April and October. Please note: This is a destination suited for experienced climbers only. 

When visiting Frog Buttress it is advisable to stay on the marked trails. The top of these cliffs is extremely uneven and an abundance of loose rock makes it a dangerous place. Including for the climbers that might be operating below. Never throw rocks or any other objects off the cliffs. Likewise, accessing the base of the cliffs without a climbing helmet and safety equipment is not recommended.

Hiking Safety: Prioritise your safety by always informing someone of your hiking plans, and checking the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) website for alerts – before visiting this or any other National Parks in the region.

Despite its proximity to towns and farmland, Mount French and its forested slopes provide a vital habitat for many native bird, animal and plant species. Visitors are requested to follow the Leave No Trace principles by carrying out all your trash and waste, staying on designated paths, and refraining from disturbing wildlife & plants. Through preserving the land’s integrity, we ensure that the habitat is preserved for future generations to enjoy its beauty.

Boonah and surrounds: Boonah is a charming and thriving country town and is very much a central hub for much of the surrounding area. We highly recommend taking the time to find a park and meander along the High Street.

Hiking essentials: For any camping, hiking and outdoor equipment requirements, be sure to drop in and see the team at Far Outdoors in Boonah, who stock a fantastic range of quality outdoor clothing and equipment. Shop owner Theresa also runs Horizon Guides – who cater for anyone looking to have a curated experience exploring some of the many rigged mountains and picturesque national parks in the region.

Local Food and Drink: Boonah has a wonderful collection of cafes, bakeries, pubs & more. With the Majority of these along or adjacent to High Street. As you head towards Mount French, the Dugandan Hotel is hard to miss on the corner to Mount French Road. The good old fashion Country hotel offers cold beer, classic counter meals and a lovely outdoor seating area under the trees.

Accommodation: If you’re looking to linger longer in the area, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby for all budgets. The QPWS Campground at Frog Buttress offers peaceful walk-in tent sites among the trees. There are 14 sites located a short walk from the carpark. Bookings can be made via the QLD National Parks online booking system, a link to this and further information can be found here.
In Boonah there are two motels, the centrally located Boonah Motel, and on the outskirts of town the Boonah Valley Motel. If a Bed and Breakfast is more your style, the Hideaway on Hume is walking distance from the town centre. While a little further out in the countryside is The Old Church Bed and Breakfast. Keeping the scales tipped towards comfort, the charming Milford Country Cottages are only a short drive from Boonah and offer a delightful rural retreat and Moogie House, Glamp and Pod on the shores of Lake Moogerah provide a range of magnificent options to stay longer. Meanwhile, a luxury option can be found in the 5-star Mount French Lodge, a modern sanctuary that is located on the western-facing slopes of the mountain.

Through reading this we hope you’ve learned something new about this unassuming mountain. If there’s one take-away to be had: it is that Mount French and its wonderful short walks and viewpoints are suitable for people of all ages, and all levels of experience. In short, put it on the list!

About Lachlan Gardiner
Lachlan is an Australian photographer, writer and filmmaker based in South-East Queensland. With a strong emphasis on adventure, travel, nature, portraiture and documentary, he is accomplished at impactful storytelling in the natural world and his work has spanned several continents and been recognised with numerous national and international awards.