Hardings Paddock - Goolman Lookout

20 mins from Ipswich city you will find an awesome little area for hiking, camping and catching a sunset. Being the closest place to hike in relation to my house I find myself here ALOT! 

With the option of doing the 9+ Km horse track circuit around Rocky Knoll or the shorter route straight to Goolman Lookout both choices will surely get your heart pumping.

I have hiked every 'marked' trail in the Flinders Goolman National Park but this post will only cover my last hike. 

Parking at the first entrance and information area will be the best option to hike the Horse Track as it is a complete loop. 

Heading anti-clockwise following the horse trail markers will lead you first to Rocky Knoll lookout.

Be aware this is a rather steep trail! It is very easy to navigate because it has been recently graded and is a well used fire trail.

Take your time on the incline and enjoy the sounds of native birds and insects that call the eucalyptus trees home. This a a favourite area for mountain bikers, hikers and bird watchers.

From Rocky Knoll you can get views of the scenic rim and out over the greater Ipswich region including the Springfield weather ball.

After a further 2.5km you will be given the option head up to Goolman Lookout. When I was last there I caught the sun setting over the scenic rim. It was a magical experience with the kookaburras calling and the cicadas making wave after wave of sound.

The sky really lights up causing the mountains of the scenic rim pop out against the reds and pinks of the sky.

Heading up the VERY steep track to Goolman Lookout adds a further 1.4km onto your trail total, so account for that distance and travel time if you plan on catching the sunset.

After the sun sank below the mountains the trail got dark very quickly. However that allowed the fireflys to come out and light up the trail. 

3km past the junction to Goolman Lookout will bring you to the Hardings Paddock camping and stock area. With toilets, bbqs, shower stalls and a fire pit it makes a great place to spend a few nights or have a picnic.

The horse track leads around the camping area and away from the dam back up to the starting point at the first gate/entry. Alternatively you could have parked at the camping area or day use area.

FYI there is a 19km one way trail that leads from Hardings  Paddock to Flinders Plum picnic area past the Mt Blaine saddle. Also you can summit Flinders Peak both of these will be covered in later posts.

See You On The Trail - Adventure Hiker Gaff