It is no secret that Australia offers some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders and panoramic views. While the Gold Coast may be a surfer’s paradise, it is also home to some of the best hiking trails in the country, making it the ideal holiday spot for nature lovers.
Whether you are a local resident hoping to see more of your beautiful country or a visiting foreigner wanting to make the most of your dream vacation, be sure to pick up a high-quality camera from C.R. Kennedy Photo Imaging to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
The Hinterland Great Walk
If you are looking for the ultimate hiking trail on the Gold Coast, nothing is bigger or better than the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. This epic trail is a whopping 54km long, taking you along the rim of an ancient volcano and through the most extensive areas of sub-tropical rainforest still found on planet Earth.
Start your adventure with an overnight stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, one of the oldest eco-lodges in the country. Then, get an early start and head toward Springbrook National Park, where you will spend two to three days travelling through jaw-dropping natural wonders with unmatched views.
The Stinson Walk
History lovers will jump at the opportunity to tackle the Stinson Walk. This 37km trail will not only take you through some of the most rugged Gondwana rainforests in Australia, located in the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, but it will give you the chance to retrace the footsteps of the Hinterland icon, Bernard O’Reilly.
The area’s history dates back to 1937, when a Stinson plane carrying seven passengers departed Brisbane amid stormy conditions, never to arrive at its destination. While investigators initially believed it had crashed at sea, Bernard believed differently. He thought it had crashed in the McPherson Range, close to his property.
With his well-honed bush skills, he searched thousands of acres of bushland before finding the crash site and two survivors 10 days after they first disappeared. Twice a year, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat offers a guided hike to the wreck of the Stinson Plane. The experience is extremely popular, and spaces are limited, so book well in advance to secure your place.
Ocean View Burleigh Headland Walk
If you are looking for a calming escape from the craziness of Burleigh and the Gold Coast Highway, the ocean-view headland walk may be the natural wonder you are looking for. Just one kilometre long, this beautiful stretch of the oceanside trail provides the ideal location for a leisurely and stress-free stroll in nature.
If you time your visit right, you may be lucky enough to witness majestic whales breaching in the waters off the coast. Be aware that there is little tree cover along the way, so it is best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh afternoon sunshine.
Green Mountains Walks
Roughly one hour away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast is the windy road and panoramic views of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. A visit to this beautiful slice of paradise is the ideal remedy for a day off the grid, with plenty of different walking trails to choose from in the Green Mountains.
Popular choices are the 2.4km Wishing Tree track, the 3.4km Python Rock track, and the 4.6km Morans Falls. For the more adventurous amongst us, be sure to explore the 800m sky-high treetop walk for unmatched views and a memorable adventure.
Natural Bridge Circuit
The beauty of the Australian wilderness is that there is a little bit of everything if you know where to look. For anyone wanting to experience the tranquillity of rainforest streams and the beauty of natural canopies, look no further than the Natural Bridge Circuit.
Perfect for a day out with friends or family, this one-kilometre walk allows you to admire the beauty of a naturally formed bridge surrounded by singing birds and flowing water. Visit the location after dark to witness the glowworms that call this region home.
Tallebudgera Creek Track
The Tallebudgera Creek track is a stunning nature walk through the region’s famous mangroves and coastal bushland. This 8km track passes through extremely scenic areas, with multiple opportunities to stop and swim.
Along the way, make time to stop at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre for a guided tour of Burleigh Heads National Park, learning more about the native Kombumerri people who called this land home for thousands of years. Alternatively, make a full day of your trek by visiting the David Fleay Wildlife Park, where the track ends, before embarking on your return journey.
Purling Brook Falls Circuit
Located in Springbrook National Park, the Purling Brook Falls circuit, with a well-placed suspension bridge for optimum views, is a moderate four-kilometre trail through eucalyptus forests before descending into a gorge, offering the ideal view of Purling Brook Falls.
It is worth noting that the trail includes a steady but manageable descent and climb, which is best done in a clockwise direction. Consider bringing a packed lunch to enjoy at the dedicated picnic area before finishing your journey.
