Mount Bartle Frere, Mountain summit in Queensland, Australia
Mount Bartle Frere rises to 1,622 meters as Queensland's highest peak, with steep rainforest slopes that transition to a rocky boulder field approaching the summit. The final section requires scrambling and basic climbing skills to reach the top.
Christie Palmerston completed the first European ascent in 1886, marking the achievement by carving the letter 'P' on a tree near the summit. The mountain later became linked to World War II activities in the region.
The mountain carries the name of Sir Henry Bartle Frere, a British colonial official and president of the Royal Geographical Society, chosen by George Dalrymple in 1873. This naming reflects the colonial history embedded in the landscape.
The eastern approach to the summit covers approximately 15 kilometers return with about 1,500 meters of elevation gain, typically requiring 10 to 12 hours for experienced hikers. Weather conditions can shift rapidly, especially during the wet season, so proper preparation is essential.
A B-25 Mitchell bomber crashed on the mountain in 1942 while returning from an attack on Japanese positions in the Philippines. The wreckage remained hidden within dense vegetation for decades, serving as a relic of Pacific War operations.
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