Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk | 7 Day Self Guided

Group-guided

Self-guided

OVERVIEW

The journey on the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk begins with a private transfer from anywhere in the Gold Coast (or airport) to the Gold Coast Hinterland, the largest protected area of subtropical rainforest in the world, with sizeable warm temperate rainforest and nearly all of Australia’s remaining Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest. Here, massive Strangler Figs, ancient Antarctic beech, Red Cedar, Rosewood and Booyongs tower overhead whilst hundreds of different species of palms, vines, ferns and orchids flourish beneath. This is Gondwana Rainforest at its very best.

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk track starts in Lamington National Park and traverses a landscape at least as old as the dinosaurs, linking the World Heritage-listed Lamington and Springbrook plateaus. We have selected the most scenic tracks through this unspoilt rainforest – tracks that pass numerous cascading streams and towering waterfalls, crisscross creeks and present the most beautiful locations to bask, eat lunch and simply just relax.

Highlights include walking the volcano rim, doing the Treetops walk and climbing the huge Strangler Fig tower.

This walk is a true challenge as you traverse the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk from one end to the other as it winds its way through the mountains. However, it is paced to maximize time enjoying the natural scenery. Relax in the evenings at the unique and charming rainforest retreats and lodges.

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK

SELF GUIDED

TRIP LENGTH

7 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Moderate

PRICE FROM

$ 2895

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 855

per person

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Departure Dates

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ITINERARY

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

DAY 1
PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM GOLD COAST TO O'REILLY'S

Start at the Gold Coast airport in Coolangatta in the morning or early afternoon, with a transfer into the mountains. There is no walking scheduled for today but there are plenty of facilities to enjoy at the guesthouse and optional activities you can participate in. O’Reilly’s is renowned for its birdlife with more than 160 species of sub-tropical birds breeding in this fertile area. The striking black and yellow Regent Bowerbird is a real highlight along with soaring wedge-tailed eagles, rosellas, lorikeets and cockatoos. Don’t miss the early morning guided bird walk each morning. Other regularly seen wildlife include red-necked pademelons, pygmy possums, sugar gliders, platypuses, bandicoots and wallabies, providing a true cornucopia of Australian native fauna. With no scheduled walking, you are best to take advantage of being right inside the park and explore the lodge surroundings.

Walking: Easy / 2 km / 1 hr

Meals: Three-course dinner in O’Reilly’s restaurant

Accommodation: O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat in ensuite rooms

DAY 2
BOX FOREST AND MORAN FALLS CIRCUITS IN LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK

The morning walk is an excellent introduction to the unique flora and fauna of the area. The sheer size of the Gold Coast Hinterland and variety of flora makes the walking a remarkable experience. Hug the ‘Wishing Tree’ and walk to stunning Moran Falls. After a break at O’Reilly’s, the afternoon walk crisscrosses pretty Canungra Creek. Walk through this lush sub-tropical rainforest with impressive stands of Brush Box and Piccabeen palms. Climb the giant fig tree and explore the different levels of the rainforest on the Tree Tops Walk. Finish the day with a soak in the heated outdoor spa pool.

Walking: Moderate / 16kms / 5.5–6.5 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and three-course dinner in O’Reilly’s restaurant

Accommodation: O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat in ensuite rooms

DAY 3
BORDER TRACK ACROSS TO BINNA BURRA

Today, you’ll walk across the rainforest plateau on the Border Track to Binna Burra Lodge. This is the longest section of the walk and follows the Border Track, and at 25 km it’s a long way but the route is reasonably flat and easy. The trek across the McPherson Range is sure to be a highlight for many. The Lamington plateau sections through the rainforest are punctuated by cascading streams, crystal-clear creeks, towering waterfalls and breath-taking lookouts that offer delightful resting and lunch spots.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 25.5 km / 6 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two course dinner at Binna Burra

Accommodation: Sky Lodges Binna Burra in rooms with ensuites

DAY 4
DAVES CREEK CIRCUIT

A full day circuit walk from Binna Burra on the Daves Creek Circuit. The track emerges from the subtropical rainforest at several panoramic escarpment lookouts along the way. One of them takes you to the remote eastern escarpment for great views into the Numinbah Valley. There’s also an excellent optional side trip to spectacular Upper Ballanjui Falls.

Walking: Moderate / 18 km / 6–7 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two course dinner at Binna Burra

Accommodation: Sky Lodges Binna Burra in rooms with ensuites

DAY 5
NUMINBAH TO SPRINGBROOK PLATEAU VIA PURLING BROOK FALLS

From the Numinbah, head uphill onto the Springbrook Plateau. Highlights include hiking alongside the Little Nerang River past waterfall after waterfall. At Warringa Pool you can enjoy a refreshing dip in a rainforest swimming hole before Purling Brook Falls takes your breath away.

Walking: Moderate / 13km / 5–5.5 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Mouse’s House in rooms with ensuites

DAY 6
WARRIE CIRCUIT IN SPRINGBROOK NATIONAL PARK

A circuit today, trekking on the Springbrook Plateau. The Warrie Circuit is a major highlight as it zigzags its way through a valley of waterfalls and canyons, crisscrossing the creeks and ending up at the Meeting-of-the-Waters. The climb out via Twin Falls is equally impressive. If you don’t want to go all the way, there’s a shorter option of the Twin Falls Circuit.

Walking: Moderate / 20.6km / 5–6 hrs / easier option available

Meals: Breakfast, Walkers Lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Mouse’s House in rooms with ensuites

DAY 7
PRIVATE TRANSFER BACK TO GOLD COAST

After breakfast, you’ll be transported back to the Gold Coast airport in Coolangatta, to end this vacation.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pack-free walking
25+ years experience
Customised
Eco Travel

7 day pack free walking holiday on the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Luggage transport, we shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
Vehicle transfers including pick up and drop off at the Coolangatta Airport or the Gold Coast
6 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
Cooked breakfasts, two-course dinners and substantial Walkers Lunches each day
National Park admission
Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
24/7 support from our representatives on the ground

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

The accommodations are excellent on this walk; the superb Sky Lodges offer incredible views and the cabins built right over the Twin Falls Creek offer one of the most tranquil environments that you will experience anywhere. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort is a wonderful place to start the walk. The rooms and facilities are excellent and there are ample opportunities for extra walking. All the accommodations are within national park confines or in a beautiful natural setting. All the rooms have ensuites.

Enjoy two-course dinners and cooked breakfasts. Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial Walkers Lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A Walkers Lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

NIGHTS 1 & 2
LAMINGTON
The first 2 nights are spent in the relative luxury at O’Reillys Rainforest Resort firmly ensconced inside Lamington National park. The chef prepared 2-course dinners are served to you in the restaurant as are the cooked breakfasts. The rooms have magnificent views over the plains and at night you have the added benefit of watching the sunset from your room. There’s a huge amount of additional walks that can be done around your accommodation if you arrive early on Day 1 or have extra time on day 2.
NIGHTS 3 & 4

BINNA BURRA
The Lodges at Binna Burra have possibly the best views of any accommodation in Australia. Perched right on the cliff at Binna Burra one can see all the way over the plains all the way back to the Gold Coast. The rooms come with an expansive lounge and all the bedrooms have ensuites.
NIGHTS 5 & 6
SPRINGBROOK
The Chalets you stay in at The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat in Springbrook sits right over the top of the creek that feeds Twin Falls. The sound of running water at night soothes you to sleep, not that you need much help having walked the toughest part of the walk up to the Springbrook Plateau. The forest is right at your doorstep, literary as the rooms/cottages are scattered around the property in amongst the forest. All the rooms have ensuites.

GENERAL INFO

The Gold Coast Hinterland Walk connects the Lamington and Springbrook Plateaus together via the Numinbah Valley. You’ll generally progress in a west to east direction with some circuit walks ensuring you experience the best of this ancient and spectacular landscape.

Starting and finishing on plateaus means there are some reasonably steep descents and gradual climbs. The highest point of the work is a little under 1200m above sea level.

You can expect to walk on a variety of distinct, well-marked, well-maintained tracks. Some rough track surfaces have exposed roots, steep grades, sets of steps and creek crossings and require extra care. However, walking under the sun-dappled shade of the canopy is always delightful.

You’ll be walking an average of about 15km each day, compared to the longer 25km day along the iconic Border Track. Mostly, you’ll walk in and out from your accommodation, meaning more time to enjoy the walk’s landscapes and scenery each day. We move your luggage ahead to your next accommodation at each stage, so all you need to carry is what you need for the day.

Please Note: For larger group bookings, on your nights in the Sky Lodges at Binna Burra, not all the bedrooms will have views overlooking the Coomera & Numinbah Valleys. The Sky Lodges we allocate will have two or three bedrooms (each with their own ensuite bathroom) and large communal living areas which open up to a spacious decking area for you to enjoy the views on. With this in mind, the rooms with a view will be allocated to the bookings that are received first. You can view a floor plan for the three-bedroom Sky Lodge here.

HOW TO GET THERE

We provide and arrange all the private transfers from and back to Gold Coast hotels or the Gold Coast airport on this walk.

WEATHER

The cooler months of May to August are best as there is low humidity and the temperature is usually very pleasant for walking. It can be very warm and humid from September to November and again from March to April. Not available over the summer months of December to February.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Weather Graph Ave temp Gold Coast

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

DATES
AVAILABILITY
PRICE
PER PERSON
Single Occupancy
DETAILS
1 Mar 2024 - 30 Nov 2024
AVAILABLE
^from
$2955
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$875
7 Day
BOOK NOW

REVIEWS

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