wellness
Hinterland Hiking Trend Takes Hold in Gold Coast
Residents are swapping gym routines for regular walks and runs on Lamington trails as the wellness habit spreads through local clubs and beaches.
How we reported this
Gold Coast locals have increased their use of Lamington National Park trails for daily fitness since early 2025, with weekend parking at the Binna Burra entrance often full by 7am on Saturdays.
The shift matters now because many residents report seeking lower-cost alternatives to indoor gyms after recent rises in membership fees across the coast. Surf Life Saving clubs have noted higher turnout at combined beach and hinterland sessions that link ocean swims with forest walks.
Named venues drive participation
Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club on Surfers Paradise beach runs a monthly Hinterland Lamington hike that starts at 6am from the clubhouse and finishes with a recovery session at Kurrawa Beach volleyball courts. The Gold Coast Hinterland Walking Group, based out of Canungra, added three new routes this year that pass through the Coomera River circuit and the Toolona Creek loop. These routes attract both long-term residents from Broadbeach and newer arrivals from the northern suburbs.
Wellness influencers based in Mermaid Beach have posted route maps and water-stop recommendations that direct followers to the same trailheads. The pattern matches a broader move toward outdoor activity that uses existing national park infrastructure rather than new facilities.
Practical steps for newcomers
People starting the routine are advised to begin with the 6.2-kilometre Coomera River circuit before attempting longer sections. Local medical practices in Southport recommend checking weather alerts from Queensland Parks and Wildlife before heading out, especially during the current winter months when early starts can bring cooler temperatures on the ridges. Several clubs now offer buddy systems for first-timers who want company on the initial outings.
Those who stick with the habit often combine a morning hike with an afternoon volleyball session at Kurrawa Beach, creating a full-day schedule that fits around work in the tourism and construction sectors common on the coast.