The Gold Coast is a stunning location on Australia’s east coast, famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. But what many people don’t know is that it is also a prime destination for hiking enthusiasts. The Gold Coast is home to a number of amazing hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the coast and hinterland. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best hikes on the Gold Coast and how to get to them.
Burleigh Head National Park
Burleigh Head National Park is one of the most popular hiking spots on the Gold Coast. The park is located on the headland between Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek, and offers stunning views of the coastline. The park has two main trails: the Ocean View Walk and the Rainforest Circuit.
The Ocean View Walk is a 2.3km trail that takes you along the headland and offers stunning views of the coast. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for all fitness levels. The Rainforest Circuit is a 1.2km trail that takes you through the lush rainforest that covers the headland. This trail is slightly more challenging, with some steep sections and uneven terrain.
To get to Burleigh Head National Park, take the Gold Coast Highway to Burleigh Heads and follow the signs to the park. There is a car park at the entrance to the park, and the trails are well signposted.
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park is located in the hinterland behind the Gold Coast and is home to some of the best hiking trails in the region. The park covers an area of 20,590 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The park has a number of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. One of the most popular trails is the Coomera Circuit, which is a 17.4km loop that takes you through the rainforest and along the banks of the Coomera River. The trail is rated as difficult and takes around 7 hours to complete.
To get to Lamington National Park, take the Pacific Motorway south from the Gold Coast and exit at Nerang. Follow the signs to Canungra and then onto Lamington National Park Road. The park is approximately 90 minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast.
Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park is located in the hinterland behind the Gold Coast and is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls and walking tracks in the region. The park covers an area of 6,725 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The park has a number of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. One of the most popular trails is the Purling Brook Falls Circuit, which is a 4km loop that takes you past the stunning Purling Brook Falls. The trail is rated as moderate and takes around 2 hours to complete.
To get to Springbrook National Park, take the Pacific Motorway south from the Gold Coast and exit at Nerang. Follow the signs to Springbrook and then onto Springbrook Road. The park is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast.
Mount Tamborine
Mount Tamborine is a beautiful mountain located in the hinterland behind the Gold Coast. The mountain is home to a number of walking tracks that offer stunning views of the coast and hinterland.
One of the most popular trails on Mount Tamborine is the Curtis Falls Track, which is a 1.5km loop that takes you through the rainforest to the base of Curtis Falls. The trail is rated as easy and takes around 30 minutes to complete.
The most convenient way to get to Mount Tamborine is to drive. You can rent a car or take your own vehicle. From the Gold Coast, take the Pacific Motorway (M1) towards Brisbane and exit at Oxenford. Follow the signs to Tamborine Mountain.
In conclusion the Gold Coast is home to an array of outdoor pursuits and activties ranging from the ocean to the mountains. Hiking on the Gold Coast can be fun for all ages and fitness types and should be apart of any visit to this iconic part of Australia.
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