Mt Maroon is one of the mountain peaks that is part of the Scenic Rim in South East Queensland/Northern New South Wales.
The Scenic Rim is a naturally beautiful region and it’s these natural attractions that draw thousands of visitors each year.
The Scenic Rim is home to six National Parks. In December 1994 parts of the Main Range, Lamington, Springbrook and Mt Barney National Parks were included in the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves Australian World Heritage Listed Area.
Volcanic history
It’s not until you investigate how the Scenic Rim came to be that you realise how significant this dense cluster of mountains is. The Scenic Rim Mountains and the Mt Warning area in northern NSW are known as the Green Cauldron and were once a volcanic hotspot, which over the years has grown into a lush landscape featuring six National Parks.
Scenic Rim geologist, Dr John Jackson, says the Scenic Rim was formed over a three million year period, more than 26 million years ago.
“As the heat intensified, volcanic activity erupted and the mountains formed from magmas and lavas that intruded from the hotspot,” Dr Jackson explains.
Mt Warning and Focal Point Mountains are known volcanoes and John says there were most probably others, but proving it is difficult.
“Australia was travelling north over a hotspot, then it changed direction and slowed down and that is the real reason for the Scenic Rim. The change in direction and the slower speed allowed for the build up of the dense mountain range.
To give you an idea of the speeds, when Peak Crossing to the Glass House Mountains was formed we were travelling about 70km/million years. That speed slowed to 26km/million years when the Scenic Rim was created and you get the effect of the mountains that are all stacked up together”.
“By the time we reached Mt Warning, Australia speeds up again and the mountains are more dispersed.”
Reference: https://www.visitscenicrim.com.au/about-us/our-natural-history/
Getting There
From the carpark take the track for approximately 350m when you will come to a deviation. The track to the left is the tourist route to the top of Mt Maroon, the track to the right is the caves route.
It is possible to make the summit via the caves route however you will need a good level of fitness and rock scrambling ability. You will also need a high level of navigational skills as the track becomes indistinct and quite difficult after the caves.
If you are not certain of your ability and you want to go to the summit, turn back after you visit the caves and take the tourist track to the summit. You will not be disappointed.
I have included my wikiloc track that may help with your navigation. You can see my track https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/mount-maroon-caches-via-caves-route-21178803 This track shows the continuation to the summit. Do not do this complete circuit if you do not have confidence in your climbing ability. The climb is extreme.
If your follow the Wikiloc track circuit, it will take you past the following caches:-
GC14R67 - Marooned Again
GCVQWM - Summit to Do
GC4A7F9 - Mt Barney Views
To Qualify for the Cache.
To log this cache, when you arrive at GZ please answer the following questions:-
1. What is the texture of the material in the floor of the cave and what type of material do you think it is? How do you suppose that it got there?
2. What is the predominant colour of the roof of the cave? What type of mineral would cause the rock to be this colour?
3. How do you suppose the cavities in the roof of the cave were formed?
4. Optional. Post a photo of yourself with your GPS at the cave. The views are stunning.
Send your answers to the CO who will advise you if there are any issues, however you are free to log your cache after you have visited GZ.