Gold Coast bushwalks: Best tracks revealed

YOU should avoid spending too much time at the beach to the Gold Coast. You know why? Because there’s something much better to do.

gold coast

The Gold Coast’s pristine beaches are some of the world’s favourites for a reason, but they aren’t the only drawcard the city has to offer.

Within a 40-minute drive from the coast sits the tranquil Gold Coast Hinterland, home to some of Australia’s most beautiful walking tracks. With lush green rainforests, stunning mountain views and a massive list of attractions, it’s ok if you’re having trouble deciding where to start. To help, we’ve compiled an itinerary for every kind of walker — even those who say they hate exercise.

RELAXING STROLLS

Full of dense rainforests, cool mountain air and bubbling waterways, the hinterland is known for its peaceful atmosphere. If you’re looking for your next girls’ trip or a relaxing getaway, the hinterland is ideal. For maximum rejuvenation, go mid-week and enjoy the serenity.

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Head to Springbrook near the Queensland/NSW border. To get there, drive up a winding mountain road boasting impressive views. Stop to stretch your legs at the aptly named Best Of All Lookout. There’s a short walk through rainforest before opening up to views of the rolling surrounds. Before heading to your accommodation, we recommend stopping at Natural Bridge at Springbrook — the sight is truly spectacular. Climb down into the cavernous cave to see a column of water streaming through “the bridge”. There are also nighttime glow worm tours available.

STAY

If you need some TLC, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat offers a full wellness experience. Accommodation options include private suites and villas cleverly designed to let the outdoor environment in, allowing you to unwind to nature’s soothing soundtrack of rustling trees and distant waterfalls. Relax, rejuvenate and restore.

ADVENTURE HIKES

Do you like your holidays a little more action-packed? We’ve got you covered.

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The TreeTop Challenge is a rainforest adventure park designed for thrills. The Canyon Flyer guided zipline challenge is Australia’s largest, highest and fastest guided zipline tour with seven ziplines spanning 1.4km. You’ll be more than 60m above the canopies of Cedar Creek Gorge and travel at speeds of up to 70km/h.

STAY

Binna Burra Lodge is the perfect spot to stay for those who want access to lots of activities. Choose between rooms in the big lodge, apartment-style bungalows, or group accommodation in the restored home of co-founder Arthur Groom. The vibe is school camp meets nature retreat and it’s a lot of fun. There are also camping options in the rainforest bordering Lamington National Park. Onsite activities include abseiling, archery, rogaining and hiking.

For those wanting something a little extra, Binna Burra offers Wild Walks — one and two-day, off-track hikes which showcase the much-less travelled parts of Lamington National Park.

FOODIE TRAIL

Working up a sweat isn’t the only way to take in the stunning mountainscapes and tranquil atmosphere of the Gold Coast Hinterland. A ‘foodie trail’ counts as a bush walk, right?

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Book yourself into a wine tour of the region’s best with Tamborine Wine Tours. Tours include three to four wineries as well as a trip to Tamborine Mountain Distillery and Mount Tamborine Brewery. If you’d rather choose your own adventure, we recommend checking out Cedar Creek Estate and O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.

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Ruffles Lodge & Spa offers villa-style accommodation set in 50 acres of forest and gardens. The onsite restaurant Vue 175 is one of the best in the region with a multi-course degustation menu complemented by a list of local wines. Look out at the panoramic views over the rolling mountains from your dinner table.

FAMILY WALKS

There’s more than sandy beaches and theme parks for families on the Gold Coast.

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The Rainforest Skywalk is a must when visiting Mt Tamborine. Great for kids too, the eco-adventure takes you through the green rainforest canopies on top of hi-tech steel bridges with breathtaking views.

Follow your morning walk with a visit to the Glow Worm Caves, the only opportunity in Queensland to see glow worms during the day thanks to a purpose-built cave. View a light show of thousands of glowing worms in the otherwise pitch black cave and learn about the conservation efforts undertaken to ensure the longevity of the species.

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One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the many national parks in the Gold Coast Hinterland is to camp. The kids will love the opportunity to toast marshmallows on the campfire and you’ll get the chance to take in the starry sky. With companies like Glamping Days Hire Co, camping doesn’t have to mean giving up comfort. Bell tents are large enough to walk around in and accommodate a whole family. You can hire your tent and choose your location, or experience the full-service at one of their partner locations.

COUPLES RETREAT

Nothing says romantic getaway like a cosy mountain escape.

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Take in a truly special view from above with a two-hour Hot Air Balloon experience. The hinterland allows balloons to fly higher than coastal flights so they have the best views in the region. Book the package deal and enjoy a champagne breakfast at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards afterwards.

Spend the rest of your day exploring O’Reilly’s and the surrounding Lamington National Park. The area boasts over 320km of walking tracks with lookouts and waterfalls. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat includes includes a day spa complete with an infinity pool, steam room and relaxation lounge.

STAY

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has a range of suites and villas (with spa bath of course) to choose from, complete with views of the valley. Alternatively, self-contained chalets at The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat are designed with couples in mind. Bespoke, cabin-style accommodation allows guests to fully embrace the mountain life with fireplaces and tranquil views. Packages are available which include food hampers, so once you settle in there’s no need to leave your cabin. Perfect for a romantic trip away.

Originally published as Gold Coast bushwalks: Best tracks revealed