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Bullocky Rest to Forgan Cove

Bullocky Rest to Forgan Cove

9.7 km return

2 h 15 min to 4 h

Starting from Bullocky Rest Park off Forgan Road, Joyner, this walk takes you to Forgan Cove and back via a set of scenic wide tracks along Lake Samsonvale. Take in the panoramic views over the lake as you’re hiking on the peninsulas that are filled with wildlife and birdsong. Speaking of, try to spot some koalas on treetops.The picnic area has all kinds of amenities for you and your family to enjoy, and the cove at the end is actually a launching spot for kayaks and canoes. The wide and undulating tracks will let you overtake people comfortably as you run/ride. Come early and set up a picnic on a secluded spot to enjoy a tranquil morning breakfast by the lake. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Urban

Point Danger Lookout to Currumbin

Point Danger Lookout to Currumbin

9.7 km oneway

2 h 15 min to 4 h

Starting from the car park on Tweed Terrace, Coolangatta, this walk explores the coastline via a singular track, passing by many beaches and viewpoints along the way. A leisurely coastal stroll with lots of eye candy, this track can be your go-to destination for exercising. You can walk, run or even add swimming into the mix. If you’re not looking for a workout, pick any of the scenic beaches along the track to sunbake (Australian slang) and enjoy the welcoming waters of the Pacific. You’ll pass by countless restaurants and cafes, so you don’t need to worry about packing food. Although, a picnic by the water can beat a meal in a restaurant for many. Dogs are allowed on-leash along the track, but you’ll need to follow the signage and avoid flagged areas when it comes to the beaches. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the Carnarvon Gorge car park and camping area, this walk takes you past Visitors Centre along Carnarvon Creek to Ward's Canyon. Here you'll become surrounded by the giant king ferns, which make a special climate in this narrow canyon. This is the best place to be in the summer heat. Let us begin by acknowledging the Bidjara and Karingbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Ward's Canyon Walk

9.8 km return

3 h to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from Thornbill Drive, Greenbank, this walk takes you to the summit of Spring Mountain and back via the Water Tower Track and Spring Mountain Trail. The 360 views over Queensland hinterland are nothing but green towards the horizon, as the dense forests cover the hills and mountains like a blanket. Don’t miss out on the small rock cave as you’re making your way through the woodland. There are plenty of wildlife along with some bird species, which you can hear throughout the track. Keep in mind that there is some rock scrambling involved near the peak. Take plenty of water and snacks. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Spring Mountain

9.8 km return

3 h 30 min to 5 h

Environment

Mount Allan from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area

Mount Allan from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area

9.8 km return

4 h to 6 h

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Starting from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Allan and back via the Conondale Range Great Walk Track, exploring the woodland of Conondale NP. The fire tower atop the summit provides you with lovely 360 views over the land, which makes this a great spot to watch the sunset. Notice the vegetation change as you ascend, with interesting fungi and strangler figs sprinkled throughout the track. The track is well-defined and signposted, with switchbacks to reduce the steepness. Nonetheless, it gets the heart pumping and gives you a good leg workout. Take plenty of water, especially on a hot and humid day. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek twice on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Enoggera Creek Circuit from Hillbrook Road

Enoggera Creek Circuit from Hillbrook Road

9.9 km circuit

3 h 30 min to 5 h

Starting from the end of Hillbrook Road, Enoggera Reservoir, this walk takes you on a circuit in the diverse woodland of Enoggera Reservoir, crossing Enoggera Creek twice along the way. Expect a hike in a lively forest that is filled with wildlife and birdsong. Speaking of, try to pause and listen to the said birdsong around the creek, it becomes heavenly when combined with the burbling sound of water. The birdlife in the area is rich as you can guess, and king parrots are quite likely to show themselves. Keep an eye out for monitor lizards whilst taking in the scenery. Take care and wear grippy footwear as some parts of the track are quite slippery. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Starting from the end of the Esplanade off Macrossan Street, this return walk explores the Four Mile Beach of Port Douglas, passing by multiple golf clubs and hotels along the way. This exceptionally scenic beach features a relatively hard sand that allows you to run comfortably on it. In fact, this is where the Great Barrier Reef Marathon starts. If you’re here for the ocean and the views on the other hand, prepared to be dazzled by the panoramic easterly views that get even more impressive at sunset. Don’t forget the swim in the cool waters of the Pacific as you enjoy the amazing coastal scenery. You can book a beach-ready wheelchair for free from 19 Macrossan Street. Call them beforehand to make sure the ‘Freewheeler’ is not booked. Dogs are allowed on this long stretch of a beach as well. Swim in the designated area marked with nets to avoid getting stung by jellyfish and man o' war. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Four Mile Beach

9.9 km return

2 h 15 min to 4 h

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Kingsford Smith Parade, Moffat Beach, this walk explores the coastline of Caloundra, visiting 4 beaches along with lots of other landmarks. Pack your swimmers, apply that last layer of sunscreen and get ready to be blown away by the amazing views of Coral Sea throughout this journey. Passing by Bulcock, Kings, Shelly and Moffat beaches, you’ll have plenty of options to cool off. Shelly and Moffat beaches even allow your dog to swim with you on designated time frames. The track is partially concrete, boardwalk and grass. You’ll be going through some parks and other recreational areas as well. There’s a restaurant midway where you can refuel and rest after all that action. Also, you can make this a one-way walk in both directions if you arrange transportation. You’ll have to come quite early if you want to avoid the crowd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Caloundra Coast

10 km return

2 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min

2 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min

Cycle

Run

1 h to 2 h

Environment

Starting from the car park on Cunningham Highway(National Highway 15), Tregony, this return walk takes you to the summit of Mount Mitchell through the eucalypt woodlands of Main Range National Park, via a singular track. Expect to be dazzled by the astonishing views of the Great Dividing Range and the Scenic Rim Region, as the summit provides you unobstructed vision all around. And unlike the usual summit hike, this walk rewards you with gorgeous views while you’re on the way up too. Besides taking in the captivating scenery, you can also watch for birds as the reserve is home to lyrebirds, crimson rosellas and red parrots. Even a Wedge-tailed eagle can show up, if you are lucky. The path may be overgrown, so wear long pants to avoid scratches. Schedule the walk early if you want to avoid traffic. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mount Mitchell Track

10 km return

4 h 30 min to 6 h

Environment

4 h 30 min, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

Broken Nose

10 km return

4 h 30 min, 6 h 30 min to 2 days

Starting from the car park at the end of Josephine Falls Road, this walk takes you to the Broken Nose peak and back mostly via the Bartle Frere Trail, crossing Majuba Creek along the way. Around 950 metres above the ground, the Broken Nose provides you with an exceptional bird’s eye view over the hinterland and surrounding mountains. This hike can be considered training before the lengthy and challenging Mount Bartle Frere hike, with some parts of it as steep. The gorgeous rainforest provides you shade throughout the track, with interesting fungi species on trees for you to observe. Additionally, you can cool off in the suitable spots along the creek, or visit the rock pools of Josephine Falls after the journey. Speaking of, the creek crossing may require you to get your feet wet as well. The Big Rock Camp along the way offers a creekside night in the rainforest, if you’d like to make this a multi-day journey. Make sure there is no rain before, during or after your journey as the rocks and tree roots along the track become slippery and dangerous. Besides, there will be an unbelievable amount of leeches in wet conditions. The track may require a bit of rock scrambling. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

Box Forest Waterfall Circuit

Box Forest Waterfall Circuit

10 km circuit

4 h to 6 h

Starting from Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this walk takes you on a circuit in the heart of Lamington National Park mostly via the Box Forest Circuit Track, visiting the iconic Elabana Falls, Box Log Falls, and the Picnic Rock area. As you start hiking through the beautiful forest containing 1000+ year old trees, you’ll be welcomed by the harmonic birdsong. Then, you’ll hear the soothing sound of water gushing down as the refreshing air around the cascades fill into your lungs. The lovely waterfalls hidden amidst the dense forest are exceptionally beautiful after rain as they are at their strongest. The Picnic Rock near Elabana Falls is a great spot to have a little picnic -hence the name- and swim(depending on the conditions). You may be able to spot some Lamington Crayfish, the spiny blue crayfish also known as ‘Yabby’ amongst Australians. The Box Log Falls are also worth stopping by as the setting of this little waterfall is quite picturesque, even more so than Elabana Falls according to some. The circuit itself other than the falls goes through a scenic forest that’s teeming with wildlife, teasing you with easterly views along the way. Although it’s best to view the falls after some decent rain, leeches become more abundant in such conditions. Wear long sleeves and pants to make this less of a problem. Keep in mind that you may run into some red-bellied black snakes as well, especially in warmer months. The track can be muddy in sections, and some rock scrambling/hopping may be required to reach the base of the falls. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Bayview Conservation Northeast Circuit

Bayview Conservation Northeast Circuit

10.1 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min

10.1 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min

Mtb

Run

1 h to 2 h

Starting from Kidd Street, Redland Bay, this walk takes you on a circuit in the Bayview Conservation Area via multiple tracks, crossing Serpentine Creek several times along the way. With its gorgeous scenery and nearly flat gradient, this journey through the woods is a great way to disconnect from modern life. As you hike along the peaceful forest, look for koalas and goannas along with powerful owls and glossy black cockatoos. The tracks can be used by mountain bikers as well, so keep an ear out. Parts of the track may have lots of mozzies(Australian slang for mosquitos) so an insect repellent may come in handy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Summer Falls to Booloumba

Summer Falls to Booloumba

10.1 km oneway

5 h to 7 h

Starting from Summer Falls walkers’ camp, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the Booloumba Creek Day Use Area via the fourth and last section of the 56 km long Conondale Range Great Walk track. Notice the stunning change in vegetation as you head along the track. Open forest to wet sclerophyll, then some rainforest to finish it off. Remember to stop and turn back whilst en route to Mount Allan for great views towards Booloumba Gorge. The said mountain was able to withstand more erosion than the surrounding area due to the quartzite parts of the summit. The fire tower atop offers panoramic views of the Conondale Range. A section of the track is also accessible by mountain bike and horse riders, so keep an ear out. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek twice on foot to get to the Day Use Area unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. Summer Falls track head is not accessible by car. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Kureelpa Falls River Break Circuit

10.1 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 5 h

Kureelpa Falls River Break Circuit

Starting from the end of Kureelpa Falls Road, Gheerulla, this walk takes you on a circuit in the woodlands of Mapleton National Park via the River Break track, visiting Kureelpa Falls and Mapleton Day Use Area along the way. Experience a tranquil journey on a scenic multi-use track in a diverse forest. Hear the Kureelpa Falls gush down as you get closer. Savor the picturesque view as the refreshing air around the waterfall fills into your lungs. After the magical break, be prepared to be surrounded by the peaceful silence as you make your way towards Mapleton Day Use Area. Here, you can have a little picnic and catch your breath before you start heading back. Don't be surprised if you run into the occasional horse/bike rider. The track is known to get muddy after rain, so a couple of proper(preferably waterproof) hiking boots may come in handy. Keep an eye out for falling branches under windy conditions. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall

Environment