Bucket list unlocked: Get to know the iconic Queensland Great Walks

LIST

Two friends sitting at the top of a waterfall looking out at the view

By Taneil Thornberry

Published 4 weeks ago

You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker or trail-running pro to tackle Queensland’s Great Walks. These multi-day trails wind through some of the most spectacular national parks in the country, ancient rainforests, rugged gorges, and wild island coastlines. 

Whether you're in it for the views, the challenge, or just the serenity of a slower pace, there’s a Queensland Great Walk with your name on it. From beachside strolls to mountain missions, this is nature’s greatest hits, one step at a time. 

Ready to lace up? Here's your guide to the best multi-day Great Walks in Queensland.

1. Thorsborne Trail

Two people hiking with backpacks on a beach — Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island, Townsville

Heads up: This trail is seriously popular, like, booked-out-months-in-advance popular. So if you’re keen to go full Jurassic Park (minus the dinos), lock in your permit early or risk major FOMO.

The Thorsborne Trail isn’t just a walk, it's a full-blown wilderness adventure that’ll live rent-free in your memory long after your boots have dried. Tucked away on Hinchinbrook Island off the Cassowary Coast, this five-day epic serves up a bit of everything: cloud-brushing mountain peaks, thick tropical rainforest, castaway-style beaches and crystal-clear creeks that double as the dreamiest natural plunge pools.

And just wait ‘til you reach Zoe Bay, waterfall views, a blissed-out rock pool soak, and a sweeping sandy bay that looks like it was plucked from a screensaver.

Getting here is half the fun. Jump on a boat from Lucinda or Port Hinchinbrook to start your journey to this remote, rugged island. With only 40 hikers allowed on Hinchinbrook at a time, it’s wild, untouched and blissfully uncrowded.

Please note: The trail is often fully booked out months in advance, so plan to purchase your permit with plenty of time to avoid disappointment.

Duration: 32 km. The hike should take around 4-5 days to complete.
Classification: Grade 5: Extreme
Best time of year: May to November
Download map here

2. Cooloola Great Walk

Two hikers walking across the white sands of the Carlo Sandblow, — Carlo Sandblow, Rainbow Beach, Sunshine Coast

Just a couple of hours north of Brisbane, the Cooloola Great Walk dishes up 102km of pure coastal magic.

Winding from Noosa to Rainbow Beach, this sandy-legged stunner leads you through wild beaches, ancient dunes, secret lakes and coastal woodlands straight out of a nature doco.

You’ll wander the remote sandscapes along the upper Noosa River, spot migrating whales from Double Island Point lighthouse, and feel like you’ve landed on another planet at the epic Carlo Sandblow. The final reward? Rolling into Rainbow Beach, where a sea of adventurers line up to jump across to K’gari (Fraser Island).

Pack: your boots, your sense of adventure and maybe a spare camera battery, this one’s a show-off.

Duration: 102 km. The hike should take around 5 days to complete.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult
Best time of year: Year-round
Download map here

3. Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

A group of friends admiring a waterfall — Twin Falls, Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast

The rainforest-clad hills and steep escarpments of Lamington and Springbrook national parks feel a million miles away from the busy coastal lifestyle of the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is one of the most majestic Great walks of Australia, winding 54km through UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, through some outstanding natural landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. Beginning in the lush rainforest surrounds of O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat, past Binna Burra campground and onto the breathtaking Nerang Creek and Purling Brook Falls, the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk also includes traversing the rim of 23 million-year-old (and dormant) Tweed Volcano.

Keep your eyes peeled. This patch of paradise is buzzing with locals of the furry and feathery kind. You might spot possums, sugar gliders doing aerial acrobatics, tree frogs, cockatoos and even the elusive lyrebird showing off its vocal tricks.

Duration: 54 km. The hike should take around 3 days to complete.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult
Best time of year: Year-round

Explore with a little help from the experts: AusWalk Walking Holidays takes all the planning out of your trip so you can focus on the experience. You'll only need to carry a day pack, with meals and comfortable accommodation provided along the way.

Download map here

4. Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Hikers stand at the bottom of a waterfall — Kondalilla Falls, Kondalilla National Park, Sunshine Coast

Just north of Brisbane, the Blackall Range rises from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland like nature’s own rollercoaster – all lush rainforest, towering eucalypts, gurgling creeks and postcard-perfect waterfalls.

Give yourself four days to wander the 58km Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk at a leisurely pace, camping under the stars in remote bush hideaways. Not quite ready to go full Bear Grylls? No worries, there are plenty of half and full-day hikes too, including waterfall strolls near Montville and Mapleton that’ll get you into nature without needing a compass.

Duration: 58.8 km. The hike should take around 4 days to complete.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult
Best time of year: Year-round
Download map here

5. K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) Great Walk

Two hikers in a forest looking up at towering trees — Central Station, K’gari, Fraser Coast

Most people tackle K’gari – the world’s largest sand island – behind the wheel of a 4WD, cruising along the iconic 75 Mile Beach. But if you’re up for swapping tyres for trail shoes, walking this UNESCO World Heritage-listed beauty unlocks a whole other side of the island that you can’t see from the driver’s seat.

Part of Great Sandy National Park, K’gari is a treasure trove of over 100 freshwater lakes (hello, Lake McKenzie), ancient rainforests growing in sand (yep, magic), secret beaches, clear-as-glass rockpools and plenty of picture-perfect campsites to pitch a tent. Step quietly and you might even spot a dingo or two as you wander through mangroves, dune systems and leafy tracks.

The full Great Walk clocks in at 90km and takes about 6–8 days to complete – but don’t worry, there are bite-sized options if you’re just in it for a day or two. Follow traditional Butchulla pathways beneath rainforest giants, past shimmering lakes and across sweeping sandscapes, with cultural stories woven through the journey.

Duration: 90 km. The hike should take around 8 days to complete.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult
Best time of year: Year-round

Explore with a little help from the experts: K'gari Walking Tours is K'gari's only supported hiking company, with permits to support hikers along the Great Walk track system and walkers' camps. There are hiking packages for the adventurous and those who want a little luxury, with options to tackle the whole distance or head out on a shorter trip.

Download map here

6. Mackay Isaac Highlands Great Walk

Two hikers with backpacks looking out over a river — Finch Hatton Gorge, Eungella National Park, Mackay

Peer through towering trees and across jaw-dropping cliffs to spot sugarcane fields stretching toward the sea, and you’ll see why hikers from around the globe make the trek to tackle this epic Queensland Great Walk.

One-way track that starts 80km west of Mackay in Eungella National Park, Mackay Highlands Great Walk is one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse regions, traversing through towering red cedar, Mackay tulip oak, groves of piccabeen and Alexandra palms, navigate waterfalls and volcanic boulder formations, even Mackay Isaac's famous sugar cane fields as you head through The Pioneer Valley.

Trekking along the top of the Great Dividing Range, this is one of most unique Great Walks of Australia, and is perfect for beginners as much of the trail is flat. While you're here, take a detour and head to Eungella National Park, home of the shy and retiring platypus.

In case you need more convincing to lace up your boots, check out these hikes and drives and this local guide to Mackay Isaac's great outdoors.

Duration: 66 km. The hike should take around 3-5 days to complete.
Classification: While it is considered a grade 5 (extreme) track, the first two sections are relatively flat and semi-graded, making this section an excellent introductory walk for first-timers with a good level of fitness.
Best time of year: May to November
Download map here

7. Conway Circuit (formerly Whitsunday Great Walk)

Group swimming at a secluded waterhole in Cedar Creek Falls — Cedar Creek Falls, Conway National Park, The Whitsundays

Some run it in a few hours (there’s an annual Run the Great Whitsunday Trail), others plod the 25km over a few days, stopping at campgrounds along the way. Whichever way you choose to traverse Conway National Park, be prepared for some serious elevation change.

You’ll take away memories of dangling vines, scampering rock wallabies and the glorious fluorescent blue Ulysses butterfly—such a unique way to see a side of the Whitsundays that very few other travellers experience. Leaving from Airlie Beach, be sure to detour to Honeyeater Lookout for spectacular coastal views.

Duration: 27.1 km one-way. The hike should take around 3 days to complete.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult
Best time of year: May to November
Download map here

8. Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk

Two hikers on a guided walk along stepping stones in a river — Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park, Queensland Country

For serious hikers, the Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk is the ultimate Queensland Country hiking challenge, full of tough terrain and difficult trails hidden deep inland. Comprising Carnarvon National Park and its namesake emerald green gorge, Carnarvon Gorge, as well as Mount Moffat sections of this vast national park, the 87km Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk will take you six to seven days to adequately tackle.

Australia's very own Grand Canyon: This particular great walk boasts an impressive cultural history, too; home to a number of significant Indigenous sites including the Art Gallery, Big Bend, Wards Canyon, Cathedral Cave, the Amphitheatre and the Moss Garden.

Want to experience Carnarvon Gorge at a more leisurely pace? Check out our guide for tips on the region's shorter walks and hikes, including multiple trails that can be easily crossed off in a day.

Duration: 87 km loop. The hike should take around 6 days to complete.
Classification: Grade 4: Difficult
Best time of year: Year round, though summer months see the temperatures soar here.

Explore with a little help from the experts: Carnarvon Gorge Eco Tours offers expert-led hikes to the park's main attractions, day trips off the beaten track to explore Carnarvon's quieter side, and wildlife spotting on a night safari.

Download map here

9. Mt Bartle Frere

A hiker looking out at the summit of Mt Bartle Frere — Mt Bartle Frere, Wooroonooran National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

At an imposing 1622 metres above sea level, be prepared to climb and climb, then climb some more to reach the summit of Queensland's tallest mountain, Mt Bartle Frere. Hidden in the depths of Wooroonooran National Park, part of the prehistoric Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the Bartle Frere Trail is one of the most fiercely challenging Great Walks of Australia. It's also one of the most tranquil and beautiful.

What to expect: Winding over mossy roots and around boulders, the Bartle Frere trail dives straight into the heart of the rainforest, all tangled vines, thick canopy and the kind of tropical humidity that lets you know you’re well and truly in Far North Queensland. The full trek can take up to two days (or one if you’re seriously keen), but whichever pace you choose, you’ll need to be fully self-sufficient and ready for a wild ride.

But oh, the payoff. As the treetops part and you reach the summit of Mt Bartle Frere, you’ll land on one of Australia’s most remote and jaw-dropping campsites – a steel platform with 360° views stretching from the Atherton Tablelands to the Great Barrier Reef. Yep, it’s that good.

Book early: With only four campsites available and space for just eight people at a time, you’ll want to book early and double-check trail conditions before you head off into the clouds.

Duration: 15km. The hike should take around 2 days to complete.
Classification: Grade 5: Difficult
Best time of year: April to September
Download map here

10. Conondale Range Great Walk

Tucked in the lush heart of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, this rainforest-rich trail winds its way through the Conondale Range in Conondale National Park. Enjoy waterfalls, swim spots and creaky suspension bridges straight out of a forest fairy tale (minus the trolls, hopefully).

The full Conondale Range Great Walk is a solid 56km circuit for those chasing a challenge, but if you’re more into snack-sized strolls, there are shorter hikes too – from 5.2km up to 17km – so you can pick your own adventure.

Key information: The trail’s clearly marked and mostly firm underfoot, with just enough creek crossings and uphill climbs to keep things interesting. It all kicks off and wraps up at the Booloumba Creek day-use area – the perfect spot to splash your feet and celebrate with a picnic.

Duration: 56km. Four days (can be broken down).
Classification: Grade 3-4
Best time of year: May - September
Download map here.

11. Misty Mountains Wilderness Tracks

Car driving through the Misty Mountain Wilderness Track — Misty Mountain Wilderness Track

Step into the clouds (literally) on a network of rainforest trails weaving through Wooroonooran National Park in the Wet Tropics. Short walks or multi-day hikes, choose your misty adventure.

Let's break it down: Here's the 130km track broken into four long tracks—the Koolmoon Creek, Cannabullen Creek, Cardwell Range and Gorrell tracks. While some tracks are reserved for those who are part explorers, part mountain goat (bushwalkers), some tracks are also shared with mountain bikers, but don't let this deter you, just keep your eyes and ears peeled.

Duration: 130km. Three days
Classification: Grade 3 - 5
Best time of year: May - October
Download map here.

12. Scenic Rim Trail

People on the Scenic Rim Trail — Scenic Rim Trail, Brisbane

Queensland’s newest showstopper! This 47km walk through Main Range National Park takes you from rainforest to rocky ridges with dramatic mountain views. Pack sturdy boots—and your sense of awe.

Located just 90 minutes from Brisbane, hikes can range from two days to six days in length, depending on your adventure appetite.

You can also book a guided multi-day luxury walking tour to take things to the next level – they’ll point out the old logging trails, waterfalls and ancient volcanic terrain. Otherwise, be sure to have the relevant topographic map and information.

Duration: 47km. Four days.
Classification: Grade 4 -5
Best time of year: April - September
Download map here.

13. Wet Tropics Great Walk

An aerial image of a huge waterfall flowing from a gorge. — Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park

Deep in the lush Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, the Wet Tropic Great Walk is a rainforest adventure packed with towering trees, hidden waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife that’ll have your camera working overtime.

Waterfall magic: Along the way, you’ll encounter the spectacular Wallaman Falls – Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall – a real showstopper that’s worth every step. This 40km trail weaves through ancient fern gullies and across crystal-clear creeks, giving you a proper taste of Queensland’s tropical magic.

The track is well marked, but expect some steep climbs and slippery spots – perfect for those who like a bit of a challenge without going full-on hardcore.

Duration: Around 3 days
Classification: Moderate to difficult
Best time of year: May to October, when the weather’s drier and the bugs take a break
Download map

14. Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail

Exploring the Ngaro Cultural Site track Nara Inlet Whitsundays — Ngaro Track, The Whitsundays

Set sail on the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail, a stunning island-hopping adventure through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that blends beachcombing, snorkelling, and Aboriginal history.

This 7-day trail links a handful of idyllic islands, including Hook and South Molle Islands, where you’ll paddle, swim, and trek your way past pristine beaches, coral gardens, and ancient Ngaro rock art sites that tell stories as old as the sea.

The trail’s a mix of easy paddles and moderate hikes, perfect for those who love a splash of adventure without the heavy lift.

Duration: 7 days
Classification: Easy to moderate
Best time of year: April to November, when the seas are calm and the sun is shining
Download map.

15. Goldfield Trail, Wooroonooran National Park

Couple at Babinda Boulders — Babinda Boulders lookout, Cairns

Step back in time on the Goldfield Trail in Wooroonooran National Park, where rugged rainforest meets a slice of Queensland’s gold rush history. Starting at the beautiful Babinda Boulders, this 19km track takes you through lush jungle, past old mining relics and bubbling creeks, all wrapped in the peaceful sounds of the Wet Tropics. Along the way, keep an eye out for native wildlife and hidden swimming holes perfect for a refreshing dip.

The trail offers a moderate challenge with some uneven terrain and steep sections, great for hikers who love a bit of history with their adventure.

Duration: 4–5 hours
Classification: Moderate
Best time of year: May to October, when the trails are drier and the rainforest is at its most inviting
Download map.

Need to know:

Pre-booking campsites is essential for any multi-day walks. They’re popular places and ensuring you have the right permits and paperwork can save a lot of time (and stress) on the day. To find out more and to check the latest track and campsite updates, visit the Department of National Parks website.

For your next unique outdoor experience, check out the best remote island camping in Queensland.