Summary

Boarding NSW and the pacific Ocean, it is not uncommon for hikes to have views of both worlds (ocean and hinterland). Hikes here are typically on the great dividing range.

History

Any interesting history for the region?

Features

What are the standout bushwalking features?

Access

How do you get there? Include all access points if there are many?

Maps

Which maps cover the region?

Accommodation

Where can I stay there? or near there?

Camping

Council Areas:

1. Scenic Rim Regional
2. Gold Coast City
3. Logan City
4. Redland City
5. Ipswich City
6. Lockyer Valley Regional
7. Brisbane City
8. Somerset Regional
9. Moreton Bay Regional
10. Sunshine Coast Regional
11. Noosa Shire

Contact details

See Qld National parks website

Walks in South East Queensland

Easy

5 km return

2 mins

Bayview Conservation Area

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

Easy

4.4 km return

90 mins

Clagiraba Creek Trail

The Clagiraba Creek trail (4.4 kilometres return from the Bellis Road entrance) takes you deep into the green tranquillity of subtropical rainforests. It's possible to access the Clagiraba Creek trail from Barcoo Court, but be prepared for a more challenging route with steeper hills, popular with mountain bike riders and horse riders.

Easy

3 km return

45 mins

Elanora Wetlands

Elanora Wetlands Habitat is a Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) reserve in the upstream estuarine reaches of Tallebudgera Creek. Adjacent to tidal wetlands, a scenic walking track follows the perimeter of the Water Quality Control Centre (WQCC). There are excellent views of mangroves and saltmarsh vegetation along the track where they form a thin fringe along the creek.

Medium

900 m return

20 mins

Ernest Junction Tunnel

This track follows the remnants of the South Coast Railway. With a short trail walk to the tunnel.

Very Easy

6 km

2 hrs

Federation Walk

This is an easy 3km walk (6km if you go to the end and back) along a well made path through the sand dunes of The Spit. It's perhaps the closest walk to Surfers Paradise and provides a unique insight into the coastal dune network.
The walk starts at the beach carpark on the opposite side of the road from the entrance to Sea World (you'll need to go around the roundabout to get to the carpark). It's basically a 3km stretch of sand dunes, beach and sheoak trees and the path is made of compacted gravel, so it's easy to walk on. There are a couple of small inclines, but nothing too dramatic. The path ends at the Gold Coast Seaway where, on a clear day, you can get an excellent view south down the beach along the entire stretch of the Gold Coast right down to Coolangatta. You can then turn around and walk 3km back, or have someone pick you up at the end.
Take plenty of water on a hot day because there are only amenities at the start and finish of the walk and parts of the track have no shade.

Easy

1.5 km return

45 mins

Freeman's Lookout Track

Access to Lower Beechmont Conservation Area from Freemans Rd, Lower Beechmont. Panoramic view out over the Gold Coast, north to Mt Tamborine and west to Canungra.

Easy

4 km one-way

1 hr

Lower Beechmont Conservation Area (Eastern Section)

The trails in this area are used by horse riders, mountain bikers, bushwalkers and nature lovers. This is a rugged, natural environment and you need to be well prepared and self reliant when in the reserve. Some of the trails link with those in Nerang Conservation Park.

Very Easy

3.5 km return

1 hr

Palm Beach Parklands

There isn’t another location on the Gold Coast that is so diverse, where so many activities can be enjoyed in one concentrated place, from exercising your dog to wind surfing.
Along with this is the beauty of the location, its part of the Currumbin Estuary and Palm Beach Spit and a photographer’s paradise.

Easy

2.3 km return

1 hr

Rainforest Circuit

A wild, natural headland in the heart of the Gold Coast offers walks along the rocky foreshore and through rainforest, with the chance to see whales in winter/spring and sea-eagles soaring along the coast.

Easy

3.5 km return

45 mins

Schuster Park

Schusters Park is a great spot to take the kids for a quick walk or stay the day for a picnic by the creek. There is lots of room to run around, and a sandy beach to launch kayaks from. Put on some mozzie repellent before exploring the flat trail through the mangroves along the northern peninsula of the park.