The best trails for hiking on the Gold Coast (with family-friendly routes and challenging adventures!)
Next to frolicking on the white sandy beaches, hiking on the Gold Coast is the next big thing.
It’s popular among local hobbyists—and even experienced travelers!—because of its varied landscape and topography.
I remember being intimidated by it for a long time. Imagine me, a local, scared of hiking in the city!
However, as soon as I discovered that there were trails even kids could enjoy, I started investing in a good pair of Salomons—not as a fashion choice—and began making hiking my new personality trait.
After years of exploring and showing off to everyone about my activities on Strava, I can now let everyone know the best paths waiting for you in the city. And who knows, maybe we’ll even see each other on the summit one of these days!
Family-friendly trails for calm and relaxing hiking adventures
Hiking is often considered a relaxing recreational activity with friends and family. This often means short walks along mostly flat trails, suitable for beginners and children.
Thankfully, the Gold Coast boasts several family-friendly trails for hikers to see the city’s beauty atop mountains and inside nature conservation areas.
Burleigh Head Oceanview and Rainforest Circuit
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Location: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Contact: +61 137468
Hours: Everyday: Open 24 hours
The Burleigh Head Oceanview and Rainforest Circuit are considered among the easiest hiking trails in the city and can be completed in under an hour. It’s also one of the most popular hiking spots for its Instagramable views at the peak of the Oceanview Circuit.
It offers travelers a panoramic 320 scene of the vast Pacific Ocean and the cityscape.
Hikers exploring the Oceanview Circuit usually end their journey with a nice picnic at Echo Beach where the ancient volcanic columns meet the deep blue sea.
You don’t have to worry about getting lost on this trail, as it’s a popular tourist spot. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service also regularly patrols the area.
Pro tip:
If you visit the Burleigh Head National Park around May to October, look for humpback whales while traveling the Oceanview trail. The track, particularly at its peak near the cliff, is a popular whale-spotting area during winter and spring.
Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area
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Location: Coombabah
Contact: [email protected], 1300 465 326, 07 5629 5629, +61 7 5629 5629
Hours: Everyday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, particularly the Arundel trail, is a great option for people who want to explore nature without going far.
Located near the suburbs west of Arundel, the trail provides an accessible nature trip across the Gold Coast’s wetlands and groves.
It’s mostly flat with little elevation, perfect for family trips and short walks. The paths themselves are also wide enough for groups to travel alongside each other.
It’s commonly used by birdwatchers and nature photographers to capture migrating birds, koalas, and kangaroos, so there’s no worry about getting lost.
Most people’s biggest worry is the mosquito swarms breeding on the stagnant marsh waters alongside paths. That’s why park rangers regularly remind hikers to bring insect repellants and wear longer sleeves, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Pro tip:
The park’s popular koalas are shy and usually hide away from people passing by. However, some can still be spotted near the walking trails by going into the nearby off-path bushes.
Surfers Paradise Esplanade Walk
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Location: 60 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected], 1300 465 326, 07 5629 5629, +61 7 5629 5629
Hours: Everyday: Open 24 hours
Surfers Paradise is one of the most common tourist areas for its long beach and the establishments lined across the stretch. It’s also among the most popular hiking trails for city dwellers.
The 4 km in-and-out Esplanade Walk is particularly famous for its wide paths, accessible facilities, and short distance. The trail also has multiple access points and parking spots for travelers to start their journey.
At night, those finishing their trek can refresh from their travels with the Surfers Paradise’s night markets and food stalls. They can even enjoy some music and party during weekends and holiday seasons.
Pro tip:
Due to the bars and shops nearby, the Esplanade Walk would usually get crowded during peak visitor hours in the summer and holidays. Be sure to time your visit right, like in the early morning, to avoid huge crowds when hiking.
Impressive trails with scenic views for experienced hikers
If you’re looking for a bit more challenging, the Gold Coast hinterlands offer hikers astounding views after hours of trekking across nature reserves and the wilderness.
Lucky adventurers even have the chance to encounter some of the city’s famous wildlife.
Lamington National Park Toolona Creek Circuit
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Location: Queensland, Australia
Contact: [email protected], 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Hours: Everyday: Open 24 hours
The Toolona Creek Circuit in Lamington National Park is considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the city for travelers willing to brave the wet and dense forest.
For one, the 17.4 circuit will take hikers across several waterfalls and through the narrow Toolona Gorge.
At the summit, you can enjoy sightseeing in the Limpinwood Valley, Mount Warning, and even Byron Bay during cloudless days.
The path has a subtropical rainforest climate, so it’s usually available all year round. In fact, it sees more traffic after rainy and stormy days when crawfish swimming in the waterfalls are often spotted.
People also visit the area during summer, as the trees and waterfalls provide natural insulation. This maintains cool temperatures despite the blistering heat outside.
That said, there are few developed paths hikers can use to complete this trip. Even experienced folks need at least 4 to 6 hours to accomplish the circuit due to the fallen trees littered across the trail.
The risk of getting lost while hiking is minimal, although travelers must still be prepared for slippery and muddy trails throughout their journey.
Pro tip:
Small leeches are often seen in the Creek during summer and warm weather. While generally harmless to humans, hikers are advised to wear long sleeves and pants to avoid the leeches from attaching to exposed wounds.
Currumbin Border Trail
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Location: Currumbin Waters, Between New South Wales and Queensland
Hours: Everyday: Open 24 hours
Running alongside Currumbin Creek, the titular 17.5 km hiking trail spans across the borders of New South Wales and Queensland. It offers travelers a serene view of the hinterlands within.
Hikers braving the trail will be led through dense forests, flatlands, and even near suburban areas in some parts.
This also means the path has multiple access points with several parking spots on Border Drive North and Bienvenue Drive near Currumbin Alleygators Rugby Club.
Despite the undeveloped trails, people won’t be lost in the Currumbin Border, as fences and gates prevent hikers from going off-path. Even the dead-end routes often lead near roads and suburbs, allowing hikers to retrace their steps easily.
Moreover, the Currumbin Border trail serves as a popular cycling and camping spot for locals and hobbyists because of the endemic wildlife populating its wild terrain.
Pro tip:
Despite being close to residential areas, it’s advised to travel the trail during daylight, as the path can be slippery and dangerous to cross at night.
For the same reason, beginner hikers are discouraged from traveling the path during the rainy season where the muddy paths can easily cause disaster.
Springbrook National Park Warrie Circuit
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Location: Old School Rd, Springbrook
Contact: [email protected], 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Hours: Everyday: Open 24 hours
The Warrie Circuit in Springbrook National Park offers an adventurous tour around several of the Gold Coast’s best waterfalls.
From the first few kilometers via Canyon Lookout, hikers will be immediately greeted by breathtaking natural structures. This includes several waterfalls and a gorge overlooking the forest.
You can then explore the Warrie Circuit’s rainforest section to photograph some of the endemic birds nesting in the conservation area.
In addition to the natural structures, you’ll encounter native anthropological monuments and buildings, as the Yugambeh aboriginal people hold custody over the park.
Despite the rough ascent in the first leg, the Warrie Circuit is properly maintained with a fair amount of traffic. This allows for smooth travel with plenty of people available to help.
Upon reaching the halfway point at the creek intersection, feel free to rest and have lunch.
The final leg offers the best view of Springbrook Park with stunning sights of Twin Falls, Ngarri-drum Falls, and more.
Pro tip:
Despite being only moderately difficult, many parts of the Warrie Circuit are either underground or completely exposed. Bringing sunscreen and extra clothes is recommended to protect the body from the elements.
Challenging trails for experts and thrill-seekers
There are hiking trails only suited for experienced travelers. Steep and often dangerous, these less-traveled paths offer the perfect thrill and excitement for those looking to push their limits.
Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
– Media credit: _shazlea
Location: Green Mountains via Binna Burra to Springbrook National Park
Contact: [email protected], 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Hours: Everyday: Open 24 hours
The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is considered one of the most challenging trails in the city due to its sheer length, covering a total of 49.4 km of land point-to-point.
Hikers usually take three to four days to complete the trail. They must cross atop the mountain ranges and below waterfalls, offering panoramic shots of the Gold Coast’s natural beauty.
Despite being surrounded by nature most of the time, you won’t have to worry about utilities and facilities, including toilet blocks, near resting stops.
The resting stop in Binna Burra even has a cafe and a lodge for hikers to rest in preparation for the long trek. It also accommodates those coming from the other end as they complete their difficult journey.
Areas near resting points are also equipped with the internet to help folks pinpoint their location through mobile GPS devices.
The only real challenge many hikers consider is the unmaintained trails near the road section on the second leg. Its slippery and confusing paths can easily cause inexperienced travelers to take long detours.
Pro tip:
While the admission is free, hikers must acquire necessary permits and pay fees before setting up camp. The fees are for park conservation efforts, including clean-up operations and facility maintenance.
Hikers can book their permits as early as 12 months in advance.
Stinson Walk
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Location: Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia
Contact: [email protected], 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Hours: Everyday: Open 24 hours
Stinson Walk is named after the dangerous trek Australian author Bernard O’Reilly took to rescue the survivors of the 1937 Stinson plane crash.
This monumental trail in Lamington National Park is visited by many travelers each year to commemorate all the deaths from the incident.
The trail spans 37 km across vast swaths of wilderness, uneven paths, and footpaths covered with vines and slippery bushes. It’s not for the faint of heart nor those with weak constitutions.
For one, travelers must reach the Christmas Creek within 12 hours to avoid traveling the latter half of the trail at night in the dark. The path also offers minimal flat areas, forcing hikers to travel fast at angular trails and fallen trees while carrying days’ worth of provisions.
Fortunately, hikers won’t face the same difficulties O’Reilly did, thanks to the accommodations provided at the nearby O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
Experienced hikers also accompany newer explorers to avoid perilous areas and hidden cliffs dotted across the path.
Pro tip:
The Stinson Walk has fewer resting stops due to its layout and location. Hikers braving the trail are encouraged to bring enough food until Christmas Creek or scavenge for local edible berries found near the path.
Mount Bally Trail
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Location: Bally Mountain Conservation Area, Bonogin
Contact: [email protected], 1300 465 326, 07 5629 5629, +61 7 5629 5629
Hours: Everyday: Open 24 hours
Despite spanning only 3.4 mi out and back, the Mount Bally Trail is considered one of the toughest hiking trails on the Gold Coast for its steep ascent and serious humidity.
The trek starts with a 1 km walk from the parking lot to the creek. Afterward, hikers must brave 3 to 4 hours of traveling across the loose and uneven surface of the unmaintained fire tracks.
It’s also easy to take wrong turns at the start of the trail, as most parts are covered in mud or stones, causing the latter half and the return trip a race against time.
After the treacherous travel, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the ocean, Springbrook, and Wollumbin atop the mountain’s peak.
Of course, you can continue walking to the nearby Mount Gannon and come out at Bonogin Road. Few people take this trail, as many parts are under private property and the “summit” has poor visibility of its surroundings due to the trees around the area.
Pro tip:
Even experienced hikers are discouraged from traveling the trail in poor visibility, fading daylight, and windy conditions because of the numerous cliffs near the undeveloped mountain path.
Safety tips and essential reminders before hiking on the Gold Coast
Wait a second! Before heading out to the great wilderness, here are some safety tips and important notes for a secure and comfortable trip.
Don’t bring your pets
Parks and hiking authorities put great effort into preserving the trail’s ecosystem. That’s why many trails and parks prohibit bringing dogs and other pets, as they can disturb and even hurt the local wildlife.
The Gold Coast has a lot of great pet boarding services, so fur parents won’t have to worry about leaving their pets alone while they enjoy Australia’s great outdoors.
Always carry emergency beacon devices
It’s not foreign for hikers to get lost or face medical emergencies while trekking perilous trails, especially in forested areas as seen on the Gold Coast.
To ensure a quick rescue deployment, hikers must always bring emergency beacon devices, like a GPS locator and flares, to be easily spotted even at low visibility.
Permits and camping approvals are a must
Hikers are also required to receive the necessary permits and camping approvals months in advance of their trip.
All camping, group tours, and educational visit permits can be booked at the official Queensland Parks and Forests website. The website already lists rates per person and per night stayed.
The permits are meant to help the trail conservation efforts and track the hikers’ location in case of an emergency.
Ensure enough toiletries are with you
Restrooms and toilets are far in between in most Gold Coast hiking trails, especially the less developed paths and those that take days to complete.
Hikers are encouraged to bring toiletries, like toilet paper, wet wipes, and garbage bags, to keep the area clean in case of a sudden nature call.