Summary

The Sunshine State

Queensland has a wealth of bushwalking opportunities including multiple World Heritage Listed rainforests such as the Daintree and Lamington National Park, great coastal and island parks like Fraser Island and Hinchinbrook Island.

Other Information

World Heritage Areas

• Fraser Island
• Gondwana Rainforests of Australia (Lamington NP, Springbrook NP, Mount Chinghee NP, Mount Barney NP, Main Range NP)
• Great Barrier Reef
• Riversleigh
• Wet Tropics (Daintree NP, Barron Gorge NP, Cedar Bay NP, Girringun NP, Wooroonooran NP)

Contact details

Queensland Parks and Forest:
https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/

Regions

The link below provides a region map of QLD as a reference to what council zones are included in the 7 geographic regions of QLD.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Queensland#/media/File:Qld-regions-map.gif

1. Far North Queensland
2. North Queesnland
3. Central Queensland
4. Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday
5. Wide Bay Burnett
6. Darling Downs South West
7. South East Queensland

Walks in Pallarenda Conservation Park

(North Queensland)

Easy

9.2 km return

2.5 hrs

Lagoon Circuit

An outstanding walk for exercise, bird-watching, or just taking in the expansive views across the wetlands of the Townsville Town Common. Combining the Lagoon Trail and the Freshwater Trail allows you to circumnavigate the freshwater lagoon. There are excellent opportunities for viewing both wetland birds (Brolgas are frequently seen), and open forest birds. Part of the Freshwater Track traverses the top of an old earthen dam through the centre of the wetlands. The track is mostly flat and does not involve any climbing. The route is a shared walking/cycling track, and is mostly open with good visibility. Winter months, and mornings and afternoons are best.

Hard

10.3 km return

3.5 hrs

Mt Marlow

Excellent walk for the views, traverses open forests and semi-deciduous vine thickets along the side of the peaks. The summit of Mt Marlow provides superb 360 degree views of the wetlands and coastline. You can complete a circuit by returning via the Lagoon Trail or the Freshwater Trail through the wetlands. These trails provide excellent opportunities for viewing wetland birds.
Only the middle sections of the Many Peaks Track are considered hard. The other sections are medium, and the Lagoon and Freshwater Trails are easy shared bicycle/walking trails. Mosquitoes can be a problem at certain times of the year, so bring some repellent. Winter is the best season. Refer to the track notes below.

Medium

1.5 km return

40 mins

Shelly Cove Trail

A beautiful coastal walk through Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park to Shelly Cove, 1.5km return overlooking Cleveland Bay and across to Magnetic Island.

Walks in Paluma Range National Park

(North Queensland)

Medium

3 km

1 hr

Cloudy Creek Walk

A short walk through the Paluma rainforest to cloudy creek, expect stairs.

Easy

1 km return

20 mins

Crystal Rockslides

Crystal Rockslides is a great spot for cooling off, having fun and enjoying the Paluma Range National Park experience. A short 500m walk on sealed surfaces, with an uphill section before taking the shady path to reach the Rockslides.

Easy

3 km return

1 hr

Jourama Falls

Jourama Falls is located within Paluma Range National Park. The 3km return trail follows a path along Waterview Creek, with plenty of fresh water swimming holes along the way.

Hard

11.3 km return

6 hrs

Mt Halifax

A tranquil walk alongside a gently flowing stream followed by a diobolically steep and slippery 1km vertical ascent!

Walks in South East Queensland

Medium

3.74 km return

1 hr

Applegum Walk and Hartmanns Park Circuit

A creek-side track connecting Bullocky's Rest Park with a network of trails through Hartmann Park in Crows Nest. Includes a short side-track to the Pump Hole, a deep waterhole that is home to long-necked turtles, and includes a small waterfall after rain.

Officially marked Grade 3/Medium (some uneven/rocky/slippery surfaces, especially after rain) this trail is manageable for walkers of most ages and fitness levels.

Easy

2.2 km return

30 mins

Banksia Bicentennial Bushwalk

Explore remnant wallum heathlands and spot colourful birds and other wildlife on this delightful bushwalk in a corner of the Bribie Island National Park.

Easy

5 km return

90 mins

Bayview Conservation Area (German Church Road Main Entrance)

Many trails through the bush area for walkers, bikes and horses. There are a few areas with healthy mozzie populations so be prepared!