Chasing Sunrise on Mount Cordeaux

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An unforgettable early morning hike in Main Range National Park

If you’re looking for a peaceful and rewarding sunrise adventure in Queensland, look no further than Mount Cordeaux in Main Range National Park. Nestled in the Scenic Rim, this lesser-known hike offers sweeping views, cool mountain air, and the serenity of early morning solitude — perfect for hikers wanting to escape the crowds and only a short trip out of Brisbane (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from the city)

To make the early start easier, I stayed in an Escapade rooftop tent at Gleneden Farm Hipcamp the night before — a peaceful farm retreat with incredible valley views just 15 minutes from the trailhead.

GLENEDEN FARM HIP CAMP

The Journey Begins

After a restful night in my Rooftop tent, I left at 4:15 AM and drove to the West Gap Creek picnic area, since the Crest Carpark is closed for roadworks until 4 July 2025.

From there, I walked 30 minutes along the Box Forest track to reach the start of the Mount Cordeaux trail, hiking by headlamp under a sky full of stars. I reached the summit just in time for the 6:20 AM sunrise.

The Convenience of Rooftop Tents

One of the best things about staying in an Escapade rooftop tent is how convenient they are, especially for early morning hikes. When you wake up at dawn, there’s no need to unpack or mess around with dissasembling a tent. I woke up early, and it took me under 5 minutes to pack everything down, get the rooftop tent stowed, and be ready to hit the trail. It made getting out on time so much easier, and I could focus on the hike ahead instead of worrying about the logistics of camping.

VIEW OUR RANGE OF ROOFTOP TENTS

The Trail

The Mount Cordeaux hike is a 6.8 km return trail that gradually winds through beautiful rainforest before opening up to panoramic views at the summit. The track is well-maintained and clearly signed, making it manageable for hikers of moderate fitness.

However, be cautious during the wet season, as many sections of the trail become muddy and slippery — especially under dense tree cover. Sturdy, waterproof footwear and trekking poles can be helpful for maintaining grip and balance.

My Sunrise Hike Timings

Here’s how long the hike took me personally — starting from the West Gap Creek picnic area:

30 minutes – Walk along Box Forest track to the Mount Cordeaux trailhead
45 minutes – From the trailhead to the summit lookout (with no breaks)

So, allow at least 1 hour 15 minutes if you’re hiking without stops, or 1.5 to 2 hours if you’d like a more relaxed pace. Either way, start early enough to reach the summit before first light.

Sunrise at the Summit

Reaching the summit lookout just in time, I was greeted with an incredible sunrise. The landscape transformed as the light crept over the Fassifern Valley and surrounding peaks like Mount Barney and Mount Castle. The wind picked up near the top — so pack warm!

With only the sound of the breeze and birdsong, I had the whole mountaintop to myself. It was peaceful, humbling, and totally worth the early wake-up.

Breakfast Above the Clouds

Don’t forget to pack a thermos of coffee or a light breakfast. Sitting on the rocks with a warm drink as the sky lit up made for one of the most grounding moments I’ve experienced in nature.

Optional: Hike to Bare Rock

After enjoying sunrise at the Mount Cordeaux summit lookout, I continued on to Bare Rock, which added approximately 30 minutes each way to the hike.

This section of the trail was a welcome contrast — an easy walk with mostly flat sections and only a slight uphill gradient. The path meanders along the ridge, offering peaceful bushland views and a quiet, scenic atmosphere.

At Bare Rock, the views are even more expansive, with sweeping vistas across the Main Range, making it well worth the extra time if you have the energy and daylight to spare.

Essential Gear Checklist

Good head torch or flashlight (with extra batteries) — essential for the pre-dawn hike
Warm jacket — it’s cold and windy at the summit
Warm clothing layers
Sturdy hiking boots
Water (at least 2L)
Breakfast or snacks
Camera or smartphone
Map or GPS device

Where to Stay: Escapade Rooftop Tent at Gleneden Farm Hipcamp

I stayed in an Escapade rooftop tent at Gleneden Farm Hip camp, and it was the perfect base for my sunrise hike. Escapade rooftop tents offer a cozy, elevated camping experience, perfect for those looking to combine adventure with comfort. Located just 15 minutes from the trailhead, the peaceful setting of Gleneden Farm made it an ideal spot to unwind before an early morning hike.

They have bins of firewood and kindling inside the main gate so remember to grab some first before you head off up to your camp site. The owners Rohan and Fiona are super friendly and also have a small store selling their local produce so make sure to support them along the way and pick up some fresh meat and eggs!

Getting There

From Brisbane, take the Cunningham Highway southwest toward Cunningham’s Gap
Note: The Crest Carpark is closed until 4 July 2025
Instead, park at the West Gap Creek picnic area, 1.7 km west of the usual start
This adds about 30 minutes each way to your hike
Always check trail updates on the Queensland Parks website

Final Thoughts

Climbing Mount Cordeaux in the dark to catch the sunrise is one of the most peaceful and rewarding hikes I’ve done. With the rainforest trail, crisp mountain air, and golden views at the summit — it was the perfect start to the day.

And having a cozy stay in an Escapade rooftop tent at Gleneden Farm the night before? That just made the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable.