Queensland is best known for beaches and tropical weather, and there’s no shortage of incredible hikes hidden throughout the state. From rainforest summits and volcanic peaks to tropical islands and remote outback trails, these are some of the best hikes Queensland has to offer.
Single day hikes
Mount Ngungun (Glass House Mountains)
If you’re after a shorter summit hike with a huge payoff, Mount Ngungun is hard to beat. Mount Ngungun is the sixth tallest of the Glass House Mountains, and has a well maintained walking trail to the summit. The trail steadily climbs through bushland before opening up to panoramic views across the Mountain range. The trail is a 2.8km return, and will take roughly 1-2 hours, and is great for beginners. It’s especially worth tackling for sunrise or sunset.
Photo by Isaac Ibbott on Unsplash
Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/queensland/mount-ngungun-summit-track
Windin Falls Track
One of Queensland’s most underrated waterfall hikes, Windin Falls takes you through lush rainforest before reaching a dramatic cliff edge overlooking the falls. Surrounding Cairns city and a stone throw away from the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll also find other natural wonders within including an infinity pool. This 10km trail is a Grade 4 track, so some hiking experience is essential, and will take around 3-4 hours to complete.
Photo by Kristina Djukoreva on Alltrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/queensland/windin-falls
Bare Rock Track & Morgans Walk
Located within Main Range National Park, this trail combines rainforest sections with sweeping views across the Scenic Rim and Mount Cordeaux. Spanning 6km, it will take roughly 2-3 hours and is a Moderate to Hard track. You’ll step through luscious rainforests until you make it to the summit. This trail can become slippery when wet, and proper hiking shoes and poles are strongly recommended. It’s a solid option for hikers wanting a cooler-climate walk without heading too far from Brisbane.
Photo by Michael Mann on Unsplash
Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/queensland/bare-rock-and-mount-cordeaux-track
https://parks.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range/journeys/bare-rock-track-and-morgans-walk
Multi-day Hikes
Thorsborne Trail (Hinchinbrook Island)
The Thorsborne Trail is one of Australia’s most iconic tropical hikes. Crossing Hinchinbrook Island from north to south, the trail delivers beaches, rainforest, creek crossings, and mountain scenery unlike anywhere else in the country. Taking between 3-5 days across 32km, you’ll find yourself enjoying tropical vistas, swimming in waterholes and spending evenings under the stars.
Permits and campsite bookings are essential.
Sources: https://parks.qld.gov.au/parks/hinchinbrook-thorsborne
Scenic Rim Trail
Located 90 minutes west of Brisbane, the Scenic Rim Trail combines remote mountain ridgelines, rainforest sections, and private eco-camps across 47km throughout southeast Queensland. It’s recommended to walk with other experienced hikers, or join one of the guided walking groups offered at the trail. It’s become one of the state’s premier multi-day hiking experiences for good reason, and will take most hikers around 4 days.
Sources: https://scenicrimtrail.com/
https://parks.qld.gov.au/parks/scenic-rim-trail/walking
Carnarvon Great Walk
Located in Central Queensland’s highlands, you’ll find this remote and rugged trail that’s packed with sandstone cliffs and ancient landscapes. The Carnarvon Great Walk offers a completely different side of Queensland hiking. It’s a serious multi-day adventure, taking around 5-7 days over 87km, and is best tackled during the cooler months.
Photo by Tim Livanes on Alltrails
Sources: https://parks.qld.gov.au/parks/carnarvon-great-walk
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/queensland/carnarvon-great-walk-full-trail
Preparing for a multi-day hike? Grab all the gear you need here.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, tropical islands, or mountain ridgelines, Queensland has a trail for every kind of adventure.