When people think of Queensland they don't normally associate it with hiking. Queensland is typically known for its mild climate, beaches and white sands. It is a hidden secret that the sunshine state is also full of a diverse range of multi-day trails.
There are various landscapes and trail options that everyone can enjoy. You can hike here all year round, however, the best time is winter when it's not too hot and it still reaches 20 °C most days.
Queensland has many Great Walks, these trails offer varying levels of difficulty and variety. These trails are protected by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Sharing connections with the land through the teachings of Indigenous peoples is an important way to have a deeper connection with the landscape.
Days: 6 - 8 days
Distance: 90 km
K'Gari is the largest sand island in the world, just off Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. This trail crosses the island's east coast and passes through the beautiful white sands and sparkling freshwaters of Lake Mckenzie. This is a one-way trip, so you can start and end at Dilli Village or at Happy Valley.
Experience the rainforests of the Valley of the Giants and keep an eye out for dingos while travelling. There are some safety tips to keep in mind before travelling to Dingo territory, but don't worry the hiker-only campsites are fenced for this safety.
2. Rum Jungle Camp, Mount Barney National Park
Days: 2 days
Distance: 14 km
Mount Barney is located in the Scenic Rim region of Southeastern Queensland. This round trip is not for the timid. Climbing Mount Barney is only recommended for experienced hikers and climbers. Climbing the mountain with your overnight backpack will be a challenge. However, if you want to see the sunrise from the top of Mount Barney without having to get up at 2 am then this is a great option for you.
Mount Barney has a variety of routes that take you to the summit. To reach the Rum Jungle Campground you will have to take the Peasant Ridge route. The campsite is only 7 km from the trailhead however the elevation is over 1000 metres of climbing. There is no water source at the campsite, so you will need to pack everything you need. There is also a river intersection at the start of the trail, so be mindful that you will most likely get wet feet at the very beginning.
3. Lower Portals, Mount Barney National Park
Days: 2 days
Distance: 7.4 km
This is a family-friendly backpacking hike in Mount Barney National Park. This scenic swimming hole is a popular spot for day hikers. Stay overnight here and experience the basin all for yourself. This is a great backpacking trip for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a short trip.
The trail is of medium difficulty and consists of steady ascending and descending hills before reaching the lower portal stream. After crossing the stream, you can go to the campsite to the right or to the swimming pools to the left.
4. Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island National Park
Days: 2 - 4 days
Distance: 32 km
Have you ever wanted to spend time on a remote tropical island? If you answer yes, then this trail is for you. Located off the coast of Townsville, this rugged island is part of the Great Barrier Reef's World Heritage Site. It features lush rainforests, eucalyptus forests and beautiful coastlines. There are many opportunities to swim in the rock pools. Relax in the natural infinity pool at Zoe Falls. Nina's Peak is another trail highlight.
Only 40 people are allowed to hike the trail at a time to minimize the impact and maintain the wilderness experience. The best time to hike this iconic trail is between April and September. The trail runs along the east coast of the island and is bumpy and difficult to cross in some places. Crocodiles can be a concern when crossing the creeks. It is advisable to understand the times of the tide and to cross the bodies of water at low tide. The reservations for this trail often sell out months in advance. To avoid disappointment it is recommended to book this many months in advance.
5. Cooloola Great Walk, Great Sandy National Park
Days: 5 days
Distance: 102 km
If you love the ocean and sand, why not try the Cooloola Great Walk? It connects Noosa North Shore and Rainbow Beach. This end-to-end trail can be hiked in either direction however most people travel south on their trip. In the spring, you can see colourful wildflowers, climb huge dunes and enjoy wonderful views. There is a lake where you can swim along the way, and there are four campgrounds dedicated to hikers.
Throughout the Great Sandy National Park, you'll experience plenty of sand along the way. Hiking on the sand will give your feet and ankles a serious workout. The whale migration season lasts from June to October each year, so be sure to look out for whales as you hike.
Days: 3 - 4 days
Distance: 59 km
This trail passes through the rainforests of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and three national parks: Kondalilla, Mapleton and Mapleton Falls. Along the way, there are many waterfalls and rock pools where you can swim.
There are three campsites to choose from, the most beautiful being the Thilba Thalba campsite. If you don't have the complete 4 days available to complete the hike in one go you can easily split it into a day trip or a one-night hike.
Days: 6 - 7 days
Distance: 87 km
This route runs through the mountains and valleys of central Queensland. See another side of Queensland as the cathedral cave is surrounded by Australia's finest Aboriginal rock art. It is important to respect and protect the rich culture that is represented here.
This is Queensland's own Grand Canyon (but with more green). The trail is closed from November to February due to the heat, so it's a good idea to attempt this Great Walk during the winter months. It is located approximately 600km northwest of Brisbane inthe outback of the Capricorn Coast.
Days: 4 days
Distance: 56km
This trail is located near the town of Kenilworth in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, located 2 hour's drive north of Brisbane. A 4WD is recommended to access the main starting point of the trail however you can park a 2WD drive just prior to a river crossing and walk into the national park on foot.
Featuring many waterfalls, crystal clear swimming creeks and a world-famous nature-based art installation this trail has it all! A Strangler Cairn sculpture was built by artist Andy Goldsworthy and features a strangler fig sapling that will grow over the cairn and strangle it one day. With three campgrounds available to book they both have their own unique view and features.
Days: 3 days
Distance: 48km
Starting at O’Reilly’s in the Gold Coast Hinterland you will traverse through the volcanic landscape and travel through the species-rich Gondwana Rainforest. Where else can you walk along the rim of an ancient volcano? Witness the views of Mount Warning and Wollumbin down in NSW.
You will be treated to the amazing Purling Brook Falls and you can wild swim at Warringa Pool. There is even glow worms that you can see after nightfall but watch out for leeches as you hike. The trail ends at Springbrook so you will need to bring two cars or have someone pick you up or drop you off.
D’Aguilar National Park is part of the Moreton Bay area just north of Brisbane. It is the closest large-scale national park to any capital city in Australia. There are nine remote bush campsites in this national park. These are all only accessible by foot or mountain bike and include the following sites:
No matter what type of backpacking trip you are looking for, Queensland has the one that suits your needs. Pack your gear and embark on an adventure that you will remember forever.