Hiking and Walking on the Gold Coast: Hinterland Rainforest and Coastal Tracks

The Gold Coast's Hinterland, rising dramatically behind the coastal strip, provides some of Queensland's most spectacular and accessible day-hike terrain within 30-60 minutes of the beach. Springbrook National Park is the most popular hiking destination, with the Natural Bridge walking circuit passing through subtropical rainforest to a collapsed cave arch with glow-worm colony, accessible as a 1-kilometre loop. The Purling Brook Falls circuit at Springbrook is a more demanding 4-kilometre return that rewards with waterfall and valley views. Lamington National Park's Border Track and surrounding network of rainforest trails is World Heritage listed and one of the finest rainforest walking destinations in Australia. The section of the Scenic Rim Trail through Tamborine Mountain has accessible day walks through the Gold Coast Hinterland's volcanic plateau. The Nerang State Forest has mountain bike and walking trails closer to the coast. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's surrounding conservation areas have accessible coastal walking.