5 Gold Coast Hikes to Get Your Blood Pumping

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5 Gold Coast Hikes to Get Your Blood Pumping

Your long-weekend plans just took a hike.

Hiking is an acquired taste, but if trekking long distances for the sheer joy of it is your thing, there is no better place than the picturesque Gold Coast.

There are plenty of places to wander beyond your Netflix binge zone, and here are five of them — ordered from a literal walk in the park all the way up to the mother of all hiking adventures. Don’t forget the water bottles and snacks.

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Apple Tree Park Tracks

Sounds delightful, doesn’t it? The park doubles as a potential starting point for the Great Walk, but it also lets your tired bones take a breather if 54km of walking is a bit beyond your comfort zone. You can walk as far and as long as you like, then turn around and head back for a picnic in the park. Pack healthy food so the walk doesn’t feel in vain.
Start: On Springbrook Rd, next to the Springbrook Mountain Chalets.

Natural Bridge

You have almost certainly seen photos of this stunning little spot. A literal rock bridge in the middle of the rainforest, complete with a sparkling waterfall, lush greenery, fresh air and relaxing wilderness sounds. It is a beauty, and it is a fairly cruisy downhill walk through the trees to reach it (a bit slippery on the bridge, so watch your step). Naturally, it is uphill on the way back, but you will be too chilled out to notice. Bring a camera to capture the magic.
Start: Follow the signs towards Springbrook, then look for the Natural Bridge signs on Natural Bridge Rd.

South Stradbroke Island

Circumnavigating somewhere has always felt like an unattainable dream — until now. You can walk the entire way around South Straddy, and while it might take a while (the island is 21km long and 2.5km wide), the breathtaking views make it worthwhile. Walking from the western side to the east takes only about an hour, which is quite relaxing. Going all the way around will take at least a day, so pack provisions.
Start: Catch the ferry from Hope Island and begin your walk wherever your heart desires.

Toolona Creek Circuit

Up for a full day of walking? Get on board the Toolona Creek Circuit. The first section takes you to Picnic Rock and along Toolona Creek to the falls. From there you can detour to the lookout for a rest and gaze out over the Tweed Valley, Wollumbin (Mt Warning), Byron Bay and Straddy. The full track will take around seven hours. Prepare before you go, and if it gets too much, turn around and head home. Good luck.
Start: Head to Canungra and follow the signs to Lamington Plateau, Green Mountain Car Park (aka O’Reillys).

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Go hard or go home. This one is a doozy, and you will want to set aside a good chunk of time for the 54km trek. It is best to start at Lamington National Park and finish at Springbrook, with three days recommended to complete the walk (sheer joy, remember). You will skirt the rim of the Tweed Volcano and pass through the ancient lands of the Yugambeh people. Build up some practice on the walks above before attempting this one — it is not for the faint-hearted. Bring plenty of water and camping gear, and be equipped for all weather conditions.
Start: From the Pacific Motorway, take the Nerang exit (exit 69 from the north, exit 71 from the south) and follow the signs to Lamington National Park.