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Mount Williams and PA-31 Wreckage from Kamerunga

Mount Williams and PA-31 Wreckage from Kamerunga

11.9 km return

4 h 30 min to 8 h

Starting from Stoney Creek Road, Kamerunga, this return walk takes you to the summit of Mount Williams where the fuselage of PA-31 Navajo is, visiting the North Peak along the way. You’ll be following Smiths Track for the first third of the walk, then go off-trail along the ridgeline for the rest of the climb. Expect a challenging hike up the ridgeline through the interchanging vegetation, only to find the historic plane wreckage of the PA-31-310 Navajo, along with the memorial. The plane crash happened in 1986 as the pilot miscalculated the route and hit the ridge whilst going through the cloud, leading to the death of all the 6 persons on board. May they rest in peace. As you go through the narrow track up the ridge, keep an eye out for colossal trees that have majestic buttress roots. You may run into cassowaries along the track as well. After around 750 metres of altitude, you’ll notice the environment get more humid as you hit the cloud line, especially if it’s overcast. The amount of leeches can go crazy after this point, so use gaiters and deet to protect yourself from them. Since you’ll be going off-trail, prepare well and start early to allow time for mistakes. Bring a topographic map and a GPS device to be safe. 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

Ruins

Environment

Starting from the Tallanbana Picnic Area Car Park, Springbrook, this circuit walk visits more than 8 waterfalls and various lookouts via the Warren Circuit and Twin Falls Circuit tracks. As you’re hiking through the rainforest, expect to be dazzled by the amazing views of waterfalls again and again. You’ll even be able to go through some of them, so bring a raincoat if you don’t want to get wet. You can also wear a swimsuit inside as there are lots of spots to swim in. Don’t worry, you can always tell people it’s a designer look. The woodland is filled with wildlife, such as wallabies, marsupials and various bird species for you to observe. Remember that you can stop and have a nice picnic at ‘Meeting of the Waters’, where two creeks meet and create a beautiful scenery. If you’re doing a night hike, turn off your headlight to enjoy the magical view of the glowworms. But try not to direct the light to them as it’s disorienting and harmful. Keep your distance from the snakes and lizards that come out(generally in summer) to get some sun. Pack well, wear sturdy and grippy shoes and come early to enjoy the walk better. Schedule the walk after some decent rainfall to see the waterfalls at their best. 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

Warrie Waterfall Circuit

12 km circuit

5 h to 7 h

Warrie Waterfall Circuit

Environment

Neranwood and Pinnacle Break

Neranwood and Pinnacle Break

12 km return

4 h 30 min to 7 h

Starting from Gold Coast Springbrook Road(State Route 99), Neranwood, this walk takes you all the way over to Nerang River and back via the Neranwood and Pinnacle tracks, visiting Pages Pinnacle with an optional side trip along the way. Expect a challenging hike that is gonna reward you with satisfactory views at the said pinnacle. Test your legs and lungs as you make your way through the diverse woodland of Springbrook National Park. You may come across lizards and gorgeous snakes sunning themselves, so watch your footing at all times. Keep in mind that the path may be overgrown at the top, so cover yourself well to avoid scratches. Also take extra care around the ridge. You can make this into a one-way hike if you arrange transport on the other end. 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

The Bump Track from Connolly Road

The Bump Track from Connolly Road

12 km return

3 h 45 min to 6 h

Starting from Connolly Road, Mowbray, this return walk takes you through the rainforests and dry eucalypt woodlands of Mowbray National Park via the historic Bump Track, crossing Robbins Creek along the way. Created by Christie Palmerston(a pathfinder of the time) in April 1877, The Bump Track priorly was an Aboriginal trail. It was a pivotal path connecting Port Douglas to the rest of the hinterland. Expect lots of birdlife and soothing easterly views towards Coral Sea. Mountain biking is allowed as well. You can also make this into a one-way trip if someone is willing to pick you up from Black Mountain Road. The track can become impassable during/after rainfall as the Robbins Creek crossing floods. 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

Mermaid Mountain and Little Mermaid Lookout

Mermaid Mountain and Little Mermaid Lookout

12.1 km return

4 h to 6 h 30 min

Starting from Lake Manchester Road, Kholo, this walk takes you to the summit of Mermaid Mountain and back, visiting Little Mermaid Lookout along the way. The summit rewards you with stunning westerly views of Lake Manchester and the city of Ipswich to the south. Surrounding mountains such as Mt. Barney and Mt. Glorious look beautiful covered in dark green as well. Enjoy the constant birdsong of eastern whipbirds and bellbirds along with other species as you make your way through the woodland. The tracks are wide and partly shaded but the signage is almost non-existent. A GPS or a compass is highly recommended. Hiking poles may come in handy against the slippery surface and relieve your joints on descents. Wear a hat and sunscreen on a sunny day, but bring heaps of water regardless of the weather conditions. You might need to scramble a little bit on the steepest parts. Parts of the track may go through private property, so please ask the landowner for passage. 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

Mount Cordeaux and Bare Rock

Mount Cordeaux and Bare Rock

12.2 km return

6 h to 8 h 30 min

Starting from the car park on Cunningham Highway(National Highway 15), Tregony, this walk takes you to the Bare Rock Lookout and back, visiting the Mount Cordeaux Lookout along the way. As you’re climbing up through the subtropical eucalypt rainforest, observe the interchanging flora and environment while listening to the tunes of lyrebirds. Expect to see captivating views over the Tarome countryside and beyond from the Mount Cordeaux Lookout. As you’re taking in the views, enjoy a snack or a coffee to refill your energy for the Bare Rock climb. The ridgeline between Cordeaux and Bare Rock can make you feel like you're in Middle-earth, on your way to destroy the ring. Bare Rock welcomes you with rewarding views over Lake Moogerah and Brisbane, along with surreal views of the Scenic Rim. Check the forecast beforehand to make sure you’re not there on a foggy day, thus miss all the views. The viewpoints can be very windy, so don’t forget to wear layers of clothing. Schedule the walk real early on a weekend to avoid traffic and see the sun rise. A weekday may be quieter, but that means you’ll need to deal with the noise coming from trucks air braking down the road. 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 Ubajee walkers’ camp in Mapleton National Park, this walk takes you to the Thilba Thalba campsite via the third section of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, following Gheerulla Creek and visiting Mount Thilba Thalba along the way. Demanding but rewarding, this refreshing journey through diverse vegetation offers you great views of Gheerulla and Mary valleys. You’ll be accompanied by several bird species as you hike along the creek. Campsites on both ends have toilet facilities. Enjoy the picturesque environment, but watch out for snakes and goannas. The creek can get dangerous after/during rainfall, so try to avoid those conditions. A moderate level of fitness is recommended. 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

Ubajee to Thilba Thalba

12.4 km oneway

6 h 30 min to 8 h

Ubajee to Thilba Thalba

Environment

Starting from Elanda Point Road, Como, this walk takes you to the Kinaba Information Centre and the foreshore of Lake Cootharaba via the Kinaba Track, visiting several lookouts along the way. Expect to see heaps of bird species as you make your way through the lovely paperbarks and cabbage palms. You’ll get great views of the lake, especially at the mangrove boardwalk at the end. Interpretive signs at the said boardwalk will inform you about the history of the area. You can also take a little detour and visit Mill Point for a panoramic point of view. Try to spot some stingrays whilst taking in the scenery. This shady walk is pretty empty most of the time, including the information centre. Keep in mind that the information centre is also accessible by boat. Take a strong mozzie (Australian term for mosquito) repellent with you to have a better experience. 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

Kinaba Track

12.4 km return

3 h 30 min to 5 h

Environment

Starting from Sutties Gap Road, Palmerston, this return walk takes you to the Cannabullen Falls, exploring the rainforest of Tully Falls NP and passing by Henson Creek camping area along the way. Expect a relatively undemanding journey until the end of the track, where you’ll have to do a downward scramble to get to the lovely falls and the swimhole. Fortunately, there are trees and footholds that will help you on the way down(or up). The hike through the rainforest is exceptionally peaceful and tranquil, so feel free to stop and take in the scenery. Keep in mind that one of the creek crossings may require you to take your shoes off as the water level is generally knee-high. Watch out for Wait-a-while plants, they tend to live up to their name. 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

Cannabullen Falls Track

12.5 km return

4 h to 6 h

Cannabullen Falls Track

Environment

Mapleton Falls Lookout from Flaxton

Mapleton Falls Lookout from Flaxton

12.5 km return

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

12.5 km

Return

Walk

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

Starting from the intersection of Flaxton Mill Road and Old Mill Lane, Flaxton, this walk takes you to the Mapleton Falls Lookout and back via the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, visiting Flaxton Walkers Camp and Baxter Falls along the way. The exquisite view from the wooden lookout is bound to erase any regrets or doubts you’ve had from the track. You’ll be able to view the gorgeous waterfall along with the vast green hinterland beyond it, decorated with scenic mountains in the distance. Even if the said view doesn’t satisfy you, the amazing scenery and a rainforest full of wildlife will surely fill in the blanks. Expect to see goannas and be accompanied by the harmonic birdsong throughout the track. You can spend the night at Flaxton Walkers Campsite and make this a multi-day trip as well. The waterfalls are best viewed after rain, but this may lead to muddy sections in parts of the track. Additionally, you can swim near Baxter Falls, but check the water thoroughly before going in. Decent hiking shoes and poles can make your trip a significantly better experience. 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

Mount Barney East Circuit - Southeast ascent, South (Peasants) descent

Mount Barney East Circuit - Southeast ascent, South (Peasants) descent

12.5 km circuit

6 h 30 min, 10 h to 2 days

12.5 km

Circuit

Walk

6 h 30 min, 10 h to 2 days

Starting from the Yellow Pinch Carpark, this circuit walk takes you to the eastern peak of Mount Summit via the South East Ridge Track, then descends via the Peasants Ridge Track, visiting multiple lookouts and campsites along the way. If you want to have a challenging experience that’ll reward you with an exceptional experience throughout, this is a must-do hike for you. Explore the eucalypt forest as you make your way up the South Ridge and enjoy the scenery as it gets better and better. Stop and savor the unimpeded 360 views from the peak, you have earned them. The dense forest teems with wildlife, and you can come across a picturesque view of colourful wildflowers at any time. There are multiple campsites on track for you to make this a multi-day journey(Rum Jungle, Forestry, Burbank etc.). Note that the track involves lots of technical rock scrambling, and is recommended only for experienced hikers in groups. Hiking poles can help you a lot during the descent, and grippy trekking shoes are a must. Start real early if you aren’t planning to stay the night. 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 car park off Nerang Murwillumbah Road, Numinbah Valley, this circuit walk takes you into the woodland of Springbrook National Park, crossing the Waterfall Creek multiple times along the way. Enjoy this tranquil hike along a beautiful creek as you disconnect from the thrum of modern life. The tracks are mostly undulating and quiet as the walk is a bit secluded relative to the other ones nearby. You’ll cross the creek multiple times, but as long as the water level is normal, your feet will stay dry. On the other hand, the creek becomes stronger and forms little waterfalls in a couple of spots after some decent rainfall, This can lead to slippery footing and getting a bit wet, but the gorgeous scenery might just be worth it. Avoid peak hours to minimize the road noise. 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 Creek Loop

12.7 km circuit

4 h to 6 h

Waterfall

Environment

Starting from Connolly Road, Mowbray, this return walk takes you to a viewpoint near the Big Mowbray Falls along Mowbray River, mostly via the historic Bump Track. After making your way through the diverse rainforest and finally making it to the riverside, head just a 100 metres downstream to find your prize. You’ll arrive at an incredibly scenic rock pool atop the waterfall, offering you absolute serenity while you’re cooling off. Savor the views over Mowbray Valley as the cool water readies your legs for the way back. Created by Christie Palmerston(a pathfinder) in April 1877, The Bump Track was originally an Aboriginal trail. Grippy hiking shoes are recommended. The track can become dangerous and even impassable during/after rainfall, as the Robbins Creek crossing floods. Even if it doesn’t, the rocks become extremely slippery. Keep an eye out for snakes at all times. 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

Big Mowbray Falls

12.7 km return

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment

West Canungra Creek Waterfall Circuit

West Canungra Creek Waterfall Circuit

12.8 km circuit

5 h to 7 h 30 min

Starting from Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly, this circuit walk explores the dense forest alongside Canungra Creek via multiple tracks, visiting multiple waterfalls and swimming holes along the way. Prepare to be here all day as you’ll want to enjoy the cool waters of Canungra along with the pure beauty of the scenery around. You’ll cross creeks, walk along ridges, and visit lovely picnic spots as you make your way through the exquisite trees of Lamington. You can expect to spot some ‘yabbies’(Australian term) here, a species of crayfish known as spiny blue crayfish. Besides the interesting wildlife, the track gives you glimpses of the picturesque hinterland as well. Although it’s best to view the waterfalls 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 different snake species as well, especially in warmer months. The track can be muddy in sections, and rock scrambling/hopping may be required to reach some of the falls. Hiking poles 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

Environment