By Ella Moore. This submit on the perfect hikes in QLD options affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions!
In search of the greatest hikes in Queensland?
You then’re in the precise place, as this text will take you on an Australian journey to find Queensland’s nice walks that you just can not miss.
With over 1,000 nationwide parks tucked inside Queensland’s borders, there’s no scarcity of epic climbing trails to move out on on this state.
With such a different panorama, Queensland has a special path to swimsuit each sort of hiker. Whether or not you like exploring rainforests, desire a laid-back coastal stroll, or need to embark on an epic multi-day climbing journey, Queensland has you coated.
And that can assist you plan your journey, I’ll be sharing eight of the highest hikes in Queensland that it’s best to completely add to your itinerary.
Desk of Contents
- What Sort Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
- The place Is Queensland? (Map Included!)
- Finest Hikes In Queensland, Australia
- Excursions In Queensland
- Renting A Automotive In Queensland
- Motels In Queensland
- Australia Journey Insurance coverage
What Sort Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
However first, earlier than we dive into our information to climbing in Queensland, I need to share a free persona quiz I believe you’ll love:
Click on right here to take the free quiz!
It’s known as “What sort of hiker are you?” and it’ll allow you to uncover your climbing persona. Bonus: Your outcomes additionally share path solutions primarily based in your outcomes!
On that observe, let’s dive into our Australia journey information sharing a number of the greatest Queensland trails.
The place Is Queensland? (Map Included!)
Queensland is a state positioned in northeastern Australia. A number of the widespread vacationer locations inside its borders embody Brisbane, Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, and Cairns — which is the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef.
Many guests prefer to hire a automobile and drive round Queensland — equivalent to by doing a Brisbane to Cairns highway journey itinerary — which additionally lets you cowl extra floor and full extra climbing trails.
After all, having a map and understanding the place you’re and the place you’re going is wise when climbing. The above map provides a superb place to begin for getting a lay of the land.
Moreover, you possibly can click on right here for an interactive Queensland map that lets you plug in your vacation spot and even the paths you’ll be climbing.
Finest Hikes In Queensland, Australia
1. Noosa Nationwide Park Coastal Stroll
Views from the the Noosa Coastal Path, among the finest hikes in Queensland, Picture by Ella Moore
Path Problem: Straightforward
Size: 5.4 kilometers (3.4 miles) one-way; 10.8 kilometers (6.7 miles) as a circuit
Location: Noosa, Sunshine Coast. This seaside city is widespread year-round, however in summer time it’s jam-packed with households and surfers having fun with its miles of pristine seashores.
Trailhead: You can begin the hike both on Sunshine Seaside or on Little Cove Seaside close to central Noosa.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Noosa Nationwide Park Coastal Stroll map.
About This Queensland Path:
The coastal stroll is by far the most well-liked climbing path in Noosa Nationwide Park and is without doubt one of the greatest walks on the Sunshine Coast. This simple, half-day hike is appropriate for all ages and the terrain is usually flat.
The path hugs the shoreline of Noosa Heads, and the most well-liked path is to start out on Little Cove Seaside (simply off Hastings Road in central Noosa) and finish the stroll on Sunshine Seaside, the place you possibly can catch the bus again to city.
Nevertheless, you too can stroll in the other way or stroll the path in each instructions to create a circuit.
The hike may be very fast to finish when you don’t make any stops, however that might be lacking out on what makes this hike among the finest in Queensland!
As a substitute, allocate round 5 hours to permit time for sunbathing, swimming, and pictures.
The path passes many lovely and secluded seashores and panoramic viewpoints, however there are not any amenities alongside the path. Remember to pack loads of water and full the hike early within the morning or within the late afternoon to keep away from the worst of the warmth.
2. Fraser Island Nice Stroll
Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island, Picture by Ella Moore
Path Problem: Intermediate
Size: 90 kilometers (56 miles)
Location: Fraser Island. This island off the coast of Queensland is the biggest sand island on the planet, stretching over 120 kilometers (75 miles) in size!
Trailhead: It is a one-way hike, however you possibly can both begin at Dili Village and stroll north or begin in Comfortable Valley and stroll south.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Fraser Island Nice Stroll map.
About This Queensland Path:
This large six-to-eight-day hike will not be for the faint-hearted, however those that do embark on the journey can be rewarded with empty trails, miles and miles of unspoiled nature, and a sense of getting actually off the overwhelmed path!
The route of the Fraser Island Nice Stroll stops at lots of the island’s highlights. Alongside the path, you’ll go to the Valley of the Giants — the place the canopies block the solar from reaching the bottom — the too-good-to-be-true Lake McKenzie, and the inexperienced waters of Lake Wabby.
Though this hike is undoubtedly among the finest in Queensland, it’s additionally one of the crucial strenuous. The warmth on Fraser Island might be draining, so make sure to pack as mild as doable to restrict the burden it’s important to carry.
To do the Fraser Island Nice Stroll you’ll want a high-clearance 4 Wheel Drive automobile to get to both of the beginning factors. You’ll additionally want a tenting allow, which you’ll apply for right here.
Native dingoes roam Fraser Island, and though they’re innocent when you preserve your distance, they are often harmful. To remain dingo secure, ensure you arrive at your campsite earlier than darkish and retailer all meals within the lockers offered.
3 . Warrie Circuit, Springbrook Nationwide Park
View of Springbrook Nationwide Park, Picture by Waren Brasse on Unsplash
Path Problem: Intermediate
Size: 14 kilometers (8.7 miles)
Location: Springbrook Nationwide Park, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. You’ll discover Springbrook Nationwide Park within the hinterland of the Gold Coast.
Trailhead: Tallanbana Picnic Space on Springbrook Street.
Path Map: Click on right here and scroll to web page #2 for a Warrie Circuit path map.
About This Queensland Path:
For those who’re a fan of lush rainforests and waterfalls, the Warrie Circuit — the longest day hike in Springbrook Nationwide Park and one of many greatest hikes close to Gold Coast — is for you!
At only a 90-minute drive from Brisbane and 60 minute from Gold Coast, this hike is tremendous handy to get to and is widespread throughout weekends with day-trippers.
The entire circuit takes round 5 hours to hike, however it’s best to enable six hours when you’re planning to take a lot of pictures and break for meals. There are additionally loads of locations to cease off to swim.
There are not any lengthy and intensely steep sections on the hike, however you’ll want a superb stage of health to get pleasure from it. It’s because there are fairly a number of rocky sections to scramble over.
What makes the Warrie Circuit so particular is its many waterfalls — there are no less than 10 that you simply move on the path, and they’re all as lovely as you’d anticipate.
Warning:
Hold a watch out for leeches on the Warrie Circuit, particularly if it has rained just lately! They’re frequent on the path and are tremendous annoying. To guard your self, put on correct apparel for climbing — together with lengthy garments that keep near your pores and skin equivalent to leggings, and tuck your whole garments into one another.
4. Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook Nationwide Park
Waterfall in Springbrook Nationwide Park, Picture by tntjenkins on Pixabay
Path Problem: Straightforward
Size: 4 kilometers (2.5 miles)
Location: Springbrook Nationwide Park.
Trailhead: The automobile park on the finish of Forestry Street in Springbrook Nationwide Park.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Purling Brook Falls climbing map.
About This Queensland Path:
Since that is the best climbing path in Springbrook Nationwide Park, it will get very busy with households! To keep away from the crowds, begin the hike as early as you possibly can — ideally earlier than 9am. For those who depart too late the paths can get congested, which ruins the magic of the hike.
What makes the Purling Brook Falls path so widespread is that it’s appropriate for all ages and it passes a number of the most spectacular waterfalls within the park. Don’t overlook to pack a swimsuit so you possibly can cool off on the swimming gap alongside the path!
Since this hike is a circuit, you possibly can stroll in any path; nevertheless, climbing it clockwise means you’ll miss climbing up a protracted set of stairs. The entire circuit takes round 90 minutes to hike.
There are a number of nice lookouts to not be missed on this hike, however the perfect is undoubtedly from the bottom of Purling Brook Falls. For those who go to right here after it’s rained you’ll discover a lot of water thundering to the bottom dramatically.
From Purling Brook Falls, you possibly can take a further 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) detour to go to Waringa Pool, which is nicely price it.
5. Toolona Creek Circuit, Lamington Nationwide Park
Climbing in Lamington Nationwide Park in Queensland
Path Problem: Intermediate
Size: 17.4 kilometers (10.8 miles)
Location: The Inexperienced Mountains part of Lamington Nationwide Park. This densely forested space is the perfect place to go to within the nationwide park if you wish to discover lush rainforests, historic timber, and virtually empty climbing trails.
Trailhead: Inexperienced Mountains trailhead within the Inexperienced Mountains day-use space.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Toolona Creek Circuit map.
About This Queensland Path:
This hike — which is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in South East Queensland — is a Grade 4 trek, so it’s undoubtedly not for novices; nevertheless, if in case you have some bushwalking expertise and are in fine condition you’ll be capable of stroll it with no downside.
The entire circuit takes round six hours to finish and does embody some tough surfaces and really steep sections. It’s best to stroll the route in a clockwise path.
Though this hike is a problem, it’s full of rewarding moments. Climbing by way of the rainforest, you’ll cross a number of creeks and move by a number of the most lovely waterfalls within the park.
For example, you’ll move Elabana Falls, Chalahn Falls, and Toolona Falls on the hike, and every waterfall is healthier than the final.
After this, you’ll move the Toolona Lookout, arguably the perfect viewpoint on the Toolona Creek Circuit, earlier than climbing Mount Bithongabel.
Briefly, the Toolona Creek Circuit passes many superb Queensland sights you gained’t need to miss!
6. Field Forest Circuit, Lamington Nationwide Park
Waterfalls in Lamington Nationwide Park. Picture through Canva Professional.
Path Problem: Intermediate
Size: 10.9 kilometers (6.8 miles)
Location: The Inexperienced Mountains part of Lamington Nationwide Park.
Trailhead: The Field Forest Circuit Path branches off from the Border Monitor, which begins from reverse O’Reilly’s Resort.
Path Map: Click on right here for a map of the Field Forest Circuit.
About This Queensland Path:
In search of the greatest at some point hikes in Queensland? This path ought to undoubtedly be in your listing!
You’ll want round 4 hours to stroll the Field Forest Circuit — and it’s best to pack sturdy climbing boots and climbing poles if it has rained just lately! The path will get boggy and slippery very simply, which is what makes it extra of an intermediate stage hike quite than average.
For those who arrive early, likelihood is you’ll get the entire path to your self. For that reason, the Field Forest Circuit is without doubt one of the greatest hikes in Queensland.
On the path, you’ll move loads of waterfalls, they usually’re usually a lot fuller than different waterfalls you move on extra widespread hikes within the space.
The most effective time to do that hike is in spring while you’ll discover white field orchid flowers clinging to the traditional timber and their branches. It makes the entire space really feel like a fairytale forest!
Signposts alongside this path can get barely complicated for the reason that path merges with fairly a number of different trails, so it’s greatest to have a bodily map with you.
7. Mount Barney, Mount Barney Nationwide Park
The method to Mount Barney, Picture by Waren Brasse on Unsplash
Path Problem: Extraordinarily difficult
Size: 17 kilometers (10.6 miles), with a climb of just about 1,200 meters (3,937 ft).
Location: Mount Barney Nationwide Park, a conservation space across the mountain which is 125 kilometers (77.7 miles) southwest of Brisbane.
Trailhead: Yellow Pinch automobile park.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Mount Barney Nationwide Park map. Click on right here for a Google map of the Mount Barney Southeast Ridge route and click on right here for a Google map of the Mount Barney East Peak route.
About This Queensland Path:
If we’re rating these Queensland hikes primarily based on how difficult they’re, Mount Barney wins hands-down and is a high decide relating to energetic journey adventures.
This hike is just for skilled hikers who’re very bodily match. And even then, you virtually undoubtedly want an skilled native information.
Not solely does the entire hike take round 10 hours, however the routes up the mountain are a mix of barely marked or not marked in any respect trails, that means intensive expertise of navigation and bushwalking are important. Climbing Mount Barney is on many Queenslanders’ bucket lists attributable to simply how monumental of a problem it’s!
Warnings apart, although, the view from the summit of Mount Barney is price each second of the problem of getting there. You’ll get 360º views of the Scenic Rim area and can really feel such as you’re on high of the world!
It’s hottest to stroll as much as Mount Barney to look at the dawn from the summit, nevertheless it’s most secure to move up when the day is lighter and you’ve got higher visibility.
8. Cooloola Nice Stroll
Double Island Level viewpoint on the Cooloola Nice Stroll, Picture by Nick Sarvari on Unsplash
Path Problem: Intermediate
Size: 102 kilometers (334.7 miles)
Location: Nice Sandy Nationwide Park, on the Sunshine Coast between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Seaside.
Trailhead: You may stroll in both path, both ranging from the Carlo Sandblow Automotive Park at Rainbow Seaside or the Arthur Harrold Nature Refuge on Noosa’s North Shore.
Path Map: Click on right here for a Cooloola Nice Stroll map.
About This Queensland Path:
One other one of many Nice Walks of Australia, the Cooloola Nice Stroll is without doubt one of the greatest multi day hikes in Queensland because it traverses the Nice Sandy Nationwide Park’s coastal woodlands, rainforest, and plains.
Be ready to get sandy on this stroll, because the route takes you over the Carlo Sandblow and Cooloola Sandpatch. They’re each highlights of the path, however undoubtedly difficult to stroll on.
For those who don’t thoughts just a little sand, although, you’ll be rewarded with the otherworldly landscapes of this hike. The sand right here has been build up for over 500,000 years and is considered one of Queensland’s most various biospheres.
Strolling to the Carlo Sandblow may be very widespread because it’s only a 10-minute or so stroll from a parking lot, so purpose to get right here early or late to get pleasure from it in peace. Except for this stretch of the stroll, although, you’ll benefit from the path virtually utterly by your self.
Climbing all the path will take 5 days. Be sure you set off as early as doable every day, as strolling on sand might be actually difficult and can probably sluggish you down.
Hold your eyes peeled for wildlife when climbing in Queensland. Picture through Canva Professional.
Necessary Suggestions For Climbing In Queensland, Australia
Pack loads of water to your hike — much more than you suppose you want! The warmth in Queensland might be unforgiving, and also you don’t need to run out of water mid-hike.
Don’t overestimate your potential. This is without doubt one of the high solo climbing suggestions, although it’s additionally important when you’re in a gaggle. A number of the hikes on this listing are extremely difficult and require a variety of expertise and coaching beforehand. It’s nice to problem your self on a hike, however be sensible about your talents. If unsure, choose a better hike!
Shield your pores and skin. It’d really feel counterproductive to slather your self in sunscreen when you’re going to be sweating whereas climbing, however the solar in Queensland is not any joke. Particularly for any coastal hikes on this listing, ensure you use issue 50+ sunscreen and reapply recurrently.
Pack mild. This tip is very necessary for multi-day hikes, as you’ll have to hold your tent, your meals, and every little thing else together with you. Be ruthless about what you actually want and go for a minimalist method to packing.
Completely take a look at out your climbing boots first. Boots could make or break a hike, and also you undoubtedly shouldn’t be embarking on a protracted hike with out having “worn in” your climbing boots. Make certain they match correctly, don’t offer you blisters, and are waterproof earlier than you embark on longer trails.
Check out your climbing boots earlier than going climbing in Queensland. Picture through Canva Professional.
Excursions In Queensland
In between doing the above Queensland walks you possibly can discover native tradition by reserving a guided tour, like:
- Nice Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
- Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Journey from Cairns or Port Douglas
- Whitsunday Bullet Day Journey – Whitehaven Seaside and Snorkelling from Airlie Seaside
- Barron Gorge Nationwide Park Half-Day White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas
- Night Rainforest & Glow Worm Expertise from Surfers Paradise
- Moreton Island Day Journey (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) from Brisbane or Gold Coast
Click on right here for a full listing of Queensland excursions!
Renting A Automotive In Queensland
One of the best ways to discover all that Queensland has to supply is by automobile. Relating to leases, one suggestion is to make use of Uncover Vehicles to rapidly examine your automobile rental choices.
Their comparability instrument does the homework for you, so there’s no have to have up 10+ tabs making an attempt to determine which firm is essentially the most reasonably priced. Really, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their instrument!
Motels In Queensland
In search of lodging in Queensland, Australia?
Click on right here for an inventory of Queensland lodges!
Want self-contained stays?
Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases!
Click on right here to take the free climbing persona quiz!
