
The Gold Coast is home to some of the most breathtaking hikes in the country, there’s no denying it. There are plenty that are just a short drive and you’ll find national parks galore full of trails that you can tackle: a lot of them boasting spectacular views and nature therapy. So what are you waiting for? Pack the car and get outdoors for leg day on one of these epic hiking spots in and around the Gold Coast.
1. Border Track and Box Forest Circuit
Leg day is made easier with waterfalls and the Box Forest Circuit has got you covered when it comes to the majestic cascades, especially after rain—obviously. To get there, though, you’re going to have to take the Border Track for just over a couple of kilometres. It’s gorgeous in its own right, trekking through the lush Gondwana Rainforest.
It should go without saying, but this walk can and does get muddy. The muddier it is though, the better the waterfalls and the few creek crossings.
🚶♀️10.3km loop
⏳3 hours
📍Lamington National Park
See Also: Waterfalls in the Gold Coast Hinterland (Elabana and Box Fox Falls are #6)
2. Bare Rock and Mount Cordeaux Track
Loops are great but sometimes you just want to go out and up and back down again after taking in some spectacular views. And if spectacular views are what you’re after, then the summit of Mt Cordeaux and Bare Rock are going to certainly please. The Fassifern Valley, Main Ranges and the Scenic Rim take on a simply magical ambiance at the right time of day.
🚶♀️12.6km
⏳4 hours
📍Main Range National Park
3. Mount Greville Loop
Up the mountain on one side via Waterfall Gully, which is steep and a measure of your fitness, and then down on the other via Palm Gully. You might think why not go the other way, but have you tried fighting gravity?
Along the trail, you can stop at Baby View and Slab Rock for some pretty spesh vistas but the Mount Greville summit, which rises 720m above sea level, is what you’re here for. From up the top, you’re going to be left speechless counting all the other mounts you can see.
🚶♀️6.3km loop
⏳2.5 hours
📍Moogerah Peaks National Park
4. Ships Stern Circuit
From cliff faces to waterfalls and the dark rainforest floor, Ships Stern Circuit has got it all. The popular trail is one of the best in the Binna Burra area of Lamington National Park. Clockwise or anti-clockwise, extendable or not, you’re in for a lonnnnggggggg walk. Thankfully there are lookouts to scope, creeks to cross hills to climb and descend, and one special side-track that leads to Ballanjui Falls and Guraigumai Rock.
🚶♀️17.5km loop (or up to 23km with added tracks)
⏳5.5 hours plus
📍Lamington National Park
5. Mount Maroon
There comes a point on this track up to the summit of Mount Maroon where many people go the wrong way. Instead of following the track down, they go left thinking that that’s the way. It’s about two-thirds of the way up. Don’t do that unless you really, really really want to, but please don’t do that.
A hike up Mount Maroon is a great day out for the family too, but be warned there’s not much shade and it can get a bit rocky going up. Make sure you check out the Mount Barney National Park website regarding controlled burns—you might find Mount Maroon closed off when you visit.
🚶♀️4.3kms out and back
⏳2.5 hours
📍Mount Barney National Park
6. Mount Barney South East Ridge and Peasants Ridge
Considered to be possibly the toughest peak to climb in Queensland, this route is not for the faint of heart. From dense bush to climbing along the ridge route and hard to make out trails, it’s on this list because we know you like a challenge. If you make it, it’s well worth all the sweat you’ve put in to make it to the top but save some energy for the way down as the descent into the rum jungle is no easy feat.
🚶♀️12.6km loop
⏳7-10 hours
📍Mount Barney National Park
7. Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Could you walk the entirety of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk in one day? Sure, of course you could but do you want to?
There are plenty of campsites peppered throughout the trail, which not only give you space to rest your legs along this massive hike but also give you the opportunity to soak in the beauty of this ancient rainforest. Besides, there are so many lookouts to stop at and take in the views, waterfalls to marvel at and creeks to cross that you’re going to want to take your time.
🚶♀️48.3km
⏳Multiple days
📍Lamington National Park and Springbrook National Parl
Take note that times are estimates and will actually vary greatly depending on your fitness levels as well as the state of the terrain and if you get lost or not. You’ve also got to take into account the amount of time you spend checking out the views, the waterfalls and all the beautiful nature around you. And, how many photos you take.