Overshadowed by a landscape of much bigger rocks, Little Bald Rock doesn’t get much attention. And it’s true that there are much bigger and more exciting climbs that you really shouldn’t miss. However, if you have a little time in the area then we’d highly recommend heading up to Little Bald Rock for sunset. We actually preferred the sunset view from here to that of the much more impressive Bald Rock!
What adds to the novelty of this hike is that the trail crosses the state border, you’ll begin in NSW before crossing over to Little Bald Rock in Queensland.
The quickest route to the top of the rock is not signposted, but we have you covered on directions in the trail notes below.
The walk to Little Bald Rock
The stats
Distance: 6.7km return
Elevation gain: 250m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Trailhead: Bald Rock Campground, Bald Rock NP
Summary: The walk to Little Bald Rock is predominantly on undulating fire trail, there’s a decent climb to reach the rock, but it’s never very steep - nothing like the rockface climb to Bald Rock for example.
The shortest trail to reach the rock is signposted up to the last turn you need to make, and if you miss this turn we think it will add on an additional 2km (ish) return to the above stats. We’ve noted where you need to turn in the notes below.
The final climb to the top of the rock involves a very short distance walking up and across the rock, but it is not difficult.
The trail as far as the signposts go
From the Bald Rock parking area, the walk heads onto the signposted path and passes through the shady forest. The path is gravel and well graded, taking you very gradually uphill.
At around the 700m mark there are some steeper sections, but they are short and not slippery, you’ll also get your first glimpse of Bald Rock (the big one) through the trees to your left.
Although the walk along the fire trail is not overly exciting, there’s an abundance of birdlife to keep you company and the trees provide plenty of shade if you’re walking in the warmer months.
The majority of the walk to reach Little Bald Rock is uphill, with two noticeable downhill sections and some flat track inbetween. It’s rarely very steep, but the climb is steady.
At the 1.2km mark you’ll reach a signposted junction and head left. This is followed by a second signposted junction 1.25km later where you’ll also turn left.
Just after this turn it’s quite steep, but only for a very short time. This is the last signpost you’ll see if you’re taking our short cut route.
The un-signposted short cut
Roughly 700m after you see the signpost (3.1km into the walk) you will reach a rock slab. There are no signs at the slab, but you need to head up the rock slab - it’s not steep - to the far end, keeping roughly straight.
You will then see a small cairn and to the right is a worn trail leading into the bush.
This is 100m up the rock slab (the cairn is at the 3.2km mark). The dirt track will lead alongside some giant rocks and roughly 100m later you will see a worn track leading right, up onto the rocks.
You can either climb up the rocks here, or continue along the path you’ve been walking on a minute or so further and climb onto the rocks when you see the next cairn.
You can then climb onto Little Bald Rock from here. Continuing to the top of the rock doesn’t involve much in the way of uphill climbing - it’s more of a traverse.
It’s less than 100m to the final cairn marking the top of the rock (3.4km from the car park). Most of it is straightforward walking across a wide rock platform, with just a couple of easy rock hops before you reach the main viewpoint.
You’ll then be standing on the flat expanse of Little Bald Rock with some fabulous views out over Bald Rock and Girraween National Parks.
Little Bald Rock
If you can time your visit to coincide with sunset, it’s a truly beautiful time to be there and really adds to the gorgeous scenery. It was just us and several extremely vocal lyrebirds on our visit, which made it extra special.
From the first part of the rock you climb up onto from the track, you get a great view across to Bald Rock and then as you walk further along you’ll see the various granite monoliths of Girraween National Park.
It’s mountains, forest and granite as far as the eye can see and the sun sets directly over the main view.
Despite the fact we visited in winter and it was freezing, we stayed to watch every last second of the sunset, it was that beautiful.
The following evening we climbed Bald Rock for sunset and though that hike is fabulous - it is far better than this one - we actually preferred the view from Little Bald Rock, so if you can, it really is worth doing both.
The walk back to the car park follows the same route (though you could take the longer option if preferred) and it was easy to walk in the dark.
There are two short climbs and a little bit of very gentle uphill, but the majority is downhill or flat.
Bald Rock National Park entry fee
If you don’t have an NSW annual parks pass then you’ll need to pay an $8 park entry fee. There are no entry booths, but you can use the self-registration fee collection system.
Getting to Bald Rock National Park and facilities
The walk begins from the Bald Rock camping and picnic area. The Bald Rock Access Road is sealed the whole way to the large car park. It’s around a 30 minute drive from Tenterfield and a 40 minute drive from Stanthorpe (QLD). Watch out for wallabies on the drive in and out of the park, especially if you’re coming for sunset, it’s the most wallabies we’ve ever seen and they liked jumping out in front of the car!
There is a long drop toilet and campsite at the parking area.
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