Mount Cougal

We started from Cougal Cascades past the sawmill.If you start from this end be prepared for a hard steep bush bash! Make no mistake if you’re not fit, forget about climbing this way.We did lose the pink markers a few times on the way up but no problem getting back on track. It’s so easy to get lost! Be prepared to get leeches, getting scratched up by thorny plants and bitten by bull ants. (Didn’t see any snakes but they probably saw us)Views from the top of East peak are bloody awesome.

Great walk with lovely views at the end. It's no stroll in the park though. Go prepared for a big hike.

Getting to the track from Queensland during borders restrictions a bit difficult. We had to take a fire trail which in itself was a bit tiring to say the least. The beginning of the track was heavily over grown and you are basically pushing though spiders and bush to follow the fence. It does clear up after sometime. The views from the top makes it all worth it.

Really challenging hike due to very steep sections, especially near the peak. You need to be prepared, and also clear this in NOT the waterfall! We saw a few groups very underprepared, and unaware they were going to the mountain not the waterfall. 4 hour return

Took the Cream trail, and that sucked. We did not prepare, so that's maybe why.

One of if not the best walks in the Tweed for those who are able. The track starts off very overgrown with weeds, but do not be put off! Once you enter the rainforest, the walk becomes very appealing. There is a large diversity of rainforest birdlife, and we were afforded rare views of the stunning male paradise riflebird. I recommend checking out the cave at the top of the initial steep climb, which, after a narrow squeeze, comes out on a cliff on the other side of the mountain. Once you reach the summit, there are incredible views. Highly recommend.

Incredible walk. A must do for anyone looking for a challenging yet scenic walk through the ancient rainforest.You’ll start at the car park at the end of Garden of Eden Road or for an added challenge park at the cascades and head up the fire trail. Take a backpack, at least 1-2L of water and preferably wear long pants. Wear decent shoes as well.The first 25-30 minutes is probably the worst as you’ll be moving through thick canes and wild weeds with sharp branches. (It’s a sad example of what removing the native trees do to an ecosystem as well).Once you reach the tree stump seat you’ll know that things are about to improve. You’ll enter the rainforest with it’s beautiful canopy keeping things cool and the foreign weeds at bay. Follow the track (mostly along the fence) over two saddles before things start to incline and the track narrows.There’s some beautiful old trees here (potentially hundreds of years old). It’s quite dark in this part of the track but the most beautiful with the sounds of birds echoing throughout.Charge up the track until you reach the base of a rocky cliff/outcrop and then turn right. Follow the rough track along the rock until you notice the pink ribbon on a tree. It’s at this point you can move onto the rock and upward to the summit. I wouldn’t say it’s a scramble, rather a few steep sections where grabbing a tree might help you maintain balance.The views are incredible, you’ll see the western Mt Cougal (which I’ve never been to but I’m told is accessible from here) and Mt Wollumbin in the distance. I was lucky that it was a very clear day and the ocean was in full view.I managed to complete the return trip in about 2 hours 20 minutes with plenty of summit time. Crowds were minimal and its probably been one of my favourite walks in the region completed to date.Cheers,

Very good walk, hard to climb up to the top but great view.

A great uphill walk with a bit of a climb at the end to be rewarded with fantastic views