Conqueror of the Mountains of Australia in General and South East Queensland in Particular: Mount May and Upper Portals

Mount May North Peak

Mount May had been in my sights for a little while, as I hoped to round up the 'big three' peaks in Mount Barney National Park, i.e. those with formed tracks to their summit (the other two being Mount Barney and Mount Maroon). It hardly seemed worthwhile to travel all the way there without going for a longer stroll, so I decided to extend the walk and tuck the Upper Portals under my belt as well on a long and tortuous circuit.

I followed the rough bush track up the northern slopes of Mount May, taking in some glorious views when rocky precipices spread about over the mountain afforded them.

Maroon Dam and the Moogerah Peaks

Some easy scrambling and a short wander through some apparently recently burnt bush brought me to the summit of the north peak, with more views to be had.

Mount May South Peak, Mount Barney in the distance

One small cliff to negotiate on the way down before arriving at the saddle between the two peaks, where lies a nice little campsite tucked in under the eucalyptuses. More options for easy scrambling to achieve the summit of the higher, South Peak of Mount May. From here views were spectacular in all directions - it would be a great place to be at sunset.

From this vantage point, Mount Barney's rugged and rocky peaks contrasted strongly with the forested slopes lying between the two mountains. It was in this general direction I was heading on my way down from Mount May to the 4WD track.

Mount Barney, the monster of south east Queensland

The half hour hike along this 4WD road to the start of the Upper Portals track was a tough slog, and would be arduous and undesirable in Summer. Even at the other end of the year it was pretty damn hot, and thus it was with great relief that I sighted the gate signalling the arrival of my next little adventure.

Unlike the dry and dusty 4WD track, the vibrant, grassy ridge at the start of the Upper Portals circuit provided lovely views - behind to Mount May and Maroon, and ahead towards Mount Barney's many towering summits.

Double-peaked Mount May, and Mount Maroon beyond

Looking north west from the grassy ridge

Descending steeply from the ridge, the track soon entered forest and then followed the creek for several km, crossing it at turns, before emerging at the open area surrounding the Upper Portals. What a great place for a relaxing interlude - the soft gurgling sounds of water rushing over rocks and lapping at pebbly beaches was calming, and, unlike the busier Lower Portals, was thankfully free of those pesky humans.

Small cascade upstream from the portals

Looking down into the Upper Portals

Although swimming seemed very appealing to me while I was slogging up the ridge an hour or two earlier - borderline mandatory even - the clouds had since wandered over, and it was quite cool within the chasms of the Upper Portals. Instead I found a good rock and enjoyed a lunch break, before moving on.

This was about the halfway point, but in spite of all the uphill I had dealt with so far, there was still another steep half hour climb ahead. Fortunately the scenery was interesting, with grass trees aplenty and several varieties of flowering plants doing their thing (you know... flowering).

Standing atop the ridge I beheld incredible views of Mount Barney. The multi-peaked monster was revealed in all its glory from this new angle, and for this sight alone the walk here was well worth it.

Mount Barney, peaks aplenty

Sadly, the highlights of my trip were over and all that was left from here was to trudge back down a 4WD track for another 2 hours to return to the car. Much of this was steep and gravelly, and not so kind on my aging knees. In over 7 hours of walking I saw just one other person, but dozens of cows.