EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE STEAMERS
The Steamers are located in Australia's Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest in the Main Range National Park, Emu Vale, Queensland.

LENGTH OF TRAIL
We hiked 5.26km from the base of the trail to the Stern Campsite. Our hike took 6 hours to the top (Stern Campsite) with a further half an hour walk to the Stern Lookout (overlooking The Steamers). This hike may be completed quicker if you are extremely fit and not carrying pack weight for camping. Our hike time also included our breaks and video recording time. Steve carried almost 17kg and Davina carried almost 13kg (which included a heavy drone we didn't end up using due to gusty winds).

DIFFICULTY
This is considered a hard trail. We rated the trail 8 out of 10 for difficulty. There are a number of obstacles on this trail and we, along with others, would not recommend climbing if it is raining. Rain would make this trail extremely dangerous. So be sure to check the weather forecast first. Even though we checked the forecast and all was supposed to be fine, we were still worried when we woke up to a bleak looking day for our climb down. Luckily it did clear as we made our descent.

00:00 Vehicle water crossings
06:44 Steepness of trail
07:16 Rock scree climb
07:29 Rock climbing
28:34 Lookout scramble
34:21 Washout descent
40:24 Rock scree descent

HOW TO GET THERE
We advise using and downloading the All Trails Map for "The Steamers" off the All Trails App. A subscription applies to use this feature. You'll be able to find your location while hiking on the map downloaded onto your phone even if you have no cell service - that way you'll always know where you on the trail, and if you have veered off trail.

If you open the All Trails map on your laptop before you go you will better see where the Stern campsite is in relation to the switchback and Stern lookout. And you can always paper print this map too.

CAMPSITE
The first campsite is rather large and is in two sections. There is a second campsite further along the trail which has a flatter bottom for a tent, although we did find a flattish section at the top of the first camp. You can book a campsite at Queensland Parks online at https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/main-ra...
The cost is $7.25 per person.

TRAIL HEAD
The actual road to the Trail Head has no road signage, however referencing the All Trails Map will get you to the Trail Head. The road starts at Emu Creek Road, make a left hand turn onto Old Mill Road (no signage). Currently there is a white storage container on the side of the road you'll pass by. And then take a right hand turn onto Steamers Creek Road (no signage). In total there were ten creek crossings in full flow. A high clearance 4WD is a must. Our road journey took three hours from the Gold Coast (including a Hungry Jacks breakfast at Beaudesert).

LAST THOUGHTS
Interestingly, phone reception and internet connection was dodgy on the road going in, but we did have internet connection at the Stern Lookout.

This trail is a must do experience for those wanting a bit of adventure and who have some base fitness, strength and hiking/camping experience.

Have fun....we certainly enjoyed 😀 👍

Hint: The Killarney Pub was the closest after the trail for a celebratory beverage (that we found open). Take care as the Killarney Police Officer was doing his duty breathalyzing everyone on the way out. Our second pub spot for dinner was in Boonah where we experienced some live country music and a great Chicken Parmy at the Dugandan "Duggie" Hotel under the light of a lantern-lit tree which felt like a little bit of country heaven. 🤠