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 Brisbane Forest park D'Aguilar National Park

(South East Queensland)

Medium

5.3 km one-way

90 mins

Lake Manchester Short Loop

A shorter way to see some of Lake Manchester without having to double back.

Very Hard

15.4 km one-way

4 hrs

Mt Glorious to Dundas Road

This is a fantastic walk which is actually the first leg of the annual Oxfam Walk. You do need two cars for this walk - park one car at Mt Nebo Road transfer station, Dundas Road and another at Miala picnic Grounds, Mt Glorious. We started from Miala and enjoyed spectacular views out towards Lockyear Valley before we gently wound our way down to the bottom of the valley. Make sure you enjoy a rest at the creek because ahead of you is a VERY steep walk out of the valley. This is the steepest hill I have ever walked and the trail was very slippery - it was actually easier to walk beside the trail, then we could use the trees to hold onto! The hill goes on FOREVER, but when you eventually reach the top you will have a real sense of achievement - and more sensational views!

More detailed information about this walk can b e found here: https://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/BNE_map1.pdf

Easy

1 km return

30 mins

Pitta Circuit

Lovely walk through a Eucalyptus forest before entering a lovely cool rainforest. The track winds around onto a boardwalk which totally surrounds a strangler fig where the host has totally rotted away. A number of educational signs give some great information for the younger members of the family.

Medium

6 km

3 hrs

The Northbrook River Trail (Northbrook Gorges)

Northbrook Gorge walking and swimming. Beautiful scenery and vegetation. Make sure you pick a nice warm day and bring sturdy shoes your are willing to get wet. the gorges at the end are "gorge-ous", first one you can wade (keep right), second one you definetely in for a swim if you want to cross it.

Walks in Brisbane Valley Rail Trail

(South East Queensland)

Medium

18 km one-way

Benarkin to Linville- Part of BVRT

The Benarkin to Linville section is 18km, downhill. The only inclines are crossings of Blackbutt Creek. Initially the walk is through gum forest, with stands of hoop pine and stands of silky oak. Then it opens up and runs through farm land for the last 4 or 5 km. There are plenty of birds, notably many brown doves, and flocks of quail. There is a bellbird colony near 130 kilometric mark. Blackbutt is a pretty creek if running. There is a bit of rainforest on the banks. Historical railway spots and information are signed and very interesting. Surface is good - no slippery bits. There are three shelters along the way. MacNamara's Camp. about half way, has a toilet and water tank. Take your own water. And maybe insect repellent.

Easy

15 km one-way

3 hrs

Borallon Station Road to Fernvale - Part of BVRT

This is a nice part of the BVRT, the scenery changes quite a bit along the walk, bush track to farm land to open pasture looking out to the mountains. You'll need to do a quick crossing of the Brisbane Valley Highway, easy, but just keep your wits about you. Along the way you'll pass Wanora and Fairney View stations. Just after Fairney View is a lovely little creek where a bridge once crossed, a nice spot for a break. After this there is the slightest of inclines, but that incline continues all the way to Fernvale. But once there you've got a great excuse for a pie!

Easy

14 km one-way

4.5 hrs

BVRT - Coominya to Mt Hallen

Part of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. A great section for bird watching.

Medium

24.5 km one-way

6 hrs

Coominya to Esk - Part of BVRT

This walk is part of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, starts and finishes at the railway station. Coominya and Esk are small towns but have all services. Several large and impressive rail bridges along the track but not accessible, a lower river crossing. The walk passes through farm lands but mainly bush walking so plenty of gates to open and shut but not a walk to complete in Summer months. The trail is well marked so maps are not required. Coominya is accessible after a turnoff on the Brisbane Valley Highway. Public amenities and car parking at both ends of the walk but no public amenities on the track. No permits or costs for the walk.

Easy

10 km one-way

2 hrs

Diamantina Boulevard to Borallon Station Road - Part of BVRT

10kms easy walking along the old Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Passing old stations (or where they used to be, signs have been erected) of Muirlea, Pine Mountain and Borallon. Great for birdwatching. I would recommend for a winter walk - dappled shade, but would get very hot very quickly in summer.

Easy

11 km one-way

3 hrs

Esk to Ottaba - Part of BVRT

Approximately 11kms along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Very exposed, but pleasant walking.