10 Best Walking Tracks Gold Coast You Must Explore

When most people think of the Gold Coast, they imagine golden beaches and world-class surf. But beyond the waves, the region is also a hiker’s paradise, with an incredible mix of coastal walks, lush rainforests, and waterfall tracks. Where to go in Gold Coast is not limited to beaches—its trails offer everything from gentle family strolls to challenging full-day adventures.

This guide highlights the best walking tracks on the Gold Coast, with details on distance, estimated time, unique highlights, difficulty level, and the ideal time to visit Gold Coast

Burleigh Head National Park

Burleigh Head National Park offers two of the most popular short walks on the Gold Coast. The Oceanview Track is a 1.2 km path that takes around 20–30 minutes to complete. True to its name, the track hugs the headland with sweeping ocean views, and during whale migration season you may even spot humpbacks breaching offshore. It’s an easy walk, well-suited for families and visitors of all ages. The best time to enjoy it is early morning or late afternoon, when the sun casts golden light across the water.

The Rainforest Circuit, slightly longer at 2.3 km, winds through subtropical forest and takes about 45 minutes. This trail offers shade beneath towering fig trees and the chance to spot native birds and even koalas resting in the branches. With a difficulty rating of easy to moderate, it’s manageable for most walkers. Morning hours are ideal for cooler conditions and fewer crowds.

Coolangatta to Point Danger Oceanway

This 2 km coastal walk links Coolangatta Beach to Point Danger and can be done in around 30–40 minutes one way. Flat and accessible, the track is easy enough for all ages. The highlight is reaching Point Danger, where the historic lighthouse stands, offering panoramic views over the ocean and even across the border into New South Wales. It’s particularly stunning at sunrise, making early morning the best time for this walk.

Twin Falls Circuit (Springbrook National Park)

Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, the Twin Falls Circuit is a 4 km loop that takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The track leads you past cascading waterfalls, lush fern gullies, and rocky ledges, with the twin waterfalls as the main attraction. Classified as moderate in difficulty, it’s a rewarding choice for walkers with average fitness. The best time to visit is after light rainfall, when the waterfalls flow strongest, but still safe to walk.

Warrie Circuit (Springbrook National Park)

For hikers who want a true adventure, the Warrie Circuit is one of the Gold Coast’s most challenging walks. Stretching 14 km and taking five to six hours, the track winds through dense rainforest, across creeks, and past more than ten waterfalls. Along the way, there are lookout points with sweeping hinterland views. Because of its length and terrain, this trail is rated difficult and best suited for experienced hikers. Cooler months, especially autumn and winter, are the best time to tackle this demanding but rewarding circuit.

Natural Bridge (Springbrook National Park)

The Natural Bridge is a short 1 km loop walk that takes only 20–30 minutes, but it’s one of the most unique natural wonders on the Gold Coast. The highlight is a waterfall that plunges into a cave, forming a rock arch over the pool. By day, visitors can admire the geological formations surrounded by rainforest, while at night the cave glows with thousands of tiny glow worms. The track is easy and family friendly, and evening is the best time to visit if you want to see the glow worms.

Curtis Falls Track (Tamborine National Park)

The Curtis Falls Track is a short and easy rainforest walk of about 1.5 km return, taking around 30 minutes. The trail leads to Curtis Falls, a picturesque waterfall framed by giant cedar trees and basalt rock. It’s an easy walk suitable for families, though it can get slippery after rain. Because of its accessibility, it’s a popular weekend spot, so mornings are the best time to enjoy the falls in peace.

Witches Falls (Tamborine Mountain)

Known as Queensland’s first declared national park walking track, Witches Falls is a 3.6 km circuit that takes about one to one-and-a-half hours. The track combines lush rainforest, volcanic basalt rock, and a lookout over the valley, making it both scenic and historic. Rated moderate in difficulty, it has a few steep sections that may challenge casual walkers. The best time to walk here is during winter or spring, when the climate is cooler and the views are clear.

Cedar Creek Falls (Tamborine Mountain)

The Cedar Creek Falls track is a short 1.1 km return walk that takes about 20–30 minutes. The trail descends to natural swimming holes and cascades, making it especially popular in summer. Families and groups often gather here to swim and relax, though the area can get busy. Arriving early in the day is the best time to enjoy the falls before the crowds arrive.

Gold Coast Oceanway

The Gold Coast Oceanway stretches for about 36 km along the city’s coastline, linking iconic beaches such as Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Main Beach. While few people walk the entire route, it’s easy to choose shorter sections to suit your schedule. The flat, paved path is perfect for walking, running, or cycling, with highlights including sweeping ocean views and plenty of cafés along the way. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to enjoy the Oceanway, when the skies light up in brilliant colours.

Tallebudgera Creek Mangrove Boardwalk

For something different, the Tallebudgera Creek Mangrove Boardwalk offers a peaceful 1 km walk that takes around 20 minutes. Built on raised timber paths, the boardwalk weaves through dense mangrove forests, providing a unique glimpse of coastal ecology. It’s easy and family friendly, making it perfect for birdwatching or a quiet stroll. Early morning is the best time to visit for calm conditions and active wildlife.

The Gold Coast is more than just beaches — it’s also home to some of Australia’s most rewarding walking tracks. From the easy boardwalks of Tallebudgera Creek and Natural Bridge to the challenging Warrie Circuit, each trail offers a different way to experience the region’s natural beauty. Whether you want coastal views, rainforest adventures, or waterfall escapes, there’s a track to suit your style. Plan your walk for the best time of day, choose a track that matches your fitness, and discover why the Gold Coast is not only a hiker’s paradise but also home to some of the famous beaches in Australia.