
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
A flexible and stunning trail network through lush rainforests, offering waterfalls, creeks, and abundant wildlife.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A flexible and stunning trail network through lush rainforests, offering waterfalls, creeks, and abundant wildlife.
"Top-notch getaway track... silent, difficult enough and plenty on nature sounds, an opportunity enjoy the silence of the forest."

🚗 Shuttle Services
Pre-book transfers for seamless car shuffles. Mystic Mountain Tours is a recommended option.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hills and creek crossings require good hiking boots. Don't underestimate the terrain!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kondalilla National Park Waterfall
Kondalilla National Park
Marvel at a stunning 90m waterfall and swim in a refreshing rockpool. A must-see on the walk.

Rainforest Creek Swims
Various creek crossings
Cool off in crystal-clear rainforest creeks like Booloumba Creek. Perfect for a refreshing break.

Bald Knob Road Views
Bald Knob Road
Experience breathtaking scenic drives and stunning vistas through the hinterland.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Logistics & Parking
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Shuttle Services
Pre-book transfers for seamless car shuffles. Mystic Mountain Tours is a recommended option.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hills and creek crossings require good hiking boots. Don't underestimate the terrain!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry ample water, especially during warmer months. Refill points are scarce.
🏕️ Camping Gear Check
Ensure your sleeping mat and headlamp are reliable before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle Services
Pre-book transfers for seamless car shuffles. Mystic Mountain Tours is a recommended option.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hills and creek crossings require good hiking boots. Don't underestimate the terrain!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry ample water, especially during warmer months. Refill points are scarce.
🏕️ Camping Gear Check
Ensure your sleeping mat and headlamp are reliable before you go.
🥧 Post-Hike Treat
Reward yourself with a delicious pie from a local bakery after your trek.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk's serene beauty, diverse wildlife, and refreshing creek swims, calling it a top-notch getaway. While generally rated moderate, some find it tougher than expected. A few note anticlimactic 'end of walk' markers at certain trailheads.
"Great walk, I would rate as moderate as there are some hills. It is a very nice walk, you cross several creeks. The scenery is very quiet and you can hear plenty of birds, our favourite kookaburras."
Lidia
"Top notch getaway track... silent, difficult enough and plenty on nature sounds, an opportunity enjoy the silence of the forest. Beautiful, shady and feels untouched. Will go back."
Michele Miki Ruberto
"This review is for this Location only (Leafy Lane Trail Head)
As this is considered the end of Great Walk! Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
I was expecting a big sign or something more exciting to celebrate the end of the great walk. There was nothing in there, just a car park, not even toilets or water. We ended up walking extra 900m to get to Mapleton day use area which had a better setup with picnic area and toilets."
Nairo Benetti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most trailheads are accessible by car. Public transport is limited, so driving is recommended. For multi-day hikes, consider parking at one end and arranging a shuttle or car shuffle.
Yes, parking is available at various trailheads like Baroon Pocket Dam and Mapleton Day Use Area. Mapleton Day Use area is often preferred for its better facilities.
It's challenging but possible with pre-arranged shuttle services or by using local taxi/ride-share options for specific sections.
The most common methods are a car shuffle (leaving one car at the start and another at the end) or booking a transfer service like Mystic Mountain Tours.
Public transport is very limited for accessing the Great Walk trailheads. It's best to rely on a private vehicle or organized transfers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk is free to access. There are no entry fees for the national parks or trails.
The trails are generally open from dawn till dusk. National park gates may have specific hours, but the walking tracks themselves are usually accessible at all times.
Yes, there are designated camping areas along the Great Walk for overnight hikes. Bookings are usually required for these campsites.
Camping fees apply for designated campsites along the Great Walk. It's advisable to check the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website for current pricing and booking information.
Campsites can typically be booked online through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The walk is generally considered moderate. It involves hills, creek crossings, and varied terrain, making it a good challenge for most hikers.
The full Great Walk is approximately 58 kilometers and can be completed in 3-4 days for an overnight camping experience. Shorter sections can be done as day hikes.
You'll experience lush rainforests, diverse birdlife, quiet forests, and beautiful creek crossings. The scenery is often described as peaceful and untouched.
Facilities vary by location. Mapleton Day Use Area offers toilets and picnic spots. Some trailheads may have limited facilities, so carrying your own water is essential.
Yes, many people enjoy hiking it solo and find it a refreshing and inspiring experience. However, always inform someone of your plans and be prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
Kondalilla National Park's waterfall, lush rainforest sections, and scenic lookouts along Bald Knob Road offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Early morning light provides beautiful soft lighting and can help avoid harsh midday sun. Golden hour in the late afternoon is also stunning.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera will capture more detail, especially in varied lighting conditions.
The viewpoints along Bald Knob Road offer panoramic vistas. The base of the Kondalilla Falls also provides dramatic perspectives.
Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, reptiles, and potentially other native Australian animals. Patience is key for wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning, choose sections with less challenging terrain and ensure you carry plenty of snacks and water. The opportunity to spot native wildlife can also be a big hit with younger explorers. Consider a picnic at one of the designated day-use areas like Mapleton.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Opting for the overnight camping sections is significantly cheaper than staying in external accommodation. Packing your own food and cooking at campsites will further reduce expenses. For transport, carpooling or utilizing a pre-arranged shuttle for a group can be more economical than individual transfers.
🚶 Solo Adventurers
While the walk is generally safe, it's always wise to inform someone of your itinerary, carry essential safety gear, and be prepared for varying conditions. The flexibility of the walk allows solo hikers to choose sections that match their comfort level and desired solitude.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Planning Your Hike: Flexibility and Options
This flexibility extends to accommodation too. While the Great Walk offers overnight camping, you can also opt for nearby 'luxe accomm' options, providing a comfortable base after a day of hiking. This blend of rugged trail experience and comfortable amenities appeals to a broad audience, from seasoned backpackers to those seeking a more comfortable nature escape.
When planning, consider the logistics of different sections. Some parts are easily accessible as standalone day hikes, while others are best experienced as part of a longer trek. Researching specific trailheads and their access points will help you tailor the walk to your fitness level and available time.
The Natural Beauty of the Hinterland
A significant drawcard is the presence of numerous creek crossings and waterfalls. Kondalilla National Park, in particular, features a spectacular 90-meter waterfall and a refreshing rockpool perfect for a dip on a warm day. Other sections, like Booloumba Creek, offer similar opportunities to cool off in pristine waters.
The biodiversity is remarkable, with over 100 species of birds and around 70 reptile species calling this area home. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for the calls of kookaburras and other native fauna.
Navigating the Walk: Tips from the Trail
Gear is crucial. One traveler shared a story of a sleeping mat disaster, highlighting the importance of ensuring all your equipment is in good working order before you set off. Similarly, a reliable headlamp is essential for navigating in low light conditions, especially if you're camping.
For those undertaking the full walk, logistics are key. Parking at one end and walking to the other often necessitates a car shuffle or the use of a shuttle service. Services like Mystic Mountain Tours have been used by hikers to transfer back to their starting point.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit