Mount French is a peak in Moogerah Peaks National Park, near Boonah in the Scenic Rim, with two short lookout walks and the Frog Buttress climbing cliff. It is about 90 minutes by car from Brisbane, which makes it a good half-day add-on to a Boonah or Lake Moogerah trip.
Most visitors come for the easy walks to the lookouts, a picnic, or to camp near the cliffs. There is no long summit hike here, so it suits anyone who wants Fassifern Valley views without a hard climb.
About Mount French
Mount French has two peaks. North Peak, also called Mee-bor-rum, is 473 m high. South Peak, also called Punchagin, is 598 m. The walks and facilities are on the North Peak side.
The mountain is one of four peaks in Moogerah Peaks National Park, alongside Mount Edwards, Mount Moon and Mount Greville. The Mount Greville guide covers another of the four.
Mount French walks
There are two short, easy walks, and both end at lookouts.
North Cliff Track
The North Cliff Track is about 700 m return, fairly level and open all year. It runs through eucalypt scrub to Logans Lookout, with views over the Fassifern Valley. The track can be done in a wheelchair with assistance.
Visit Scenic Rim suggests going early on a winter morning, when fog often sits over the valley.
Mee-bor-rum Circuit
The Mee-bor-rum Circuit is an easy circuit of about 840 m, with the East Cliff Lookout on the way. Cliff tops here are uneven with loose rock, so stay on the marked track and keep children close.
Frog Buttress and rock climbing
Frog Buttress is on the north-west side of Mount French. It is a rhyolite cliff roughly 40 m high and 400 m long, and the climbing is for experienced climbers only. The cooler months, April to October, are the most popular time.
The cliff tops are uneven with loose rock, so stay on marked trails. If you are not a climber, you can look across to the climbing sites from Logans Lookout.
Camping at Mount French
The Queensland Parks campground has 14 walk-in tent sites a short walk from the car park. Bookings are made through the Queensland national parks online booking system, and a permit and fee apply. For current details, contact the QPWS Boonah Management Unit on (07) 5463 5041.
The rest of Moogerah Peaks National Park
Moogerah Peaks National Park, established in 1982 and managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, is made up of four separate sections, one for each peak. Mount Edwards is reached across the dam wall and spillway of Lake Moogerah. Mount Greville has Palm Gorge, a narrow gorge with a nearly pure stand of piccabeen palms.
The Lake Moogerah guide covers the dam wall and the water.
A little history
Mount French Provisional School opened in 1900 and became Mount French State School in 1909. It closed around 1925, and its building was moved to Lower Mount Walker in 1927. Today the western half of the locality is mostly undeveloped bushland, and about 105 people live in the locality.
Picnics and facilities
There are picnic tables and barbecues at the car park, and a toilet at the Frog Buttress car park. There is no cafe on the mountain, so bring food or pick it up in Boonah.
Planning your visit
- How long: both walks are short, so allow an hour or two with a picnic.
- Best time: a clear day for the views, an early winter morning for valley fog, and April to October for climbing.
- What to bring: water, a hat, sun protection, sturdy shoes and a picnic.
- Accessibility: the North Cliff Track can be done in a wheelchair with assistance.
Getting to Mount French and parking
Mount French is about 90 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD, about 96 km. From Boonah, take Boonah-Rathdowney Road, turn right at the Dugandan Hotel onto Mount French Road and follow it for about 9 km. The trip from Boonah takes about 15 minutes.
Park in the car park at the end of Mount French Road. Check the Queensland Parks page for Moogerah Peaks National Park for current closures and access details before you go.
Nearby
- Mount Alford – the small country town about 30 minutes away by car, with the Moogerah Peaks views and a vineyard.
- Mount Greville – another peak in the same national park, with Palm Gorge.
- Lake Moogerah – swimming, picnics and the dam wall walk.
- Boonah – the nearest town for food and fuel.
- Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm – lunch and tastings near Mount Alford.
- More in Hiking trails and the Scenic Rim.
You might also like
- Scenic Rim Trail (Clumber)
- Flinders Peak (Ipswich)
- Mount Barney (Scenic Rim)
Quick answers
How long is the walk at Mount French?
The North Cliff Track is about 700 m return and the Mee-bor-rum Circuit is about 840 m. Both are short and easy.
Is Mount French wheelchair accessible?
The North Cliff Track to Logans Lookout can be done in a wheelchair with assistance. Access on the Mee-bor-rum Circuit was not confirmed.
Are there toilets at Mount French?
There is a toilet at the Frog Buttress car park, and picnic tables and barbecues at the car park.
What is Frog Buttress?
Frog Buttress is a rhyolite cliff on Mount French, roughly 40 m high and 400 m long, for experienced climbers.
Can you camp at Mount French?
Yes. The Queensland Parks campground has 14 walk-in tent sites, booked online.
Can you climb Mount French?
The short walks lead to lookouts, not summits. Experienced climbers use Frog Buttress.
How far is Mount French from Brisbane?
It is about 96 km, or about 90 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD.
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