Gold Coast Hinterland Highlights

SELF-GUIDED

Group-guided

Self-guided

OVERVIEW

The Hinterland of the Gold Coast is 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 walking trail 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.

The walking is mesmerising up here, with peaks reaching over 1100m and the steep untracked southern edge forms an impressive natural border with the state of New South Wales.

Highlights include walking the volcano rim, walking the Border Track and up to the top of the Springbrook Plateau via Purlingbrook Falls.

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK

SELF GUIDED

TRIP LENGTH

5 DAYS

WALK GRADE

Moderate

PRICE FROM

$ 1995

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

$ 555

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF

Departure Dates

Book now

ITINERARY

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

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

Start at the Gold Coast airport in Coolangatta at 2pm (or earlier if you wish), 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 bird life 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.

Walking: Easy / 2 km / 1 hr

Meals: Two course dinner in O’Reillys restaurant

Accommodation: O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat in ensuited rooms

DAY 2
BOX FOREST AND MORAN FALLS CIRCUITS AND TREE TOPS

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 lunch at the café, the afternoon walk criss-crosses 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. 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 surrounds. 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 two course a la carte dinner

Accommodation: O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat in ensuited 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 offer delightful resting and lunch spots.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 25.5 km / 6 hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two course dinner

Accommodation: Sky Lodges Binna Burra in rooms with ensuites

DAY 4
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 two course dinner

Accommodation: Mouse’s House in rooms with ensuites

DAY 5
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: Cooked breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pack-free walking
25+ years experience
Customised
Eco Travel

5 day pack free walking holiday
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
4 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
Cooked breakfasts, mostly chef-prepared 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 at Sprinbrook are 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.

The two course dinners at O’Reillys are prepared by professional chefs, as are the 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).

NIGHT 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 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.
NIGHT 3

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.
NIGHT 4

SPRINGBROOK

The lodge you stay in at 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.

We also arrange private transfers from Gold Coast hotels or the Gold Coast airport.

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.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. We absolutely require that you purchase a travel insurance policy for all travel overseas. We charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property. See FAQ’s 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

Single Occupancy

DETAILS
1 Mar 2021 - 25 Nov 2021

AVAILABLE

^from
$1995

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$555

5 Day

BOOK NOW
1 Mar 2022 - 30 Nov 2022

AVAILABLE

^from
$1995

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$555

5 Day

BOOK NOW

SIMILAR TRIPS

Cape to Cape in Style Highlights

Self-guided

Hike the most beautiful sections of the Cape to Cape Track in the Margaret River region. Walk spectacular coastline, clifftops, rocky coves and idyllic bays.

Self-guided 6 Days From $1995 Moderate What's Included

Cape to Cape in Style Highlights

BACK What's Included

5 nights’ accommodation at the Pullman Bunker Bay, Caves House or Seashells and in Gnarabup and Margaret River in rooms with ensuites
Minimum of wasted time in vehicles being transferred
Private transfers from Margaret River and luggage transport so you can walk pack free
Chef-prepared cooked breakfasts, two-course a la carte dinners and substantial Walkers Lunches
Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack and national park admission
24/7 support from our driver and representatives on the ground

Three Capes, Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur

Self-guided

Three Capes, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul, Waterfall Bay, Fortescue Bay and Port Arthur. Dramatic coastline of sea caves and towering sea stacks.

Self-guided 4 Days From $1795 Moderate What's Included

Three Capes, Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur

BACK What's Included

All transport including private transfers to and from Hobart
Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
3 nights’ comfortable accommodation with ensuites
Chef prepared restaurant meals
Cooked breakfasts and walker lunches
Auswalk guide pack including comprehensive walk notes, maps, lunch bag and container

6 or 7 day Kumano Kodo Nakahechi

Self-guided

Walk the world heritage listed Kumano Kodo in 4 longer days with or without a rest day. At night soak in onsens, stay in Japanese accommodation, savour traditional Japanese meals.

Self-guided 6 or 7 Days From $1985 Moderate to Challenging What's Included

6 or 7 day Kumano Kodo Nakahechi

BACK What's Included

Walk the entire Kumano Kodo Nakahechi from end to end via magnificent shrines ending at the glorious Nachi waterfall and temple complex
Walk pack free with luggage transfers from accommodation to accommodation
5 or 6 nights stay in an intimate family run or smallish traditional Japanese lodgings with in-house onsens
Superb traditional multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner each day on the walk. Plus 4 walkers lunches
Itineraries can be flexible to shorten the walking or slow the trip down by adding more rest days
Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s authored comprehensive track notes and maps
24/7 support from our representatives on the ground

Blue Mountains Highlights

Self-guided

2 of the most impressive Blue Mountains walks. Cascading waterfalls, hike into the depths of stunning canyons amongst towering forest and gorgeous Valleys & more.

Self-guided 3 Days From $855 Moderate to Challenging What's Included

Blue Mountains Highlights

BACK What's Included

Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
2 (or 3 if you get their early enough) of the most impressive Blue Mountains walks.
2 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
Cooked breakfasts each morning, walkers lunches each walking day and an a la carte dinner in Katoomba
National Park admission
Worry free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case , insulated lunch bag & info pack
24/7 support from Auswalk’s transfer company and representatives on the ground

Overview

OVERVIEW

The walking is mesmerising up here, with peaks reaching over 1100m and the steep untracked southern edge forms an impressive natural border with the state of New South Wales.

Highlights include walking the volcano rim, walking the Border Track and up to the top of the Springbrook Plateau via Purlingbrook Falls.