Starting from Rifle Range Road, Atherton, this circuit walk takes you to the summits of Mount Baldy and Yabi Mountain, exploring the dense rainforest along with the open woodland of Herberton Range State Forest. Both summits provide you panoramic views over the surrounding land, especially towards the town of Atherton and Lake Tinaroo in the distance. Notice the change in vegetation as you travel through the different sections of the track. You’ll come across lots of bird species such as cockatoos and house sparrows throughout the journey. Gliders and possums reside in the area as well. In fact, the word ‘Yabi’ actually means possum in the aboriginal language of the Tableland Yidinji People. Please take good care of their country out of respect. Keep in mind that there may be loose rocks on the track. Avoid coming during/after rainfall as the track can be slippery when wet. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Herberton Road, 52 then drive for 1.1 km
Turn right onto Rifle Range Road and drive for another 610 m
Turn left onto Rifle Range Road and drive for another 55 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From Rifle Range Road(50 metres northwest of intersection with Newell Street), head towards the woodland along the dirt track, moving directly away from the road. Follow the said track(Grays Break) as it leads you deeper into the woodland, then cross the Thompson Creek. After about 635 metres(from the creek crossing), turn right at the intersection and join the Mount Baldy Walking Track to continue along Mount Baldy and Yabi Circuit(counterclockwise).....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Rifle Range Road & Grays Break Start heading along Grays Break (a vehicle track).
After another 35 m veer left, to head along Grays Break.
After another 50 m head through the bollard.
After another 150 m head through/around the gate.
After another 140 m head through/around the gate.
After another 370 m (at the intersection of Mount Baldy Walking Track & Grays Break) turn right, to head along Mount Baldy Walking Track (a walking track).
After another 1.6 km pass the "Mount Baldy" (30 m on your right).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This side trip takes you to the top of Yabi Mountain, where you can get picturesque views over the land. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 2.2 km veer left.
After another 1.1 km turn left.
The starting point of an alternate access track. An alternate access point from/to Rifle Range Road further down south. Details below.
After another 550 m continue straight, to head along Grays Break.
After another 325 m (at the intersection of Grays Break & Mount Baldy Walking Track) continue straight, to head along Grays Break.
After another 710 m veer right, to head along Grays Break.
After another 35 m come to the end.
An alternate access point from/to Rifle Range Road further down south.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Grays Break.
After another 470 m continue straight.
After another 115 m continue straight.
After another 10 m come to the end.
This side trip takes you to the top of Yabi Mountain, where you can get picturesque views over the land.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 360 m come to the end.
About 140 m past the end is "Yabi Mountain".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 360 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Mount Baldy and Yabi Circuit
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
7.3 km
Time
2 h 45 min to 4 h
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)