10 of the Best Bush Walks Near the Gold Coast

To say this walk is rewarding is an understatement. The sheltered Twin Falls route navigates its way through stunning ancient rainforest and rock clefts to culminate in a magical walk behind two stunning waterfalls. It’s an easy to follow track but it can be steep in places. Complete the circuit in any direction you like, but we recommend anti-clockwise. While it can get busy on weekends, it’s worth your while with the option to cool off in the refreshing pool or picnic at the falls.

Experience the peaceful sounds of the serene forest without travelling far from the Gold Coast. The Koala, Jabiru and Melaleuca Loop is at most an 9.2km looped trail that highlights Australian wildlife, particularly the koalas and kangaroos. This is an easy and flat trail that traverses the wetlands. However, we found mosquitoes to be ripe along this track and recommend bringing insect repellent or starting the trail early in the day.

Be guided through the forest via a sealed track for the Natural Bridge Circuit walk. On this trek you’ll witness the noteworthy arched cave at the bottom of the valley with a stunning waterfall plunging from above. This walk is a popular option for walkers and bird lovers during the day, and a haven of tiny green nocturnal glow-worms at night. To complete the 1km circuit, it should take you approximately 1 hour at a leisurely pace. We were particularly impressed with the hoop pines on this track – relics of the Jurassic Age over 180 million years ago.

For a serene sanctuary of natural beauty, it’s essential you give the Cedar Creek Falls trail a go. Located on Tamborine Mountain and only 1km long down a valley, this trail descends through eucalypt forest to the rockpools below. There’s plenty of room to sit and relax while you watch the falls plunge into the breathtakingly fresh water. We recommend bringing your bathers because you’ll be absolutely livid if you miss your opportunity to wash off your sweat with a well-deserved dip in the Cedar Creek oasis.

While located amidst the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast, you’ll be slapped in the face with the stark contrast the beautiful Oceanview track presents at the Burleigh Headland. This is an easy walk to complete, with ample opportunities to stop and catch whales breaching off-shore. The Oceanview track is the perfect option for a weekend stroll or a quick run, but it can get pretty busy. This walk connects with the Burleigh Headland Rainforest Walk which you can choose to complete, or just turn around and stick to the Oceanview section.

Another walk on the Burleigh Headland we suggest is the Burleigh Headland Rainforest Walk. This trail traverses the dense rainforest on the headland with two lookouts to enjoy. While this walk requires a little bit of effort, it is well shaded by the rainforest canopy and offers opportunities to take a swim at Tallebudgera Creek along the way. You can access this walk via the northern entrance straight up to Jebbribillum Lookout, or start at the southern entrance by first following the Oceanview track.

On this remarkable trail, you’ll descend into a rainforest of stunning canopies, flowing streams, and endless creeks and gullies. This route is considered a challenging one and can take (on average) 4.5 hours to complete. While dogs aren’t allowed on this track, there are usually plenty of other hikers to keep you company. We recommend taking the route anticlockwise – it is well signed and marked.

A moderately challenging route with an extremely rewarding natural swimming hole at the bottom – Purling Brook Falls Circuit is a 1.25 hour hike to add to the books. It’s open year round and is very popular among locals and tourists for its picturesque views and suspension bridge. Before starting the walk, be sure to witness the magnificence of the falls by making your way to each of the lookouts. On descending down the track, we recommend following the path clockwise. Optionally, follow the signs to make your way to the lower Warringa Pool, an additional 2km section.

Enchanting is the least we can say about this walk. Trekking through a wet eucalypt forest beneath towering trees and a canopy of lush rainforest has never been so phenomenal. When you first catch a glimpse of the falls, you’ll want to leap in – but don’t… it’s banned. Depending on the season, you’ll marvel at a raging torrent or gentle curtain of water tumbling over the edge. This walk is extra special for the wildlife you can often see, including basking turtles, fish and eels in the rock pool. If you’re venturing down here at night, look for glow worms in the surrounding cliffs.

These walks are about a 1 hour drive away from the hubbub of the Gold Coast – but don’t let that discourage you, the drive is just as impressive as the various walks within O’Reilly’s Rainforest. Three of our favourite walks in the Green Mountains are the 2.4km Wishing Tree track, the 3.4km Python Rock track, and of course the 4.6km Morans Falls track. Walk through subtropical rainforest and enjoy spectacular views along the way. It would be remiss of us to not also mention the 800m sky-high treetop walk which is a fantastic day-ender.