Top multi-day hikes in Queensland

Queensland is absolutely packed with incredible hikes, I wanted to share a few of my favourite weekend trips from last year that have left me muddy, sweaty, smiling, and already planning a return trip.

Cooloola Great Walk

This one is a journey. Stretching over 100km from Noosa to Rainbow Beach, the Cooloola Great Walk is a coastal bushwalk through some seriously varied terrain.

I haven’t done the entire trail yet, but even walking sections of it feels like stepping through different worlds. We only had a night spare, so hiked to Brahminy Walkers Camp. This was a beautifuk walk along the coast and great for a weekend.

Upper Falls / Lower Portals – Mt Barney National Park

The Lower Portals track is a popular hike, it can be done in a day, or extend it over a night. It is well pathed and you end at a beautiful gorge.

Upper Falls is a bit more of a mission and less well-marked (not for first-timers without good nav skills), but so worth it if you like your hikes with a touch of adventure. The falls cascade over huge boulders, and you’ll probably have the place to yourself. Magic.

Illinbah Circuit – Lamington National Park

The Illinbah Circuit is the kind of hike that makes you feel tiny in the best way. It winds through ancient Gondwana rainforest, across creeks and past mossy trees that look like something out of a fairytale. It’s one of those walks where the air just feels different - cool, clean, and still.

It’s a decent leg workout (around 17km), but the shifting landscape and quiet energy of the forest keep you going. Plus, there are some lovely flat sections where you can cruise and really take it all in. Highly recommend this one in cooler months or after rain, when everything is lush and humming.

Still So Many to Explore...

There are so many more I want to tick off Mt Maroon, the Border Ranges, the Glass House Mountains… the list goes on. But these three hikes have already given me some of my favourite Queensland trail memories: solo mornings, chilly swims, spontaneous picnics, and belly laughs with friends.

If you’ve got a fave hike I need to check out next, let me know. I’m always up for adding a new trail to the list.

See you out there. 🌿
– Grace