Top 10 Day Hikes in Queensland

Pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and eye-catching fauna make up Queensland's diverse day hikes. With 300 days of sunshine a year and a temperate climate, you can happily enjoy hiking in all seasons. To help you plan your adventure, we've wrapped up 10 of our favourite day hikes in Australia's Queensland.

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Caution: Before any hike, always check relevant park management websites for updated information on track conditions, closures, or dangers.

1. The Glasshouse Mountains Circuit, Beerburrum

• Duration: 3 hours

• Length: 11.3 km loop

• Elevation Gain: 239 m

• Need to know: The trail is open year-round. Not dog-friendly.

If you're looking for a walk that'll help you ease into hiking, try the Glasshouse Mountains Circuit. This relatively easy loop circumnavigates the base of Mount Beerburrum, and you'll experience stunning views while stretching your legs. Plus, you'll get to see Mount Tibrogargan in the distance without too much elevation.

2. Mount Walsh Walking Track, Mount Walsh National Park

• Duration: 4-6 hours

• Length: 3.4 km out and back

• Elevation Gain: 470 m

• Need to know: The trail is open year-round. Not dog-friendly. This track is for experienced hikers, as it features bush navigation, rock scrambling, and climbing. Granite tracks in areas become slippery when wet.

While this hike is only a two-hour drive from Brisbane, you'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. This hike walks through Mount Walsh National Park, a wildlife refuge wallabies, peregrine falcons, and lace monitors, as well as the rare and threatened powerful owl. The summit of Mount Walsh features truly spectacular views, as well as steep inclines, loose gravel, and a bit of rock scrambling for good measure. There’s no formal trail, but there are a few markings and you’ll need some navigational skills to get to the top.

3. Box Forest Circuit, Lamington National Park

• Duration: 3-3.5 hours

• Length: 10.3 km loop

• Elevation Gain: 386 m

• Need to know: The trail is open year-round. Not dog-friendly. This track is considered challenging.

This circuit weaves through Lamington National Park, home to hundreds of waterfalls, incredible wildlife, and more than 160 km of walking trails. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is also home to Albert’s lyrebird and if you’re lucky, you might glimpse this rare bird on the trail. The Box Forest Circuit is a nature lover’s paradise with stunning views, gorgeous waterfalls, and the occasional freshwater crayfish. Walk in a clockwise direction and you can even reward yourself with one of the few swimmable waterholes in the park at Picnic Rock and Elabana Falls.

4. Windin Falls, Wooroonooran National Park

• Duration: 2.5-3 hours

• Length: 8.7 km loop

• Elevation Gain: 291 m

• Need to know: The trail is best visited from July through October. Not dog-friendly.

A relatively easy walk with a few steep descents, this trail leads you to the top of Windin Falls, where you can expect jaw-dropping views, beautiful natural pools, and the chance to spot some native birds of prey. The cassowary is native to the area but is incredibly elusive — you may spot its footprints in the mud if you aren't lucky enough to see it in person. Linger over the views along the hike with a picnic lunch and take a dip in the infinity pool at the top — just be cautious near the edge and don't get too close!

5. Cooloola Great Walk: Segment 1, Great Sandy National Park

• Duration: 3.5-4 hours, one way

• Length: 17.2 km point-to-point

• Elevation Gain: 235 m

• Need to know: This track is best walked from September-November and a seasonal restriction is placed on the walk from 30 November-28 February due to high fire danger. Not dog-friendly.

The entire track is an epic multiday hike, but the first segment is a stunner. The track begins with an easy meander through wetlands and along the beach, progressing through sandy hills and further inland. Depending on the time of the year, the natural attractions include emus, echidnas, and colourful wildflowers.

6. Twin Falls Circuit, Springbrook National Park

• Duration: 1.5 hours

• Length: 4.3 km loop

• Elevation Gain: 190 m

• Need to know: The trail is open year-round. Not dog-friendly.

A great family-friendly hike, the Twin Falls Circuit is a quick and relatively easy walk that wanders through a unique subtropical rainforest. Enjoy massive rock formations, multiple waterfalls, wildlife, and views of Surfers Paradise beach. If you walk counter-clockwise from the Tallabana picnic area, you can easily follow the interpretative signs along the way. Additionally, you'll be treated to the oldest carbon-dated trees on mainland Australia, dating back 1500 years.

7. Warrie Circuit, Springbrook National Park

• Duration: 12.7 km loop

• Length: 4.5 hours

• Elevation Gain: 617 m

• Need to know: The trail is open year-round. Not dog-friendly. If you decide to swim in the creeks and ponds, beware of leeches. Take extra care when you cross the concrete bridge across the falls at this point, there are no handrails and it is slippery.

Beginning at Tallanbana Picnic Area on Springbrook Road, this Queensland hike passes through mossy subtropical rainforests and across pristine babbling streams. The Warrie Circuit winds behind and in front of Rainbow Falls — one of few hikes in Queensland to do so! Gaps in the rainforest canopy will show off the misty valley beyond and you'll be able to stand at the bottom of Goomoolahra Falls, a humbling experience. Be careful if attempting this hike after rain, as the path can become quite slippery and trees can become uprooted along the path after severe storms.

8. Mount Ngungun Summit Track, Glass House Mountains National Park

• Duration: 2 hours

• Length: 2.4 km out and back

• Elevation Gain: 169 m

• Need to know: The trail is open year-round. Not dog-friendly. The track can be slippery and muddy after a rain.

An accessible mountain summit, the Mount Ngungun Summit Track offers a breathtaking view of the iconic Glass House Mountains National Park. The track leads you through an open forest and fern understory before steeply ascending to Mount Ngungun. From the top, you'll spot Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin, and Mount Beerwah.

9. Coomera Circuit Walk, Lamington National Park

• Duration: 4.5 hours

• Length: 16.1 km loop

• Elevation Gain: 509 m

• Need to know: The trail is open year-round. Not dog-friendly. Creek crossings may not be suitable after heavy rainfall.

A moderately challenging route, this hike traverses through lush rainforest and Antarctic beech, trailing along the Coomera Gorge. With heaps of waterfalls to stop and admire along the way, don't try to make this walk a quick one — there's plenty to marvel at! While the route is well marked, it's important to note there are river crossings and after heavy rainfall, the creeks can be dangerous to cross. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with views of Joalah Lookout.

10. Bare Rock Track and Morgans Walk

• Duration: 4.5 hours

• Length: 13.2 km out and back

• Elevation Gain: 587 m

• Need to know: The trail is open year-round. Not dog-friendly. Proper hiking shoes are a must on this trail.

Walk through the rich rainforest as you slowly climb the summit of Mount Cordeaux and Bare Rock. Once at the summit, you'll be treated to views of the Fassifern Valley. From the top, continue onto Bark Rock, which is a mostly flat walk to the summit. Gorgeous views of the Main Ranges and the Scenic Rim can be seen from the top, so don't miss it!