Be taught all the things it’s essential learn about the perfect strolling and mountain climbing trails inside straightforward driving distance from Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
In case you are desirous about travelling to take a look at all of the top things to do on the Gold Coast and don’t simply wish to keep within the metropolis, then this text will get you out in nature.
Gold Coast is positioned simply south of Brisbane in Queensland and is a well-liked vacation vacation spot for native Australians and worldwide guests.
Town is thought for its lovely seashores, superior surf, enjoyable theme parks, distinctive outlets, nightlife, and the hinterland space close by. Within the Gold Coast hinterland, there are many unimaginable hikes to deal with for these seeking to discover the wilderness and get some train.
Take pleasure in this record of the perfect hikes which might be solely about an hour away from the favored suburb of Surfers Paradise. Many of those hikes are additionally accessible from Brisbane!
Desk of Contents
- Best Gold Coast Hikes
- 1. Cougal Cascades, Currumbin Valley
- 2. Mount Cougal, Currumbin Valley
- 3. Natural Bridge Circuit, Springbrook National Park
- 4. Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook National Park
- 5. Oceanview Track, Burleigh Heads National Park
- 6. Tallebudgera Creek Mangrove Boardwalk, Fleays Wildlife Conservation Park
- 7. Koala, Boundary and Melaleuca Track, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Park
- 8. Karawatha Forest Loop
- 9. Witches Falls Circuit, Tamborine National Park
- 10. Curtis Falls Track and Lower Creek Circuit, Tamborine National Park
- 11. Morans Falls Track, Lamington National Park
- 12. Border Track, Lamington National Park
- 13. Toolona Creek Circuit, Lamington National Park
- 14. Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Greatest Gold Coast Hikes
Let’s get into the record of the perfect mountain climbing trails close to the Gold Coast. There are such a lot of lovely nationwide parks to discover, and these hikes are of various issue degree so they’re appropriate for folks of all health ranges.
They’re all inside 1.5 hours driving from the town as properly, so that you don’t need to journey too far. In case you are simply visiting Australia and don’t have your personal automobile, definitley hire a automobile as public transport doesn’t at all times attain these distant pure areas.
One of the simplest ways to get round is to hire a automobile and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Cars, which has the most important vary of automobiles for the perfect worth in the marketplace.
1. Cougal Cascades, Currumbin Valley
- Distance – 1.6 km
- Length – 1 hour
- Issue – Very Straightforward
- Begin / End – On the finish of Currumbin Creek Street, there’s a carpark.
This can be a lovely stroll you are able to do with the entire household. It’s a paved path that’s wheelchair assessable.
The trail follows Currumbin Creek, passing various small rock swimming pools alongside the way in which. After about 800m, you’ll attain a historic sawmill on the finish of the observe.
This stroll gives nice spots to chill off with a swim on a scorching day so convey your bathers. You possibly can stroll all the way in which up the creek and there are just a few deeper rock swimming pools which might be nice for swimming.
Arrive early on good heat days to make sure you’ll discover a parking house!
READ MORE: Benefit from your time right here with our private, complete Gold Coast 7-day itinerary!
2. Mount Cougal, Currumbin Valley
- Distance – 10 km
- Length – 5 hour
- Issue – Exhausting
- Begin / End – Parking space on the finish of Backyard of Eden Street
This hike will take you to the dual summits of Mt. Cougal close to the border of Queensland and New South Wales. This hike will give you gorgeous views of the world, however it isn’t for the faint-hearted. This climb will push your cardio limits, however will probably be value it!
Whenever you arrive on the finish of Backyard of Eden Street, you will notice a metal gate with an indication saying ‘Please hold gate clear ta’, that is the start line.
The observe begins off onerous and can slender in locations so simply watch your footing. Be sure to have the barbed-wired fence in your left the entire method up.
Although the strolling observe is steep, it’s a nice exercise and ends with lovely views on the summit.
Learn subsequent: 21 Best Things To Do In Brisbane
3. Pure Bridge Circuit, Springbrook Nationwide Park
- Distance – 1km
- Length – 1 hour
- Issue – Straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – Pure Bridge part on Bakers Street
Simply 45 minutes from Gold Coast, Pure Bridge is among the coolest and hottest walks within the space and is appropriate for teenagers and the entire household.
A part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Space, Springbrook Nationwide Park has loads of panoramic lookout spots in addition to a rainforest stuffed with historical bushes.
Pure Bridge is known as as a result of the circuit results in a spacious, arched rock formation that creates a basalt cave with a waterfall. At night time, the cave ignites with the comfortable inexperienced hue of glow worms.
Swimming is prohibited at Pure Bridge, primarily to guard the glow worms and different wildlife. However admiring the mysterious and magical scene is satisfying sufficient!
Through the circuit to Pure Bridge, you’ll cross Cave Creek and the forests of Hoop Pines which might be hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of years outdated.
4. Purling Brook Falls Circuit, Springbrook Nationwide Park
- Distance – 4 km loop
- Length – 2 hours
- Issue – Medium
- Begin / End Factors – Park on the designated space on the finish of Forestry Street
One other among the finest walks in Springbrook is the Purling Brook Falls Circuit. Stuffed with historical forests, wildflowers, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge, the hike itself is scenic and refreshing.
The hike is sort of steep, with plenty of stairs main up and down cliff faces.
You’ll cross just a few small rock swimming pools the place you may go for a dip, and also you’ll get to see the tall Purling Brook Waterfall which plunges out of the cliffs.
As an alternative of simply following the circuit again, proceed on a 2km detour on one other loop path to Warringa Pool. This rock pool is the most important of all those on this observe, so it’s value doing the detour to swim at this particular and secluded swimming gap.
5. Oceanview Observe, Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park
- Distance: 2.4km loop
- Length: 1-hour loop
- Issue: Straightforward
- Begin/end: Parking space alongside Goodwin Street
This straightforward loop return stroll provides beautiful coastal views and lookouts in Burleigh Head Nationwide Park.
From the automobile park, there are two trails. One will take you alongside the shoreline the place you may go to Cardwell Cove and Echo Seashore first after which loop across the path which can take you as much as some beautiful lookouts; Tumgun Lookout and Jebbribillum Lookout.
You possibly can go both method on this path. Take the lookout path first then benefit from the seashores and cove. It’s completely as much as you. Heading as much as the lookout is an elevation of about 88m, so it’s a bit steep however not too onerous.
When you find yourself up on the lookout, don’t overlook to observe for whales within the winter months! You will see the traditional volcanic columns unfold out amongst the rocks by the ocean, so there are many cool views.
This can be a good stroll for the entire household, so convey your youngsters and some other individuals who want to hike and benefit from the seaside!
6. Tallebudgera Creek Mangrove Boardwalk, Fleays Wildlife Conservation Park
- Distance – 900 meters a method
- Length –half-hour
- Issue – Straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – The decrease automobile park in David Fleay Wildlife Park
This stress-free stroll alongside Tallebudgera Creek is filled with wildlife and historical past. It’s additionally a simple stroll that anybody can full.
The boardwalk trails the sting of a large mangrove observe, one of many largest on this a part of Queensland. You possibly can admire the twisted trunks of the mangrove bushes whereas strolling alongside the boardwalk.
Additionally hold your eyes peeled for birds, lizards, crabs, and different coastal creatures. Kingfishers and cockatoos are generally noticed right here.
There are additionally indicators detailing the wealthy historical past of the native Kombumerri people who name this place residence. Learn, study, and benefit from the serenity of nature on this peaceable stroll.
7. Koala, Boundary and Melaleuca Observe, Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Park
- Distance – 9.2km
- Length – 60 – 75 minutes
- Issue – Very Straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – Shelter Street automobile park, Arundel
The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Space is a phenomenal park that protects greater than 1200 hectares of wetland, salt marsh, eucalypt forest and mangrove habitat.
There’s a nice observe that may take you to all the nice locations within the space. It’s the Koala, Boundary and Melaleuca Observe that are 3 flat trails that make up a distance of 9.2 km. On this loop you may spot totally different birdlife and wildlife. In case you are fortunate it’s possible you’ll spot a koala, so don’t overlook to lookup.
Other than the big range of wildlife, this space additionally has just a few mountain biking trails. You could have to share the path with a mixture of mountain bikers, runners and walkers all having fun with the world.
Discover extra enjoyable issues to do within the space with our record of day trips from Brisbane!
8. Karawatha Forest Loop
- Distance – Vary from 1km to 12.6km
- Length – 20 minutes via to 4 hours
- Issue – Straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – Karawatha Discovery Centre
The Karawatha Forest consists of about 900 hectares of lovely bushland within the coastal lowlands on the southern fringe of Brisbane.
On this bushwalk, you’ll most definitely see birdlife, kangaroos, and many little monitor lizards.
The paths all through the Karawatha Forest are straightforward to cowl, with minimal incline on the path. The terrain throughout the entire forest adjustments from dry gravel to bushland, to skinny windy bike trails. The paths are utilized by mountain bikers, walkers, and runners.
Pop into the Karawatha Discovery Centre and get a map and a few details about the paths.
9. Witches Falls Circuit, Tamborine Nationwide Park
- Distance – 3.4km
- Length – 1-1.5 hrs
- Issue – Straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – Parking space on Major Western Street close to the Mount Tamborine Cemetery
Only a 40-minute drive from the Gold Coast, Tamborine National Park has some wonderful walks via the subtropical rainforest.
Witches Falls Circuit is among the park’s highlights. This straightforward and fulfilling path passes considered one of Witches Chase Waterfalls, that are small and serene and solely move after intervals of rain.
The spotlight of this path is the wonderful lookouts. Witches Falls Lookout not solely means that you can see the waterfall, it overlooks the surroundings of the Nice Dividing Vary and Scenic Rim, beautiful areas of southeast Queensland.
Rotary Lookout is one other nice viewing platform over the world.
10. Curtis Falls Observe and Decrease Creek Circuit, Tamborine Nationwide Park
- Distance – 3.6 km
- Length – 1.5 hrs
- Issue – Straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – Carpark on Dapsang Drive
This lush rainforest circuit close to Tamborine Mountain makes a surprising day journey from Gold Coast or Brisbane.
From the carpark, stroll via the dense Eucalypt forest, the place you may virtually style the humidity and the freshwater creeks and waterfalls working via the forest.
The Curtis Falls Observe results in a surprising waterfall often known as Curtis Falls. There’s a viewing platform the place you may admire the waterfall in all its glory.
Subsequent, head in the direction of Cedar Creek because the Decrease Creek Circuit branches off from Curtis Falls Observe.
We might suggest skipping this path in wet or moist climate, because the creek can rise and the terrain can get muddy. There may be some rock hopping all through the path as you stroll alongside Cedar Creek, so put on good footwear and solely try in dry climate.
11. Morans Falls Observe, Lamington Nationwide Park
- Distance – 4.4 km
- Length – 1.5 hours
- Issue – Straightforward
- Begin / End Factors – Park at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Among the finest hikes in Lamington, this reasonably straightforward hike takes you thru the rainforest and all the way down to the spectacular cascade often known as Morans Falls.
You’ll cross a lookout over the falls, which tumbles down a large cliff and into Morans Creek Gorge.
However the spotlight of this stroll is continuous previous the lookout and following the path to the highest of Morans Falls. You possibly can sit proper on the prime of the falls and revel in magnificent views of your complete valley.
That is the proper spot to observe the sundown and have a picnic. The solar drops proper over the mountains on the sting of the valley! Simply you’ll want to begin your return stroll earlier than it will get too darkish, or convey a flashlight or head torch.
12. Border Observe, Lamington Nationwide Park
- Distance – 21.4 km
- Length – 7 hours
- Issue – Tough
- Begin / End Factors – Binna Burra Upper Day Use Area or Inexperienced Mountains Day Use Space
This lengthy and difficult path is the last word walkthrough Lamington Nationwide Park. The park is separated into the Binna Burra part and the Inexperienced Mountains part, and this stroll unites the 2.
Traverse throughout the Lamington Plateau for 7 hours as you cross rainforest gulleys, deep valleys, and mountain ridges. Go via dense, temperate and subtropical rainforest, see native birds and majestic bushes, and admire the speeding waterfalls.
That is simply among the finest Gold Coast walks. On the various lookout factors, you may see all the way in which throughout Tweed Valley and Limpinwood Valley.
Heading north? Try our information to the best things to do in Noosa.
13. Toolona Creek Circuit, Lamington Nationwide Park
- Distance – 17.4 km
- Length – 6 hours
- Issue – Average
- Begin / End Factors – Inexperienced Mountains Day Use Space
This circuit branches off of the Border Observe, so hike alongside there for 1.7km till you attain the trailhead for Toolona Creek Circuit.
Spend the subsequent 6 hours making your method via the rainforest, passing Toolona Falls and Chalahn Falls alongside the way in which.
The hike traverses Toolona Gorge and ultimately emerges at Wanungara Lookout. From right here you may admire the views of the valleys and see all the way in which to Mount Warning, a outstanding peak in northern New South Wales.
Learn Subsequent: Try our information to the entire best Lamington National Park walks!
14. Gold Coast Hinterland Nice Stroll
- Distance – As much as 54 km a method
- Length – As much as 3 days
- Issue – Medium
- Begin / End Factors – O’Reilly’s, Lamington Nationwide Park to Settlement Campground, Springbrook Nationwide Park.
If you need one thing tougher and multi-day close to the Gold Coast, that is the hike for you.
Gold Coast Hinterland Nice Stroll is a evenly trafficked point-to-point path positioned close to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. It’s advised to stroll this Nice Stroll from west to east, beginning at Lamington and ending at Springbrook.
The path passes Mount Merino, the Numimbah Valley, the Springbrook Vary, Little Nerang Creek Valley, and extra. Take pleasure in all of the lookouts alongside the way in which.
Ending at Settlement Camground, you may e-book a keep right here and revel within the large feat you’ve achieved over the previous few days.
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