Southeast Queensland’s great walks~ Camping Plus’s guide to overnight hikes near Brisbane.

1 – Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Our first choice is just on Camping Plus’s doorstep in the Gold Coast Hinterland. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk is a 54km long hike linking the Lamington and Springbrook plateaus. This World Heritage Area protects the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world, large areas of warm temperate rainforest and nearly all of Australia’s remaining Antarctic beech rainforest.

We recommend walking the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk from west to east, commencing at Lamington National Park—Green Mountains section (O’Reilly), and finishing at Springbrook National Park.

On the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk you will wander through a prehistoric volcanic landscape around the Tweed Volcano, which is still being eroded by streams and waterfalls. You will hike through lush rainforest with relics of Gondwana land’s flora and fauna. We think that this hike is simply the best overnight hike on the Gold Coast and you should allow at least three days to complete it.

Check out the walking track maps for Springbrook and Lamington to help plan your journey ahead.

Camping

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service provides camps at the Green Mountains camping area in Lamington National Park, the Woonoongoora walkers’ camp, and The Settlement camping area in Springbrook National Park. You can and should book online, in advance.

2- Conondale Range Great Walk

Our second choice is the Conondale Range Great Walk. The Conondale Range Great Walk is a 56 km circuit hike that starts and finishes at the Booloumba Creek day-use area in the beautiful Conondale National Park on the Sunshine Coast.

This great walk takes you from the Conondale valley, through bottomless gorges to the top of the Conondale range and back again, you will be fascinated by the sheer beauty of this diverse and immense hike.

On the Conondale Range Great walk, just outside of the Sunshine Coast, you will encounter a primordial rainforest, full of gushing waterfalls, lofty open forest, and crystal-clear creeks. This is one of the best overnight hikes on the Sunshine Coast and is well worth doing.

Check out the walking track maps to plan your overnight hike before you go.

Camping

There are three camping areas on the Conondale Range Great Walk. These are Wongai walkers’ camp, Tallowwood walkers’ camp and Summer Falls walkers’ camp. Camping permits are required and fees will apply. Make sure that you book in advance for all school holidays or public holidays.

3- Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk

Our third choice is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which is about 90km north of Brisbane, and crosses the Blackall Range in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. This great walk is 58.8 km long, which is usually undertaken in at least four days. If you’re hiking the whole walk, we recommend that you should start at the Baroon Pocket entrance near Montville and finish at the Delicia Road entrance.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk features beautiful subtropical rainforest, tall eucalypt forests and stunning waterfalls hidden within secluded areas of the Blackall Range. This is another one of our favourite hikes and is a great overnight hike within driving distance of the Sunshine Coast.

Camping

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk has ample campsites and you can book your campsite online.

For more detailed information on any of the above mentioned great walks, visit the parks and forests website which are a great resource when planning your next hike.

Camping Plus’s tips for beginner overnight hikers:

1.  Consider permits and fees

Be mindful that camping permits are required for most campsites and fees usually apply, so do your research beforehand. A tag with your booking number must usually be displayed at your camp site.

2.  Consider the climate and weather

To make the best of your overnight walk, choose a time when walking is more enjoyable. The best time to walk the Great Walks is between March and October.

Also, be considerate of the temperature differences that can be experienced when hiking. Often when at higher altitudes the weather can be much colder or hotter than the weather report says. So be prepared and pack for all seasons.

Weather conditions can change suddenly and it is sensible to bring a raincoat and warm clothing at all times of the year. Expect damp to wet trail conditions if hiking between December and March.

We recommend that you check weather conditions a day or two before going on your hike, weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

A good habit to get into is to check the Park alert before you visit any of the great walks.

3.  Prepare yourself properly

– Bring maps and a compass.

– Create an emergency plan.

– Make sure adults accompany children.

– Bring communication equipment.

4.  Consider safety

– Don’t walk alone.

– Never hike at night.

– Set up camp before sunset

– Wear robust, enclosed shoes.

– Know your location at all times and stay on marked tracks.

– Carry ample drinking water, and food.

– Avoid walking in severe heat or during periods of high fire danger.

5.  Essentials to bring on your overnight hike

You must be fully self-sufficient when doing longer hikes as facilities can be very limited. Pack for safety and comfort. Here’s a list of camping equipment that we suggest you should include, most of which you can find at Camping Plus’s Gold Coast store:

– map;

– compass;

– lightweight tent or swag;

– drinking water;

– first-aid kit;

– water containers—ensure they are big enough to hold water for a day’s walk and organise refills at the camp grounds;

– nourishing food and snacks. Take extra food in case the walk takes longer than expected;

– sleeping bag and mat;

– warm clothes;

– a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent;

– waterproof bags for storing rubbish—rubbish bins are often not provided. All rubbish should be carried out for disposal;

– compass, torch, batteries and pocket knife;

– fuel stove and fuel, and a lighter;

– cooking and eating utensils;

– mobile phone and/or hand-held EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).

– small hand spade or human waste disposal kit and toilet paper;

When planning your next overnight hiking and camping adventure, don’t look further than Camping Plus. We have all products you need to be well prepared for your next adventure in the great outdoors. Come into our Gold Coast store today or buy online.