Best Gold Coast Hikes for Beginners, Moderate and Advanced Hikers

Gold Coast Hiking Overview 

One of Australia's most popular tourist spots is the Gold Coast, which is situated on the East Coast. It is easy to understand why. The Gold Coast, well-known for its theme parks and beaches, is a fantastic place for family holidays. It's also easy to get to and from the Gold Coast because it's only 20 miles from Brisbane, a big city. 

This place has enough to offer the whole family, including world-class dining, fascinating museums, and great shopping. The Gold Coast's natural surroundings, however, are what truly make it unique. 

The breathtaking surroundings of the Gold Coast provide hiking aficionados with all the natural beauty they could ever desire, including old forests, tumbling waterfalls, and breathtaking ocean views. Undoubtedly, the Gold Coast is the best place to visit, regardless of your preference for strenuous hiking paths or a quick stroll.

Top Gold Coast Hikes for Family

A journey to the great outdoors with your family is a unique way to connect with nature, discover new places, teach the kids about parks and wildlife, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Our Rangers have carefully selected walks along the Gold Coast that are appropriate for children of all ages and skill levels to get you started, ranging from wildlife to waterfalls and mountain trails to seaside strolls. Your journey through the national parks begins now, so gather the family and set out into nature!

Oceanview Walk

Location: Burleigh Head National Park

Level: Easy

Distance: 1.2 km one way

Website: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/burleigh-head/about 

How to Get There: The Gold Coast town of Burleigh Heads, 90 kilometres south of Brisbane, is home to the park. To enter Burleigh Heads, take exit 89 on the Pacific Motorway if you're coming from Brisbane. Turn onto the Gold Coast Highway on the right. Take Goodwin Terrace off the Gold Coast Highway to the park's northern entrance. Goodwin Terrace ends at the parking lot. At the traffic lights just north of Tallebudgera Creek, exit off the Gold Coast Highway to the park's southern gate. Echo Beach may only be reached by permitted stairways.

Experience a woodland oasis in Burleigh Head National Park, centrally located on the Gold Coast. This trail cuts across the rocky shoreline from Tallebudgera Creek to Burleigh Heads' southern edge. Children can rest on The Cove's viewing platform. 

Explain to the kids that Moana and Maui climb the six-sided basalt columns to reach the Realm of Monsters' entrance (see the movie again!). Echo Beach's gentle waves are perfect for swimming or building a sandcastle before returning to the car. Always check park alerts before travelling, as the Oceanview walk may be closed for safety reasons before, during, and after severe weather. 

Tallebudgera Creek Walking Track

Location: David Fleay Wildlife Park

Level: Easy

Distance: Approx. 2 km return

Website: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/david-fleay/journeys/tallebudgera-creek-walking-track   

How to Get There: In West Burleigh, Queensland, at the intersection of Loman Road and West Burleigh Road, sits David Fleay Wildlife Park. The park is situated on West Burleigh Road on the Gold Coast of Queensland and is adjacent to Tallebudgera Creek. The Pacific Motorway's Tallebudgera Creek Road turn-off (exit 89) is two minutes away, while the Gold Coast Airport is ten minutes away.

There are elevated boardwalks along the Tallebudgera Creek walking trail that wind through mangrove ecosystems teeming with birds. Keep your eyes and ears open since you never know what you might see, smell, or hear! Kids will love seeing crabs scurry across the mud. Interpretive markers will explain the significance of mangrove communities and Indigenous culture during your excursion. 

During your visit, stop at David Fleay Wildlife Park. Large naturalistic enclosures, daily animal presentations, and an overnight home make this an inexpensive family outing! For those who forget their lunch, Fleay's café offers a park-view deck for a family picnic.

Python Rock Track

Location: Lamington National Park (Green Mountains Section)

Level: Easy to moderate

Distance: 3.1 km return

Website: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/journeys/python-rock-track  

How to Get There: The Green Mountains and Binna Burra are the two regions that comprise Lamington National Park. The western side of the Lamington Plateau is where the Green Mountains section is situated. The remainder of the park to the east is included in the Binna Burra portion. 

This track is in Lamington National Park's Green Mountains near O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Enter the cool rainforest, where ancient trees tower and huge, curved buttress roots grow. Ask the children where the rainforest transitions into the woods, and don't forget to snap pictures of the panoramic vistas from the lookout at the end of the track. 

If Instagram is your thing, the park information centre has a Wi-Fi hotspot. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, which is well-known for its richness (scarce and threatened species), evolutionary history, and geological processes.

Natural Bridge Circuit

Location: Springbrook National Park

Level: Easy

Distance: 1 km loop

Website: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/journeys#track_natural 

How to Get There: There are four portions of Springbrook National Park on and surrounding the plateau, which is roughly 100 km south of Brisbane. The Springbrook area runs along the plateau's summit, while the Mount Cougal section lies to the southeast, and the Natural Bridge and Numinbah sections lie to the west.

The Natural Bridge circuit deserves two visits—day and night! You can watch a waterfall carve an arched cave in the Gondwanan jungle by day. Thousands of glow-worms brighten the cave at night. Explore alone or take a glow-worm tour. LED headlights are cool for keeping track of youngsters.

Environmental changes affect glow-worms greatly. Please limit noise, apply insect repellent before entering the park, and keep bright lights away from the glow-worm colony to protect these amazing creatures.

Rainforest Circuit

Location: Lamington National Park (O'Reilly's)

Level: Easy

Distance: 1.4 km loop

Website: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/journeys/rainforest-circuit 

How to Get There: The two parts of Lamington National Park are Binna Burra and Green Mountains. The western portion of the Lamington Plateau is home to the Green Mountains sector. The eastern portion of the park is included in the Binna Burra sector.

Lamington National Park's Binna Burra side is home to this mild course. Explore the warm, subtropical rainforest's verdant groves and test the children's ability to track a vine with their eyes from the ground all the way up into the canopy. Children might also enjoy listening to the many bird cries here. Bring your own barbeque meal, or have the café provide drinks.

Paperbark Trail

Location: Daisy Hill Conservation Park

Level: Very easy (wheelchair & pram accessible)

Distance: 400m loop

Website: https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/daisy-hill/journeys#toc-0 

How to Get There: The Pacific Motorway (M1) provides easy access to Daisy Hill Conservation Park from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Take exit 24 on the Pacific Motorway heading north from the Gold Coast. Take exit 23 for Chatswood Road as you head south from Brisbane on the Pacific Motorway (M3, then the M1). Follow the signage to get to Daisy Hill Road and the park entry. 

Daisy Hill Conservation Park is closer to Brisbane than the Gold Coast, but we couldn't leave it off the list because it's so kid-friendly. The Paperbark route is perfect for your child's first bushwalk and is a fun walk for both young and old. Explore melaleuca wetlands on this stroller-friendly path, where small hands may explore the textures of flaky paperbark and soft ferns. 

After your stay, enjoy a picnic or grill and take a free Daisy Hill Koala Centre tour. Make sure to provide time for the children to participate in the natural play "missions" that are marked with signage throughout the day-use area.

Gold Coast Hikes for Beginners, Moderate and Advanced Hikers

Whether you're tracing the footsteps of early explorers along challenging hinterland tracks or enjoying a stroll to a cascading waterfall, the Gold Coast's diverse landscapes offer an adventure for every level of hiker. The crisp mountain air, the vibrant calls of native birds, and the breathtaking scenery combine to create an unforgettable experience, fostering a deep connection with the natural wonders of this Australian gem. 

Gold Coast Hikes for Beginners

Federation Walk Coastal Reserve

Location: Main Beach

Time Required: 1 – 1.5 hours

Where to Stay: Sheraton Grand Mirage, Main Beach Tourist Park

How to Get There: 10-minute drive from Surfers Paradise or accessible by G:link tram and short walk

The Federation Walk, an underappreciated gem close to Main Beach, is a serene section of coastal woodland perfect for novices wishing to see nature without going too far from the usual road. The trail provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city as it winds through native vegetation and coastal dunes. It's a gentle introduction to trekking with great views of the coast and Hinterland, featuring broad, sandy roads and plenty of places to rest or observe birds.

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

Location: Tamborine Mountain

Time Required: 45 min – 1 hour

Where to Stay: Cedar Creek Lodges, Pethers Rainforest Retreat

How to Get There: 1-hour drive from Gold Coast; best accessed by car

With its distinctive combination of elevated walkways and forest floor routes, the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk provides a simple and unforgettable rainforest experience. This short, family-friendly trek features steel bridges and observation decks hanging above the forest floor that allow visitors to see the lush canopy of the Tamborine Mountain rainforest. 

Not only is the 1.5-kilometre loop easy to walk and mild, but it is also full of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and informative exhibits on the local ecology. It's a fantastic way to get a feel for the rainforest ecosystem in the area without having to be very fit. 

Gold Coast Hikes for Moderate Hikers

Purling Brook Falls Circuit

Location: Springbrook National Park

Time Required: Around 2 hours (4 km loop)

Where to Stay: The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat, Springbrook Lyrebird Retreat

How to Get There: 55-minute drive from Surfers Paradise; car recommended

The Purling Brook Falls Circuit, one of the most famous waterfall treks in the area, transports hikers to Springbrook National Park's ancient Gondwana rainforest. The intermediate loop offers stunning views of the 100-meter waterfall as it descends into a spectacular gorge and crosses a suspension bridge. Towering cliffs, mossy rocks, and the steady sound of running water surround this enchanted trail, which combines excitement and tranquillity in equal measure.

Twin Falls Circuit

Location: Springbrook National Park

Time Required: Around 2 hours (4 km loop)

Where to Stay: Same as above – The Mouses House or local eco-retreats

How to Get There: 1-hour drive from Surfers Paradise

The Twin Falls Circuit is a beautiful circuit that provides a full rainforest experience within a manageable distance. This walk, winding through fern-filled gullies, rock crevices, and behind two gushing waterfalls, captures Springbrook's magical allure. It's a somewhat tricky trek with a stunning scenic reward, making it a favourite among nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Gold Coast Hikes for Advanced Hikers

Currumbin Border Trail

Location: Currumbin Valley

Time Required: 2 – 3 hours (8.7 km)

Where to Stay: Currumbin Valley Eco Retreat, local Airbnb options

How to Get There: 30-minute drive from Surfers Paradise; car required

For hikers seeking a raw, untamed experience, the Currumbin Border Trail provides a challenging and immersing adventure through lush subtropical woodland. This 8.7-kilometre track, located near the Queensland-New South Wales border, offers steep inclines, creek crossings, and lonely environs, making it ideal for experienced travellers. The walk rewards perseverance with tranquil bushland, breathtaking ridge-line vistas, and a strong connection to nature.

Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Location: Lamington to Springbrook National Park

Time Required: Multi-day (54 km total)

Where to Stay: O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Binna Burra Lodge

How to Get There: 1.5 – 2 hours from Brisbane or 1 – 1.5 hours from the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which spans over 50 kilometres of ancient rainforest and mountain ranges, is a multi-day adventure that connects Lamington and Springbrook National Parks. This track is designed for serious hikers and winds through World Heritage-listed wilderness, complete with waterfalls, volcanic cliffs, and unusual fauna. It's a once-in-a-lifetime hike that leaves you feeling accomplished and appreciating one of Australia's most biodiverse places. 

How to Prepare for Hiking on the Gold Coast?

A combination of careful planning and keen knowledge of potential dangers is required in order to get ready for walks on the Gold Coast, regardless of whether you are going on a short stroll or a multi-day challenge. The following is a comprehensive guide that will allow you to get ready for hiking in the Gold Coast:

Tip 1: Know Your Trail

Before hiking, research the trail. Determine distance, difficulty, elevation gain, and average completion time. This helps set expectations and match your fitness level to a trail. Consider checking local weather forecasts—Gold Coast weather can change quickly, especially in the Hinterland, where fog, rain, or strong winds can arrive suddenly. Please check the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website for park alerts and trail closures. Some routes may be inaccessible due to maintenance or weather.

Tip 2: What to Wear

The correct gear can greatly improve comfort and safety. Wear durable, supportive shoes with good grip for uneven or damp trails. In the humid climate, lightweight, breathable garments are best, although long sleeves and pants can protect against sunburn, mosquitoes, and leaf scrapes. Due to cooler hinterland temperatures, take a thick layer and waterproof jacket for higher elevations or early morning excursions.

Tip 3: What to Bring

A compact backpack with basics is needed for shorter hikes. Carry energy-boosting snacks like almonds, dried fruit, granola bars and 1–2 litres of water (more if it's warmer or a longer trail). Bring band-aids, antiseptic wipes, a bandage, and antihistamines for insect bites. Trails in the rainforest on the Gold Coast require sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and insect repellent. Bring a printed map or offline navigation program like AllTrails in case you lose signal, and a headlamp or torch if you'll be out past nightfall.

Tip 4: Safety Tips

Inform a friend, family member, or hotel staff of your destination and return time. For intermediate to advanced trails or longer treks when aid may not be close, hike with a friend. Observe specified routes and signage to avoid getting lost or damaging delicate ecosystems. Forests and mountains might have poor phone reception, so don't rely on it. For emergencies on remote paths, bring a whistle or PLB.

Tip 5: Optional Extras

Several accessories improve your trekking experience. Bring a camera or smartphone to photograph waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning lookouts. Trekking poles can increase stability and reduce knee stress on steeper climbs and descents. If you want to swim in Twin Falls or Currumbin Rock Pools, bring a swimsuit, towel, and possibly a dry bag.

A portable power station, like Jackery Portable Power Station, could also be the best hiking companion for powering your hiking electronics and devices. This is the most apparent benefit. Keeping your smartphone charged is crucial for navigation (using GPS apps), communication (in case of emergencies), and accessing vital information like weather forecasts and trail maps. In areas with poor reception, a charged phone is vital for contacting help if needed.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hiking

The lush rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland can sometimes have patchy mobile phone reception. A Jackery Portable Power Station ensures your GPS-enabled devices (phones, dedicated GPS units) remain charged for crucial navigation, preventing you from getting lost on winding trails.  

The Gold Coast is rich in diverse wildlife. A Jackery allows you to keep your camera batteries and even drone batteries charged, ensuring you don't miss capturing those special moments in the natural environment.

While the coast might have better reception than the Hinterland, a Jackery provides a reliable backup to keep your phone charged for communication, especially if you're exploring less populated beaches or headlands. Here, we recommend Jackery Explorer 300 Plus for hiking on the Gold Coast.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station redefines portability and charging performance. Weighing just 3.75kg, this ultra-lightweight power station is designed for maximum convenience, allowing you to easily carry it in your backpack for hiking on the Gold Coast or other outdoor activities. Its compact size doesn't compromise its power, offering a 288Wh capacity and 300W output to keep your essential devices running smoothly.

Equipped with cutting-edge features, the 300 Plus ensures versatility for various scenarios. Its dual USB-C ports with up to 100W output support fast and simultaneous charging, making it ideal for laptops, tablets, and smartphones. With four charging options—solar, AC wall outlet, car port, and USB-C—you'll always have a way to recharge. Plus, it's whisper-quiet and completely emission-free, ensuring it is both eco-friendly and convenient.

The Explorer 300 Plus is built to last, featuring an LFP battery with an impressive 10-year lifespan and over 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity. Safety is at the core of its design, with advanced ChargeShield Technology offering 52 layers of protection against overvoltage, short circuits, and more. Whether fishing or preparing for emergencies, this portable power station provides reliable and safe energy solutions that adapt to your lifestyle. 

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Safety Tips for Hiking in the Gold Coast

A hat, sunscreen, bug repellant, appropriate walking shoes, and water are all essential items to bring along. Choosing a location that is both level and offers shade during the warmer months is a good place to begin if you are not an experienced walker.

It is not possible to rely on being able to use your phone in an emergency because mobile reception is also unreliable in some areas of the Hinterland National Parks. Get a map of your trip by downloading it or printing it off. Using a Personal Locator Beacon is recommended if you intend to embark on one of the walks that is either longer or more difficult.

Always stay on the path, and exercise caution when you are near cliff edges, steep drops, and damp and slippery ground. Make sure you start your hike with plenty of time to get back before the sun goes down. To avoid any potential dangers, hike in small groups.

You should always check the forecast because the weather can change suddenly. Because the Hinterland is typically much cooler than the rest of the country, you should pack accordingly. Before you leave, make sure that your friends and family are aware of your intended route and the time that you want to return or that you inform your place of lodging.

There is no safe way to dive or jump into waterholes or creeks. In addition, be aware that crossing streams and rivers might be dangerous after experiencing considerable rain. Before you tackle a route, make sure you assess both its level of difficulty and its distance. In this location, you will discover information regarding grading classifications. Kindergarten is the least complicated and fifth most difficult.

Gold Coast Hikes FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the hikes on the Gold Coast.

1. What is the best multi-day hike on the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is the best multi-day hike. This magnificent 54km Gold Coast Hinterland trip, which is considered one of Queensland's Great Walks, links several day hikes in Lamington and Springbrook National Parks. It's the best hiking track on the Gold Coast's Hinterland and is definitely worth the physical strain and adventure.

2. What is the #1 hike in the world?

Although opinions vary by location and choice, many consider the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru the best hike globally. The Lost City of Machu Picchu is reached before sunrise after a renowned hike over alpine landscapes, cloud forests, and centuries-old Incan ruins. 

The 43-kilometer (26-mile) trip across the Sacred Valley and over high-altitude passes is both physically and culturally challenging. Adventurers worldwide consider it a must-see because of its exceptional fusion of spiritual significance, natural beauty, and archaeological discoveries.

3. What is Australia's most challenging hike?

Tasmania's Southwest National Park's Federation Peak walk is considered Australia's hardest. Also known as “Australia’s most dangerous climb,” this expedition requires peak physical fitness, excellent technical climbing skills, endurance, and a willingness to face unexpected alpine weather. Remote, rough, and often muddy, the summit trail includes exposed, knife-edge scrambles like the “Blade Ridge” that need steel nerves. Mountaineering to the 1,224-meter summit takes 3–5 days in some of the country's most remote territory. It takes talent, preparation, and determination to trek Federation Peak.

4. How long is the Newlands hiking trail?

Among the trails in Newlands Forest, the Newlands Ravine via Dark Gorge path is the one that is considered to be the longest overall. There is a rough estimate that this trail is 3.3 miles long.

5. Is 2 days enough in Gold Coast?

You won't be able to see everything along the Gold Coast in a single weekend because there are more than 30 beaches and at least 10 major coastal communities there. You won't even come close to seeing everything! On the other hand, this two-day itinerary gives you a taste of the best parts of the surrounding area. It takes you from the beach to the Hinterlands and includes a large number of local favourites along the way.

Final Thoughts

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the verdant peaks and shimmering coastline, the allure of the Gold Coast's hikes becomes undeniably clear. From the ancient rainforests of Springbrook and Lamington, whispering tales of Gondwana, to the panoramic ocean vistas offered by the coastal paths, this region presents a tapestry of natural beauty waiting to be explored on foot.