Mount Aberdeen
Climb Mount Aberdeen (910m) near Bowen, a rugged North Queensland peak with a dramatic rock scar offering a bush-free route to the summit. This 1983 ascent features easy rock climbs, crag traverses, and sweeping views—an adventurous hike into the heart of the Clarke Range wilderness.
Map 1:100,000
Aberdeen is a gr-r-rand moon't'n, th'noo! It was to have been the fifth of last years' "newies" - see "A Plea for the Mountains", - but, owing to an attack of dog-bitis after Station Hill, I went, instead, to Bowen Hospital. It does not look such a prepossessive hill - a huge bulk, justifying its 3,250 ft (910m), but its real delight is the bush-free route that is available. About 4 years ago, a great piece of rock, quite the size of The T.&G. Building in Flinders St., fell from near the summit, leaving a great scar of debris over 1,000 ft. (305m) down the mountainside. The use of this was a grand help.
Approach: 35 kms. down the Collinsville road from the Bruce Highway, turn right, (sign Mt. Aberdeen) on to gravel road; cross creek, then, 1 km. turn right through gate. This brings the farm buildings of Mr. Gordon Thormalen - very helpful, only banns dogs and guns - marked "Mt. Aberdeen T." on map. Permission gained, cross rail line (2 gates) to camp at creek - washing water only.
Make for and up prominent scar. About the middle, below, a bulge overhang, turn left along the base of black rock, to 2nd break, marked by a green prickly bush. Up narrow chimney for 100 ft. (33m.) of easy rock climb. For a party, I recommend a fixed rope of 150 ft. (49m) - last man down to "double rope." (With a short rope, I double-roped from 3 trees.) Rejoin scar, turning rocks at top on right to walk across top of immense crags. (Note large scoop below, where rockfall began.) When crag walk finishes it is a bushy walk to top. On a fine clear day the views must be excellent. (Unfortunately, I had a murky, showery morning). Remember to take water, for in "the dry", the creeks are probably not running.
Harry Kershaw
