Mount Flagstone, Mingela State Forest - Trip Report

Date: 27 May 2023
Leader: Luen Warneke
Distance: ~5 km circuit
Grade: 4

Mt Flagstone delivered exactly what Mingela State Forest is known for - open country, big skies, and a little bit of spice. With access arranged through private property, we drove in and parked on a broad granite slab beneath the mountain's imposing bluff line. From there, we set off through low grasslands, contouring around the base of the main cliff face. The country was open and rugged, classic inland North Queensland, with views stretching across the Mingela Range.

The first part of the walk was steady and relaxed, skirting the base of the bluff before beginning our gradual ascent. Luen picked a line that wound us upward toward the western ridgeline. Then came the crux.

What began as a scramble turned into something a few walkers happily labelled a rock climb, Wilfred was skeptical that it would go. A steep, technical line up broken rock on the mountain's flank required careful foot placement and steady movement. It was slow going, hands on rock, weight over feet, and a healthy respect for gravity. Luen guided the group through the section, choosing holds and lines that made it challenging but manageable.

Above that steep pinch, the terrain eased. We gained a solid ridge and followed it upward, the going now far more pleasant. Weeds thinned out, grasses replaced scrub, and the final approach to the summit felt expansive and open.

At the top of Mt Flagstone, 591 metres above sea level, we were rewarded with sweeping views across Mingela State Forest. In clear conditions you can see toward Bowling Green Bay National Park, the Pinnacles, Ross River Dam, and the Mount Stuart Range. It is classic North Queensland country - dry ridges, distant ranges, and big horizons.

On the summit we found signs of past use - cut ironbark trees and a rusty trig point quietly marking the high ground. Packs came off, lunch was enjoyed, and cameras were well used.

Rather than retracing our steps, we continued the circuit, descending the eastern side along a gentler ridge. It was pleasant walking at first, open and grassy. Then Wilfred suggested a descent into a rocky gully that looked promising on the map. It was promising - and steep.

The gully was rocky and thick with lantana, making for slow and careful progress. We navigated through the tangle, weaving between rock outcrops and pushing through vegetation until the ground finally flattened beneath our feet. We had a short break in the shade of the granite gully slab, and had a chat about our Take A Hike podcast with the host, Blair Woodcock.

Back on the flatlands, we contoured once more around the base of the bluff, closing the loop beneath the cliffs we had climbed earlier in the day. The granite slab where the cars were parked came back into view - a fitting, solid finish to a solid circuit.

Mt Flagstone might only be around 5 km as a loop, but it packs in grasslands, technical scrambling, ridgeline walking, summit views, and a touch of lantana adventure for good measure. A classic Mingela day out.

- Luen