Backyard Tourist: Hike awesome Gold Coast Hinterland track Dave’s Creek Circuit

BUSHLOVERS, please meet Dave. Dave might just be your new best friend. Of course, Dave isn’t an actual person … but the namesake of one of the Gold Coast Hinterland’s most underrated but awesome bushwalks.

Dave's Creek at Binna Burra has some incredible views

BUSHLOVERS, please meet Dave.

Dave might just be your new best friend.

Of course, Dave isn’t an actual person … but the namesake of one of Binna Burra’s best bushwalks. And that’s a big call.

But then, Dave’s Creek Circuit is a pretty epic hike.

The 12km track takes you through one of the most picturesque sections of the World Heritage listed Lamington National Park — with more lookouts and scenic views than you can poke a walking stick at.

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There are spectacular views of Numinbah Valley, creek crossings, waterfalls … and the highlight is enjoying lunch on a rocky ridge at Surprise Rock.

Binna Burra has spectacular views

This well-marked track descends through the head of Nixons Creek out into Dave’s Creek country, passing through subtropical rainforest, temperate forest and even scrubby bushland on some of the more exposed sections.

The circuit starts at the Binna Burra Mountain Lodge Cafe and follows the border track for 2.3km through pristine rainforest.

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From there you branch off onto Dave’s Creek Circuit itself and descend into the valley along cliff tops. Like most of the tracks in Lamington, it is not particularly steep and is not too challenging for anyone with even a moderate level of fitness.

Nature's sculpture at Binna Burra, Lamington National Park. Photo: Christa Merkes-Frei

If you only do one hike at Binna Burra, this is it — just be warned that Dave is a pretty popular guy, so chances are you won’t have him all to yourself.

Eat and drink:

If you scrub up all right after a day in the scrub — or, better yet, thought to bring a change of clothes — make a reservation to soak in the sunset views at the Clifftop Dining Room at Binna Burra Lodge.

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If you’re not up for a full buffet meal, simply pull up a stool at the fully licensed bar at the entrance to the dining room.

Rest your weary legs and watch the sun sink from the scenic Coomera Terrace with magnificent mountain views and a glass of local wine.

Clifftop Dining Room Binnaburra

While you’re there … do:

Legs a bit sore?

Don’t wait for the next-day ache to set in.

Instead, settle in at Bliss Massage at Binna Burra Lodge.

Whether you want to soothe those aches and pains, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere, a treatment here has to be just what the doctor ordered.

Hidden among the trees, this is a private, fully equipped massage studio in one of the most beautiful and tranquil locations you’ll find.

Double massages with two therapists are also available for couples or friends who’d like to share the experience.

Discover:

There’s plenty of life in this wild country.

From bush turkeys and log runners scratching in the leaf litter, to the grey strike thrush and whipbirds whose calls fill the air, to skinks and land mullets literally under foot, the forest is literally alive.

Keep an eye out too for the precious little pademelons — miniature wallabies who nervously skip about in the bush.

Make sure you have your camera at the ready, these folk are not always happy to sit patiently and pose for your perfect shot.